The Green Bead {Branching Out - Book III}

Since Qui-Gon's death, Anakin had become the anchor in Obi-Wan's life. It was Anakin who gave him purpose. There was no greater pride than seeing him surpass the other Padawans, watching him grow into the prodigy everyone had expected him to be. Obi-Wan had even allowed himself a rare indulgence-gloating about his apprentice's achievements, silently basking in the knowledge that he had helped shape the Jedi who would one day be the Order's greatest.

But with that pride came an overwhelming guilt.

Obi-Wan had never been able to reconcile it fully, but his attachment to Anakin-his love for him-was plain as day to anyone who knew them. The way he lit up when Anakin was in the room, the way he defended his Padawan even when the Council was less than forgiving. That connection had deepened over time, morphing from the playful, nurturing affection of a master for his apprentice into something more guarded. He had become stricter with Anakin as the years passed, holding back the casual warmth he once offered so easily, because he knew that his love for Anakin was becoming too personal, too dangerous. Attachments led to fear, and fear led... well, Obi-Wan knew where that path led. He couldn't afford to let his feelings slip into attachment, even though everyone in the Temple could see it.

The truth was, Anakin was his favorite. He had always been. And that scared Obi-Wan more than any battle, more than any Sith Lord.

But did Anakin know that? Did Anakin realize how much he meant to Obi-Wan? Or had he misinterpreted Obi-Wan's stricter behavior as a lack of affection? The thought gnawed at Obi-Wan. He remembered sitting by Anakin's bedside, wondering if he had ever told Anakin how proud he was, how much he truly cared for him. But when Anakin had finally woken from that coma, everything had changed.