Part 4: Family

"Good morning, Master."

"Good morning, Anakin." Obi-Wan tossed the greeting offhandedly over his shoulder as he walked down the hall with Mace Windu. Anakin fell into step behind the two Masters.

"Once again, let me say how sorry I am to send you off like this, so soon," Mace was saying. "And to Dipcun, of all places."

Obi-Wan shrugged. "Duty calls, we answer."

The trio emerged onto a landing platform, high above the bustling city. The sudden raucousness made conversation more difficult.

"I will see you soon," Mace said, his voice raised over the wind. "May the Force be with you!"

"And with you as well," Obi-Wan and Anakin both intoned, turning to bow slightly before continuing toward their waiting two-seater.

"I trust you slept well, Padawan?" Obi-Wan called.

Before answering, Anakin glanced over his shoulder, saw the retreating form of the Jedi Council member. "Not really," he said quietly enough that only Obi-Wan could hear him. "I missed you."

Obi-Wan shot a sideways look at his Padawan, but couldn't hide his smile. "I missed you, too."

It only took a minute for the two men to toss their small bags into a storage compartment and climb into the fighter. Another few minutes, and they were clearing the atmosphere of Coruscant. No sooner had Anakin thanked the Atmospheric Traffic Controller and switched off the comm., then they both leaned in at the same moment, their lips meeting in a searing kiss.

"Oh, Master," Anakin gushed as the deep kiss morphed into a rain of smaller ones. "I'm so glad we left the Temple; I don't think I could have kept my hands off of you for another minute."

"It is difficult for me, too," Obi-Wan responded, easing off his nibbling of Anakin's jawline to lean back into his own chair. "But we must control ourselves, on Dipcun as well."

"I know, but at least there I won't have to monitor my thoughts, too." And the Padawan let all his desire and love for his Master well up to the surface, knowing Obi-Wan could sense it. They shared a smile as Obi-Wan did more than just sense it, but mirrored it back ten-fold.

They were quiet as Anakin maneuvered the fighter into one of the waiting hyper-drive rings, programmed their course, and took the ship to light speed. When the stars were streaming prettily outside, the apprentice turned to his Master to find him reclined, with a relaxed smile on his face.

Suddenly Anakin desperately wished these Jedi fighters weren't so damned compact. The arm rests between them would make most…things impractical. He consoled himself with the knowledge that they would have plenty of room and comfort when they got to Dipcun; the last time, all the squabbling factions had fallen over themselves in a futile attempt to sway the Jedi with gifts. If he recalled correctly, one gift had been a basket of scents and oils that they had left behind, unopened. Maybe this time they could find a use for them. But they would still have to think of something else to do until then.

"Tell me about him," Anakin said, choosing the first subject that came to mind. "Qui-Gon. I knew him for such a short time."

The next moment, he was sorry he'd mentioned his Master's Master, for the relaxed look on Obi-Wan's face faded to sadness and longing. Obi-Wan, sensing Anakin's regret, quickly reached out to put a hand on his Padawan's arm.

"That's a wonderful idea, Anakin." Over the years, they hadn't spoken much of the man who had brought them together, and when they had it had been in factual, dry terms. At first Obi-Wan had avoided the subject on purpose, finding it too painful, and too difficult, since he had to hide his true feelings for the man. Eventually Anakin had stopped asking. But now Anakin knew the truth, and Qui- Gon's memory seemed less sharply painful. It occurred to Obi-Wan that it would be good to finally talk about it. "What do you want to know?"

And so they talked, of how Qui-Gon had become Obi-Wan's Master, of their more interesting missions, of the legacy of training practices. But more importantly of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's relationship, the growth of their love, the five anguished years in which they'd hidden it. And of the events of Anakin and Obi-Wan's own first meeting.

"So in some ways he was like a father to you," Anakin observed.

"Yes, just as I have been to you, I suppose," Obi-Wan responded. Then he caught how Anakin's mouth twitched. "I understand there are taboos on many worlds about parent/child sexuality, but it is different for those of us who had no parents."

Another pained twitch of Anakin's lips, and Obi-Wan realized his mistake.

