Chapter Text
Ben woke up to a faint dull in his head.
It's obvious that his head had suffered from some sort of trauma, but he's more than accustomed to such pain. He's sure that if it were a few years back, the pain would have been enough to render him bedridden, but war did shape him into someone he can barely even recognise anymore.
Thinking about Obi-Wan Kenobi is too much sometimes. Obi-Wan Kenobi is someone who grew up laughing with his clanmates in the refractories in the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan Kenobi spent his teenage years partying and sneaking out with his friends. Obi-Wan Kenobi gave his Knighthood and the rest of his life for the Jedi.
All for what?
Nothing.
He got absolutely nothing out of it.
He lost everything in the end. His clanmates. His friends. His master. The Temple. The Jedi. He lost Anakin.
Anakin who shone brighter than a star. Anakin who he raised and took care of for years. Who he dedicated all of his life to. All of it gone like dust because of Sidious. Palpatine. How Ben wishes he could just cut off his tongue and then feed it to him, blood and all.
Is it only ever Palpatine's fault? He had pushed Anakin right into the Sith's arms. He had done him so much wrong. Wronged him so much. Hurt him. Make him feel unwanted and now-
Ben shut his train of thoughts before they could stray too far and he could hurt himself again. He is in no mood for it. He is probably captured by his counterpart, and if he wants to get out of here, he will have to use logic.
Things are in his favour since Obi-Wan has no idea just how much Ben is capable of, nor does he have Force restraining cuffs on him that could truly drown out the power of the Dark Side. Ben could easily break out of here if he wants to.
But-
They're most probably on their way to Coruscant, and he can't leave a flying ship in the middle of space, it will be a poorly planned move on his part. Escaping in the hangar isn't an option either, he'd be surrounded by too many Jedi to be able to make a run for it, and even if he knows he could easily kill off Jedi, he doesn't want to harm any of them. Not when he gets a chance at seeing the Jedi Temple in its glory once more.
He could break out at any other time, but he desperately needs to see the Jedi Temple. He needs to have some sort of closure before he is probably imprisoned or executed by the Jedi. He needs to.
The door swished open, making Ben startle. While his handcuffs aren't truly cutting him off from the Force, but Obi-Wan's presence was still undetectable. His Force signature was never the brightest nor the most powerful, he didn't glow or shine like Anakin did. His presence was always overlooked most times.
The thought of Anakin made something inside of him explode in sadness. Whatever powerful force Anakin possessed is long gone now, his shinning beacon has died. All because of him. All his fault. If he never allowed Palpatine near Anakin none would have happened. If only he protected him better...
"We're about to land on Coruscant." Obi-Wan said coolly, his voice detached from any emotion, but Ben knew himself well enough to know it's a mask to hide how truly disturbed he is. "The Jedi Council has been notified of your presence, and they demanded an immediate meeting with you."
"Do I have a choice in this matter?" Ben drawled, his voice raspy from thirst and lack of use.
Obi-Wan's eye twitched briefly. "No. You do not have a choice here. You must speak with the Council the moment you get off this ship."
Ah, they probably deem him as a huge threat. To be frank, Ben is the first Dark Sider they've seen after Maul. These Jedi aren't used to Sith and hardships like the Jedi of his time; it's both a blessing and a curse. How terrible it is to be the only one to remember such misery with no one to understand you or remember it with you.
Or maybe it's for the best. Maybe it's because the Jedi aren't meant to be slaughtered. Maybe it's because this time, he is destined to kill Palpatine before he starts the dreadful war. Before anything.
Maybe this time, he could protect Anakin better.
"My Padawan.." Ben whispered desperately, his voice still scratchy. "Please.. May I see him?"
Obi-Wan's eye twitched once more. "You'll see him sooner or later."
"Please.." Ben begged again, uncaring of his pride at the moment. He has a chance of seeing Anakin alive. "Just for a moment, you'll be here."
For a moment, neither Ben nor Obi-Wan spoke. Silence fell upon the room long enough to make Ben think his efforts aren't enough, but then Obi-Wan opened his mouth and spoke.
"Five minutes, and I'll be here to watch your every move." Obi-Wan said shortly, obviously not liking his own decision.
Ben's breath hitched in relief. "Thank you," he breathed, heart warming at the idea of seeing his Padawan once more. "Thank you so much."
