Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Earlier that day, Anakin felt a rumble. A brief moment as if the world had opened up and something dropped. No one around him reacted, so he brushed it off as cabin fever, stuck in one place for too long that his mind was playing tricks. 

But in the middle of the night he tossed and turned until he woke. The new presence was louder. Something within the Force alerted him. It was unlike his nightmares, that was plagued with violent images of death and destruction. This time, the Force was calling him.

Unable to sleep, Anakin left his bed, dragging his injured leg as he wandered around the temple, which eventually led him down to the council chamber where he heard Master Yoda and Windu speaking. Curious as ever, Anakin listened closely.

“He’s not a Sith nor a spy, but it doesn’t explain how he got here.”

“Contacted Kenobi, have you?”

“Yes, he’s still on Mandalore, and he reports quarterly as expected.”

Obi-Wan? Why did they need Obi-Wan when they sent him out?

“The dark forces, I do not sense with him.” 

“Then what other explanation is there?”

Dark forces surrounding Obi-Wan? What in sith’s hell could they be talking about? His Master would never allow himself to fall in such a way. 

The weird feeling in the Force returned, leading Anakin to the lower level of the temple until he reached the holding cells. As far as he knew, they were not holding anyone for questioning. Until he saw one cell lit, yet completely unguarded.

As he came closer he noticed the force signature of the person was familiar…still wild and untrained yet comforting. It was then, when he saw the prisoner face to face, did Anakin stumble back, unsure what Forces were playing a trick on his mind.

The teenager had long blonde hair and a distinct padawan braid hanging over his right shoulder. He wore light colored robes and dark boots, and his eyes were blue with wonder. His mouth was in a pout as he looked at Anakin. 

“Master Yoda sent another Jedi to interrogate me?”

Although younger, the voice was definitely Obi-Wan. 

He still remembered Obi-Wan without his beard, and if his Master shaved now he was sure he’d have a baby face just like the kid in front of him now. His Master was beautiful, and this version of him was just the same but radiating in youth. 

“I already told Master Yoda! I was on my way to Lenahra when I then flew into the Temple’s Hanger. I’ve tried to contact Master Jinn but he isn’t responding.”

Anakin’s face fell. Obi-Wan was young, but young enough that his master was still alive to him. 

“I–”

“Skywalker, what the hell are you doing down here?”

Of course Windu and Yoda were down here, probably to check up on Obi-Wan. No wonder they had to verify if his Master was still on Mandalore, because now they had to figure out what was going on with the guy in the cell.

“I sensed something was off.” Anakin said honestly. “The Force led me here.”

Windu raised his eyebrow, skeptical of his answers as always. At least Yoda hummed, actually considering his words. 

“Master Yoda, please I don’t understand.” Obi-Wan approached the barrier of the cell. “I’m sorry I stole this ship, but Master Jinn was supposed to join me on this trip. Where is he?”

Oh, his voice grew soft with his pleads, and Anakin’s heart clenched to hear him like this. He was so confused, and Anakin had to hold back, blurting out that it wasn’t his fault. 

“We apologize Kenobi, we are trying to…” Windu took a second, glancing over at Anakin as if to ask to help fill in the blanks, but Anakin shook his head. What were they supposed to say to him? “We are trying to get our stories straight.”

Obi-Wan crossed his arms and turned his heels, going back to his bench to lie down. 

“Master,” Anakin whispered, pulling both of them to the side with his crutch. “Can’t you see he’s scared? He asked for Jinn.”

“This, we know.” Yoda sighed. “Traveled from Lenahra, he claims. Twenty years prior, did Kenobi do the same.”

“So you know he is Obi-Wan. Then why keep him here?”

“Time travel is…it hasn’t been done before, only theorized” Windu said. “But if this is the case, it’s best not to feed him knowledge of his future. Including Qui-Gon’s fate.”

“Oh, so keeping him locked up until he can just magically go home is the solution?” Anakin asked.

“Skywalker…”

“We don’t have to tell him anything! But keeping him locked up like a prisoner is just cruel, especially one of our own. Let him stay with me, Obi-Wan’s out anyway so his room is unoccupied. Plus, I could keep an eye on him.”

Windu’s shoulders slumped in defeat, realizing this would be the best plan, otherwise Anakin would just pester them for days until he got what he wanted. 

“Fine, but he is under strict surveillance. If you felt a shift in the Force as you said, we have to keep an eye on him. We don’t know what his presence would do here.”

“Talk to Master Cordova, I will.” Yoda said, then his voice trailed as he made a list of other scholars who might have a vague idea with how this occurred. 

“I mean it, Skywalker, you two are to follow these rules until we know he’s safe to be here.”

The rules were simple enough. First and foremost don't tell him about this current timeline, anything in the last twenty years specifically. Second, he was to be supervised at all times. He could not leave Anakin's sight, and preferably he was to stay within the temple. If they were to go out he had to cover his face. Third, either Kenobis could not know about each other and better yet, should never counter each other. Who knew what could happen--at least according to the old theories.

Anakin listened with a triumphant smirk, knowing despite everything Windu was telling him, he still got what he wanted. When he was finished, with Anakin promising to follow what he said, he hopped his way over to the cell. The younger Obi-Wan glanced over his shoulder, wary of him until the barrier disappeared. 

“Let’s go Obi-Wan, you deserve an actual bed.”

“So, what happened to your leg?” Obi-Wan asked as they made their descent back to the apartments. 

“Ah, small accident on my last mission.” A small accident involving his sky cruiser exploding mid air and Anakin miscalculating how far his landing spot actually was, unable to brace himself in time. He was lucky his leg didn’t completely shatter and needed amputation. However, the medics advised not to use bacta right away. The slimy goop may fuse his bones wrong, causing future problems, so Kix, ever the wise man, had him in a cast so they could watch the bone placement before switching over to bacta as the final healing method. 

Until then, Kix had said, “Nothing some R&R wouldn’t fix. Get some rest general and I’ll check back with you in a few weeks”

Three weeks later, here was Anakin now. With a throbbing leg and a tiny Obi-Wan. 

Obi-Wan raised his eyebrow skeptically, the same way his Obi-Wan would whenever Anakin suggested an ill-advised plan of attack. “Hm-hm, and your arm?”

