Kenobi Motel

by imaginedestiel

Tragedy brought Obi-Wan Kenobi and his son, Anakin, to the small town of Coruscant. With the purchase of a secretive motel, they'll try to start afresh, but the Dark Side surrounds them, and depraved desires become harder to disguise. (Bates Motel/Psycho AU)

24. Chapter 24

The hospital buzzed around him, sometimes fast and sometimes slow. Voices and machines weaved in and out with his consciousness. Anakin kept himself pressed tight to Obi-Wan, like his father could hide him from the world. Anakin hoped he could. He heard Padmé stand up and ask Obi-Wan if he'd like some caf.

"Please," Obi-Wan whispered.

Padmé left the room and headed for the cafeteria. A few seconds passed.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, equally as soft as his "please."

Anakin balled his fist in Obi-Wan's inner tunic, the other still draped in the bathroom to dry.

"Honey, I wanted to tell you that Doctor Jinn is here, if you want to talk to him. He might make things clearer for you."

Anakin shook his head.

"No?"

"No."

"Do you want to go home, then?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin gathered more of Obi-Wan's tunic into his hand. "I just want to sleep." Then, "I don't want to wake up."

Obi-Wan rubbed Anakin's back. "I understand," he said. Anakin breathed out brokenly.

"Do you want to sleep in our bed?" Obi-Wan asked. "Where it's warm and familiar."

Anakin wanted that. "Yeah."

Obi-Wan shifted in the little bed to face him. There was some blood on the pillow where Anakin's cheek had been. "Sweetheart, you have to be careful…" Obi-Wan started, eyeing the black stitches. Anakin looked like he might cry so Obi-Wan just stroked his uninjured cheek, careful to avoid the bandage by his eye. "We'll go home when Padmé comes back," he said.

Anakin closed his eyes and nodded. Padmé returned with two paper cups of caf and Obi-Wan sat up to accept his. Anakin didn't know what to do with himself.

"I love you, Anakin," Padmé said.

Anakin turned to face her. "Love you," he murmured.

She sat next to the bed again as Obi-Wan held Anakin's hand. "I'm so happy you're my little brother," Padmé told him.

Anakin smiled a little.

"Everything's going to be fine," she whispered.

His smile faded, but he sat up and reached for her. Padmé hugged him, a tear in her eye. Obi-Wan finished his caf with a few large swallows and put the cup in the small trash can beside them. "Ready to go home?" he asked.

Anakin gathered his baby blanket into his arms and nodded. Obi-Wan slipped out of bed to get his tunic from the bathroom and Padmé offered to carry it. She put it in the bag with Anakin's set of robes. Anakin stepped out of bed and Padmé realized she hadn't brought him any shoes.

"I'll carry you, darling," Obi-Wan said, and held out his arms for him. Anakin would have jumped into his arms if he had the energy. Padmé opened the door for them and Obi-Wan left the room with Anakin wrapped around him, the baby blanket tied around Anakin's neck.

Anakin watched the hospital unfold around him. Doctors and nurses occupied the hallway. Patients resided behind curtains or open doors. They looked at him with wide eyes. Anakin ducked his head into Obi-Wan's shoulder. "They're looking at me," Anakin whispered, a panic in his voice.

"No, honey, they're looking at me," Obi-Wan reassured, "They're looking at the big strong man who's carrying his big strong boy."

Anakin raised his head slowly. Maybe they were. He held onto Obi-Wan tighter. They entered the emergency waiting room and Anakin shied at all the eyes on him. Obi-Wan spotted Dr. Jinn scrolling through his phone and crossed the room to get to him. Dr. Jinn stood and fought over which question he'd like to ask first.

"We're going home," Obi-Wan told him, a hand on Anakin's back, "But I'll be in contact with you." Anakin hadn't specified if he wanted to talk to Dr. Jinn ever or just not tonight, but Obi-Wan didn't want to speak for him.

"Of course," Dr. Jinn said, trying to look over his young patient. "Do you need a ride home?" he asked.

Obi-Wan beckoned Padmé over and said, "My daughter will drive us. Doctor Jinn, this is Padmé."

Dr. Jinn smiled as he shook hands with Padmé. Anakin tugged on a piece of Obi-Wan's hair.

"Alright, little one," Obi-Wan said, "We'll go home." The hand in his hair moved to thread through his overgrown locks. Obi-Wan gave him a kiss and headed for the exit. Padmé followed and Dr. Jinn waved to Anakin, who could see him now that Obi-Wan's back was turned. Anakin gave a weak wave back and then Dr. Jinn disappeared behind the sliding doors of the hospital.

Obi-Wan sat with Anakin in the back of the car as Padmé drove home. The Kenobi Motel sign glowed for them in the darkness. Obi-Wan carried Anakin up the stairs to the porch, and then climbed the next set to the bedroom. Anakin clung to him the whole way. Padmé said goodnight to them in the hallway as Obi-Wan set Anakin down. He stayed close to Obi-Wan and said softly, "Goodnight, Padmé."

Padmé was hesitant to leave him, even knowing that it was unreasonable to watch him all night long. Obi-Wan put his arm around Anakin and nodded at Padmé. She relaxed somewhat and left to shower. Obi-Wan turned and led Anakin into their bedroom. He made the bed as Anakin stood by the door, not making eye contact with him. When everything was tucked and fluffed, Obi-Wan went to Anakin and held his hands gently.

"Sweetheart?" he called.

Anakin worried his bottom lip.

Obi-Wan gave his hands a squeeze. "Anakin, you don't have to sleep in my bed if you don't want to," he said.

Anakin looked up for a second and then away. "I want to," he said softly.

Obi-Wan wondered why he hesitated then. "What can I do, baby? How can I make you feel better?"

Anakin shuffled closer and leaned against him. Obi-Wan held him like he was a fragile thing. Warmth bled into Anakin and he relaxed as his breathing fell in sync with Obi-Wan's.

"Better?"

Anakin looked up at him, unsure how to answer.

Slowly, Obi-Wan scooped an arm underneath Anakin's legs and lifted him up before carrying him to the bed. Anakin didn't protest. Obi-Wan laid him down and Anakin reached for him, like he thought his father would leave without some sort of tether between them.

"I'm here," Obi-Wan said, "Don't you worry. Close your eyes."

Anakin waited until Obi-Wan turned out the light and got in bed beside him before letting his eyes shut. Obi-Wan tried to watch him in the darkness. There was still so much fear within him, on his face and in the Force. Anakin turned and gazed at Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan found Anakin's hand beneath the covers and brought it to his lips. "I've got you," he said, "Sleep…"

Anakin slept.

---

In the morning, Obi-Wan couldn't bear to wake Anakin. He slipped out of bed as quietly as possible and went down the stairs to start breakfast. Padmé was still in bed, it seemed. Nothing felt very real as Obi-Wan moved about the kitchen, making caf, toasting bread, cutting fruit. He wasn't sure if he was even hungry, or if his children would be. He stepped out the side door in the kitchen and breathed in the fresh air, sunlight warm on his face.

Then Obi-Wan came back inside and ate his breakfast. He fed Deedee and sighed at the simplicity of the little mouse's life. Why couldn't theirs be the same? Obi-Wan pictured Anakin waking up without him and then abandoned everything to rush up the stairs.

Anakin was still asleep, unmoving and unperturbed in their bed. Obi-Wan knelt beside him and reached for his hand. After a few moments, fingers curled around his, and Anakin turned and squinted at him before moving to rub his eyes.

"Careful, honey," Obi-Wan said, and Anakin froze before he could rub the bandage by his eye. His face crumpled at the memory. Obi-Wan smoothed his thumb over Anakin's eyelashes, saying, "You're alright."

Anakin caught his hand as it moved away and tugged Obi-Wan towards him. Obi-Wan smiled and settled next to him in the bed. "How are you this morning?" he asked, and rubbed his back lightly.

Anakin jumped at the touch. Obi-Wan sat up and stopped himself before he could pull Anakin's shirt up. "Can I look?" he asked.

Anakin nodded. Obi-Wan peeled Anakin's white shirt midway up his back and saw the bruise from when he'd landed flat on his back. "Do you want me to heal you?" Obi-Wan whispered.

"Yes," Anakin replied. Everything hurt.

"Okay, my dear. It'll just be a moment." Obi-Wan held his hand out over the discolored area and Anakin leaned into him. "All done," Obi-Wan said. Anakin didn't move.

Obi-Wan slipped his arms around him and sat up with him. Anakin savored the embrace for a while before holding his arm out for him. Obi-Wan tugged on the bandages by his elbow and slowly unraveled them. They were a bit sticky, and Anakin grimaced.

"Shall we change these or try to heal you?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin observed the gashes on his arm, his skin a horrific mix of pink and red. "Heal," he said.

Obi-Wan nodded and held Anakin's hand in the air while the other moved over his arm. Anakin sucked in a breath, then held it as his eyes watered, and then he couldn't take any more of the wounds closing in front of him. "Stop!" he cried.

Obi-Wan stopped halfway down his forearm. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

Anakin shook his head. "Hurts too much."

Obi-Wan dipped his head to kiss Anakin's knuckles. "We can try again later, if you want," he offered.

Anakin watched Obi-Wan's lips move over his hand, almost entranced. He asked, "You still love me, Father?"

"Of course I do," Obi-Wan said, his expression wide, "Of course I do. I love you with every atom of my being. I love you."

"You don't think I'm weak?"

Obi-Wan pulled Anakin across his lap. "Not one bit," he said, "You fought hard. You're my strong boy."

Anakin wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan's neck, thoughts piling in his head. "I don't feel strong."

"I'll be your strength, okay? I'll take care of you."

Anakin met his eyes and mustered a smile. "Okay, Father."

Obi-Wan smiled back and carried his baby downstairs.

Padmé joined them and ate breakfast alongside Anakin. She and Obi-Wan watched him closely, like he'd break at any moment. Anakin just concentrated on eating. When he was halfway done with his food, he decided that that was enough and settled on the couch in the family room. He picked up Obi-Wan's laptop and scrolled around mindlessly until his eyes were tired.

"Daddy," he called.

Obi-Wan came to him from the kitchen. Padmé picked up doing the dishes where he'd left off. "Yes, baby?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin held his arms out to him, still dressed in the hospital's white t-shirt and pants.

"You want up?" Obi-Wan replied, like he was a little boy.

Anakin said, "No, come here."

Obi-Wan sat next to him on their old fuzzy couch and Anakin curled his arms around him.

"Nap?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Mhm."

"Okay, baby." Obi-Wan adjusted so his legs were up on the cushions and Anakin was tucked between him and the back of the couch. Anakin held a fistful of Obi-Wan's robes close to his mouth. Padmé came in and turned off the light for them.

"Would you like something to drink?"

Anakin looked around. He was in Mister Clovis' living room.

"Anakin?" Clovis called, pleasant and polite, sitting next to him on the couch.

"No thanks," Anakin heard himself say.

