Obi-Wan awakened as his bedroom filled with sunlight, casting a pale yellow hue on every object in the room. His standing mirror reflected the light as a glare and Obi-Wan squeezed his eyes shut and turned on his side before opening them again. Anakin looked beautiful while he slept. It didn't matter that his hair was a mess, or that the hand curled by his face had visibly darkened, the bruises now showing as a contrast to the white bandages. The bandages themselves were only mostly white, the rest stained from Anakin's split knuckles. But his features, Obi-Wan observed, were at peace, so soft and young. Obi-Wan watched him quietly for a while. Anakin's brows caught for a second, but Obi-Wan put his hand on his cheek and moved his thumb from side to side. "No bad dreams," he whispered, "I'm here."
Anakin relaxed. Obi-Wan slowly pulled his hand away and went back to watching him. A few minutes passed in perfect calm. Bright blue eyes opened and focused on him, lips pulled into a smile. "How long have you been awake?" Anakin asked.
"Long enough to realize how happy I am to wake up beside you," Obi-Wan responded.
Anakin's grin widened. Obi-Wan curled an arm around him. "I don't know what I would do without you, Anakin," he said.
"Luckily, you don't have to," Anakin said, and leaned in to kiss him. Obi-Wan indulged in it for just a few seconds, thoughts of Padmé and Rex's presence in the back of his mind. He pulled away and ran his hand through Anakin's hair. "How are you feeling this morning?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin settled against his pillow and replied, "Could be worse."
"Do you want any more painkillers?" Obi-Wan suggested.
Anakin thought on it. "I'll be okay," he said, "but a kiss couldn't hurt."
Obi-Wan smiled. "A kiss to heal all ailments?"
"Yes."
Obi-Wan took Anakin's hands in his and smattered them with kisses, then blessed his lips with another one, forceful and intent on breaking any remaining fear from the day before. Anakin moaned and Obi-Wan broke the kiss just to hold a finger to his lips. Anakin breathed in through his parted lips and nodded. Very slowly, Obi-Wan dipped his head into the curve of Anakin's neck, leaving leisurely kisses down the length of it, fingers soon pushing at Anakin's shirt to expose his stomach and chest to Obi-Wan's mouth. "Father," Anakin whispered.
Obi-Wan stopped. "Yes?"
Anakin ran his fingers through Obi-Wan's hair. "I love you."
"I love you too," Obi-Wan said, smiling brightly. He glanced at the door to make sure it was locked before he sent a hand south and palmed Anakin's hardening cock. Anakin bucked against him before he could stop himself. Obi-Wan brought his lips to Anakin's left nipple, then the right, as his hand rubbed through the fabric of Anakin's pajama pants. "Daddy…" Anakin said, so much like the night before.
"Shh," Obi-Wan told him, "Unless you'd rather wait."
"No," Anakin blurted, then quieted down, "No. Please. Now."
Obi-Wan gave him a wink before ducking under the covers. Anakin wondered what that meant and got his answer soon enough. Obi-Wan pulled down Anakin's pants and guided his cock into his mouth, determined to do a better job than the first time. Anakin's eyes widened and he covered his mouth, knowing there was no way he could stay completely quiet when Obi-Wan was doing that. He had to close his eyes to keep from tearing the blankets away from their forms, to see Obi-Wan swallow him, but there was still that bit of apprehension that someone would come knocking and catch them in the act. So he tried to stay very still as his fingers curled, one over his mouth and one gripping the sheets. Obi-Wan was a hot, wet slide around him. Anakin couldn't help the sounds escaping his mouth, pitiful cries for more, more, just a little more. Anakin's heart beat fast, air wisping through his nose as he tried to keep his mouth shut. He couldn't take this. It was impossible. The whole of the situation was impossible, that Anakin could keep even remotely quiet, and that Obi-Wan was so hungry for him. Another lick up his length. Then Obi-Wan all around him. Anakin was done, just spent, so he let his hand fall away from his mouth and gave all his breath to one last, uninhibited moan, and Obi-Wan kept his mouth on him through it, emerging only to give Anakin a taste of himself. Anakin hooked his hand behind Obi-Wan's neck as he searched for more of the taste, only letting up when Obi-Wan wound his fingers in his hair and pulled away. Anakin gazed up at him.
"Feel better now?" Obi-Wan asked softly.
"Yes," Anakin breathed, "That was amazing."
Obi-Wan smiled and caressed Anakin's face. His fingers were nice and warm.
"I think we should make that a habit," Anakin said, "Every morning."
Obi-Wan laughed. "I would love to do that for you."
"Do you want me to...?" Anakin slipped a hand between them but Obi-Wan caught it before he reached his destination.
"Later," Obi-Wan replied. "After Padmé and Rex have left."
Anakin swirled his tongue in his mouth before he told him, "Alright."
There were footsteps outside the door. Obi-Wan moved to shield Anakin subconsciously. The footsteps continued on down the stairs.
"Sounds like they're up," Obi-Wan said, "We better get this over with."
Anakin remembered his regrettable actions the day before and hoped Rex would understand. They got up and went downstairs to find Padmé dressed and already making the caf. The four of them said good morning to each other, and Anakin sat near Rex at the kitchen table while Obi-Wan went to work on breakfast. "Blast," he muttered.
"What is it?" Anakin asked.
"I forgot the groceries. They've been in the car since yesterday," Obi-Wan replied. He opened up the pantry and looked for a suitable substitute for pancakes. "Granola bars, anyone?"
They all ate one with their caf, and then Anakin cleared his throat. "Rex?" he called.
Rex set down his mug and turned to him. "What's up?"
"I have to tell you something about yesterday," Anakin said. He could see the others tense at his tone, however minutely.
"Shoot, kid," Rex said. Anakin told him what happened as clearly as he could manage. Rex was quiet for a while. "Are you telling me there's a dead body in your motel?" he questioned.
"Yes," said Obi-Wan, from across the table, "That's what I didn't tell you yesterday."
Rex was dumbfounded. "How can you act like this is completely normal?" he demanded, then turned to Padmé. "Did you know about this?"
"No," she said quickly, "I had no idea."
Rex's gaze hardened for all three of them. "Why would you hide this?" he asked. "After all I did for you with Grievous?"
"I wasn't thinking straight," Anakin muttered, "and then I was kidnapped—"
"I know, kid. I'm asking Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan said, "I'm not hiding it, I just delayed telling you. Cad Bane told me I couldn't go to the police, and that Anakin had killed the Clawdite. He wanted me to get rid of the body—" Rex's expression went wide— "but I didn't. I put her in the bathroom away from prying eyes. I wanted to hear Anakin's side of the story first. And I wanted you looking for him as my son, not as a murder suspect."
