Star wars part 2

In the weeks that followed, Anakin noticed that Obi-Wan seemed upset with her. Well, perhaps not upset, but he was clearly avoiding her.

Every time they were brought together, Obi-Wan attempted to ignore her, waiting until their encounters were over and acting as if she didn't exist.

Although this behavior was obnoxious, it didn't become a problem until one day Anakin detected someone tampering with their bond — someone attempting to sever it. She could only assume that Obi-Wan had finally sought one of the Jedi mind healers to break their connection.

And as angry as Anakin was at him for the manipulative trick he had played on Yavin, the thought of him purposely trying to sever their bond only enraged her further.

Hours passed, with the bond being relentlessly pulled at and manipulated. Excruciating waves of psionic pain surged with each wrench and twist. Some were so intense that Anakin couldn't help but yell out and stagger, her vision going white. She knew that Obi-Wan was experiencing the same torment.

The pain, thank the Stars, eventually faded, but as expected, the bond remained.

The coolness of the black stone wall provided relief as Anakin leaned against it, her body coated in a sheen of sweat that left her robes clinging to her. Panting heavily, she could sense Obi-Wan's relief and disappointment through their connection. He, too, just as exhausted.

With a frustrated growl, Anakin extended her presence through the bond and brought the two of them together. "What was that all about?" she demanded as soon as she laid eyes on the Jedi.

He stared in surprise at being so abruptly transported to the Sith, but quickly composed himself. "I would think it was quite obvious."

"Your efforts were pointless. Despite all that pain you caused, we're still stuck with each other, you kriffing bastard."

"I had to make an attempt," he replied, crossing his arms.

"Why? Just ignore it. You know, as you've been doing for weeks now," Anakin protested, unable to hide the slight pout on her face.

Briefly, his eyes darted to her lips, but he promptly resumed his argument. "Vader, this bond we share is not natural. It shouldn't exist."

"Well, it does. So deal with it."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath before speaking. "I will continue my efforts to break it."

"No!" she protested. Obi-Wan visibly flinched as her anguish and possessiveness pulsed sharply through their bond.

"Vader—"

"Please." Her voice wavered slightly, and she felt a rush of disgust at her own weakness.

The Jedi tilted his head, his curiosity clear. "Why do you care so much? Why would you want to hold on to this?"

"Because you belong to me!" Anakin snapped.

Obi-Wan's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"

"What, are you deaf, old man? You're mine!" Her voice carried a snarl as she repeated the words.

"I am not yours," Obi-Wan stated firmly.

"Yes. You are," Anakin declared with equal conviction. "And I am yours. We belong to each other. That's why this bond exists."

"No. This bond is an abomination against nature. It shouldn't exist. And I will find a way to break it."

That was like a punch to the gut, but Anakin stood her ground, letting his words fan the flames of her conviction.

"You can keep saying that. Keep trying to break this. But each time, you will fail. This bond cannot be broken."

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed in a subtle challenge. "Are you absolutely certain about that?"

Anakin met his challenge, stalking forward into the Jedi's personal space. "I have never been more certain about anything in my entire life."

Obi-Wan didn't falter, maintaining his unwavering stare at the Sith before him. A fleeting spark of desire crackled through their bond, but it was swiftly brought under control. "I suppose we shall see about that, won't we?"

"I suppose we will," Anakin replied, holding the man's gaze for a moment longer before backing away. In the blink of an eye, she stood alone once more.

~~~~~

After the brief conversation with Vader ended, Obi-Wan found himself whisked away to a council meeting. The primary topic of discussion, naturally, revolved around him and the Sith.

As expected, quite a few members expressed their concerns regarding this unprecedented Force bond.

Despite Obi-Wan's formidable skills, Vader seemed to subvert his strong mental defenses almost effortlessly. And though some council members were uneasy about the possibility of him being compromised, others recognized this bond as an opportunity. They believed that if Obi-Wan could get information from Vader, said information might provide valuable insights into Sidious and could prove instrumental in the ongoing war efforts.

"You could use this attraction the girl has toward you to manipulate her into talking." Mundi suggested.

"You want him to flirt with her?" Kit Fisto questioned, sounding slightly amused.

"It wouldn't be the first time Kenobi, or a member of this council," Mundi gave Fisto a pointed look, "has used such tactics."

The Nautolan grinned widely at that, and Obi-Wan gave a small hum. He couldn't deny that. It would hardly be his first time flirting for information, though he hadn't done so in years.

"As much as I am flattered, I doubt I could fool her."

"Don't sell your charm short, Obi-Wan," Fisto teased lightly.

"That's not what I meant—"

"If there's a chance to learn about Sidious," Eeth Koth interjected, "and who he is, we cannot ignore it."

"Yes, but at Obi-Wan's expense?" Shaak Ti questioned, brow line furrowing.

"I do understand the potential value of gathering information from Vader," Obi-Wan stated, letting his concern enter his voice, "but manipulating her doesn't sit right with me."

In the end, she was simply a misguided girl, albeit a highly powerful one, but still, just a girl all the same.

"Obi-Wan, I think we should consider the bigger picture here." Qui-Gon spoke up, his holo image flickering.

Obi-Wan's gaze shifted to his former master. "I know," he admitted reluctantly. "But it feels like crossing a line."

"No one is suggesting that Kenobi should actually flirt with Vader," Mace said pointedly, sounding about exasperated. "But the Council would like to explore the option of you befriending her and gaining her trust." He made eye contact with Obi-Wan, clearly understanding the difficulty he was facing. "However, the ultimate decision is in your hands."

"Think of it as a necessary sacrifice for the greater good, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon suggested. "Besides, perhaps she is capable of being led back to the light. After all, you claim she is still quite young. Maybe you can guide her."

"True…"

"And we need every advantage we can get against the Sith." Mundi stated firmly.

Obi-Wan took a moment to collect his thoughts before he spoke. "Alright, I'll consider it. But please, let's continue researching ways to break this bond. We can't rely on it forever."

"Rest assured, Obi-Wan," Mace stated. "We won't stop searching for a way to sever this connection."

"But for now, use this opportunity wisely, we will," Yoda spoke up. "And, as Master Jinn said. Lost to darkness, none one truly is."

"Very well." Obi-Wan let out a heavy sigh of resignation. "I'll do what I can."

Hopefully, the potential goods would outweigh the risks of this endeavor. And, maybe, Qui-Gon and Master Yoda were right. Maybe there was still light in Vader. Maybe he could still save her from Sidious. And herself.

