abraxaslogs | [OPEN] The truth is often what we make of it

[ Taller, somehow, and for a moment there's a vague flicker of irritation, he'd been certain Anakin had stopped growing once he shot past him at last, the idea that he'd need to crane his head further to meet his eyes isn't exactly comforting but-

More than that? The anger.

The hatred radiating off of him in discordant resonance with the familiar love from the Kyber behind him. ]

Greatest failure? What are you talking about? You'd only just been knighted, Anakin, I told you how proud I was of you and your accomplishments, you've done well not only in your own trials but in the war-

[ Old habit has him arguing, has him approaching when wariness would bid him hold back. Anger- that's not unfamiliar. The hate is. The hate was wrong in a way he couldn't place- were they not family? Were they not brothers? Was this brilliant, aggravating boy not the other half of his very soul? ]

I'm- Anakin I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not meddling- I can't say I haven't meddled during your apprenticeship but it is the role of a master to meddle, and you cannot say you haven't meddled right back- [ Becoming irate probably isn't the most wise decision, but he finally has a name for the migraine he'd been carrying and- that'd been Anakin? All this time? ] Where are you? I haven't heard anything of you in the Free Cities.

[ You'd only just been knighted gets his attention enough that he whirls back around so he can really look at Obi-Wan. There are details he hadn't bothered to notice in his anger- that stupid hairstyle his Master had favored when he was a Padawan and the lack of silver at his temples. There's a touch of youth that hasn't been siphoned away by years caught in a war.

Some of his fury burns away when he realizes that he's looking at a younger version of Obi-Wan. There's a small, rational part of his brain whispering that he can't truly be mad about things this Obi-Wan hasn't done yet.. but that doesn't mean there aren't still embers burning in his chest that keep him heated. ]

You're not meddling yet, and here you are, asking where I am because you're thinking about doing it! I've been in this place long enough that I have no desire to go anywhere- least of all with you.

[ He pinches the spot between his eyes in irritation, taking a moment for his emotions to simmer a bit. A large part of their relationship during his apprenticeship and continuing further was their mutual meddling where it may not have been needed. Everything usually worked out.

No. No. Anakin refuses to go down this road. He's still mad at Obi-Wan. At an Obi-Wan from, Force, four years displaced from who stands in front of him. So much has happened in that span of time that it's hard to know where to begin when one battle bled into the next. When failures and wins took turns to change the tide and it never seemed to end.

Instead, he opts to cross his arms defensively in front of himself, not looking at his former Master. A stance that is probably achingly familiar. Relenting a bit more of that anger. ]

That's because I'm not in the Free Cities, I'm in Thorne.

[ Closer, now, the differences between the young man he left behind and the man before him become more stark. Broader shoulders (whether in truth or fashion, he took tips on dramatics from his significant other), longer hair, a weariness in spirit-

A weight of darkness.

Not unfamiliar but it-

Any other time, back home, he'd reach out. He'd pluck the thread of their bond to divine what it is that has clouded over his hormonal Padawan's mind this time, attempt to divine what grave wrong he has committed to prompt this particular snit. Considering the course of the war it truly could be anything. In truth this is nothing he hasn't heard before.

But the vehemence behind it? Has Obi-Wan rear back as though struck, a moment of naked surprise on his face, hurt flickering in the Force before he allows it to pass through him. Whatever Anakin's reason, in his mind, it is rational.

He is often incorrect in that assumption, but ignoring the validity of his thoughts and emotions is something he's tried to avoid considering his own history with a less than attentive Master. ]

Anakin... [ Gently, now, though there is a faint flicker of amusement to see his usual gesture of irritation mirrored in this version of his Padawan grown. With this frustration, his ire, his- hurt? Whirling in the Force around them, with so much he does not know, for once the great Negotiator truly has no words.

In the moment one thing occurs as he finally reaches Anakin's level, stepping close enough that he must incline his head further to catch the familiar petulant cast of an equally familiar posture. Perhaps that's why it spills out of him. ]

...You've gotten taller.

