A/N: I have an Excuse™ for my absence; the screen on my laptop smashed and I only just got it back, so sorry about that. Anyway, let's finish this.

Previously:

"You… did all that, on the off chance that it would bring you home? Why? From what you tell me that other world had everything you ever wanted."

"No," Anakin said firmly, "Not everything."

Obi-Wan searched Anakin's face, seemingly looking for a hint of resentment or dishonesty. However, at that moment Anakin's Force signature radiated with nothing but contentment, relief and sheer love.

Anakin knew he could have said something more, but the fond, affectionate gratitude he saw in his Master's eyes and the shy smile gracing his lips was enough.

He realised then, that both were now bound by a promise they had given to the same man to keep the other safe. Looking at his brother, he knew that wouldn't be a problem.

Don't worry Qui-Gon, he thought I've got him.

"Master?"

"Yes, Anakin?"

Gods, it was still such a relief to hear that voice. Anakin wasn't sure how long the two of them had sat on that rock. It wasn't until his own Padawan had come bounding up to them that Anakin had a sudden itch to leave that damn planet and all that had happened. A swift look was shared between Master and old Apprentice, a non-verbal agreement that Ahsoka needn't know what had happened. Anakin wasn't sure he had it within him to explain it again. The way she squinted her eyes at Obi-Wan's hasty explanation that their mission had been called off said that Ahsoka didn't quite believe them, but she seemed to understand that something had changed between the two, and she was in no hurry to question the sudden lack of tension in Anakin's face and shoulders.

Back in his quarters on The Negotiator, Anakin had sat down heavily on his bed. He had a feeling that sleep would be elusive tonight but fuck it he was tired enough to try. As he began to sluggishly shrug his cloak off, he heard a faint rustle coming from one of the pockets. Frowning, he reached into the folds of fabric and pulled out an honest-to-god envelope, with his name on the front in a scrawl he didn't recognise.

What now, he sighed, as he carefully unsealed the envelope, if this is some fate-of-the-universe quest it can wait until tomorrow. Inside he found a few scraps of paper, clearly torn from a journal. One of the notes again had his name on, so he unfolded that one first. As he skimmed its contents, he found himself fighting a tired smile.

Anakin, it read, I hope this letter finds you home and well. I'm not sure if you'll even find this note; but as you may well have heard, the Force tends to work in mysterious ways. If by some miracle these papers are still in your possession when you return home, I want you to know that I am immensely proud of the young man I met today. You are a brave man, Anakin, with a good heart. You do still have much to learn, but then, which of us don't. Stay true to what you have been taught, and I see a bright future ahead of you. – Qui-Gon Jinn.

Words from a long dead man shouldn't be as comforting as this, Anakin thought, but they truly were. He had only known Master Jinn for a few days, yet his praise was something Anakin would cherish. Carefully putting the note aside, he reached for the other piece of paper, swallowing as he read the name. Which was how he found himself standing in his Master's doorway, stuttering like an insubordinate youngling.

"I, uh, I have no idea how, but I found this in my pocket and well…it's for you," He trailed off somewhat lamely, pushing the paper into Obi-Wan's hands, who hesitantly took it with a raised brow. Stepping aside from the door in silent invitation, he waited until Anakin had entered his quarters and the door had shut, before looking over the letter. While Anakin hadn't been able to recognise the script, from the way Obi-Wan went pale and slowly sank down onto the bed, it was clear that he wasn't having the same difficulties.

"Master…"

Hearing the hoarse whisper, Anakin swallowed. It had taken every bit of self-restraint he had to resist reading the note himself first, but he knew he'd never forgive anyone else if they ever stole Obi-Wan's last words to him. He gestured lamely to the door he had just come in through, "I can-"

"No, it's, ah, it's alright. I'd like…I'd like you to stay. Please."

Obi-Wan hadn't taken his eyes off the paper, but he did pat the space next to him to show he was sincere about his invitation of welcome. Anakin slowly crossed the room and sat down. He watched as the most composed man he knew took a steady breath, as his trembling hands gently unfolded the precious gift in his hands, making no effort to conceal it from Anakin.

Obi-Wan.

