Meditating in the courtyard between his rooms (which were roomy and luxurious to the point it was obscene) and the royal couples provided some comfort. Another mind almost shyly brushed his startling Obi-Wan. When he opened his eyes Anakin was staring down at him sheepishly.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I always wondered what it would be like if I had learned the force. I don't regret my choice," he quickly added, "nevertheless it's part of me."
Anakin hasn't been taunting him then, he truly was interested. "Most don't even know how to touch another mind like you did."
His voice held a note of atonishment that only succeeded in making Anakin smirk as he sat down next to the Jedi. "I've been told I have a natural skill. I'm good at mechics, piloting ships normal humans can't keep up with, I can sense things and I have...I suppose you call them visions."
"I see." Obi-Wan had no idea how to react to this information. It wasn't unheard of for force sensitives to unknowingly use the force.
Suddenly finding his hands intriguing Anakin cleared his throat awkwardly. "I heard Jedi can connect with other minds."
Alarmed Obi-Wan tried to dismiss the notion from fully forming in the younger mans' head. "That can be very invasive, Anakin. The mind is personal and sharing a connection is rather intimate."
Something dark lit Anakins' eyes, his focus was entirely on him making it hard to breathe. Obi-Wan wasn't sure what was going on in his head or if he really wanted to know.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to interrupt."
Following the sound of Padmes' voice Obi-Wan felt his jaw drop when he spotted her. While wearing a robe the rich nightgown highlighted every curve of her body. He wasn't even sure how anyone could get out of bed looking so gorgeous. Closing his mouth he stood up then cleared his throat to greet her properly. Her eyes dipped when he bowed alerting him to the fact his sleep tunic was open enough to expose a good portion of his chest.
"We were just discussing the force, love."
She beamed. "Oh that's good. Ani wanted to be a Jedi when I first met him. Years later we met again and decided to be together instead."
"Best choice I ever made." The kiss they shared was almost chaste yet Obi-Wan felt like an intruder.
"I suppose I should get prepared for the meetings ahead." He only took a step towards his room before Padme called him back.
"In a moment, Obi-Wan. I want to say good morning properly." Once again her lips were upon his and this time he could taste the sweetness. Pulling away she headed back to her room leaving Obi-Wan to wonder if this was some custom he didn't know about. Anakin didn't seem the least bit upset so perhaps it was.
Returning to his rooms Obi-Wan tried to concentrate on the trials ahead. Instead his mind went back to the feel of the Queens' body against his. Prior to becoming a Jedi Obi-Wan had sex with another knight-to-be and enjoyed it. She had become a Jedi as he had and unlike him didn't seem to wonder about the what ifs.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. He was being absurd, even if he wasn't a Jedi Padme was married. He highly doubt she would want someone like him anyway. To be attracted to his hostess was insulting, she would no doubt be outraged to know the Jedi she was trying to befriend was thinking such thoughts. Shame filled him because he did appreciate everything the queen was doing. Padme was being friendly and he was thinking deplorable things like reminiscing about kissing her. It was just a simple kiss...well kisses now.
His lips still tingled.
-----
Preparations were all finished by lunch time and all he could do was wait for negotiations to begin. Padme had made a few suggestions for ways to spend his time while she was away to deal with her daily dealings as queen. Swimming was refreshing in the lake country, Padme had her own private section he could enjoy. Relaxing in the shade Obi-Wan sensed Anakin before he saw him. Something about the other man made his stomach tie in knots, he never knew what Anakin wanted. If he was after a fight or not. He had opened his eyes right when Anakin had spotted him and seen the look of surprise. Obi-Wan scowled wondering if Anakin assumed he was out of shape.
"I--oww!" A branch smacked Anakin in the face when he drew nearer. "Kriffing low hanging branches."
"Or high hanging for me. One of the joys of being short I suppose." Obi-Wan remarked dryly.
Anakin laughed. "I guess it depends on your point of view."
Much like last time he sat uninvited next to the Jedi. They both wore swim pants and Obi-Wan absently noted palace life hadn't made Anakin soft.
"I grew up on a planet with nothing but sand. I hate sand." The statement earned Anakin a bewildered look that clearly said he was crazy. "I mean everything is so smooth here...and wet."
Obi-Wan still had the same disturbed look on his face. Pouting Anakin pondered his next move, things were so much easier with Padme.
"You don't need to keep me company or entertain me. I don't want to take up any of your time."
"I know, I just wanted to be around you. I feel compelled to be with you." The taller mans' face soften when their eyes met.
"Do you mean the force?" It might have been different for him, Obi-Wan didn't feel compelled to be near Anakin. He could simply feel the other man no matter the distance. It was honestly a little alarming.
"Partly. Would you like to go for a swim?" Gesturing towards the lake Anakin had an uncertain look to him.
