"We're not going to make it out in time." Ahsoka warned fearfully, glancing back as Anakin yanked her arm, forcing her to keep up with his pace.

If she hadn't known any better, she might have thought he didn't hear her at all. Though with all the many things she had witnessed in the last few minutes, she knew well enough to understand she was being willfully ignored. A pit formed in the hollow of her stomach as she felt the thrashing of rage and duty in Master Skywalker's aura. She felt her heart sink, knowing that most of it was her own fault. She had barely known him for the span of an hour before she started messing up, even worse than usual.

She hadn't quite anticipated the stakes being so high when she stowed away, but five months of being on standby in the temple watching the war go on without her had left her feeling rather helpless. She had found fresh meaning to that emotion when the bomber had turned her own saber against her.

He took her by surprise when he jumped out, she barely had time to react. She would have felt him near if she hadn't been so wrapped up in her own thoughts, obsessing over the impression she was trying to make. The irony of it was painful.

Of course she knew going against orders was never the best way to make a good impression but she heard rumors that Master Skywalker was different, that he appreciated unorthodox methods. Ahsoka was convinced that if she could prove her worth in his eyes, the other Masters might see her promise, too. Then, she wouldn't be the sorry Padawan who had gotten her last Master killed. They would see her for her potential, and maybe, just maybe, someone would step in and take her on as Padawan again. None of that mattered any more. Right now, her future as a Jedi knight was nothing but a washed up pipe dream.

"Master, we can't get out in time." Ahsoka said, pulling back on Skywalker's arm while she dug her heels into the ground. "We should be back there helping him. With the three of us-"

Anakin turned around, tightening his grip on Ahsoka's wrist. There was a deep look of betrayal in his eyes that burned brighter than ten suns combined. "You're the last one to be telling me what we should be doing." Anakin ground out. "If it wasn't for you, disobeying my direct orders, I would be helping him. And then maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't have to die." He said, swallowing hard, letting go of his ever tightening hold on her wrist.

"I told you, you would just get in the way. And look what happened." Anakin all but snarled.

"I said I was sorry." Ahsoka said, genuinely remorseful. She knew there was nothing that she could say to make things better. She had truly, royally screwed up.

Anakin glared at her, his eyes torn between hurt and rage as a low rumbling roared to life behind them, where the bombs were. Where the other Jedi was- the one whose name she never did catch. The one who was more important to Master Skywalker than she was supposed to know about. She supposed he resented her for that greatly.

The burning light from the blast held steady for a moment before its bounds crested, becoming even more blinding as it unfolded in slow motion. The Jedi was sacrificing himself for their sake- for all of Coruscant's sake. Such was the duty of a Jedi. But Ahsoka could feel it was so much more than that. This was personal. And just as her luck would have it, now she would have another Jedi Master dead on her account.

The light began to dull to an orange as it expanded quicker- a telling sign that the Jedi's strength was beginning to fail. "Brace yourself." Anakin said emptily, grabbing Ashoka and pulling her into his arms, projecting a sturdy shield around them both. Not a moment later the world around them shifted violently, a blur of debris flying past them in what looked like a blizzard made of metal and duracrete.

Inside herself she hoped the other Jedi might survive, sending it out as a plea to the force. A prayer. It wasn't entirely for unselfish reasons. Having a powerful Jedi like General Skywalker hellbent against you was the last thing anyone needed.

In the span of a few seconds, the blast dispersed, though dust still hung thick in the air. As pieces of the building still crumbled down around them Anakin lowered his shields and dashed towards the heart of the blast. Towards the man that he undeniably had feelings for. Ahoska's stomach clenched nervously as she chased after him.

"Wait up!" She shouted, climbing and jumping over the debris after him, coughing violently as the dust burned her lungs. Ignoring her still, Skywalker continued to rummage ahead, searching for the other injured Jedi.

"Obi-wan!" Anakin shouted desperately, pulling chunks of rubble up off the floor that covered the man's body. "Get over here and help me!" Anakin cried out, something wild and fearful in his voice. Only a few steps behind now, Ahsoka was more than ready to help.

Between the two of them, they made quick work of exhuming Obi-wan's body. Anakin knelt by his side with unsteady hands brushing over the man's face. Ahsoka could feel his life force faintly, a mere flicker in the force. But a flicker was enough for hope, and hope was all they needed.

