Unwanted

Unwanted - continued

by Connie ( connieg_99@yahoo.com )

Chapter 6

Yasha drove Obi-Wan and Anakin around the city of Lanisi, pointing out historical sites and various government buildings as well as his father's home, the governor's mansion. The city was startlingly beautiful with white-washed buildings carved into the sides of the rocky hills and topped with bright terracotta roofs. The narrow stone streets and terraced walkways led down to patios overlooking the glittering ocean. Everywhere one looked were splashes of purple and fuchsia flowers growing over walls and ledges.

The Payans were the primary residents, but the Nisi were numerous in numbers and very evident as the trio drove through the streets. Obi- Wan noted that the Nisi seemed happy and content selling their wares from carts on street corners or from colorfully painted stalls in the huge Nisi market.

The more affluent Nisians had actual storefronts surrounding the marketplace. The Payans and Nisi were almost identical in appearance the only difference Obi-Wan could detect was the color of their skin. Out of curiosity, he asked Yasha if there were any physical differences between the two tribes and received a look of disbelief. "Yes, we Payans have a darker complexion and the pure amber eyes of our forefathers. The Nisi are lighter skinned with cloudy eyes, usually green or gray.

Obi-Wan smiled at Yasha's surprise at his inability to differentiate between the two races. It amazed him how important the smallest physical characteristic could be in primitive cultures. To him both races were extremely similar and attractive with their even features and shiny black hair.

Yasha continued his tour of the small city with Obi-Wan only half listening being more interested in the beautiful architecture and landscape surrounding him. He only perked up once he caught sight of the clinic itself, which sat on a top of a rocky hill that overlooked the beach near Anakin's house. It was also white washed with the signature terracotta roof and was surprisingly small with only thirty beds and a few offices and exam rooms.

Yasha introduced them to the medical director of the clinic, Dr. Baana, a tall Payan with graying hair and dark skin. He was very personable and seemed relieved at their coming. He enthusiastically discussed both the status of the Taiga outbreak and the clinic's efforts thus far in containing the disease. They were then taken on a brief tour where they met the rest of the clinic's medical team.

Obi-Wan was just as surprised by the size of the small medical staff as he`d been at the size of the clinic. For a district the size of Lanisi there should be at least a full medical corps of about fifty. He wondered how they expected to stop the epidemic with only five medics on hand. All the medics were young Payan university students about Anakin`s age. They all seemed to know Anakin well, if the little display of hugs and kisses was any indication. Obi-Wan found the Payans a very likable group; they were affectionate and friendly and seemed to truly care about the welfare of the Nisi.

After the introductions, the conversation turned into an informal meeting with the medics and Dr. Baana expressing their frustrations with the Nisi Leadership and cataloguing the many obstructions they were encountering. The consensus seemed to be that Del'nisi, the High Chief of the Nisi tribes, was the main problem. He refused to back any quarantine and was suspicious of the inoculations. He believed the Payans were using the quarantine and inoculations as an excuse to get a census of the Nisi population and a full accounting of their assets for tax purposes. Thus far he'd only allowed the children to be inoculated, and wasn`t helping to enforce the quarantine. Despite the staff's almost unanimous agreement that Del'nisi was totally unreasonable, Obi-Wan silently respected the man for allowing at least the children to be inoculated despite his suspicions.

Obi-Wan sat and tried to listen to the passionate discussion, but found the constant pounding in his head was quickly deteriorating his focus. Thankfully Dr. Baana's assistant came in to announce that the Del'nisi, high chief of the Nisi Clan was on the com unit. Dr. Baana excused himself and requested Obi-Wan accompany him to take the call.

Anakin watched as Obi-Wan followed Dr. Baana to his office, becoming progressively more concerned about his bond-mate's steadily increasing weakness. He wondered if Obi-Wan's recovery time had been too short, after all it hadn't even been a full ten day since he'd been removed from the bacta tank. Anakin was so deep in thought that it took him a few moments to realize that the room had gone quiet and that his companions were staring at him expectantly. "What?" he asked with confusion.

