The Sith Lord was always several steps ahead of the Jedi. His plan to corrupt Anakin Skywalker was only one tiny piece. Power was in the details. And one of the most important details was to eliminate the Chosen One's Master. After a lifetime of taunts, Kenobi had to reach his breaking point eventually. The Force around him was positively singing with insecurities to exploit. Chuckling softly at how easy it was to get under the great "Negotiator's" skin, Palpatine summoned Obi-Wan into his office.

"Master Kenobi."

"Chancellor. You requested to see me?"

"Yes, come in. I have a rather small matter to discuss. There have have been talks in the Senate that you and young Skywalker have developed a more….personal relationship. I would never dare to presume anything from such distasteful rumors, however it has been causing somewhat of a stir."

"It is true," Obi-Wan said quietly. "Anakin and I are in a relationship. I can assure you, Chancellor, it will not interfere with our duties to the Jedi or the Republic."

"I never meant to imply otherwise. It was merely brought to my attention that certain systems are uncomfortable with such an arrangement."

"I am aware the relations between two men can be uncomfortable for some – "

"- oh, nothing so antiquated as that. It is simply your age and position that have caused some concern. The Senate has requested a hearing."

"A hearing? I am afraid I do not understand. The Jedi Council has approved it."

"The Senate," Palpatine said delicately, "feels that there is the possibility you have used your influence as your Master to...pressure Anakin into this. I do not agree with them, however, it is their right to open an inquest. It will be informal, they are merely concerned about how this could affect our two most prominent Generals."

"I have never forced or manipulated him into anything."

"Then there will be nothing to be worried about. I am sure there are many other reasons Anakin is involved with his old Master. You two have formed quite a bond."

Obi-Wan numbly nodded. "Thank you for informing me. I – I should inform the Council."

Palpatine watched him leaved with a slight smile. He never would understand what Anakin saw in that old fool. Skywalker had so much power and potential and he would give it all up to his old Master. With any luck, the Senate would find him guilty of coercing his younger lover into a relationship. Kenobi had raised the boy since he was nine and then decided he wanted to sleep with him? It was rather indecent.

Obi-Wan was miserably curled up on his couch. Palpatine's words were still ringing in his head. I am sure there are many other reasons Anakin is involved with his old Master. Obi-Wan couldn't think of any reasons. Age and position, the voice in his head reminded him, Anakin can't refuse his Master. You always taught him to obey the rules. Obi-Wan shook his head. He hadn't manipulated Anakin into this. Ever. Anakin wanted to be with Obi-Wan. Why would he be with an old man like you? the voice hissed. He is the Chosen One. His power is far beyond yours. He is young. Attractive. Whole. What can you offer him? What have you ever offered him?

Obi-Wan didn't have an answer for that. He was almost twenty years Anakin's senior. For every perfect, toned part of Anakin's body, Obi-Wan had another pound and another scar. Wrinkles, gray hair, joints that were starting to get stiff and ache…Obi-Wan was getting older. He could only imagine how it looked to other people. The disgusting old man walking around with his young lover? It did seem suspicious. He should at least be offering Anakin something in exchange. Relationships, of any sort, should be give and take. Instead, their relationship was composed of Obi-Wan taking everything and giving Anakin nothing but his aged, broken body in return.

It wasn't as if he hadn't been warned. How long had people been telling him he wasn't worth anything? How many times had he made a mistake and watched people he loved die? How often had he let Anakin down?

Oafy-Wan.

You let my mother die! You said dreams would pass in time!

Qui-Gon will never take you as a Padawan.

You are as dull in bed as you are out of it.

I hate you! You're holding me back!

For every person you save, you let a thousand more die.

Qui-Gon would have been proud of me.

Getting out of shape, old man.

You're not a Jedi. You're nothing but a farmer.

Why does he want you?

Obi-Wan made up his mind. He had been influencing Anakin. There was no other reason to explain it. If it was anyone else, they would have left Obi-Wan long ago. Who else would put up with him? Anakin had seen past wounds flare up and send him crashing humiliatingly to the ground in the middle of a battlefield. He watched Obi-Wan get upset and polish off an entire pan of brownies. He tolerated Obi-Wan's embarrassing attempts in bed. He ignored how he was always woken up to Obi-Wan's screams. He put up with Obi-Wan's scars and wrinkles, doing his best not to shudder as he tried to kiss them away. How much more was Obi-Wan going to ask of him? He wasn't going to do this to Anakin. Not anymore. Whatever obligations Anakin felt to him, he was going to end them. His love deserved so much more.

He got to his feet and stumbled wearily into the bedroom to start collecting his things. The sooner he could get out of Anakin's life, the better.