#enjoy!!!

"Anakin, before we land," Obi-Wan says, speaking over the engines of their ship as they enter Ninza's orbit, "there is something you have to know about this planet."

"Okay," Anakin says, only half turned towards Obi-Wan. He stares out of the main window at the green and blue world coming into view, so Obi-Wan talks to his back.

"They have a rule there, something to do with their culture, that forbids physical touch. In public, at least, but I doubt that they will like it any better if it was private."

This gets him Anakin's full attention. "You're joking."

"No, I am not."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Anakin asks, disbelief in his voice.

"I didn't think it was that important," Obi-Wan lies. Anakin lets out a sigh and nods.

"Okay, sure. I don't think it will be that big of a deal anyway."

"I hope it won't be, either."

***

The surface of Ninza is just as beautiful as the view from orbit, and Obi-Wan has to stop himself reaching out for Anakin's shoulder to direct his attention to a plant or an animal several times during their tour of the capital. Anakin, much to Obi-Wan's relief, also manages to keep his hands to himself.

He doesn't realize how much he wants to touch him throughout the day, just little, random gestures, until they are barred to him. It's more frustrating than he could have imagined.

Once they're alone in their rooms in the governor's house, Anakin tries to poke him with one finger, as if to check that Obi-Wan is still solid. But he pulls away, suddenly fearing hidden cameras everywhere.

"What?" Anakin asks, a hint of frustration in his voice. "C'mon, you said that maybe they might be more lax in private."

"I don't want to risk sabotaging the mission," Obi-Wan mutters. "It's only a few more days."

Anakin is hurt, he can see it clear as day. But he doesn't approach him again after that, only goes to bed a few minutes later.

***

They're talking to a diplomat over dinner one evening when Obi-Wan nearly slips up. Anakin swallows a bite of food a little too enthusiastically, and starts coughing, first discreetly, then a little louder. Obi-Wan reaches out to pat him on the back, but remembers himself just in time.

Afterwards, he sits down and tries to meditate, but all he can think about is Anakin. It dawns on him just how much he took it for granted that Anakin was always within reach, only rarely shrugging off his hand. And now that he isn't, Obi-Wan longs for him even more. He knows that this isn't how he should feel about his Padawan, but it's the truth.

And if Anakin's lingering glances are any indication, he feels something similar.

Obi-Wan closes his eyes, tries again to concentrate. This mission really can't be over fast enough.

***

"This is ridiculous," Anakin whispers on their last morning as they are getting ready for one final meeting with the governor. They did what they came here for: settling a trade dispute between the government and a band of would-be pirates. Under normal circumstances, Obi-Wan would put his hand on Anakin's shoulder to show him how proud he is of him, but he can't. But oh, how he wants to.

"What is?"

"Look at them," Anakin says, nodding in the direction of a few members of staff greeting each other with nothing more than a look and a nod. "Do they even know what it means, touching someone?"

"Like I told you, it's part of their culture. Maybe they never feel the need for it."

Anakin stares at him, bewildered. "Can you imagine living like that?"