Rex couldn't believe his ears. "And what if Anakin had killed her? You would have hidden the body and never told me, correct?"
Obi-Wan's eyes said it all.
"How do I know that isn't what happened? You've had time to talk and make a cover story. You would do anything to protect him, you said it yourself."
"I can show you," Obi-Wan replied.
"Rex, you know Anakin's not a killer," Padmé said.
"I'm not so sure," he said back, "and you've lost my trust, Obi-Wan."
"Just let me show you," Obi-Wan said, "You'll see it's just like we said. Anakin, go get Elan's band."
"Sit down, Anakin," Rex said, "What difference would it make? If Anakin killed him, it would be in his possession all along."
"Don't order him around," Obi-Wan said. Rex crossed his arms. Anakin took a breath to steady his anger and said, "I didn't kill Elan. I loved him. I'm sorry for complicating things, Rex. Please believe us. We're telling you the truth."
Rex reassessed for a second. "I suppose," he said tentatively, "that if the Clawdite really did kill him as you then she'd have left a copy of your DNA around the crime scene. But her own fingerprints might be on Elan's band. Will you get it for me, Anakin?"
Anakin nodded and left the table to run upstairs. Rex glared at Obi-Wan. "I can't believe this is happening again," he said.
"It's not," Obi-Wan argued, "Cad Bane killed someone. Anakin witnessed it. It doesn't have to be more complicated than that."
"I'll decide that once I've seen the body," Rex replied. Obi-Wan set his jaw and Anakin came back and handed Elan's band over to Rex, who put it in a plastic bag before stuffing it in his pocket. "Let's go," he said.
They went down to the motel, Padmé and Anakin trailing behind Obi-Wan and Rex. "Are you okay, Ani?" she asked.
Obi-Wan unlocked motel room three. "I'm okay," Anakin said.
Padmé stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Maybe you shouldn't go in," she said.
Anakin mustered a smile for her. "I'll just show Rex where I found Elan's band."
Padmé let go of him and nodded. They followed the others into the room. Obi-Wan pointed out the bank account number on the wall. Before, he'd had half a feeling that someone had come in and made it all disappear. But there it remained. Anakin found the spot under the mattress that the band had been tucked under, the bed bare of its sheets. Obi-Wan waved Rex into the bathroom and pulled back the shower curtain. Zam Wesell's body was there, wrapped in the sheets. Rex commed the station and told them not to let Cad Bane out on bail or for any other reason. They reported back that he was still in their custody, and Aurra Sing was being watched carefully at the hospital.
"And the baby?" he asked.
"She lost it," the officer said.
Rex rubbed his forehead silently. Anakin sat on the edge of the bed and Padmé sat beside him as Obi-Wan waited for Rex to make a decision.
"Are there any other truths you're keeping?" Rex asked, amber eyes hard on Obi-Wan's.
Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "No," he said, "That's everything."
Rex glanced at Anakin. "Really?" he said.
Obi-Wan's face fell. "Rex, don't."
Anakin's brows furrowed. "What?" he asked.
"I know you're hurt," Obi-Wan said, "You don't have to say anything more."
"He doesn't know, does he?" Rex asked.
Anakin rose to his feet. "What don't I know?" he demanded.
Obi-Wan looked at him with eyes full of pain.
"Father," Anakin said lowly, "Tell me."
"Leave," Obi-Wan ordered.
"I have a job to do anyway," Rex retorted as he turned to go. "Come on, Padmé," he said.
Padmé didn't think this was any time to leave her family. Anakin practically had steam coming out of his ears.
"I need you at the station," Rex told her.
She stood and walked out with him. "What have you done?" she whispered.
The door shut behind them and left Obi-Wan and Anakin alone with a body.
"Let's go to the house," Obi-Wan said.
"Tell me now," Anakin growled.
Obi-Wan frowned and gestured to the bed. Anakin refused to move, so Obi-Wan held his shoulders and sat down with him. The silence grew heavy and overwhelming. "I love you, Anakin," Obi-Wan said.
Anakin's anger started to dissipate in favor of worry. Obi-Wan rubbed his thumb over Anakin's lips. "I haven't told you this because it didn't make a difference in my mind," Obi-Wan continued, "I've always loved you with my whole heart."
"Father?" Anakin asked.
Obi-Wan took Anakin's hands in his. "Rex called yesterday, about the DNA results. They confirmed something I've known for a long time."
"What?" Anakin asked, a sick feeling gathering in his stomach.
"I'm not—I'm not..." Obi-Wan stuttered. "I'm not your biological father."
"No," Anakin said, aghast, "You are. You are!"
Obi-Wan held his hands tighter. "I'm not, sweetheart. Your mother was pregnant when I met her. But just barely so."
Anakin turned a few shades paler in his shock. Obi-Wan hugged him tight. "Anakin, listen to me," Obi-Wan said, sensing a storm coming, "Your mother and I loved each other. We loved you. You've always been mine. You were always meant to be mine."
Anakin shoved him away. "I don't know who you are!" he yelled. "I don't know who I am!"
Obi-Wan reached for him as Anakin fought him off. "You're my son, and I'm your father," Obi-Wan insisted.
Anakin yanked out of his grip and threw open the door of the motel room. Obi-Wan chased him all the way up to the house and inside and caught Anakin's arm before he could run up the stairs. Anakin tried to pull free but Obi-Wan grabbed his other arm and made Anakin face him. Anakin couldn't get loose. "You're hurting me!" he said.
"Then stay still!" Obi-Wan responded.
Anakin kept struggling. "You lied to me my whole life!"
"It's not a lie! I raised you! I am your father!" Obi-Wan countered.
Anakin stilled and shouted back, "You're a liar! A whore! I can't believe I ever slept with you!"
Obi-Wan's grip loosened just enough in his shock for Anakin to escape and run up the stairs. Obi-Wan started after him. "You don't get to talk to me like that," he yelled.
Anakin turned down the hallway and screeched, "Whore!" over the railing.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan reprimanded.
Anakin slammed his bedroom door behind him. Obi-Wan caught up seconds after and found the door locked. "Anakin, I want you to open this door right now," he ordered.
Anakin made no move to unlock it.
Obi-Wan banged on the door. "So help me, Anakin, I'll break the door down if I have to! You have five seconds. Five…" Nothing. "Four…" He jiggled the handle. Locked. "Three…" Obi-Wan said. "Two…"
The door flew open with a wave of Anakin's hand. He was curled up on his bed, crying.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, tone much softer than before.
Anakin stuffed his face in his pillow to muffle the sounds.
Obi-Wan entered the room quietly and shut the door behind him. He curled up next to Anakin on the bed, arms slipping around him where he could manage it, over his shoulder and around his waist. Anakin didn't fight him this time. Obi-Wan murmured, "I never meant to hurt you so, Anakin."
