There is little I love more than when Obi-wan gets to date the 212th, and Anakin remains incredibly oblivious to the most obvious of things. (Partially due to the fact that he thinks his master would NEVER form attachments for another person, let alone a whole battalion)
It goes like this:
Anakin is on call with Obi-wan, it’s nearing the night cycle and Anakin can hear another voice over the comm.
“Come to bed, General.” Anakin assumes it’s Cody, and he’s just worried about Obi-wan’s sleep schedule (not that the others were waiting for him to join the pile).
Then Anakin visits the Negotiator and trains with Obi-wan, noticing how a large audience of troops have gathered to watch. He thinks nothing of it, they’re looking for a show (not that they find Obi-wan’s duelling abilities extremely attractive, especially when they don’t have to worry about his safety).
Next comes from his own men, some seem nervous around the man, he’s heard a sigh or two when Obi-wan leaves after a joint mission, where Anakin assumes they’re a bit scared of his master (not that they are longing to be loved by the man like he loves the 212th).
He’s seen Obi-wan linking arms with a number of his men as they traverse the ship, each happy to chat with their General about anything and everything, but Anakin thinks of it as nothing more than a close friendship (like the one Obi-wan shared with Bail Organa).
It is Rex who spells it out to him, Anakin had complained that none of his men ever picked flowers to place in his hair, or collected pretty rocks for him to keep, or slept next to him when he was stuck in medical. It was then that he noticed Rex giving him an odd look.
“What?” He asked, feeling judged.
“Sir, you’re married.” Rex stated, as if that had anything to do with the conversation.
“So?”
Clearing his throat, Rex continued, confused.
“Sir, you’re not the type to cheat…”
Anakin was now equally confused as the Captain.
“It’s not romantic or anything, it’s just friendly gestures.” He struggled his shoulders, not liking even the implication that he was interested in cheating on Padmé.
Rex stared at the General a moment longer, before it clicked in his head. His General is really not the most observant person.
“Sir,” he began, “The 212th is dating General Kenobi, those gestures are done out of love.” He said as clearly as possible, speaking a bit slower than necessary.
Anakin’s bafflement was obvious on his face, eyes wide, facial muscles frozen in place. Rex gave him some time to digest the information.
His master’s flirty nature was well known, but Anakin had never really imagined him in a real relationship, being the code-abiding Jedi that he is…It was…mind blowing.
“Umm,” began the General, “How is he— uh…all of them?”
Rex was already beginning to feel awkward.
“I don’t know exactly how, sir, but it works for them.” He said with finality, he knew General Skywalker loved his men, but Rex was not so sure how he’d feel about so many clones dating his master.
“Oh.” Was the only response from the man.
Seconds passed in silence, before the knight spoke up again.
“The—uh, the attraction to Obi-wan, is it—uh,” the General waved his hand around vaguely, searching for the words. “Is the attraction like a clone thing?” He asked, confused, but being careful trying to not cause offence.
Sighing internally, Rex was forced to answer.
“It is not biological, sir, but we were raised to value good tacticians, the Jedi, and competence in general. So it is really no surprise why so many of us find him attractive.”
As he said it, he realized his mistake.
Anakin whipped his head to look at the blonde, incredulous once more.
“So many of us?”
Whoops.
He was really not looking forward to explaining this chaos to Cody, but it would provide a good opening for inquiring about General Kenobi’s availability.
