Author Note: This was my first fic, it was just a little experiment with the characters and dialogue. It didn't come out quite right, but it was a learning experience.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars. I wish I did, but I don't.

Many thanks go to my lovely beta, Alyssa. You're encouragement is priceless, and I aboslutely love you for keeping me going.

Now onto the story!

Having Anakin as a padawan, it takes quite a bit to get me worried. His reckless and erratic behavior is not really something that can be changed. Surprisingly, I eventually grew accustomed to it. I never thought I'd miss his arrogant grin and his cocky remarks. However, I never thought that I'd ever be without them.

I looked out onto the balcony, knowing what I'd see there. It was starting to drizzle lightly, and Anakin was standing completely still facing the city. At first, I hoped he was deciding to meditate on his own initiative, but I knew him too well for that. I was worried for him. He had been through a lot compared to most Jedi. There was Geonosis and the battle with Dooku, and now we have the Clone War to worry about. Then of course, the Sith Lords are a problem too. I didn't understand how we had managed to be oblivious to all of these happenings.

I didn't know how to help him. Every day, the distance between us seemed to grow. I knew that he didn't blame me, but it really didn't make me feel any better. I wanted him to just talk to me and come out and tell me what was bothering him. Then again, I knew Anakin. He wasn't a very open person. I didn't really know the nature of his relationship with Chancellor Palpatine, but I was glad he had someone he could talk to. Even if that person wasn't me.

The steady drizzle had somehow turned into heavy downpour while I had been lost in my thoughts. Anakin didn't seem disturbed, it didn't even look like he had noticed. I sighed heavily.

"Anakin? You need to come inside! It's pouring!" I screamed to be heard over the rain.

"I like it, Master. It's cleansing," he replied.

"Anakin, please! You're going to get sick! Just please come in!"

Anakin stood for a few more seconds, then slowly turned and walked towards me. As he got closer, I noticed that his eyes were a bit red. Oh, Anakin. Why don't you talk to me? I took a deep breath in and grabbed a towel that was on the table. I wrapped it around his shoulders, noticing that he tensed at my touch.

"I don't need your help, Master. I'm perfectly capable of drying myself on my own," he snapped.

"Anakin, you…" I bit back my words, before I could say something I'd regret. "You should go change into something dry."

After he left, I sat on the sofa and put my head in my hands. Some time passed, and I looked up to see Anakin standing in front of me. I had vaguely felt his presence, but I didn't realize that he was so near. I looked up at him questioningly, waiting for him to speak.

"Master? Could I talk to you?" He spoke hesitantly, as if afraid of my answer.

"Of course, Anakin. Sit down."

"Actually, I just came to give you this," he handed me a data pad, bit his lip, and strode out of the room. I wanted to follow him, but my curiosity over the contents of the data pad was too strong. I slowly turned it over and glanced at the first line. Okay Obi-Wan, I thought to myself. Here goes nothing.

Dear Master Obi-Wan,

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for many things. I'm sorry for my behavior lately, I'm sorry for keeping things from you, I'm sorry for not having the strength to tell you about this all in person. I don't really know where to start, but I think it's time for me to come clean.

I really should have told you this sooner, but the reason I was on Tatooine was because I knew something awful was happening to my mother. It was silly of me to lie to you really. I did not go to see my mother because I was worried. Well, I did, but my mother is not fine. My mother died, Master. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I suppose that telling you would have made me have to face the truth. I'm at a loss of what to do. My mother was everything to me for the first nine years of my life. Being a Jedi is important, but it was my mother who let me go so I wouldn't have to life a life of slavery. A life like her life. She wanted to give me the chance to be free. I hadn't seen her for ten years, but my feelings about her hadn't changed. She was my mother, and I loved her no matter what. She was kidnapped by a group of Tusken Raiders. They tortured my mother to death. She died in my arms, telling me how proud she was of me. I don't understand, Master! How could she be proud of me when I was unable to save her? Why couldn't I save her?

I want to try and blame my later actions on this, but I know that would be trying to evade the responsibility for my actions. You have no idea how hard this is to tell you, but on Naboo, I made a mistake. I went against the Code, against your teachings, against everything that has been my life for the past ten years. You were right, Master. I should not have been sent to Naboo to take care of Senator Amidala. I was not ready for that kind of trial. I know I don't care about her in the way I did all those years ago when I met her on Tatooine. I was young, and quite naïve. I'm not so young anymore, but unfortunately still quite naïve. Padme reentered my life at a time where I was very vulnerable. A time where I was willing to do anything, just so I could feel like someone cared. I needed more than just a friend. I needed someone to love me. I thought I loved Padme 10 years ago, so when she came back into my life, I thought I never stopped. I was blinded by my own troubles, and it felt so good to spend time when I was able to forget about everything. I feel horrible about this because I now realize I never was in love with her. And now, we're married. I'm so, so sorry Master. You're probably shaking your head, ready to barge in and give me the lecture of all lectures, but just wait for a minute.

