Anakin gently placed his arm on Obi-Wan's shoulder. Obi-Wan flinched at the touch.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You mean why didn't I do something before? Have us removed from training together? Going on missions together? I was selfish…I couldn't imagine having another man at my side. I couldn't separate myself from you, when I should have done so long ago. I am sorry."
"I would never want someone else by my side, Master. Do you think that I would suddenly want to be rid of you?"
"Yes. I do. I am only telling you this now because this – this will be our last mission together, even if we do miraculously manage to find the antidote. But I think you would become uncomfortable. We spend many missions in close proximity."
"We only share quarters and maybe see each other shirtless…all Jedi teams have to work closely together…why would I be uncomfortable?"
If he knew you were admiring him. The flawless way he moved in battle, the young boy he once knew gone and replaced with a flawless, stunningly handsome young man. Anakin Skywalker, the Hero with No Fear, the Jedi Obi-Wan fell hopelessly in love with.
"I'm starting to think the drug is affecting your shielding," Anakin said worriedly. "Did Bant mention something like that would happen?"
"You heard that?! Anakin, I'm…Force. I – this is why – "
Anakin moved closer to Obi-Wan on the bed, wrapping his arms around him Obi-Wan, trying to pull him back against his chest. Obi-Wan stiffened and stood up, displacing Anakin. Anakin reached for Obi-Wan's hand and pulled him back unto the bed next to him.
"Obi-Wan. You should have just told me!"
So he was uncomfortable then. Remembering all the missions they had already had, knowing how Obi-Wan was thinking about him the entire time. If he had known sooner, he would have wanted them split up. No longer "The Team."
"You should have told me so I could have done this a lot sooner," Anakin said gently. He pressed a soft kiss against Obi-Wan's lips. Anakin sense Obi-Wan trying to move away, desperately wanted to believe this was really, but at the same time dreading that Anakin was mocking him. Anakin removed his shields, inviting Obi-Wan into his mind. It took a few moments, then Obi-Wan's Force presence slowly joined with Anakin's. Anakin's entire mind was open to Obi-Wan, but he was only interested in one thing. What did Anakin really think of him?
He found his answer. Anakin's emotions for him were practically radiating through the Force. He was nearly taken back by the intensity of it. There was nothing but purity: loyalty, love, tranquility, peace…everything that Jedi strived for in the Force. Anakin had found it all. Being next to him. Thinking about him.
"Oh. Anakin…" He was at a loss for words. Anakin understood. He wrapped his arms more tightly around Obi-Wan and pulled him against his chest. This time, Obi-Wan let him. He trusted Anakin completely. Even the thought of going blind or deaf didn't seem so horrible, not being held by Anakin. No matter what happened to him, Anakin would always be there. Except….unless the Sith corrupted him. Unless he was left helpless as Anakin joined the Sith. But Anakin would never join the Sith. Never. Unless – unless by joining the Sith, he felt he could save Obi-Wan…
"Are you going to stay in the Order?"
"I – I won't pretend this is the appropriate thing to do, Anakin."
"We could tell the Council, if you would prefer."
"We will neither announce it nor hide it. The Force will guide us. It still might be best to leave the Order if I am not cured. But we shall see, Anakin. I have not given up all hope yet."
"I'm here. Whatever choice you make, you won't be alone, Obi-Wan."
"I know." Obi-Wan lapsed into silence, which was broken by an uncomfortable growl from Obi-Wan's stomach. He blushed.
"Maybe I should eat with you from now on, if you keep skipping meals. Come on. We can count it as our first official date." Anakin grinned, but Obi-Wan still took the hand Anakin was offering and followed him into the ship's galley.
"I know you can't taste anything, but maybe something without much texture? I think there might be soup around here."
Obi-Wan had to admit, it was still a strange feeling to smell the aroma of the soup, but once it was in his mouth be nothing more than warm water. However, the aqueous nature of it and the lack of undetectable textures made it much easier to consume. Anakin was most certainly put at ease.
"Obi-Wan, please, let me help you. No more skipping meals, no more hiding things from me."
"I promise. And, Anakin, thank you."