"Tell me about her," he said, his voice quieter, kinder, as he reached out to take his apprentice's hand. "Your mother." Another subject they had rarely touched on, Mace insisting that Anakin's "unnatural" attachment to her be discouraged. He saw now that that had been wrong. "I never got to meet her."

Anakin responded with a wistful smile, gazing out the transparent dome as though he could see Tatooine through it. "What do you want to know?"

And so they talked, of how Shmi had raised her son alone, of their lives as slaves, of their owner, Watto. But more importantly of how difficult it had been for Anakin to leave all that, even if it was for a better life and to fulfill his dream of being a Jedi. And of how much he still missed her.

Obi-Wan was still digesting all he had learned, fitting it into a more complete picture of his Padawan than he'd ever had before, when the ship dropped out of hyperspace. They had arrived at Dipcun.

~~~

It was barely an hour later when they found themselves trudging back to their ship.

"But…they can't do that!" Anakin was protesting, not for the first time. "Just leave the Republic like that! Can they?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "It is called the `Republic' for a reason; we can't make them stay." That said, he was also not very happy about the unexpected, unfriendly greeting, and the news that Dipcun's newest leader had decided to secede. The Council and the Senate would not be happy, either; the Galactic Republic needed to maintain a presence out here on the Rim. It was why so much effort had been expended to try to keep the troublesome Dipcuns happy.

"We must inform the Council." Obi-Wan stopped a few feet from their fighter. "R3, scramble code five to Coruscant, care of the Old Folks' Home." R3 beeped his readiness, and almost immediately, Mace Windu's voice sounded.

"Obi-Wan? How are things going there? We did not expect to hear from you this soon."

"Not well, Master Windu. The new leader refused an audience. He is withdrawing from the Republic."

"Withdrawing?" Mace looked away, thoughtful, and obviously displeased. "I will inform the Chancellor. This must be discussed in the Senate. Until then, I want you to stay there; we may need you at any moment. I don't have to tell you how important our relations with Dipcun are to the Republic."

"With all due respect, he has ordered us off planet, and we have only a fighter, few supplies. We cannot remain indefinitely in orbit."

"Hmmm." Mace sighed. "Then proceed to the nearest suitable planet and await further instructions."

"Yes, Master."

"May the Force be with you."

"And with you."

The link severed, the communications dish rotated back into place as Obi-Wan climbed into his seat.

"It looks like we have a few choices," Anakin said before Obi-Wan could relay the order, having listened carefully. His fingers tapped on the display console, where a miniature map of the local area spun; three planets were lit up. "Parlamel, Vor-Gon IV, or-" His fingers and his voice froze at the same moment, then burst back into sudden life. "Parlamel is closest, but the atmosphere is too nitrous, we'd have to wear breathers. Vor-Gon is a little further, but it is a Republic world, we'd be welcomed."

"And the third option?" Obi-Wan asked gently, his Padawan's distress all too clear to him. "What is it, Anakin? What's wrong?"

"The third option is…Tatooine." Anakin had not been back to the planet of his childhood since Qui-Gon discovered him and made it possible for him to be a Jedi. Without saying it in so many words, the Jedi Council had made it clear that he was not to return, not to seek out his mother. He had managed to abide by that rule, mostly because there had been no opportunity to do otherwise. Until now. For just a moment, Anakin let his eyes drift to his Master's, but he knew the longing was too bright in them and snatched them away.

"How far is it?"

"Not quite as far as Vor-Gon, but-"

"Set course for Tatooine, then," Obi-Wan ordered, keeping his face and voice business-like. When Anakin opened his mouth, he added, "We're only following Council orders."

Anakin smiled then, a smile that came on slowly, but which grew as it found its echo on Obi-Wan's face until it was almost giddy. Turning back to the controls, he applied himself to carry out his Master's orders, not trusting his voice until they were well on their way.

"Do you think she's still…"

"I think we will have ample time to find out," Obi-Wan promised. "But for now, I think we should meditate." They had neglected their meditation the last few days. And Obi-Wan felt he needed to make sure of his own motives before they reached Tatooine.

