Obi-Wan awoke slowly, and moaned. His body felt like one solid ache.

"You're awake?"

That voice was music to him. He had felt that he would never hear him again.

"Yes."

"Good! You've slept for some time, but I'm guessing it's been a day since the River."

"Ah. I see."

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, much so. Thank you, Anakin."

"No problem. Just no more recklessness."

Obi-Wan struggled to sit up and raised an eyebrow. "Me? Not be reckless. And this is coming from the most reckless person I know."

They both laughed, relieved.

"Why'd you do that, though? You're selfless, yes, but not stupid."

"Thank you, I think. I'm allowed to help you, though, aren't I?"

"Of course, yes. Still...what drove you to be so unconcerned for your safety?"

"I wanted to protect you."

"Why?"

Obi-Wan found himself compelled to tell him the true reason and was appalled.

This must be the effect of the river...he thought to himself as he struggled to find an answer that was truthful, but didn't say what he was afraid to say. Anakin watched him, amused, concerned, and curious over the emotions he saw.

"You're important to me. I trained you since you were a young boy, and I don't like the idea of losing you so soon after you've been granted the rank of Jedi Knight. After all, you are the 'Chosen One', and so destined to do great things."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. That's why I want to protect you."

"Ah..." Anakin turned the thought over in his mind. It was a good answer, and it made sense, and Obi-Wan couldn't tell him anything but the truth at the moment, so he accepted it. "Alright. Think you can stand?"

Obi-Wan looked briefly relieved before gaining that stubborn look that Anakin was familiar with. "I can."

Anakin helped Obi-Wan onto his feet and steadied him when he was about to topple over, and kidded him for his imbalance. Obi-Wan scowled, but laughed as well, and the two started to walk.

"How much farther do you think we have to go?"

"I don't know. And do we really have to proceed so slowly?"

"Until you're entirely better, Master, we're going to go at an easy pace."

"I'm not an invalid anymore!"

(cough)

"Right. We go at the pace I set."

Obi-Wan muttered, but his eyes were tired. He hadn't thought it would be this difficult to get over being poisoned...

One of Anakin's hands was always poised near his lightsabre, while his other arm was wrapped around Obi-Wan's waist, supporting him. It was a familiar, helping gesture, but Anakin was glad to be able to hold him protectively without there being any uncomfortable questions or inferences. While Anakin was extremely conscious of how close Obi-Wan was to him, he was also focused on their surroundings. He would not be caught unaware again. Obi-Wan was proud that Anakin could pay so much attention to the forest around him, because he knew that in his half-conscious state, he'd be useless.

It takes something drastic to make him learn, Obi-Wan thought with a wry smile.

As they walked, Obi-Wan became gradually more fatigued, but would not stop. He would try not to be a burden. He had never been before, and he wouldn't start now. As his eyes began to droop and his feet seemed to take too much effort to lift, he misjudged the distance needed to step over a protruding root and tripped. He grabbed onto Anakin to try and remain upright, but ended up pulling him down with him. They landed with a dull thud on the damp dirt and the air escaped from Obi-Wan's lungs, leaving him light-headed and disoriented.

Anakin had managed to catch himself enough to not land on top of Obi-Wan, and was supporting himself over him. He was about to scold Obi-Wan for not telling him sooner that he was tired when he felt the back of Obi-Wan's hand lightly brush his face. There was a small smile on his lips, even as he struggled to breathe. Anakin didn't dare to move until he saw the confusion disappear from Obi-Wan's eyes and heard him breathe regularly.

"Sorry. I tripped. I didn't mean to drag you down with me."

Anakin stood, reluctantly, and extended a hand to help Obi-Wan stand.

"I think I saw a hollow nearby. We can stop there for the night."

"Thank you."

Anakin ended up half carrying Obi-Wan to the small protected enclosure and almost immediately after Obi-Wan laid down on a comfortable piece of ground he was sound asleep.

Rain turned the river into a ghostly white as Anakin watched Obi-Wan sleep, unable to sleep himself. He gently touched his face where Obi-Wan's hand had rested, even for just a moment.

"He said I was 'important to him.' Important to you how, Obi-Wan? As a friend? As a son? Or as a lover? Is that what you wanted to tell me, but were too afraid to? That's alright, though. I understand. I'm afraid to tell you too. Afraid to see rejection, disgust in your beautiful eyes. To be alienated from the person I hold most dear. So, I'll wait, and I'll hope. As I think you might be doing. The thing is, when will either of us have enough courage to face potential rejection? Obi-Wan, I've loved you for so long, but I can't say it to your face. No one knows us here. No one will care about how I feel for you. I know I'll tell you, soon. I promise to both you and myself."

Anakin leaned down and lightly kissed Obi-Wan, but did not expect for the kiss to be returned. When he pulled back, slightly confused, he saw Obi-Wan looking up at him, a smirk on his lips and amusement in his eyes.

"You were awake the whole time!"

"I didn't know you had such a speech in you."

Anakin made a sound that was halfway between a frustrated growl and a laugh.

Obi-Wan laughed and pulled Anakin down next to him, and kissed him again.

"I love you too, Anakin."