"Do you mind if I change into something more comfortable?"

"No, go ahead." Anakin watched him saunter off to his bedroom, door open, mirror displaying the figure in the dark. Obi-Wan appeared beside him and smacked Anakin's head.

"Father!" That was unlike him.

"Can't you see what he's doing?" Obi-Wan urged.

"How are you here?" This didn't make sense.

"Open your eyes, Anakin," Obi-Wan berated, "Are you stupid?"

"No!" Why would he ask that?

"He's going to hurt you!"

"No, he's not!" Anakin yelled back, despite the sickness in his stomach.

Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's wrists and pinned him down.

"This is what he's going to do—" Obi-Wan said.

"Father, stop!"

"I won't say I told you so—"

"Someone help me!"

"You should never trust someone like him—"

"You're hurting me!"

"You need to know—"

"Not like this!"

"What I suffered—"

"Father, please!"

"You watched and you didn't help me!"

"I didn't know!"

"You will."

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan yelled, his hands gripping Anakin's shoulders.

Anakin opened his wet eyes and raised his fist in the air before Obi-Wan caught his arm.

"Anakin, it's me! You were dreaming!"

Anakin yanked his wrist out of Obi-Wan's grip and scrambled to get away from him. "Don't touch me!" he shrieked.

"Anakin—" Obi-Wan said, sitting up and reaching for him.

Anakin jumped back. "Don't ever touch me!"

Obi-Wan swallowed and sat back. "What's wrong, Anakin?" he asked softly.

"You—You were—You couldn't have done that…"

"Done what?"

Anakin breathed a little easier. "You didn't. It was a dream."

"Yes, honey, a dream," Obi-Wan said soothingly, "Do you want to explain what you saw?"

Anakin rubbed his arm. "I saw—I saw you that day in the motel."

"What day?"

"Cody."

Obi-Wan's voice dropped a fraction. "What?"

"You and—And Cody—in the motel," Anakin said, words growing more and more pinched.

"You… saw?"

Anakin knelt in front of him, hands clasped together, eyesight blurring. "I'm sorry, Father!" he cried, "I'm sorry I didn't help you!"

Obi-Wan's mouth hung open. He leaned forward and held Anakin's shoulders. Anakin jumped at the touch.

"I'm sorry—please—I understand now!" he blubbered.

"Anakin, I—" Obi-Wan tucked a finger under his chin and lifted. Anakin's eyes were squeezed shut, tears spilling from them anyway. He pulled away from Obi-Wan's touch. "Darling," Obi-Wan insisted.

Anakin shook with his sobs, his strength giving out as he leaned into the couch. Obi-Wan wanted to cry at how little and broken he looked. Obi-Wan slipped off the couch and knelt beside him.

"How did you see, my love?" he said softly.

Anakin covered his face at the pet name. He didn't deserve Obi-Wan's love.

"Please," Obi-Wan urged.

Anakin took a sharp breath and replied, "There was a hole in the wall. Under a painting."

Obi-Wan rubbed his jaw. "Did you put it there?"

"No!" Anakin exclaimed, facing him finally. "I swear, Father—"

"I believe you," Obi-Wan said, still calm. "Didn't I tell you to stay in the house that day?"

"Yes," Anakin cried, "I disobeyed you!"

"Anakin," Obi-Wan chastised, like Anakin had said something wrong. "Why did you follow me? Why did you look?"

"I was mad!" Anakin responded, "I was jealous and I wanted you so badly—"

"Shhh!" Obi-Wan told him, and glanced upstairs, then softened his tone, "Alright, I think I understand."

"I'm so sorry, Father. Please say you'll forgive me. Don't punish me."

"My son," Obi-Wan said, reaching out slowly once more, "What is it you fear?"

Anakin tried not to flinch as Obi-Wan caressed his cheek, gentle as always, not touching his injuries. Each swipe of his thumb made Anakin more tense. "I don't want you to rape me."

Obi-Wan froze, a pallor like none other cast across his face. "R-rape you?" he whispered. Anakin shrunk further. "Anakin, I would never! Never! Is that what you dreamed?"

Anakin closed his eyes and nodded.

"Oh, my poor Anakin... Listen to me, baby."

Anakin breathed in shakily and met his gaze. Obi-Wan looked soft in the dim light. He said, "I won't ever touch you without your consent. It would destroy me if I ever hurt you. Do you understand?"

Anakin wiped his face, feeling stupid.

"I love you," Obi-Wan breathed, "I love you, Anakin."

Anakin shuffled forward and Obi-Wan held him close to his chest, the boy's arms wrapping around his neck. Obi-Wan gathered Anakin's legs so he could sit in his lap, safe and warm.

"I should have helped you," Anakin murmured.

Obi-Wan tipped Anakin's chin up to face him. "You didn't know," he said.

Anakin shook his head.

"I know what it looked like. It wasn't as clear as what happened to you."

"Father..." Anakin fought for words.

"Tell me, honey."

"That wasn't the first time, was it?"

Obi-Wan's mouth ran dry. "No."

"Are you okay?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan held him a little tighter. "You want the truth, Anakin?"

Anakin reached up and stroked Obi-Wan's cheek. "Yes, Father."

"The truth is I'm not okay," he whispered, almost to himself.

Anakin ran his fingers over the stubble on Obi-Wan's jaw.

"I know I'm safe with you," he said, "and that sounds silly, you're my little boy, but..."

"But I'm not a little boy," Anakin filled in quietly, smirking just under the surface. Obi-Wan smiled a tiny bit.

"No, you're not," he agreed. Anakin's fingertips trailed down Obi-Wan's neck. It felt nice. Obi-Wan said, "In truth, it wasn't the second time, either."

"What? You mean with Cody?"

"No."

"Someone else," Anakin stated, voice low.

Obi-Wan nodded slowly.

Anakin pushed his fingers through Obi-Wan's long hair, images from half a year ago coming back to him. A thin white hand in Obi-Wan's hair, another in his clothes, pale lips at his ear.

"No," Anakin said, "Tell me she didn't."

"It wasn't that way at first."

"Stars, Father—"

"Tell me, do you still love me?"

"Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"How could I?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"How could you understand? At sixteen, no less..."

"How could you let her?"

"Let her?"

"Why didn't you kill her?"

"I loved her!"

"She raped you!"

"It wasn't the way you're picturing it," Obi-Wan said.

"How was it then?"

"You saw how she hurt me."

"And?"

"It was like that."

"Father, I'm not following—"

Obi-Wan put a hand around his own throat. Anakin was quiet.

"That, until I passed out, sometimes..."

Anakin took Obi-Wan's hand and kissed it.

"Humiliating things like making me cry... Making me wait for it... Making me beg."

"Why didn't you tell her no?"

"I did."

"What?"

"She'd start acting like she used to, sweet and snarky until my defenses were down. Then she'd be bad again."

"Oh, Father..."

"Do you still love me?"

Anakin kissed Obi-Wan's hand again, where it wasn't dangerous. "Yes, I still love you. I love you more."

Obi-Wan's lips wobbled into a smile.

"I wish I could have protected you," Anakin said.

"I wish the same," Obi-Wan replied, giving Anakin's hand a squeeze, "I desperately, desperately wish I could have stopped him from hurting you. I want you to know you can tell me anything. You can tell me no. You don't have to be afraid."

Anakin pressed his face into Obi-Wan's tunic. "I wish I could make love to you right now," he said.

Obi-Wan cradled Anakin with one arm, the other moving to thread through his hair, and trickle down his arm, then rub the space above Anakin's heart. "You feel like you can't?"

"Can't. I'll panic."

"It's alright, sweetheart," Obi-Wan soothed. Anakin's heart thumped beneath his fingertips.

"Also, Padmé's upstairs."

"Right," Obi-Wan said, chuckling a little. "Baby, you just let me know when you don't want to be touched, alright?"

Anakin grabbed his tunic. "Don't go anywhere," he blurted.

"Never," Obi-Wan promised, hugging Anakin once more. "I'm content just like this."

Anakin smiled, feeling warm and secure. "Really?"

"Well, the couch is a little comfier than the floor, and the bed more so," he offered.

"Take me to bed," Anakin said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Anakin said, looking up at him with a smile that was a little wider.

"Ah," Obi-Wan said, smiling back, "You're so beautiful."

Anakin sat up so Obi-Wan could stand and pick him up. He grinned at Obi-Wan's ear. "I like it when you carry me," he whispered.

Obi-Wan adjusted his grip on him and turned to go up the stairs. "I like carrying you," he said.

Anakin nuzzled into his neck. "Daddy…"

Obi-Wan kissed his cheek. He turned at the top of the stairs and found Padmé in the hallway.

"Sweetheart?" he called.

She looked distraught. "Ani, are you alright? Dad's been carrying you a lot."

"I'm alright," Anakin said.

Padmé glanced between the two of them, features pinching as she tried to hold back tears. Obi-Wan set Anakin down and drew her near. She held onto his shoulder as she cried. "I feel like it's all my fault," Padmé confessed.

"Darling girl, you know that's not true," Obi-Wan said, hand smoothing over her curly hair.

"He seemed like a nice guy!"

"Sh, sh, sh..." Obi-Wan faced her and wiped her cheeks with his thumbs.

"He was nice, sometimes," Anakin murmured.

Obi-Wan pulled him close and then Anakin had two family members hugging him.

"It's not your fault, Padmé," he said softly.

Padmé stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, staying there a few moments. Anakin warmed. He pulled back and gave her a quick kiss in return. She smiled and wiped her tears. "I think I'll go out for a while. Get some air."

"Are you sure, sweetheart?" Obi-Wan asked. "Are you alright to drive?"

"Rex is going to pick me up," she replied.

"Are you two...?"

"We'll see."

"Be careful, now," Obi-Wan said.

She nodded. "Of course." She kissed Anakin again. "Goodbye, Ani."

"See you later, sis," he whispered.

Padmé turned, her flowery dress swirling behind her, and she went downstairs and waited for Rex to text her.

"Do you think she's alright?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan said, "I'm not sure. Are you alright? You look a little red."

"She's just affectionate," Anakin muttered.

"If you'd like some space—"

"No." He took Obi-Wan's hand and pulled him towards the bedroom. Obi-Wan shut the door behind them and Anakin threw back the covers of their shared bed and got under them. Obi-Wan cuddled up next to him and asked, "You want to keep talking or should I let you rest?"

"I don't care. I just want you to know I love you."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes and thought of the ways Anakin had loved him. "I know you do."

Anakin clambered on top of Obi-Wan, saying, "I changed my mind. Don't go to sleep."

Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around him. "Okay, baby." Anakin traced lines over Obi-Wan's chest. "Is everything alright?"

"No," Anakin replied, not mustering the energy to tell a lie.

Obi-Wan sat up and said, "You can tell me."

Anakin raked his teeth over his bottom lip, bringing out a new color from it. "I feel like I've cheated."

Obi-Wan's lips parted a moment and Anakin stared at the darkness between them. "How so?"