"Yes, Master," Anakin replied happily, relaxing into his chair and letting his eyes close. Even the prospect of meditation could not dampen the young apprentice's spirits, for once.

So it was a bit confusing when Obi-Wan opened his eyes at the drop to normal space, to find a subdued, pensive Padawan.

"Anakin?"

"Master, I'm…I'm not sure this is a good idea."

Obi-Wan just raised a questioning brow and waited for his Padawan to explain.

"Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the chance you're giving me, but…" The young man sighed, trying to put his fears into words. "If something has happened to her, or if we do find her and… I'm not sure I can leave her again, Master. Maybe it's best to just keep the memories I have."

Obi-Wan stared at his apprentice for a long time. His own meditation had convinced him that he was doing the right thing. His sudden, unexpected even to him, decision had, he thought, been inspired by the Force. It had felt right. But now this. He was doing this for Anakin; surely it was not right to do so against his will. Was it?

"What do you want to do, then?"

"I thought we'd set down here." The apprentice pointed to a small settlement, much smaller than the city Obi-Wan remembered from eight years ago. "Anchorhead. It's so remote the Hutts don't even bother with it. We should be able to find a quiet place to stay there until we are contacted." That it happened to be far away from Mos Espa, he didn't mention. Neither did he heed the hollow feeling in his gut.

"All right." Obi-Wan sat back as Anakin began the landing, watching his apprentice out of the corner of his eye. Just when he had thought he was beginning to understand his Padawan, just when he thought he'd found a way to make him happy… Maybe this had been a mistake. They could have had a nice vacation in a hotel on Vor-Gon while they waited patiently for Dipcun's next round of idiocy. Instead they'd be spending who knew how many days in a hole-in-the- wall on a barren planet, while Anakin moped.

But if their prospects were so bleak, why did something about this seem so right? Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan tried to relax and let the Force guide them. It was not easy.

Anchorhead was as tiny and dingy as he had imagined, Obi-Wan noted as the two Jedi walked into town, having parked their fighter on the outskirts and covered it with a Force-enhanced camouflage sheet. By unspoken agreement, Anakin led the way. Obi-Wan watched him as he conversed in fluid Huttese with various beings, trying to find them some shelter. Though the younger man was still somewhat subdued, his Master could tell he was relaxing. This place, the familiarity of it, was like a balm to him, no matter how much he might deny it.

"This way, Master," Anakin announced after a long conversation with a Bith. "Torino here knows of a place that will cheat us less than most." He smiled amusedly as he gestured the way.

And Obi-Wan was suddenly overwhelmed with love for him. He was so beautiful, with the sunlight glinting in his hair just so. His lips were so kissably full, his eyes so intelligently deep, his shoulders so broad.

"You know, this was a good idea," Obi-Wan said as they began to walk. "This is not a Republic world; no one knows us here." He glanced down at their slight but adequate disguises – both had hidden their lightsabers, removed their belts, and rearranged the way their tunics lay. It had seemed prudent not to ask for any trouble by advertising that they were Jedi. "There is no need to be secretive about…other things." And he took Anakin's hand without missing a stride.

The Padawan faltered for only a moment, his surprise quickly fading into happiness. Such a simple gesture it was, and yet so powerful. He did not let himself think that it might be the only time they could express their love in public; he just enjoyed it while he could.

Maybe he enjoyed it too much, to the exclusion of the world around him. Maybe that was why he was caught so completely by surprise when, as they crossed a street bustling with market traffic, someone called his name.

"Anakin?!"

He turned, his eyes darting over the crowd, his Force-senses roaring back into focus. So he knew even before he saw the caller, who it was.

"Mom!"


Part 5: Reunion

Anakin dropped Obi-Wan's hand and lunged through the passers-by effortlessly. His mother dropped her packages and headed for her son, but she had made it only a few steps when he was sweeping her into his arms.

"Ani. Is it you?"

"I'm here, Mom."

For a timeless moment, they held each other. She shouldn't have recognized him, Shmi realized, this man so far removed from the boy she had known. But she did, unerringly. Her heart knew, just as it had always known she would see him again.