~~~~~

Anakin carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of revealing the connection she shared with Obi-Wan to her master. She was uncertain how she would react if he commanded her to kill the Jedi. Obi-Wan was hers, and the mere thought of his death by her hands sent an icy tremor through the Force.

But she needed some sort of answer to this situation, and although she cherished the bond she shared with the Jedi—finally experiencing a sense of ownership over something that was entirely hers and hers alone—even she had to admit that this connection was not normal.

Special, yes. Fated, most likely. But it was still an unprecedented bond, one of which warranted further investigation. And her master was, without a doubt, the best source of information.

Between Sidious' vast collection of Sith artifacts and texts, along with his personal wisdom and knowledge, she knew he would have insight to offer about bonds. And, if she was smart about her approach, she might be able to broach the topic without arousing too much suspicion. Perhaps she could even pass it off as natural curiosity, sparked by something she had come across in her reading of some ancient text or scroll.

Wrapping the Force around her like a shroud, Anakin slipped into the senate building without detection. She made her way to the Chancellor's office and kneeled in front of her master's desk as she waited to be acknowledged.

The chrono on the wall ticked away, each tick gnawing at Anakin's patience and sanity.

After about fifteen minutes, Sidious spoke. "What troubles you, my apprentice?"

"I am in need of your wisdom, my Master."

Sidious gestured for her to stand. "Speak."

Anakin rose and stood straight before the older Sith. "While doing my studies, I came across a certain…subject. One of Force bonds," she explained, choosing her words as carefully as possible. "I understand exerting your will over others through imposed bonds. But there was a section regarding a…special bond. One that simply existed between two Force sensitive beings."

Sidious looked her over sharply. "You are a poor liar, my apprentice," he stated coldly.

Anakin did her best not to visibly flinch at his words. "My apologies, Master, but I'm not sure what you mean. I'm not —"

Lightning flew from her master's fingertips, effectively cutting her off. Anakin clenched her jaw to keep from yelling out as the feeling of agony and dread shook through her body and pierced her very core.

Once the attack ended, Sidious fixed her with an unimpressed stare. "Let's hear the truth now, Lady Vader."

"Y-yes, Master," she panted out, taking a moment to compose herself and push back the lingering sparks of pain. "I…I somehow formed a bond with someone."

"And who might this someone be?"

"A Jedi," Anakin replied, but hesitated to reveal more. She could sense her master's irritation building, though, and quickly blurted out the name. "Kenobi."

Sidious's face twisted in disgust. "Kenobi. I was wondering why you've kept this from me for so long, but now I understand."

"I…I should have told you right away. I know that. My apologies." Anakin ducked her head. "I wanted to try to find a solution to this before seeking you out. I didn't want to waste your time on something that might have been frivolous. But the bond has persisted, and I could not break it."

"Admirable, yet a pointless endeavor. Since the day it was established, I have sensed your growing bond with that Jedi. That's why I asked you to fetch the holocron for me on Yavin 4," he remarked, rising from his seat and making his way to the concealed study adjacent to his office.

Anakin trailed behind her master, standing in the doorway of the study while the older man retrieved the familiar holocron.

Returning, he presented the pyramid-shaped device to Anakin. "Have you heard of a Force Dyad, my apprentice?"

She shook her head. "No, Master."

"The intensity of this Force bond is such that it is believed to be as omnipotent as the essence of life itself, a bond capable of transcending the boundaries of time and space."

Anakin frowned. "Is it forged, or is it fated?"

"It is fated. One soul in two separate bodies."

"One soul in two separate bodies," Anakin repeated lowly, mostly to herself.

The hum of her awe and pleasure in the surrounding Force was something she couldn't contain.

Their bond was special. Fated like she had thought. In the eyes of the Force, they were indivisible, a single entity manifesting as two forms. The sheer brilliance of such a revelation was beyond words.

"The Sith rule of two came from the fabled Dyad," Sidious continued as he opened the holocron, letting the text inside project itself for Anakin to read.

"Thank you, Master." Anakin carefully removed the holocron from Sidious' hand and settled down on one of the lavish chairs in the office's sitting area.

The Dyad, just as Anakin had expected, was truly remarkable. Despite its mysterious nature, the Siths of old recognized the Dyad for its immense power. This unique bond united individuals as one with the Force, offering limitless potential. Some even believed that it granted the ability to overcome death.

However, no one had witnessed a Dyad in countless millennia, rendering all of this theoretical.