[ If Obi-Wan were to take the opportunity to pluck at that same thread now, he would be met with a solid wall as Anakin's side of the bond is shut to his prying. Partially to shield his own fragile emotions. He doesn't think he can take that particular prying today. He's still not feeling a hundred percent recovered, and sleep continues to be a problem, but that's kind of his lot in life, isn't it?

How he hates that gentle tone, that bemused lilt that accompanies it.. It makes him feel like a Padawan being scolded again, but a part of him deep, deep down knows that particular brand of chastisement usually followed with tea to help cheer him up. Anakin doesn't want or need the pity that he's projecting onto this interaction unbeknownst to himself.

Anakin huffs despite the tight composure he tries to maintain. Everything Obi-Wan can see and that's what he goes with? It takes everything not to roll his eyes. ]

Don't think that because you've tempered my anger that I've forgiven you! I'm just-- [ He sighs, tired. ] I don't know what to think about you being here. I've been alone for long enough, I was sure it would stay that way.

You haven't been sleeping well.

[ It's not intended to be chiding, but one never knows how Anakin takes such remarks (badly, he takes them badly, no matter how gently or kindly Obi-Wan wraps up his concern; is it any wonder he does what he can to show his affection and approval through actions rather than words which are so often twisted about in the boy's mind?) and Obi-Wan cannot help but continue to approach, worry radiating in the Force.

He would have hoped that being away from the war would do something to ease his mind- but being wrenched once again from everything he knew and loved...how else would that land for him? How else would it twist in his very soul?

At least it seems a though he's found his footing, if his frustration with Obi-Wan's appearance is anything to go by. ]

...Much like yourself I had little control over my arrival- but I am truly sorry you were isolated. If it was distressing for me to wake here without my connection to the Force, I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for you.

[ Close, now, and he could stand with his hands in his sleeves- an older Obi-Wan might have. One more weathered and made weary by war. But this as of yet unburdened man reaches out, rests a hand on Anakin's shoulder. ]

And I am sorry I didn't realize you were here sooner. I would have reached out, had I known.

[ He scoffs, ] Find me someone from the Pit who is.

[ Not likely, given how long they were all down there and the horrors they faced while trying to keep themselves and the locals who'd gotten caught up in it safe. They hadn't really been successful on that front, but it's something that gets shoved to the back of his mind and compartmentalized.

It's easy enough to twist Obi-Wan's meaning when he knows that can inevitably be used against him. It's happened enough times that Anakin can't trust what his former Master says as the truth. His emotions and his attachments mean very little to Obi-Wan if using them is for the 'better' of a mission instead of trusting him. Or knowing how he feels and going behind his back anyway. Or brushing any number of his issues away because it's easier for both of them. ]

Being completely cut from the Force is better than getting access to it randomly.

[ Surges in power and overextending himself for what felt like minor things hadn't been worth the debilitating 'hangover'. But it's fine. He'd endured and gotten through it like the rest of the other Summoned. The hand rests on his shoulder and he jerks his shoulder away as he takes a step back. His gaze lands on Obi-Wan, his brow creased in irritation. ]

Stop trying to get on my good side, Obi-Wan, I no longer have one.

You were in the pit?

[ Horror, now, of the deepest sort- clearly Anakin survived but with everything he has heard of that horrible place, what the summoned had to endure? Obi-Wan's heart breaks for the young man before him. Trapped and unable to free himself, or free those around him; it'd be a very special level of torment he's never deserved. He cannot imagine the struggle.

And of course he'd continue to carry that with him- either as a sign he was not strong enough (a constant refrain throughout his training, and Obi-Wan will always curse the day Qui-Gon said so openly that Anakin was the chosen one where the boy could hear), not fast enough to do more. ]

Anakin- [ his Padawan jolts away as though burned and turns furious eyes on him-

Golden eyes. ]

What happened?

