Chapter 49

Anakin didn't actually see an awful lot of Obi-Wan over the next three weeks. He spent most of his free time working jobs in the undercity trying to make as much money as possible for their travels. Both Jedi were also spending some time helping the Clones adapt to civilian life. Many of them chose to work as guards so the work was familiar but quite a few went out to find other jobs. Rex and Cody easily got the job and the mechanic place that Anakin had taken them too. In fact, quite a few Clones wanted jobs there so the owners actually opened a second store so they could hire more. All of the Clones were exceptionally hard working.

It turned out that Ahsoka had spoken with Plo Koon about the Senate announcement. She had then adopted Fives, Echo and Hevy with his permission. Ahsoka had then later told Anakin that Plo had been rather pleased with the news. Far more pleased than most of the Jedi who were happy that Clones were getting rights but cared no further. In fact Plo had adopted the whole Wolfpack squad himself and the rest of the 104th battalion had then taken 'Wolfpack' as their family name. Anakin wished he could have been there to see the Council's faces when they found out about that. Ahsoka and Plo were also spending most of their free time helping the Clones to settle into civilian life.

During that time, many changes swept through the galaxy. The Separatists officially joined the Republic. The two Senates were combined and Dooku was elected to the new position of second Chancellor. This then led to many of the neutral systems either joining or rejoining the Republic. Anakin tried not to pay too much attention to the political side of things but Padme insisted on keeping him up to date.

Soon it was time to head to Naboo. Before he left, Anakin had one errand he needed to run although it made him desperately nervous. Finally both he and Obi-Wan were packed and ready. Ahsoka was already waiting for them. She was to be one of Padme's bridesmaids. Palo was travelling separately and the pair wouldn't see each other until the ceremony which was to be the next day.

Padme's family were waiting for them when they arrived in Theed. Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie were happy to see them. Sola was also waiting for them with her two young children Pooja and Ryoo. Once all of the greetings were out of the way, Jobal, Sola and the children escorted Padme and Ahsoka to their rooms. Ruwee then turned to Obi-Wan and Anakin.

"If you would please follow me." He said with a smile. Anakin took Obi-Wan's hand and followed Padme's father. It was strange being on Naboo as a royal guest rather than a bodyguard. They were led through Theed palace and then Ruwee stopped outside of a door. "Padme informed us you would only require one room?" He stated questioningly.

"That is correct." Obi-Wan smiled. "Thank you."

"There are traditional Naboo wedding clothes inside for you both. If you require anything else, please let me know. A servant shall collect you tomorrow morning to take you to the wedding location."

"Thank you, Mister Naberrie." Anakin inclined his head.

"Please, call me Ruwee."

"Alright, thank you Ruwee."

"Enjoy your stay." With that Ruwee bowed slightly and left. Anakin pushed the door open and went inside. Obi-Wan followed quickly and shut the door behind them. The room was rather large. In the middle of the opposite wall stood a huge four poster bed. To the left stood a wooden wardrobe and to the right was a large desk. Anakin threw his luggage to the side and flung himself on the bed. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and put his own luggage down far more carefully before joining him on the bed.

"Once the wedding is over, I think we should head out to the Lake Country again and spend a while there." Anakin suggested.

"I would like that." Obi-Wan smiled. Then Anakin was tugging the older man to him and kissing him fiercely. They lost themselves in each other, enjoying the ability to take as much time as they wanted. Everything and everyone else was meaningless.

They awoke almost simultaneously the next morning. Anakin was the most comfortable he had ever been in his life. The bed was incredible, so much nicer than the ones in the Temple and he had Obi-Wan pressed against him. He had no desire to move at all. He kissed the top of Obi-Wan's head. Annoyingly there was a knock on the door. A young woman stuck her head around the door.

"Sorry to intrude." She said, eyes averting away from them. "Master Ruwee sent me to let you know the ceremony will begin in an hour."

"Thank you." Obi-Wan told her. She retreated quickly, closing the door. Anakin groaned.

"Don't wanna get up." He complained. Obi-Wan smiled in amusement.

"We have to, I'm afraid. I don't wish to face the wrath of Padme should we miss her wedding." Anakin did have to agree with that. He didn't much fancy that either. Slowly they got themselves up and showered together. The clothes that had been put in the wardrobe for them were stiff and rather uncomfortable. Still, it wouldn't be for very long. They were ready just in time. As they were just straightening out each other's clothes, there was another knock at the door. Anakin opened it and there stood the same young woman from before.