"Oh, don't play coy Anakin, you're bonded. How? When? We want details?" Lerna asked excitedly.

Anakin smiled, but felt uncomfortable discussing his bonding status. Everything was still so unsure.

"Come on Anakin, we're dying here," Van pleaded.

"I – we met on Elskin. We kind of ran into each other on a mission." Anakin looked around at the eager faces and not wanting to disappoint his friends added, "I saw him and knew he was the one."

"Wow, I bet. I feel the same way and I just met him," Kip joked.

The group laughed, all except Yasha who was staring intently at Anakin, "So how did he feel about you?"

Anakin looked down uncomfortably. "He thought I was too young and that we should take it slow."

"How did you convince him differently?" Lerna asked dreamily, looking for all the world like it was the most romantic thing she'd ever heard.

"I -- you know -- I just kept at him until he gave in," Anakin was squirming now, desperately trying to think of a way to divert the conversation to a safer subject.

"You mean you seduced him," Marna asked.

"Umm, yes," Anakin said uncomfortably.

"Wow, you've changed," Kip added. "I mean when you used to visit here we'd all be making out and you were just totally not interested in anybody. Of course none of us looked like him."

"Yeah, he'd make a Payan monk break his vows," Marna said laughing.

"Have you had a ceremony?" Lerna inquired.

Anakin shook his head. "He wants to wait six cycles and make sure things work out, he's very cautious."

"Yeah, he doesn't talk much does he, not even to you," Yasha said suspiciously.

Anakin blushed, "He's recuperating from a serious injury. He's not feeling like himself lately."

Neither man spoke as they walked into the cabin. Anakin showed the obviously exhausted Obi-Wan to his room and then reluctantly bid him good night, not being able to think of a reason for further conversation.

Anakin went to his own room to grab a towel and then headed for the fresher, looking forward to a hot shower. As he bathed he reflected on his first day back on Palodino. He had to admit that it had been better than he'd expected. He was home with the man he loved and that man had been cordial for a change. In addition, he'd been pleasantly surprised by how skilled and sharp Obi-Wan had seemed on a professional level. He knew the other man was an amazing fighter and supremely intelligent from all the mission reports he'd read, but Obi-Wan had listened intently to what was being said and asked probing open-ended questions that helped to keep significant information flowing from Dr. Baana and the medics. He hadn't tried to use his status as a Jedi to intimidate as so many Jedi seemed to do, but instead had put everyone at ease. Even though Anakin worried that his bond-mate's very charming and serene demeanor had a lot to do with his still-diminished health, he found he liked his bond-mate more and more as time went on. Perhaps his bond-mate's overly aggressive and obnoxious behavior on Elskin had more to do with the type of mission he was involved in; after all tracking Sith wasn't conducive to a mellow demeanor.

He had to admit he'd enjoyed his friend's admiration of his bond mate; it filled him with pride as well as unease. It reminded him how damned attractive Obi-Wan was and that there were many others that thought so too. The one good thing was that the man himself seemed completely oblivious to his effect on others.

As the hot water slid over his body soothing away the stress of the day, Anakin's thoughts turned to his beautiful mate as his hand drifted down to his hardening sex. Force, the man was sexy, the way he moved, spoke. Everything about him was totally unconsciously sensual. Anakin's fist began pulling at his penis as he imagined how the man would look spread out on the bed, his eyes inviting him to touch. Oh Obi-Wan, he thought.

In his mind he saw his mate turning over onto his knees, offering himself. Anakin's free hand pinched his own nipples as he saw himself pushing into that tight willing body and hearing Obi-Wan moaning with pleasure. Anakin's hips thrust hard and fast into his fist until the pleasure overwhelmed his senses and he spurt his seed over his hand.

He fell back against the tiled wall sated and exhausted from his efforts, laughing as he washed the results of his orgasm away. Hopefully when we do get in bed together, I'll last a little longer, he mused.