"He's alive," Anakin breathed, a fraction of relief taking hold. "Call the temple immediately. Get some healers here right now." He ordered as he put hands over Obi-wan's worst injuries, doing the best he could to mend them, to keep him tethered to life.

It was no secret that Anakin was no healer. He was a warrior, and his skills in healing were minimal at best. Although what he lacked in practice, he made up for with sheer determination.

Heeding direction without a word, Ahsoka keyed her com. Her chest sunk in anticipation of the council's reaction to her involvement. Punishment was certain, but Obi-wan's survival was not. Taking a deep breath she put he dread aside just in time for Master Windu to answer his com.

"Master Windu, Ahsoka Tano calling on behalf of Master Skywalker." She said frantically. "We need a team of healers at our location immediately. I'm sending you our coordinates right now."

"It will be done." Mace said in a calm voice. "And you and I will have a word, upon your return."

"Yes Master." Ahsoka said glumly, keying off the line. There were more important things to attend to.

….

Just hold on Master Anakin begged as he pushed life into Obi-wan's dying body. I won't let you die.

There were just too many things he wanted to say. He had spent the last two years filled with a dormant rage for what his Master did- how he just left. At times he let himself believe he was over it. That he had healed, that he was just fine without him. That there wasn't a still gaping wound in his core that gnawed at him in nearly every moment that he had a second to think. To feel.

Of course in those silent moments he couldn't deny the fact that the wound was still as fresh as it had ever been. He had just gotten better at ignoring the pain, searching out things to help him forget it. It was still there. And right now, every bit of the agony he had ever buried inside of him boiled up to the surface. Obi-wan was barely hanging onto life. Anakin couldn't lose him again. He wouldn't.

There was a desperate fear of loss that swelled in his chest that transcended the anger that rested inside of him. Anakin hadn't given too much thought as to where Obi-wan was during the last two years. In spite of wanting to, he hadn't allowed himself to search him out, either. Anakin refused to run after him like a lost puppy. He told himself he had more self-respect than that. If Obi-wan wanted to be alone, he could be alone.

But now he was here, and Anakin wouldn't let him just die without saying his piece. Of course it was more than that. Anakin still wanted him. Even if he wouldn't let himself acknowledge that fact, it was true. The space between the edge of life and the permanent expanse of death held little room for deception in such things. If there was any doubt, his heart had spoken when Obi-wan stole that damned kiss. In that moment all things had been laid bare. The demanding greediness of his Master's want for him, and his desperate need in return. There was no denying it. But then again, all things could be denied.

So now Anakin hunched over his broken Master, hands pressed against his wounds, keeping him alive- just barely. He was so rapt in focus that he hadn't noticed the hot tears leaking out of his tightly cinched eyelids. He hadn't truly felt himself shaking. He was only partially aware of how his gut clenched tightly, making him feel sick. It was his body reminding him what grief felt like. It felt old, like the small scared Padawan inside himself that he had worked so hard to get away from. It was the feeling of abandonment again, the searing pain that burned behind his breast as a piece of him had been ripped out.

This is what Obi-wan did to him- made him the thing he used to be. The weaker, lesser version of himself. This was the part of himself that was still frozen in time, frozen with grief from when his Master left. But the new, stronger Anakin demanded Obi-wan survive. He wouldn't accept anything less. The Jedi Knight and War General said there were scores to be settled- that no one hurts him and gets away with it. For everything, there is a price.

A hand fell on his shoulder, startling him from his determined hold on Obi-wan's life force. His eyes fluttered open and he turned his head, seeing the face of a fellow Jedi, a healer. Three other healers had already flocked around Obi-wan and began their work.

"We can take it from here General Skywalker." The Mirialan said gently. "It seems you've exhausted yourself keeping this one alive."

Anakin fell back on the heels of his hands, suddenly feeling the wave of exhaustion all over him. His tear swollen eyes and his broken heart compounded the fatigue he felt. His head was swimming, his vision unsteady. "Take the young one home, Skywalker. You have done well."

"Is he-"

"He will live." She answered, sensing his question. "Now go." The woman said with a soft commanding voice.