"Well, first of all, Ahsoka likes me."

Obi-Wan smiled a little. "I knew that, honey."

Anakin smacked his arm lightly. "You did not."

"I did. So you think you went on a date? Is that it?"

Anakin nodded.

"You told me you were going as friends, and I'm sure Ahsoka respected that. Didn't she?"

"Yes."

Obi-Wan rubbed Anakin's arms, noting the tenseness in his shoulders. "Is there more?"

"Mister Clovis…"

Obi-Wan's hands slid down Anakin's sleeves to grab his hands. "What he did is not equal to you cheating, Anakin."

Anakin could feel the despair coming back. "Daddy, he…"

Obi-Wan wanted to cry, too. "Yes?" he whispered.

"I tried to undress myself, so he wouldn't hurt me," Anakin confessed.

Obi-Wan stroked his cheek over and over.

"He kept touching me—he tried to kiss me!"

Obi-Wan's eyes welled as Anakin broke into tears again.

"I called him Master!"

Obi-Wan choked on a sob and held Anakin tight, tighter, leaning back and on his side so he could hook a leg around him. "I've got you, Anakin," he said, voice barely audible.

"And I don't remember him taking off my pants!"

"I love you," Obi-Wan replied, no other words adequate for the horror they felt.

"He made me touch him," Anakin admitted. He had to get all the badness out.

Obi-Wan clutched him close, impossibly close. "It wasn't cheating, Anakin… My sweet angel… You didn't deserve any of that."

Anakin shuddered. "He wanted to keep me locked up in his house."

"I'm going to keep you safe," Obi-Wan swore.

"There was a moment—"

"Go on," came Obi-Wan's whisper.

"When you came to me, there was a moment when I thought you were just going to watch!"

"Oh, my dear, why?"

"Because I knew you couldn't have shown up out of the blue! How could you help me if you weren't really there?" Anakin wailed.

Obi-Wan rolled over and braced himself over Anakin. He clamped a hand over Anakin's heart. "Anakin," he said.

"Father-r-r…"

"You are safe now, okay baby? Right now, you're safe. He can't get to you now. He's dead."

"I killed my teacher!"

"Anakin—"

"I killed Ventress!"

"Anakin, please! Listen to me!"

Anakin shut his mouth and wound his hands in the sheets.

Obi-Wan took some of the pressure off Anakin's chest and made small circular movements over his heart instead. "You're good," he said, "You have a good heart, otherwise you wouldn't feel this way."

Anakin stared up at him for a few seconds before nodding.

"You're upset that you killed Mister Clovis because he was nice to you sometimes, right?"

Anakin snuffled. "He told me I put too much pressure on myself."

Obi-Wan smiled a little and buried his fingers in Anakin's hair, massaging slowly. "Honey, he was right. You're young and you're going to make mistakes. But defending yourself was not a mistake. Defending me was not a mistake. It was my mistake. A good father would have told Asajj to go the second she threatened our family's safety. Do you understand?"

"Mhm."

Obi-Wan wiped his tears carefully. "No one is going to lay their hands on you ever again. I promise you, I'm going to protect you. You have nothing to fear."

Anakin let go of the sheets and reached for Obi-Wan with shaking arms. Obi-Wan curled his arms around him, his body warm and heavy on Anakin's. He could feel him trembling. "Just breathe, Anakin," he murmured. "I've got you."

Anakin gave a broken sigh and relaxed.

---

Downstairs, Padmé let Rex in through the front door and hugged him tight.

"Are you alright, sweetheart?" he asked.

Padmé stepped back and held herself. "I told you not to call me that."

"Fine," Rex said, "As your friend, I'm asking you, are you alright?"

Padmé waved him inside and fixed a drink for them at the kitchen table. Rex sipped the Ardees, thinking it was much too early for alcohol as he waited for his answer.

"I just can't believe what's happened," she told him.

"Is Anakin alright?" Rex asked.

Padmé shook her head. "I don't know how he can recover. I know—I know I wouldn't."

"Padmé," Rex chastised, then changed his tone at her melancholy, "Can I tell you something if you promise not to tell anyone? And I mean anyone."

Padmé thought of sharing secrets with her old friends in Naboo. Somehow she knew this wouldn't carry the same joy. "I won't tell anyone," Padmé promised.

Rex took another sip of his drink, savoring the burn in his throat.

Upstairs, Anakin slept in Obi-Wan's arms, seemingly passed out from exhaustion. Obi-Wan found himself plagued with worry, despite believing in his promises. He didn't want Anakin to be in pain. The last time it was this bad, Anakin had taken a blaster into the forest.

In the kitchen, Padmé sat in Rex's lap and embraced him. Rex held her close. He cleared his throat. "So you see," he concluded, "I think Anakin will be alright."

Padmé faced him and caressed his cheek. "You should tell Anakin."

"No, no, no—I couldn't. Doesn't he look up to me?"

Padmé smiled. "I think he does—sometimes. But don't you think he'd feel better knowing...?"

"No," Rex said firmly. Then, "Maybe. I don't want to add my trauma to his. He's just going to fear the bullies at school—"

"Did you?"

"Yes! If I hadn't had my pocket knife..."

Padmé kissed his cheek. "What did you do afterwards?" she asked quietly.

"It's not important."

"Sure it is."

"I went home and carved a scar into my brother's face."

Padmé furrowed her brows, then slid off him and downed her drink. "Why would you do that?" she asked, her back turned.

He stood behind her and moved her hair off her shoulder. "I was bitter, Padmé. Angry and scared and bitter because Cody got to live the way he wanted and I was suffering because of it."

"Maybe you should be grateful you're straight."

"I don't think you understand what I'm telling you."

Padmé set down her glass and turned around. "You're not straight?"

Rex didn't respond. Padmé took a sharp breath and sat down.

"I can't believe this is happening again," she said, eyes distant.

Rex pulled his chair closer and tried to catch her gaze. "What's happening again?"

"Rush only used me to get to Anakin—"

"Rush Clovis? Sheesh, Padmé, I'm not some monster."

"You lied to me."

"I—Listen, Padmé, I slept with you. I'm attracted to you, and I like women. That's not a lie."

Padmé huffed. "If you're thirty-two, why haven't you figured it out yet?"

Rex sat back and crossed his arms. "I just told you."

"How do I know that wasn't a lie?"

"It's not!" Rex shouted.

"I think those boys were just hazing you," Padmé proposed, standing up.

Rex jumped to his feet and yelled, "They weren't hazing me, it was real! You can't fake an erection!"

"I think maybe you could," she accused.

"What is going on in here?"

Rex and Padmé turned to see Obi-Wan at the edge of the kitchen, looking like an exasperated parent. He walked over and stood between them, saying, "I could hear you arguing from upstairs."

Padmé crossed her arms. "Tell him, Rex. Since you're being so honest today."

Rex gritted his teeth. "Fine," he said, "I'll tell you something honest." Rex wound his hand in Obi-Wan's hair, making Obi-Wan. Rex turned to Padmé. "Your dad and I have made out twice," he said, and held up two fingers on his free hand, the other traveling through Obi-Wan's golden hair. He looked back at Obi-Wan. "Want to make it three?"

Padmé screamed in frustration and shoved at Rex to get him to leave. "I hate you!" she declared, turning her fiery gaze on Obi-Wan. "I hate you!" Her shoving didn't affect Rex and he stood his ground, only letting go of Obi-Wan when the other man grabbed his wrist and growled, "Rex."

Padmé's rage turned to tears and she ran from the house to her car.

Obi-Wan flung Rex's hand away from him. "Care to explain what just happened?"

Rex's expression melted into sudden regret. "Obi-Wan," he started.

"Never mind. You need to apologize to my daughter."

"No. Not after what she said to me." They both heard tires screeching.

"Rex," Obi-Wan warned, his concern for Padmé growing.

"Don't say my name like that!"

"Like what? Like you've done something wrong?"

Rex sunk in on himself, only saved by a few inches of the chair behind him. He covered his face as his shoulders shook.

"Rex?" Obi-Wan called, voice gone soft.

The Sheriff rubbed at his face roughly. "Boys don't cry," he muttered, like it could get him to stop.

Obi-Wan knelt beside him, a hand on his knee. "Hey," he said, "My boy's been doing a lot of crying, and there isn't anyone stronger than him."

Rex's mind tripped over the words, connecting my boy to Anakin after a few heart-skipping seconds.

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong, huh?" Obi-Wan asked, words rhythmic and pleasant as always.

Rex wrung his hands together. If there was someone he could trust… He took a deep breath and said, "When I was fifteen, there was a group of boys at school who bullied my brother and I, because of Cody's sexuality."

Obi-Wan nodded, listening patiently.

"The rumors got so nasty at one point I didn't want to be seen near him."

Obi-Wan frowned slightly. "Keep going."

Rex ran his sleeve over his eyes and said, "I guess rumors weren't enough for them. Things got physical. Cody went home with a friend one day and I was going to walk home, like usual, when the same boys grabbed me and held me down—"

"Oh," Obi-Wan said, almost under his breath. Rex looked away from him.

"They hit me, and tore my clothes, and they said they were going to take turns."

"Rex," Obi-Wan called, hand on his knee squeezing slightly.

"They didn't—end up—going through with it," Rex blurted, piece by piece, "I remembered my knife in my back pocket, and I freed an arm long enough to grab it, and—"

"And?"

"And I stabbed one of them in the stomach. I panicked and I pulled out the knife and ran. The other boys ran too, except for the one I stabbed. I thought I'd killed him, I kept watching the news to see if I had, but he was never on the holovision. He was back at school after a month."

"Did you find out what happened to him?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I think someone went back and helped him, or someone heard me begging..." Rex met his eyes and said, "Since then I've always been a little... wary of other men. You're the only..."

Obi-Wan blinked and took his hand away inelegantly. "I'm sorry, Rex," he said softly.

Rex glanced away, shamefaced once again.

"What did my daughter do to upset you?"

"Well, I was trying to tell her I thought Anakin would be alright. I thought I could trust her."

"And?"

"She was understanding at first and then she said she didn't believe me!"

"Hm."

Rex gave him an indignant look.

"She doesn't want to believe it, Rex."

"Oh."

"She's young still, you must remember that. And she's been affected by what happened to Anakin—deeply, it seems. They were close when they were little, and they still are now."

Rex nodded in understanding.

"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes," he said, "I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to overstep."

Obi-Wan adopted a stern look once more. "We didn't quite make out, Rex. And the second time you were angry with me."

"I know," Rex admitted, sounding pitiful. "I got carried away."

Obi-Wan straightened out with a pop in his knee and groaned before sitting down, arms supported by the kitchen table. "Want to make it three?" he quoted, tossing his hands in the air. "How'd you think of that? Hm? Crazy talk."

When he didn't respond, Obi-Wan looked back at him. Rex looked at him with a hurt he'd only seen in Anakin's eyes.

"No," he blurted, "No. Go apologize to Padmé."