Movement over each of their shoulders brought them out of their full embrace, though they each kept an arm around the other.

"Cliegg," Shmi said to the rough, but kind-looking, man who eyed them as he picked up the last of the packages she had dropped. "This is Anakin." The pride in her voice was incandescent, and it seemed to light understanding in the man's eyes. "Anakin, this is Cliegg Lars," Shmi went on. "My husband." There was undeniable happiness in that declaration, too.

"Your husband?"

Anakin's incredulous question brought a smile to Shmi's lips. "Long story."

"Hello," Obi-Wan's warm voice drew the little group's attention as he stepped up to them.

"Mom, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi. My Master."

"Your Master? But-"

"Long story."

Mother and son looked at each other for another long moment, drinking each other in, until Cliegg's voice brought them back to reality.

"We need to be getting home, Shmi."

"Oh, of course, of course. But Anakin, Master Kenobi, you must come with us, have Evening Meal with us." She seemed to realize suddenly that this might not be possible, though, and pulled her arm away from her son. "Unless you're on urgent business?" Only her eyes betrayed her hopes that they weren't.

"Actually, we were looking for shelter for the night."

"You must stay with us," Cliegg's rusty voice insisted immediately. The look in his wife's eyes when she turned to him told him that he had done the right thing.

"We would be honored," Obi-Wan accepted the invitation before his Padawan could have even a moment of doubt. The look in Anakin's eyes when he turned to his Master told him that he had done the right thing.

"I'll go and retrieve the ship," the Master instructed his Padawan. "You go with your mother. I'll see you soon."

Cliegg took a moment to give him directions, while Anakin and his mother drifted off towards the Lars' skimmer, arm in arm. As he listened, Obi-Wan found himself watching them. He knew in some distant, logical part of his brain that his apprentice was not supposed to have such attachments, but watching Anakin lower his head to hear his mother, while she leaned against him, both obviously thrilled by this unexpected turn of events – it felt perfect.

A short time later, Obi-Wan found himself being led into a below- ground courtyard by an overly talkative droid. The coolness of the shade within was a welcome relief, as was the departure of the droid.

Anakin and Shmi were sitting at a table tucked in a shady alcove. Obi-Wan drew near, then stood uncertainly in the doorway, watching his apprentice interact with his mother, in obvious bliss. After a moment, Shmi noticed him.

"Oh, Master Kenobi, please, come sit with us."

"Thank you," Obi-Wan bowed as he slid into a chair. "But please, call me Obi-Wan."

"If you will call me Shmi."

He smiled his agreement.

"Anakin told me about what happened to Qui-Gon," Shmi said, lowering the smiles on all three faces. "My deepest condolences for your loss. He was a good man."

"Yes, he was. Thank you," Obi-Wan replied automatically, wondering just how much his apprentice had told her.

"And thank you, for enabling my son to become all I ever dreamed." Shmi smiled again, her eyes shining.

"Yes, you should be very proud. I expect he will make Knight very soon."

Anakin, who had been gazing fondly and tolerantly on his mother as she cupped his face in her hands, shifted to stare wide-eyed at his Master. But before he could speak, footsteps sounded on the stairs, and all eyes turned to find a young couple entering.

"Owen, Beru!" Shmi gushed. "You'll never guess who's here!"

As introductions were exchanged, Cliegg entered, carrying a tray laden with food. Soon the six humans were eating and chatting comfortably. In the midst of it, Obi-Wan had a flash of very un- Jedi-like understanding: this was Family.

Afterwards, as the suns dipped toward the horizon and the temperature fell, Shmi showed the two Jedi to a tiny room with a single cot. The walls were lined with shelves covered in spare parts and supplies.

"I'm sorry this is all we have."

"It's fine, Mom, thanks." Anakin kissed his mother's temple one more time before she left. While he was reluctant to let her out of his sight, he was anxious enough to be alone with his Master to overcome it.

"Did you mean it?" the apprentice asked, turning to his Master as soon as the door had closed on his mother.

"Mean what?" Obi-Wan asked, digging his light saber out from its hiding place.

"That I'm almost ready for the Trials."

"Oh, that. Well, I may have a personal bias in the matter," Obi-Wan smiled up at his apprentice from where he sat on the cot, tugging off his boots, "but you are the most gifted Jedi I have ever known. And lately I've seen signs of a growing maturity to match your talents. So, yes, I think you are almost ready."

