Dolly's Musings

Luminous Dust 14-16/16 + Epilogue

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 18:57:02 GMT

I haven't dropped off the face of the earth . . . I'm back! I'm so sorry to have kept anyone waiting, I've been too darn busy lately and I hadn't thought anyone was actually reading here, so this poor little journal was what got neglected. ^^; But if by chance you have been waiting for more of Luminous Dust, I hope this makes up for my long absence . . .

Title: Luminous Dust
Author: Dolly (darthdolly)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Timeframe: post RotS AU
Summary: coming soon. maybe! ^^;;
Spoilers: possibly for RotS
Warnings: Contains slash and mentions of mature themes, but nothing explicit.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story What Comes of It, which can be found HERE. So you'll probably want to read that story before you read this one, but you could probably figure this one out even if you don't read it.

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Chapter 14

One moment they were there, and the next they were not. Blinking in surprise, Padmé's heart leaped as she saw that the force shields had been deactivated.

“He did it! They're down,” Padmé called out to Master Windu, who was standing directly in front of the doors that kept their pursuers at bay and wearing a look of calm yet intense concentration. He had never stated what he was doing, but Padmé guessed that he was somehow using the Force to reinforce the doors. “How much longer can you hold up?”

“Not long, but it should be long enough for Kenobi to get back here,” he said in a calm but slightly strained voice, not even turning back to look at her.

Minutes passed; too many minutes. Padmé watched the corridors anxiously, but Obi-Wan did not appear.

“We have to go, now,” Master Windu gritted out. “Or we won't be able to make it at all.”

“But Obi-Wan--” Padmé protested.

“I know, Senator,” the tall Master said regretfully as he turned away from the door, visibly drained. “I know.”

~*~

His bond with Obi-Wan, Anakin had discovered, was far stronger than any training bond they may have had. At first he had worried that he wouldn't be able to find Obi-Wan, but such fears quickly vanished as he had found that all he had to do was stretch out his senses in the Force. Obi-Wan's bright presence shone like a beacon, beckoning him as surely as a drifting ship to a lighthouse.

And now that he had found out where Obi-Wan was, Anakin rather wished that he had though to bring along a part of the Imperial Fleet, instead of just this one cruiser. Though he certainly wouldn't have a problem getting Obi-Wan from a Rebel base by himself, it would have been much more rewarding to see that proper discipline was promptly administered to the base as a whole. But as it was, rescuing Obi-Wan was Anakin's top priority.

As they exited hyperspace to orbit the planet above the base, Anakin's heart ached with anticipation and anxiousness. He could sense Obi-Wan down below; so very close, yet still not close enough. But the presence was muted, somehow, and more so than any depth of sleep could account for.

Frowning, Anakin quickly gave his Captain his orders before stalking off of the Battle Cruiser's bridge and heading for the hanger. The trip down to the planet was short, and he expertly plowed his fighter through the doors of the Rebel Base's hanger. Obviously, they hadn't been expecting any intruders. At least none as brash as him, anyway.

Anakin hopped out of his ship and easily disabled the three lone guards that approached him, ripping their blasters out of their hands and slamming them into the wall with the Force. Not giving them another thought, he took off out of the hanger and down the corridors at a run.

His sense of Obi-Wan's presence increased, but even as his love's warmth rose in his chest he couldn't push down the accompanying sense of danger. His pace quickened as the feeling grew, and it was not long before the warm presence that Anakin sensed coalesced before him at the end of a corridor.

But Obi-Wan was not alone.

Rage swelled in Anakin's chest as he took in his love's form, lying limply in the arms of a uniformed man. Moving silently, and before the man could notice his presence, Anakin swiftly closed the distance between them and drew his lightsaber.

A split second before he ignited it, the man whirled and jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the glowing blade that would have sliced cleanly through the back of his head. If only he hadn't moved. Anakin seethed, grasping the hilt of his weapon tighter and flexing his muscles in anticipation.

The man, who now seemed somewhat familiar, wore a look of shock only in passing. The man looked Anakin up and down, and his features settled into a semi-confident smirk as he seemed to asses the situation to be in his favor. Though Anakin didn't know who he was, he wanted to kill the man right then. And he could. But as he felt the darkness swirl around him at his call, he felt a faint stirring from Obi-Wan and the darkness stilled at his fingertips where it lay in wait.

“You should hesitate, Vader,” the man said smugly, taking Anakin's brief hesitation for something it was not. But Anakin could not deny that the sight of a blaster being pressed to Obi-Wan's side unnerved him. “I could kill your precious consort right now.”

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Anakin asked tightly, unsure of what course of action to take. He wanted to kill this man, to give him pain, so badly . . .

“Who am I?” the man asked disbelievingly. “I can't believe you don't recognize me, Emperor. Or didn't my presentations make an impression on you?” He sneered.

It had to be someone from the negotiations . . . “Captain Malen,” Anakin acknowledged, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the Rebel Captain. “I'm surprised that the Rebellion would kidnap one of their own. But whatever you were planning, its over now. Let him go,” Anakin demanded, his anger returning as Malen jabbed the blaster harder against Obi-Wan's exposed side.

“Over? I think not,” Malen shot back. “Things may not have worked out as I'd planned, but don't think I'm so foolish that I'd give up my ticket to safe passage out of here,” he said, jerking his head to indicate Obi-Wan. “Call off your fleet, Vader, and let me go if you want him to live,” Malen said threateningly.

“What fleet?” Anakin said scornfully, though he was somewhat surprised by the demand since he really hadn't brought his fleet. “I don't need my fleet to deal with the likes of you.”

It would be so simple, so easy. The dark energy of the Force swirled around him, just waiting for Anakin to call upon it to use its power to choke the hated Captain to death. Anakin knew he shouldn't, but he didn't know if he could do anything else. He couldn't not save Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan's eyes opened, slowly then, and locked with Anakin's. Don't give in, he seemed to be pleading with Anakin. You're stronger than that.

Am I?

Anakin didn't get the chance to find out. The vague presences that had been on the periphery of Anakin's senses closed in, and a single blaster shot sliced through the air and went cleanly through Malen's head. The traitorous Captain said not a word, his eyes open and vacant as his grasp on Obi-Wan slackened and he toppled backwards. For a brief moment, Anakin could only stand in shock, still not registering that the decision had been made for him. Shaking himself out of his daze, Anakin practically flew to Obi-Wan's side and wrapped him tightly in his arms. Sensing that Obi-Wan was not badly hurt, Anakin allowed himself to relax slightly.

“Imperial fleet, indeed!” General Radiin bristled, stepping out from around the corner across the hall, blaster in hand. Behind him and from the opposite hall, several other Rebels that Anakin presumed to be Radiin's people poked their heads out to see. “Fool doesn't even recognize our own Rebel fleet!” Radiin shook his head regretfully, toeing the now-still body. “Dead as a Wampa on Tatooine.”

“General Radiin,” Anakin managed, more than slightly surprised to see him here. “I don't know how or why you're here, but your presence certainly is timely,” he said guardedly. The General had only ever been a thorn in his side, but for once Anakin was actually glad to see the obstinate man.

“Thank you,” Obi-Wan spoke up from the safety of Anakin's arms. “Nice save.”