"Obi-Wan—"

"Whether you love her or not, go apologize. I value my relationship with her. As it stands, she thinks you cheated on her with her own father."

"Listen to me—"

"What, Rex? What?"

Rex swallowed nervously. "I just wanted to say thank you."

Obi-Wan let go of his anger with a drawn-out sigh. He reached for Rex's hand. "Thank you for telling me," he said.

Rex sighed too, a weight lifted off his shoulders.

"Now go," Obi-Wan directed, "I want the house to be nice and quiet for Anakin."

"Of course," Rex said, clearing his throat and pushing in his chair as he stood, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Please tell Padmé I want to talk to her."

"Sure."

"And please make sure she's safe, wherever she decides to go. I'd prefer it if she came home."

Rex gave him a nod. "I promise I'll look after her."

"Good. Thank you, Rex." Obi-Wan turned and poured himself a glass of water. He drank it down in a few gulps and poured another. Rex turned the other way after a moment's hesitation and went to track down Padmé.

When he was gone, Obi-Wan turned around again and rubbed his forehead. He went upstairs and climbed into bed beside Anakin.

"Anakin, you are one lucky boy to have slept through all that."

Anakin grumbled.

"Oh? Are you awake?"

Anakin turned onto his other side and Obi-Wan pressed himself close to him. Anakin made a contented sound.

"Keep sleeping, darling. You deserve it."

---

You know who I am.

Anakin shifted slightly under Obi-Wan's arm.

Make this easy for me.

A moan escaped his mouth.

Be still!

"Help me…"

Who the hell are you talking to?

Anakin shot straight up with a scream. Obi-Wan woke up right after and reached for him. Anakin held his hand so tight it would bruise his fingers, but Obi-Wan didn't pull away. Anakin's chest heaved as he worked through the nightmare, adrenaline rushing for an enemy who was no longer around.

"You're safe," Obi-Wan whispered.

"I can't escape him," Anakin responded, eyes wide and skin glistening.

Obi-Wan shifted to face him and Anakin squeezed his eyes shut, images of Obi-Wan fucking him flashing before his eyes. "Father," he called, palms pressed into his eyes.

"Yes, Anakin?"

"I need you to pretend I'm little, okay? Don't look at me like we're lovers."

Obi-Wan didn't think he was giving Anakin bedroom eyes, but he agreed nonetheless. "What can I do for you?" he asked.

"Pretend I'm five and nothing bad has ever happened to us."

Obi-Wan took Anakin's hands away from his eyes, where he'd undoubtedly irritated the lightsaber burn. Then he tucked Anakin's hair behind his ears on both sides and said, "It's Sunday, you know what that means?"

"No," Anakin replied, struggling to put himself in the past.

"You get to spend the day with Daddy. Mommy's on a lunch date with her friends."

Anakin smiled. "Really?"

"Really, baby. Mommy says she loves you and misses you, but she knows we're going to have fun together while she's away and that's okay."

Anakin threw his arms around Obi-Wan, drawing an immediate oomph from him, as well as a smile. "I can't wait!" Anakin announced.

Obi-Wan hugged him back and kissed his nose when they parted. "First things first, we have to get dressed and brush our teeth. Do you think you can do it without Daddy's help?"

Anakin bit his lip and decided, "No, Daddy help."

"Of course, my darling. Why don't you pick your outfit while Daddy gets dressed?"

Anakin pressed a kiss to Obi-Wan's cheek before scampering off to his room. Obi-Wan forced himself to focus on dressing himself instead of questioning this coping method. A few moments later Anakin called to him.

"Daddy! Are you done yet?"

"Yes, darling! Be there soon." He gave himself one final look in the mirror before turning around and striding into Anakin's room. He'd picked out a t-shirt with a Tauntaun on it, faded blue jeans, white boxer briefs and white socks.

"Very good, Ani," Obi-Wan praised, "You remembered to find matching socks!"

Anakin laughed a real laugh. He didn't feel so apprehensive about Obi-Wan dressing him now.

Obi-Wan stepped forward and grasped the hem of Anakin's hospital shirt. "Arms up," he said.

Anakin raised his arms and Obi-Wan pulled the shirt off and tossed it into a hamper. He took the Tauntaun shirt and pulled it down over Anakin's head.

"Let's get your arms in the sleeves—There you go. Put your hands on my shoulders now."

Obi-Wan bent to tug down Anakin's pants and Anakin held onto him for balance. The pants came down and Obi-Wan froze.

"Daddy? Something wrong?"

Obi-Wan eyed a ring of fingerprint shaped bruises on each of Anakin's thighs. He looked up at Anakin and then stood.

"Nothing's wrong, sweet boy. Let's get you changed, alright?"

Anakin turned beet red. "What?"

Obi-Wan helped him step out of his pants and then guided him to the bed. "Lay down, okay?"

"Daddy—"

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, just the faintest authority in the words. Anakin frowned and did what he said, lying down at the edge of the bed with his legs propped up.

"This will just be a moment, Ani," Obi-Wan said, one hand on Anakin's knee and the other slipping down his thigh.

"Daddy!" Anakin sat up and tried to push his hands away, halting when he saw what Obi-Wan saw.

"Relax, sweetheart. You'll feel better soon," Obi-Wan said, slowly moving to heal the bruises, "I promise."

Anakin tried to hold back tears as he laid down again. Obi-Wan was so good to him. A few seconds passed and Anakin felt him switch to the other thigh. Then he was done and he pulled off Anakin's boxers and helped him into the fresh ones before taking hold of Anakin's hands and pulling him up into his arms. "Feels better, doesn't it?"

Anakin held him tight. "Mhm." He sniffled.

Obi-Wan rubbed his back. "Don't cry, my little baby. We're going to have a great day! Here." Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's jeans and slid them up his legs as far as he could. Anakin jumped down from the bed and tugged them up to his hips, then did up the zipper and the button. "Socks," he murmured.

"Can't forget socks," Obi-Wan agreed, and gave Anakin's feet a squeeze as he slipped them on. "We have to keep those toes warm."

Anakin smiled a little. "But Daddy, you're not wearing socks."

Obi-Wan smiled up at him. "You're right. I'll put some on right now."

When Obi-Wan had completed his outfit and the two had brushed their teeth and hair, he led Anakin by the hand to the kitchen and asked what he'd like to eat for lunch.

"Mac and cheese," Anakin answered quietly.

"Macaroni and cheese for my baby, it is. What do you want to drink? Milk?"

"Blue milk, not white milk," Anakin said, as if Obi-Wan needed the reminder.

"Of course, darling. Why don't you draw me a picture while I make it? Sit right here where I can see you."

Anakin went and found his backpack, then returned with a notebook and colored pencils. He sat at the kitchen table and sipped the blue milk that Obi-Wan had poured him.

"Daddy, what should I draw?"

"Hmm," Obi-Wan said, stirring the noodles, "How about our family?"

Anakin grinned and set to work. His people drawing skills didn't have to be good if he was five.

Obi-Wan listened to Anakin draw as he watched the water boil. Every now and then Anakin hummed a tune. Obi-Wan couldn't quite put his finger on it, though he knew he should recognize it.

"Done!" Anakin declared. "Daddy, come look. Daddyyyy."

Obi-Wan held back a snicker and turned around. He leaned over Anakin's shoulder at the table and observed his artwork. "Is this Mommy and Daddy's wedding?" he asked, hand tousling Anakin's hair.

Anakin giggled. "Yes. See, Padmé's right here, as the flower girl, and Mommy's wearing a long dress. This is you."

"I see," Obi-Wan said, gazing at the tuxedo-clad stick figure with yellow hair, for lack of a matching color. "Where are you, Anakin?"

Anakin blushed and pointed to Shmi's belly.

"That's right! Everyone was so excited for our little one to arrive," Obi-Wan said.

Anakin smiled again and colored in a flower he'd drawn. "Daddy, will you give me a kiss?" he asked, not looking at him.

"Sure, darling." He leaned in and kissed Anakin's cheek.

Anakin turned to him, still wonderfully pink. "A kiss like you give Mommy?"

Obi-Wan faltered. This was his baby. But Anakin was still fully capable of knowing what he was asking for. Wasn't he?

"No, sweetheart," Obi-Wan replied, "Mommy gets special kisses. And Ani gets tickle kisses!"

Anakin shrieked and ran for the family room. Obi-Wan grinned at the result and chased after him, soon bringing his son kicking and screaming to the floor.

"Daddy, don't!"

Obi-Wan lifted Anakin's shirt and blew a mouthful of air into his stomach. Anakin erupted with laughter, losing control of all his limbs in the process. Obi-Wan thought better of pinning him down. He took another breath and blasted it into Anakin's belly. Anakin gasped for air.

"DADDY!"

"What?" Obi-Wan replied.

"Stop it!"

Obi-Wan retreated and smiled down at him. Anakin huffed and panted, unable to help his smile. There was a grumbling noise. Obi-Wan grinned devilishly.

"Was that your stomach, Ani?"

Anakin sensed what was coming. "No!" he shouted.

"I think it was. I'm going to check." Obi-Wan leaned down slowly and placed his ear over the exposed skin. Anakin got ready to push him away. His stomach growled again.

"My little boy is hungry," Obi-Wan stated, then paused dramatically. "So is Daddy."

Anakin's eyes widened as Obi-Wan blew another raspberry. "Bahahaha!"

Obi-Wan smiled at his baby while the laughter wore off. He scooped Anakin up into his arms. "Feel good, baby?"

Anakin nuzzled against Obi-Wan's neck. "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you, too, darling." Obi-Wan carried him to the kitchen as he said, "I did ask how you were feeling."

Anakin held him tighter. "My arms hurt," he whined.

Obi-Wan thought of him coated in blood at the hospital. He set Anakin down on the kitchen table and gently extended Anakin's right arm, the bandages already removed from earlier. Anakin winced at the touch.

"It's alright, Anakin..." Obi-Wan brought Anakin's hand to his mouth. "I'm going to heal you, okay?"

Anakin made a little anxious sound in his throat.

"I need you to be brave, okay, Ani? You can do this."

Anakin nodded, breath hitching as Obi-Wan closed his eyes. The gashes began to pull together and fade from red to pink to white.

"Daddy-y-y," Anakin cried.

"I've got you, Anakin," Obi-Wan soothed, "Just a little longer."

"I don't wanna..."

Obi-Wan finished with his right arm and lined it with kisses. "All better, see?"

Anakin examined his arm and the white scars that were left. His lips wobbled and Obi-Wan knew real tears were falling from his eyes.

"Let me heal the other one now, okay, Ani?"

Anakin stuck out his arm and looked away.

Obi-Wan peeled off the bandages, lips pursed in a constant stream of Shhh... as the soiled bandages tugged at sticky skin. He started healing him.

"Daddy, that hurts!" Anakin yelped.

"I know, baby, I'm sorry," Obi-Wan replied.

"Stop it!"

"It'll be over soon, I promise."