Anakin listened quietly, then ducked his head to hide the huge smile that burst onto his face at this announcement. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Master."

"I never would have guessed," Obi-Wan deadpanned.

Anakin chuckled. "I have only you to thank, Master. Obi-Wan." Obi- Wan looked up at the change in the tone of his apprentice's voice on that last word, to find Anakin towering over him, his eyes smoldering. "But I don't believe I've thanked you properly today."

Obi-Wan met his apprentice with open arms as, in one smooth motion, Anakin pressed them both to the mattress.

"I want you, Obi-Wan," Anakin breathed against his Master's neck, his hands already working at the thankfully few layers of cloth that stood between them. "Tell me you want me."

"Oh, Anakin, yes," the older man gasped as warm hands reached his skin. His eyes were closed, but the rest of his senses were awash in sensation. Like a coiled snake finally allowed to strike, he felt his desire surge at his Padawan's onslaught. His heart lurched in his chest, his erection sprang to life, his skin began to tingle all over. Memories of their last encounter rose up in his mind's eye, encouraging him, enticing him. He had felt like this just before the flash.

But it was clear this would be no sweet interlude as before. As soon as Anakin heard his Master's acquiescence, he rose up to kneel beside his Master. Twisting his hand in the material of Obi-Wan's trousers, he pulled them off in one swift move. The older man had to hang on to the edge of the cot to keep from being tossed across the room with his pants. Anakin didn't seem to notice; his hands were immediately on the bare skin of his Master's thighs, pushing them apart as he maneuvered himself between them.

"I've been wanting to do this all day," the young Jedi said huskily, as his hands moved up to open his Master's tunic, explore more bared skin. "Thinking about it. About you." While one hand stayed to caress the older man's chest, the other wandered down to the catch of his own trousers.

Obi-wan lay writhing under these brisk, powerful ministrations, captivated by his Padawan, whose eyes stared at his body like a starving man looks at steak. He felt objectified, realized he was merely a conduit for the overflowing happiness his Padawan felt after the day's unexpected events. He was being used.

It wasn't exactly a sacrifice.

Anakin had managed to free his throbbing erection one-handed, and now slid his hand lightly down its length as he aimed the tip at the crux of his Master's legs, which were raising and spreading for him. Just as Obi-Wan was about to, reluctantly, interrupt, Anakin raised his other hand. A moment later, a jug of oil slapped against his palm, swept from its shelf with the Force of his need. His only objection satisfied, Obi-Wan watched eagerly as his Padawan flipped open the cap, and poured out a generous portion.

"Mmmm," the Master sighed as he felt the liquid sliding down his testicles and onward. He followed it up with a gasp as the stream was met and dammed by the blunt head of Anakin's penis, which was then used as an applicator to spread the warm, slick fluid around. And around and around, firmly and thoroughly stimulating every nerve in Obi-Wan's groin. Obi-Wan's hands gave up their firm grasp on the cot in favor of an equally firm hold behind his knees, as he pulled himself as wide open as possible, desperate now.

"Take me, Anakin. Fill me," he whispered, surprised to find himself breathless already. Equally surprising was the ease with which his Padawan fulfilled his needs.

"Oh, yeah," Anakin breathed, as with one smooth stroke he buried himself in his Master's tight passage. If he had looked down, he would have seen Obi-Wan's mouth wide open in a silent, incredulous scream of raw pleasure.

But he didn't look down, so focused was he on the incredible sensations that roared along his skin, up his spine, down his cock. Sweat broke out on his chest and back, the sudden coolness a distinct contrast to the burning heat he felt inside. His lip curled, his eyes closed, his hands sought for purchase, for leverage on Obi-Wan's smooth body. They found it in a firm double grasp of his buttocks, used it to lift that body up to meet him as he pulled almost out and then plunged in again.

Obi-Wan jerked under him so hard that Anakin almost fell over. He had to steady himself against the wall beside the cot, opening his eyes as he did so, meeting Obi-Wan's wide gaze.

It was like a second physical connection was completed between their bodies. Suddenly it was all about their love, as the heretofore quiet Force burst into life around them like fireworks.