“Think nothing of it, Master Kenobi,” Radiin said gravely. “And as for what I'm doing here, let's just say that my assistant told me about his exchange with a certain Senator. And I couldn't very well leave you lot to all that trouble yourself, now could I?” He said with a grin. Turning to Anakin, he continued, “Though I'm sure you could have handled this yourself.” Radiin looked at him knowingly, and Anakin suddenly felt somewhat guilty, even though he hadn't actually done what he had been contemplating.

“The gesture is still most appreciated,” Anakin said graciously, relieved that Radiin didn't say anything further. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.

“Well I see you're in good hands, Master Kenobi. Now my people and I need to get this rogue base secured. Can't have a rebellion in our ranks now, can we? Your Highness, you can have your ship contact my fleet if there's anything else.” The General gave a short bow – but it was a bow nonetheless – and gestured for his troops to follow him as he headed deeper into the base. “And I'll see you again when we get started on those negotiations!” he threw over his shoulder with a friendly wave.

Anakin looked after the retreating General for a moment, both miffed and bemused. Perhaps they could work something out, after all.

“Thank you for coming for me, Anakin.” Obi-Wan's soft voice brought Anakin's attention to him immediately. “Are you all right?” he asked, looking at Anakin concernedly.

“Am I all right?” Anakin said disbelievingly. “Only you would ask that at a time like this,” he said fondly, still holding Obi-Wan close to him. “Are you hurt?” Anakin raised a hand to Obi-Wan's head, carefully brushing the reddish waves aside to reveal an ugly bruise on his temple. Anakin mentally berated himself for letting his love be injured, and nearly cursed Radiin for killing Malen himself.

Obi-Wan winced slightly and batted Anakin's hand away. “It's nothing,” he said soothingly, sending waves of calm over their bond. “But we have to leave, now. This isn't over yet.”

Chapter 15

“How could she not tell me?” Anakin fumed, looking plaintively at Obi-Wan where he lay. As soon as Obi-Wan had expressed a desire to leave the base, Anakin has whisked him off to his battle cruiser and promptly deposited him in its small medical bay. The nervous looking doctor had quickly examined his head injury and told Anakin to put him to bed, with assurances that he would be fine. Obi-Wan hadn't much cared for the bed part, but Anakin was so glad to have him back that he hadn't even minded the Jedi's complaints.

“Now, Anakin, I'm sure Padmé just didn't have the time. And everything turned out fine,” Obi-Wan said calmly.

“Yes, they escaped and left you there to be caught again,” Anakin shot back, still quite upset that he'd been the last one to know about Obi-Wan's capture. As soon as they'd gotten aboard, Obi-Wan had insisted that Anakin call the Canis to make sure that his would-be rescuers had themselves escaped as well, which of course they had.

“They had no choice, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said in that annoyingly patient voice of his, the one that he used when he knewhe was right. And he probably was, Anakin realized. But that didn't make the matter any less vexing.

“I suppose you're right,” Anakin admitted grudgingly, sitting down beside Obi-Wan on the bed.

“Now, are you ready to listen to me?”

~*~

Finally, Anakin seemed to have calmed down enough to listen to him. Deep down, Obi-Wan hadn't been that surprised that Anakin had come to 'rescue' him, and had been more than a little worried when he'd woken to see Anakin confronting his captor. But even if General Radiin hadn't showed up when he had, Obi-Wan trusted that Anakin could have saved him without calling on the Dark Side for aid. Still, though, he sensed that Anakin was bothered by having been tempted as much as he was.

“What is it you needed to tell me?” Anakin said, dropping his somewhat petulant demeanor and giving Obi-Wan his full attention. “Is it about Malen?” he said, his lips curling upwards in a sneer as he spoke the man's name.

“Malen's dead; I'm hardly worried about him,” Obi-Wan said dryly. “And quite frankly, I don't even think that Malen was the brains behind the whole thing anyway. He wasn't working alone; he had contacts. Imperial contacts, one of which I'm sure is the one who was really in charge.”

“Tell me,” Anakin said tersely.

Obi-Wan quickly told Anakin about the others he had encountered in his captivity at the rogue rebel base, pointing out Jade as a likely candidate and mentioning how Thrawn, one of Anakin's top Admirals, had been present.

“Jade is very strong in the Force, and I sensed her leave before I escaped. I'd guess Thrawn would have gone with her, though, and I know how you keep a close eye on your Admirals,” Obi-Wan began, and Anakin quickly picked up his point.

“That I do,” he said grimly. “Thrawn can't know that I have you back, so he'll come to the Palace on schedule like always. He won't be hard to catch,” Anakin assured him, but then his voice darkened. “And then I'll be able to find this Jade, whoever she is, and see that she pays for what she's done,” he said angrily.

Obi-Wan reached out and placed a hand on Anakin's arm, not even needing their bond to sense the young man's agitation. “Of course, justice will be administered--”

“I'll kill her!” Anakin choked out, knocking Obi-Wan's hand off as he turned away. “She's a threat, to the Empire, and the New Republic, and the Rebels, and . . .” Anakin trailed off, his voice wavering by the end. Obi-Wan couldn't see Anakin's face, but could sense the well of anger and despair that sprang up from within him.

“And?” Obi-Wan prodded, drawing Anakin out.

“I was so worried,” Anakin whispered brokenly. “And angry. I wanted to kill, and I didn't even know who. It didn't matter . . . only you did.” Anakin turned back to look at him then, his eyes pleading and slightly wild. “And you didn't even know, I never told you!” He clenched his fist tightly on his lap. “I've been a fool,” he said bitterly.

Obi-Wan had thought that he knew what was troubling Anakin, but at this point he was fast approaching a state of confusion. But rather than inquire further, he simply lay his hand on Anakin's arm again and waited for the inevitable outpouring.

“I love you too,” Anakin said desperately, turning back towards Obi-Wan and grasping his arm tightly. “But I didn't tell you, you didn't know, and you were gone--”

“Hush, Anakin,” Obi-Wan cut him off gently, reaching up and placing his hand lightly over Anakin's mouth. “You didn't need to tell me; your actions tell more than words ever could,” Obi-Wan reassured Anakin. “Though I am glad to hear it.” He offered Anakin a warm smile, to which Anakin responded by grabbing Obi-Wan's hand away from his mouth and planting a kiss on his palm.

“But I almost did something terrible today. And I still could,” Anakin admitted sadly. “Can you still love me?”

“Always, Anakin, no matter what,” Obi-Wan said emphatically. “I know that there is still darkness in you, but as long as you try your best and overcome it you will still be you.”

“Try?” Anakin echoed doubtfully

“Sometimes, that's all you can do, despite what a certain small green Master might say,” Obi-Wan said with a hint of dry humour. “Try your best, Anakin, and it will be enough. I have faith in you.”

For a moment Anakin just looked at him with an unreadable expression on his face, and had it not been for what he was feeling through their bond Obi-Wan would have been quite worried. As it was, though, he was still quite surprised when Anakin descended on him with a fierce kiss. Obi-Wan wasn't sure how long it lasted, but when he finally broke it he found himself breathless. Anakin now lay on his side next to him on the bed, and was looking at him with wide eyes that burned with emotion.

“Was that enough, Obi-Wan? Or too much?” Anakin said quietly, licking his lips nervously.

“Neither,” Obi-Wan replied honestly. He wanted so much more from Anakin than a mere kiss, and he knew that Anakin wanted more from him as well. But Obi-Wan was not ready, and neither, given this, was Anakin.