“Don’t fight sith lords. They’ll take you piece by piece.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes widened. “Sith? That’s impossible. The sith had been eliminated for thousands of years.”

Kriff, well rule one was out the window.

“The universe is big, we don’t know what’s actually out there.” Anakin waved him off, hoping it was a vague enough explanation rather than a definitive, reality alter-defying one.

Anakin felt he understood science and the Force and hell, even the magic force on Darthomir. But time travel? That was still a fantasy in operas. 

Once back in their shared apartment, Obi-Wan flicked on the lights and observed the room. A familiar presence sunk in. “You share a room with Master Jinn? Were you his Padawan?”

Rule one continued to test Anakin. What was he supposed to do, lie? Or flat out ignore him? Anakin hated when Obi-Wan would dismiss his questions, and Ahsoka would never let him get away with a lie. 

“No, though I was aware this was Qui-Gon’s apartment…” 

They were standing in the shared room with a holoscreen, a couch, and a dining table were placed. The kitchen was in the far back right where their giant overlooked the city. The room then split into two hallways, to the right was Anakin’s room, and the left Obi-Wan’s. Obi-Wan turned to the right.

“Oh, wait–” Forgetting his crutch, Anakin hopped his way over, unable to stop Obi-Wan from opening the door.

Obi-Wan only took a second glance before turning around and heading to the other room. 

Not that he would ever admit it out loud, but maybe Windu and Yoda were right to keep Obi-Wan in the cell just until they got the whole picture. 

Because when Obi-Wan opened the door to his own room, Anakin felt a sense of grief sweep over the younger one. 

Blue eyes, widened with realization met with Anakin’s. “My master…he’s not…”

“Obi-Wan, I’m so sorry.” Anakin said, finally able to reach him and hold his shoulders. “I know it’s confusing. But where you are now…Qui-Gon is one with the Force.”

Neither room would be comforting to him now. His old room taken by Anakin, unable to sleep in the one his Master was probably occupying in his own timeline now, Anakin instead lead him back to the couch. A good middle ground. 

“What happened to him?”

“I can’t say.” Anakin said, voice softer as he tucked the long strand of hair from Obi-Wan’s face. “I’m sorry, I am. But please understand this…hasn’t happened before. I can’t answer something that might affect you.”

Obi-Wan made himself smaller, bringing his knees up to his chest and held himself. “It’s funny. I’m usually unable to feel him. So when I was back in the temple, I didn’t think anything was off. Well, no, I was getting some weird looks…”

Anakin held his arm out, just over the back of the couch but also as an opening for Obi-Wan, letting him know he was safe here. He was okay to speak. Obi-Wan leaned into him.

“Master Yoda just happened to walk by when he saw me, wouldn’t let anyone else talk to me. Said he felt something was off.”

That’s what Anakin felt as well. Did he feel the moment when this Obi-Wan arrived? 

Anakin knew his connection to the Force was stronger than most Jedi, possibly stronger than Yoda. Were they the only two who noticed this change? Better yet, how did one just appear out of nowhere without more disruption in their universe?

These felt like questions for Tech, Anakin thought. 

“And what is the Force telling you?” Anakin asked, curious. Obi-wan always reminded him to trust in the Force, just as every other Master told their Padawan. 

But the question caused the younger one to tense, hesitant to say his answer. Anakin could feel the dread from him.

This was unlike the Obi-Wan he knew, always fronting a cool and level head. Anakin wondered, was that how Obi-Wan truly felt, or was that his way to shield his true emotions? 

Curled by his side, Obi-Wan began tugging at his braid. “I don’t… I’m… I’m not a good Padawan.”

“What?” 

“Master Jinn only took me in out of pity , but I was supposed to live out my days with the AgriCrop! He refuses to take me out on missions, and I had to beg him for Lenahra, and now I was sent here instead of being with him.” Tears form in the corner of his eyes, which Obi-Wan tried to hide by burying his face in his arms. “I can’t feel the Force. I don’t know what it wants with me.”

No, none of this was right. Because Anakin could feel him, he could feel his Force signature and the way it danced within him. Obi-Wan was one of the best Jedi in the temple, how could he see himself in such a way?

Anakin wrapped his arms around him, pulling him to his chest as he carded his hand through his hair. “Oh Obi-Wan, don’t say that. Please. You have no idea how amazing you truly are.”

How could he explain in words what Obi-Wan has sacrificed in the name of the Republic, in the name of peace? How much he valued life over everything else. Even in moments when they disagreed, Obi-Wan always came out on top because of his skills as a negotiator, as a fighter, and a peacekeeper. 

Obi-Wan was truly the picture perfect model for a Jedi Master. Anakin had the privilege of watching him grow into his knighthood, then Master rank while all while being trained under him. Everything Anakin knew of the good they could accomplish always came from Obi-Wan. 

In his arms, he heard Obi-Wan sniffle, and Anakin held him tighter. He still had no idea how to convey his words, so he channeled everything he felt for his Master into him. He needed Obi-Wan to know he was not the failure he thought he was. To know without him, Anakin wouldn’t be where he was now.

The boy in his arms trembled before going lax. In a panic, Anakin pulled away from him, ready to apologize when he was met with Obi-Wan’s closed eyes, cheeks stained with tears, and light breathing.

Poor thing must be so exhausted. Anakin could only imagine how much information he could take before just finally collapsing. 

Moving him as gently as possible, Anakin laid him out on their couch, grabbing the throw blanket Obi-Wan knitted to keep him covered. 

He gave Obi-Wan one last look before retreating to his own bedroom, needing to come up with some gameplan while he’s stuck here.

Anakin got in contact with Tech, who was more than excited to research and come up with more theories as to how a time traveling Jedi appeared. He would relay his findings to Cordova, and maybe the two of them could find a solution. Then Anakin called his Obi-Wan, a simple check in to see how he was doing. His Obi-Wan was none the wiser to the events that transpired back home. He was chirpier than ever, afterall he was back with his ex-girlfriend for another two weeks.

Not that Anakin was counting.

Obi-Wan was the only choice to go to Mandalore. From Anakin’s understanding the Duchess did not approve of the Jedi’s tactics, and only allowed Obi-Wan on her planet.