Anakin's body shuddered. How could everything turn so wrong in an instant? Everything he ever knew? His father was not his father…
"Think of it this way," Obi-Wan said, words warm at the back of Anakin's neck, "It means we haven't committed in—"
"Don't—say that word," Anakin replied, sniffling in between the phrases, tears still coming fast.
Obi-Wan rubbed what he could of Anakin's torso. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against the back of Anakin's head. "I love you," he whispered.
"Padmé," Anakin said.
"What?"
"Padmé and I aren't even related," he muttered.
Obi-Wan gave him a squeeze. "She is your sister all the same."
Anakin wiped his face on his pillow. "Who is my father?" he asked. "My real father."
Obi-Wan felt pain in his chest, the phantom kind that swelled with strong emotions. "I don't know," he said truthfully, "Your mother never told me."
Anakin was quiet aside from his gradually steadying inhales and exhales.
"You were a miracle, Anakin," Obi-Wan told him, "I loved you from the moment your mother and I found out about you. I was so happy. It took me some time to figure out parenthood with Padmé, but I knew I could be a better father to you. I love you. Please say you'll forgive me."
"I can't believe you lied to me," Anakin said.
"I'm sorry."
"I trusted you."
"Forgive me."
Anakin turned around on the little bed, Obi-Wan's arms remaining around him. Anakin said, "This morning I woke up and I thought I never wanted to be apart from you ever again."
"And now?" Obi-Wan asked, throat tight.
"I want a break," Anakin decided.
Obi-Wan couldn't stop the rush of tears at the words. Anakin held him close, cradling the back of his head. "Fa—," he stopped himself, "Obi-Wan."
"Please call me Father," Obi-Wan said, heartbroken.
"Father," Anakin said quietly, "Just a break. Not a break up."
Obi-Wan nodded, still clutching Anakin tight. Anakin pushed out of his embrace and stood by the side of the bed. Obi-Wan was a mess. Anakin wiped his face, jaw firm, lips no longer trembling. "I'll make you some tea," he said, and turned to go.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan called, "Anakin!"
Anakin stopped at his bedroom door and looked at Obi-Wan with bloodshot eyes.
"Your hands," he said, concern in his voice.
"I'll be fine," Anakin remarked, "It's not that hard to make tea." And he left Obi-Wan alone in his bedroom.
"What have you done?" Padmé whispered.
They climbed into Rex's car and started driving away from the motel. Rex said, "Obi-Wan and Anakin took a DNA test to help with Elan's case."
"Okay?" Padmé said.
"The results didn't match," Rex said simply.
Padme's brows pinched. "You mean they aren't related?"
"Yes."
"You must have made a mistake."
"No," he argued, "Those are the results." Trees whirled past them.
"Obi-Wan isn't Anakin's father," Padmé stated, dumbfounded.
"Mhm." There was silence for a few seconds, aside from the sound of tires rolling.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Padmé asked.
Rex turned to her briefly. "What?"
"Obi-Wan and Anakin are so close—you just ruined that—my little brother, who is suicidal—oh, I can't believe you! Stop the car!"
"Padmé—"
"Stop the car!"
Rex hit the brakes and Padmé got out of the car and started walking back to the house. Rex jumped out after her. "Padmé!"
"How could you do this to my family?" Padmé accused.
"I thought Anakin deserved to know!"
"You thought you deserved to know," Padmé said, still walking ahead of him, "You felt bad because Obi-Wan kept something from you and you just had to get even—"
Rex caught up to her and grabbed her arm. She flung him off and said, "We're done."
"What?"
"I'm breaking up with you."
Rex was speechless.
"I'll be late to work today, Sheriff. You better start driving or you'll be late too," Padmé said.
Rex clamped his jaw shut and went back to the car. Padmé walked home and knocked on the front door. Anakin answered it. His eyes were red.
Padmé pulled him into a hug. "I love you, Ani," she said softly.
"Love you too," he mumbled.
She let go of him and stepped into the house. "Where's Obi-Wan?" she asked.
"Upstairs," Anakin answered, "I wouldn't bother him though. He's upset."
Padmé followed him into the kitchen. "Aren't you upset?"
"I'm trying not to think about it," he replied. He poured hot water into a mug and tugged on the tea string. "You want one?" he asked.
Padmé sat at the kitchen table and said, "Sure."
Anakin plopped a teabag in another mug, then decided to make one for himself. He poured the water into each and lifted the teabags up and down.
"Three?" Padmé asked.
Anakin nodded.
"That's very nice, Anakin. I know he didn't tell you because he loves you."
Anakin tore open some sugar packets and poured the contents into the mugs. "Did you know?" he asked.
"No," she answered.
Anakin passed Padmé her tea and she sipped it. "Thank you," she said. He didn't say a word. Padmé cleared her throat.
"You know, you were very young when mom died," Padmé began, "You didn't know how babies were made."
Anakin looked at her, confused.
"So if Obi-Wan told you at an age when you did understand, you'd be left without a mother and a father. Better to just not tell you," she said.
"Whose side are you on?" Anakin demanded, leaning over the table.
"No side," Padmé explained, "I'd rather we mend this quickly instead of letting it tear us apart."
"There's no going back from this. He lied to me. How would you feel? If you weren't his daughter?"
"Don't be so dramatic, Ani. He is still your father. The only man who's ever taken care of us..."
"Except for Officer Friendly, huh?"
"I broke up with him. He was being stupid."
Anakin scoffed. Then a hint of a smile made its way onto his face. "Did you ditch work?" he asked.
"I did," Padmé replied, also smiling.
Anakin shook his head and sipped his tea. "I better take this to F— Obi-Wan," he corrected, and gestured to the third mug.
Padmé sighed. "Just because I do that doesn't mean you should," she said.
Anakin set down his mug and picked up Obi-Wan's. "Do as I say, not as I do?"
"Yes, well, you have a different relationship with Obi-Wan. If you could have seen him yesterday, you'd know how hard he fought to find you. We even found him unconscious at one point."
"What?"
"He was hit in the head. But that didn't matter to him. He loves you so much he'd hide a body. As unhealthy as that is, it should mean something to you."
"Why do you care so much?" Anakin asked. "I thought you thought he wasn't a good influence, that I'm too dependent on him."
Padmé stood and traced her fingers through his hair. "I understand now that you need him. To keep you afloat. I don't know what would have happened to you if he wasn't so dedicated."
Anakin met her eyes and saw the love she carried beneath her stubborn shields. She must've known about what happened in the forest. Or she thought he was slowly going insane based on what he'd done to the Clawdite. But either way she loved him.