[ Never one to speak thoughtlessly, the question is wrenched from Obi-Wan's chest in a pained whisper, shock radiating through the Force; an emotion that simply cannot pass through him so easily. His boy. His darling, demented boy has the eyes of a Sith. Has a darkness tangled throughout his Force Signature- what precious little Obi-wan is able to feel. Anakin is fearful, yes, Anakin is angry, but he has never twisted himself so far as to fall.

It's never been something Obi-Wan concerned himself about for all the other Masters may murmur. At the end of each mission, at the end of every cycle? Anakin shown in the Force brighter than any nova. In his heart of hearts the boy wanted to do good, to help, to protect, his greatest failing merely being that he cared so much. How could Obi-Wan hold that against him?

There is no genteel mask to cover the widening of his eyes, the naked agony coiling in his heart to know that he has failed so thoroughly. ]

[ It was horrible, but he'd endured. It's very much done and over with now, but the aftereffects have been lingering. It feels akin to battle fatigue, but when has he ever had time to recover from that? Maybe that's why he feels so worn out. So stretched thin that the smallest things bother him. Normal sounds that wouldn't phase him now startle him awake at night.

Of course he wasn't strong enough to save them all. How could he be when he couldn't even save the two people in the entire galaxy he loved more than anything? How could it not eat away at him knowing that just beyond whatever dampened his power was the strength to save everyone. He hadn't even been able to spare the friends he cared about in Abraxas from suffering the same fate as him.

He sees the exact moment Obi-Wan is aware of his dishonor, and if he were in a better, more forgiving mood, Anakin would feel remorseful. The fact of the matter is, he'd made his decision and it was for the better. Anything for the power to save her. He knows now that he'd been lied to, but there is a lot of clarity in hindsight.

Here, his Fall means nothing. He's not here to be swayed by either side and for once is his own person. The smile on his face is rueful, and he juts his chin out. ]

Do you like them? They were a gift from the Horizon. [ With one hand, he pulls the high collar to the side, to better show his neck and collarbone. Now exposed, Obi-Wan will be able to see a patch of scales that at first glance might instead look like a grievous burn. ] As were these.

Why would it give you...

[ Why would he not be unsettled by them? Anakin knows what they mean. Has faced Sith more than he'd care to recount during the course of the war. One took his arm, another nearly took his eye, one is orchestrating the war on behalf of the Separatist army-

What changes between his Padawan's knighting and whenever he is now?

What has he missed?

Confounded more than anything else, Obi-Wan's hands hang at his sides, blue eyes wide and aching as he takes in the glimmer of gold, the scales littering Anakin's skin. Like a mark of corruption that he bears with pride. ]

...I don't know what to say.

[ He knows what they mean, but he would be a liar if he said he didn't deserve them. In a way, it was something that he'd earned. While it shouldn't be a badge of pride, they don't mean anything here. No one but Obi-Wan knows the implication of them. That someone is so far gone to the Dark Side it's in their very blood.

Anakin's brows raise, surprised. ]

Now that's a first.. You've always had something to say about everything.

[ He fixes his collar, staring impassively at his former Master. A part of him still feels that tug toward Obi-Wan despite knowing he shouldn't be wanting to reach out at all and bring him some sort of comfort. It's done for Anakin, but it hasn't even happened for Obi-Wan.

It strikes him just how young his Master looks. ]

Things change.

[ He's tempted to reach out with his hand, through the Force, and find some point of connection to settle Anakin-

No. At this point it'd be making contact to settle himself. So much of this world being strange isn't that unfamiliar, many planets have strange governments and customs, systems that are entirely foreign to him but...someone he knows as well as he knows himself- or someone he thought he'd known that well suddenly standing in front of him and decrying him for actions he has not yet taken, but will?

For Anakin of all people to look at him with such distrust, such loathing?

As he cannot reach out, Obi-Wan's arms go around his own ribs instead, a self soothing gesture he hasn't made use of in...he's forgotten how long. ]

You've grown your hair out, for one. [ Because coping with the obvious and remarking upon it is easier than everything he does not know. ]

And you're not grey yet. [ Of course he's not, because the stresses of war haven't waged to harshly on him. Or the stresses of his former Padawan or his grandpadawan.