He once tried to convince himself Obi-Wan’s relationship with Satine was the same as himself and Padme, as she was unfamiliar with the Jedi’s rules and culture but trusted Anakin due to their friendship. Except Padme trusted Ahsoka too. And Padme was fond of Obi-Wan. Anakin and Padme's romance may be history, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t love each other. Love came in different forms.

But he knew what the Duchess still held for Obi-Wan…the way Obi-Wan would come to her call without hesitation. It was more than friendship that he insisted.

The longer he was in Mandalore, Anakin wondered if Obi-Wan was simply waiting for the war to end and finally break his vows as a Jedi. Maybe it was why he insisted on calling Satine a friend, rather than an old flame. Because if he admitted she was more, that would put his current career in jeopardy. 

Obi-Wan wasn’t choosing one or the other, he was simply waiting his time to have both.

And his voice through the com proved that. His assignment on Mandalore was going as planned, and the Duchess was doing well, as always. Right before they hung up he heard the Duchess's voice call for him.

Anakin shut down all sour feelings that put in him, keeping his com under his pillow as he dragged himself to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

The younger Obi-Wan was still fast asleep, curled up in his robes and blanket, unbothered by the sunlight shining through. 

Anakin closed the blinds, and as quietly as possible, prepared a simple meal. Obi-Wan liked toast with some berry jam, a side of protein and tea, so that’s what he made. Anakin was still learning how to steep the tea properly (“A caffe machine is so much easier, Master”) but once everything was prepared, he stared down at the breakfast spread and decided he did a decent job for once. 

He finished setting the table when Obi-Wan stirred awake. He watched closely as the younger version of his master slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he made himself aware of his surroundings. 

Disappointment was on his face, clearly hoping it had all been a dream. But he sniffed the air, turning to Anakin as he set his eyes on breakfast. “Is that Cassius Tea?”

Anakin nodded. “I, uh, hope I prepared it right. Come on, don’t want your food getting cold.”

Obi-Wan shuffled his feet, choosing to hide his hands in his robes until he sat down. Anakin poured the tea into a cup and slid it to him. 

Obi-Wan looked at it for a moment, eyeing it as if there was something added without his knowledge. But then his hand appeared, smaller and less calloused than what his master’s hands have become, to pick it up and take a sip. “It’s good.”

Anakin breathed, relieved. “Good. I usually burn it.”

“How do you burn tea?” Obi-Wan asked.

That’s what I’ve been told.” By you , he didn’t add. 

Tea thoroughly tested, Obi-Wan happily dug into his breakfast, and Anakin couldn’t help but smile watching the younger man enjoy it. Anakin was no means a cook, but he knew the basics when he helped his mom prepare meals, and it came in handy during missions if Obi-Wan was too tired to cook, and to give Ahsoka and Rex something other than ration bars. 

“So, do I get to ask more questions Master? Or did Master Windu still tell you not to reveal anything?”

Persistent as ever, Anakin mused. “You don’t have to call me Master, I’m just a knight. Anakin is just fine” Anakin said. “You can ask, but be prepared I may not be able to answer.”

Obi-Wan cocked his head slightly. Cute. “You’re not a Master? You feel like one.”

“What?”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “Must be your Force signature. I can’t feel the Force usually but you…I feel you. It’s different. Powerful.”

Anakin blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, but sadly still just a knight.” He wasn’t going to be bitter about that either. Jedi are knights for years before earning the rank of Master. At least that’s what he told himself. 

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-two.”

“What color is your lightsaber?”

“Blue.”

“Who is your Master?”

Anakin bit his tongue. “I’m sorry, I can’t say.”

Obi-Wan huffed, blowing a strand of hair from his face. “Can we go to the market?”

“Oh, do you need something?”

Obi-Wan looked down at his robes. “A change of clothes would be nice. I doubt your clothes would fit me.”

They wouldn’t but the idea of Obi-Wan swimming in Anakin’s tunics because he was so much smaller than him was a wonderful idea. 

No, a bad idea, Anakin told his dick.

“Sure. But we’ll have to keep our heads low. Don’t need more trouble following.”

That seemed to be the wrong choice of words as Obi-Wan’s face fell. “My existence is that much of an inconvenience, isn’t it?”

“No, kriff, Obi-Wan that isn’t what I–”

“Can I use the refresher?” 

Anakin winced at his cold change of tone. “Sure. I’ll have a fresh towel for you.”

When Obi-Wan closed the door to the refresher, Anakin slumped in his seat, running his hands down his face with a groan. 

Maybe, maybe he’ll fold and say Windu was right. 

Anakin did not fold because he’s not a quitter. But that didn’t lessen the tension between them as they made their way through the market. 

Obi-Wan stayed by his side, moving at Anakin’s somewhat slower pace as they browsed through the stalls of clothes. Nothing seemed to be catching Obi-Wan’s eye, and now thinking of it, Anakin has never seen Obi-Wan wear anything different than his Jedi robes. Even his formal wear to Senate Balls had a resemblance to a Jedi uniform than what politicians wear. 

Obi-Wan eventually settled on a stall with knitted long sleeves and leggings, buying himself a few pairs with the colors to his liking. Satisfied with his purchase they then found themselves in the produce section. Anakin needed to restock anyway, and asked if they could spend a bit more time. Obi-Wan didn’t complain, carrying Anakin’s basket as he filled it up with some of Obi-Wan and Ahsoka’s favorite ingredients. 

“Master... Who’s that?”

Anakin was sniffing what he was sure was rotten fruit, turning around to correct him (“just call me Anakin”) when he saw the cover of the holozine he was pointing to. Kriff, he and Padme accidentally made it on the cover of a tabloid, again . 

Damn paparazzi following them up to her apartment in Courscuant. It was common for Senators to have bodyguards when they were in the city…it just so happened she chose a Jedi for her guard. And of course they used the picture where Anakin had his hand on her lower back as he led her into the building. If the tabloids paid any attention Anakin also had his hand on Obi-Wan’s back whenever he was letting his master in the room first. 

“Ignore that, journalists trying to make a quick credit over a fake story.”

But Obi-Wan took a closer look at the screen. “She’s pretty.”

“She’s the Senator of Naboo. Everyone there is pretty.”

“Is she your girlfriend?” Obi-Wan asked. “I thought we weren’t supposed to form attachments.”