Anakin let out a sigh of relief, feeling the overwhelming urge to crawl over next to Obi-wan and lie next to him. Of course he wouldn't allow himself to do such a thing. Anakin took a moment to gain his bearings before he turned to Ahsoka. She looked back at him with worried eyes from the far corner of the thrashed room. Quickly wiping his eyes on his sleeve, Anakin turned, waving for her to come with him.

"Come on, Padawan. Time to go home."

….

"Skywalker." Mace said curtly, his arms hidden in his robes as he sat hunched forward in one of the large chairs. Anakin briskly made his way back onto the council chamber floor before him.

The day was drawing to a close, dusky colors of nightfall painting the horizon beyond in a smear of crimson and gold. All the events still had yet to filter down into Anakin's consciousness, but his lips remembered the kiss Obi-wan took from him- the one he had gladly given. He tucked the memory away. It belonged to him, and him alone. He had yet to decide if he wanted to remember it at all. That along with what Obi-wan claimed.

I love you

Anakin didn't think he deserved to say those words. He didn't think he deserved to stake such a claim after abandoning him so cruelly. Quickly becoming distracted by his internal rumination, Anakin forced himself to put it out of mind.

Anakin looked up at Mace, waiting for him to continue. "You have a report for me?" Mace said, brows raised in that telling way that told Anakin he was looking for a very specific report. Something of a more personal nature, no doubt.

Anakin's eyes were still reddened from tears, his cheeks still blotched from sobbing over his Master's broken body. Obi-wan's body. Anakin checked himself, reminding not to address Kenobi as his Master. It would only prove to Mace exactly what the man was looking for. He wanted to trip him up, to catch him in violation of the code. He wanted to nail him for all the times that he evaded his grasp, mostly thanks to the Chancellor.

But Chancellor Palpatine couldn't help him now. Anakin wondered if the man himself might not be in need of medical assistance. Although he figured with the Republic emergency procedures in place, that he was no doubt safe and sound. Very much unlike Anakin, who was on the threshing floor with his favorite critic more than ready to tear him apart.

"I set out as directed, immediately going to the recycling center. Once we arrived I noticed evacuation procedures had already been initiated. The employees were gone, making it easy to track down our guy." Anakin explained.

"We, meaning you and Tano." Mace prodded, tilting his head to the side.

"Yes. She stowed away on my ship. I didn't notice her until it was too late. I didn't have time to head back and drop her off. I decided it was the best course of action to have her remain under my care until the mission was finished." Anakin said in routine fashion.

"And what were her orders?" Mace asked.

"I told her to stay in the ship until I returned."

"And did she follow those orders?"

"No, she didn't." Anakin said, crossing his arms. "She managed to get herself taken hostage by the bomber, with her own lightsaber." He exclaimed.

"And how does Kenobi fit into all of this?" Mace asked, his eyes examining Anakin's expression as the question hit him.

Anakin was careful, knowing Windu was watching every detail, every shift in his aura, every slight deviation in his gestures. This was very much a test. He wasn't sure what the penalty was for failing, but he didn't want to find out.

"When I found Ahsoka and the bomber, Obi-wan was there. I think he was chasing the bomber when Ahsoka got herself captured, but i'm not sure." Anakin answered in a carefully crafted monotone that was made to sound at least partially indifferent.

"I see." Mace said, narrowing his eyes, calculating.

"Obi-wan had to have known about the threat before we did. Maybe he sensed danger." Anakin said with a shrug.

"Perhaps." Mace returned, still thinking, drawing out an uncomfortable silence.

Taking a breath, Mace continued. "The healers said Kenobi took the brunt of the explosion himself."

"Once the bombs were engaged there was no way to deactivate them all in time. Obi-wan told me to take Ahsoka and bring her to safety, so I did. We got as far as we could and then shielded ourselves. Afterwards we went back to try and help him."

"Interesting." Mace remarked.

Anakin clenched his jaw, his hands grabbing at his elbows under his robes. "I don't understand your meaning."

"Kenobi took the Barrash. He's been dead to the world until today. You don't find that interesting?" Mace said, arching a brow.

"I suppose when you put it that way, it is." Anakin said, irritably.

"Thank you for your report, Skywalker. I appreciate your candor." Mace said. Anakin couldn't decipher if he was being genuine or sarcastic, but it didn't much matter.