Anakin dried off and pulled on a pair of leggings. Emerging from the fresher in a fog of steam, he found his bond-mate waiting. He smiled nervously wondering if Obi-Wan knew what he`d been doing. "It's all yours."

Anakin watched in shock as his bond-mate practically ran into the fresher, locking the door behind him. He acts like the very sight of me disgusts him, Anakin thought bitterly. He threw the towel that he used to dry his hair onto the sofa and walked out the front door, slamming it behind him.

Obi-Wan was so stunned by the too enticing image of a wet half-naked Anakin that he practically ran into the fresher to escape. Of course he had realized from the beginning that his unwanted bond-mate was a handsome boy. He still possessed a stunning youthful gangliness that was completely charming. Despite his thin frame, it was obvious that he was destined to be powerfully built once his bulk caught up with his height and when that happened the man would be stunning.

Obi-Wan pushed these thoughts and his arousal away as he stepped into the cold shower. Instead, he forced himself to think about Yoda naked, a sight he'd been unfortunately privy to when he'd first become Qui's padawan. It was the image he always used when he was trying to gain control over an unwanted arousal -- like now. It didn't take long to realize it wasn't working, so he turned the hot water on and began a quick dutiful yanking of his cock. He came fast and with no satisfaction, just like he deserved.

Obi-Wan finished his bath and wrapped a towel around his hips. He was so tired, all he wanted was to crawl into his bed and sleep for the rest of his life. He knew he needed another dose of Zephine, but didn't think he could stay awake long enough. First thing in the morning, he promised himself.

Anakin walked into the house just as Obi-Wan emerged from the shower, nearly running into each other. Obi-Wan jumped with surprise then swayed unsteadily, the towel slipping and almost falling from his waist. Seeing Obi-Wan's shaky balance, Anakin pulled the knight into his arms to steady him. "Are you alright?"

"Let go of me!" Obi-Wan demanded angrily.

"Don't get excited, I'm just trying to keep you from falling," Anakin responded. He instinctively reached out to gauge Obi-Wan's feelings and found to his surprise that his bond-mate was aroused by his touch. He was so stunned by this epiphany that he almost released the man, but caught himself and instead pulled the slighter man closer, burying his face in the damp hair. Oh God, he smelled of herbs and spices, Anakin thought as he brushed his lips against the closest soft ear lobe, and then moved down to nuzzle the moist heat at the crook of Obi-Wan's neck, breathing in deeply of the fresh enticing smell filling his nostrils.

The feel of his bond-mate so close, skin to skin, was like a drug. His hands slid down the taut back, fingertips tracing the bumps along Obi-Wan's spine until they reached the top of a damp divide. He was instantly hard again and began seeking friction, rubbing his burgeoning erection against Obi-Wan's hip.

"No!" Obi-Wan cried out, his voice rough as he shakily pulled away and escaped to his bedroom.

Anakin fell against the wall, trembling with unsatisfied need. "Fuck!" he yelled angrily. He didn't know how much more he could take. The man was driving him insane. Didn't he feel the desire and pull from the Force? Didn't he want to consummate the bond, to relieve the ache that seemed to grow with every passing minute? Was the man even human?

Anakin pounded his fist against the wall and then ran out of the cabin and down the beach as far as his legs would take him. He had no idea how far he ran before he fell on all fours to the sand exhausted. Why doesn't he want me? he kept asking himself. What was it about him that was so undesirable, so unworthy that Obi-Wan couldn't at least want him physically?

These feelings of hunger and desire that were pounding deep inside his body and soul were totally unfamiliar to him. He had felt urges before, but those had been mere nuisances that were easily purged. He'd had more than a few offers from interested parties, but he'd rejected them all without a second thought. He had seen sex as a distraction that couldn't be contemplated until after his knighting. All he wanted back then was his knighthood; everything else was unnecessary. `Back then' was two weeks ago, before Obi-Wan.

