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The celebration for the Chancellor's birthday had just begun. The senate had organized a sort of ball in his honor, but in truth Palpatine had never liked it. He had accepted in order to show everyone that he was a man like any other, who could have fun, and yet he was terribly frustrated to devote an evening to chatting with these people; senators, celebrities, and billionaires that he didn't give a damn about. Every year, he didn't know how or why, someone had the bright idea of organizing something for his birthday and proposing it to him. Not wanting to appear cold with his so-called colleagues, the Chancellor ended up accepting, while trying to stay as sober as possible.
Last year a reception was organized, but the next day the Holonet had made the headlines listing the guests and those who were not there, thus claiming that the Chancellor was putting aside those he did not like.These rumors dogged him for months and he had a difficult time controlling them. This year he didn't want to make the same mistake, so with his assistants he had invited the enitrey of the senate as well as some people he had met fleetingly during these two years of chancery. A ball was probably a bit extravagant, but at least it didn't arouse suspicion.
Thus, in one of the largest reception halls of the senate, he had to face the crowd of politicians, artists, and superfluous wealthy people. He had to make conversation, spending a few minutes with one and then the other, while thanking those who wished him a happy birthday. Palpatine thought it was ridiculous, he had never liked his birthday but he was keeping face, smiling falsely in front of his guests.
As the night progressed and the bitterness grew more and more, able to bear the interactions less and less, he saw in a corner of the room a familiar figure which seemed to be a lost soul, not daring to swim among these worldly people. He could recognize the red-haired young man anywhere and he was so shocked to see him that his name escaped his lips in spite of himself.
"Obi-Wan?"
At his side his first adviser, Mas Amedda, heard him and followed his gaze.
"Oh, Knight Kenobi was sent by the Jedi Order to wish you a happy birthday," he said.
"How is it possible?"
"Well, we sent an invitation, you remember, out of politeness, although we all know that Jedi are not the type to accept such an invitation…"
"I will honor his arrival as I should, please excuse me," he announced to his companion, ready to leave.
"Do you want—"
"No, it will be fine," he interrupted, "try to make conversation, while I discuss with Knight Kenobi."
Fortunately, the music began to start, allowing the guests to dance to their heart's content. Palpatine was very relieved in that moment that he didn't have to participate in these ridiculous and pointless activities. And after sneaking discreetly and not without difficulty through his many guests, he managed to join Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had landed against the wall, close to one of the rare windows. Obviously deep in thought, the Jedi did not notice him and the Chancellor could admire the features of his face.
It had been at least two months since the evening between Obi-Wan, Anakin and him. Since then, because of their respective work, they had only been able to meet again three times, only for dinner or a furtive meeting which barely lasted an hour. Lately, Obi-Wan was sent on missions with Anakin to the other end of the Galaxy and when he returned, very coincidentally, Palpatine was on the move.
Seeing him here, so close, was probably the best gift he could have gotten.
"Good evening, Knight Kenobi, are you watching the windows for any assassins?" he asked amusedly.
The red-haired Jedi turned to him sharply, blinking at his sudden appearance. Judging by his expression, he hadn't expected him to come and talk to him.
"Good evening, Chancellor. I'm sorry, I should have come to introduce myself to you, but you were busy so I waited," he bowed respectfully.
"You should have interrupted me, you know very well how much you mean to me, Obi-Wan."
The young man then blushed, avoiding his gaze, embarrassed by his words.
"It is not worthy of a Jedi to do such a thing."
"So you would have remained in the background all this time?" Palpatine wondered.
"No, of course not…" Obi-Wan stammered uncomfortably.
"Where's Anakin? He's not here?" He inquired instead.
"He's still a child, he can't come to this kind of event."
But it didn't matter that Anakin wasn't there— right now, Sheev just wanted to talk to his little lover, whom he hadn't seen in days. Privately, he was annoyed at having to keep talking around their relationship like this. More than anything, he wanted to throw himself on him, to embrace him in his arms, to kiss him. Things he could hardly do in this place at the moment.
"Are you staying with us long, Obi-Wan?"
"I was planning to leave right after giving you your gift," he replied.
"My present?"
In order to avoid a heap of presents from all over Coruscant, he had asked that no one give him a birthday present. Thus, he avoided wasting time having to throw away or categorize presents by whether or not he should keep them.
Obi-Wan reached into his cloak, revealing a package, but Palpatine felt that this was not the place for that at all. If his favorite Jedi was seen giving him a gift, Force knew what could happen. Politicians would all wonder why the Chancellor would accept Obi-Wan's offering and not theirs. If it wasn't for Obi-Wan, he would have immediately and strictly refused. But it was Obi-Wan! His Obi-Wan, who came in person to give him a present.
The Chancellor stopped his gesture and whispered to him.
“Not here, I'm afraid that might not be appreciated by everyone."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened, but he got the message, nodding, giving him an apologetic look.
"Forgive me, I almost caused you harm."
"No, no, not at all, let's go to my office."