Closing the holocron, Anakin rose to her feet and swiftly returned it to its rightful place in the secret study. She returned to her master, finding him once again seated at his desk. "If it is unbreakable, how would you like me to proceed?" she inquired.

Sidious studied her in silence for a moment before responding. "I want you to nurture this bond," he replied, surprising Anakin with his answer.

"You would?"

"This connection to Kenobi could prove very…useful."

Anakin did not care for that word choice. "Of course, Master," she replied reluctantly. "I will…do my best to build our bond."

"Good," Sidious said. "Leave me now. I have a meeting to attend."

Anakin was both confused and relieved to be simply dismissed, having expected to endure the alternative and be forced to play her master's afternoon entertainment.

Hardly one to look a gift orbak in the mouth, though, she bowed her head and quickly made her way from the office. She once more concealed herself with the Force and left the Senate building undetected, mind racing with the new information she had learned.

~~~~~

Three days had passed since the Sith and Jedi last crossed paths. Obi-Wan was deep in meditation when he opened his eyes and found himself staring up at a familiar blonde figure before him. With a sigh, he greeted, "Hello again, Vader. It seems this meeting is on me this time. My apologies."

"So much for that shower." Anakin responded, pulling her tunic back down.

"Feel free to continue undressing. I won't interrupt," Obi-Wan nonchalantly remarked as he rose to his feet.

Anakin, her arms crossed, took a few steps back from the Jedi and huffed, "I'm the last person you want to see undressed. You made that perfectly clear."

Obi-Wan frowned, "What do you- oh," It suddenly dawned on him why she felt so irritable. "You can't possibly still be upset about that?"

Vader made an indignant sound, her glare fixed on him. "Am I still upset that you used me, ignored me, and then told me you didn't want me? Yes, I think I am," she spat.

"And I'd like to apologize, at least for some of that," Obi-Wan stated. And it was true. He wanted to make amends. That, and having Vader harbor a grudge would hardly be conducive to gaining her trust moving forward. "The tactic I used on Yavin was cruel, and the words I said a few days ago were…more calloused than need be. I'm sure you can understand this has been a very strange and stressful situation on top of everything else going on."

With an eye roll, Vader took a seat on her bed. "Oh, of course," she retorted. "Because you're the only one burdened with stress."

Can't she simply accept the apology?

"And what, pray tell, has you so stressed?" Obi-Wan questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Besides the war I've been tasked with participating in? Well, I do have a Master I need to serve and keep pleased."

There was a pregnant pause before Obi-Wan walked to her bed, settling down beside her. He glanced around her room, catching glimpses of it here and there. A sign of a strengthening bond, he presumed. Despite the cluttered appearance, he found the room to be devoid of Vader's touch, and lacking much in the way of any personality.

There was a moment of silence as he carefully chose his words, opting for a different approach. "You must be quite lonely," he remarked.

She quirked her head. "What do you mean?"

"Well, based on what I've gathered, the Sith aren't particularly known for their kindness towards one another. I can't imagine you had many opportunities to interact with others aside from your Master."

"No, not really," she mumbled, her gaze shifting downwards towards her lap. "My Master took me in as his apprentice when I was just eight. He was the only person I had known for many years. And even then, I didn't get to see him very often."

"I'm…I'm sorry to hear that." Having been raised in the Temple, Obi-Wan couldn't fathom that extent of isolation at such a young age. He had always been surrounded by others, immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with life and joy. Surrounded by profound love and an all-encompassing warmth in the Force.

Stars. He wasn't sure he could comprehend just how intensely lonely she must have felt growing up.

"You have nothing to apologize for," she asserted. "My training has made me strong."

"Yes, I suppose that's what you believe," Obi-Wan said softly. "The Sith philosophy always emphasizes suffering as the foundation of strength."

"Of course, your pain makes you strong," Vader deadpanned, idly toying with a loose string on her tunic.

"You'll have to excuse my skepticism," he remarked.

"Believe whatever you wish, Jedi."

Obi-Wan let out a small sigh, deciding to change the topic. "So, you've been training since you were eight?"

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Where were you born?" he inquired.

"I…I don't remember. My mother mentioned it once, but it was a long time ago," she trailed off, an overwhelming sense of sorrow and longing thick in the Force.

Obi-Wan instinctively sent her a gentle trickle of calm through their bond. "Your mother?"

Vader tensed at the sensation. "Don't do that," she grumbled.

"Apologies."

She shifted away from him. "You should try to leave," she said, her voice tinged with a touch of exhaustion. "I know you don't want to be here."

"It's not like I have anything better to do, seeing that I am on Coruscant for the time being," Obi-Wan replied, his gaze scanning her figure. "Unless you had plans, I'm intruding on."

"No. Besides a shower that is. I just got back from a mission."

"What was the mission? Should I be worried, dear?"

Vader shook her head, strands of her golden hair catching in the faint light of her room. "Nothing that concerns the war," she assured him.

Crossing his legs, Obi-Wan reclined back on his hands. He felt completely at ease in her presence, much to his surprise. Or maybe not. He had been seeing her for months now. "Ah, so something for your Master, then," he mused.

"More of a personal endeavor. Something for myself," she replied. "Really, it's nothing you need to be worried about."