Seeming to understand his nebulous feelings, Anakin drew Obi-Wan close to his chest in a light embrace. Obi-Wan relaxed into it, feeling its warmth, and gradually felt the hard contours of Anakin's body lose their tension as well.

“Sleep now,” Anakin said softly, his breath tickling Obi-Wan's cheek. “I'll be here waiting.”

Assured of Anakin's state of mind, Obi-Wan allowed himself to drift. Anakin would still be there, he knew, when he woke.

There was much to be done.

~*~

The Emperor's Consort must have escaped.

This was the only logical explanation for his current situation, and he cursed the Jedi for ever having existed. At this particular moment, though, he would have rather appreciated the presence of the Emperor's Consort. Because unlike the Emperor, his Consort seemed quite calm and rational. But the Emperor was the only other person in the room, and he was clearly Not Happy.

Somehow, he knew that this wasn't going to end well, and belatedly wished that he'd stopped at his apartment rather than the Imperial Palace.

~*~

Jade was not particularly attached to her minions, as she liked to call them. Nor, for that matter, was she particularly attached to anyone, save perhaps one small being. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of regret when she felt a wave of searing agony from Thrawn ripple through the Force. It was but a small ripple, since the man wasn't the slightest bit Force sensitive, but she had been monitoring him carefully. Not carefully enough though, it seemed.

Now, not only had she lost a valuable informant, but Skywalker must surely have found out about her. Because as loyal as Thrawn may have been, she knew that he would have succumbed easily to Skywalker's undoubtedly brutal interrogation and told him everything he knew. And though Thrawn didn't know everything . . . he still knew too much. Everything she had worked for, and what little she held dear, was in danger.

But she wasn't afraid of Skywalker. For all his strengths and his vast power in the Force, his weakness was such that she could defeat him easily; at least, if she handled things just so. And Jade was not one to leave such important factors to chance.

Turning to her nav console, she set in a course for Coruscant and then settled down on the floor to center herself. She would meet Skywalker on her own terms, and would be ready when the time came

Chapter 16

It had been nearly a day since they had returned to Coruscant, and though he'd never particularly liked the Imperial Palace, Anakin was quite glad to be back. More specifically, he was glad to be back with Obi-Wan. For all its shortcomings as a home, the Palace was infallibly secure, and Anakin was relieved to have Obi-Wan safely back in it and away from harm.

Finishing up the rest of the mass of reports that had piled up for him in his absence, Anakin gave a contented sigh and stretched as he rose from his chair. With the swift efficiency of a man with someone waiting for him, Anakin shut off everything in the room and hurried back towards his chambers.

As he traveled down the corridor, a wave of sinister energy flowed towards him in the Force, and Anakin nearly froze in shock. Before he had time to even guess what it could be, he felt an even more unwelcome sensation wash over him: Obi-Wan's pain. Tears nearly sprang to his eyes as he felt the silent cry of anguish from his love across their bond, and he took his lightsaber into his hand and broke into a Force-enhanced run. It wasn't until the door to Obi-Wan's chambers came into view that he even realized where he was going, and he ran in without even knocking or calling out.

Anakin flew through the empty sitting room and straight into the bedroom, expecting to find Obi-Wan and whatever dark thing was hurting him. And find them he did, though the sight that greeted him was anything but expected.

Obi-Wan sat crouched on the floor in a defensive stance, and a tall, leather-clad woman with vibrant red hair stood across from him, brandishing a vibroblade. Fresh crimson blood dripped down Obi-Wan's arm, and Anakin narrowed his eyes in anger. He had no idea how she had gotten in here, but it didn't matter at this point. He had been aching to kill her anyway, and now even more so.

“Jade!” Anakin called out as he burst into the room, intending to distract her and draw her away from Obi-Wan. Because as fine as a swordsman as Obi-Wan was, there was little that he could do against her without a weapon. At the sound of Anakin's voice, both Jade and Obi-Wan looked his way, but he held Jade's attention for less than a second as she whirled back towards Obi-Wan. Taking advantage of the Jedi's momentary lapse in attention, she blasted him back into the wall with a powerful wave of Force energy. Obi-Wan crumpled to the floor, and made only a small motion to get up before stilling completely.

“Obi-Wan!” Anakin cried desperately, before turning a furious gaze on Jade. He wanted to run to Obi-Wan's side right then, but he somehow knew that Jade would not let him. “You'll pay for that, Jade, and everything else you've done,” Anakin threatened, moving closer to her with smooth, measured steps.

Jade only smiled at him, as if to mock him, before dropping her vibroblade. Before it even hit the floor, a bright red blade had sprung to life in her hand in its place. “You are the one who will pay, Skywalker,” she said confidently. “And you owe more than you know.”

With a cry, Anakin lunged at her, aiming his lightsaber for her exposed neck. Jade easily blocked him with her blade, using it to push him off of her. Surprisingly enough, she did not take an offensive position, but Anakin was more than happy to give her something to defend against. He lunged at her continuously, and his blows were firmly met and deflected with each attempt. Tirelessly, he continued, and and the room was silent save for the skidding of boots and the hum of their lightsabers. Anakin grit his teeth in frustration, his ire rising as sweat began to form on this brow. Just who was this woman to challenged him so openly?

“Getting angry, are you?” she tisked, sidestepping yet another blow. “You really shouldn't allow your temper to get the better of you, you know,” she said conversationally. “It is quite telling of your inexperience.”

“My inexperience?” Anakin said incredulously, pausing his attacks momentarily. This woman looked scarcely older than he, and surely had no business calling him, of all people, inexperienced.

“I have been learning the ways of the Force since before I could speak,” she said scornfully, “and am unhampered by Jedi training.”

At this, Anakin lunged towards her again, aiming his blade for her seemingly unprotected midsection. But at the last instant she whirled to the side and yet again deflected his attack with her 'saber. But this time, she pushed back. Anakin leaped backwards and managed to land gracefully, but only just.

“Who are you?” Anakin ground out, directing her a smoldering glare as he stood his ground across from her.

Jade smirked. “I'm not surprised our Master didn't tell you about me. But then, you were just a chance for him; a whim that robbed him of his senses. I begged him not to do it, but he didn't listen. He took you as his apprentice, and you ruined everything,” she hissed, a hint of anger briefly visible through her calm facade. But the moment passed, and her features returned to an impassive state.

For a moment, Anakin simply could not move; nor could he register what he had heard. If what Jade had said was true . . .

Then he had been deceived even further by Palpatine. The Sith Lord had always told him that he was his single, valued apprentice, and Anakin had believed him when he'd said that he didn't have anyone else to help him.

Resentment boiled up inside him and clouded him thoughts, and he rushed blindly at Jade with an inarticulate cry of rage and frustration. Now, he didn't think that he wanted to know why Jade was here; whatever it was, he knew he wouldn't want to hear it. And killing her would be the best way to ensure that he wouldn't have to.

Jade met his attack with a feral grin, her teeth flashing white in the shadows. Their blades locked, forming a vivid red cross, and Jade seemed almost enthusiastic now as she engaged him. Her previous lack of offense had vanished as surely as Anakin's composure.

“Do you feel it, Skywalker? The power is there for you to harness, just as you did before. Or does it frighten you now?” she taunted cruelly.

“I fear nothing, least of all you,” Anakin said tightly as he whirled to block yet another of her strikes. Dark Force energy coalesced at the edge of his consciousness, just as it seemed to swirl around Jade herself. Anakin felt her reach for it with an expert touch; it was a touch that Anakin knew he had as well.