"Sorry? But it's your birthday…"
"I know. Precisely, it's my birthday, so I allow myself to go to my office."
The chancellor encouraged him to follow him and towards the exit of the party room, shortly meeting members of his cabinet of chancellery.
"You're leaving already?" One of them asked.
"I have an urgent matter to settle,'' he informed them, "but let the ball go on. We all have the right to a little fun, especially in such a tense Senate at the moment."
The cabinet members couldn't ignore Obi-Wan's presence behind him, and Palpatine easily guessed that they believed his pressing business was with the Jedi.
"Is everything alright?" They inquired.
"Completely fine, I won't be long."
The Chancellor passed them, quickening his pace, not wishing for more futile questions. The less he said, the better. The Jedi followed nervously behind him, moving through the corridors that led to his office.
"You lied, Chancellor," Obi-Wan noted.
"Not quite, my dear."
"Sorry?"
"You are urgent business for me."
Sheev stopped then, turning sharply towards him. The Jedi hadn't anticipated his stop and he nearly bumped into him. This involuntary proximity allowed the Chancellor to grab him and kiss him passionately. Thanks to the Force, he had been able to verify that the surroundings were empty, allowing him to let go and satisfy his desire.
Obi-Wan moaned in surprise, caught off guard, but made no move to push him away much to his relief. As he pulled his body a little closer to him, he felt the package hidden in the cloak, reminding him of his destination.
"Sithspit, Obi-Wan, I've missed you so much," he breathed, releasing his lips.
His fingers brushed his lover's cheeks, who gave him a warm smile.
"I missed you too, Sheev," he whispered.
"Come on, hurry up, I can't wait to see your present.'
Like an excited child, Palpatine took his hand and pulled him to his desk, Obi-Wan allowing himself to be led without protest. Through the Force he could feel the Jedi's increased desire for him, passion burning in his veins. A feeling of satisfaction came over him and he was pleased to see that his feelings were reciprocated.
When they arrived at his office two Senate guards standing outside the doors saluted him with bows. Luckily, shortly before he arrived Sheev had thought to pull his hand from Obi-Wan's, allowing their relationship to be kept a secret.
As soon as they passed through the swinging doors, which locked automatically, the Supreme Chancellor threw himself on the Jedi again. This time he seemed to have foreseen his gesture, and their kiss was even wilder and more intense. In his attempt to maintain their embrace Obi-Wan had wrapped his arms around the back of Sheev's neck, knocking the gift to the ground. The sound of the impact on the ground startled them both and they exchanged a surprised look before remembering the existence of this object, the reason for their private meeting.
The Jedi then quickly stepped aside, picking up the poor gift, and handed it to his lover, cheeks flushed pink.
“Happy birthday, Sheev, I hope you like it." He murmured with a shy smile.
Sheev wanted to kiss Obi-Wan again, but he knew that if he did that he would carelessly throw away the present and forget it existed, and that was not doing his young, sweet lover any credit.
"Thank you, my love, but know that you are the greatest gift I can have today."
"Stop your compliments, Chancellor and open it," he muttered, blushing.
The older man laughed heartily before sitting down on one of the huge sofas in his office and tearing off the beige wrapping paper. Obi-Wan sat down next to him, nervous.
It was a rectangular box, which he put on his lap and gently opened. His eyes widened in shock upon seeing the item in the box. It was a lightsaber.
“Obi-Wan…what—"
"It's my lightsaber, the one that I had until the Naboo mission," the young man explained, "when it fell into the reactor shaft I thought I would never see it again, but palace workers found it recently and they sent it to me. Unfortunately, it has damages that mean that I can't use it on a mission, as it's a defective saber. So…I thought…I could give it to you."
Obi-Wan ended up mumbling words, not really knowing what to say to express his thoughts. Sheev was amazed at this unexpected gift as he grabbed the hilt of the saber and eyed it, delicately. It was a beautiful object, he could see a crack on one side but he didn't care, it was symbolic. This sword hadn't killed his apprentice, fortunately, otherwise he would have been ill at ease and would have refused. It was undoubtedly an object filled with memories of Obi-Wan, especially following the death of Qui-Gon, it showed all the true feelings of the Jedi towards him. He confided his past to him, he trusted him.
"If you don't like it, I can take it back, I'll understand, I don't—"
"No!" Cried Sheev, "it's… the best day of my life, Obi-Wan, know it, I've never been so happy to receive a gift, especially from the man I love."
He put the saber back in the box, closing it carefully, like it was a precious diamond. Then he turned to Obi-Wan, reached for his cheek and brought their lips together again, kissing him passionately. He allowed himself to undo his Jedi tunic. Obi-Wan didn't stop him; on the contrary, he encouraged Sheev to undress him, guessing his intentions for the rest of the evening. Enraptured, Palpatine whispered to him,
“I believe, my sweet love, this is definitely a perfect birthday."
A smile formed on his lips, knowing that this night would be perfect. After all, it was his birthday and he was going to enjoy it until the end.