"I want Mommy!"

Obi-Wan paused for a second and saw big tears rolling down Anakin's cheeks.

"I miss Mommy..."

Obi-Wan cupped his cheek and had Anakin face him. Anakin didn't even try to stop the tears this time. Obi-Wan watched them slide down Anakin's neck and under the collar of his t-shirt.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, "You'll see Mommy again someday."

Anakin blurted, "Really?"

"Uh huh. And you're going to tell her what a happy life you had with Daddy."

Anakin smiled slightly. "Really?"

"Really. You can tell her how Daddy got you a car for your eighteenth birthday—"

Anakin's jaw dropped. "You are?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "I'm gonna try, darling."

Anakin beamed. "What else should I tell her?"

Obi-Wan stroked his cheek, tips of his fingers tangling through curly hair. He said, "You can tell her how Daddy made love to you all day and all night."

Anakin feigned a gasp before grinning. "The second present is your huge cock?"

Obi-Wan covered his mouth as he laughed. He recovered and said, "The present is whatever you want me to do, for as long as you want me to do it."

Anakin smiled. "And Mother wants to know this because...?"

Obi-Wan was unfazed. "Because she knows we make each other happy. And I want you to be so happy that you forget all about days like this."

Anakin closed his eyes for a moment. "I can't wait."

Obi-Wan pulled Anakin forward and kissed his forehead. They parted and Obi-Wan asked, "Can I finish healing you?"

Anakin wiped his eyes. "Yes, Daddy. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I know it hurts." He set to work.

Anakin grimaced. "I don't like these scars."

Obi-Wan finished and laid kisses down the length of his arm. "They'll fade in time," he said.

"They're ugly," Anakin said.

"My baby is not ugly," Obi-Wan replied, and rubbed his arms lightly.

Anakin pulled his arms away and peeled off the bandages on his face. "Are you sure?" he asked.

Obi-Wan ran his fingers underneath Anakin's jaw, gaze floating over his features. Anakin winced when he grazed another bruise.

"I'm very sure," Obi-Wan told him, "You're my beautiful baby boy. Nothing can change that."

Anakin sighed and leaned into Obi-Wan as he embraced him.

Obi-Wan let go of him after a moment and said, "Let's eat, okay?"

Anakin nodded and Obi-Wan drained the pot of macaroni, then added butter, milk, and cheese. He set a plate before Anakin and himself before digging in. Anakin stared at his.

"What's wrong, honey?" Obi-Wan asked. "Not enough cheese?"

"I'm not hungry," Anakin mumbled.

"Your stomach was growling a second ago," he remarked.

Anakin stirred his macaroni. "I'm not hungry anymore," he insisted.

Obi-Wan frowned. "Will you at least try?"

Anakin glanced up at him and slowly scooped some mac and cheese into his mouth. It didn't need any more cheese.

"A couple more bites, honey. I don't want you to get any skinnier."

Anakin ate some more to appease him. After a few bites, he asked, "You still think I'm too skinny?"

Obi-Wan set down his fork and held Anakin's hand. He said, "It's not your fault, my dear. You're looking a lot healthier since we started seeing Doctor Jinn. But it's still very easy to carry you."

"Oh." Anakin chewed on another mouthful. "Maybe you're just getting stronger."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Maybe." He gave Anakin's hand a squeeze and they finished their meal.

---

Rex decided to check the local bars for Padmé before branching out to other places she might seek solitude. By the time he got to the third bar, he was seriously considering sitting down and having a drink. Luckily he didn't have to buy it himself.

"Your brother says hello," the bartender told him as he plopped down a blue drink, scowl on his stubble-clad face.

"My brother?" Rex asked, head turning to survey the dim room. Cody waved at him from the booth in the corner. Rex's face fell and he picked up his drink before walking over and taking the seat across from him. "I didn't expect to see you here," Rex said.

"I could say the same thing," Cody replied, leaning forward with his arms on the table. "How are my shoes suiting you? Do they fit well?"

Rex ran a hand over his short, blond hair. "Well..."

"Maybe they're a little big, huh? Listen, if you need help, I'm here." Cody smiled genuinely and sipped his drink.

"Why are you here, exactly?" Rex asked.

Cody's smile faded and he looked a little hurt. "You're not happy to see me?"

"Sure I am, Cody. I was worried about you, with your head and all."

"I'm fine," he replied, and rubbed where a scar lay under his hair, which was still in the process of regrowth. "I haven't touched another person in I don't know how long. Can't say I don't miss taking down the bad guys, though."

Sympathy took over Rex's face. "I'm sorry about how everything went down," he said softly.

"You mean how you took my job and framed me as a crazy killer?" Cody asked.

"Yes," Rex said, for lack of an argument. "You can't say you weren't crazy, though."

Cody shrugged. "I thought I had a case." Then belatedly, "I thought I had a boyfriend." He looked at Rex with a curious gleam in his eyes.

"About that..." Rex started. Cody crossed his arms. "I don't think it's such a good idea for you to be hanging around," he finished.

Cody grimaced. "Getting cozy with the Kenobis, aren't you?"

Rex gulped. "What makes you say that?"

"That little—" Cody cleared his throat as Rex raised an eyebrow at him. "That little woman, his daughter, you know the one who shot me?"

Rex nodded tentatively.

"She was in here balling her eyes out," Cody told him, "and I heard your name a few times."

"How long ago did she leave?" Rex blurted, looking around like he'd see a trace of her.

"So you are," Cody drawled. "She's long gone. What'd you do? Sleep with her?"

Rex rubbed his head. "Yes," he said, "but that's unrelated. Well, not completely unrelated, but... Look, I don't know why I'm telling you."

Cody smiled. "I know," he said, "You missed me. You don't have to say it."

Rex sighed and gave a smile back. He tapped his glass a few times before sipping from it. "I have a question," he said.

"Shoot," Cody said, intrigued.

"What's it like..."

"What's what like?"

Rex couldn't believe he was going to ask. "Sleeping with a man," he spilled, eyes squeezed shut so he wouldn't see Cody's reaction.

Cody's lips parted for a moment, and then he laughed. Rex peeked at him. "I'm not sure how to answer that," Cody replied, eyeing him up and down for some change in demeanor, some clue to the reason behind the question. "Would you like a demonstration?"

Rex gritted his teeth as his face bled red. "Don't be an ass," he said.

"Who is he, huh?" Cody asked. "Who made you come out of the closet?"

"Shh!"

"This town already had one gay sheriff, I don't think they're going to hang another."

Rex looked the other way, a pout in his lips.

"Alright, little brother, I'll tell you. Perhaps we should go somewhere a little more private?"

"Please," Rex replied, voice low.

Cody paid for their drinks and they sat in his rental car as he explained everything he could, the whole time watching Rex for a crack in his poker face. Eventually Rex looked out the window and observed people coming and going to the bar.

"It's not that kind of bar," Cody said pointedly. Rex scoffed a little. "Are you even listening?"

"Yeah," Rex said, "I just started thinking."

"About who, hm? Who is it?"

"I'm supposed to be looking for Padmé."

"You didn't ask me that question so you could make up with your girlfriend," Cody said, annoyed.

"You're right. I don't plan on making up with her."

"Rex," Cody started, irritation in his brow, "If you don't tell me, I'm going to start guessing. And I already have a guess."

"Oh, you do?"

Cody's eyes were dark like the leather seats of the car they were in. "Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"No," Rex replied simply.

"Liar. You've liked him since you got me right here." He tapped his cheekbone. "I'm always your punching bag."

"You're the one—"

"What?"

Rex steeled himself. "You deserved it."

"Like I deserved this?"

Rex eyed the jagged scar on Cody's face. "I'm sorry," he said softly, "I don't know how else to apologize."

Cody gave him a hard stare before mellowing. There was something unusually quiet about his brother today. Cody said, "Go find your girlfriend. You'll have an easier time with her than Obi-Wan."

Rex looked at him questioningly.

"Did you forget?" Cody teased, "You have my face."

Rex glared at him and slammed the car door as he left.

---

At the house, Obi-Wan and Anakin finished their food and fell back into the comfort of play-pretend. Obi-Wan stood and took his and Anakin's plate to the sink, washed them, and returned with a damp rag. He pulled a chair alongside Anakin's and started wiping his face.

"Daddy! Stop!" Anakin cried, fighting him off weakly.

"Do you really want cheese stuck to your chin?" Obi-Wan countered.

"No," Anakin said, crossing his arms and pouting.

"It's on your shirt, too," Obi-Wan said, grinning at the cheese-splattered Tauntaun. Anakin had slowly regained his appetite once he'd started eating. "I think it's time for a bubble bath."

Anakin brightened at that. "Can I pick out my outfit afterwards?"

"Of course, my dear. Come on."

Anakin took Obi-Wan's hand as they went up the stairs. They slipped into the bathroom and Obi-Wan asked, "Do you want me here for your bath?"

"Yes," Anakin replied, looking shy, "If you could just turn around for a second…"

Obi-Wan nodded and did so. Anakin turned the handles for hot and cold water.

"Wait a minute—where's the bubble bath?" he asked.

"Under the sink to the right," Obi-Wan answered without turning around.

"Ah. Thanks."

Obi-Wan listened to the obnoxious sounds of the bottle as Anakin squeezed half its contents into the bath. Then the sounds of clothing dropping to the floor. Finally, Anakin stepped into the tub and turned off the water.

"Mmm... You can turn around now."

Obi-Wan did and sat next to Anakin on the tile. "How is it?"

"Warm. Bubbly. Perfect," Anakin said.

"Good," Obi-Wan said, smiling up at him.

Anakin smiled back. For once he was feeling comfortable and pain-free. He pulled his hand out of the water and grabbed Obi-Wan's. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Will you wash my hair?"

"Happily."

Anakin ducked down to wet his hair, his knees breaking the surface of the water. Obi-Wan watched the bubbles slide down them and then disappear. Anakin resurfaced with a smile and Obi-Wan moved behind him. He drizzled shampoo in his hand and massaged it into Anakin's wet curls. Anakin sat there, quietly enjoying it. Obi-Wan gathered the hair at the base of Anakin's neck into his hands, some of the locks slipping from his grasp. Anakin tipped his head back and smiled at him. Obi-Wan leaned down and brushed his nose back and forth against Anakin's, causing him to laugh.

"It really is like when I was little," he mused.

"Yes," Obi-Wan agreed, just to keep up the charade. Anakin rinsed out his hair under the water and popped up again. Obi-Wan repeated the process with conditioner and Anakin closed his eyes.

"Don't fall asleep, little one," Obi-Wan advised.

"It feels too good," Anakin replied, sounding dreamy.

Obi-Wan sighed lightly. "I can't argue with that."

Anakin laughed. "I guess I'd get wrinkly if I stayed in here too long."

"Right," Obi-Wan said, taking the prompt, "You'd turn into a frog and no number of kisses could turn you human again."