“You fear the Dark Side,” she countered, slashing her 'saber downwards. “And that will be your downfall.”

Perhaps it was true. Jade was strong; maybe too strong for him to defeat with his energies divided as they were between battling Jade and resisting the urge to call the surrounding darkness to his aid.

Don't fight the Dark, Anakin, he could hear Obi-Wan telling him. To truly defeat it, you must instead embrace the Light.

Anakin swung his blade up to meet Jade's with an even stronger blow as he let the Light energy of the Force flow through him. But for an instant, he saw a glimmer of himself in his opponent's eyes.

“No, Jade,” Anakin said in a low voice as he tensed every fiber in his body, “It will be yours.” Focusing his senses on the here and now with perfect clarity, Anakin sprung up into the air and descended on Jade with his blade at his front.

Finally, she fell, as Anakin scored a red gash across her shoulder and side. She dropped to the ground as he landed behind her, and Anakin positioned his red blade against the back of her neck. It would be the last time that he would use it, he promised himself. He would build a new one with Obi-Wan.

“I don't want to kill,” Anakin said harshly. “Live or die?” he asked her, hoping that she would simply surrender. He had been able to keep himself from tapping into the Dark Side, even in the heat of battle . . . but he was not so sure that he was ready to kill now, even though he had wanted to so badly before.

“Live,” Jade said calmly, her breath slightly jagged. She dropped her lightsaber to the floor, and Anakin swiftly called it into his hands with the Force. Satisfied, he tucked it into his belt. Jade's injuries were serious, but she would survive.

“Stand up,” he ordered harshly, taking a step back from her. He could see her stiffen for a moment, but then she slowly rose.

The slowness did not last.

With a speed that Anakin had thought impossible, Jade whipped a blaster around towards his head and her finger closed in on the trigger. Anakin was aware that it was happening; but it was happening too fast, even for him. He didn't even have the time to curse himself for his mercy as he brought his 'saber up with the intent of to deflecting the impending shots back at her.

But an instant before her finger could pull the trigger, Jade suddenly lurched forward with a gasp. The blaster dropped to the floor, and Jade slowly but surely followed it as she crumpled to the floor on her side, breathing raggedly. There, embedded in her back, was her own vibroblade. She had casually dropped it beside Obi-Wan's unconscious form . . . but Obi-Wan had woken up, and had used her abandoned weapon against her to save him.

“Curse you,” she gasped, drawing in a wet sounding breath. And somehow, Anakin didn't think she was talking to him.

“Thank you,” he said to Obi-Wan quietly, leaving the woman where she lay as he moved to help Obi-Wan up. “You didn't have to do that though, I could have . . .” I could have killed her.

“I know, Anakin. I know,” Obi-Wan replied simply, and Anakin knew then that Obi-Wan understood.

A feeling of warmth infused Anakin's spirit as he regarded his almost-Consort, and he knew that it was from Obi-Wan. Anakin nodded gratefully, and as Obi-Wan returned his look Anakin knew that no more needed to be said on the matter.

“You're hurt,”Anakin said worriedly, looking at Obi-Wan's pale face. “I'm taking you to the medics.”

“Don't forget about Jade,” Obi-Wan said softly as they walked over towards her and the door.

Anakin nodded curtly and eased Obi-Wan into a nearby chair before kneeling down beside Jade's still form. “I thought for sure that she was dead,” he said, surprised to feel a pulse beneath his fingers when he checked for one. He turned his head as he spoke to Obi-Wan. “I'll com for the medics to--”

Anakin broke off sharply as a hand reached up and clenched his arm. Wild green eyes looked up at him, and had it not been his robotic arm that she clenched Anakin was sure her grip would've left a bruise. Anakin tried to shake it off, but the hand stayed and with it seemed to come a flow of memories from its owner.

A small redheaded girl, all alone . . .

The cold consolation of an old man's presence . . .

Touching the Force the wrong way for the first time . . .learning to like it . . .

The pain of failure . . . she wasn't enough for him . . .

Betrayal.

Defeat.

A precious, small redheaded girl that couldn't be alone, not again . . .

. . . but a different girl, this time.

“She's . . . mine!” Jade said breathlessly, and the air left her lungs for the last time. Anakin could only stare at her body numbly for a moment, not sure if he could believe what she had somehow showed him. But whether she had meant to do it or not, Anakin could not ignore it.

“What is it?” Obi-Wan asked concernedly.

“Mara,” Anakin breathed. “Jade's daughter.”

~*~

This, Padmé decided, would be a good time for a vacation.

She couldn't even begin to fathom how it had happened, but somehow Anakin and General Radiin had managed to interact with each other in a civil manner for long enough to get all the documents drawn up. And not just any documents, but the ones that contained the provisions for the New Republic.

She watched as Anakin signed them with a small flourish, and the room burst into celebratory applause. And now that certain uncooperative people had been rooted out on both sides, there were far fewer unhappy faces than there would have been before.

Perhaps she would take Bail up on his offer to come visit her on Alderaan. Though she'd only been there once, she recalled that it was a beautiful planet, and surely Bail wouldn't mind some company. The poor man must have been terribly lonely since his wife had died.

The crowd of officers, diplomats, and secretaries gradually flowed out of the meeting hall, and once again Padmé found was surprised to find herself face to face with her former husband. But he wore no falsely charming smile this time, and seemed more interested in whatever he had on his mind than her. Which was good . . . she hoped.

“Congratulations, Your Highness,” Padmé said formally, smiling sincerely. Though it was hard to think of him as an Emperor, she thought it only fitting to show him this courtesy after such an accomplishment.

“Thank you, My Lady,” Anakin replied graciously, reciprocating the gesture. “But please, let's not be so formal.”

“Is there something I can do for you?” Padmé asked, sparing him the requisite chatter. With Obi-Wan still recovering from his injuries, she knew that Anakin wouldn't be here talking to her now if he didn't have something specific and important to say.

“As a matter of fact, there is,” Anakin admitted, and Padmé's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in skepticism as she listened to his request.

But she would do it, of course.

~*~

“She hates us.” Anakin declared glumly, closing the door to the girl's room behind them.

“I would hardly say that, Anakin. She's just upset now, and understandably so.” By some strange act of the Force, before she died Jade had managed to communicate to Anakin that she had a daughter, and where she was. Anakin had immediately decided that the girl would be retrieved and brought to the palace, and had grudgingly agreed with Obi-Wan when he had suggested sending Padmé to do it, since neither of them had been able to go right away. Obi-Wan didn't know what Anakin had been expecting, but the frightened, hostile little six-year-old that Padmé had handed off to them so gladly didn't seem to be it.

“She doesn't hate us,” Obi-Wan assured Anakin as they headed back to Anakin's chambers in the palace. “She doesn't know us well enough for that,” he pointed out.

“I suppose you're right,” Anakin admitted, opening his door for them both to enter. “But I hope she warms up to us eventually . . .” Anakin paused for a moment. “Obi-Wan, I was hoping she could stay here, with us,” he said hesitantly as he sat down beside Obi-Wan on the couch.

“Oh?” Obi-Wan was slightly surprised, as Anakin had never been unusually fond of children. But then, Mara was different; even Obi-Wan could see a bit of Anakin in her.

“'Oh?' Is that all you have to say?” Anakin seemed a bit frustrated, but took in a deep breath that seemed to calm him. “What I mean to say is, can we keep her?”

