If there was ever a time Anakin was grateful he had sent Obi-Wan of with Commander Fox, it was right now as he forced his face into a pleasant expression, slowly turning to meet the smiling man practically jogging to him.

“My boy, I’m so glad I caught you before you left!” Chancellor Palpatine greeted with a warm smile.

It made Anakin want to punch his face in. But he forced himself to keep smiling, tucking his hands into his sleeves to avoid letting people see his clenching fists. “Indeed Chancellor, its always a… pleasure.” Anakin hoped no one caught the momentary lapse in his voice.

Of course they did though, as Palpatine raised a decrepit eyebrow. “You seem unhappy my boy, have I caught you at the wrong time?” He questioned curiously.

Shaking his head, Anakin reminded himself that this was the chancellor and regardless what Anakin’s personal feelings for the man was, he had to pay him a mediocre of respect. “Its just been a long day sir, long weeks if I’m honest, its my first day back on Coruscant.” He tacked on, as respectfully as he could.

He hated being in the Rotunda.

He felt like he was surrounded by snakes at every corner, slimy ones at that and never before had he agreed with Qui-Gon’s sentiment of slimy politicians as strongly as he did in that moment.

His statement however seemed to have done the trick as the Chancellor smiled once more at him. “Ah, I see, then I won’t keep you. I was simply curious as to where your young padawan has gone of to, I noticed him and you observing the debate.” The man chuckled.

Instantly, Anakin’s entire being felt submerged in ice, his smile fading.

How in karks name had the Chancellor seen them?

They had been in one of the highest observational balconies, a calculated move by Anakin, using his Jedi access to go where normally only the press went to have a good eye on everything, with additional viewing screens. It was the furthest away from not only the Naboo pod but also the Chancellor that Anakin could get them while still being able to hear and see.

That only lead him to the conclusion that Palpatine had been looking for them, to be able to know that.

And now he was asking where Obi-Wan was…

The dragon in his chest rose, snarling and roaring even as Anakin forced himself to respond, feeling a bit like his ears were cottoned, trying to force himself not to scream at the man not to approach his padawan. “My padawan ran off with some friends of his, teenagers always have a lot of energy, even if I require rest.” He tried to feign something close to nonechelance.

Not that he thought he’d managed it, by the scrutinizing look Palpatine and the confused ones the man’s aid sent him.

He also noticed a few of the Coruscant guards that had followed a bit behind were shifting.

Clearly they knew where Obi-Wan were.

Considering the amount of adoration Anakin had felt when Fox saw Obi-Wan, that didn’t shock Anakin and he quickly slipped his hands out of his sleeves to finger spell with the battle signs Rex had taught him, the chancellor saying something inane about it being a shame he missed meeting Obi-Wan, once more sending shivers down Anakin’s back.

‘Not.A.Word.’

A trooper with a red spiral on his helmet eased his own fingers off his. ‘Copy.Birdie.Safe.’ One of Palpatine’s aids were leaning forward to whisper into his ear, something about a meeting. Anakin’s thoughts were occupied by other things.

Birdie.

Was Birdie Obi-Wan’s battle sign in clone finger language?

He’d have to ask, though asking Obi-Wan would be difficult.

Maybe call up Fox or ask Rex.

Anakin forced himself to bow as he heard the Chancellor finally dismiss him, finally able to turn and walk away, searching out his bond with Obi-Wan to track the boy down.

He breathed out when he found the other, far away in the barracks of the CG and clearly also on the move.

Then he paused, feeling another set of eyes on him, slowly he raised his head and meet Padme’s eyes, the brow eyes staring at him with wide, questioning eyes.

Anakin stared back before simply heading straight for the doors, jaw muscle jumping.

He had enough of politicians for one day.