"If you are ready, please follow me." She said.

"Lead the way." Obi-Wan told her with a smile. She led them through various corridors until they were in the main room of the palace. The large room was full of decoration. Many benches had been put in and the room was full of people. Palo stood at the front with the clergyman in elaborate clothes. Jobal and Sola's children were sat on one of the front benches. Sola was not there so Anakin guessed she was with Padme and Ahsoka. The rows behind were full of officials that Anakin vaguely recognised. In the middle of the officials was Jar Jar Binks and Boss Lyonie. On the other side were many people that he did not recognise. There were some open spaces by the Naberrie family which is where the young women led them.

"Good morning." Jobal greeted them. "I trust the accommodations were satisfactory."

"They were wonderful." Obi-Wan assured her. She smiled. Not long after they sat down music broke out around the room. Anakin recognised it as an old Nabooian song, though he did not know it well. Everybody looked around. Ahsoka and Sola came into the room. Sola in an elaborate blue dress and Ahsoka still in her Jedi robes. Behind them, Padme walked in slowly, holding onto Ruwee's arm. She wore a relatively plain white dress but it was all the more beautiful for its simplicity. Once she reached Palo, Ahsoka and Sola moved to sit with the rest of the Naberrie family. Ruwee handed Padme's hand to Palo and then joined the rest of the family as well.

Anakin watched as the two exchanged vows and gripped Obi-Wan hand tighter. It was beautiful to witness. Finally Palo and Padme kissed. The room cheered happily. With the ceremony over, everyone moved to the dining chamber for the banquet. The food was lovely and plentiful. Anakin sat between Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. Conversation flowed around them easily. He watched with a strange detachment. It was still odd to him, to be amongst the guests and treated like an ordinary person. Occasionally he received a familiar glance as people recognised him but they left him alone. It was wonderful.

Eventually the party dispersed. Padme and Palo left for their honeymoon. Obi-Wan and Anakin stayed and chatted with the Naberrie family for a while. It was decided they would stay another night before leaving. They had planned to go to Tatooine first to spend time with the Lars family. After that they had made no solid plan for their year away. Well, Anakin had one plan but that could wait.

When they arrived on Tatooine at the Lars family homestead. However the atmosphere was not a happy one. Owen was the first one to see them as he sat outside by the front door and Anakin noticed that there was a sadness radiating off him.

"Owen? What's wrong?" He asked as he and Obi-Wan hurried to the man's side.

"Oh, hello Anakin. I...dad died yesterday." Owen told him in a faint voice. Anakin's breath caught.

"I'm sorry."

"Indeed. We are both sorry for your loss." Obi-Wan said. Owen gave him a sad, half smile.

"Come on in." He said, standing up and heading into the homestead. Inside, Shmi was sitting at a table, eyes red rimmed from crying. Beru was fussing around the kitchen. Anakin got the impression she was simply trying to keep busy to keep the sadness at bay. He could understand that.

"Ani." Shmi cried as she spotted him. He moved to embrace his mother and she hugged him tightly. "Hello again, Obi-Wan." She added, spotting the other man over Anakin's shoulder.

"I'm sorry about your husband." He told her, putting a hand on her arm. She gave him a watery smile and stepped back from Anakin.

"Thank you. Now please, come in and have something to drink."

They spent a few months with the Lars family. A small funeral was held for Cliegg a couple of days after the two Jedi arrived. Owen took over the running of the moisture farm and Anakin helped, often spending time fixing or improving the equipment. Anakin told his mother about adopting Rex into the family which made her smile. When they left, they promised to return as often as possible.

After Tatooine they simply travelled the galaxy together. They stopped at countless planets that neither of them had ever seen before. They did try to avoid planets that they had fought on as they did not want the memories of war to taint their time together. Kashyyyk was one of Anakin's favourites. The Wookies were incredibly welcoming, though they didn't see much of them. Instead they spent their days exploring the forests, just the two of them.

During their year, they made one stop back to Coruscant for Ahsoka's sixteenth life day. She was more than glad to see them. They had a celebratory dinner at Dex's. In the end they stayed for a week, checking on all the Clones. It seemed Plo and Ahsoka had done a wonderful job of working with the Senate to integrate them to civilian life. Some Clones had returned to Kamino to train the younger ones. Production of Clones had been stopped but there were still many, many cadets to be looked after.