“Anakin, you're the Emperor of the galaxy,” Obi-Wan said patiently, slightly amused and more than slightly surprised by the question. “Who am I that you should ask my permission for anything?” he asked. “But I think its a fine idea, anyhow. Mara is quite strong in the Force and will need proper guidance and supervision,” Obi-Wan added.

Anakin's mouth opened, and then shut, and then opened again before he finally spoke. “I'm glad you agree,” he said, but he appeared pensive rather than happy at Obi-Wan's words.

Silence ensued for a short stretch of time, but it was more anticipatory than awkward. Anakin clearly had something else to say, and Obi-Wan would simply wait for him. Anakin looked down at his hands, fiddled with his robe, and then finally stilled and looked up.

“You're my Consort,” Anakin began quietly. “I was asking you as my Consort; as my companion who is legally recognized as my equal.” At this, Obi-Wan started slightly, and wondered once again just how much Anakin had granted him when he had modified the original document. “But you never agreed to such a position. I never asked you.”

“Anakin--” Obi-Wan attempted to interject, but Anakin continued on.

“So I'm asking you now,” Anakin said sincerely, capturing Obi-Wan's gaze with his own quietly fierce one. Anakin then moved closer to him, so that they were touching at the hip, and took his hands in his own larger ones. “Will you be my Consort, Obi-Wan? In the truest sense?”

Now this, Obi-Wan had not seen coming. Certainly, he loved Anakin, and Anakin loved him. They both knew it. But this . . . this was still a surprise. But it was a good one, Obi-Wan decided. Looking into the anxious ice-blue eyes of his dear friend, Obi-Wan answered the only way he could.

“Yes, Anakin. I would be honored to be your Consort.” Obi-Wan smiled, and Anakin's expression melted to one of relief and joy.

“It is my honor,” Anakin conceded, bowing his head forward briefly. He was silent for a moment, and then let out a deep breath with a whoosh of air. “You have no idea how long I've been wanting to ask you that,” he admitted, breaking into a grin. “And now that you're truly my Consort, would it be presumptuous to ask if you would care to share my chambers?” Anakin said impishly, his grin turning to a hesitant smile.

Obi-Wan thought this over for a moment, but only just. He and Anakin had lived together in close quarters around the galaxy for years, and despite all that happened Anakin was Anakin again. Obi-Wan had always found his partner's company to be pleasant then, and he suspected that he would still find it to be so.

“Not at all,” Obi-Wan replied graciously. “Though are you sure you won't get tired of me? We do spend a lot of time together already,” Obi-Wan remarked, leaning back against Anakin's shoulder.

“Oh, I can think of plenty of other things to do together, Obi-Wan,” Anakin said with a smirk, looking straight at him.

“Such as?” Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and met Anakin's gaze.

“This,” Anakin tilted Obi-Wan's chin up and gave him a swift, loving kiss. “And this,” Obi-Wan felt Anakin's strong arms snake around his waist, followed by light kisses and nips on his neck.

Then Anakin's hands moved lower. “And--”

“Anakin!” Obi-Wan admonished, pressing his hands against Anakin's chest. Anakin immediately stopped and leaned back, and Obi-Wan could see the beginnings of concern on his face. “I certainly hope I didn't just agree to move into rooms that don't have a bed,” he said pointedly.

“Oh, you'd like to see the bed, would you?” All worry was gone from Anakin's face as he flashed a devilish grin, and in one fast, smooth motion he scooped Obi-Wan up into his arms and started towards the bedroom.

“And what do you think you're doing?” Obi-Wan asked, somewhat miffed by the fact that he was being carried like a child. Not that he really minded going to the bedroom with Anakin, though.

Anakin's steps came to a stop, and he looked down at Obi-Wan intently. “This is different, than before . . .” he said softly. When I forced you.

“I know, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said gently, wrapping his arms around Anakin's neck to show his willingness and submission. “I know.”

Thus it was with great delight that Anakin carried Obi-Wan to the bedroom, where even more delights were to be had.

Epilogue

She was scared again.

Her mother had always told her not to hold onto her fear, and she tried hard to let it go now. But her mother wasn't here now, and her fear wouldn't leave.

She hadn't been scared yesterday, after she'd been here in this big palace for so many tenday. She missed her mother, in a way, but she hadn't been alone. The men that looked after her had been nice.

“Come along, Mara,” came a kind voice from beside her. “It's time to go in now.”

Mara looked up at Obi-Wan and nodded shyly, and then allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the big set of doors. She didn't want to like anyone here, but Obi-Wan was so gentle and calm that she just couldn't not like him. He wasn't at all like her mother though. Her mother felt wild, fierce, and warm in her head, while Obi-Wan's presence was soothing and quietly affectionate.

“Are you ready?” a deeper voice asked, though Mara wasn't sure if Anakin was talking to her or to Obi-Wan.

Anakin was different than Obi-Wan. Her mother had said that name often, and somehow Mara knew that Obi-Wan's Anakin was the same one that her mother had hated so much. Even though Obi-Wan liked Anakin, there was something about the taller man that gave her a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. But she didn't think it was a bad feeling . . .

“Of course we're ready,” Obi-Wan replied calmly, and Mara followed him and Anakin through the doors.

The room they were in was big, tall, and round, and on a raised platform in front of them sat a dark man, a strange looking woman, and a little green creature. There were a few other people sitting off to the side, and they were all dressed in the same brown robes that Obi-Wan always wore and had given her to wear this morning as well.

“Welcome, young Mara. Greet you, I do, on behalf of the Jedi Council,” The little green creature said, giving her a funny smile. “Master Yoda, I am. Know why you are here, do you?”

“I . . .” Mara looked up at Obi-Wan uncertainly, and he gave gave her a nod and smiled down at her. “Yes Master Yoda sir,” she replied. She remembered what Obi-Wan had told her.

“Good, good,” Yoda said approvingly. “Then do this, we will.” He banged his stick to the floor with a small thump and then motioned Anakin to come closer and join them. Anakin looked nervous, which was strange since he always seemed so confident at the palace. But Anakin came closer anyway, and Mara saw him take Obi-Wan's other hand.

“Strong in the Force you are, Mara Jade, and trained in its ways by the Jedi, you will be. Much is there to be undone, but even more is there to be learned.” Yoda had been looking at her, but at that moment he shifted his gaze briefly to Anakin instead. “Grant you the rank of Jedi Padawan, the Council does,” he continued, looking back at her. “Accept this girl as your Padawan do you, Master Kenobi?”

“I do,” Obi-Wan said clearly, squeezing her hand reassuringly. Suddenly, the light feel of Obi-Wan's mind became stronger, and Mara started slightly as she felt a pulse of reassurance and welcoming in her head. It was from him! She looked up at Obi-Wan and saw that he was smiling at her, and she shyly smiled back.

“Thank you, Masters,” Mara said respectfully, and then bowed first to her new Master and then to the other Jedi.

After some more talking Master Yoda dismissed them, and Mara left with her two guardians, one of who was now her Master. She was still a little nervous though, and she was glad that Obi-Wan didn't mind when she held tightly to his hand, something that her mother had never let her do. Anakin was holding Obi-Wan's other hand again, though, which very nearly annoyed her.

“It looks like you have two Padawans now, Master,” Anakin said to Obi-Wan with a smile, and Mara's eyes widened as he kissed Obi-Wan, square on the lips.