"Of course Master." Anakin said, bowing his head.

"On your way out, send young Tano in." Mace said.

"Oh, if you would excuse me Master, I do have one question." Anakin turned, his face open.

"Yes?"

"Tano. She said her Master died. I was wondering how." Anakin asked.

Mace nodded in understanding. "Ah. Her former Master passed on in combat. She died saving Ahsoka and her unit."

"What's going to happen to her? Isn't someone else going to train her?" Anakin asked.

"Ahsoka is willful. She doesn't heed direction. She has a tendency to think that going off her own way will yield better results. When it comes down to it, that's what got her last Master killed." Mace said decisively. "So, finding another Master for her has been difficult."

Anakin frowned. "Which truly it's a shame. She is strong in the force." Mace said emphatically. "Truly gifted."

Mace's face lightened, his mouth curling up into a shit eating grin. "You feeling up to the challenge?"

"Me? Have a Padawan? No, Master, I don't think so." Anakin replied quickly.

"I thought as much. But don't fret on it Skywalker, I do think we've just come upon a good match. And this Master won't be able to refuse." Mace said with a smile.

"Oh and Skywalker? I forgot to mention. You're to meet with Admiral Yularen's fleet immediately, in the Sullust system. Your ship is being prepped as we speak." Mace said.

"Well I've got to say, this is the most needed leave I've ever taken." Anakin said sarcastically.

"It's not lost on me that you've been spread thin. The Order as well as Republic is indebted to you for your service. This has been an eventful couple of days." Mace said sternly. "But we are all spread thin."

"You tell me that like I don't know." Anakin said blandly.

"I tell you that because it's true." Mace said simply. "We all make sacrifices. Some more steep than others."

….

"And that's all that happened?" Mace asked, disbelieving.

Ahsoka wrung her hands behind her back nervously. She knew it was a bad habit, but it was nearly impossible to stop in the moment. "Yes." She answered. He gave her a sharp look in return.

"Look, I'm sorry I stowed away and disobeyed orders. I know it was wrong," Ahsoka plead. "But it's so hard to just sit around and do nothing."

"So you run around and cause danger for others because you're bored." Mace returned curtly.

"I'm sorry, Master Windu. I understand this is it for me. No one wants to take me on, I'm too much of a risk. I get it." Ahsoka said, holding back tears so much that even she was impressed with herself for it. "I've messed up too many times."

"I am disappointed in you Ahsoka. We expect better of you." Mace said narrowly.

"That being said, you do get one more chance." Mace added in a softer voice.

Ahsoka's face lit up, her eyes going wide in disbelief. "But first, tell me more about your interactions with Kenobi. As detailed as you remember." Mace said demandingly.

Slightly confused Ahsoka blinked hard in thought. "He was there when I got myself taken hostage by the bomber. He tried talking him down, but it didn't work. But not because he didn't do a good job. This guy wasn't going to be persuaded." Ahsoka explained.

"What else?" Mace probed.

"Nothing, really. Then Master Skywalker showed up, angry because I disobeyed." Ahsoka said, wilting slightly before she continued. "Then the bomber guy killed himself after he set the charges. Master Kenobi told Skywalker and I to go. That he could contain the explosion."

"That's it?" Mace said, pushing for more.

"Yeah, that's it." Ahsoka said plainly. "After everything, we went back to try and help him. Thankfully he was alive." She said, still feeling the relief in her chest, with a touch of guilt.

"I see." Mace said, pressing his hands together in front of him.

"So you said I get a second chance?" Ahsoka said gleefully. "Do I get to know what that means? Or…" She said, trailing off.

Mace regarded her with slight annoyance. "Just follow me, young one. And try to behave yourself this time. By second chance, I mean last chance." Mace ground out. "If you can't learn to heed direction-"

"I will Master, I promise." Ahsoka said, delighted.

….

When Obi-wan opened his eyes, he promptly cinched them closed again. The world was too bright, searing and blinding his corneas. He took a deep breath, feeling his body ache and complain in return. His skin felt sticky all over. His mind registered that he must have been stuck in a tank for a little while. Moving his neck to the side he felt his hair plastered down to his skin, stiff with dried bacta. His lips tasted like bitter salt, the putrid signature palate he had tasted thousands of times over.

