Anakin did not keep his promise to leave Obi-Wan in the care of the Bant. Bant came and went periodically of course, checking up on Anakin and Obi-Wan once a week. There was nothing she could do anymore and no complaints she had. Obi-Wan got visibly distressed whenever anyone but Anakin placed a hand on him. Neither Bant nor Anakin could determine how Obi-Wan was able to tell Anakin's touch – Obi-Wan couldn't not discern Anakin's human hand from his metal one – but either way, Obi-Wan always knew Anakin's touch from others.
Anakin didn't mind caring for him, really. Obi-Wan could get from place to place without a problem. Anakin oversaw cooking, making sure Obi-Wan's water in the 'fresher wasn't going to burn or chill him, and otherwise just making sure Obi-Wan wasn't walking into furniture or accidentally cutting himself. That was manageable. Anakin wouldn't have a problem doing this for his – or Obi-Wan's – entire life. The only thing he hated beyond anything was knowing Obi-Wan was trapped in his own mind. He had no way to communicate with the outside world.
It was worse because Anakin heard him screaming. Everyday his boredom got worse and worse and Anakin could do nothing to appease it. He could provide nothing for Obi-Wan to do. He couldn't read, watch the Holonet, listen to Anakin ramble or tell him what was going on….all Obi-Wan could do was walk around. It wasn't exactly a type of lifestyle that anyone would enjoy.
Anakin's mind was now constantly bombarded with Obi-Wan's feelings. Anakin did not want to put his shields back in place for fear that if Obi-Wan needed something, Anakin would not know. At first, Obi-Wan felt lost and confused, but as soon as Anakin held him or placed his hand on his back, Obi-Wan's feelings lessened. That only worked for a few weeks. After that, nothing Anakin did made it better. Obi-Wan was done with everything. He couldn't do anything. Every day felt like a millennium. His thoughts started out in misery and progressed further and further into depression.
Anakin was powerless to stop this steady stream of negativity that was dragging both him and Obi-Wan down. After four months, Obi-Wan was suicidal. His thoughts had become incoherent. Anakin, I'm sorry. Sorrysosorry,sorry,sorry. I can't do this. Can't,won'twon'tWON'T! He stopped eating. Anakin did his best, short of shoving food in his mouth, but Obi-Wan was adamant. Not. Not anymore. Burden. Useless. Not for the rest of my life. Not strong enough. Can't. Won't. Anakin, I love you. I'm so sorry. So sorry.
Bant went to perform her weekly check and found them both sprawled out on the floor, passed out from dehydration. As soon as they had been dragged to the Healer's Wing and pumped with fluids again, they were instantly revived.
"Anakin Skywalker! What were you thinking?! You two idiots could have died!"
"I didn't…Bant, our bond – I can't shield from him, I need to be able to help. But everything – he's miserable, Bant. I can't help him with that! He – he's so loud, Bant, and always in my head."
"His thoughts are affecting you, Anakin. His depression is affecting you. You need to leave the Temple, even for a few weeks, Anakin. Clear your head."
"I can't leave Obi-Wan."
"What would Obi-Wan say if he knew he had caused you to nearly die of dehydration? Take a mission from the Council. I will care for Obi-Wan."
"You'll make sure he eats? Even if – even if he doesn't want to."
"Anakin, if he is truly that miserable – "
" – I can't – I can't think about that, Bant. Not yet. Please. I know – I know I will have to, but – but not yet. I can't – please."
Bant squeezed his hand. "Alright, Anakin. Go take your mission. We will see where the Force takes us when you return. I will watch over Obi-Wan until then."
Anakin went over and kissed Obi-Wan. His thoughts were still erratic; he also didn't seem to register Anakin's presence. Anakin fled the room, tears streaming from his face.
A/N: I cannot extend enough thanks to my reviews: cje, Grey, and Abigail. I've heard from all of you more than my best friend this month and I cannot express how grateful I am for that. Very, very sorry this chapter is so depressing and short! I promise, the next chapter will be the last and the happiest!