Seeing her looking, Anakin looked down at her and gave her a wink so brief that Mara thought she may have imagined it. “You'll get used to it.”

As they left the Temple in their ship, Mara felt a pang of sadness as she looked down at the grand building from the window.

“What's wrong?” Obi-Wan asked gently.

“There's no one there,” she said softly, her gaze still focused on the Temple as it faded into the distance. “It's so empty.”

Obi-Wan lay a hand on her shoulder, but he wasn't the one who replied.

“Give it time, Mara,” Anakin said, his face calmer than she had ever seen it. “The Jedi will return.”

And she knew she could believe him.

The End

And that's it! I'm so sorry for the wait, and thanks for reading anyway if you're still here. :)

Luminous Dust 13/16

Sat, 07 Jan 2006 18:08:57 GMT

Title: Luminous Dust
Author: Dolly (darthdolly)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Timeframe: post RotS AU
Summary: coming soon. maybe! ^^;;
Spoilers: possibly for RotS
Warnings: Contains slash and mentions of mature themes, but nothing explicit.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story What Comes of It, which can be found HERE. So you'll probably want to read that story before you read this one, but you could probably figure this one out even if you don't read it.

Click Here for Previous Chapters

New Chapter:

Chapter 13

"This is it?" Master Windu asked quietly, looking down into the hole that led down into the former Rebel Base on Dantooine.

"It's just where he said it would be," Padmé said affirmatively, peering down beside the tall Master. After spending an inordinate time on the com unit, she had been able to call in several favors 'owed' to her by her fellow Rebels, and Lieutenant Sa'chil, the assistant of General Radiin himself, had finally been able to find her the information that they needed. Apparently, there were quiet rumors of a growing following of a 'New Empire' flitting about the ranks of the Rebellion, and the crafty lieutenant had been able to get this tip for her.

And now here they were, a lone Senator and a Jedi Master, preparing to jump into what was essentially a sewer line in an attempt to rescue their friend.

"Let's get moving then," Master Windu said, and then leaped gracefully down into the darkness below. Padmé hesitated for only a moment before jumping down after him, and landed in the tunnel below with a light splash. A fetid odor wafted up, and Padmé wrinkled her nose in disgust as she found herself calf-deep in the liquidy sludge that was the source of the foul smell. Beside her, on a narrow walkway by the wall, Master Windu extended a hand to her. She accepted it gratefully, despite her less-than-charitable thoughts as she observed his dry, sludge-free lower half. After determining the correct direction to head, the pair walked through the twisting tunnels until they finally came to stop beneath a small hatch.

Padmé watched with appreciation as the hatch floated open, awed by her companion's use of the Force. No matter how often she saw her Jedi friends perform such feats, she never ceased to be amazed by them. Master Windu hoisted her through the hatch, and then followed her up with an impressive leap.

“Nice choice for an entry point,” Master Windu commented quietly, and Padmé wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or not. But, despite the cramped smallness of the water facilities maintenance room, it was deserted and rarely used. And it contained what they needed to find Obi-Wan.

Padmé quickly pulled her comp pad from her belt and hooked it up to the dingey little computer station in the wall, and began digging.

~*~

“It's just a little further down this way,” Padmé whispered as they crawled atop the narrow shelf that lined the top of the base's corridors. The shelves were intended to provide access for repairs, but were also excellent for sneaking around on. It was night here, so the upper parts of the corridor were veiled in shadow and it had been easy enough for them to remain out of view of the few people that they had seen.

“He's close. Very close,” Master Windu murmured back, his brow furrowing slightly. “In fact --”

“Padmé?” came a soft, familiar voice as a shadowy figure turned the corner to meet them nearly head-on.

“Obi-Wan!” Padmé could only gape for a moment at the unexpected but not entirely surprising sight of her lost friend, but then gave him a quick, awkward embrace. “We came to rescue you,” she explained somewhat sheepishly.

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and smiled. “The sentiment is most appreciated,” he assured her lightly. He nodded in recognition towards Master Windu, who did the same in return, and they turned and headed back the way that they had come. They traveled in silence, now, so as not to attract the attention of any passers-by they might encounter, and descended to floor level as they neared their destination.

Upon returning to the entrance to the maintenance section of the base, however, their good fortune came to an end, as Padmé had known it eventually would. The doors between sections were wide open, as they had been earlier. But the span between sections was still utterly impassable.

“Force shields,” Master Windu said simply, observing the shimmering transparent walls that kept them from their escape.

Their ill fortune increased all at once then, as the sound of boots clanging on the metal floor echoed nearby. A lone guard passed by the intersection not more than twenty meters away that led to the dead end that they were now stuck in. At first, the newcomer did not seem to notice them, walking idly by as he sipped his caf. Padmé held her breath for a long moment, hoping that their luck would hold, but it did not. The guard jerked backwards in a double take, his bearing instantly alert as he spotted them and pulled out his com.

Tearing her eyes from the sight of the guard moving towards them, Padmé ran forward and dove for the control panel on the wall in the middle of the corridor. Being a secure facility, the corridors of this Rebel Base had locking doors at intermittent intervals throughout. With a few desperate punches, a pair of thick steel doors slid into place between them and the guard. Beside her, a purple blade sprang to life, and Master Windu quickly and permanently melted the doors shut.

“Good work, Senator,” Master Windu acknowledged calmly. “But that guard will definitely call in backup, and this door won't hold for long.” Even as he spoke, muffled voices could be heard from the other side.

“Maybe I can disable these force shields.” Padmé went straight to the shields' control panel off to the side, but her hopeful efforts soon turned to frustration as she realized that this control system was far beyond her skill to manipulate.

“It's no good,” Obi-Wan shook his head as he peered over her shoulder at the display. “These shields can't even be controlled from this terminal. This one's only for adjusting the frequency and controlling the doors. They'll have to be disabled from a more central location,” he informed them grimly.

“Does it say where one is?” Padmé asked, dismayed.

“No,” Obi-Wan replied heavily. “But I'm sure I've seen one, and I should be able to get to it from here without too much trouble,” he said, gesturing down the darkened corridor to their left.

“Let me go,” Padmé said insistently. They had come all this way to rescue Obi-Wan, and though he was obviously a rather adept escape artist she didn't want to be entirely useless.

Obi-Wan shook his head, and the motion was mimicked to a lesser degree by Master Windu.

“Sorry, Padmé, but I am more experienced at hacking into systems than you are,” Obi-Wan said, the corners of his mouth quirking upwards into a wry smile.

Padmé opened her mouth to protest, or at least volunteer to come along, but she didn't get the chance as Master Windu spoke first.

“He's right. We'll stay here, and try to hold them off as long as we can.”

Obi-Wan nodded, and disappeared around the corner.

~*~

At the time, Obi-Wan had not particularly appreciated being marched around the base trussed up like a prize, but in retrospect he was glad that the walks between rooms had been so long. Seeing as much of the base as he had, then, it had not been hard for him to find his way to a central control panel, and hacking into the system that controlled the security shields had been fairly straightforward.

Having finished his task, Obi-Wan jogged silently back the direction that he had come, hoping that the doors had held for his would-be rescuers. And hoping, as well, that he could avoid any direct encounters with the base guards. With judicious use of the Force, he was able to avoid detection by any uninterested or unalert passers-by. But lacking any weapon, he knew that he would have trouble getting away in the case of direct pursuit.