Anakin rolled his eyes, gently pulling at Obi-Wan’s hood to cover his eyes and steer him away from the tabloid stand. “She isn’t. “

“But you want her to be?”

“What’s with these twenty questions?”

“If I can’t ask about my life, I might as well ask yours.” Obi-Wan said as a matter of fact. “Does Master Yoda know about her?”

“Yes, “ Anakin sighed, paying for his last grocery. “I was assigned as her guard when I was still a Padawan. We’re still friends.”

“Wow, that’s a lie if I’ve heard one.”

Anakin whipped his head back. “ Huh ?!” 

“She was not just a friend .” Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. “Admit it, you two had a thing .”

How did he figure that out so fast? His Obi-Wan seemed ignorant whenever Anakin had a “private” meeting with the Senator years ago.

Or did he know, too, and just played ignorant?

“No more than you and Satine.” Anakin bit out, because if Obi-Wan was calling him out Anakin had no qualms reminding him he too was a hypocrite.

“Whose Satine?”

Kriff. Kark. Fuck because he might as well use old basic for once again breaking the simple rules.

(It was not simple. Nothing involving Obi-Wan was simple)

Obi-Wan said he met Satine when he was still a Padawan, but that didn’t necessarily mean a teenager. Obi-Wan wasn’t knighted until he was twenty five, so if he didn’t know who she was, then they haven’t met yet.

“Someone…important to you.”

“Like how the Senator is to you?”

“Something like that.” Anakin murmured. “Come on, my foot’s getting tired.”

“Can I drive your speeder?” Obi-Wan asked. “It’ll relieve the pressure on your foot.”

Anakin held the keys close. “Nuh-huh, no one drives my speeder.”

He didn’t miss Obi-Wan sticking his tongue out at him, and it took all will power for Anakin not to grab it. 

It was no secret Obi-Wan loved to keep himself busy. Meditation was his last resort when he had too much energy, so Obi-Wan would usually file reports, read mission briefings, he'll take stock of his supplies out of boredom before resorting to meditation.

Evidently, this Padawan was just the same. He paced around the apartment, desperate to do something that wasn’t sitting around and watching Holo dramas, which Anakin wasn’t sure if he was allowed to even do if he was trying to prevent future information from being learned. 

As it turned out, some Padawan education materials were also out the window. Obi-Wan had passed all his basic courses and was begging for the advanced material, except Anakin still had yet to vet what was allowed to be taught that wouldn’t corrupt the future.

Force, this rule was stupid. 

There was some relief from Tech, who came back later that afternoon with another theory. If his current Obi-Wan never mentioned an incident of time travel in his youth, this Obi-Wan was no longer part of their timeline, therefore relaying information to him should not harm their current present. 

“Shouldn’t?” Windu asked in their call. 

“I am ninety-two percent certain.”

“That’s higher than I thought.” Anakin said with a shrug. 

“Though it’s still a theory.”

“So…?” Anakin asked.

“Best to continue things as they are.” Tech concluded, fiddling with a datapad. “Have you felt any temporal shifts?”

“No…? I don’t think so.”

“Hm, fascinating.”

Anakin and Windu shared a look as Tech hung up. 

“Sorry, Skywalker. How is he doing?”

“Restless.” Anakin admitted. “Somehow he’ll ask why the sky is blue and turn it into a conversation about current events. Hard to keep brushing him off.”

“Obi-Wan was always a curious Padawan.” Mace said. “Just…keep trying. Let me know if he gets too much.”

Just three days later with no progress, Obi-Wan was finally fed up. 

“How is it that Master Jinn isn’t here and yet I’m being treated the same.” he paced around the living room, irritation flowing out of him, yet controlled enough not to become anger. “I can’t leave the Temple without an escort, can’t learn anything, this must be a cruel joke. I might as well still be in the holding cell!”

“Obi-Wan, I’m sorry. I don’t want to keep you like this either, but messing with the timeline may disrupt something in the Force. We barely understand it as it is.”

“Oh, so this is my fault.” Obi-Wan raised his hands. “Throw me back to AgriCorp to make it easier then!”

“I didn’t say it was your fault.” Anakin had no problem hiding his feelings, especially when being thrown accusations. “Why do you think that? You being here is an accident .”

“Is it?”

The tension shifted again. Cold. Wary.

“Why wouldn’t it be? The Force works…well the Force does whatever it wants.” Anakin said. “We don’t control it. We can’t .”

“Well someone did. They wanted me gone and it worked.”

And there it was, the way Obi-Wan quieted his voice, holding himself to make himself look smaller. Protecting himself. 

“I just cause trouble. All I do is disappoint my Master. Maybe I’ve finally disappointed him enough he wished me away, and the Force granted it. Now I get to be your thorn.”

“Obi-Wan.” Anakin said, voice as a commander. “Do not talk about yourself that way.”

He immediately saw the flash of guilt from the boy’s eyes, regretting his own words. “I’m sorry Master. I…”

“Do not make assumptions about what you are to me, because you could not be more wrong.”

Taking another step, Anakin reached out, holding him by his shoulders. “ You could never be a thorn to me, understand? You’re my best friend, my brother in arms. Not having you in my life would be insufferable.”

Obi-Wan was the reason Anakin fought for what was right. Why he could wake up in the middle of a battlefield, knowing he’d see him again when he was home. Why Anakin never felt comfortable to move out of the apartment, needing to know Obi-Wan was just across from him even if they were not living there at the same time.

Some Jedi may call that an attachment. Anakin would said that was the source of his strength, even if his Obi-Wan would never know. 

He couldn’t risk him knowing, not if it meant to sever their attachment, leaving Anakin alone. 

Obi-Wan’s breath hitched, taking in his words. His bottom lip trembled, but he held himself together. “What are we?”

“You were my Master.” Anakin finally confessed. “You raised me, trained me. Now we serve side by side when we can.”

“I’m…I’m a Master?”

He saw how Obi-Wan’s knees began to buckle, so he sat him down on their floor, too tired to move them somewhere else. “The best Master any Padawan could ask for.”

Anakin squeezed his shoulder. “I never knew your relationship with Qui-Gon. Just that he asked you to train me and you said yes. I had no idea how you really felt about him but…but I know he asked you to do this because he believed in you. Even if your Qui-Gon doesn’t show it now.”