Anakin held his head in his hand as he laughed, looking at the appendage after a moment. "The transformation is already starting!" he declared, "Hurry, Father!"

Obi-Wan gave his hair one last scrunch and announced, "You're done! Better scrub fast!"

Anakin took a soapy loofa and ran it over his chest and arms, then his neck, after which he handed to Obi-Wan to get his back. Obi-Wan took it dutifully as Anakin made grabby hands to take it back. "Come on, Daddy!"

Obi-Wan laughed and scrubbed the expanse of Anakin's back, admiring his tan, soft skin, his body still young. He reached the small of Anakin's back and returned the loofa, pushing it right into Anakin's splayed fingers.

"Thanks, Daddy," Anakin said, and slowed his scrubbing just a little, not quite ready to leave the relief of the bath. He thought about his baths in Tatooine, and how he'd always be covered in grit and sand by the end of the day. Mother made bath time fun, though. They always had toys in the water that Anakin could play with. He wondered what would have happened if Clovis had taken him home the night before. Would he want him clean? Or would he let him become something filthy, something worthless?

Obi-Wan saw the peaceful look on Anakin's face dissipate and dissolve into misty eyes. "Anakin?" he called quietly.

"How can you look at me like that?"

Obi-Wan furrowed his brows. "Like what, sweetheart?"

"Like you still love me."

Obi-Wan's lips parted again. "Because I do love you, Anakin! I'll keep reminding you if I have to. Nothing has changed."

Anakin shook his head. "Why do I feel so horrible, then? It's just like he said."

"What did he say?" Obi-Wan asked, trying to repel the anger he felt.

"I'm a rat. A slut. A whore." Anakin's voice was low, his vision blurring as he stared at the bubbles in front of him.

Obi-Wan shifted to the side of the tub. "Look at me, Anakin."

He did, blinking, half-surprised to find himself still in the bathtub.

"What is a rat?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin grimaced. "A disgusting, dirty animal."

"Is Deedee a disgusting, dirty animal?"

"...No."

"Are you?"

Anakin set his jaw.

"What's a slut, Anakin?"

"Someone who likes sex."

"Do you like sex?"

"Yes," Anakin said, entirely honest, "With you."

"Is that a bad thing?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin bit his lip. He loved Obi-Wan. "No."

"And what's a whore?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Someone who's paid for sex."

"Do I pay you for sex?"

Anakin laughed a little. "No."

Obi-Wan held out his hand and Anakin took it, expression still wavering between hurt and embarrassment. "I love you, dear one. I hope you can love yourself again."

Anakin shifted suddenly and wrapped wet arms around Obi-Wan, flinging water across the room with the movement. Obi-Wan smiled softly.

"You think you can do it?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin held him tighter. "I don't know." Then, "Please help me."

Obi-Wan's heart dropped and he pulled back a bit, but held Anakin's arms firmly. Anakin's lip trembled. "I'm going to call Doctor Jinn, alright?" he said, concern making his heart beat faster. "I'll be here for you. I am here for you. Anakin, don't—don't think about leaving me."

"I don't want to!" he cried.

"Okay," Obi-Wan said, trying to relax, "It's okay. I'll keep you safe."

Anakin took a sharp breath. "I promised I wouldn't leave you."

"You won't," Obi-Wan swore, "Doctor Jinn will help you, too. Let's finish your bath and get you dressed, alright? Then Doctor Jinn can come over."

Anakin nodded, worry caught in his brow. Obi-Wan took a cup from the counter and used it to rinse the conditioner out of Anakin's hair, and then he wrapped him in a towel and walked him to his room. Anakin slipped into the same jeans and a fresh t-shirt. This one had a Krayt dragon on it. Obi-Wan ran his fingers through Anakin's hair before he hugged him again.

---

Rex followed the trail of eye-witness accounts, whether they were of a pretty, forlorn woman or an erratic driver in a silver, two-door car, till he eventually found the same car on the side of the road, its front bumper dented by, but not wrapped around, a tree.

"Padmé!" he shouted.

Rex ran to her side of the car and looked inside. She was awake and crying.

"Are you hurt?" he asked. She didn't appear to be. Padmé shook her head.

"What happened?" he asked next.

"There was a doe," she said.

"What?"

"A doe! She just leapt out in front of me."

Rex looked around. "I think you missed her," he said, smiling.

"My car…"

Rex surveyed the damage and came back to her side of the car. He took out a notepad from his pocket. "Could I see your ID, miss?"

Padmé laughed weakly. "Are you really going to give me a ticket?"

"Not if you let me take you home."

Padmé made a face.

"Your home, Padmé," he clarified, "Your father and I have some explaining to do—"

"I don't need your explanation, okay? It's clear who you really care about."

Rex sighed and put the notepad away. "We didn't actually make out."

"No, of course not," she said.

"How much did you have to drink?"

Padmé realized she had more than a ticket waiting for her. "Go on," she said reluctantly.

Rex explained the best he could how things had been spur-of-the-moment, and not usually reciprocated. "There's really nothing going on between us," he said.

Padmé sniffled and wiped her face, sure she'd cried off all her makeup. "Rex, I know we've been on and off…"

"I'm not asking for more," he said.

"Oh."

"I'm sorry, Padmé—that I keep hurting you—"

Padmé got out of the car and hugged him. "I'm sorry I said I didn't believe you."

Rex breathed in and out and wondered what he was giving up. "Let me take you home, alright?"

"Alright." She handed him the keys.

---

Obi-Wan held Anakin with an arm around his middle and a hand slowly sifting through his hair as they waited for Dr. Jinn to arrive. A clock ticked in the family room. Anakin was about to nod off when the doorbell rang. He slipped out of Obi-Wan's embrace as his father stood. Obi-Wan took Anakin's hand for the short distance from the family room to the front door.

Dr. Jinn stood on their porch, unintimidating despite his height. He smiled at each of them and Anakin relaxed a little.

"Come in," Obi-Wan said. He shut the door behind Dr. Jinn and walked with him to the family room. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you," said Dr. Jinn, "Why don't you two sit down? I'll get water for us."

Obi-Wan smiled nervously and reclaimed his position on the couch, Anakin tucked into his side. Dr. Jinn returned with three glasses of water and Obi-Wan murmured, "Thank you."

"Of course." Anakin liked his soft voice. Dr. Jinn turned his attention to him. "Can you tell me how you're feeling, Anakin?"

Obi-Wan rubbed his arm soothingly. "Not so good," Anakin replied.

Dr. Jinn noted the bandages on his arms were missing. "Did you heal yourself?" he asked.

"Father did," Anakin said, and gave a weak smile. "Maybe you could take out these stitches?" he asked.

Dr. Jinn chuckled lightly. "Unfortunately, I'm not that kind of doctor." Anakin nodded. Dr. Jinn sipped his water. "Your father tells me you're confused about what happened last night."

"I know I killed him," Anakin said, "I just don't remember… I saw Father there with me."

Dr. Jinn nodded. "Can you tell me what happened from the beginning?" he asked.

Anakin worried his bottom lip. He glanced at Obi-Wan, his brows wound so tightly it was wrinkling his entire forehead. He looked back at Dr. Jinn. "Could we go for a walk, maybe?"

"Of course," Dr. Jinn said, and Obi-Wan moved to get up.

"Without you, Father," Anakin said softly.

Obi-Wan looked upset. Anakin squeezed his hand.

"You don't need to hear it again," he explained.

Obi-Wan hesitated.

"He will be safe with me, Mister Kenobi," Dr. Jinn said. "We won't go far."

Obi-Wan set his jaw. "Alright. I love you, Anakin."

"I love you too." He kissed Obi-Wan's cheek. Obi-Wan smiled a little.

"Mister Kenobi, you should take some time to relax while we're out. Have a bath. Drink some tea. We'll come right back," Dr. Jinn told him.

Obi-Wan nodded. He could feel knots forming in his shoulders. Dr. Jinn walked with Anakin to the door. Obi-Wan watched them take the stairs to the gravel lot, then cross the road to be by the tree line. Anakin looked up at Dr. Jinn every now and then. Obi-Wan went upstairs and made a bubble bath for himself.

Anakin watched the earth shift beneath his feet as he walked beside Dr. Jinn. He told him everything he could. When he'd finished, Dr. Jinn had them walk the other direction, back towards the house.

"This vision of your father," he said, "Can you describe what he looked like?"

Anakin furrowed his brows. "He looked like my father."

Dr. Jinn smiled and advised, "Think back. Did you notice anything different about him?"

Anakin tried to picture Obi-Wan, so angelic beside him. "He was wearing all white," he said.

"Anything else?" came Dr. Jinn's calming voice.

"His beard," Anakin realized, "He shaved it yesterday after—" Anakin cut himself off. "After we had a little accident during a sparring session."

"And your vision had a beard?" Dr. Jinn asked.

"Yes."

"Have you seen him any other times when you weren't sure if he was real?" Dr. Jinn asked next.

Anakin rubbed his arm and watched a car pass by them. Dr. Jinn kept himself between the road and Anakin.

"I have," he replied, "Once when I went over to Mister Clovis' house. I was so stupid."

"Anakin, you're not stupid. If we can't trust our teachers, who can we trust?"

Anakin smiled and met Dr. Jinn's gaze. He thought back to that Obi-Wan, the same—or similar—who'd visited his dreams today. "My father wasn't very nice to me that time."

"How so?"

"He called me stupid."

"You just called yourself stupid."

"Sorry."

"No, Anakin—my point is, perhaps he is a reflection of your inner thoughts."

"But he didn't just talk to me this time," Anakin said, "He touched me, and I felt it, and he picked up my lightsaber and killed Mister Clovis."

Dr. Jinn frowned slightly. He stopped walking and Anakin turned and faced him, dreading a diagnosis.

"I don't want to alarm you," he said gently, "but it sounds to me like you were hallucinating."

Anakin swallowed, worry gathering in his forehead.

Dr. Jinn asked, "You said that you don't recall Mister Clovis undressing you completely?"

Anakin's gaze fell to his feet and he nodded.

"So time passed as you were talking to your father."

"Makes sense."

"And Mister Clovis asked who you were talking to?"

"Yes," Anakin whispered.

Dr. Jinn knelt so that Anakin was the taller one.

"Hallucinations are usually a symptom of something else," he said, and held Anakin's hands. "We'll take you to the hospital for a brain scan and make sure everything is alright physically."

Anakin took a shaky breath. "And if it's not alright mentally?"

Dr. Jinn rubbed his hands with his thumbs. "Then you and I will keep talking and we'll figure it out together. Your friends and family will be here to support you, especially your father. He doesn't think you're stupid, Anakin. In fact, you're the light of his life."

Anakin breathed out a laugh. "Did he really say that?"

"He said when you're happy, he's happy."

Anakin mustered a smile and Dr. Jinn stood and walked beside him once more. "You'll be okay, Anakin."