As he rounded yet another dimly lit corridor, Obi-Wan felt a sudden, intense sense of impending danger, and flattened himself against the wall. Muscles tensed and senses alert, Obi-Wan could make out the sound of someone moving quickly towards his present location from ahead. The sound stopped abruptly, and Obi-Wan cocked his head to the side in consternation. The warning from the Force reached a fever-pitch, and Obi-Wan wished desperately for his lightsaber. Without even turning around, Obi-Wan knew that there was someone behind him.

~*~

Truly, this had to be an act of providence. Not three meters away from him was his ticket to freedom, conveniently waiting for him on his way to the hanger bay.

Captain Malen had been more than slightly concerned when he'd found out that Jade and her pet Admiral had left the base early, without him, and without even telling him. The situation reeked of a set-up of some sort, but he hadn't been able to think of what Jade could possibly have done.

But it hadn't been long before he'd found out. Malen was currently alternating between fury and panic, having been informed, not an hour ago, that Emperor Vader appeared to be on his way here. Of course, there was no way of knowing for certain that he was coming specifically here, but given the Imperial Fleet's proximity and the fact that there was virtually nothing else nearby . . .

And there was of course the matter of Vader's Consort, who had somehow come to be directly in Malen's escape route. In his worrying about what Jade had been up to, Malen had completely forgotten to execute the man. And though he truly would have loved to see him dead for all the trouble he had turned out to be, at this moment Malen was very glad to see him alive.

With this thought in mind, Malen closed in on Kenobi, moving with the swift, deadly grace that had made him such a successful Rebel operative. Though poised for action, the Jedi was not able to avoid the sharp, lightning-quick blow to that Malen delivered to his temple with the blunt end of his weapon.

Malen quickly scooped up the crumpled form of the young man, both surprised and pleased by how easy he was to carry. A brief once-over confirmed that he was still alive, and Malen continued on to the hanger, satisfied.

Because surely, a dead Imperial Consort wouldn't be the least bit useful in keeping an irate Emperor at bay.

----

Getting closer to the end! But the last chapters are pretty long. ^^;; Unfortunately, I'm only on Chapter 3 of my next story (albeit with a prologue), so there will probably be a longer gap then usual between posting times for my stories.

Thanks for reading! ^_^

Luminous Dust 12/16

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 18:52:20 GMT

Luminous Dust 11/16

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 18:56:03 GMT

Luminous Dust 10/16

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 20:07:03 GMT

Luminous Dust 9/16

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 06:33:48 GMT

Luminous Dust 8/16

Sat, 26 Nov 2005 01:43:26 GMT

Title: Luminous Dust
Author: Dolly (darthdolly)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Timeframe: post RotS AU
Summary: coming soon. maybe! ^^;;
Spoilers: possibly for RotS
Warnings: Contains slash and mentions of mature themes, but nothing explicit.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story What Comes of It, which can be found HERE. So you'll probably want to read that story before you read this one, but you could probably figure this one out even if you don't read it.

Click Here for Previous Chapters

New Chapter:

Chapter 8

She entered the room with her usual graceful stride, and Anakin guided his eyes up and down her well-formed figure. Dressed in an elegant pale green gown, Padmé was the picture of feminine beauty.

“Good evening, my lady,” Anakin said cordially, leading her to the long table in the Emperor's personal dining hall.

Padmé nodded in return. “Good evening to you as well, Anakin,” she replied formally.

They seated themselves across from each other, and unable to think of anything to say yet, Anakin simply studied her closely. Seated in the richly upholstered chair and illuminated by the warm lighting, Padmé looked like she could be his Empress in this grand hall. Padmé glanced at him a few times, but then looked away and twisted a finger in her long brown curls for a moment before allowing her hand to drop into her lap.

“I'm glad you accepted my invitation, Padmé,” Anakin said huskily, unable to stand the silence. “I've been wanting to spend some time with you.”

Padmé looked at him curiously. “Did you have something you wanted to talk about?”

“No, not at all,” he said casually. “I just wanted to see you. Is that wrong of me?”

Padmé looked at him strangely for a moment, but remained undaunted. “No, I suppose not,” she said carefully. “It's always nice to visit with a friend,” she stressed. “And its just as well, because I wanted to talk to you.” She cast an almost challenging look his way, and Anakin's sense of confidence faltered slightly. In all his years of knowing this woman, he should have realized that getting her here had been too easy.

He did not allow any of this to reach his face, though, and he replied with smooth confidence, “Did you? That works out well for us both, then.”

“I hope it will work out for all of us,” she said pointedly. She looked as though she was going to say more, but was interrupted by the arrival of their meal. It took the servants several minutes to lay out the lavish spread, and even when they left the silence remained as the pair began their meal.

Anakin knew that he should say something to Padmé, but everything that sprung to his mind seemed shallow and meaningless, even unspoken. But he really needed to do this, and was almost relieved when Padmé finally spoke.

“Do you know why I'm here, “Anakin?” Padmé began, not waiting for an answer. “I'm here because something is obviously wrong.”

“Padmé, I--”

She held up a hand as if to halt him. “Now you can just tell me what it is, or we can draw this out and argue about it, which, though it is something we're quite good at, never seems to get us anywhere,” she said flatly, and then smiled sweetly.

Momentarily struck speechless by the blunt statement, Anakin quickly regained his composure. “Very well, Padmé,” he conceded. “I'm not sure quite what you mean, but I'll be honest with you. I've been feeling rather distanced from . . . others, and I want to spend more time with you. We've grown so far apart, and I'd like to rectify that,” Anakin gave her what he intended to be a charming smile, but by the expression on Padmé's face he didn't think he succeeded.

“Grown apart?” she repeated incredulously. “If what happened to us was growing apart, I'd hate to imagine what a breakup would have been like,” she said scathingly. “This had better not be you wanting to get back together, Anakin, because if it is . . .” she trailed off, her voice low and menacing.

To this, Anakin could offer no reply, and he resisted the urge to squirm under her scrutiny.

Taking his silence for an affirmative, Padmé continued, “Oh, no. Anakin, you are not doing this. You are not shutting out Obi-Wan so you can chase after me again.” She let out a slow breath and pinched the bridge of her nose before looking him in the eyes. “You are. Blast it, Anakin! You know it won't work, so why are you doing this?” A hint of pleading entered her voice towards the end.

Padmé's reaction was disheartening, but Anakin supposed that it was to be expected. Perhaps, if he could only explain it, there would be understanding. “I need this, Padmé. I need someone to be with, and it has to be you,” he told her, willing her to comprehend what he was saying.

“No, Anakin, it doesn't. I know you must love Obi-Wan, or you wouldn't have turned back from the Dark Side -- for him! And do you think that he would've come back if he didn't love you too?” she pointed out.

“Padmé, I can't be with Obi-Wan. Please understand. It wouldn't be fair to him,” Anakin said tightly, his nerves rapidly fraying as he recalled just how much he did not like verbally sparring with this woman.

“And this is? I can't believe you'd do this after all he's done for you, and in such a fragile condition at that,” she said heatedly, while giving Anakin a look that made him want to retreat to under the table.

“Of course it --” It took a moment for all of what Padmé had said to register, and when it did he trailed off abruptly as his heart seemed to stop. “Fragile condition?” he repeated in a near whisper, looking at Padmé with the beginnings of disbelief.

Padmé looked briefly horrified by his reaction, and she slowly drew a hand to her mouth. “I'm sorry,” she said quietly, suddenly subdued. “I just assumed--” she cut off abruptly, much to Anakin's frustration.