Obi-Wan seemed better after that, but no less bored. He got by doing chores with playful banter, helping Anakin cook all their meals, but it still hadn't changed the fact they had no idea how to return him home.

Not that Anakin wanted him gone. Selfishly, he loved having this Obi-Wan around. It was nice to be able to show his Master the way things worked around here, even though he had his own Padawan to do that.

Speak of the devil herself. In the middle of fixing a former surveillance droid, Anakin felt Ahsoka’s Force signature as she entered the temple. “Huh, I thought she’d be back later tonight.”

Obi-Wan was struggling with his motherboard, happy to push it aside once Anakin was distracted. “Who?”

“My Padawan. She and some others were out with Master Plo for some field trip. She’ll be coming by in a bit.”

“You have a Padawan?”

Anakin didn’t miss the accusatory tone in his voice. It wasn’t like the way he called out the tabloid of himself and Padme. Something else was laced…almost like jealousy.

“Yes, she's been my Padawan for the last three years.”

“Where was she when you broke your leg?”

“Off helping people, as I told her to do.” Anakin wiggled his toe in his cast, happy he had some feeling come back. 

“Shouldn’t she have protected you?”

Anakin frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. “She does, just as a Master protects their Padawan.”

“And she was gone with another Master for weeks?”

“Plo Koon is a great Master, he likes taking the younglings out for exploratory missions. Besides it was just five days” He was confused with Obi-Wan’s tone. Even while his Padawan, Anakin had the opportunity to train and travel with other Masters, and while he preferred to stay by his Master’s side he learned a great deal with others. Did Obi-Wan not experience the same thing? 

“Skyguy! I’m back!” 

Ahsoka’s voice always brought a sense of relief to lighten the mood. His apartment door swooshed open, revealing the young Togruta skipping inside, in her hands a giant plush that had a weird resemblance to Jar-Jar, and a bag of dark candies. 

“I got you those cocoa covered beetles you like–” Of course her eyes immediately fell onto the young Obi-Wan, sitting at what was typically her spot at their dining room table. “Hi?”

“Hi.” Obi-Wan said, voice just as tight.

“Ah, Snips, can you sit down? This is…complicated.”

At the end of the explanation Ahsoka seemed just as confused yet accepting as everyone else who encountered him. 

“Now that you say it, I do see him.” She said. “I didn’t know Obi-Wan had such a baby-face!” 

“Hey!” 

Gosh, he looked adorable when he blushed. 

“Speaking of, where is my older half?” Obi-Wan huffed into his tea. 

“Still on a mission on Mandalore.” Anakin said, remembering Tech’s last call when he also questioned his Kenobi’s whereabouts. A reminder of rule three.

It’s best to keep them separated. We want to prevent a temporal paradox that may result negatively on both parties. 

Yeah, Anakin had no idea what that meant, but it all conveniently worked out since Obi-Wan had a few more rotations on Mandalore, giving them enough time to try and figure something out with his younger counterpart. 

“Why Mandalore, isn’t that a worn-torn planet?”

“Not exactly, I hear the Duchess–”

“Ah! Snips!”

Ahsoka covered her mouth. “Right. Sorry.”

Obi-Wan threw his hands up. “Seriously, I can’t even know the political state of a planet I’ve never been on?”

Ahsoka shot Anakin a look, who just shook his head. Oh if only he knew where the next few years would take him.

“Can’t research, can’t go past the market, sith’s hell I can’t even watch a doleful Holodrama without you censoring it. What am I supposed to do, I’m bored!”

Anakin wanted to point out he had his broken communicator he had yet to fix when Ahsoka spoke next, proving how she was truly Anakin’s Padawan.

“Wanna spar?”

They weren’t going to use the Jedi training facility, Anakin could only imagine the blood vessel popping in Windu if the other Jedi find a younger, smaller Obi-Wan walking around as a walking time paradox, or whatever Tech had called him. But nearby was the Coruscant Clone Base, which was fully equipped with their own facilities. 

Half of the 501st was deployed with the 212st, while the other, who worked closely with Anakin, were on shore leave until Anakin recovered.

Rex was the one to greet him when they entered.

“Tech explained the situation.” Rex said, eyes on the back of young Obi-Wan’s head. “I’m not going to pretend I understand what’s happening.”

“It’s okay, we’re all still a little lost.”

The gym wasn’t empty. A few of the clones were exercising on the machines when their attention turned to the Jedi. Anakin sat on a bench, holding out his hand for their lightsabers. 

“No sabers. The men here have training equipment to use.”

“Master–” They both whined, but Anakin gestured to give it up. “You can use any form of fighting, but we’re not destroying the men’s facility.”

“Again.” Rex murmured. 

“I apologized for that.” Anakin pouted.

The two groaned with agreement, unclipping their sabers and passing it along. At this point the clones gathered around the seating area, excited to see what the two had in store for them. 

Ahsoka twisted her arms and back just as Obi-Wan did a small lunge. Stretching was always good before a fight, though Anakin definitely did not stare at Obi-Wan’s legs.

With their training staff in hand, they got into position, and from that alone Anakin could already see the type of training each of them has gone through.

Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were the same age, and as far as Anakin knew, had the same amount of physical training from when Padawans began physical training at thirteen. Obi-Wan mentioned Qui-Gon has kept him at the basic level, but compared to the way Ahsoka was standing, Anakin would assume this was his first time on a training mat.

She was ready to attack her prey, one swift move to bring him down. Obi-Wan was too open, a stance ready for an attack from above or in front of him, yet had no ground if she were to come for his feet.

Which was exactly what she did. She swept her leg right under him, and he fell disgracefully on his side.

The clones whistled, some laughed. Anakin shot them a glare.

Ahsoka approached him, her hand out as an offering. For a moment Anakin thought Obi-Wan would slap her hand away, as Anakin had done the same in the past. Instead, even with humiliated eyes, Obi-Wan took her hand and stood up. 

This time she gave him a chance to attack first. He came at her, full force with his staff as she easily dodged with light toes. He came at her again with another swing, only for her to side step without thought. 

Every attack was direct, precise, but not strategic. As if attacking a broken droid, or a training dummy. Even shiny clones had moving targets in their training grounds. 

