With Responsibility

So what if I watch every episode of Star Wars every weekend? And Anakin and Obi-Wan. Yes. They really need to be together. And what better than to have them together through fan fiction?... though it would be nice if they were a couple in real life. Haa! Below is what I love to call my version of Star Wars. I'm not really sure what Episodes it is between. So bare with me on that one. If I state he has long hair... then it's somewhere around Episode III. There's a clue. X3~

WARNING: This piece of literature requires mature readers. There is male/male love, slash, yaoi, shounen-ai, or whatever term you'd like to use.

DISCLAIMER: None of these characters/settings belong to me. If they did... I'd have a lot of money and I would never have Padme in the series... leaving Obi-Wan and Anakin together. Hee. All hail George Lucas! :: heartz ::

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The color of his lips had faded to a soft salmon as his eyes blurred with a vortex of anger, fear and rejection. Jedi were known for making strict decisions, leaving him to follow in the steps of its consequence. It was if they had all been insulting him, pointing at him with fingers of desirable sadism within their thoughts. Anakin curled into his seat, trying desperately not to look pained as he listened to the Council spit more instructions of another mission into his face and specifically what not to do. Sure he had done some things wrong in the past, but what happened to forgiveness? His hands tensed into tight fists, knuckles turning white, glancing upon every individual that had been in that room. All of the Jedi Masters seemed so calm, collected and interested with what Mace Windu had to say. Probably because it was entertaining to them to watch him accuse the youth, perhaps just an alibi for Master Windu to get some pent up anger out of his system. To Anakin, it was nothing but another decree and more disrespect that was kicked into his stomach that had made it churn in such an awful way. He probably deserved it, for all of rude actions the young Jedi had done, but all of the insults were being said indirectly. That is mainly what made Anakin flustered; not even one of the members of the Council could come up to him and directly say that they didn't like him, or that they didn't trust him. It was all said through poetic words or some kind of mismatched sentence that was suppose to have a meaning behind it. Everything was philosophic with Jedi and there was no such thing as greed, jealousy, anger or any of those morbid emotions. That was to be abided by Jedi law. But what had Master Windu been feeling that moment? He seemed as though he was enjoying the idea of hurting Anakin, destroying his confidence and self-esteem. The young Jedi would of liked to of defended himself, just shove Windu back into his emotional reality, raising a voice that Mace's words were full of sadistic pleasure. But wouldn't that make him just as low as Master Windu? Anakin let his eyes wander for a moment, suddenly getting lost as they fell upon Obi-Wan Kenobi. His Master. There was the strongest glint of disappointment within his hollow crystals, yet there was an assuring emotion of anxious anger that drew within each long sigh Master Kenobi had relieved.

"Anakin," Mace Windu firmly scowled, causing the youth to shudder underneath his skin as his eyes shot up from Obi-Wan to the other Jedi in tan robes. "Do you understand me? There cannot be failure within this mission." Anakin winced at the serious and tense expression Mace had carried, "The documents you must retrieve are what will lead us into the air-base that the enemy has stolen from us, there is no other data left of that area." He was like a broken record. That sentence had been said over and over within his spoken literature. Anakin knew very well what the documents did, after all, he had caught a glimpse of them when he was stationed at Naboo, when they were smuggled into Sith territory. And even if he had forgotten, his Jedi mentor would be there to keep his mind and skills honed. But this also meant that they would have to travel to the Outer Rim and would most likely stay there for a few months to let the battle calm and escape from the remnants. That is... if everything goes correctly.

"I understand Master Windu, I will do all that I can, everything in my power." Anakin's voice was weak as it trembled softly. His words caused Mace to sit stiffly and then attempt to look relaxed as his pressed his back against his round chair. He placed both of his hands together and looked as though he were deep in thought; interrogating himself, perhaps looking for another reason to scold the apprentice. At least that was what Anakin had thought.

"Then you and your Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, will report to the deck first thing in the morning. Do I make that clear?" The emphasis that lingered on his last word caused Anakin to fluster more, feeling himself at the edge of his chair, ready to make a very idiotic comeback.