Obi-Wan didn't reply that, and he didn't go to call Anakin either. If it were a different situation, Ben would think his request was ignored, but he knows how close he and Anakin were, he knows that most of their communication was done through their bond.
The clear reminder of what he lost made him close his eyes with grief.
The door swished open again, and Ben's breath stopped in both anticipation and nervousness. The sight that met his eyes made them water.
Anakin, baby faced still at fifteen, his Padawan braid reaching his chest, his hair still wild even if it was combed this morning into a ponytail. Ben's hands longed to be able to smooth his hair down, or just brush his hair and put it in a ponytail once more.
Anakin wore the traditional white Jedi robes, as he did before he turned seventeen and started rebelling against Obi-Wan even with his clothing. When he lifted his hand - right flesh hand - to wave at him, Ben lost it and sobbed.
"Hey- Obi-Wan and.. Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked uncertainly, making Obi-Wan sob even more.
This is definitely Anakin.
"Anakin-" Ben reached out his cuffed hands to him.
In a second, Obi-Wan's lightsaber was ignited and at the ready. "Keep your hands to yourself." He warned firmly, the threat clear.
But Ben was desperate- the last time he'd seen Anakin was the reason he Fell. Was the reason he became this mess. But now, his Anakin is standing right there. Still untainted and pure. Still Ben's.
"Padawan-" Ben reached again, leaning forwards. "Please I-"
Obi-Wan looked furious at this point and was already on his way to him. Ben thought for sure that it will be his demise, but Anakin jumped in right before anything else escalated.
"Hey-" Anakin said awkwardly but gently. It reminded Ben of the same tone he often used to scared clones and the children they found on the battlefield.
Ben's vision became blurry but he blinked the tears away as much as he could. This may be his only chance at ever seeing Anakin again, he will not lose it because he's emotional.
"I'm here." Anakin said at last, still in that gentle tone. "I don't know you well but you're- you're Obi-Wan."
The present Obi-Wan cleared his throat.
"Maybe not my Obi-Wan," Anakin corrected himself. "But you're still an Obi-Wan. You're still someone I care about."
He was now close enough for Ben to reach, and when he knelt in front of him, Ben could see his eyes and features clearly. His eyes are still blue. So very blue. He's still Anakin.
"I'll help you." Anakin said sincerely, his eyes bright. "I promise I will."
Ben's bottom lip wobbled again and he let his cuffed hand cup Anakin's cheek. He's real. He's here. He can feel the warm skin under his hand. Can feel the texture of the skin. Can feel a few hairs growing on his cheek. He's alive.
"I'm-" Ben begun but stopped. He took some time to regain his composure before he spoke again, and Anakin just waited patiently. "I'm very thankful for you, Anakin."
Anakin gave him a shy smile before leaning in close for a hug, hesitating only for a second before deciding to go for it. Ben clung to him, one arm wrapped around his back and the other around his head, hand buried in his hair.
Anakin is still alive. He's still here. He is still pure and Light. Still a child. Ben would make sure he sees no harm in this life. Never to suffer like his Anakin did. He will protect him with everything within him.
"Time's up." Obi-Wan cut in the moment suddenly, startling them.
Ben tightened his hold on Anakin when the words registered in his brain. There is no way he'd be able to let go of Anakin now. He can't handle it.
"He has to stay-" Ben protested, gripping Anakin tightly.
"Let go of him-" Obi-Wan sneered, taking an offensive stance.
"Master," Anakin interrupted, letting go of Ben. Ben felt a pang of disappointment at that. "Master it's alright, I'll stay with him until Master Windu comes here."
Ben immediately perked up at that. He sniffed one last time before he turned his gaze back at Anakin with a beam on his face. Anakin returned it enthusiastically.
"That's not a very wise decision, Padawan." Obi-Wan said firmly.
"Someone has to keep watch now he's awake." Anakin said diplomatically.
Obi-Wan still stared at him unfazed.
"Master please.." Anakin drawled his begging, his eyes turning large and round.
Obi-Wan sighed in defeat before he nodded, making Anakin jump in victory. Ben's smile turned bittersweet at the memory of his own Anakin doing the same.
"But if I see one hair plucked out of my Padawan's head-" Obi-Wan hissed at Ben.
"I'll cut my head off myself." Ben finished, surprising everyone in the room.