He knew intellectually that his celibate life was as unnatural as his current obsession with sex, or more accurately, sex with Obi-Wan. But he longed to return to those days, when life was simple and before his heart and soul belonged to someone who didn't want him.

Overwhelmed with self-pity and loathing he grimly pulled himself off spilling his seed into the sand below him. So much for not making a fool of yourself, he thought as he wiped his hands off on his leggings. He stood up and began slowly walking back to the cottage, trying to think of another tactic besides lustful groping to win his love.

Chapter 7

Obi-Wan awoke early the next morning determined to be out of the house before his young bond-mate awakened. He quietly gathered his clothes and silently made his way into the fresher. As he bathed, his thoughts turned to the previous night's exchange and his current stealth in an attempt to avoid Anakin. "Some Sith-killer you turned out to be; deathly afraid to face a freshly made knight."

He knew he had made a fool of himself last night, jumping out of his skin because the kid looked as if he was going to kiss him. He shook his head, pushing his discomfort aside and refusing to dwell on the embarrassing scene. He dried himself off quickly and changed into a pair of workout shorts and singlet.

What he needed, he decided, was to work off the anxiety and sexual frustration that seemed to have attached itself to him since Anakin came into his life. As he sat safely locked behind the bedroom door, he gave himself a smaller dose of the Zephine and waited patiently for the drug to take effect. He was relieved when the pull of the bond lessened yet his energy level remained at a reasonable level. Nonetheless, with only limited access to the Force, it was probably best to limit his workout to an easy jog rather than his usual workout of advanced katas.

He quietly made his way out of the house and down to the beach still determined to avoid Anakin, even if he knew it was a foolish notion. He did his stretches, and then looked up and down the beach trying to decide which direction would be best. Usually he allowed the Force to guide him in such simple decisions and found it disconcerting that he had to make a conscious effort to consider his options. He pushed his irritation away and began running.

His stress and anxiety slowly slipped away as his pulse sped up from the exertion. He concentrated on his breathing and let his thoughts turn once again to the previous night. He'd handled it badly, but was grateful that he'd been able to once again resist the temptation that Anakin presented. The young knight probably thought he was crazy, but that was better than giving in to the bond and tying them permanently to each other. The problem was that the kid was just too damned enticing. Obi-Wan reluctantly admitted that he found his young bond-mate's long-legged coltish appearance and muscular build compelling. Having a beautiful young man so devoted and obviously in love with you was definitely good for the ego and incredibly tempting.

He'd never in his life felt cherished or needed and found it overwhelmingly satisfying at an instinctual level. However, he reminded himself, Anakin was just like any other burden, no more important than a stranger would be. He was a responsibility Obi-Wan didn't want or need. The Force, he vowed, would not ruin Anakin's life and manipulate him into another cause.

Obi-Wan stopped running when his breathing became heavy and the burn in his legs too intense to continue. He was disappointed that he'd only been able to run four kilometers, but promised himself that he would keep up the routine until he could get back up to his usual ten.

He brushed the sweat off his forehead and looked around for a shady spot to rest. Squinting from the bright sun, he noticed a group of buildings underneath a copse of pine trees a few hundred meters further down. As he approached, he looked around curiously at the lovely homestead he'd happened upon. The large two-story villa was designed in the same style as the homes in town, but larger,with white washed stone walls and a brightly colored terracotta roof.

As he walked over to a walled garden full of wildly growing shrubs and flowers, he noticed a charming arbor overflowing with the same fuchsia flowers that he'd seen in town. Under the arbor was a wood bench that faced the ocean and beyond that a small grove of fruit trees.