"Yes, Master Windu. Anakin and I will be there first thing in the morning." Obi-Wan stood out for a moment, catching any foul words or actions that of could of came from his apprentice. Anakin felt his muscles loosen, a bit ashamed that he had gotten so impatient and that it had been noticed. But Obi-Wan just smiled softly at the youth and adjusted his legs to a more comfortable position. Yet, there hadn't been another word passed, all of the Jedi slowly rising from their seats, suppressing any gossip that could of hurt Anakin. However, Master Yoda had still been in his chair until everyone else had exited the room except for Obi-Wan. He was carrying such a distraught look upon his face, studying both master and apprentice before his thin brows lifted from their furrow. Anakin was expecting more wise advise from the elder, twiddling with the fabric of his robes like a child as his eyes sought the floor.

"Listen, you must, to the Force and your true inner voice." Is all the green Jedi had to offer, hopping off of his seat and exiting through the door of the Briefing Room. What if the voice inside of Anakin was screaming at him? Screaming to be heard, to be loved, to be accepted. With this said, Anakin looked up, watching as the door closed behind Yoda and the rest of the Council. Now it had been just him and Obi-Wan, silence filling his ears, feeling that that silence was more piercing than the fierce lectures that had just been told by Mace Windu. The youth had wanted to ask his mentor how he felt at that moment--if he was really disappointed or just displeased with the unpleasant karma that shrouded the room. It was difficult for Anakin to read Obi-Wan's emotions, he didn't show them very often unless he was provoked or questioned. Anakin, on the other hand, wore his heart on his sleeve, which had irritated the young Jedi slightly.

"Do you think I'll ever be trusted by the Council, Master?" There he went again, showing more emotion as his hung his head, still winding his fingers within his own clothing. The softly firm corners of Obi-Wan's lips had faded into a frown that carried a very small trace of concern, turning his body so he was facing Anakin a little more efficiently.

"Ani," he spoke in a quiet tone, "I know they may seem a little stubborn, but there is great responsibility in gaining such trust. Jedi aren't suppose to rely on others for anything for any purpose, so they can only lie what little trust they have within this particular circle of the Force." Their eyes met in a clash of ecstatic cerulean, "You are still so young my friend, and so they think you still have a lot that needs to be learned. That's all. Have patience." Could he of explained it any better? Obi-Wan had such truth, such depth within his words that Anakin took them to heart. It made him wonder if Master Kenobi had ever been wrong about something. He was just so wise and cynical about pessimistic opinions. He was so pure of negativity that it sometimes depressed Anakin that he wasn't at all like his master. The apprentice wasn't nearly as pure. He slaughtered an entire camp of Tuskens--men, women and even children because of his attachment to his dear mother, Shmi. And he had done so much to unbalance the order of the Jedi that it was many times labeled unacceptable. But Obi-Wan... he had been the person that brought him out of his sorrow and remorse when his mother had passed away. And it was Obi-Wan whom had covered up for him and begged the Council for more and more chances to prove he was really a respectful and polite individual.

"Thank you." Anakin let his emotions part from his mind and drift into the Force. Where would he be without his mentor? Back on Tatooine? Or perhaps found by the Dark Side as a Sith? It made the youth smile warmly, now finding himself in the comfort of his Master's affection. Anakin had always weakened at the small touches, words or contact that held some sort of passion or affection that Obi-Wan had offered. He was unexperienced in that certain area of emotion, even his own mother hadn't the time to tend the young Jedi's desire for acceptance. Shmi was always struggling for survival, for food and money to support Anakin and when within Watto's grasp, there hadn't been even the smallest sliver of kindness. So it would embarrass him when Master Kenobi would comfort him, it would make his heartbeat quicken and his face warm. The youth held such strong emotions for his Master.

"Shall we go to our rooms for a little rest? I'm assuming that you have a little meditating to do." It was more than a strong suggestion than a question, one that Anakin was unable to reject, so he nodded as he stepped up from his chair. Obi-Wan slung an arm over the other male's shoulder in a timid embrace, "Don't worry so much, Anakin. Be happy in our prosperous times together."