"Alright," Obi-Wan said, the warped space between falling silent for a moment. "Have you discovered anything new about our bond?"

He waited, the air growing still. He could sense Vader's internal struggle, her emotions flickering across her pretty, soft features. The faint hum of his room's ventilation system filled the silence.

"Have you?" she finally asked him rather than reply.

"No." Obi-Wan arched a brow. "But it seems like you know something."

"I'm…I'm not sure if I can say what I know," she hesitated.

"Because of your Master?" Obi-Wan inquired.

"I really don't need to suffer more punishment," she grumbled, getting to her feet.

He sat up straight once more. "And how often does your Master punish you, Vader?"

"Only when I fail or displease him," she replied.

A vague answer that, honestly, spoke volumes. "And what does the punishment involve?"

Vader gave a subtle shrug. "Honestly, it depends on his mood."

"I don't understand why you would choose to stay," Obi-Wan said and shook his head. "But I suppose you had little choice in this arrangement."

"I am loyal to my Master," she asserted, sounding as automated as any Separatist droid. "I will stay by his side for as long as he wants me."

"But you don't have to. You could leave."

He received a perplexed look from the young woman. "Why would I?"

Obi-Wan met her gaze. "Why would you want to stay? As far as I was aware, aren't Sith constantly seeking opportunities to outdo and betray one another?"

"I plan on disposing of Dooku," she replied, as if that answered his question. "As soon as he's done serving his purpose in my Master's plans, that is." Her fingers seemed to instinctively brush against her prosthetic hand. "I hate that man."

Obi-Wan's eyes followed her movements, his gaze lingering. "He's the one that took your arm." It was a statement, not a question. "How long have you had the prosthetic?"

"A few years now. I was sixteen, I think, when I lost it," she recalled, brows furrowing as she spoke. "It was during our first meeting. Dooku didn't take too kindly to my Master having a second, secret apprentice. So, he challenged me and, as you can see, he got the advantage." She held up her arm in emphasis, bitterness seeping through their bond.

"But you survived," Obi-Wan acknowledged softly.

"Only because he wasn't allowed to kill me," Vader bit out before her lips pursed together it that familiar pout of hers. Always such an adorable sight. "I'm stronger now, though. I could kill him. If only given the opportunity to."

"I assume your Master has instructed you not to kill him, then."

"You caught on to that, did you?"

Obi-Wan scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Yes, I do apologize for not being overly familiar with Sith hierarchy and rules. But you see, the creche didn't provide any courses on Sith culture."

"You didn't miss much," she drawled. "Everyone is obnoxious and hates each other."

"Sounds exhausting."

"Oh, it is."

"Jedi are above that level of pettiness," Obi-Wan declared with faux haughtiness.

She let out a snort of amusement. "Oh, I'm sure they are."

"Yes, in fact, I've only dealt with a minimal level of pettiness since I became a Master," Obi-Wan teased.

"Only minimal, huh?"

"Oh yes, it's very refreshing."

That garnered a smile from her, one that Obi-Wan was happy to reciprocate. "Ah, well, lucky you then, Master Jedi," she stated with a huff of laughter.

"You have a lovely smile, my dear."

In an instant Vader became flustered, face growing flushed as she averted her gaze. "I, uh…you-you do too."

"Why thank you, dearest," Obi-Wan chuckled and stood. "I suppose I should leave you to that shower I rudely interrupted."

"I won't be long," Vader said in a rush, her complete attention back on him. "You-you could stay. If you wanted to."

"Why don't I eat my evening meal and then return?" he suggested. "Thirty minutes tops."

"You promise you'll return?"

The intensity of her hope and longing was almost staggering, but it was also undeniably endearing. It would have been impossible for Obi-Wan to resist her at that moment. Even if he had wanted to.

His smile was gentle as he looked at the beautiful young woman in front of him, a hint of tenderness finding his eyes. "I promise."

She gave a little approving nod. "Then I will see you soon. Enjoy your meal."

Obi-Wan felt a surge of…something, a something he was afraid to name, as he watched her turn as scurry off to her fresher. It was something he had not felt in a very long time. She flickered from sight, leaving him alone in his room with a strange pang of separation in his chest. And an excitement at knowing he would see her again soon. 

*****

Once she was alone in the fresher, Anakin stripped herself of her clothes and headed for the shower. She was thrumming with an anxious energy that she was coming to associate with Obi-Wan. Every encounter always left her wanting more. More of his time. His words. His smiles. His everything.

She used the shower to help alleviate some of her pent-up energy. Shutting her eyes and letting the stream of water cascade over her, she lowered her hand. Instead of long, slender fingers, she imagined thick, calloused fingers dragging through her folds, teasing her clit just so with deliberate circles and pinches. She tried to imagine a broad body pressed against her from behind, the tickle of rough chest hair against her smooth skin, that (what she was sure to be) magnificent cock now free of its confines and pressed against her ass.

Her soft moans filled the air, echoing in the steam-filled fresher, as her fingers skillfully danced across her sensitive bundle of nerves. Each deliberate touch sent waves of pleasure pulsating through her body.

Lost in her fantasy, she envisioned a firm hand gripping her hip with bruising strength, pulling her closer as the head of a cock found her dripping entrance. Sadly, in lieu of this cock, her mechanical hand slipped down, pressing three fingers into her needy cunt. They slipped in with embarrassing ease, something she imagined a breathless Coruscanti accent teasing her about.

How aroused she was even in the shower, how much she wanted him, needed him in her.

