When You Come Home

-39-

"Anakin?"

He could recognize that voice anywhere — that polished accent, softened with the gentleness of experience and rounded with the comfort of brotherly protection.

"Obi-Wan?" Anakin's voice trembled.

The figure approached them cautiously, his blue eyes darting around the space, seeking out any threats in the shadows. But then he stepped into the light, right in front of Anakin, and pushed his goggles up onto his forehead. His face warmed in kindness and sympathy, despite the tight pinch of stress and fear. "What are you doing he—?"

His question was cut short when Anakin dashed forwards and hugged him. Anakin wrapped his arms tightly around his brother, squeezing him as though his life depended on it. Obi-Wan seemed surprised at first, but in a heartbeat he had returned the hug, enveloping his little brother in safety and love. "Hey, it's okay," he murmured into Anakin's shoulder. "It's alright."

Anakin wrestled desperately with the overwhelming emotions that threatened to burst forth. He pulled back quickly, sucking in a shuddering breath. "Sorry," he managed to whisper.

Obi-Wan silenced him with a shake of his head.  He squeezed Anakin's shoulder. "Let's find somewhere quieter, and then we can talk."

Anakin nodded. "My men are coming, too."

Obi-Wan paused to grimace, then conceded, waving them after him. "Come this way; I know a place."

The "place" turned out to be a section of the warehouses where Anakin and Ahsoka had caught Rako sneaking goods. Sheltered from the prying eyes of the duchess's guards and from him, the container yard was dimly lit and hidden on the outskirts of town. A solitary rat scampered through the shadows, his presence only permitted by Omega's absence.

The massive doors groaned, squeaking painfully along their rusty rollers as Obi-Wan pushed them open, ushering the troop inside. He peeked out fearfully before closing them behind himself. For a second, everything was pitch black, stained by the faint smell of wood, then a single beam of light pierced the darkness, emitted from the torch in Obi-Wan's hand. He scanned it across the group before nodding to some of the boys who were fingering their own torches. "You can turn them on; a handful of torches won't attract too much attention. I won't risk using the warehouse's lighting, though."

A few more beams flickered on and started bouncing around as the men began exploring. The rest stayed, looking to Anakin for direction. Anakin, in turn, looked to Obi-Wan. He wasn't sure what his brother's intentions for their lodging were.

"You're welcome to stay here for the night," he said quickly, as though he was surprised it wasn't obvious. "There are blankets in the crates on the right side, and at the back of the building is a stack of hay and soft sacks you can use. Medical supplies and food are just past the blankets. Make yourselves comfortable."

Still, the men hesitated, waiting for Anakin's approval, so he nodded, gesturing to the crates. "You can trust Obi— uh, Rako."

They needed no further invitation, practically sprinting for a meal and blanket.

Obi-Wan was beside Anakin before he could say anything else, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and guiding him to a box near the front doors. He wedged his torch between two boxes, providing an eerie mood lighting. "What's wrong, little brother? You look terrible."

Anakin's lip trembled, forcing him to grip his sanity with both hands. Losing his mind was not an option right now. "We lost."

"Oh, Anakin," Obi-Wan said gently, able to infer from Anakin's tone that he needed comfort, not answers, although he would have liked both. Obi-Wan didn't ask for an explanation of what they had lost.