Another stop they made was to Naboo for the birth of Padme's child. Anakin and Obi-Wan waited with the Naberrie family. After what felt like forever the announcement was made. She had given birth to a baby boy the couple had named Caleb Jemabie. He had a small patch of dark brown curls atop his head and the brown eyes of his mother.

"He is lovely." Obi-Wan told Padme softly. Anakin saw the tiniest flicker of longing in his lover's eyes.

"Yes, quite lovely, until he starts screaming." Anakin agreed with a smirk. Obi-Wan smacked him on the arm because Padme could not reach. "Congratulations." He told Padme and Palo sincerely.

"Thank you." Palo smiled, shaking the proffered hand. After that they had left the new family to rest. They stayed on Naboo for a while to help where they could.

Once they left, they only had a couple of months left of their time off. Anakin could not help but occasionally worry bout what would happen when they finally returned for good. He had not had a taste of freedom which he had never experienced before and he was not sure he would be able to give it up and return to the Jedi way. Even if they had changed. Were they capable of enough change that he could be comfortable rejoining them? Anakin wasn't sure. Still, Obi-Wan was very talented at distracting him from these thoughts.

Eventually enough time passed and it marked a year since Anakin had killed Palpatine. A year since the war ended. They returned to Coruscant for the celebration although they made sure not to be recognised. Neither of them wanted the attention. They stood with Rex, Cody, Fives, Ahsoka and Plo. There was a parade and many fireworks. It was a pleasant enough celebration but honestly, Anakin was glad when it was over. Tomorrow they would go and face the Jedi Council once more.

That evening they spent in Rex and Cody's apartment. They spent hours catching up. Anakin and Obi-Wan told them of their travels. Rex and Cody then told them about the changes they had missed on Coruscant. Peace was a lot easier these days. The Republic had managed to have a little more trust in the old Separatists and the same was true in return. Cody let them have his room and he took the couch after making them promise there would be no funny business. Obi-Wan had gone red and spluttered on the sip of jawa juice he had just taken. Anakin just chuckled. They gave him the required promise and retired soon after.

The room was nice though still quite plain. It was clear that even after a year, the Clones were still in a slightly military state of mind. Not used to having a permanent home. Still, the bed was comfy and large enough for the two of them to be comfortable. He clung to Obi-Wan and lay his head on the older man's chest so he could hear the steady heartbeat. He fell asleep with the wonderful rhythm beating in his ears.

The next morning, the two Jedi steeled themselves to go back to the Jedi Temple. Rex and Cody wished them both luck. Ahsoka met them at the entrance and hugged them both excitedly.

"It's good to see you, Snips." Anakin said.

"You too Skyguy. It's quite boring without you around." Ahsoka laughed.

"I would have thought you would appreciate boring after years of war." Anakin stated, raising an eyebrow but he smiled. He knew what she meant.

"Yeah I thought I would appreciate it too. But it's so strange. Not waiting anxiously to be sent on another mission. Practising fighting knowing that I won't keep my skills sharp out in the field." She exhaled sharply. "I should not miss the war and yet I do somehow. I'm not sure I'm made for peacetime."

"Of course you are. If I can manage, you can." Anakin assured her.

"Yes, well you have help." She glanced at Obi-Wan.

"It is sad that you had to grow up so quickly and that most of your growing was done on a battlefield. But I think that if the Clones, who were created for battle, can adjust, you will eventually." Obi-Wan told her. She smiled at him gratefully. They made their way through the Temple and to the Council chambers. She promised to wait outside for them.

They went into the room where the entire Council was waiting. Luminara Unduli had been added to the Council to replace Obi-Wan. The atmosphere was pleasant. Many of the Jedi Masters nodded to them and smiled slightly.

"It is good to see you both once more." Plo Koon said.

"Thank you." Anakin replied, inclining his head. He was unable to say that it was good to be back.