Obi-Wan glared at him for a moment too long before he de-ignited his lightsaber and left the room hastily. Anakin stared after him for a second before he shrugged and turned towards Ben.
"How old are you? You look really old." Anakin said bluntly, making Ben give a wet chuckle in return.
"Still as kind as ever, Padawan-mine." Ben shook his head. "I'm thirty-eight? Or thirty-nine?"
Anakin's grin dropped immediately. "You don't know your age?"
Ben shrugged. "There have been so many inconveniences in my life that I just forgot."
"Oh," Anakin said, looking at his feet. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright-" Ben hurried to reassure him, his hand clutching Anakin's tightly. "At least you're here."
"Yeah I'm always here," Anakin promised, his eyes showing exactly how he feels. "We will get through this. We will help you."
Ben doubts there will ever be a we, but he appreciates Anakin's efforts at making him feel better all the same. With a sad smile, Ben squeezed his hand tightly.
"I know you will." Ben replied, voice scratchy. "How old are you?"
Anakin blinked in surprise. "I'm fifteen."
"I just wanted to be sure." Ben said hastily, because he didn't want Anakin to think he was neglecting him.
"It's alright." Anakin said, his smile dimming a little bit more.
Ben's heart squeezed at the thought that he was the one to make Anakin upset. "Which lightsaber of yours is this one?"
Immediately, Anakin's face morphed into annoyance. Ben grinned a little at the childish pout still on his face despite his tall lanky form.
"It's only the fourth." Anakin mumbled, clearly unwilling to say such information.
Ben remembers all of Anakin's lightsabers, he has Anakin's latest lightsaber hidden in his robes. His Anakin's latest lightsaber. He knows by the time Anakin turned fifteen, he lost about five lightsabers, and he will lose his current lightsaber in few months again, giving Obi-Wan more grey hairs.
"Of course it is," Ben said smoothly, squeezing Anakin's hand once again. "You always took such great care of your lightsabers."
Anakin scowled, recognising the jab immediately. Thankfully, he didn't let go of Ben's hand or move away from him, if he did, Ben has no doubt that he will go insane. This is the calmest he felt after Order 66, if Anakin is to be kept away from him he has no doubt he will lose it. And it will be far worse.
"Obi-Wan says-" Anakin begun uncertainly, looking at Ben for guidance. It seems he has no idea on how to address him.
It just occurred to him that he never introduced himself to Anakin properly. "Call me Ben."
Anakin nodded. "Obi-Wan says we will land in a minute, Master Windu will come to escort you out himself."
"Am I getting the royal treatment?" Obi-Wan asked sarcastically.
"The best of the best." Anakin said smugly.
Ben chuckled. "Can't wait for that Council meeting."
"You'll be alright." Anakin promised again. "I'll make sure of it."
Ben's heart warmed at his words. "Thank you, my dear."
He looked at Anakin, trying to engrave the memory of him alive and well in his mind. Trying to forget the horrifying vision of Anakin's cold, dead body in his arms. Of Anakin's Sith yellow eyes and the hatred hidden within them.
Beneath him, he felt the ship slow till he heard the familiar thunk of its legs standing on the platform. Any moment now, Master Windu will come here, take him and keep Anakin away from him-
Ben cannot let that happen-
"Stay." Ben ordered Anakin, clutching his hand tighter.
"Master-" Anakin's expression twisted in pain.
"Please." Ben said desperately, holding his hand even tighter. "Stay with me. Don't leave."
"Okay okay-" Anakin said hastily. "I will. Just- just let go of my hand. You're hurting me."
"I'm sorry." Ben let go of Anakin's hand at once. "I'm sorry. I'm sor-"
"No no it's fine-" Anakin took his hand in his once again. "I was overreacting. It's fine. Really."
"I hurt you." Ben traced the angry red prints his fingers have left.
"It's fine-" Anakin said again, squeezing his hand. "It doesn't even hurt."
"But I hurt you." Ben mumbled again, staring at Anakin's hand.
"Ben no-" Anakin protested softly, expression pained.
Before he could continue, however, the door slammed open and in waltzed both Obi-Wan and Master Windu. Obi-Wan looked murderous as he shoved Anakin away from Ben and put himself between them. Ben was suddenly met by a pair of angry grey eyes.
"Step away from my Padawan, Sith." Obi-Wan whispered dangerously, igniting his lightsaber.