Anakin kissed her cheek and brought the tea upstairs to Obi-Wan. He'd collected himself for the most part, but hadn't torn himself away from Anakin's bed. Anakin opened his mouth, then quietly said, "Father."
Obi-Wan raised his head from his hands and straightened up from where he sat on the edge of the bed. "Anakin," he said.
Anakin set the tea on the nightstand and sat by Obi-Wan. Anakin hugged him suddenly. Obi-Wan held him dearly. When Anakin was finally able to pull away, he told him, "I love you."
"You do?"
"I love you," Anakin repeated, no less meaningful the second time. "I understand why you lied."
Obi-Wan breathed out in relief.
"But I still want a break. Okay?"
Obi-Wan's eyes ran over him worriedly.
"Not forever. I just want some time."
Obi-Wan swallowed hard. "Okay, my darling. You set the boundaries. I... I can't bear to do it."
Anakin put his hand on Obi-Wan's cheek and laid kisses along the other. "You're making this really hard," he murmured.
"I told you it wouldn't be easy," Obi-Wan replied.
"You'll be okay. And I'll be okay. And we'll be better together again, don't you think?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan said shakily.
"Alright then. Drink your tea and rest. Padmé told me you got knocked out yesterday."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Thank you, Anakin."
Anakin smiled weakly. "You're welcome." Obi-Wan watched him leave again. He drank his tea and then curled up on Anakin's bed, clutching the damp pillow to his chest.
Padmé stayed home with Anakin for a while. She changed his bandages and sat down on the couch with him while they watched a holovid on Obi-Wan's laptop. Obi-Wan remained upstairs, drifting in and out of fitful sleep. The previous day had left him exhausted, and now he didn't want to face reality. The doorbell rang. Padmé got up and answered it. It was a young Togruta girl.
"Hi, is Anakin home?" she asked.
Padmé smiled. "Anakin! There's a girl here for you!" she called.
Anakin came to the door, a doubtful look on his face until he saw Ahsoka. "Snips! Come in! How have you been?"
Ahsoka smiled wide at his greeting and replied, "I've been great. Wondered where you've been all this time. I was beginning to think the gundarks got you."
Padmé shut the door behind them as Anakin rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Have you met my sister? This is Padmé," he said, and Ahsoka held out her hand. "Padmé, this is Ahsoka."
"Nice to meet you," Padmé said, and shook Ahsoka's hand.
"Nice to meet you too," Ahsoka said, and let go of Padmé's hand after the shake lasted a millisecond too long.
"I'll give you two some space," Padmé teased, and went upstairs. Anakin withheld a groan. They weren't a couple.
As soon as Padmé was out of sight, Ahsoka said, "Your sister is beautiful."
Anakin laughed. "You should see her when she's dressed up."
They went to the kitchen, where Anakin grabbed a soda for Ahsoka, and then the pair settled on the family room couch. Ahsoka sipped her drink and asked nonchalantly, "What happened to your hands?"
Anakin rubbed at a bruise on one of his fingers, the bandages making a slight sound of friction. "It's a long story," he said.
"I have time," Ahsoka said.
Anakin met her eyes, frown pulling at his lips. "You're not going to believe it."
"You trust me, don't you, Skyguy? I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to."
"I was kidnapped."
"What!"
"Shh," Anakin said, "I don't want you to wake my father."
"Sorry," Ahsoka replied, quietly, "What happened? When?"
Anakin told her he'd been cleaning the motel rooms when one of the guests decided they could get a big ransom on him. He didn't talk about the box.
"I'm so sorry, Anakin. On top of all the other stuff that's happened..."
"Yeah," Anakin agreed, "I've been home for so long because... Well, because it's taking longer for me to get over Elan than I thought. I've been trying to scrape myself together, I guess."
Ahsoka nodded. "I wish I'd known him better," she said.
Anakin smiled a little. "How's school?"
"Same old, same old. Oh, but Barriss is starting an art club, can you believe that? And people keep coming back from the principal's office with weird stories about Doctor Dooku. Apparently he's like the creepy old guy in every horror holovid, you know?"
Anakin's lips quirked up. "I know," he said.
"And there's a new English teacher. She's so funny, we've been reading this classic Iktotch play—"
"What happened to Mister Clovis?" Anakin asked.
Ahsoka adjusted her position on the couch and replied, "I haven't seen him around. Do you think he was fired?"
"I don't know," Anakin said, and wondered if the restraining order had actually worked despite his not going to school.
Ahsoka set her soda on the table and asked, "Can I play with your hair?"
Anakin smiled. "Sure."
"Sit in front of me," she directed. Anakin slid off the couch and sat between her legs, tucking his own underneath the table. Ahsoka scrunched up his hair before picking a section to braid. Anakin liked how it felt. "So what have you been doing with your time?" Ahsoka asked.
Anakin muddled over an answer. "Getting to know my dad a little better," he said.
"Yeah?" She finished a braid but didn't have anything to tie it with, so she handed it to Anakin. He pinched the bottom of it, thinking about his old Padawan braid. It had been purely symbolic, Obi-Wan not even knighted before he left the Order. But he'd taught him what he could. Anakin wanted to mourn his ignorance now.
"Yeah," Anakin replied, "Like how he has blond, straight hair, and mine is brown and curly, and his eyes are blue, and so are mine, but his are green in certain lights, and how we have different body types. I'm sort of—triangle shaped—and he's more straight down—and his hands are sturdy and my fingers are thin—and he's got a full beard and I can't even grow one—"
"Anakin," Ahsoka said, "What's all this about?"
Anakin turned to look at her and said, "I found out he's not my real father."
"Oh," she responded, and ran her hand through his hair. Anakin turned around again and let her make more braids.
"That's tough," Ahsoka determined, "but he takes good care of you, right?"
"Yeah," Anakin mumbled.
"Auntie Shaak takes good care of me," she said. "It's not always easy. But I hear most teenagers hate their parents."
"I don't hate him," Anakin said, "I just wish he hadn't lied to me." He held onto four little braids now.
Ahsoka asked, "What would you do if you were in his position? I think it'd be awful hard to tell your child that."
"Hm." More braids.
"Are we still going to Homecoming this Saturday?" Ahsoka asked. "I understand if you don't want to..."
"We're still going," Anakin replied, "I promised you."
Ahsoka gave him a little hug. "Thanks, Anakin."
"What are you wearing to the dance?" he asked.
"A silver dress. It's really sparkly. What are you wearing?"
"My father's old robes and a cloak. They look sort of medieval, like a knight."
"Neat!" Ahsoka said. "Do you have a mask?"
"A mask?"
"It's a masquerade. They revealed it a couple pep assemblies ago."
"Oh. I guess I'll have to buy one."