"Oh, Obi-Wan, love you."

"Love you, Anakin. Please!"

Anakin's smile was filled with relief and love and desire. Once again he lifted his Master's body to meet him as he thrust in, less roughly this time, but with no less ardor. Even as he did so, he could feel the orgasm gathering inside him, pulsing deep, throbbing as it moved toward release, then bursting out of his cock and into the deep recesses of his Master's body.

Still he continued to thrust, letting his pleasure wash over him in waves, mesmerized by the sight of Obi-Wan writhing in obvious ecstasy beneath him. He stopped only when the thick white streams of his Master's own pleasure subsided.

For a long time they just looked at each other, sharing contented smiles, considering rearranging their bodies so they could kiss but too languid to actually do it. They could feel the Force energy that was the physical embodiment of their love draining slowly away. As it did, the underlying Force currents of the planet were revealed.

Both sensed the danger a moment before they heard the scream.


Part 6: Defense

Anakin made it out the door and into the courtyard first. Obi-Wan emerged just a few seconds later, barefoot but clothed, still working at the fastenings of his tunics. Both Jedi carried their unlit lightsabers.

"Mom, what's going on?" It had definitely been a female voice that screamed, but his mother seemed in good health as Anakin skidded to a stop beside her.

"I don't know, I heard-"

"Tusken Raiders!" Cliegg's voice boomed in the darkness, and Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Shmi turned to see him descending the stairway, his arm around Beru. "They've got Owen."

"That vaporator in the northeast quadrant," Beru explained through breathy sobs, "the one that's always breaking down, its beacon went off again, and we went out to check it, and…" Her voice broke, her face contorting.

"There, there, dear," Shmi soothed, taking her from Cliegg's arms and embracing her. But the older woman's face was stern over the younger woman's shoulder.

"I'll contact the Stolzs and the Priens, get a posse together." Cliegg began to stride off to the comm.

"That'll take too long; he needs help now," Anakin protested. He made a move towards the stairwell.

"You don't know what you're dealing with, boy," Cliegg stopped him with a hand on his chest. "Those Tuskens walk like men, but they're vicious, mindless monsters. We need numbers if we're to have any chance."

Anakin glanced sidelong at his Master, prepared to argue his case. But he didn't have to.

"We'll bring Owen back," Obi-Wan was already saying, stepping past his apprentice and up the stairs. Anakin, a determined look on his face, pushed Cliegg's arm aside to follow his Master.

Shmi and Cliegg shared a worried look and a moment's hesitation, before they, too, were up the stairs.

All that could be seen in the moonless darkness was two smears of light, one blue, one green, moving so fast they were almost unrecognizable as lightsaber blades. After a moment, Shmi's eyes began to adjust to the night, and a mass of moving bodies could be made out around the two Jedi. If she hadn't already known they were Tuskens, the odor wafting on the breeze would have told her.

Beside his wife, Cliegg pointed a blaster at the mass. Though he couldn't see well enough to aim at any particular target, any Tusken would do. But before he could fire, Shmi put a calming hand on his arm.

"No, you might attract their attention to us. See? They're herding them away."

Cliegg honored his wife's request, peering carefully at the mass. It did appear to be moving away from the homestead. For the moment, there seemed to be nothing to do but wait.

Several meters away, Obi-Wan and Anakin walked together, far enough apart to not hit each other, swinging their blades menacingly. Neither had yet touched flesh, as they concentrated on getting the Raiders away from the vulnerable household, and finding Owen.

They both sensed him at the same moment, his Force-aura easy to pick out among the barely-sentient Tuskens. Without a word, they moved to new tasks: Anakin making his way toward his step-brother, as Obi- Wan subtly changed his course to send the Tuskens moving away from both the house and the captive.

The Raiders seemed to realize the change, giving way a little less easily, allowing the swirling blades to come a bit closer. The reaction grew more noticeable as Anakin drew nearer to where Owen lay, unconscious, on the sand beside a vaporator.

Almost, Anakin was thinking as he inched ever-closer to his goal, blade dancing. Go on! Get out of my way! he thought, not bothering to waste his breath on the less-than-human Raiders. Only a single line of Tuskens stood between him and Owen now. One of them, inching backwards, away from the confusing, whirling light, tripped over the young Lars' body.