Master Windu is watching the scene with an impassive gaze, but Ben has enough awareness to realise that he is actually judging him. He is analysing the situation silently first to know how to act later.
"Master I'm fine." Anakin stood up, trying to get to Ben but Obi-Wan kept him blocked.
"Anakin." Obi-Wan said in a level but warning tone, not taking his eyes off of Ben. "Stay away from him."
"He didn't hurt me," Anakin went on despite his master's clear order. "He was just scared- he is scared. And you're not helping."
"He's a Sith." Obi-Wan replied with a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Sith do not feel fear."
"Well, Master, fear does lead to the Dark Side." Anakin said bitterly, making Obi-Wan blink in surprise. "Your and the Council's words, not mine."
Ben felt a sudden pang of pride overwhelm his heart. Anakin was always so selfless. So kind and understanding. So considerate of everyone and their feelings. It is only natrual that it's Anakin who will understand him. It was only ever him who never made Obi-Wan feel ashamed of his emotions.
"Skywalker, step away." Master Windu ordered, taking over the floor. He has probably seen enough to be able to make a decision.
Anakin turned annoyed eyes towards the Councillor, still hasn't mastered the ability to hide his emotions or keep them from showing on his face, but he stepped away either away. His scowl made sure everyone in the room knows that he doesn't like it.
Master Windu suddenly stood on Ben's other side, completely blocking his vision of Anakin. With Anakin out of sight, Ben's heart dropped to his stomach, his chest started to tighten and his breaths came out short. The image of Anakin dead in a pool of his own blood suddenly came to his mind and Ben lost it-
"Where is Anakin?" Ben asked lowly, his gaze snapping from one man to another. Still, no sign of Anakin.
Where are they keeping his Padawan?
"Where is my Padawan?" Ben demanded. Yelled. "I'm warning you, if you hurt my Padawan-"
"He is safe and sound, away from you." Obi-Wan said coldly.
Ben snarled at him. "He is not safe with you! He is only safe with me!"
"He's much safer with me than he will ever be with you." Obi-Wan was starting to lose his patience, and it shows in his voice.
"I can protect him better than you ever can!" Ben yelled, standing up to his feet. "Give. My. Padawan. Back. To. Me."
"No." Obi-Wan said simply, smugly even.
Ben could only see red, his Force restraining cuffs broke, and the ship started rattling. Everything around him started shaking and falling to the ground.
"Ben!" Anakin suddenly appeared in his line of vision, raising his hands up in a way one would do to soothe a wild animal. "Ben! I'm here!"
Ben's mood started to lighten up a little. His hands started shaking less. His vision got a little bit less blurry than before. Anakin is here. He's safe. He's alright. He's breathing. He's alive.
"Ben," Anakin said again, walking slowly towards him, his arms lowering slowly. "I'm here. I'm safe."
"You're alright." Ben said quietly.
"Yes. I'm alright." Anakin repeated, finally reaching him.
"You're safe." Ben said, reaching out himself to touch Anakin's face.
"Safe and sound." Anakin agreed.
Anakin took Ben's hands in his own, lowering them away from his face. Ben stared at the contrast between their skins, a clear reminder that Anakin's skin is as tan as it usually is, not as pale as it had been when he-
"You're alive." Ben murmured, tracing Anakin's warm hands.
"Yes." Anakin didn't miss a beat. "I'm alive and well."
Ben felt his eyes water, and his vision got blurry for a completely different reason now. Tears fell from his eyes, falling into his and Anakin's joint hands. Anakin's hands left his for a moment, and Ben couldn't breathe again, until he reached forwards to tug him into a hug.
It's much more different than hugging the older Anakin. This Anakin - smaller, younger - can tuck his head under Ben's chin without having to bend his back. This Anakin has yet to grow to be taller than him. This Anakin could still fit and nestle in his arms the same way he did when he was a child.
He's back. He's finally returned to Ben. His small bright sun. His shinning beacon of light. His child.
"You're alive." Ben sobbed, burying his head in Anakin's hair. "You're-"
Anakin didn't reply to that, he only squeezed him tighter. Ben squeezed him back, hugging him close to his chest as best as he could. Perhaps, if he did, then Anakin would settle into his heart and be safe forever.
He didn't notice it but, both Master Windu and Obi-Wan exchanged worried, silent glances after watching the scene unfold.