Ahsoka finished off the rest of his hair. "We should put some hairspray in this and see how wavy we can get it."
Anakin laughed. "Sure. There's some upstairs."
The two trekked up the stairs and Ahsoka spritzed him all over. She looked closely at his jaw. "I think you could grow a beard," she said.
"Right."
"Maybe even soon!"
"Haha."
"I don't like beards anyway. They look weird on boys your age."
"And on men?"
"Depends. Your dad pulls it off."
Anakin smiled.
"Anakin?" he heard. It was Obi-Wan. Anakin ducked out of the bathroom and met him in the hallway.
"What's going on with your hair?" he asked.
Anakin touched some of the many braids, now secured with rubber bands. "Ahsoka's here," he said, "She wanted to play with it."
Obi-Wan smiled without teeth. "Do you need anything?
Anakin didn't want to be mean to his father. He still looked so sad. "I'm a little hungry," Anakin told him.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I'll make you something."
"Thank you."
Obi-Wan went downstairs. Anakin walked back to the bathroom where Ahsoka was waiting. "You want something to eat?" he asked.
"I could eat," she said.
They went downstairs to the kitchen, where Obi-Wan had gathered ingredients for grilled cheese. Anakin asked if he'd make one for Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan said of course. The two waited at the kitchen table. The silence was painful. After a few minutes, Obi-Wan set a grilled cheese in front of Ahsoka and handed Anakin his as he reached for it. Their hands brushed against each other. Obi-Wan froze for a second, and then Anakin took his plate and said thank you.
"You're welcome," Obi-Wan replied, and stepped back. Ahsoka took a quiet bite of her sandwich. "I think I'll go to the store," Obi-Wan said, "We still need milk and eggs. If Rex comes around, wait for me before you say anything. Okay?"
"Okay," Anakin said, guilt gnawing at him.
"Call me if you need anything," Obi-Wan said, and left the kitchen. He grabbed his cloak and keys by the door and left. Padmé followed soon after, dressed in her uniform with her hair in two buns on the top of her head. She entered the kitchen as Ahsoka and Anakin finished off their grilled cheeses. "I'm off to work," she said, and Anakin pouted. "I don't want to lose my job," Padmé insisted, then caught Ahsoka's gaze. "Ahsoka, it was nice meeting you. You should come around more often. I know Anakin appreciates it," she said.
Ahsoka smiled and Padmé turned to leave. "Your sister's a cop?" she asked.
"Yeah," Anakin said, "She's good at it, too. For a senator."
Ahsoka put her elbow on the table. "A senator, too?"
Anakin told her the same things about Padmé he'd told Elan not that long ago.
"Wow. I'd like to get to know her better," Ahsoka said, full of admiration. Anakin smiled. "She could use more friends," he said, "As long as I'm still your best one."
"Duh," she replied, "I wouldn't trade you for anything."
Anakin smiled shyly, feeling stupid with all his braids. "How's our fake relationship status holding?" he asked.
"It's being classified as an on-and-off fling. Off since you've been at home."
Anakin asked, "What do people say about Elan?"
Ahsoka's expression grew more serious. "Everyone was scared for a while, thinking some serial killer was on the loose. But nothing else happened."
Anakin rubbed his forehead. "There's no serial killer. Rex should have the case closed soon."
"The Sheriff?"
"Yeah."
Ahsoka thought back over the past few weeks. "Besides that, people mostly miss him. No matter if it was for death sticks or not."
Anakin laughed a little. "You know that's what he asked me when we first met?"
"No, what'd you say?"
Anakin demonstrated with his hand. "You don't want to sell me death sticks."
"Anakin, that's terrible," Ahsoka said, grin pulling at her lips.
"It was worth it," Anakin said.
"All of it?"
"All of it."
Ahsoka went home after a while, her aunt wanting to make sure she got her homework done. Anakin didn't know what to do once he was alone. He started to wonder what he ever did with his time. It was always eat dinner, with Obi-Wan. Watch a holovid, with Obi-Wan. Write a story... about Obi-Wan. There had to be something he could do on his own. He drifted around the house, flipping through books, attempting a tune on the piano. Eventually he went down to the basement. It was dark and musty, despite attempts to spruce things up. Doing their laundry didn't have to be so dreary, but the place persevered. The furnace glowed a dull blue. A pile of scrap metal was shoved into a corner, Obi-Wan having resolved to deal with it another day. Neither of them mentioned it, but Anakin suspected they both thought Grievous had something to do with the scraps. Old body parts, or something like that. Anakin went to the pile and looked closer. Suddenly the pieces started rolling away and Anakin jumped back. Clink clink clank clunk.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan called. Anakin ran out of the basement and nearly collided with Obi-Wan in the hallway.
"Father!"
"What is it, darling? You look scared."
"There's something in the basement!"
Obi-Wan set down the groceries in his hands. "What sort of something?"
A ghost! Anakin almost said. But that seemed silly. "I don't know," Anakin said, "Things just started moving."
Obi-Wan slipped past Anakin and went down the hall and into the basement, Anakin following closely behind. "What was moving?" he asked.
"The scrap metal," Anakin replied, pointing to the pile.
Obi-Wan investigated the pile. Pieces started falling again as a small furry creature skittered out from under the junk and across the old wood flooring. Obi-Wan held out his hand and held the thing with the Force before stooping next to it and picking it up gently. "It's a mouse," he declared.
Anakin breathed a sigh of relief. Grievous had haunted them enough.
"Want to see?" Obi-Wan asked, holding out his hands.
Anakin walked over cautiously. Obi-Wan opened his cupped hands just slightly. "It's kind of cute," Anakin said.
"Let's hope it's just the one," Obi-Wan said, and carried the mouse out of the basement. Anakin followed him.
"What are you going to do with it?" he asked.
Obi-Wan walked to the front door. "Put him outside, of course," Obi-Wan answered. "Will you open the door?"
Anakin looked at Obi-Wan's hands again. "Do we have to?" he asked.
"Let me guess, you want to keep it," Obi-Wan derived.
"Please?"
"Honey, we don't know if it has any diseases, or a lot of mouse friends waiting for us in the basement—"
"Pretty please?" Anakin stuck out his bottom lip.
Obi-Wan scowled. "You look just like you did when you were five, you know that?"
"Is that a yes?"
"You wouldn't want a mouse from the pet store instead?"
"Nope."
"Fine. But you have to take care of it. I'm not going to clean its messes."