Ahsoka... Blast, he doesn't even know about her, and that pang of longingsadnesshomesickness passes briefly along their bond before he can help himself. ]

I'm not going to tell you everything. [ It sounds petulant, even to himself, but there are some things he's not ready to talk about yet. Maybe he never will unless he gets confronted about it. ]

I know I always joked about it, but I think the war may have more to do with that than you.

[ Anakin was stressful, yes, but no more or no less than Qui-Gon had been. They had their issues but- he'd grown into a knight Obi-Wan was proud of. What could possibly change that?

Worry and anxiety spiral in him for a moment before he breathes, releasing it into the Force. What will be isn't his concern at the moment, nor what was for Anakin, merely what is, right now. ]

I'm...not going to ask- or rather I do not intend to ask; but you seem deeply troubled. [ Perhaps it is the time in the Pit at fault but...he doesn't think that's the case. ]

Don't take away credit where it's due. We did our fair share of it.

[ He doesn't mean to say 'we', but it's something he doesn't even think about before it's out of his mouth. The kind of quip that's too second nature. And Force does he miss her in the best and worst of times. ]

You didn't exactly show up at the best time. Not that I even expected anyone to show up- you least of all.

[ He can't help but note that 'we', but the following ache is so intense it's likely best to let it lie until they're both less emotional. Obi-Wan tilts his head in the direction of the gazebo. Perhaps a bit of tea might ease the tension, here? ]

I'll...wonder about that without answers, I suppose. Would you care for tea, or caf? I've both in the gazebo.

[ There's also fruit, and if half of them happen to be Anakin's favorites- that's pure habit at this point. ]

[ He shrugs. ] Everyone is a little tense after everything that happened.

[ Oh.. It's such a simple gesture that always made him feel good despite how he always grumbled that he didn't like tea. He should say no. He should just leave and let him stew and wonder where he went wrong along the way, but Anakin finds himself nodding anyway.

He's tired down to his bones. Normally, he'd go for caf with a little bit of cream, but he doesn't need the burst of extra energy. Caf, they call it coffee here, is different and doesn't do as good of a job in Anakin's opinion.

He shuffles in the direction of the gazebo and stares at the bowl of fruit, some of his favorites among the mix. He floats a star fruit out of the bowl and into his hand before he sits down. ]

I've heard from a few of the summoned in the Free Cities as they've recovered. Not much in great detail but- enough. [ enough to worry. Enough to fuss, in his own way, by preparing a pot of tea in a blend he knows Anakin prefers, as much as he's ever preferred tea. Something that smells of the temple, of their shared quarters, of home.

The ritual of measuring and steeping settles some of the disquiet in Obi-Wan's spirit, allowing him a moment to reflect on the differences-

And how much they matter.

Nothing of what happened back home can be changed. Anakin has endured what he has endured and Obi-Wan has yet to learn of his mistakes. All he can do, here and now, is attempt to be supportive. Kind.

To be the Master Anakin deserves. ]

There's a knife, somewhere, if you'd like that sliced.

I've been through worse, but nothing for that long.

[ Campaigns could go on a long time, sure, but there were always enough supplies and sleep could be taken in bigger shifts. In the pit? It never felt like he got enough sleep and their food and water supplies were always meager. Everyone ate enough to keep going, but it reminded him of his childhood too much for his liking.

He doesn't want to think about the ritual they all went through that those that weren't Summoned didn't come back from. He felt the anger that followed crawling under his skin like a living thing. How more than once, he'd taken a swing at somebody he's never had a problem with before. ]

I don't.

[ The response is immediate, his tone irritated. Anakin's brow furrows as he watches Obi-Wan across from him, trying to figure out what his angle is. He knows what's being offered and it makes him feel uneasy. Maybe because he knows his bond with Obi-Wan is almost non-existent and hanging on by a thread, though not on the other side.