Obi-Wan stepped over the low wall and settled himself on the bench, drinking in the lovely landscape surrounding him. He let it all wash over him, the sounds, the smells, the peace; it all helped to sooth his troubled thoughts and weary body. It wasn't as effective as immersing oneself in the Force in a true meditation, but without the Force it was the best he could do. As his mind drifted and nearly approached a meditative state, old memories began to drift forward. He tried to push them away without ruining the tranquility of the moment, but as usual, the memories invaded his thoughts and instead of the peace he craved, sadness and anger broke through. His beloved's voice ordering him, with his last breath to, "Kill Dooku, you must kill Dooku." Obi-Wan opened his eyes, abandoning his attempt at meditation and clenched his fists in anger. "No more, old man. Leave me be."

He breathed deeply, seeking a semblance of calm. Once he regained his control, it occurred to him that he could be accused of trespassing if caught here. He supposed he could either try to slip away without being noticed or make an effort to announce his presence which would also serve to satisfy his curiosity as to who lived here. He reluctantly pulled himself up and was just about to walk towards the beach when he was startled by a loud bellowing voice.

"Hello!"

"Hello," Obi-Wan called back turning to face a tall dark-haired man in a bright red sarong.

"You must be one of the Jedi that were sent to help with the quarantine," the powerful-looking man asked as he stood with his hands on his hips and his eyes roving over Obi-Wan's sweaty body.

"Yes, Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi at your service."

"Ahh, the Sith-killer. So young to have such power."

Obi-Wan blinked in surprise that someone on such a remote planet would have heard of him. He walked towards the impressive looking stranger, all the while feeling the same appreciative stare following his movements. He reminded himself that each culture was different; perhaps this leering inspection was a compliment. Besides, he found much to appreciate as well. The man was striking: his size, the long black hair and muscular body. "May I ask your name sir?" he said huskily.

"I thought Jedi knew all? I thought you would be able to pick through my meager brains and know who I am, solve all my people's worries and problems and be on your way before the sun sets." The handsome man laughed good-naturedly. "I'm Del'nisi Chief of the Lanisi Clans."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile wickedly, "I knew that."

Del'nisi laughed boisterously and clasped his new friend's shoulder. "So you found me. Were you looking or is this a convenient accident? Ah, don't tell me. There are no accidents in your Force, right?"

Obi-Wan felt a little uncomfortable with the overly-familiar touching, but knew he had a golden opportunity to make a valuable ally. He disregarded his discomfort and smiled charmingly, patting the chief's shoulder in return. One of the first lessons in diplomacy was when in doubt; copy the being's demeanor and body language.

"Perhaps not in the Force, but I assure you I'm nowhere near as clever as the Force," Obi-Wan said honestly.

The chief laughed, released his shoulder and put his arm around Obi- Wan's waist instead, pulling him up the front steps of the villa as he spoke. "This is my home, you are welcome. Have breakfast with me and let's discuss these government directives that are being used to penalize and constrict my people."

The Chief guided him into a surprisingly luxurious entryway with carved stone floor and waxed red wood paneling.

"Kia!" The dark man yelled. "Kia!! Come here."

A beautiful dark-skinned girl dressed in nothing but a red cropped shirt and a very skimpy sarong ran out. "What! I'm trying to get Musha asleep. Do you mind --?" The girl stopped suddenly, "Who's this?"

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Knight."

The girl smiled at her father. "He's a Jedi? "Why is it all Jedi are so attractive? Does it have to do with your special powers? Or is it a spell you cast to just make us all think you are so exquisite?"

Obi-Wan smiled and bowed. "You've discovered our secret. I'm really a gundark with three eyes and tentacles sprouting out of every pore. But I assure you, to another gundark, I`m quite irresistible."

Kia and the Del'nisi laughed with the infectious raucous laugh that Obi-Wan was learning to associate with the Nisi.

"Handsome and funny. You are not what I expected, Jedi," the Del'nisi replied. "Kia, get us some veen. I wish to introduce my new friend to our local spirits."

"Papi, Jedi don't drink and besides it's too early. Why don't I have Yai make us some breakfast and cava and you can talk over a nice meal."

Obi-Wan smiled, finding the chief and his daughter particularly charming. "I am hungry," he said hopefully.