He fluttered his eyes open once more, seeing the stark white of the walls around him. He became aware of the soft shuffle of people passing by outside his room. The wall beside him was lit up with tiny lights and sensor array readings having to do with his condition. Mostly they looked acceptable, some of them looking less than optimal. One of them looked particularly concerning.

Only after squinting at the various displays for a few minutes did it register to him that he was in the healing halls of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, and not dead. He was very much alive. In pain, but alive. And a few moments after that, memories fell on him like a ton of bricks.

He should have been dead. He thought he would have been. The blast should have killed him outright. It hadn't.

He cringed as he thought about those moments, that kiss, everything seen by the wide eyed Padawan who had only sightly tried to not be interested in the unfolding drama. Stupid stupid stupid.

I love you.

How dare you.

And that was right. He didn't know the answer to it, but he agreed a thousand times over. And here he was in the Temple again. He had renounced his vows by his actions. To do otherwise would be to explain himself and he wasn't willing to do that.

How dare he? What an excellent question with no reasonable answer, Obi-wan thought angrily. There was no reason, only unchecked emotion. And that, there was no accounting for. But such had been the theme in his interactions, long before he had taken the barrash. Why should this be any different?

Obi-wan sat up slowly, working against his injured aching body, feeling some things still out of sorts internally. He heard the low droning of voices humming outside his room. The halls were full, he could sense it. Nearly every room was occupied. The bacta tanks must have been full with individuals in critical condition. His injuries were painful, but no longer life threatening. It was time for him to clear out and give the bed to someone more in need. He sensed there were many, many souls in more dire straits than himself.

Obi-wan had hardly gotten his legs over the edge of the bed when two beings entered the small room. Both of which he recognized on sight.

"Obi-wan Kenobi. You have no idea how happy we are to have you back." Mace said, his arms spread open as wide as his smile.

The young togruta he met earlier stood silent by Windu's side. Silent, and clearly uncomfortable. "I understand you've met Padawan Tano, already." Mace added, in a stiffer voice that made the girl cast her gaze even lower.

"We've not yet been introduced." Obi-wan said with a wince, holding a hand to his side to stave the sharp pain that stabbed him.

"This is Ahsoka Tano, your new Padawan." Mace said, his eyes narrowing with an amused expression lighting up his face.

"I thought she was Anakin's Padawan." Obi-wan frowned.

"No, Ahsoka's Master died in battle several months ago. It's been challenging to find a new suitable Master for her with the war going on. You couldn't have come back to us at a better time." Mace said brightly.

Obi-wan gave a pained sigh, putting a hand to his head that began throbbing immediately. "I don't think that's such a wise idea Master," Obi-wan started.

"And I disagree. If you don't take her on, she's due to leave for the Agricorps today. The shuttle leaves in only two hours." Mace said casually.

Tano gave Windu a panicked look before she wilted. "Master Kenobi, please just give me a chance. You won't regret it, I promise." She said, all but begging.

Obi-wan looked into her imploring eyes wearily. His heart pulled at him, remembering the last time he had the privilege of teaching another. He ruined it horribly. He didn't trust himself to train anyone. Though he didn't want to consign her to the Agricorps, either. He still remembered the sting of rejection when he had been sent there himself. All things considered he supposed that's where he ought to have stayed. Master Jinn didn't know what he was doing when he took him on, didn't know the kind of man he was training up.

He was glad he wasn't alive to see the mess of a man he had become. Still, maybe Tano was his second chance, just as he was her last chance.

"I suppose we could give it a try." Obi-wan said, seeing Tano brighten immediately. She all but jumped for joy at his words.

"I knew you'd be up for it." Mace said, smiling. "I'll leave you two alone. I've had a joint quarters prepared for the two of you. Tano will help you find your way up so you can rest more. We would let you stay here longer if there wasn't so much need, but our hangar is full of fatally injured beings. We're stretched as thin as we could possibly be." Mace explained.

"I completely understand." Obi-wan said, nodding.

Mace turned for the door and paused. "It's truly good to have you back Master Kenobi. The need for Jedi like yourself has never been higher. On behalf of the Council, welcome home."