He's at a loss for how to proceed. That betrayal sits in the back of his mind, slight after slight playing like a holofilm while Obi-Wan does something as mundane as serve them both tea. Something he'd done hundreds of times before.

Perhaps it's the thought that he's essentially sitting inside the corpse of something that used to be. He stands abruptly, shaking his head. ]

I don't have to sit here while you screw with my head! I'm leaving.

Anakin- [ He starts with the same exasperation as ever but-

Perhaps that is what weighs so ill on the boy- the man's shoulders? He thought he'd made himself understood but with the tensions of war hanging overhead, the horrors he must have endured...

He can make an effort. As Anakin's Master, he should make an effort. ]

Ani.

[ Softer, gentler. ]

You need not tell me what happened or...what is to come. You needn't say anything at all if you don't want to. I know I've pushed you over the years to explain yourself- perhaps too much. [ Definitely too much. ] Please. Stay for tea. Indulge your old master for a moment more and...if my being here distresses you so, I shan't bother you again.

[ He's taken a few long strides toward the exit when that nickname makes him stop in his tracks. How long had it been since anyone's called him that? It makes his chest tighten and his fists clench at his sides.

As much as he wants to just explode at Obi-Wan and tell him just what he'll do, Anakin stands there and listens, his head bowed. His Master's apology- especially over how he'd been pushed in his younger years resonates this time. Granted, he's heard it before, but this time feels different.

He sighs wearily, turning back around and taking his seat again. Anakin may not be wearing a cloak, but he feels the same urge to wrap himself up and shield away from it all. A defense mechanism, but one that's suited him well in the past. Instead, he picks at the sleeve of his robes as he waits for tea.

If only Obi-Wan knew how badly he wanted to tell him everything.. but he can't do that to him. Won't, either, because he's nothing if not selfish. ]

My being in distress isn't your burden.

[ The tea steeps and Obi-Wan waits. Quietly and without expectation, uncertain how to read this familiar and yet not young man. It is as though a language with which he is fluent has been scrambled- translated and translated again, as though a new slant to letters adds an entire new layer of meaning. What was once clear as kyber is now muddled, though by time, distance, age or trauma, he is not sure.

Anakin has changed in their time apart- distanced by years yet lived in their own galaxy, and time here. It has been...good for him, perhaps, to be away from the pressures of the war, of the Order. Pressures Obi-Wan tried to protect him from.

Clearly, he's failed.

Huffing quietly, he pours, eyes flicking down to their mugs. For most the cups are nothing more than plain ceramic but something (habit) has the set here the same as those back in his quarters when first training Anakin. ]

For years, your discomfit and distress was my responsibility, not burden. I thought I'd be prepared to let you handle such things on your own upon your knighting, but- the habit is strong, I fear.

[ It's the familiarity that keeps him in place, it's what drew him here and has kept him for so long. When the tea mug is placed in front of him, he wastes no time picking it up, letting the warmth seep into his hand. As much as he knows that none of this is real, it's still pleasing. The smell is achingly nostalgic. While it has more association with Obi-Wan than it does with the tea itself, the ritual that goes with it is like a balm on the worst of days.

Even when he was at his angriest, it never failed to calm him down after his initial tantrum. ]

If it makes you feel better, that doesn't exactly get better over time. [ The habit, that is. ]

Of course it doesn't.

[ And he should sound weary, wary, or disappointed in one or both of them, but he doesn't. Here with the tree that feels so much like the temple, with his favorite spiced, bitter tea, with Anakin? It's fond. Serene. ]

Strange as it will always be to know you've outgrown me, I can't say I shall ever grow past wanting your company, or worrying for you.

Qui-Gon may have bid me train you but...it became something I did for myself shortly after our first year.

Don't count on it. Even your disappointment has its limits.

[ The words aren't biting and angry so much as they are matter-of-fact. He takes a sip of tea, and it's just how it's always been. When was the last time they'd had tea together? ]

..Oh.

[OPEN] The truth is often what we make of it

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