She pumped her fingers in time with her other fingers ministrations, before she curled them, finding her pleasure spot and keening as she did.

Her body tensed, trembling as she focused on the sensations coursing through her. With each stroke and pump of her fingers, her pleasure intensified, igniting her body with white-hot jolts of bliss.

As her climax approached, her moans grew more urgent, blending with the rhythmic sound of water splashing against the black stone walls. In that moment, she allowed herself to surrender completely to the overwhelming sensation, her cunt fluttering around her fingers as her body convulsed with the intensity of her orgasm.

She braced herself with her flesh hand against the stone until finally the rush of ecstasy subsided, leaving her standing under the shower, breathless and content.

A smile on her face, Anakin turned off the water, grabbing a towel and leisurely drying herself off.

Returning to her bedroom, Anakin changed into a pair of soft black pants and a matching button-up tunic, purposely leaving it partially unbuttoned to give Obi-Wan a view of her stomach and tits.

She waited impatiently, watching the minutes tick by on the chrono before Obi-Wan reappeared in the center of her room.

"Hello there," he greeted with his usual cheeky smile, eyes sparkling with warmth.

Anakin reciprocated the smile. "Hello, Obi-Wan."

"Nice shower?" he asked, his gaze flicking downward and not-so-subtly lingering on her cleavage.

"Yes, very relaxing," she replied as she stretched her arms overhead, accentuating her 'assets' for him. "Pleasant meal?"

"Quite," he responded, moving to sit at the edge of the bed. "Though the refractory hasn't been as lively since the war started."

"Oh." Her arms fell. "Yes, I…can imagine it's been very quiet since all you Jedi went off to war," Anakin stated, her attempt at empathy mirroring the compassion Obi-Wan had shown her earlier.

Obi-Wan nodded slightly, his sorrow and grief emanating through their bond. "Unfortunately, yes."

Anakin frowned, disliking the idea of having upset Obi-Wan. She straightened up, and tried to reciprocate Obi-Wan's earlier gesture, sharing her own contentment with him.

Obi-Wan gasped softly, the unfamiliar sensation of another's emotions intertwining with his own, clearly catching him off guard. "Yes, I see why you didn't like me doing that earlier. That feels very odd."

"Did you want me to stop?" Anakin asked, her voice trembling slightly. This was all so new for her, this type of intimacy with another being. She didn't want to mess it up.

"Just lighten up a bit," Obi-Wan replied, sounding so calm, so certain. "You're a little forceful."

"Sorry," she mumbled. She did not know how to control the level of comfort she was sharing and just retracted her emotional influence completely.

"It might take a little bit of practice, dear," Obi-Wan said, but as soon as the words were out of his mouth, their bond was buzzing with hesitation.

"Right, of course." She sighed, the sound barely audible as it fled her lips. "I was wondering when those Jedi morals would catch up."

"No, Vader, it's not at all like that. I assure you. It's…" he paused for a moment. "Yes, well, though I shouldn't be encouraging this, it's obvious at this point that I can't avoid the truth for much longer. This is not about to go away anytime soon. Therefore, we might as well embrace it. Figure out how to navigate this bond and make the most of it together."

"It won't go away," Anakin said softly.

Obi-Wan frowned at her in confusion. "What?"

"I won't go away," she repeated, more firmly this time.

"Planning on sharing?"

Her knees pulled to her chest, Anakin furrowed her brow, taking a moment to weigh her options. The room felt heavy, as if time itself waited for her choice. "I…shouldn't. Not without permission, but," She took in a deep breath, consciously aware of the air filling her lungs. "You deserve to know."

Obi-Wan moved closer to her, the Force purring eagerly between them as he did. "Will you be in danger if you tell me?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

Anakin shook her head. "Only if he discovers that I've revealed it…but I don't think he will."

"You needn't tell me directly," Obi-Wan suggested. "Just point me in the right direction for my research."

Anakin frowned. "I doubt you'll find anything about it. It's a Sith legend."

"A Sith legend? Well, that's a start," Obi-Wan murmured, absentmindedly stroking his beard. "We have a multitude of Sith legends in our archives."

Gathering her courage, Anakin took a deep breath and made her decision. "It's called a Force Dyad."

The bond between them seemed to shift with a hint of concern as the Jedi furrowed his brow. "A Force Dyad?" he repeated, his curiosity piqued.

Anakin nodded, her chin resting on her knees. She proceeded to share everything she had learned about the Dyad from the holocron, recounting the details to Obi-Wan with utmost care.

Obi-Wan sat in silent contemplation, absorbing the information she revealed to him. He remained so still that for a moment Anakin wondered if he had vanished, but he was still there, processing it all.

Finally, breaking the silence, the Jedi spoke. "That's…all quite extraordinary. Unbelievably so."

Anakin raised her eyebrows. "What makes it so unbelievable?"

"A mythical bond in the Force, powerful enough to prevent death itself? I've never come across anything like it before. It sounds like something out of a fantasy."

"Defying death might be a fantasy for the Sith," Anakin replied. "But the bond itself is undeniably real. Obviously."

Obi-Wan resumed stroking his beard as he pondered. "So, theoretically, if one of us were to die, the other could bring them back to life?"

"In theory, yes." Anakin wasn't sure she liked where he was going with this.

"I must admit, I have such a morbid curiosity."

Anakin scowled, eyes narrowed at the man. "Don't you dare try to kill yourself, Obi-Wan."

"I mean, I had no intention of trying anything beyond what a week in a bacta tank could fix," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"No," she practically growled. "I'm not letting you hurt yourself."