Anakin grinned real big. They went to the kitchen and Anakin picked a plastic container and a lid from the cupboards. He put the lid on the container and poked a bunch of holes in it with a knife. Obi-Wan put the mouse inside the container and Anakin watched it crawl around as Obi-Wan asked him to help with the groceries. They went down to the car and brought the rest of the groceries inside. They didn't talk about the fight they'd had earlier, or their relationship at all, for that matter. Anakin did some research on taking care of mice and shredded paper as bedding for it until they could make a trip to the pet store. He rigged up a makeshift water dispenser and gave it some food, wondering what he should name it. The doorbell rang.
"I'll answer it," Obi-Wan said, from where he sat in the family room, going over their earnings from the motel, if he could afford to kick out the remaining bounty hunters. He stood and went to the door. "Rex," he said, surprised. The Sheriff held a large amount of roses bundled in his hands. "Padmé's not home right now," Obi-Wan told him.
"They're not all for her," Rex replied, and tried to sort out the bouquets. "This one is for you, and this one's for Anakin."
Obi-Wan glanced back into the house where Anakin was hovering. He turned back to Rex. "Could I talk to you outside?" Obi-Wan asked, his fingers on the door handle.
"Yes, of course." Rex stepped back as Obi-Wan shut the door behind him.
"What's all this?" Obi-Wan said, gesturing to the flowers.
Rex adjusted his grip on them. "It's how we say sorry where I'm from."
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Obi-Wan asked, not raising his voice at all.
"Padmé was right. It wasn't for me to disclose, or even know. I was stupid. I'm sorry," Rex said, and held out the flowers weakly.
Obi-Wan didn't take them. He said, "My son was furious with me for lying to him. He asked me who his real father is. I don't have an answer for him, Rex! I don't know how to help him find out. And I'm not sure that I want to. I never knew the circumstances of his conception—I don't know if his father is a good man or not. How am I supposed to tell him that? That he might not be the product of love, or even a one-night stand? Or what if his father is dead? I don't know what to do. Anakin is still upset with me. You think flowers are enough?"
Rex lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Obi-Wan. My judgment was poor, my behavior rash... I haven't been that way for a while, I think."
Obi-Wan looked him over, seeking signs of deceit. "Cody told me about his scar," he said.
Rex met his eyes abruptly, his own wide. He couldn't tell what Obi-Wan was thinking based on his expression. He relaxed only minutely. "That's what I mean," Rex said, "I've changed."
"Why did you do it?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Didn't Cody tell you?"
"He said you were hurt."
"I was."
"I'm sorry if I hurt you," Obi-Wan said.
Rex tried to smile. He said, "I explained everything at the station. Cad Bane will be charged with the Clawdite's murder. Your motel might have a few officers poking around at things, but you don't have to worry about Anakin."
Obi-Wan took a deep breath. "Thank you," he replied. He took the roses from Rex. "And thank you for these."
Rex nodded solemnly. He started to turn away.
"If you—" Obi-Wan started.
Rex turned around. "What?"
"If you blame yourself for what happened to Anakin's kidnapper, you shouldn't. She made her own choices."
Rex had a warm feeling in his chest. "Your daughter broke up with me," he said.
Obi-Wan wore a mild smile. "Rough day, huh?"
"Something tells me yours was rougher."
"Ah, well, one shouldn't focus on the past. Can we be friends again?"
Rex smiled. Obi-Wan gasped. "What?" Rex asked, alarmed.
"You smiled. I thought your face was paralyzed," Obi-Wan said.
Rex's smile was replaced with a grimace. "A sheriff needs a good poker face," he said.
"The sheriff needs to go home and take a break. I'll try not to get into trouble in the meantime."
Rex fought another smile. "Okay," he said, and took the stairs to his car. Obi-Wan rubbed his forehead and went back inside. Anakin was there waiting for him.
"These are for you," Obi-Wan said, handing a bouquet to Anakin before he could get a word in.
Anakin brought them to his nose. His were a deep blue, Obi-Wan's orange, and Padmé's dark pink. Anakin had half a mind to tear out the petals, but since Rex wouldn't see, he'd just keep them for himself. They smelled too good to destroy. Obi-Wan walked off to the kitchen quietly, intending to place his and Padmé's flowers in the dining room's vase once he'd filled it with water. Anakin watched him for a while but kept to himself until Padmé came home and they ate dinner together. Obi-Wan told her about the flowers, but she didn't feel like discussing her relationship with Rex. Anakin showed her the mouse and smiled as it ate a piece of fruit leftover from their dinner. Soon they each retired to their rooms. Anakin tried to remember how long it had been since he slept in his own. He thought Obi-Wan was probably wondering the same thing. An hour passed and he didn't fall asleep. He pictured the walls of the box the bounty hunters had stuffed him in every time he closed his eyes. He'd never fall asleep at this rate. Anakin flung the blankets to the side and got out of bed before padding over to the door between his and Obi-Wan's room. He knocked on it softly. A moment passed and Anakin opened the door.
Obi-Wan was sitting up in bed, facing the doorway. "Anakin?" he whispered. "I thought I imagined it."
Anakin shut the door behind him. "I can't sleep," he announced.
"Neither can I," Obi-Wan replied. He was hesitant to move. He pulled the covers back like he'd done a hundred other times when Anakin couldn't sleep.
Anakin took a step closer and turned on the lamp. "Take off your clothes," he said.
Obi-Wan made a face. "I thought we were taking a break."
"We are," Anakin replied, "I just want to talk to you."
"…Naked?"
"Yes."
Obi-Wan sighed and rubbed his eyes. He slipped out of bed and disrobed. Anakin did the same. He sat near the foot of the bed as Obi-Wan reclaimed his spot by the pillows. They looked over each other without touching. "What do you want to talk about?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Everything," Anakin said.
"Alright," Obi-Wan conceded, "You start."
"I'm sorry I called you a whore," Anakin told him. Obi-Wan already felt his nakedness keenly. Anakin continued, "You're not a whore. I know you didn't lie to sleep with me. That's just how it felt."
"I'm sorry you felt that way," Obi-Wan replied, "I only wanted to protect you."
"I know." He was quiet as he thought of something else to ask. "Would you have slept with me if I was your biological son?"
"Only if you had asked in exactly the same way."
"If I attempted suicide."
"Yes," Obi-Wan said, "I never wanted you to be in that place. But that's what it took for me to realize the depth of your feelings."
"So you knew how I felt before then," Anakin put forward.
"Anakin, you came home drunk one night and asked me for sex."
Anakin's cheeks turned red. "But didn't you want the same thing?"
"Yes, darling. But you were drunk. It would have been wrong to touch you."
"Do you still think it's wrong to touch me?" he asked.
"Not the way I did, no," Obi-Wan answered, his eyes trailing over Anakin. "Were you only attracted to me because I was your father?" he asked softly.
"You're still my father," Anakin said, and Obi-Wan sighed in relief. "I'm attracted to you because of who you are."
Obi-Wan didn't need to ask for clarification.