---

Obi-Wan soaked in the bath as he tucked a damp strand of hair behind his ear. All this thinking was wearing him out. But the water was excellent at draining the tension out of his muscles, and Obi-Wan focused on his body so his mind could have a break. He was about to drift off when he heard the doorbell ring.

Obi-Wan's eyes shot open and he frowned. Dr. Jinn and Anakin should have just come back inside, since they'd left the door unlocked. Whoever rang the doorbell was unaware of that fact. He heard the door swing open.

"Obi-Wan!" Padmé called, "I'm home!"

He sighed.

Downstairs, Rex had an arm around Padmé so he could lead her up the stairs.

"Dad?" she called out. "Ani?"

Obi-Wan hauled himself out of the bathtub and toweled off hastily. He put his bathrobe on and peeked out around the bathroom door. They were in the hallway, going towards Padmé's room. "I'm over here, Padmé," he said.

The two turned around and Rex smiled awkwardly. "I brought her home," he said.

Obi-Wan smiled tiredly and replied, "Thank you." Then, "Padmé, are you alright?"

She stumbled forward and hugged Obi-Wan.

"Padmé?" he said softly.

"I don't hate you," she said. Obi-Wan breathed out and hugged her back. "But don't kiss my boyfriends."

"No problem," he replied, laughing a little. Rex rubbed his neck and tried not to stare at Obi-Wan.

"Where's Anakin?" he asked.

Obi-Wan let go of Padmé and said, "He's with Doctor Jinn. Will you take her to her room? I'd like to finish my bath."

"Of course," Rex replied. He took Padmé's arm and guided her to her room. Obi-Wan slipped back into the bathroom and shed his robe before reclaiming the water. He massaged shampoo into his hair and sank under the water to rinse it out. When he resurfaced, he heard knocking on his door.

"Yes?" he called wearily.

"I—I was wondering if you'd like me to stay. Or I can go. Whichever." It was Rex.

Obi-Wan let his head rest against the lip of the tub. "You can stay," he decided, "I'll be a few more minutes."

"I'll be downstairs."

Obi-Wan listened to his footsteps get quieter and quieter and ran a hand over the stubble on his jaw.

---

"There's something else that's been bothering me," Anakin said. They crossed the road to the motel parking lot.

"And what is that?"

"When Mister Clovis attacked me, I couldn't use the Force. I tried, but it didn't work."

Dr. Jinn looked up at the house looming above them. He turned to Anakin. "I think perhaps your fear clouded your abilities."

Anakin remembered standing before Ventress, too afraid to move, and how he'd crushed her with the china cabinet anyway. He wasn't sure fear explained it.

Dr. Jinn observed Anakin's expression and asked, "In the dream you told me about, where you were in a mental facility, could you use the Force?"

"No," Anakin said, "I couldn't escape."

"Since then, have you been afraid your abilities wouldn't be sufficient to protect you?"

Anakin watched the stairs beneath his feet. "Yes, I'd say that's true."

"Then there's your answer. You were afraid of failing, and so, you failed."

Anakin's brows wound together. He looked up at Dr. Jinn. "Is there any way to not be afraid? Of failing, and... Of trusting someone."

"For the first, you should keep sparring with your father. You'll gain confidence and you won't feel helpless in the face of danger."

Anakin hurried over a few steps to catch up with Dr. Jinn's long strides. "And for the second?" he asked.

"Just be rational," Dr. Jinn told him, "Ask yourself, what's the worst thing that could come from trusting this person? What's the best? Now, what's most likely to happen? You'll find that most people are not like Mister Clovis."

Anakin sighed. They were almost to the porch. He cleared his throat. "And how do I trust someone... in bed?"

"Oh," Dr. Jinn said softly. "Is someone pressuring you to sleep with them?"

"No," Anakin blurted, "No, not at all. I just… I want to."

"I see."

Anakin clenched his jaw, nerves getting to him once again. They stood in front of the door.

"Have you slept with this person before?" Dr. Jinn asked.

"Yes," Anakin said.

"And did you find them trustworthy then?"

Anakin smiled slightly. "Yes."

Dr. Jinn stroked his beard. "I suppose you have two options. Wait until you aren't afraid, and both of you want to, or… If your fear doesn't go away, you could try taking things very slowly. It's a boy, isn't it?" Anakin nodded, silently thinking man. "He'll need to be patient. If he's trustworthy like you say, then you shouldn't have a problem realizing there's no need to be afraid."

Anakin took a deep breath. Those options weren't so bad. He thought of Obi-Wan in the house and wondered if he'd relaxed like Dr. Jinn told him to. He smiled and said, "Thank you, Doctor Jinn."

"You're very welcome, Anakin. Have I eased your thoughts at all?"

"You have," Anakin replied, and opened the front door for them. "We're back, Father," he called.

Anakin found Obi-Wan sipping green tea in the dining room, its red walls matching the color of Obi-Wan's lips. Rex sat beside him as they talked. Obi-Wan set down his teacup and went to Anakin as soon as he appeared in the doorway. Anakin only resisted the urge to jump into his arms and cling to him because Rex was in the room. The sight of him made Anakin nervous for more reasons than one.

"How is my darling?" Obi-Wan asked, and glanced at Dr. Jinn when Anakin hesitated. Dr. Jinn simply waited for Anakin to respond. "Anakin?"

"I feel sick," Anakin blurted, knowing that would get his attention.

"What's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked. He rubbed Anakin's arms as he looked him over.

"I think I'm going to throw up," he said.

Obi-Wan's eyes went wide. "Let's get you to the bathroom, then! Here, take my hand."

Anakin held it tightly as they went upstairs and shut themselves in the bathroom. Obi-Wan watched him take a deep breath instead of lean over the toilet.

"Honey, I thought you weren't feeling well," he said.

Anakin hugged Obi-Wan with all his might.

"Oh," Obi-Wan murmured, "Is this what you wanted?" He kissed Anakin's head and rubbed his back. "My sweet little boy. How was Doctor Jinn?"

Anakin breathed in his warmth and replied, "I have to get a brain scan." He felt Obi-Wan gasp, a small hitch in his body.

Obi-Wan tried to relax and put his hand at the back of Anakin's neck. "It will all be okay," he whispered. "It was just stress."

"I'm afraid," came Anakin's muffled reply.

"Shh..." Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Anakin like he would float away if he didn't. Obi-Wan readied his voice. "Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird won't sing, Daddy's gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring turns brass, Daddy's gonna buy you a looking glass..."

Anakin's heart felt lighter as Obi-Wan sang to him. Obi-Wan's voice traveled through the vents and reached welcoming ears in the dining room.

---

Obi-Wan had Anakin lie down with the words, "I'll be with you soon," not believing he was up for the company downstairs. Anakin was reluctant to sleep again, seeing as his dreams resurrected Mister Clovis each time he tried to rest. So he curled up in blankets that smelled like Obi-Wan and waited for him to come back.

Obi-Wan checked on Padmé and found her snoozing peacefully. He returned to Rex and Dr. Jinn and offered dinner, but both men could see how worn Obi-Wan had become. There were just a few things left to discuss.

"Is Anakin okay?" Rex asked.

"He just needs some time alone," Obi-Wan replied. But he wondered if it was safe to leave him alone. "Doctor Jinn..." he started.

"Anakin's alright," Dr. Jinn replied, "We'll find out what's wrong and work out a solution. Did you know he's in a relationship?"

Rex thought maybe he should leave, but he didn't want Obi-Wan to find out about Cody from someone else.

Obi-Wan tensed slightly, then answered, "Yes, he's very open with me."

Dr. Jinn's bright blue eyes flicked over Obi-Wan. "And you're aware that it is a sexual relationship?"

Obi-Wan ran his fingers through his hair. "Yes," he said, "He and I have talked about being safe. I wish he'd be a little more chaste, but I can't exactly stop him."

Dr. Jinn smiled. "Very true. If you don't have any more questions, I'll get out of your hair."

"Thank you, Doctor."

"You're welcome, Mister Kenobi. Call me if Anakin's behavior begins to worry you."

"I will."

Rex watched quietly as Dr. Jinn gave Obi-Wan's shoulder a squeeze, and Obi-Wan relaxed under the touch. The doctor left and Rex called, "Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan turned like he'd almost forgotten Rex was in the room. "Yes?"

Rex pulled out the chair beside him and Obi-Wan sat in it and crossed his legs.

"I wanted to tell you that Cody is back in town," Rex said.

Obi-Wan seemed to shrink. "He is?"

"Yeah, I talked to him earlier. I told him to stay away from you."

Obi-Wan held himself. "Does he seem well?"

"Yes," Rex said, "I don't think he'll bother you. But he is here. I'm not sure how long he'll stay."

Obi-Wan sighed. "I suppose I shouldn't have expected him to stay away. Where was he living all this time?"

"I don't know, probably with our parents. The sheriff's salary isn't that extensive."

Obi-Wan rubbed his wrists subconsciously. "Thanks for letting me know."

Rex frowned briefly and told him, "If you ever need help, just call me."

"With Cody?" Obi-Wan asked dryly.

"With anything."

Obi-Wan smiled and cupped a hand to Rex's cheek. "You're a good man, Rex," he said.

Rex smiled back, the expression unsteady as his cheeks warmed. Obi-Wan stood and walked him to the door. Rex drove off and left Obi-Wan with a quiet house. He turned and crept up the stairs. Padmé was still out. He went to his bedroom and gazed at Anakin swaddled in the bed sheets. "I'm still awake," Anakin said over his shoulder.

Obi-Wan closed the door behind him and settled next to Anakin. "Yes, it appears so."

Anakin turned over to face him, his expression pensive. "Daddy?" he asked.

Obi-Wan carded a hand through Anakin's hair. "Yes, baby?"

"Will you give me a special kiss now?"

Obi-Wan nodded and bent to press their lips together. Anakin curled his arms around him and pulled him closer. Obi-Wan let his body rest against Anakin's and Anakin tensed beneath him. Obi-Wan pulled back, careful not to look hurt by his hesitation. He'd take anything, no matter how long Anakin needed space.

Anakin smiled a little and laid across Obi-Wan's chest after a bit of maneuvering. "Will you show me how to make a baby?" he asked, voice playful.

Obi-Wan's lips parted before a laugh escaped. "You want a baby, Anakin?"

Anakin looked away shyly, the mischievous smile remaining. His eyes slid back to Obi-Wan's. "I want you to put a baby in me," he said.

Obi-Wan ran a hand across his face and smiled. "Did you talk about this with Doctor Jinn?"

Anakin bit his lip. "He said if we take things really slow... I won't be so scared."

Obi-Wan caressed Anakin's face. "Did you tell him you had a boyfriend?"

"Mhm."

Obi-Wan's hands moved slow over his back. "And you're sure you want this now?"

Anakin felt tingles travel through his body. His throat went tight. "Yes."

Obi-Wan puckered his lips and Anakin snorted. He leaned down and kissed him, soon burying his fingers in Obi-Wan's thick hair.

"Mmm," Obi-Wan hummed. "My sweet Anakin..."