Obi-Wan sighed. "You're right. That would be foolishly reckless of me. I still have so much to do during my temporary leave…by any chance, are you busy?"

Anakin stared at him, briefly perplexed by the enigma that was Obi-Wan Kenobi. He was such an odd man, plotting his almost death one moment, and asking about her evening plans the next. She would have surely cut the conversation short if he hadn't been so damn attractive and charming.

"Am I busy?" She glanced down at her casually dressed state, lounging on her bed, before raising an eyebrow at him. "What do you think?"

"Wonderful. Then we can test it out," he replied.

"I-what?" Test? What test? Had she missed a conversation somewhere?

"Well, we can try a few other things first and work up to that," Obi-Wan continued, presumably to himself, and Anakin could feel the electric zing of eagerness from the Jedi.

Yes, clearly, she had missed something - an entire inner dialogue that Obi-Wan was having with himself.

She shifted away from him slightly, pulling her legs in closer to her. It was unsettling how enthusiastically she was being offered up as a test subject. Force, Obi-Wan was so kriffing strange.

"Oh, come now, Vader," he gently chided. "It won't be anything dangerous…in fact, let's start slow, perhaps with some touching."

"Touching?" She perked up with interest. "I like the sound of that."

Obi-Wan shifted his position, sitting on the bed across from Anakin, legs crossed. "Raise your hand."

Anakin followed his instructions, releasing her legs and raising her flesh hand, palm facing the Jedi. "What now?"

Obi-Wan raised his hand and reached out towards Anakin's. "I believe that with enough focus, we can establish physical contact with each other," he stated in a rather confident tone.

Their hands drew closer, Obi-Wan setting the pace. He kept their movements unhurried, and Anakin sensed a faint, contented hum in the Force. A warm tingling sensation enveloped them as their energies steadily intertwined in a delicate, unseen dance.

Obi-Wan made a surprised huff, his eyebrows knitting together in wonder. "That's…quite a pleasant feeling," he remarked, the corners of her eyes crinkling with delight.

Anakin hummed her agreement, her lips curling into a small smile. Their gradual journey continued, their fingers edging towards each other until they finally intertwined. In that moment, time seemed to still and the Force burst with a pulse of energy at the connection.

Feeling the warmth of the other's hand beneath her fingertips, Anakin tightened her grip ever so slightly. She exhaled softly, her gaze fixated on their joined hands, and a sense of wonder enveloping her.

"Amazing," Obi-Wan said, expressing what she felt. His eyes found hers. "Well done, dear."

Anakin emitted another contented hum at the compliment, but the Obi-Wan withdrew his hand and the Force's joyous buzzing ceased.

She leaned forward and reached out for Obi-Wan's hand, already missing the contact. "Wait. Don't stop."

"Well, since you asked so nicely," the Jedi teased, reaching out to take Anakin's hand once more in his. The motion was swift and seamless, lacking any hesitation. He delicately intertwined their fingers, caressed his thumb along the back of her knuckle.

Anakin's smile returned, and she carefully adjusted her position to sit cross-legged, making sure not to let go of Obi-Wan's hand in the process.

"It's an odd sensation," Obi-Wan pondered.

"Strange, but pleasant," Anakin softly affirmed, echoing Obi-Wan's earlier sentiment.

He smiled. "Indeed."

With caution, she pulled their joined hands closer to her. She could sense Obi-Wan's slight hesitation, yet he didn't resist; his curiosity had been piqued. As she gently untangled their fingers, she leaned in, gripping Obi-Wan's wrist and guiding his hand upwards, placing it against her cheek.

Her eyelashes fluttered shut as he pressed his palm firmer to her soft skin. It sent a shiver of pleasure through her body, and she relished the warmth that radiated from his touch.

"Oh," Obi-Wan murmured, his voice carrying a subtle smile. He let his fingers glide across the contours of her face, leaving a trail of tingling sensations in their wake. Moving his hand downwards, his thumb delicately traced along the curve of her mouth.

As his thumb met her full lips, they yielded slightly, offering a tender press against his touch, akin to a feather-light kiss.

"I didn't say it before. But you're a wonderful kisser, my dear."

Anakin's eyes fluttered open, curiosity sparking within her. "Am I?"

A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "There is some room for improvements, but it was undeniably a very pleasant experience."

"Well," Anakin aimed to match his playful tone, "I am up for some practice, if you're offering." She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against the calloused pad of the Obi-Wan's thumb in another fleeting kiss.

"Preferably without you using it as a distraction," she added. She tried to sound flippant, but her words carried a hint of bitterness, a bitterness that she couldn't quite conceal. The space between suddenly seemed to hold its breath for a moment, the silence interrupted only by the gentle rhythm of their breathing.

But then a chuckle escaped the Jedi's lips, breaking the tension. "You must admit," he said, "it was an excellent distraction."

Anakin let out a small huff, her frustration and amusement intertwining. "One you've used before, I imagine?"

"Only a handful of times, actually," he confessed, "but never with such a talented partner."

Anakin felt a surge of pride at the words, a small warmth spreading through her. But, alongside this pride, the usual doubt crept in, immediately overshadowed her joy and replacing it completely.

She withdrew some from the man's touch. "Don't patronize me."

"Hardly," Obi-Wan replied and moved a little closer to her. "It's a compliment, Vader. Take it as such."

"I rarely hear compliments. If ever. So, you can imagine my—"

Obi-Wan interrupted, "Then I will give them to you as often as I can."

Anakin averted her gaze and pushed away her negative thoughts. "You were also quite good," she said, feeling a blush rising in her cheeks. "At kissing, I mean."