"Very well, breakfast and conversation, but you must call me Kan. Del'nisi is only used by my subjects and my enemies, not my friends."

The breakfast was a delicious assortment of fruits and breads and the best cava Obi-Wan had ever had, even if one had to be careful not to drink the dark black grounds that settled at the bottom of the cup.

Kan proved to be an intelligent man, sophisticated in the ways of Palodino politics and diplomacy. His suspicions that the government was misleading him on the urgency of the crisis in order to raise taxes on his people's trading and usurp their trade routes were not baseless as it turned out. Obi-Wan found that Palodino was like every other world he'd visited; there were always two sides to every conflict -- or more. Between Kan and Kia, Obi-Wan felt that he had the beginnings of a solution that would be satisfactory to both sides. He also understood that Kan wasn't the obstructionist that he'd been portrayed; it was the Shaman in the tribes that were complicating matters.

The father and daughter's company was extremely pleasant and their mellow almost careless demeanor was refreshing. The conversation turned to many subjects, all of which his two companions seemed to have a surprisingly strong grasp of, in particular galactic politics.

After several hours he reluctantly bid his farewells, at which time they all agreed that a meeting with the Nisi shaman and elders should be their next step. In the meantime he promised to speak to Yasha's father, the Payan governor, about making allowances and guarantees regarding the trade routes and tariffs that would be necessary to appease the powerful naysayers in the tribes.

Obi-Wan jogged back to the cottage in a better mood than when he had left. Meeting Kan and his daughter had been fortuitous indeed. He was beginning to get excited about this mission. He had expected it to be a boring security-type duty, where he watched Anakin's back and enforced the quarantine. The last eight years had been filled with dealing with the worst kind of scum and villainy and living in the most disgusting cesspools in the galaxy. To be working in a place like Lanisi with the Payans and Nisi was so refreshing and freeing that he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had worried that with the last Sith dead that his type of skills and talents would make him useless to the Order, but was ecstatic to find that his old diplomacy skills were as sharp as ever. He was almost feeling like a Jedi again

He liked the fact that the mission had turned out to have more of a political edge; it made it more challenging and fun. His mind was enthusiastically turning over different ideas and he'd already thought up a few angles they could use.

"Where have you been?" Anakin asked angrily as Obi-Wan walked through the front door of the cabin. "I've been worried sick about you."

"You won't believe this, but I ran right into the Del'nisi homestead," Obi-Wan answered excitedly, throwing off his sweat- stained singlet.

"What have you been doing for the last three hours?"

Obi-Wan smiled, ignoring Anakin's third degree he walked into the fresher to start the shower. "He's a remarkable man and his daughter is exceptionally bright."

Anakin followed Obi-Wan into the fresher determined to find out more. Anakin knew he was being unreasonable, letting his irrational jealousy get the best of him. However, the harder he tried to think rationally the more angry and indignant he got that his bond mate and mission partner had left him behind while he went off to flirt with the chief and his daughter.

"I thought you and Dr. Baana had setup a meeting with him already. That's somewhat rude, don't you think?" Anakin's voice was rough with anger.

Obi-Wan didn't acknowledge his bond-mate's angry tone as he stripped off his sweaty shorts and stepped under the spray of water. Answering in a raised voice to be heard over the shower Obi-Wan continued, "Dr. Baana will understand. It's vital I meet with Governor Gorge and get some things settled before this meeting with the Nisi. Kan said it's imperative to take this step or otherwise we'll be perceived as being disrespectful of their authority and religion. It's called a dasi; a hearing to ask the clan chiefs and shaman for an exemption from their dictates. It's necessary if we ever want to gain their cooperation.

"And that took three hours? I am the Jedi healer on this mission and therefore the lead. You should have waited to include me in these negotiations," Anakin seethed.