Oh, my little one, how did we end up here? If by some miraculous chance you are reading this, then Anakin's hunch was correct, and he has returned to where he should be, where you left Naboo all those years ago in my stead. Basic does not have the words to express how glad I am that this is how events were meant to unfold. If one of us had to fall to that monster, I would choose myself a thousand times over.

The Force, it seems, has granted me the opportunity to say farewell to you properly. The burden I placed on your shoulders was arduous, and though I see I was right in my judgement of your abilities to teach and guide, I am sorry that you were given this task at all. It was unfair of me to ask you to champion one of my beliefs. I robbed you of your Knighthood, made you grow-up and mature overnight. You may have thought my recommendation for your trials was on the spur of the moment to allow me to train Anakin, but the truth is you had been ready for years. It was I who held you back, wanting to keep you by my side for just a little longer. It's odd, isn't it, that I was once so reluctant to take you in. Now it seems, I can't bear to let you go.

But, let you go I must. If I were to apologise for every misstep I took with you, then I fear that I would never say anything else. I fear too, that if I were to properly thank you for how you saved my life, or try to put into words the pride I felt at watching you grow, the result would be the same.

However, I want you to know this; while I regret that I will not get to see the Master you become, it is an image I can see clear as day. Your wisdom, your grace, your kindness. The only one who does not believe in you is you, my Padawan.

As long as you carry in your heart what I have taught you, and hold on tightly to the radiant light within you that has guided my path for so long, then I will never truly leave you.

The Force will be with you, my son, always. As will I. – Qui-Gon

Anakin could count on one hand the amount of times Obi-Wan had cried in front of him. Yet here they sat, shoulder to shoulder, as slow tears ran down his Master's face, a bittersweet smile tugging on his lips. The role of comforter had been placed upon him, but this was unfamiliar territory. Unsure of what to do next, he was saved the trouble, as Obi-Wan took another shuddering breath and looked up, not particularly looking at anything. He had that look in his eye, that told Anakin Obi-Wan was figuring out what to say, so he stayed quiet and allowed the Negotiator to find the words he needed.

Eventually, Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "I learned many things from Qui-Gon over the years, and… well let's just say not all of them were conventional," he laughed softly, clearly lost in memory.

"I know how to hustle a game of Sabacc if I ever find myself in need of credits. I can hold my own in a brawl if I were to find myself without my lightsaber. I can dismantle a Proton bomb in under 30 seconds, hack into a basic computer. I know you credit me for my ability in languages, but in all honesty, I know just enough to help me if I were stranded on a distant planet. The renegade in him wasn't content with only teaching me what a Jedi needed to know, he taught me how to survive in scenarios that I'll probably never even find myself in." Nodding to himself, Kenobi looked back down at the paper.

"He taught me so much… but there's one lesson that I'll never forget. He'd always say that I could be the most formidable swordsman, the sharpest negotiator or the wisest scholar; I could be the greatest Jedi the Galaxy had ever known…but it would all be meaningless… if I wasn't first a good man."

"I try to honor that lesson every day, even as the Order shifts and morphs into something that I don't recognise from growing up…" He brought his head up to look at Anakin, and the Knight realised he himself was tearing up along with his Master.

"Anakin… thank you." He whispered.

Slowly reaching out, Anakin placed his arm in a soft but firm grip on Obi-Wan's shoulders, encouraging the man to lean against him. Instead of kicking up a fuss, much to Anakin's surprise, his friend did exactly that, closing his eyes and gently folding the treasured note back in half.

It seemed Anakin wasn't the only one who had gained something valuable from this series of events.

"For what it's worth, Obi-Wan?" he said quietly, squeezing his shoulder, "You are a good man… and a great Jedi."

Nothing else needed to be said. A gentle quiet lulled over the room, ensconcing its occupants. Who knew what the future had waiting from them. It didn't matter what would happen tomorrow, next week, in a year. For now, here they sat, living in the moment.

A/N: aaaaaand cut. That's it for this story. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read and comment on this little tale, it means so much to me. Feel free to come say hi to me on Tumblr (myiliterallyhavenolifegoals). Or don't, either's cool. Until next time guys, take care x