When Obi-Wan reached out again, Ahsoka grabbed his wrist and twisted his arm to the back, kicking from behind his knees to bring him down. He let go of the staff. “I yield!” 

Ahsoka released him, once again helping him to his feet in a form of good sportsmanship. However, Anakin saw enough. Saw how neglected Obi-Wan was so early on in his training.

“Ahsoka, go spar with one of the men.”

“Finally, something to do.” Hardcase said, volunteering himself. “Come on jetti, let’s see how many clankers we can cut up.”

“No lightsabers!” Rex yelled at them. Ahsoka groaned dramatically, and Hardcase just laughed. 

With a chuckle, Anakin made his way over to the floor mat, picking up Obi-Wan’s fallen staff and handing it back. “Qui-Gon really only taught you the basics, huh?”

Obi-Wan gripped it tightly. “He refuses to advance me, and I don’t know why. I’m top in my class, but I still have to beg to be taken on missions.”

Anakin winced, unsure what else to say because he didn’t know Qui-Gon. All he could remember was the kind older man who helped free him, and everything after was stories told by Obi-Wan and other Jedi.

He knew Qui-Gon was an odd man with unconventional teachings. His Obi-Wan looked fondly at them now, but the Obi-Wan in front of him clearly felt different. He wanted to be included, he wanted to be an actual Padawan. 

Anakin knew that feeling, back when Obi-Wan would tell him to stay behind. When his own Master chose someone over him. It hurt, even if he had a reason for the time. He can’t fix what Qui-Gon has neglected him up until now, but right now he could at least teach him more than the basics. 

“Here, get back into position. Keep your legs firm, like this.” Anakin tapped his thigh until he moved to the correct spot. He grabbed his shoulders, straightening his stance before guiding his arms out. “Alright, attack me.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” Anakin said, standing right where Ahsoka was before. 

“But–your leg .”

Using the Force, Anakin grabbed another training staff from its stand and swung. Obi-Wan only had a moment to block himself before stumbling over. 

“Come on now, I’m sure you’ve been wanting to hit me for the past few days.”

Obi-Wan’s blush said it all. 

“You know, Ahsoka doesn’t just have base training. She’s been on the field, and a lot can be learned there more so than a gym.”

Anakin swiped his staff, lower to knock Obi-Wan over again. This time the Padawan jumped out of the way, finding himself flat on his feet and balanced. 

“Out there it's survival. No formal fighting can prepare you for that. But as Jedi, we have an extra advantage.”

“The Force.”

Anakin nodded, using it ever so slightly to push Obi-Wan. The Padawan stumbled back.

“Of course they’ll say not to use it excessively, but there are other ways to channel it. Look over at Ahsoka.”

To show it wasn’t a trick, Anakin placed the staff to his side and gestured over to his Padawan. Some other clones decided to join her sparring match, three against one, yet Ahsoka avoided every attack with ease. Behind her, Jesse lunges for another attack. She grabbed his wrist, using his own weight to her advantage as she tossed him towards the safety mats. 

“Now, unless Togrutas have a third eye I don’t know about…”

“I can hear you, you know!”

“...How do you think she anticipated his attack?”

“The Force. She sensed his being through the Force.” Obi-Wan answered. 

“Exactly. While we can’t predict what they would do, we know where our opponent is. And if we follow their signature, we may have that split second advantage to counter.”

Obi-Wan’s shoulders slumped. “That’s the problem, Master. I’ve been trying, truly trying and I cannot feel the Force through me.”

There must be something blocking Obi-Wan, because Anakin could definitely feel him. Obi-Wan’s personal connection was muted, the source of most of his frustrations. 

“Close your eyes.” Anakin said, thinking of the lessons his own Obi-Wan taught him. “Breath in, count to ten, and exhale.”

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, eyelashes touching his cheeks. He did as commanded, breathing out at ten but keeping his eyes closed. 

“What do you hear?”

He watched Obi-Wan’s mouth move, as if he was biting the inside of his cheek. “There’s a fan vent at the end of the room. Ahsoka and the men are still fighting, they’re using…I think they’re using metal batons now.”

“Very good. What else?”

“There’s some men in the dining hall. A droid is cleaning the halls…oh.” His face was red. “I think someone’s having sex.”

Anakin snorted. Yeah that sounded right for a clone base but he held no judgment about what his men did in their spare time, most likely with each other. “See, you can sense all that through the Force. It takes a bit of concentration.”

Obi-Wan shook his head and kept his eyes closed. “I’ve been trying for weeks and it’s like I haven’t been able to feel that at all. How…?”

“The Force is always with you, Obi-Wan, whether or not you feel it. You just have to open your mind and heart to it.”

Because he could feel how clouded his mind was, how his heart hesitated with every step he took. Obi-Wan was unintentionally projecting because he has no idea how to ground himself. Maybe this could be a quick but necessary lesson, to get him back. 

“Are you able to see me?” Anakin asked, noticing how he shut his eyes tighter.

“I think…yes. You’re right in front of me,” So Anakin moved to his right, and Obi-Wan’s staff followed. “You’re…you’re not in position.”

“No, I’m not. Very good.”

Obi-Wan stayed in his own stance, listening closely to the Force before striking once again. This time he moved with his weapon lunging out. He’s just barely able to touch Anakin with his weapon before he swipes again, hitting him on his side.

“Excellent! Again!”

Watching Obi-Wan fight was like watching a dancer on stage. There was beauty and grace in his moves, using his opponent as a partner to bring them to their downfall. 

The Obi-Wan in front of him was not yet a knight, but was one in practice. The passion was there, now that he was more confident to fight, and he moved around Anakin, using only the Force to find his way. With his good food Anakin spun on his heels, avoiding what he could while staying in their imaginary circle. Obi-Wan was beautiful with any weapon in hand, and his smile every time he landed a soft hit only made Anakin proud of him. 

A surprise attack from below would have yielded more compliments, but distracted by the way Obi-Wan was smiling, Anakin landed on his bad foot, bucking under his own weight and falling with an undignified yelp. 

“Master?!” Ahsoka called from across the room.

Anakin held his leg, berating himself for a clumsy move when Obi-Wan suddenly dropped to his side. “Master! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you!”

Anakin let out a strained laugh. “I tripped on myself, it’s not your fault.”   

