One Night – Chapter 5

Okay everyone. Feel free to shoot me. I just ask that my death be quick and painless for maing you wait so long for me to finish this. You see, I was intent on writing it and then my brother took me on holidays....then I got back and had exams and I finally wrote this today...along with the next two chapters. It is finally complete!

This is the happy ending.

The cold metal railing numbed Obi-Wan's fingers. His tears dried on his face as he contemplated what he was about to do and the effects that it would have on his friends.

To his surprise he found that he didn't care; it only mattered that Anakin would feel nothing. His former-Padawan's words echoed in his head, making a sob work its way out of his throat. Why did he have to fall in love with Anakin? Why did he have to leave?

A hand on his shoulder shocked him back into reality and Obi-Wan spun hurriedly. In his grief he stumbled…only to be caught by strong, familiar arms. Gasping, the older man backed against the railing.

"What do you want?!" he shouted, not looking up. He saw the rise and fall of Anakin's chest as he sighed.

"I didn't come to fight." He paused. "Look at me." Anakin commanded and Obi-Wan felt compelled to obey. A gasp tore itself from his throat as he laid his eyes on Anakin's face.

The younger man's face was covered in purple and grey bruises; his right eye was swollen shut. Obi-Wan gave another small sob as he looked upon the love of his life. Blood trickled steadily from Anakin's nose and there was a cut on his cheek.

On impulse he moved forward and brushed his fingers over Anakin's already swollen jaw. Anakin started but let Obi-Wan caress his cheek. The ache lessened at his touch and Anakin tried to focus on the fingertips of his ex-Master rather than the twinging pain.

Realising that his touch was making Anakin uncomfortable, Obi-Wan moved his hand away. He was far from his certain and controlled self. The words Anakin had said to him had torn down the walls he had so carefully constructed to block his emotions. They now raged in his head, breaking through like a beast and coming out like a tidal wave. He couldn't seem to stop crying.

"Oh, Obi-Wan," Anakin whispered as he took Obi-Wan's face in his hands. "Please stop crying."

Obi-Wan jerked back from Anakin, nearly sending himself careening over the edge of the building. The hurt on Anakin's face was evident and the older male immediately felt bad for jumping. He could not quite believe that Anakin would have a sudden change of heart…then he remembered Anakin's violent mood-swings and began to think that perhaps his former-apprentice was possibly forgiving him for the unfair treatment of the past.

"I love you so much, Anakin." Obi-Wan murmured, hoping that the younger could hear and understand just how much he meant those words. Anakin seemed unsure and Obi-Wan pushed Anakin's hands away from his face so that he could kiss him gently. Anakin grunted softly as Obi-Wan pushed a little hard on his sensitive jaw, making the man step back and blush under his beard. Taking the less damaging option, Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Anakin's waist and rested his head on Anakin's chest.

Anakin hesitantly returned the embrace and rested his chin gently on Obi-Wan's head. He could feel Obi-Wan's love reaching out through the Force and knew that the man was sincere. He desperately wanted to tell Obi-Wan that he loved him too, but memories of the past kept him from doing so.

Obi-Wan lifted his head and looked Anakin in the eye.

"I understand if you don't want to be with me." He whispered, hurt on the edge of his voice. "I hurt you terribly, too terribly for you to ever fully trust me again I'm sure, but please give me a second chance. I beg of you, Ane." Anxiety laced Obi-Wan's words and Anakin saw how his once strong and calm Master had been reduced to a depressed man, desperate to redeem himself.

Anakin could not take the look that Obi-Wan was giving him. This was Obi-Wan's last bit of rope and the man was grasping at it with both hands, frantically hoping that it wouldn't snap and let him drown. And as Anakin saw this he took Obi-Wan's hands in his, he mentally made a promise. It was a promise to try and make this work. Obi-Wan was willing to give up his life as a Jedi in order to get back with Anakin. The least the younger man could do was try.