"No thank you. I swam for some time, I'm perfectly content to be here."
The annoyance on the other mans' face was clear to see. Obi-Wan could also feel the frustration through the force. Water splashed at his ankles when Anakin kicked out in irritation. Responding in kind without a second thought Obi-Wan sent a wave of water over the other man knocking him over. Sputtering Anakin shot an accusing look and if he smirked in return well who could blame him. Much to his dismay Anakin lashed out in kind copying his display.
"I suppose we're both washed up."
Half groaning and half giggling Anakin shook his head. "That was very un-Jedi like of you."
"The wave or the joke?"
"Both." A pleased little grin broke over his face like a little boy being told Life Day had come early. "I've never been able to repeat something I've seen a Jedi do before."
"Yes, that was remarkable."
"You are too."
The Jedi didn't get the chance to wonder the meaning of this remark as Anakin pushed him into the lake. Reaching out with the force Obi-Wan pulled him in too. Anger slipped away at Anakins' laugh, the sound was infectious. By the time they had swam back to their previous spot they were both out of breath from laughing so hard. It was stupid really but Obi-Wan couldn't deny it had been fun.
"Are you just trying to get me to relax?" He had asked once he regained the power of speech. "I assure you I can do that without nearly drowning."
A snicker passed Anakins' lips and his fond look made Obi-Wan feel like they knew each other for years. "Padme tells me I'm not one for subtlety so I thought my intentions would have been obvious."
"Really? I just assumed you were trying to kill me."
Another snort escaped from Anakin, if he wasn't amused Obi-Wan would have been distracted by how undressed and close they were to each other. Their swim pants wet and clinging to their skin. Damp hair pressed against their foreheads as they laid a heartbeat away. "Do you like it here? On Naboo?"
Closing his eyes Obi-Wan smiled,"There are so many beautiful planets. But here? It's so peaceful. If I didn't know better I'd almost swear I was home,"
Licking his lips Anakin drew closer. "It feels right to have you on Naboo, you could stay here."
Eyebrows furrowed but those brilliant eyes remained shut. "Stay? No, I don't belong here. My place is with the order."
Anakins' face contorted. "Your order tells you that but isn't a Jedi supposed to follow the will of the force?"
"Of course."
Hovering over the Jedi Anakin felt his heart racing. "I recall hearing a particular piece of advise about the force. I suppose you would follow it, I know I do."
"What's that?"
"Feel, don't think." Unable to resist a second longer Anakin sealed his lips over Obi-Wans'.
Re: "Between Love and Duty" part 2
"Sorry. I didn't mean to bother you. I always wondered what it would be like if I had learned the force. I don't regret my choice," he quickly added, "nevertheless it's part of me."
Anakin hasn't been taunting him then, he truly was interested. "Most don't even know how to touch another mind like you did."
His voice held a note of atonishment that only succeeded in making Anakin smirk as he sat down next to the Jedi. "I've been told I have a natural skill. I'm good at mechics, piloting ships normal humans can't keep up with, I can sense things and I have...I suppose you call them visions."
"I see." Obi-Wan had no idea how to react to this information. It wasn't unheard of for force sensitives to unknowingly use the force.
Suddenly finding his hands intriguing Anakin cleared his throat awkwardly. "I heard Jedi can connect with other minds."
Alarmed Obi-Wan tried to dismiss the notion from fully forming in the younger mans' head. "That can be very invasive, Anakin. The mind is personal and sharing a connection is rather intimate."
Something dark lit Anakins' eyes, his focus was entirely on him making it hard to breathe. Obi-Wan wasn't sure what was going on in his head or if he really wanted to know.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to interrupt."
Following the sound of Padmes' voice Obi-Wan felt his jaw drop when he spotted her. While wearing a robe the rich nightgown highlighted every curve of her body. He wasn't even sure how anyone could get out of bed looking so gorgeous. Closing his mouth he stood up then cleared his throat to greet her properly. Her eyes dipped when he bowed alerting him to the fact his sleep tunic was open enough to expose a good portion of his chest.
"We were just discussing the force, love."
She beamed. "Oh that's good. Ani wanted to be a Jedi when I first met him. Years later we met again and decided to be together instead."
"Best choice I ever made." The kiss they shared was almost chaste yet Obi-Wan felt like an intruder.
"I suppose I should get prepared for the meetings ahead." He only took a step towards his room before Padme called him back.
"In a moment, Obi-Wan. I want to say good morning properly." Once again her lips were upon his and this time he could taste the sweetness. Pulling away she headed back to her room leaving Obi-Wan to wonder if this was some custom he didn't know about. Anakin didn't seem the least bit upset so perhaps it was.