"I still think I could get to know you better, though," Anakin said.
"Yeah?"
"Yes. You were born in Stewjon, right?"
"I was."
"Do you remember your family?"
"Barely."
"Do you wish you'd never joined the Order?"
"Sometimes," Obi-Wan said, "but life as I know it wouldn't be the same. I wouldn't have you or Padmé."
"Was Satine good to you?"
"Why do you ask that?"
"Because I want to be better than them."
"It's not a competition, my darling."
"Answer my question," Anakin said, belatedly adding, "Please."
Obi-Wan ran a hand through his hair. "I believe she loved me like I loved her. She was a little older than me. The masters told me I'd been foolish."
Anakin tilted his head slightly and saw the green glint in Obi-Wan's eyes.
"I think the truth was neither of us knew what we were doing, but we pretended we did."
Anakin thought that sounded a little like the two of them. But Obi-Wan always seemed to know what to do in bed.
"Will you always carry Elan's ring with you?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin wasn't sure. "Probably. Is that okay with you?"
Obi-Wan smiled. "Yes," he said. "Would you wear a ring if I gave you one?" he asked next.
Anakin's lips parted. "A wedding ring?"
Obi-Wan opened his bedside drawer and pulled out two rings. "My wedding rings. Would you like to see them?"
Anakin held out his hand and examined each of them. "Which one is which?" he asked.
Obi-Wan pointed to the one with a rocky texture. "I married your mother with this one." He pointed to the rose gold band. "And Satine with this one."
Anakin held up the rocky one and rubbed his thumb across it. "What is it made out of?" he asked.
"Meteorite," Obi-Wan replied, smiling at the awe on Anakin's face. "They're easy to find in the desert. They stick out in the sand."
Anakin tested the ring on his finger. "It's a little loose," he said.
"I can have it fitted for you. If you want it," Obi-Wan offered, trying not to sound too hopeful.
Anakin took Obi-Wan's hand and slid the rose gold ring on his finger. "I'll wear it always," he promised, "Will you wear yours?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan said, "I love you, Anakin."
"I love you too," Anakin whispered, "Thank you." He put the ring on his index finger so it wouldn't fall off.
"Was there more you wanted to ask me, Mister Kenobi?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin stifled a giggle. "Yes, Mister Kenobi. I was wondering... If you liked sleeping with women more than men."
"Oh, I don't know. You're as pleasing as they were, Anakin. Just for different reasons."
"Do you like it more when I top or bottom?"
Obi-Wan smiled. "I like both."
"Do you like to face me?"
"I love to face you. But I'm okay if we try other positions."
"I never remind you of Cody?"
"No," Obi-Wan said, "but I don't like it when you cut off my air."
"Oh, sorry."
"It's okay. I can do that to you if you like it."
"I do."
"Do you usually like older men?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin fiddled with his ring. "Not usually. But there are some actors I like."
"Do you like it when I top or bottom more?"
"I can't decide. Both."
"Do you like to face me?"
"I prefer it."
"Okay, sweetheart."
"Do you have any fantasies?" Anakin asked.
"Fantasies?"
"You know. Stuff we haven't done yet."
"Hmm. Well," Obi-Wan said.
"Yes?"
"I'd like to see you in your mother's robe again."
Anakin grinned.
"And I'd like to make you come more than once."
Anakin's cheeks turned pink.
"What about you?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin said, "I guess I've told you mine."
"The motel and the car?"
"Yeah."
"Any others?"
Anakin thought, his eyes scanning the pattern of the comforter. "I'd like to go somewhere where no one knows us, and act like a real couple."
Obi-Wan didn't tell him they couldn't do that, because Anakin already knew. "Where would you like to go?" he asked.
"One of the islands. We could get a suite in a hotel and have a little honeymoon, just us."
Obi-Wan smiled sadly. "Any more fantasies?"
Anakin picked at a loose thread. "You won't like the last one."
"Try me."
"If... If Elan were still around..."
"Oh."
"I would have liked you to see us."
"To watch?"
Anakin nodded, his eyes lowered.
"But not join in?"
"Yes, join in. But only in the fantasy. Elan wouldn't want—I mean, I don't think he wanted that. But I wanted both of you."
"How would it have gone?"
"What?"
"Your fantasy."
Anakin studied Obi-Wan. He looked perfectly calm in the light of the lamp, the rest of the room dim with nighttime. "You'd be there for all of it," Anakin said, "You'd watch as we undressed each other. As we kissed. As I fucked him. You'd be jealous."
"I would be," Obi-Wan said lowly.
"And I'd look at you as I did it. Tease you as I teased him. You'd be hard in your pants but you'd wait, because you liked the feeling it gave you. Listening and watching. Your own private showing."
"Keep talking," Obi-Wan said.
"Elan would moan and plead for my hand around his throat. I'd bring him right to the edge, but you'd tell us to stop right before he could come."
"And?"
"And I do just as you ask. You tell us what to do. I get on my back and Elan leans over me as you strip down. I'm inside Elan again when you come over and settle behind him and—"
"I need a minute," Obi-Wan interrupted, as he jumped off the bed and snatched his robe off a chair. Anakin caught his arm as Obi-Wan attempted to leave the room.
"Father, I'm sorry! Don't go! I'm sorry!" Anakin cried.
Obi-Wan turned around, his robe open. "Honey, what do you have to be sorry for? Do you think I'm disgusted with you? Look at me. This is not the body of a man who's disgusted. I was just going to take care of it. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
"You... You don't have to leave to take care of it."
Obi-Wan held Anakin's hands. "You asked for a break and I want to respect that," he said.
Anakin rubbed Obi-Wan's hands with his thumbs. "I want to see you do it."
Obi-Wan looked into Anakin's eyes and sighed. "Fine," he said, shedding his robe, "Will you tell me the rest of your fantasy?"
Anakin nodded as he gathered his thoughts and sat on the bed again with Obi-Wan. "I'm inside him," Anakin started, "and then you're inside him too. I can feel you against me. I kiss Elan as his face scrunches up—you're fucking him—it's the first time you've ever touched me, and you want more."
Obi-Wan's hand moved up and down his cock. He closed his eyes and Anakin came closer, settling by his side, his mouth by Obi-Wan's ear.
"Elan comes and it's unlike anything he's ever felt before. I kiss him, and you kiss him, and then he's blissed out beside us as you fuck me. You're rougher with me than you were him. I'm yours, not his. Elan kisses me, and strokes me, but you're relentless."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan murmured.
Anakin trailed fingers through Obi-Wan's hair. "Even when I come, it's not enough for you. My tight body around yours. You keep going till all you see are stars..." Anakin caressed his jaw, beard prickling under his touch. "Your mouth opens and you say my name..."