As he fell, he roared, a roar that was picked up by the cloth- swathed beings all around him, until the entire mob was screaming. The postures of the Raiders Anakin could see in the flashing green light carried new defiance. They must have realized none of them have been hurt. The apprentice wished there was time to ask his Master if he had leave to use his lightsaber to more effect.

"Injure them if you must," he heard Obi-Wan's voice then, as though in answer to his question. He must be facing the same renewed resistance, Anakin thought. And then he was too busy to think.

The blur of green became a needle, striking with surgical swiftness. The green fire licked at an arm, a leg, a torso, each blow calculated to force its victim to fall away from where Owen still lay, oblivious. Soon Anakin's step-brother lay within a circle of wounded Tuskens.

But the young Jedi could not stop fighting to pick him up. The enemy, even the injured, continued to fight, seemingly without fear. Their slow brains seemed to have worked through to an understanding of what the defenders were after, and their reluctance to kill. With foolish courage, they began to surround the two Jedi.

It was their last mistake.

This time it was not his Master's voice he heard, but rather the abrupt end of a Tusken scream that let Anakin know Obi-Wan had decided loss of life was necessary. Still he waited a moment, in the hope that their fallen comrade would finally convince the Raiders to call off their raid. But they seemed not to notice, coming around to Anakin's back so that he was hard pressed to keep them at bay. It was time. He swung, this time without intent to miss.

The single swipe severed limbs and heads and burned deep furrows in the torsos of half a dozen Tuskens. But the change in the tide of the battle was difficult to perceive in the dark, so still they came on. It was only after several more swipes, the bodies and parts piling up around the young Jedi, the stench of burning flesh and cloth heavy in the air, that the remaining Raiders seemed to grasp their loss. A new kind of noise, a hissing sound, grew around Anakin, as the Tuskens relayed their new decision: retreat. Moments later, a dark mass was slinking off across the dunes.

Anakin stood watching them go, making sure this was not a ploy. Then he turned to look at Obi-Wan.

His Master was standing some ten meters away, a mirror image of his Padawan. The Jedi Knight was breathing hard from the exertion of battle, his face resolute. In the light of his still-lit blade, a circle of fallen Tusken Raiders lay still.

Secure in the knowledge that his Master was well, Anakin switched off his `saber and stuffed it in a boot as he bent to gather up Owen. When he stood, his Master was there, his still-lit blade lighting their way.

"Are you alright, Padawan?" Obi-Wan asked, his hand running over Anakin's back and neck as they began to move toward the homestead, Owen slumped in Anakin's arms.

"Yes. You?"

"Fine. And Owen?"

"He's still unconscious, but appears uninjured."

"Good. You fought well back there, Padawan. With great restraint."

Anakin grinned, his teeth reflecting blue from Obi-Wan's blade. "I remember all those lectures about life being sacred, even if I didn't look like I was listening." His face grew more somber as he added, "But thank you for giving me leave to injure them. It was a relief when I heard your voice."

Obi-Wan's brow knitted in confusion. "But I never said-"

"Owen!" Beru's yell warned them just in time to brace for the impact of her body as she flung herself at the unconscious man. Her fingers began a thorough search of his face. "Owen, are you okay? Is he-?"

"He appears uninjured," Obi-Wan reassured the girl. "He may have just been hit on the head."

"We should get him inside," Shmi's voice added. She had come up a few paces behind Beru, holding a lantern aloft. Taking Beru by the shoulder, she urged the younger woman back toward the homestead, the Jedi following.

The women showed Anakin to Owen's room, then Shmi and Anakin left Beru to tend him. Shmi stopped her son just outside the door.

"Thank you, Ani. I don't know what we would have done without you and Obi-Wan."

"It's the least I could do for family," Anakin replied, with a slightly embarrassed grin. "It's so good to see you happy, Mom. It's nice to know that when I have to leave, you'll be taken care of."

"Yes, I am happy here," Shmi said, cupping her son's face in a hand. "You, too, have found happiness, and for that I am thankful."

Anakin's grin grew even broader. "Yes, Obi-Wan is a good Master."