Returning to his rooms Obi-Wan tried to concentrate on the trials ahead. Instead his mind went back to the feel of the Queens' body against his. Prior to becoming a Jedi Obi-Wan had sex with another knight-to-be and enjoyed it. She had become a Jedi as he had and unlike him didn't seem to wonder about the what ifs.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. He was being absurd, even if he wasn't a Jedi Padme was married. He highly doubt she would want someone like him anyway. To be attracted to his hostess was insulting, she would no doubt be outraged to know the Jedi she was trying to befriend was thinking such thoughts. Shame filled him because he did appreciate everything the queen was doing. Padme was being friendly and he was thinking deplorable things like reminiscing about kissing her. It was just a simple kiss...well kisses now.
His lips still tingled.
-----
Preparations were all finished by lunch time and all he could do was wait for negotiations to begin. Padme had made a few suggestions for ways to spend his time while she was away to deal with her daily dealings as queen. Swimming was refreshing in the lake country, Padme had her own private section he could enjoy. Relaxing in the shade Obi-Wan sensed Anakin before he saw him. Something about the other man made his stomach tie in knots, he never knew what Anakin wanted. If he was after a fight or not. He had opened his eyes right when Anakin had spotted him and seen the look of surprise. Obi-Wan scowled wondering if Anakin assumed he was out of shape.
"I--oww!" A branch smacked Anakin in the face when he drew nearer. "Kriffing low hanging branches."
"Or high hanging for me. One of the joys of being short I suppose." Obi-Wan remarked dryly.
Anakin laughed. "I guess it depends on your point of view."
Much like last time he sat uninvited next to the Jedi. They both wore swim pants and Obi-Wan absently noted palace life hadn't made Anakin soft.
"I grew up on a planet with nothing but sand. I hate sand." The statement earned Anakin a bewildered look that clearly said he was crazy. "I mean everything is so smooth here...and wet."
Obi-Wan still had the same disturbed look on his face. Pouting Anakin pondered his next move, things were so much easier with Padme.
"You don't need to keep me company or entertain me. I don't want to take up any of your time."
"I know, I just wanted to be around you. I feel compelled to be with you." The taller mans' face soften when their eyes met.
"Do you mean the force?" It might have been different for him, Obi-Wan didn't feel compelled to be near Anakin. He could simply feel the other man no matter the distance. It was honestly a little alarming.
"Partly. Would you like to go for a swim?" Gesturing towards the lake Anakin had an uncertain look to him.
"No thank you. I swam for some time, I'm perfectly content to be here."
The annoyance on the other mans' face was clear to see. Obi-Wan could also feel the frustration through the force. Water splashed at his ankles when Anakin kicked out in irritation. Responding in kind without a second thought Obi-Wan sent a wave of water over the other man knocking him over. Sputtering Anakin shot an accusing look and if he smirked in return well who could blame him. Much to his dismay Anakin lashed out in kind copying his display.
"I suppose we're both washed up."
Half groaning and half giggling Anakin shook his head. "That was very un-Jedi like of you."
"The wave or the joke?"
"Both." A pleased little grin broke over his face like a little boy being told Life Day had come early. "I've never been able to repeat something I've seen a Jedi do before."
"Yes, that was remarkable."
"You are too."
The Jedi didn't get the chance to wonder the meaning of this remark as Anakin pushed him into the lake. Reaching out with the force Obi-Wan pulled him in too. Anger slipped away at Anakins' laugh, the sound was infectious. By the time they had swam back to their previous spot they were both out of breath from laughing so hard. It was stupid really but Obi-Wan couldn't deny it had been fun.
"Are you just trying to get me to relax?" He had asked once he regained the power of speech. "I assure you I can do that without nearly drowning."
A snicker passed Anakins' lips and his fond look made Obi-Wan feel like they knew each other for years. "Padme tells me I'm not one for subtlety so I thought my intentions would have been obvious."
"Really? I just assumed you were trying to kill me."
Another snort escaped from Anakin, if he wasn't amused Obi-Wan would have been distracted by how undressed and close they were to each other. Their swim pants wet and clinging to their skin. Damp hair pressed against their foreheads as they laid a heartbeat away. "Do you like it here? On Naboo?"
Closing his eyes Obi-Wan smiled,"There are so many beautiful planets. But here? It's so peaceful. If I didn't know better I'd almost swear I was home,"
Licking his lips Anakin drew closer. "It feels right to have you on Naboo, you could stay here."
Eyebrows furrowed but those brilliant eyes remained shut. "Stay? No, I don't belong here. My place is with the order."
Anakins' face contorted. "Your order tells you that but isn't a Jedi supposed to follow the will of the force?"
"Of course."
Hovering over the Jedi Anakin felt his heart racing. "I recall hearing a particular piece of advise about the force. I suppose you would follow it, I know I do."
"What's that?"
"Feel, don't think." Unable to resist a second longer Anakin sealed his lips over Obi-Wans'.