"Anakin…"
Anakin's gaze fell to Obi-Wan's lower body, the slight tremble he had. "And you come, hot and wet inside me and you gather me in your arms and hold me, my father, who loves me so much he'd fuck me and my boyfriend..."
Obi-Wan came, white fireworks on shining skin. Anakin pulled his head to his chest, fingers in his hair.
"And you hold me so tight, it's like you're never going to let go," he whispered, "Elan touches you, like this..." Anakin ran his fingertips down Obi-Wan's spine. "And you relax and hold him too. Everything is perfect."
Obi-Wan raised his head, still catching his breath. "Can I kiss you, Anakin?"
Anakin brought their lips together and kissed him with all he had. Obi-Wan parted from him and reached for the tissue box on the nightstand. He cleaned himself up and then drew Anakin close to him again, skin to skin, arms around him tight like Anakin wanted. Obi-Wan's body was hot to the touch. They kissed until it was hard to breathe, and they were both tired, but happy to rest in each other's arms. Anakin listened to Obi-Wan's heartbeat. Obi-Wan traced Anakin's ribs. "Did you eat enough today?" he asked softly.
"Yeah," Anakin replied, "Dinner was delicious."
"Thank you."
They were quiet, eyelids heavy. It was late.
"Will you get the light?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice hushed.
Anakin propped himself up and looked down at Obi-Wan, affection in his gaze. "Your cheeks are still pink," he said.
Obi-Wan smiled. "Your hair looks wild."
"It's Ahsoka's fault," Anakin informed him.
"Yes," Obi-Wan said, "I'm sure it is."
Anakin grinned and turned off the light.
Anakin went back to school the next day. Ahsoka and Barriss were happy to see him. Barriss tried to convince him to join her art club. Anakin said he'd think about it. Time passed and Anakin grew more and more eager to see Obi-Wan when he picked him up from school. He realized how used he'd become to having Obi-Wan near him, a constant source of comfort. The final bell rang and Anakin packed his things, deftly avoiding Maul and Savage as he made his way to the pick-up/drop-off zone. They looked like they'd amped up the protein shakes. Ahsoka said goodbye to him and drove home. Obi-Wan's car pulled alongside the curb. He rolled down the window and said, "Need a ride, pretty thing?"
Anakin's cheeks turned red and he looked around shyly. "Shut up," he replied, getting in the car.
They pulled out of the line and headed towards the pet store. "Did you have a good day at school?" Obi-Wan asked, still smiling at his little tease.
"I did," Anakin said, then asked, "Do you think I'm any good at art?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan said, "You used to love finger painting. And you made some really cute things in middle school. Do you remember those droids you made out of metal? I liked that they were so tiny. And the detail was amazing."
"I remember them," Anakin replied, smiling. "Barriss wanted me to join her art club."
"Oh. When does the club meet?"
"Fridays from three to four-fifteen at the school," Anakin answered. "Is that okay?"
Obi-Wan hummed a yes.
"You don't look like it's okay."
"I'll just miss you, that's all. You should join if you think it's something you'll like."
"Maybe I will."
"Good," Obi-Wan said, sighing not long after. It was hard to tell where they stood after everything. "Here we are." Obi-Wan parked in front of the pet store. They bought what they needed to give the mouse a good home and Obi-Wan may have discreetly asked how likely a house mouse was to have diseases. Next they went to the mall to find a mask for Homecoming. Anakin flushed when they passed the department store where they'd bought lingerie. "Do you still have that satin robe?" he whispered.
Obi-Wan tried to keep from smiling. "I do," he replied, "Along with the other things."
Anakin linked his hand with Obi-Wan's as they moved through the crowds, looking for the store Ahsoka said had masks. He asked, "Are you going to teach me how to drive soon, Father?"
Obi-Wan glanced at him. "Is there somewhere you want to go? I can take you there."
"I have to learn how to drive at some point, Father."
"I know," Obi-Wan said pointedly, then let up a little, "I just... worry, you know."
"Worry about what, exactly?" Anakin asked, then dodged someone walking towards them. "That I'll go somewhere without telling you?"
"Yes," he confessed, "Or that you'll get in a wreck or go off to college in some faraway place."
"Vandor University isn't too far away," Anakin offered.
Obi-Wan smiled at him. "You're such a sweet boy, Anakin."
Anakin felt warm and tingly inside and for a moment every passerby in the mall seemed to fade. They walked a ways more. "Will you ever see me as a man?" Anakin asked.
"Never," Obi-Wan swore.
Anakin snorted. "Seriously."
"I don't mean to belittle you, Anakin."
"I know," he replied, waiting for his answer.
Obi-Wan looked thoughtful. "To me, you'll always be my little boy. But I can see you growing up, now and in the future. I know you're very passionate about those around you, and that isn't going to go away. And I'm aware you have the ability to take care of me, even if that isn't supposed to be your role as my son until I'm at least sixty."
"What is that in, like twenty years?" Anakin teased.
"Force, you make it seem so close," Obi-Wan bemoaned.
Anakin leaned into Obi-Wan for a second, saying, "You don't look old at all, Father."
"Not even with my smile lines?" he asked, and demonstrated.
Anakin thought even his fake smile looked bright. "You're as lovely as ever," he said.
"I'm so grateful for you, Anakin," Obi-Wan gushed.
Anakin felt a little pride in his chest and he pulled his gaze away from Obi-Wan to survey the stores around them. "There," Anakin said, pointing. He led Obi-Wan through the crowds till they made it to the store. Inside, they asked about masks and a clerk told them they were lucky—they'd just gotten a new shipment in. Handmade in Alderaan, they said. There were full face masks, and ones that disguised the wearer from nose to forehead, and many that only covered the eyes. "Which do you like?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin scanned over the feathers and lace and jewels. "I can't choose."
"What color is Ahsoka wearing?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Silver. That narrows it down a bit," Anakin said.
Some looked ghoulish and intensely reflective. Others appeared more like varnished metal. Obi-Wan picked up a sleek, black mask with simple silver embellishments. "How about this one?" he asked.
Anakin tried it on and looked in the mirror plastered to the outside of a dressing room. It covered just his eyes, but fit his face well, the curves of it aligning with his cheekbones. "I like it," he decided, "Do you?"
"Definitely," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin pictured himself in the mask and his father's robes and started believing in the thrill of it. He thought in Obi-Wan's eyes the dance was probably a silly thing to get excited over, but Obi-Wan just emitted lightness as Anakin sent a picture of himself in the mask to Ahsoka.
"Come on, darling," he said, "Let's buy it and go home."
Anakin's smile was dazzling. He thanked Obi-Wan and memorized the curves of the mask the whole way home.