Chapter Text
I.
After Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn succeeded in killing Darth Maul during their duel on Naboo, he returns as celebrated Sith killer to Coruscant, where the Jedi Council grants him the young Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan. His previous Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has to pass his trials to become a Jedi Knight in a hurry and does so with distinction, feels set back and neglected by his former Master, not appreciated. Plagued by forbidden attachment, he has been secretly and unrequitedly in love with Qui-Gon for years and pines for him, but the Jedi Master now only has time for the Chosen One.
The newly elected supreme chancellor Sheev Palpatine becomes aware of the young and undeniably handsome Jedi, who has a remarkable talent for diplomacy, and considers that he might be useful to him for his own purposes and political career. Smartly and charmingly he begins to court the sad knight. At first he takes Obi-Wan out to dinner, another time he invites him to the galactic opera. He engages in discussions with him at the highest intellectual level, always striving to appear as the understanding fatherly friend who patiently listens to the young man's fears and concerns. Little by little, he succeeds in alienating the disillusioned knight more and more from the Order. Obi-Wan longs for recognition, a significant task, but also for love and a home.
Lingering on the balcony of his luxurious apartment one evening, watching the windows of the gigantic skyscrapers of Coruscant reflecting the dying light, glowing in the sunset, Palpatine boldly takes the young man's hand in his, eyeing him intently.
"You are a highly talented man, Obi-Wan. It's just unfortunate that you're wasting your talent on a corrupted organization that doesn't appreciate you or your skills in any way."
"I know nothing but the Order. Being a Jedi is my life, it's what I have been trained for."
"Poor Obi-Wan, there are so many other options available to you. You just refuse to see them."
"What do you think I should do with my life?"
"Well, if I may say so you are the most gifted diplomat I have ever met."
Obi-Wan is unable to prevent himself from blushing at this flattery.
"You can hardly believe that I am more talented than Bail Organa, Chancellor."
"But that is exactly what I meant to imply. I strongly advise you to go into politics."
"I hate politicians."
"Oh thank you very much, my boy."
"I apologize, your Excellency. I didn't mean it that way."
"Now, now, there is no need to become formal. Actually, you should work for me."
"Well, I doubt that this is my vocation."
"Why not give it a try?"
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Palpatine exerts his influence and takes Obi-Wan on a diplomatic trip lasting several weeks, during which he leaves important tasks to the young knight and never misses an opportunity to compliment and motivate him. Obi-Wan blossoms and visibly enjoys his work but also the company of the cultured older man. On the last day of their journey, the chancellor asks for the young Jedi's hand in marriage at a candlelit dinner.
"I feel deeply honored, Chancellor, but, I am a Jedi."
"We've already discussed that for you I'm Sheev, Obi-Wan. What do you think you can accomplish in the Jedi Order?"
"I can serve peace."
"Well, you could do that much more efficiently by my side. Why do the Jedi carry weapons and train their lightsaber forms so doggedly when they are all concerned with peace?"
"It is our chosen weapon of defense. My favorite form the Soresu provides a fine example of our attitude."
But Palpatine does not give him the opportunity to elaborate further. With long-rehearsed dignity, the latter rises from the table, approaching the young Jedi.
"I don't carry any weapon."
The gray-haired man dressed in elegant flowing robes with noble, kind features takes Obi-Wan's hand in his.
"I know I'm not the youngest anymore, and I'm sure there are more attractive options for you, dear."
"That's not it. I find you very attractive."
"We have a very harmonious connection."
"We do, indeed."
"You would make me overjoyed if you would allow me to take it to the next level. I promise to teach you everything that is necessary in the political arena and much more."
"Well, we don't have to get married for that."
"No, that's true, but beyond that, I would so love to give you what you've longed for for years, Obi-Wan."
"Oh."
Obi-Wan has also gotten up from the table, but before he is given a chance to escape the situation, the Chancellor's lips have tenderly sealed his. The much younger man lets out a delighted sigh. Palpatine pulls the latter into his arms, who immediately snuggles against him longingly enjoying the closeness before breaking free of the embrace and eyeing the elder with a suspicious look.
"Do you propose to marry me because I am from Stewjon?"
With an affectionate smile, Sheev Palpatine caresses a soft pale cheek with his knuckles.
"If you were not from Stewjon, I would want you by my side just as much. You are intelligent, cordial, multi-talented, and very beautiful. Together we could almost rule the entire galaxy. But I have to admit that I love the thought of being able to start a family with you someday."
"Well, I don't know if I want to have children."
"You possess a very rare condition for a man. Fertility is a precious gift. But you're still young. You still have plenty of time. We don't have to rush into anything."
Once again the older man kisses the younger one, who instantly wraps his arms around his neck.
"May I think about this in peace?"
"But of course, Obi-Wan. Please, take all the time you need."
Before they part ways Palpatine kisses his hand goodbye.
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The next morning, Obi-Wan is back at the temple on Coruscant, only a short time later having an unpleasant conversation with Mace Windu, who accuses him of his activities for the chancellor outside the Jedi Order as disloyal behavior. Afterwards, he observes how Qui-Gon trains with Anakin in an encouraging and affectionate manner, whereas he only gives him a brief greeting. The nine-year-old Padawan, on the other hand, greets him warmly, but Obi-Wan simply leaves him standing there. While still on the way to his quarters, he sends a message to Palpatine, informing him that he accepts his proposal. He packs his few belongings, keeping his lightsaber. As he leaves the temple to board his future husband's private shuttle, he does not look back. That part of his life now lies behind him.