Obi-Wan lathered himself cheerfully. "Alright, sorry, but I didn't plan it. It just happened. By the way, I outrank you by several levels so even though this might be a Medical Class mission, I'm still the lead," he threw back as he stepped out of the shower pulling down a towel from the nearby rack. "Anakin hand me another towel," he requested as he dried his hair.

Anakin turned and pulled a towel out of the cupboard then stopped as he realized that his bond-mate was standing wet and naked in front of him. His anger evaporated immediately and was replaced by an intense arousal that brought him to his knees. Instead of handing the towel to Obi-Wan he began slowly drying his bond-mate's body. Obi-Wan was oblivious to the young man`s ministrations. He was too delighted about the developments of the morning to notice the very excited and dazed knight on his knees in front of him. He detailed for Anakin the many things that needed to be done before the meeting with the Nisi.

Anakin didn't hear a word. He was too intent on drying Obi-Wan's long legs and moving slowly up to his thighs, his breathing becoming more labored with each passing moment. When a hot breath touched Obi-Wan's most sensitive parts, awareness struck and the words that had been flowing suddenly stopped. He looked down at Anakin's flushed and excited face, lips parted and eyes half closed. "Oh, Force."

Anakin seeing Obi-Wan's confusion and sensing his arousal took the half-hard penis into his mouth before the other man could object.

Obi-Wan gasped as the feel of the hot mouth engulfed him. He'd not allowed himself to imagine this moment since he'd met Anakin and now that beautiful mouth was sucking his cock vigorously in and out between swollen greedy lips. He should stop this, he told himself, but instead reached back for something to hold onto and braced himself against the wall. His hips began moving into that wetness as his free hand buried itself into the silky curls on Anakin's head holding his mouth in place. "Oh Force," he cried out.

Anakin was enraptured by the feel of the slick hardness in his mouth and the smooth texture of the round ass he squeezed repeatedly in his hands. He ran his tongue up and down the impressive length then swirled his tongue around the tip until he dipped into the pearly slit hungrily. He loved the sounds of approval from Obi-Wan and was surprised at his own voracious growls. He sucked the member into his mouth again and continued milking the engorged penis as he lovingly stroked the sack below feeling it tighten with growing excitement. The rhythm of Obi-Wan's thrusts quickened as did Anakin's pace.

Obi-Wan`s mind was frozen, unlike the lower half of his body which seemed to have a will of it's own, pushing wildly into that oh-so-hot, moist haven he'd found. "Fuck, I'm going to come," he cried out, just managing to give a hoarse warning before he released.

It wasn't heeded. Anakin wanted to know what Obi-Wan tasted like; to savor it, memorize it forever so he could recall over and over the taste of him. He continued sucking until the penis went soft in his mouth and then reluctantly released the softened organ to look up at his new lover hopefully.

Obi-Wan struggled to pull himself off the wall and then stood shakily, looking down at the lovely and very confused face of his bond-mate. Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak, but shook his head instead. He then turned away and walked unsteadily to the sink where he washed himself off. He wrapped a towel around his waist and looked into the mirror. "Anakin, I -- I shouldn't have done that," was all he could think of to say. He knew it wasn't enough, but anything else would only cause more pain in the end. So he fled to his room.

As he sat on the bed thinking about the mess he'd made, he knew that it was imperative that he settle things here as quickly as possible. He was playing with fire and if he kept it up for long, he'd be trapped. Even now he felt Anakin's despair and confusion throbbing through the bond and although he desperately wanted to go to him and hold him, he knew that was the one thing he couldn`t do. Instead,he gave himself another dose of Zephine.

Anakin sat on the porch of his cottage looking out at the sunset. It was the first day he'd been home before midnight and he'd felt so relieved at being away from the clinic and out in the fresh air that as soon as his feet touched the porch, he'd been unable to go any further. He'd sat down on the porch swing and watched the sun sink deeper and deeper into the horizon.