“Padmé,” he said warningly, his eyes daring her not to continue.

“It's not my place to tell you,” she said stubbornly. “And besides, I doubt its any of your business anyway if you don't even have the courage to tell him that you love him,” Padmé said huffily. She dabbed delicately at her mouth with her napkin, and then flung it down to the table as she stood. “Thank you for the meal. I believe we're finished here,” she said coolly before turning to leave the dining room. “And I'm sure you have somewhere else you should be,” she threw over her shoulder.

The large double doors shut behind her with a resounding boom that echoed through the immense hall. Gradually, the sound faded to silence, and there was nothing left to keep Anakin from hearing his thoughts.

~*~

“Oh, hello Anakin,” Obi-Wan greeted him, looking genuinely surprised by Anakin's presence at his door. “What brings you here at this hour?”

Glancing surreptitiously at his chrono, it suddenly occurred to Anakin that is was rather late. Obi-Wan, he noticed, was not even fully dressed, wearing only a long flowing robe and lightweight sleep pants. The robe left a sliver of the Jedi's chest exposed, and Anakin felt himself flush with both desire and embarrassment. It certainly wasn't a lot of flesh to be exposed, but compared to what Obi-Wan usually wore it seemed practically scandalous. “I'm sorry if I disturbed you,” he said quietly. “I can come back later.” He turned away, but was halted by a light touch on his shoulder.

“No, it's all right,” Obi-Wan said pleasantly, stepping aside to allow Anakin entry. “It's hardly past dinner. Come in.”

Anakin nodded and entered, following Obi-Wan to the sitting room and joining him on the sofa.

“What brings you here; something on your mind?” Obi-Wan inquired, looking at him searchingly.

“I wanted to see you,” Anakin replied simply. “I haven't spent much time with you lately.”

“I've wondered about that,” Obi-Wan said distantly, and Anakin's heart wrenched at the fleeting look of hurt that crossed Obi-Wan's face. “But I'm glad you came by, actually. I've been meaning to talk you about something, though you've been rather hard to get alone these past few days.”

“Oh?” Anakin couldn't help but feel uneasy as Obi-Wan said this, as it sounded all-too similar to how his encounter with Padmé had begun.

“It's about the Jedi,” Obi-Wan began hesitantly. “They're not all dead, you know,” he said in a subdued voice. “Most of them did not survive, but I do know the whereabouts of a few of them. Now that is is safe, I would like to find them.” Obi-Wan lifted his gaze to meet Anakin's, his eyes both pleading and reassuring.

Jedi. The name brought a host of emotions to Anakin, the least of which not being fear. Though the Jedi were now few in number, he had betrayed them and murdered countless of their kind. Surely, they would hate him; yet there was a part of him that longed for something from them.

He saw that his prolonged silence was doing nothing to reassure Obi-Wan, and Anakin quickly replied, “That would be acceptable.” He inclined his head in agreement. No matter how much he wanted Obi-Wan at his side, he could not deny his love this of all things. “And it will undoubtedly appease the Rebels, if you'll allow me to suggest it during the negotiations,” he said wryly. “I will join you if I can, and send my men with you as well.”

Anakin had hoped to please Obi-Wan, but the other man shook his head. “I already suggested it to General Radiin, actually; and I do believe you're right. But I must go alone, Anakin, or perhaps with only one other. But it can't be you,” he said gently. “The Jedi that I know of are no doubt still in hiding, and may flee if they sense any presence that they may believe to be hostile.” Obi-Wan placed his hand over his, and Anakin instinctively welcomed the touch even as his anger and disbelief mounted.

“No,” Anakin refused, grabbing Obi-Wan's hand tightly. “You can not go alone; I forbid it.”

“Forbid it?” Obi-Wan said in a deceptively calm voice. “Anakin, I have to do this. Please, understand.”

“You can't just go traipsing around the galaxy alone, Obi-Wan,” Anakin said tightly. “Especially in your condition.” He directed a smoldering glare towards Obi-Wan, torn between frustration and anger. Of course, he didn't actually know what was wrong with Obi-Wan, if anything. But hopefully Obi-Wan wouldn't realize this and would give it away.

Sure enough, Obi-Wan's head jerked up and he met Anakin's gaze uncertainly. “My condition?” he echoed. “How . . . ?”

“I know all about it, Obi-Wan,” Anakin lied, fervently hoping that Obi-Wan wouldn't call him on his bluff. “Don't try to hide it from me any more.”

Obi-Wan's features softened, and his lips curved upwards in a regretful smile. “I don't think you do know, Anakin,” he said softly, tearing his hands away from Anakin's and leaning away. “The only way you could know is if Padmé told you, in which case I need to have a talk with her,” he said wryly. “I can't believe I fell for that, though,” he added absently.

“Don't be mad at Padmé, she only let it slip that something was wrong. She didn't tell me what it was,” he confessed.

Obi-Wan let out a soft sigh, then leaned back into the cushions. “I suppose you want to know now, then?” At Anakin's hesitant nod, he continued, “It's nothing serious, really, just chronic,” he said reluctantly, avoiding Anakin's eyes.

Obi-Wan was clearly uncomfortable with the matter. But, after a long moment of uncertain silence, he told Anakin everything. And Anakin listened quietly, not once interrupting, as he struggled to suppress his rising sense of anguish and regret.

“I'm sorry,” he whispered when Obi-Wan had finished, and bowed his head.

“It is not for you to be sorry for,” Obi-Wan said sadly. “Let it rest.”

“Padmé was right, you know,” Anakin said, almost to himself. “I am a coward, when it comes to you.” He gave a humorless laugh. “But I don't want to lose you, Obi-Wan.” His voice hardened. “I can't let you go like this.”

Obi-Wan regarded him with a quiet sense of determination. “You can and you will, Anakin,” he said firmly. “I must do this, for the sake of the Jedi as well as the New Republic. And you know as well as I do that once General Radiin gets to liking an idea he never lets it go,” Obi-Wan added.

“You're far too clever for your own good,” Anakin murmured. “I see that this is of great importance to you, so I will allow it,” he said reluctantly. He wished only to keep Obi-Wan safe at his side, and felt a bad feeling deep in the pit of his stomach at the thought of letting Obi-Wan go now. But he realized that the stubborn Jedi would not be so easily deterred. It would be better, he figured, to let Obi-Wan go than to risk losing him completely. “But please . . . promise me that you will be careful.” He scooted closer to Obi-Wan on the couch, and hesitantly laid his hands on Obi-Wan's shoulders.

To Anakin's utter astonishment, Obi-Wan leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his chest, and rested his cheek against Anakin's chest. “Always,” Obi-Wan said softly, giving Anakin a light squeeze. “Thank you.”

Tentatively, but with a great sense of pleasure, Anakin wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan and returned the embrace. “Only for you, Obi-Wan,” he whispered into the head of red-gold hair, before dropping a light kiss atop it.

The warm, wonderful feel of Obi-Wan in his arms was somewhat dampened by the knowledge that he would have to let him go – but only somewhat.

~*~

And I'm happy to say they I'm almost finished with Chapter 2 of my new story! In a couple of weeks when finals are over I'll have even more time to write. :) I can't wait for break!

And I hope everybody had a nice time shopping today, for those of you in the US that "observe" Black Friday. ;) *sings Jingle Bells*