Anakin sat up and Obi-Wan followed, placing sturdy hands on Anakin's hips. He paused and looked into Anakin's eyes. It was like he'd put up shields.

"Honey," Obi-Wan said softly, "We don't have to. The last thing I want is to make you feel like you have to."

"I want you," Anakin insisted, and caught him in a kiss. Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered shut. How he just wanted to let go.

"You can top," Obi-Wan said the next second he could breathe, "Or I could just get you off. I don't mind."

Anakin sighed. He said, slowly and deliberately, "I want you to top. And you want to top. I can sense it, how much you want to come inside me and forget this day ever happened. So please, just do it already."

Obi-Wan tugged Anakin close to him, both arms around his back. "Darling, I'll do it if you want me to," he murmured, "Just... Go easy on yourself. We can take our time."

"That's what I wanted to hear."

Obi-Wan raised his head from where he'd tucked it into Anakin's shoulder. "What a tease you are today," he remarked.

Anakin shrugged. "Whatever gets Daddy going."

Obi-Wan shook his head and hooked his hand behind Anakin's neck. Anakin closed his eyes and tried to keep Mister Clovis far from his thoughts.

Obi-Wan pulled away with a smack and flipped them so Anakin's back was to the mattress. Obi-Wan ran his hands over Anakin's chest, wrinkling his t-shirt with each movement. "You just want to feel good, right Anakin?"

Anakin nodded, savoring the warm feeling Obi-Wan's hands brought. Obi-Wan rubbed what he could of Anakin's shoulders, then his arms, and back to his chest and stomach. Slowly, his fingers trailed to the zipper of Anakin's jeans.

"I know how to make you feel good," Obi-Wan said, and waited. Anakin gave a curt nod. Obi-Wan palmed Anakin's cock through his jeans and Anakin closed his eyes and moaned. "Daddy..."

Obi-Wan leaned down and pushed Anakin's shirt up to his neck so he could mouth at a nipple, his thumb circling the other so it wouldn't be lonely. Anakin bit his lip and wove his fingers through Obi-Wan's hair. Obi-Wan switched hand and mouth and Anakin could feel the strain in his pants.

"Is this how you made love to Mommy?" he asked.

Obi-Wan breathed deeply and replied, "Yes," as he gave Anakin's cock a light squeeze, drawing a shudder from his little boy. He kissed the nipple he'd abandoned and traced Anakin's ribs with his tongue. Anakin made an unintelligible noise.

"She'd be wet all over and quivering by the end of it..." Obi-Wan said, and kissed up his body until his mouth found Anakin's neck. He felt Anakin's pulse racing under his skin.

"And what about you?" Anakin asked, feeling brave enough to caress the length of his back, the fabric of his robe starting to cling to his skin.

Obi-Wan broke the suction over Anakin's neck and told him, "So euphoric I couldn't speak."

"Not a word?"

"Not a word." He slipped his arms around Anakin and kissed him, open-mouthed and wet. Anakin wound his hands in Obi-Wan's robe and hooked a leg around one of Obi-Wan's, hoping for more friction between their bodies, too scared to undress. Obi-Wan was warm and wonderful as he was. Anakin panted as Obi-Wan broke away and kissed his neck, light and slow smooches on either side that morphed into hard sucking, the graze of his teeth afterwards making Anakin groan. "Touch me," he breathed, "Please..."

Obi-Wan shifted lower and took one of Anakin's nipples in his mouth again, his free hand undoing the button of Anakin's jeans. He pulled the zipper down slowly and propped himself up to look at the bulge in Anakin's boxers. "My little boy's gotten big," Obi-Wan said, smiling.

Anakin sat up and wriggled out of his jeans before grabbing Obi-Wan by his lapels and kissing him. He positioned himself in Obi-Wan's lap and dragged his hips forward. Obi-Wan's face lit with pleasure. "Anakin..."

Anakin repeated the movement like a dance, each touch between them bringing him higher. He linked his hands behind Obi-Wan's neck and whispered, "Daddy."

Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's ass and brought him closer with each grind of his hips. "Yeah?" he answered.

Anakin made a fist in Obi-Wan's hair and bent by his ear. "You fucked Mother while she was pregnant, didn't you?"

Obi-Wan nodded, eyes heavy, Anakin's hand tugging at his hair just right. He felt Anakin exhale like he'd just hit that spot inside him with a snap of his hips.

"You fucked me a long time ago," Anakin said.

Obi-Wan shivered and all but threw Anakin into the mattress, his legs still splayed as Obi-Wan claimed Anakin's dirty mouth with his tongue. Anakin was too busy trying to regain the friction between them to worry about Obi-Wan's weight on top of him. He pulled Obi-Wan's robe apart and ordered, "Off."

Obi-Wan sat up and shed his clothing. Anakin's eyes devoured the sight of Obi-Wan's flushed skin and slim body. Somehow he seemed bigger than before. Anakin swallowed and tried to push his nerves away.

"Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked, and laid on his side to be close to him. Anakin gave him a shove.

"No more baby talk," he decided, "Fuck me, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan knew he was still anxious, however well he covered it. "Alright," he said, "Can I take your shirt off?"

Anakin tried to force a "yes" past his lips and couldn't do it, so he sat up and flung the shirt away himself, followed by his boxers. "There," he huffed. Obi-Wan stroked his cheek as Anakin's breathing steadied again.

"Relax," he soothed, Anakin's pained eyes meeting his. "Relax. I've got you. It's just sex. It's not a test."

Anakin closed his eyes and Obi-Wan kissed his lips slowly, the tiniest connections feeling like much more.

"Let Daddy take care of you," Obi-Wan murmured. "You deserve to feel good."

Anakin wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan and sighed. He leaned back into the mattress as Obi-Wan kissed his cheek, hands sliding down his thighs once Anakin's head met the pillow. Obi-Wan's kisses made a new path down the center of Anakin's body, slow and sweet as his fingers held Anakin's legs apart. Anakin tensed the closer and closer he got to his cock, and then Obi-Wan had him in his mouth and it was so good Anakin threw his bad feelings to the wind. "I love you, Obi-Wan," he said.

Obi-Wan grinned around his cock and popped off. "I love you, Anakin. Feeling better?" He nibbled at Anakin's thigh as he waited for an answer.

"Please don't stop."

Obi-Wan smiled tiredly and gave him a few tiny licks before getting into a rhythm again. Anakin moaned, the sound pinched at the end. Obi-Wan teased the tip of him, tongue circling and circling until Anakin whined and bucked for more.

"Easy, Anakin," Obi-Wan said, and rubbed the curve of Anakin's hip until he stilled, a slight tremor in his body.

"Father," he cried, voice soft, shaky.

Obi-Wan rested by Anakin once more and wrapped a steady hand around him. Anakin fought for words. "Father," he managed.

Obi-Wan slowed, his fingers still working him over. "Yes?"

"Fuck—me—"

"I am," Obi-Wan replied pointedly.

Anakin grimaced. "Fuck me in the ass, you coward."

Obi-Wan gasped. "Anakin."

Anakin pouted. "I'm sorry."

Obi-Wan smoothed the hair out of Anakin's eyes. "Are you absolutely sure?"

Anakin ground his teeth together.

"Tell me yes, out loud," Obi-Wan said.

Anakin took a breath and waited for the word to manifest. Obi-Wan's hand trailed lower and he jumped.

"No," Anakin said, face on fire, heart thudding in misplaced hurt. "No, I can't—"

Obi-Wan turned Anakin back to face him, embodying the opposite of everything Anakin was feeling. "Then we won't," he said simply.

Anakin covered his face and shook, his cries silent. Obi-Wan gathered him into his arms.

"You're okay, Anakin... I know how you feel."

Anakin held onto him like a drowning man. "I'm sorry, please forgive me."

"Hush," Obi-Wan said, and tangled a hand in his hair, "We're more than this."

"I wanna make you feel good, too," he blubbered.

"You do, Anakin—you are. Look how far we've come." Obi-Wan had Anakin face him and rubbed his back. "You did so good. You're so good for me."

Anakin smiled weakly. "Really?"

"Yes," Obi-Wan whispered, "You've got me wrapped around your little finger."

Anakin grinned. "Literally, yesterday."

Obi-Wan laughed through his nose. "I can still feel it."

Anakin's face turned red and he hugged Obi-Wan close to him. "I trust you, Father."

"I know."

Anakin peeked at him and then relaxed again. Obi-Wan's fingertips smoothed up and down his back. "Maybe we can try again tomorrow?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan tucked his nose into Anakin's hair. "Maybe."

"Are you mad?" he whispered.

"No," Obi-Wan said, and kissed Anakin's head. "I'm just tired."

Anakin stretched out and looked into Obi-Wan's eyes. He ran his fingers through Obi-Wan's hair. "I'm sorry you're tired."

"It's okay, little one."

Anakin smiled slightly.

"Did you want to get dressed?" Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin thought about it and put his arm around Obi-Wan. "No," he said, "Your skin feels nice against mine."

Obi-Wan smiled, too. "It's not overwhelming?" he asked.

"No. I don't know what he would have felt like. Probably... Like you, but not."

"He wouldn't smell good like me, either," Obi-Wan joked. Anakin smiled and took a sniff of him.

"You smell like the apricot bubble bath," Anakin determined, then lifted his chin and smelled Obi-Wan's hair, "and ocean waves shampoo. And you taste like tea and cookies."

Obi-Wan's cheeks grew pink at the flattery. "Thank you, Anakin."

Anakin's rosy lips parted. "For what?"

Obi-Wan pulled him closer and tangled their legs together. "For being the other half of me," he said seriously.

Anakin blinked back tears. "Father," he whispered.

Obi-Wan held his cheek and softly pressed his lips to Anakin's. When he pulled back, Anakin shimmied down to rest against Obi-Wan's chest, leaving wet teardrops on his skin every few seconds. "You make me so happy," he said.

Obi-Wan felt his heart thud against Anakin's ear. "You make me so proud."

Anakin let out a happy sob and kissed Obi-Wan again. Obi-Wan shifted onto his back and let Anakin lie half on top of him, the boy's hand moving absently over Obi-Wan's chest. Obi-Wan spotted Anakin's baby blanket among the tangled bedsheets and pulled it over Anakin's shoulder. Anakin curled a hand around it and brought it to his mouth, making Obi-Wan coo. Anakin peeked at him.

"I'm not a baby," he mumbled.

"But you're so cute," Obi-Wan argued, "Just like when you were little."

Anakin closed his eyes and snuggled into Obi-Wan. "I'm still cute," he said.

"That's my boy," Obi-Wan replied, smiling. "Do you want me to wake you for dinner?"

Anakin shook his head.

"Alright, pretty baby. Sweet dreams."

"Wake me if I have a nightmare," Anakin told him.

Obi-Wan smoothed Anakin's hair out of his eyes. He whispered, "I will," and hummed a lullaby until Anakin's breath became soft and even. Anakin didn't have any nightmares.