Before Obi-wan had a chance to thank him for the sentiment, Mace had vanished, leaving him alone with his newly taken Padawan. A terse silence filled the air while Tano anxiously shifted from foot to foot.

"Thank you for having me, Master. I swear I'll do my best." She said earnestly. "I guess we'll be heading up now?"

Obi-wan rose to his feet with a grunt, nearly falling over as he bared his own weight. "Do you need me to get a wheelchair or crutches? Or-"

"No, that's quite alright." Obi-wan insisted. "I'm sure there are beings more in need of those things than myself."

"If you say so Master." Ahsoka replied. "Let me help you then," she said, rushing to his side and pulling one of his arms over her shoulder. "Lean on me. We'll be to the apartments before you know it."

"Thank you," Obi-wan said reluctantly, uncomfortable accepting help. Still, he wasn't sure he could walk on his own at the moment. With Ahsoka's help he was able to make it down the corridor, slowly yet surely.

Near the exit, something caught his notice. It was a wave of raw emotion. Hatred, but not generalized. It was directed at himself, specifically. He could feel it burning on his skin. Looking about he noticed a familiar woman glaring darkly at him from across the hallway. She was also bandaged and bruised, but well enough to leave for someone else to take her bed.

He might have remembered her name if he wasn't injured, still probably concussed. He stopped to face her from across the hallway, and she nearly started towards him. She was a senator, he remembered.

"Padme!" A voice cried out from the entrance of the halls. The angry woman turned towards the voice, hate immediately dissolving as she saw a man and woman rushing towards her.

"Thank the stars you're alright!" The woman cried, taking Padme's face between her hands and pressing a long, passionate kiss onto her lips.

The man embraced both women, planting gentle kisses on both their crowns. "We're together now, that's all that matters." He said with relief.

Obi-wan turned away, feeling he was witnessing something too intimate for his comfort. Ahsoka stayed at his side, helping him out of the halls and towards the lift that would take them to the apartment wing.

"I don't think Senator Amidala likes you, Master." Ahsoka said as the doors closed and the lift engaged.

"I had noticed." Obi-wan said flatly, suppressing a sigh. "It's just as well. I've found I don't mix well with politicians anyhow," he said, wondering what he might have done to upset her so badly.

It fell out of mind easily. The lift brought them to the apartment wing, and Obi-wan continued to hobble out, using Ahsoka for support.

"Master," Ahsoka began, "What did Master Windu mean when he said it was good for you to be back?"

Obi-wan sighed, debating on what he might reply with, or if he ought to reply at all. "I've been away for quite some time." Obi-wan said carefully.

"How did you know the bomber would be in the recycling plant?" Ahsoka asked, this time her question more relentless.

"I sense you're full of questions. I'm feeling rather tired. Perhaps we can get to know one another better later?" Obi-wan said gently.

"Oh, of course Master. Sorry Master." Ahsoka said apologetically. Passing down further, one of the apartment doors opened as they came near.

"I guess this is us, then." Obi-wan said, taking hold of the door frame as he limped through. "I know it's late, but I want you to meditate before you go to bed. I expect you to make a habit out of it from here on out." He commanded as he made his way over to the apartment's designated Master's quarters.

"Okay Master. But are you sure you don't need any more help?" Ahsoka asked, worried.

"I'm quite sure." Obi-wan said with a nod. "Report to me tomorrow morning," he said, putting a hand on his side again as another pain shot through him. "Do as I said, and be sure to stay out of trouble." Obi-wan added sternly.

"I will Master." Tano returned solemnly.

"I hope I can come to trust your word, young one. We must learn to trust each other, and to earn that trust, if this is going to work." Obi-wan said warily.

"Yes Master." Ahsoka responded dutifully.

With a nod, Obi-wan retreated inside his quarters, promptly collapsing with a painful grunt onto the freshly made sleeper. It felt strange being back in the temple. Was it really that same morning that he held his lightsaber for the first time in two years? His mind was racing, and exhausted in equal measure.

Rolling onto his back Obi-wan tried to get comfortable as well as he could. It wasn't worth it to strip off his clothes, it caused too much pain. Instead he lie there with his eyes closed, willing himself to sleep.

I love you

How dare you

I wish I knew, he thought ruefully.

I wish I knew.