"But I am happy, Master. More than you know." Anakin had answered immediately. The Jedi Master stood in front of the youth for a moment, furrowing an eyebrow as he looked upon Anakin's frowning face. "As you said, I need to have patience. A virtue that I envy you of." He glanced again into Obi-Wan's eyes, feeling that familiar burn inside of his face as he did so.

"Envy me?" Master Kenobi repeated and laughed softly, his hands gliding onto Anakin's shoulders, "I envy you." He said with such a strong accent, through a gentle smile. It was wrong of Obi-Wan to say such a thing, for envy led to greed and jealously--two traits that led to the Dark Side of the Force. But he couldn't help speak the truth, for in many ways for many reasons, the Jedi Master had, indeed, envied his apprentice. "You have such a free spirit," his smile widened, "And you get into some of the most hilarious situations. But also managed to somehow get forgiveness from the Council." Obi-Wan slyly joked, stepping away from Anakin to approach the door.

"That's all because of you, Master Kenobi." Anakin couldn't help but be a bit smug with his answer, grinning as his mentor pressed the button that had opened the exit. As Obi-Wan stepped outside of the Briefing Room, the young Jedi felt somewhat cold or lonely. He suddenly missed those strong hands upon his shoulders. It was a rather awkward feeling, but he eventually continued to follow his Master through the door. As they were walking, his eyes trailed along the elegant flow of tan fabric that shrouded the other male. He could hear Obi-Wan's soft pattern of footsteps amongst the glossy tile and even smell his manly, beautiful scent. Every time Anakin saw his Master, a new feeling would rush into his body, heart and mind. This feeling made him think of his mother, or of the female Senator Padme. His heart would flutter, as would his thoughts when even a word was spoken about them. And now, when hearing upon his Master's name, his heart would throb, his mind would race and his body would tense. It was if Anakin was worried whenever someone mentioned Obi-Wan Kenobi, even if it was just in a passing conversation.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan questioned as his body turned just slightly to meet gazes with the Padawan. But. There had been no eye contact, for his apprentice simply gawked at the floor that must of been so interesting to him. "I've made arrangements for us to board the Starship tonight, instead of tomorrow morning." With this, Anakin's head shot up, his innocence once again sinking into his gut.

"Why?" He nearly decreed an answer. He was somewhat displeased with the fact that he would have to camp on an aircraft the day before their new mission to the Outer Rim. He and Obi-Wan both knew that they would spend at least a month upon the ship. So why start tonight when there was still his comfortable bed made up for him in his room? The shorter male suddenly stroked his beard, folding his arms within his robes as his stride lessened until he was almost behind Anakin--whom had unconsciously quickened his footsteps.

"Well, for one, we can get a head start and possibly return earlier. And two, we won't have to listen to another word spoken by Master Windu." He had placed a slight raise in his tone at the mention of the other Master. It caused Anakin to again smirk, acknowledging his mentor's ill-mannered joke. The young Jedi knew that it had be leaning on the fact that they wouldn't have to bare another lecture from Mace. Anakin had enough of him--Obi-Wan knew that. It didn't really matter if they had left any earlier, there would certainly be some kind of delay or they would called for a small briefing in hologram form. Something.

"When do we leave... now?" Anakin bit his lower lip somewhat eagerly, yet confused at the sudden change in emotions he was having. Perhaps he just felt somewhat relieved that Master Windu wouldn't be there as they boarded, or maybe it was due to the fact that he and his Master would finally be alone from anyone. The thought caused his ears and cheeks to burn. Obi-Wan took a moment to think, but then nodded strongly towards the other's question. Now. Immediately; is what the nod had been referring to.

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Authors Note: The point of view kind of switches a little bit during each paragraph. It's mostly set onto Anakin's, but Obi-Wan steps in a little more as the chapters/paragraphs continue. There are more chapters to come, but they may take a while due to the fact that I'm working like a dog trying to get some decent money for a car this fall. Ugh.

Thank you for reading! : D