The meeting lasted for a very long time but in the end was better than Anakin or Obi-Wan could ever have hoped. The Council had agreed that change was indeed needed. They had considered what Anakin had said before they left and were cautiously willing to consider that maybe emotions were not all bad. There was definitely some disagreement on this matter but the majority were willing to see where it led them. They stated that they were willing to accept the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon had made contact with many members of the Council. They may be afraid of change but they took the words 'the will of the Force' quite seriously. The bigger issue was that of balance. Many of the Jedi considered grey Jedi to be as bad as the Sith in some ways, uncontrolled and morally ambiguous. Anakin pointed out that the war had made them all morally ambiguous at times. That did not make them evil or mean they had fallen to the Dark Side.

Eventually Windu announced that they were willing to consider the changes proposed by Anakin and Obi-Wan, only if the two of them helped to teach those changes to the younger generation. It was suggested that they move away from the Capital and teach the younglings somewhere else. They would make it the Jedi Academy where they would learn from the two Jedi.

They were both surprised and asked for time to consider the matter. Neither of them had ever considered teaching more than a single Padawan. Being responsible for instructing the future of the Jedi order had never crossed either of their minds. Anakin could tell Obi-Wan wanted to. He had always loved passing on his knowledge. But he wasn't sure how he felt about it. He supposed that he had not wanted a Padawan and yet could not imagine his life without Ahsoka. Maybe teaching younglings would be the same? In the end they agreed to take the job. They would select a planet, and build an Academy. As they stood before the Council the next day, giving their agreement, Anakin sent a Force message to both Yoda and Windu, asking to be granted one request. Neither Jedi was surprised and agreed more easily than Anakin had expected. Clearly a year of thinking and meditating had done a lot of good for them. Ahsoka would also become his Padawan once more, going with him to the new Academy. As they turned to leave, Yoda's voice stopped them.

"Skywalker, a great service you have done. Grant you the rank of Master, this Council does." Anakin felt his mouth drop open.

"I am honoured." He managed after a few moments of working his jaw without words coming out. Windu nodded to him with a slight smile. They left the room and Ahsoka was waiting for them once again.

"What happened?" She asked.

"We accepted the job. We will be opening a new Jedi Academy on some as yet undecided planet." Obi-Wan told her.

"Anakin is going to teach children?" She gaped. Anakin smirked at her and Obi-Wan chuckled.

"Apparently so. And you will be helping. If you want. It is your choice, you may stay apprenticed to Master Koon or you can become Anakin's Padawan once more and help us start us this new Academy." Obi-Wan told her. Ahsoka's eyes went wide.

"Oh I want to come with you. What kind of choice is that? I adore Master Plo, but you guys are my family." Her voice cracked a little but Anakin ignored this as he pulled her into a hug. He was thrilled with her decision.

The next couple of weeks were full of activity. There was much to be done. In between all the madness, Anakin received word from his mother that Beru was pregnant. He sent back his and Obi-Wan's congratulations.

With preparations well underway, Anakin left Rex in charge and took Obi-Wan back to Naboo. They went back to the Lake Country. Both of them knew that once they started teaching there would be far less time for them as a couple, though they would be sure to make as much time as possible. Anakin took Obi-Wan's hand as they walked out to the waterfalls. Sunlight filtered down through the trees and the only sounds were those of the water and a few nearby birds. They sat down by the lake and ate a picnic they had brought with them. It was peaceful and beautiful. The tranquility made Anakin feel less nervous. After they finished eating, they decided to take one last walk around the lake before heading out. Anakin pulled Obi-Wan to a stop when they stood directly opposite the crashing waterfall. He bent down to one knee and felt in his pocket for the ring he had bought a year before. Obi-Wan's eyes flew wide in shock.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi. You are the love of my life, the other half of my soul. You are everything to me. You have been my raft when I felt like I was drowning, my saviour when I went astray and you have travelled through time itself to come back and save me from myself. I can never hope to deserve you but I will endeavour to try. I cannot live without you and I wouldn't want to try. Please marry me, Obi-Wan?" Anakin had rehearsed the words so often in mis mind and yet they would never feel like enough. Moments passed without a response and he began to panic but then he saw a tear sliding down Obi-Wan's face.

"You deserve every happiness in the world, Anakin Skywalker. Of course I will marry you." He replied finally. Anakin felt as if his heart were so full it was going to burst. Everything he had ever hoped for was now his. Every dream he had ever had as the little slave boy on Tatooine was coming true. And all of it was down to one man who was now properly his. Anakin figured he would never be happier as Obi-Wan pulled him up and kissed him.