Obi-Wan wasn't here, of which he was grateful. He was tired and he didn't want to have to deal with the intense emotions being around Obi-Wan invariably brought on. The last ten-day had been frantically busy for both of them. Anakin had concentrated on examining the sixty five patients that had flooded into the already overcrowded clinic, visiting the surrounding villages and studying the morbidity ratios. The Taiga virus was a very weak organism and primarily preyed on the weaker members of the population. Due to the lack of adequate prenatal care, the Nisi newborns had very low birth weights and the elderly, who had only limited medical care available to them, were particularly susceptible. Anakin became more and more discouraged by what his analysis revealed. He was seriously considering declaring a state of medical emergency, which would take the power away from the locals and bring in the Republic Medical Corps to enforce the quarantine and resolve the epidemic. He didn't want to do that; the Nisi would lose their faith in not only the Jedi, but also the Payans.

He refused to think about it anymore; he was just too damned tired.

The only good thing about his exhausting schedule was that he'd been able to avoid Obi-Wan. He was still embarrassed about the scene in the fresher and needed time to sort out his feelings. He had hoped that the sexual encounter would have weakened Obi-Wan's resolve, but instead his mate seemed more determined than ever to break the bond.

When he had approached Obi-Wan to discuss the incident, he insisted there wasn't anything to discuss. He made it quite clear that "the incident" had been nothing more than a physical encounter born out of sexual frustration and that it didn't change the inevitable outcome of their eventual separation. The conversation had left Anakin again feeling humiliated and unwanted. At least Obi-Wan seemed to be equally discomforted by what happened and was doing his own fair share of avoidance.

While Anakin had been working at the clinic, Obi-Wan had been at the governor's office trying to negotiate with Governor Gorge on behalf of the Nisi. Anakin knew that Obi-Wan was desperately trying to come to an understanding with all the parties before the dasi that was scheduled for tomorrow night. Unfortunately the fast-approaching deadline meant that his mate was spending most evenings with the Nisi Chief, or Kan as Obi-Wan called him.

Anakin couldn't help the pang of jealousy he felt over this. He'd met Kan and the man was impressive; taller than himself, with long black hair and attractive.

Yesterday Obi-Wan had brought Kan to the clinic for a tour, obviously in an attempt to show the Nisi chief how hard the Payans were working to help his people. Anakin showed both men around, adding facts and figures when appropriate. He noticed that they seemed very comfortable with each other. Kan touched Obi-Wan constantly, wrapping an arm around his waist to guide him to a certain room, or holding his elbow to draw his attention to a piece of equipment. When Obi-Wan spoke Kan would listen attentively and then respond softly, as if they were the only two people in the room. Kan was normally loud with a booming voice, but around Obi-Wan his voice softened and his usually expressive gestures were more personal and intimate.

Anakin felt like a third wheel around them. He'd held his tongue, but silently fumed at the closeness that was afforded to a stranger when he,the man's mate who'd sucked his dick only ten-days ago,was treated like a mere acquaintance. He told himself that Obi-Wan allowed the touching because he was trying to negotiate a deal and needed the chief's cooperation, but he suspected that Obi-Wan and Kan had more going on between them. The doubts and jealousy persisted and he found it difficult not to think back to the mission reports he'd seen where Obi-Wan's sexual manipulations among other things had been brought into question. Was his mate using Kan's attraction to him to influence the leader or was he attracted to Kan and just acting on that attraction? And what action, if any, should he take in either event?

It wore on Anakin's mind and seemed to bring out an endless array of negative feelings. This bond was proving to be more difficult than his Jedi trials had been and he was beginning to wonder if he was meant to be a Jedi after all. That thought alone was enough to bring Anakin out of his reflections. He pushed thoughts of Obi-Wan and the bond out of his mind by watching appreciatively as the last traces of a beautiful sunset glistened on the rolling waves. He suddenly caught a glimpse of a flickering light through the waving fronds of the sand oats; someone had built a fire down by the beach. "Obi-Wan," he whispered and, as if summoned by a mysterious force, he went to find his mate.

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