I just don't know what to do anymore. I want to fix this terrible mistake, but I don't want to hurt her. I may not be in love with her, but I really do care about her. She's come to be a very close friend to me, but nothing more. I've been really distant since this happened, just because I feel so guilty. Guilty for doing it, and guilty for not telling you. I was so afraid that you were going to hate me, and I still am. No one is more important to me than you, Master. I know I'm not the easiest padawan to have, and I thank you for not giving up on me. That's why I had to tell you this. I'm not expecting sympathy, I just wanted to get it out into the open. Okay. You can go lecture me now.

Anakin

I gasped involuntarily. He got married? To Senator Amidala, of all people! I quickly looked back over the data pad. His mother died? Why hadn't he told me? No wonder he was feeling so terrible. No wonder he still is feeling so terrible. I revolved on the spot, slowly turning towards Anakin's room. I have to admit, that at this point I was feeling a bit scared. I palmed the door to see Anakin sitting on his bed with his back facing me.

"Oh Anakin…" I muttered almost silently.

I slowly walked up to him, noticing that breathing was becoming harder and harder with each step I took. Even from the back he looked vulnerable. His shoulders were slumped and his head was down. I felt my heart breaking.

"Anakin?" I asked softly.

"Here to lecture me? I suppose it would have had to happen eventually," he replied, still facing away from me. I lightly put my hand on his shoulder to offer my comfort. He slowly turned towards me and I bit my lip. His cheeks were damp, hls eyes swollen.

"I'm so sorry about your mother," I said in the same soft tone. Anakin started sniffing quietly. "Oh Anakin," I said again. I sat next to him on the bed and rubbed his back in slow circles.

"Master?" Anakin asked. His voice wavered unsurely.

"Yes, Anakin?"

"I miss her."

I pulled Anakin into my arms, and felt my own eyes start to tear. He started sobbing quietly against my shoulder, so I rocked him back and forth like a young child.

"It's getting late. You should go to sleep," I said quietly, pulling out of our embrace. Anakin made a noise between a whimper and a sob.

"Wouldyousleepwithmetonight?" Anakin asked. I hesitated for a split second. I sighed.

"Of course Anakin," I said tiredly.

He got us some sleep pants and we changed in silence. I certainly felt very awkward having to share a bed with my very grown up 19 year old apprentice. I pulled back the covers of the bed allowing us both to get in. Our beds were quite narrow, being made for one person only.

"Obi-Wan, you must control yourself," I muttered underneath my breath. In truth, I had felt my feelings towards Anakin start to change. I didn't realize it in time, for now it was too late to do anything about it. Not that I would have been able to, I suppose. Anakin had been the only thing keeping me going for the past ten years. After Qui-Gon died, I don't think I would have had the strength to keep going if I hadn't have had Anakin. He started out as being a surrogate son, then became a brother, confident, and my best friend. Now, I have no idea what kind of title to give him. He still is my best friend, but how long have I been hiding from these feelings hiding beneath the surface?

Anakin was looking at me and I realized I had been standing next to the bed for well over a minute caught up in my own thoughts. I got into the bed leaving as much room as possible between Anakin and myself. Anakin smoothly slid over so we were pressed against each other, and I couldn't bear to take away this simple comfort. I wrapped my arm around his waist and prayed that I wouldn't make a fool of myself.

"Good night Master," Anakin said sleepily.

"Good night Anakin," I replied. I pulled myself off the bed a few inches and lightly kissed his temple. "Sweet dreams, Padawan."

"They will be, with you here," he mumbled.

I didn't bother to reply, I just laid back down on the bed and closed my eyes. Anakin and I had been through a lot together, and we probably would be forced to go through much more. But now, I felt a strange reassurance to my worries. I knew we could get through anything, as long as we were together. I smiled, and snuggled deeper into the covers of the bed. I knew everything would be all right. As long as I had Anakin, everything would be all right. This thought comforted me, and I finally allowed myself to fall asleep.

Where you are the one, the one that lies close to me,

Whispers, "Hello, I've missed you quite terribly."

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly,

Now there's no place I could be but here in your arms…

Here (In Your Arms) by Hellogoodbye.