"I think he is more than that."

Startled, Anakin looked up into his mother's smiling, knowing eyes, his own bespeaking worry, and a question.

"If he makes you happy, Anakin, than he makes me happy."

"Thanks, Mom." Anakin, moved by his mother's benediction, pulled her into a long hug, from which they both emerged smiling.

Holding hands, they walked back into the courtyard to find Obi-Wan and Cliegg talking.

"That bunch won't be giving anybody much trouble for a long while, I wager," Cliegg was declaring, in good spirits. "Probably run off when you flash a light at `em!"

Obi-Wan nodded in polite agreement, then turned as his Padawan approached. He couldn't help but grin at his handsome lover, his heart swelling with pride and love. It was only his years of enforced serenity-training that kept him from rushing to take Anakin into his arms and kiss him senseless.

"He's alright!" Beru's voice bounced around the courtyard. Everyone turned to see her leaning out of Owen's door. "Just a few bruises. And he's awake!"

"Wonderful," Shmi said, sighing in relief. With a last squeeze, she let go her son's hand. "Well then, the excitement's over, I suggest we all get some sleep."

"Goodnights" were exchanged for the second time that evening, and everyone dispersed.

Back in their little room once more, Anakin and Obi-Wan began to undress, Anakin smiling mysteriously throughout. Finally, Obi-Wan could not contain his curiosity.

"Is there something you'd like to tell me?"

"What?"

"You seem very smug about something. Come on, out with it."

"Oh. Mom knows."

Obi-Wan's teasing, open expression immediately closed. "You told her?"

"No, she knew," Anakin replied, quelled by the anger in his Master's glare. "Mom's are like that. And don't worry, she approves."

Obi-Wan was about to shoot back that her approval was irrelevant, when he realized that is wasn't. Not to Anakin and, surprisingly, not to himself. His emotions went from angry, to confused, to apologetic. Slowly, he sat down beside Anakin on the bed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I know that being secretive is difficult." To cheer up his Padawan, and himself, he added, "If I am correct, and you are Knighted soon, then we can be bonded openly."

As hoped, Anakin smiled at this, and took his Master's hand, their fingers intertwining. Then a question came into his eyes. "What is it like, being bonded? Because I feel pretty darn bonded to you already." For emphasis, he glanced down at the bed, where the bottle of oil lay amidst the rumpled sheets.

Obi-Wan snorted in amusement. "There is much more to it than physical closeness, though that will still remain. I have no first- hand knowledge, but I understand that in a deep bond, the couple learn to read each other's very thoughts. To be as one in the Force." There was an unmistakable note of longing and reverence in his voice.

To read each other's thoughts, Anakin mused. Was he ready for that sort of intimacy, even with his Master? Suddenly, he remembered something. "Then we are already bonded, Master." At Obi-Wan's dubious look, he reminded the older man. "When we were fighting the Tusken Raiders, I heard you say `Injure them if you must.' But you said-"

"I did not speak during the fighting," Obi-Wan insisted. Then his brows knit as he also remembered something. "But I did think those words."

"Exactly." Anakin leaned back, looking quite smug.

"Merely a one-time occurrence, an artifact of the battle," Obi-Wan argued, although from his expression it was clear he was intrigued. "If we were truly bonded, we would be able to read each other's thoughts at all times."

"Well then, let's test it. What am I thinking right now?" Anakin pressed, narrowing his eyes and staring hard at his Master as though he could join their minds by sheer effort.

To his surprise, Obi-Wan laughed.

"It hardly requires the ability to read your mind to know what you are thinking, my insatiable Padawan," the Master said, easing the tension in the room and causing an ever-so-slightly embarrassed smile to brighten Anakin's face. "But I think we'd best get some sleep. Who knows what tomorrow may bring."

Anakin, still looking excessively pleased, agreed, and the two soon arranged themselves on the little cot. It was so small that they had to lie back to chest, the full length of their bodies pressed against each other. It was wonderful.

"Good night, Obi-Wan," Anakin murmured in his Master's ear as he curled himself around the shorter man.

"Good night, Anakin," Obi-Wan answered, welcoming the closeness with a sigh. Though his Padawan could not it see in the darkness, as he slipped off to sleep a hopeful smile curled the Master's lips.


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