That didn’t ease the younger one’s mind, his eyes on the verge of tears for doing what no Padawan should be capable of to their Master. Anakin reached out, holding his cheek to wipe away his tears. “I’m fine , Obi-Wan.”

“I’ll be the judge of that, General.”

Anakin rolled his eyes, meeting with Kix whom he was sure was out in his medbay and not in the gym. Rex must have called him, knowing he’d be concerned that their General was sparring with a broken leg. "Fine, take me to your torture chamber.”

“Gladly.” Kix said. He held out his hand to help Anakin stand, but instead of throwing his arm over Kix’s shoulder so they could walk together, the damn medic picked up Anakin and threw him over his shoulders.

“Hey! Kix, put me down!” 

“Sorry General, this way you’ll keep your foot elevated.”

“I’m demoting you!” His threats were unheated, and instead Anakin stuck his tongue out and gave all his men the finger as they, and Ahsoka, took pictures with their coms. 

He didn’t miss, though, that Obi-Wan was the only one not laughing. 

“And here I thought you wanted to heal faster.” Kix said as he examined the x-ray. “The break is almost healed, but straining yourself might put you back on square one.”

“I twisted my foot, I didn’t fall out of an aircraft.” Anakin sat on a table, his broken leg out of its cast and dunked in the slimy bacta. “A few more of these and I’ll be good to go!”

“If you can sit still, which I know you can’t .”

“Aw, Kix, if you care just say so.”

Kix raised an eyebrow, voice deadpan as he said. “I care about your well being General, and evidently so does little Kenobi.”

“I scared him.”

“You did, but even Miss Tano didn’t react the way he did. Granted, she knows how reckless you can be,” He murmured the second half of that sentence. “But he looked exactly like General Kenobi, it was creepy. And I have thousands wearing my face.”

“What?” Anakin asked, “Of course they look alike, that’s him.”

“And he’s only known you for what, five days I hear? That’s the same look General Kenobi has every time you fall unconscious. I had to force him out of medbay during your last debacle on Vulcan because he was taking up too much room.”

This was all news to Anakin. Falling while on a mission was quite common, and he found himself very acquainted with Kix’s medbay. Sometimes he’d wake up to Ahsoka or Obi-Wan by his side, and he assumed they were checking on him when Kix said he was okay for visitors. Never did he realize Obi-Wan was staying until he woke up, which could have been hours to days. How long had that been going on?

“So for their sake, stop scaring them.” Kix said as he removed Anakin’s leg from the tank. He gave him a thorough wipe down before wrapping it with a bandage. “You’ll give one, or both, a heart attack at this rate. And they’re both too young for that.”

Anakin said nothing after, letting Kix patch him up as he sat on this information.

“Snips. No. Give me my keys.”

“Nope, Kix said you have to keep pressure off. So I’m driving. And you get to be in the back seat.”

“Snips.”

“Skyguy.” 

Here was their standoff, Ahsoka holding the keys to his speeder in a taunting manner. Anakin with a new brace and his crutches. He could use the Force to take them back, but Ahsoka played dirty. She’d use the Force to keep them in place. 

“We need to get back to the temple, bring Obi-Wan back.” Ahsoka pointed out. “So, you coming or are you hopping the whole way back?”

“Ugh, fine . But if you scratch it–”

“Please, you scratch this thing on your own.”

Sitting in the passenger's seat was Obi-Wan, hands playing with his braid and face down, too afraid. Too guilty. 

When Anakin hopped into the back seat, he lightly tugged at the long strands of Obi-Wan’s hair, startling him. “Hey, I’m fine .”

“He really is,” Ahsoka said as she started the cruiser. “Nothing can beat the hero with no fear. Well, maybe sand.”

“ Hey !”

He thought their banter would lighten the mood, but Obi-Wan stayed completely quiet, even as he helped Anakin back to their room. Now tired from walking, Anakin took to the couch, keeping his leg up as instructed. 

“Is there anything I can get for you, master?” Ahsoka asked.

Anakin tapped his chin. “Hm, run me a bath, will you?”

“Ew, no.”

“Okay!” 

Anakin and Ahsoka  turned to Obi-Wan, but before Anakin could say he was joking, Obi-Wan was in the refresher. 

“Master, stop teasing him. You know Master Obi-Wan takes everything to heart.”

“I thought he always had his sarcastic sense of humor.” Anakin said, listening to Obi-Wan shuffle around in the other room. “Can you get him? I’ll shower later.”

She shook her head, “He always takes everything you say to heart. So don’t tease this one, he hasn’t learned to hide it yet.”

“What?” Anakin asked, but Ahsoka was already on her way to the refresher, leaving Anakin alone in the living space. 

Which Obi-Wan was she referring to now? His head hurt thinking how there are still two of him now, one so young and naive, the other hardened with loss yet still so kind and brave. Anakin grew up with the latter, taken in just hours after his own Master died. 

Yet the Obi-wan now, in his refresher fighting with Ahsoka, had yet to experience all that. He didn’t know the pain of loss, to truly take a life with his sabers. He didn’t like seeing him cry for hurting Anakin by accident. He didn’t want Obi-Wan hurt, ever. 

It was a Padawan’s job to protect their Master, Obi-Wan had said, and Anakin felt as if he failed that somehow. He could never control what happened in Obi-Wan’s life, but now that he was here, untouched by dark forces that could take him, he wanted to keep him here, safe and protected. 

“Master, your bath is ready.” Obi-Wan said, triumphant to Ahsoka who just threw her hands up. 

“I was wrong, Master, he’s long gone. Anyway I’m hungry, so I'm going to order from Dex’s. You want anything?”

That translated to, I’m tired of this and need to get out for a bit. “Sure, my usual please.”

“Yeah, I got you too Padawan.” Ahsoka said in Obi-Wan’s direction. She swiped Anakin’s wallet and keys from the table, waving it. “See you soon!” 

And then she was gone, leaving Anakin and Obi-Wan alone once again. 

Well, he couldn’t let the water go to waste. 

“Help me up.”

Obi-wan was by his side, placing Anakin’s hand over his shoulder as they made their way into the refresher. The tub was filled with nice hot water, and Obi-Wan somehow found bubbles to make everything fluffy and inviting.