Obi-Wan laughed and removed his hand from Anakin's face. "Thank you, dear. But I do have a few more years of experience than you."

A scoff escaped her lips as she rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you do."

"I am sixteen years your elder."

"Mm, yes," Anakin drawled, "that, and more than attractive enough to warrant that kind of attention."

"Do you think I'm attractive, Vader?" Obi-Wan teased.

"I have eyes, don't I?"

Chuckling softly, Obi-Wan reached out once again, the brush of his fingertips against Anakin's cheek sending another shiver of desire down her spine. "That you do," he murmured, touch feather light. "Rather lovely ones, too."

"You like gold?"

"They're not like the ones I've seen," Obi-Wan replied. "There's no red around them. These are like honey. What color were they before? Brown?"

"Blue."

Obi-Wan leaned closer, inspecting her face, before finally giving a soft smile. "Blue. Yes, I can see that."

Anakin smiled as well. "Can you really?"

"You'd look lovely with blue eyes."

"In a different lifetime, I suppose I would have," she mused. She hadn't seen her natural eye color in nearly a decade. Too much rage and hate within her. Too much at stake to let her guard down for even an instant.

Obi-Wan's hand fell into his lap once more. "May I ask you a few questions, Vader? If we truly share this 'Dyad', then I believe it is important for me to get to know you better," he proposed.

She regarded him. "Would you be willing to share about yourself as well?"

"of course." Obi-Wan nodded earnestly. "I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have."

A brief silence settled between them as she locked eyes with the older man. "Your eyes remind me of storm clouds," she said softly, voice barely above a whisper, before giving a weary sigh. "You can ask whatever questions you'd like. I'll do my best not to bore you."

"For some reason, I think it will be hard for you to bore me, my dear," Obi-Wan replied, his cheeks dusted with a faint blush.

It was a rather cute sight.

Adjusting himself, he leaned back a bit, finding a more comfortable position. Briefly, Anakin wondered if he was sitting on his own bed in his room at the Temple. "How did your Master find you?"

"I'm not sure. He never told me," she replied with a frown. "I just know one day I was being bought and taken from my mother by some stranger."

"You were a slave, then," Obi-Wan commented thoughtfully, to which Anakin nodded. "Do you remember much about where you came from? Your mother, perhaps?"

Anakin scoffed bitterly. "I grew up as a slave on Tatooine. That's something you never forget."

"Tatooine?" Anakin almost laughed at the disgusted expression on Obi-Wan's face. "How…unpleasant."

"Very." She leaned back, resting her head against the headboard.

"And your mother? Did he kill her?"

In that moment, a surge of anguish and rage flooded through her, and she observed Obi-Wan flinch in response to her overwhelming emotions. "No," she replied coldly.

Obi-Wan's expression turned sour, and he cradled Anakin's hand in his own. "So she's still on Tatooine."

"Her grave is."

"…my sympathies for your loss."

Anakin's jaw clenched, her anger and despair once again flaring brightly in the Force, but she refrained from saying anything more. A feeling of peace trickled into the depths of her mind, like the soothing water of a babbling stream. Obi-Wan continued to stroke Anakin's hand with his thumb as he gazed off into space.

After a moment, he spoke. "I don't have many memories of my family. I've been in the temple since I was five, and most recollections of my mother have long faded. Though she must have remembered me," he said, a faint smile appearing on his face. "She included me in her will. Left me her estate, land. Everything." He paused, looking thoughtful. "If I ever decide to leave the Order, at least I know I have somewhere to turn to."

Anakin took a deep breath, allowing the presence of the man in her mind to calm her. "Why would you ever leave?"

"Oh, I wouldn't," Obi-Wan replied, letting out a chuckle. "But when I'm old and ready to retire from being dictated by the Senate, maybe I'll consider it. Although, I have a feeling that I'll probably meet my end in this war," he confessed.

Anakin's body went rigid, her grip on Obi-Wan's hand growing tight. "I wouldn't let that happen," she said. "I'd do everything I could to keep you safe."

Obi-Wan smiled reassuringly. "Well, you could always bring me back to life if I did die. Although, I must admit, I still find the concept hard to believe."

"We'll find a way to prove that theory. Or I think that's what you suggested earlier, right?"

"Yes, that's the plan," Obi-Wan confirmed before continuing with his questions. "So, Vader, where do you live? I don't need exact coordinates, but I'm curious if there's a planet you consider home."

Anakin hesitated. "I not allowed to say."

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes playfully. "Alright…when you're not serving your Master and killing innocents, what do you like to do?"

 "Read, study, train," Anakin replied simply, "or work on my projects."

"Projects?" Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, a spark of curiosity clear in their bond.

"Yes, there's not a single droid or machine in this compound I haven't modified," Anakin explained. "Myself included."

"You're hardly a machine, dear," Obi-Wan remarked with a small click of tongue.

"No, but my point still stands." She raised her prosthetic hand. "You should have seen how this looked when I first got it," she stated, her nose crinkling some at the memory. "This looks much more like a hand than the skeletal monstrosity I was first hindered with. And I've reworked the sensors enough that I can feel heat and pressure similar to what I felt when it was flesh and bone." She sighed, "It's not perfect, and obviously it will never feel natural, but it's as close as I can get."

"That's…rather impressive," Obi-Wan said, inspecting the hand. "Who taught you mechanics?"

"My mother initially, but I mostly taught myself."

Obi-Wan's eyes widened, his surprise reverberating through their bond before he managed to regain his composure. "I take it back. That's astoundingly impressive."

