Star Wars Oneshots

I'm glad you're here (TCW)

A/N: just the idea of the Clone Wars lasting another 5 years makes me really really sad so of course I'm writing about that, lol. Enjoy!

TW: implied cutting

Obi-Wan's Point of View

"What's got you in such a good mood?" Obi-Wan asked, standing at the counter of his little kitchen in a bathrobe and slippers. He wasn't sure what time it was, but he suspected it was late, having just woken up and decided sleep was overrated. 

Anakin sat on the counter next to him, slouched but smirking, dark bags under his eyes and a sheen of sweat on his forehead.

"I beat Rex in hand-to-hand combat just now," Anakin said proudly.

"Good for you," Obi-Wan said, moving his face into a tired smile.

Anakin's brow wrinkled with concern. "You're up at this godforsaken hour too. Can you not sleep either?"

"Just some nightmares. No big deal." Obi-Wan shrugged it off.

Anakin slid off the counter and pulled Obi-Wan into a hug. It was unexpected but welcome. Obi-Wan buried his face in the taller man's neck, feeling the soft curls there brush his face. Anakin was warm, like a big comforting person that understood love and didn't mind Obi-Wan's attachment.

"What about?" The rumbling of Anakin's voice reverberated through Obi-Wan's entire body.

"The usual," Obi-Wan mumbled into Anakin's tunics. "The Clone Wars keep dragging on, and the Force is unhappy."

"Has it gotten worse?" Anakin asked, stepping back.

Obi-Wan sighed. "The Force screams. It is in agony over all the lives lost. I am not surprised you haven't heard it -- don't think I haven't noticed you've closed yourself off." He gave Anakin a look, who averted his gaze.

"The Jedi no longer follow the will of the Force, only the will of the Chancellor. We have truly lost our way. And that is the one thing we swore would never happen."

"Obi-Wan..." Anakin started, then closed his mouth.

"What is it?" Obi-Wan asked gently, their roles of comforter and comforted suddenly reversed. 

"Never mind."

"No, please. Tell me." Anakin looked up to meet Obi-Wan's gaze, who held it intently, trying to pump love, affection and trust into his eyes.

Anakin sighed. "I know you cry when you think I'm asleep. I suspect the nights we don't sleep together you do... more." He eyed Obi-Wan's arms. "I've seen you in varying mental states these past eight years, no matter how well you think you hide it. And I'm worried right now."

Obi-Wan's sluggish thoughts tried to catch up to his mind -- Anakin knew he cried at night? Anakin could see when he was upset? Anakin was... worried?

Obi-Wan lay on the hard, cold tile floor and closed his eyes. Maybe unusual behavior, but it felt good. Or rather, the discomfort felt like a punishment he was worthy of.

"Obi-Wan, you don't have to hide when you're not okay." Obi-Wan opened his eyes. Anakin was kneeling next to him, looking into his eyes. One hand absent-mindedly smoothed greying ginger curls out of his Master's face. "Obviously, I can see that you aren't now, but that's okay. I just want you to talk to me about that."

It felt like all of the air was being squeezed out of his chest, this hopeless feeling, like maybe he should just fade away. Like he could if he tried hard enough.

Anakin laid down next to him, and Obi-Wan turned his head to look at him. "Do you want to go back to bed? I'll keep you company."

Obi-Wan nodded, and Anakin picked him up, holding him close. When they reached the bedroom, Anakin tucked him in and laid down next to him.

"Listen," he started, tone serious. "If you ever want to talk to me, I'm here. For anything, at any time. Got it?"

Obi-Wan nodded and reached for Anakin's hand. "I'm glad you're here," he mumbled into the pillow, twining their fingers together.

"I'm glad you're here, too."