Obi-Wan turned around as Anakin stripped himself from his tunic, his hair just barely hiding how red his ears were. Once he was naked, and leg freed from the brace, Anakin slowly sank into the tub, the hot water soothing his ever aching body. He raised his leg up and rested it on the edge of the tub, letting the bubbles cover the rest of his body. “Thank you, Obi-Wan. This is lovely.”

Obi-Wan nodded, hands fidgeting and looking like he was about to pace around. “C-can I wash your hair, Master?”

Oh, oh it was so unfair how cute he looked asking that, eyes averted, hands close to his chest, his face beautifully pink. Some of his hair fell in front of his eyes, hiding how embarrassed he looked for asking. 

“You know, Snips doesn’t bathe me. I didn’t bathe my own Master.” He won’t say how he wished he could.

“I know! I just thought of an offer since I did this to you.”

“Obi-Wan you didn’t–” There was no point in arguing, the poor kid will still think it’s his fault until adulthood. “Fine, take off your outer robe, though. Don’t need to get that drenched.

Obi-Wan was by the tub in an instant, his short undertunic showing off his arms that have yet to grow muscles like his older counterpart. He gathered a good amount of shampoo in his hand before lathering it in his hair. 

Anakin relaxed further into the bath. Rarely has he ever indulged like this, the last person to touch him in a bath being Padme years ago. He liked it, being taken care of, and he liked it more knowing it was Obi-Wan. 

“Why do you call her Snips?” Obi-Wan asked through the silence. 

“Ah, she was real snippy with me when we first met. Just stuck after that.”

“And you let her call you ‘Skyguy’?”

“Why not, it’s kind of my name.” Oh, Obi-Wan moved his fingers so well, massaging his scalp perfectly. 

“I just didn’t…I just call Master Jinn, Master. Sometimes his first name. Other Padawans don’t have nicknames for their Masters. I thought it’d be disrespectful.”

“Not at all. I think it helps that we have nicknames for each other. It’s a nice reminder, how well we work together.”

He felt the air shift again, some sorrowness. “Ah, no wonder you chose her as your Padawan.”

“Hm, kind of.” Anakin said, closing his eyes when water was poured down his hair. “Master Yoda assigned her to me.”

“What?”

“Hm-hm, I didn’t want a Padawan at first. And I’m sure she wasn’t happy to be paired with me, I was just knighted, I wasn’t ready for a Padawan. She should have been–” Yours , he almost said, “someone else’s, but after our first mission I wanted to take her in.”

Obi-Wan’s hands stopped moving. “I thought…all this time I thought Knights choose their Padawans.”

“In a way, we do. Even if we’re assigned, we choose in the end if we would take them in. I chose to keep training Ahsoka, as she chose me as her Master.”

He still remembered the smell of fire and oil and debri on the battlefield, and how young and unsure Ahsoka was after their battle. Yet she sat by his side, accepting him. It was the proudest moment of his life. 

“I was told Qui-Gon was assigned to me, that he didn’t want a Padawan either. But…he’s not like you.” Obi-Wan’s hands fell to his side, and Anakin sat up in the bath to look at him. “I think Qui-Gon left the order.”

Whoa, this was news to Anakin. Never did he hear anything about Qui-Gon ever leaving , not when he was the one who found Anakin years later. “What makes you say that?”

“We were supposed to go on a mission together, but he never showed up. Everyone said he was seen leaving with his old Master, and to not blame myself if reassigned, because he never chose me anyway.” 

Dooku? Why the hell would Qui-Gon leave the order for Dooku ?!

“Obi-Wan I’m sure that wasn't’--”

“And I didn’t want to blame myself. If I was never chosen I shouldn’t be hurt he left, right? But you said it yourself, you didn’t choose Ahsoka, but you kept her anyway. Why…why doesn’t my own Master love me the way you love her?”

Oh this was spiraling fast. So many emotions were clouding Obi-Wan, Anakin had no idea what he was referring to as love. He loved Ahsoka as much as he loved his mother, a different kind of love with how he used to feel for Padme.

His love for Obi-Wan transcended all that. 

Love wasn’t what a Jedi should want. He could experience it, but that kind of love led to attachments. To secrecy. It’s what led him to his first failed marriage, and what was leading Obi-Wan to soon leave the order with Satine. 

That kind of attachment…Anakin couldn’t risk it. Not when he knew Obi-Wan wanted someone else. 

And yet here was another Obi-Wan, heart so big and so desperate to be loved in any way possible. Maybe this wasn’t an accident, but a gift from the Force. Give him an Obi-Wan who felt unwanted in his own time, just as Anakin knew he was unwanted by his own Master.

“Obi-Wan, your Master cared for you. Even if he never showed it the way you want him to. But you shouldn’t chase after those who may not feel that. Instead go for the ones you know who’ll return it.”

It’s why Obi-Wan was back with Satine. Even after all these years she still loved him. He would be a fool not to go for her.

Obi-Wan stared at him, eyes pooling with so many questions. “How do you do this?”

“Do what?”

“You make me feel so safe.” Obi-Wan leaned in until their foreheads touched, closing his eyes and inhaling Anakin’s soap. “You opened me up to the Force. You took me in when they wanted to leave me in the cell. You…you care for me, even when you have your own Padawan. Why?”

The words slip out of his mouth so easily, without hesitation. How could he lie to someone so genuine? “Because I love you.”

Obi-Wan’s face was brighter than a thousand suns. Relief flooded through Anakin, through the Force, as Obi-Wan closed his eyes, and leaned in for a kiss.

And Anakin, so weak, so desperate to have an Obi-Wan that loved him back, happily met him in the middle.

The younger was still hesitant, but his lips, wet with anticipation, were so so sweet on Anakin’s. He leaned in, taking the back of Obi-Wan’s neck with a wet hand and brought him closer to deepen their kiss, and he felt someone in the Force sing with pure glee.

If Anakin was truly paying attention he would have also felt another presence in the Force, and if he was listening closely, he would have heard Ahsoka desperately trying to stop the person from entering the refresher.

“Master, wait!” 

The door slid open, causing the two to pull away and meet their intruder.

Because standing in the doorway was Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, face just as shocked as his younger counterpart now that they were meeting, face to face.

Rule number three, broken..