Anakin preened at the Jedi's words, the usual pleasant warmth arising within her. "I was lucky that I was good as I was. Being useful as a slave kept me and my mother safe."

"You did mechanical work as a child?" Obi-Wan questioned.

"Yes, for my former 'Master', that bastard. I also did podracing for him. I assume you're familiar?"

Once again, Obi-Wan's surprise flooded their bond. "You did podracing? As a child?"

"Mhmm. I was pretty good at it too, especially towards the end, before my current Master took me away."

"Well, it's fortunate that you had the Force, otherwise you would have been dead long before now."

"No doubt," Anakin said with a soft chuckle. "There was this horrible crash I got into when I first started. My mother told me both my legs had nearly twisted around. Of course, the medical droids were able to fix them, but she was furious. She despised podracing and hated how much danger it put me in. As a child, I never fully understood that, and even now, I'm not sure I do. I loved doing it. It was so thrilling…it made me feel free."

"Do you still do it?"

She scoffed dismissively. "Of course not."

Obi-Wan's brows furrowed as he frowned. "While I'm relieved to hear that, why not? You said you enjoyed it."

"It's hardly a hobby that my Master would allow. Besides, I have other things to occupy my time."

"Such as?"

"Last I checked, there is a war going on, Obi-Wan. I'm assigned many battle operations, as well as personal missions."

"You say that, but I rarely see you on the battlefield."

"Perhaps because I'm not assigned to the same fronts as you," she suggested before continuing. "My work is more covert, behind the scenes, unless I'm absolutely needed on the front lines. Usually when Grievous is in over his head." She rolled her eyes at the mention of the monstrous general.

Obi-Wan's lips curved into a slight smile. "Yes, that seems to happen quite a bit."

"I really hate him," Anakin bemoaned. "His incessant gasping and wheezing drives me insane."

"Why don't you fix him, then? Surely with your skill, you could correct at least of few of his many problems…then again, though, maybe not."

"I wouldn't want to, anyway. I say let the beast suffer."

"Don't worry dear, I'll finish him off for you some day."

"That would be appreciated."

There was a brief pause before Obi-Wan resumed speaking. "So, you are from Tatooine, a very gifted mechanical engineer, like podracing, and your eyes used to be blue," he summarized. "Do I get to know your real name?"

"I'm also the best pilot in the galaxy and an exceptionally skilled artist," Anakin added. "And no. Vader is my name now. It's the only one I've used since I've joined my Master."

"An artist…yes, I can see that, with those long fingers of yours. But best pilot? That seems a bit presumptuous."

"You wouldn't say that if you've seen me fly," Anakin countered playfully.

"Of course, dear" Obi-Wan teased back before his face twisted into a grimace of displeasure. "I hate flying."

"Really?"

"Yes. I used to enjoy it in my youth, but I find it dreadful now."

Anakin tilted her head curiously. "Why is that?"

He responded with a simple shrug. "I don't know. I just stopped enjoying it."

"Hmm, alright. What do you enjoy then?"

Obi-wan contemplated her question for a moment. "Hmm. I don't get a lot of free time anymore, but I do enjoy reading whenever I get the chance. Novels. Biographies. Anything really."

"How boring," Anakin droned, though she herself had already proclaimed her love to read during her spare time. She had a few unfinished romance novels waiting for her, even now.

"Sorry dear, I'm rather boring."

"You are not boring, Obi-Wan," Anakin said pointedly. "Just your interests are."

"No, no, I am rather boring. And my interests reflect that."

"Please. You're charismatic, witty, intelligent, caring. An amazing fighter. None of these seem like traits of someone boring to me."

"If you say so, dear one," Obi-Wan laughed. "Thank you."

"What else do you like besides reading?" Anakin inquired as she moved to lie down on the bed now. "There must be something."

"Nothing I get to indulge in often. I enjoy traveling, preferably to areas not in war zones. And gardening and cooking but, as I said, nothing I get to partake in with this current climate of war. I'm lucky to get a moment's peace these days."

Anakin frowned. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"No. But I play a part in your suffering, so I apologize for that."

The Jedi huffed a laugh. "Thank you, Vader. It doesn't mean much, but thank you."

Anakin remained silent for a while, absently tapping her mechanical fingers on the taut flesh of her abdomen while she stared up at the dark stone of her ceiling.

She couldn't quite explain why, but for some reason, her thoughts suddenly shifted to the end. The end of the war. What it would mean for Obi-Wan.

How he would never experience moments of peace, or indulge in the simple leisures that brought him joy. Not if her master's grand plan became a reality.

Her brow furrowed deeply as she spoke. "How do you think this war will end, Obi-Wan?"

Resting by her side, Obi-Wan's gaze was fixed on the ceiling as well. "Hopefully in the way of the Republic. I'd like to see it resolved sooner rather than later. The less needless death, the better."

Anakin's hand stilled. "I know how this ends," she said, voice barely a whisper. "Your Republic won't survive this war."

Unease filled their bond as Obi-Wan glanced at her. "What do you mean by that?"

She shook her head. "You should leave."

"What do you mean, Vader?" he pressed.

"My name is Anakin. Anakin Skywalker," she divulged, eyes shutting tight. "And you need to leave. Please."

"Anakin," he repeated. Her name sounded so sweet, far sweeter than she deserved, rolling off the man's tongue. It was the last thing she heard before he vanished from her side.

Anakin let out a ragged breath, rubbing at her face. She couldn't do this. She couldn't use this bond to betray Obi-Wan like her master wanted. She would rather die than let anything befall that man. And that fact scared her more than anything she could possibly imagine.