Chapter Title: Epilogue

Author's Note: And so, alas, we have come to the end! I want to thank each and every one of you readers – those favoriting, alerting and reviewing as well as the silent ones (That's right, I see you!)

I hope you enjoyed – please leave a little review on your way out to let me know what you think! Until next time,

Crimescenelover out!

Disclaimer: I claim no ownership or copyright of anything depicted or over anything you might recognize.

Three days later

Obi-Wan knocked on the doorframe to the infirmary room.

Both Ahsoka and Anakin looked up as he walked in, placing himself by the foot of the infirmary bed. Anakin was improving immensely since he had been let out of the bacta tank. His pallor had returned somewhat, diminishing the still present dark circles under his eyes. He was clad in the creamy white loose tunic that was typical of the infirmary ward and it covered the worst of the bruises as well as his healing blaster wound. The machinery that monitored vital signs, such as oxygen levels and heartbeat, had been removed yesterday, standing turned off against the wall. It no doubt boosted Anakin's confidence in his own health, given him the – false, Obi-Wan might add– impression that he was fine. He still tired out easily and grunted and winced every time he moved into more elaborate positions. Like sitting up straight.

Ahsoka was leaned back with her knees drawn up in a fabric chair that had been pulled close to the side of Anakin's bed. She likewise shared the improvement. As her master had slowly recovered, so too had her attitude and her guilt, that little by little retreated into the back of her mind. He hoped Anakin would still acknowledge it when he felt better. Judging from the way he cautiously held himself and the way he looked at his padawan, he already seemed to have picked up on her thoughts.

Seems like Ahsoka wasn't the only one learning from this experience after all.

"So, have you thanked Ahsoka for saving your life yet?" Obi-Wan casually asked as a way of greeting.

"Actually, we were just discussing whether it's finally even or if she still owes me one."

"What? We did not!" Ahsoka incredulously countered. "You definitely owe me now! If anything, I think your debt just got way deeper, Sky-guy."

"Perhaps, Obi-Wan can pay you back then," Anakin replied, sending a smirk in Obi-Wan's direction. "For all the times I've had to save his sorry butt."

Obi-Wan raised an unamused eyebrow at the statement, swallowing the relieved joy at seeing his friend alert and talking. He decided to keep that to himself, showing instead his relief and affection by the familiar, comforting bantering. "I guess you just saved me the trouble of asking how you're feeling. Clearly, your ego didn't suffer any permanent damage."

"Don't worry, old man. I'll be out saving you again soon enough."

"Did the healers tell you that or is that an independent assessment?" He shot a knowing look at his former padawan. The young Jedi might be able to run rings around the healers, but he couldn't fool him.

Anakin reserved his right not to answer, only sending him an indignant, childish glance.

Ahsoka interjected with it became clear no one would speak, "You don't have to worry, master. I'll keep an eye on him."

"Ah, consider me assured then," Obi-Wan sarcastically replied.

Any thoughts on continued, retaliating responses evaporated from his mind as he noticed the fatigue practically drawn on Anakin's face and the exhaustion pulling at his shoulders. Though he would never admit it and Obi-Wan respected his privacy enough not to acknowledge it, Anakin's strength was nowhere near back to his usual stamina. It was time to leave him to his private healing process.

Ahsoka picked up on it too. She stretched from her cramped position on the chair, signifying how long she had lingered in his room and how telling it was, Anakin had let her. She then rose and with a "Get better, Sky-Guy", she hovered in the doorway for a second before she spun on her heel and vanished down the hall.

"Well, I have a council to report to, so I'll leave you to it," Obi-Wan said as they were left alone.

A small, appreciative smile graced Anakin's lips as he leaned back into the pillows. As Obi-Wan turned to leave, the opportunity for one last quip as well as testing a theory appeared in his mind. He stopped in the doorway and with an innocent smile, he added,

"Oh, and Senator Amidala says hello."

He smugly caught sight of the way Anakin's cheeks flushed before he managed to suppress it and compose his features, his face meticulously flowing into practiced neutral nonchalance.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

THE END