#with clem

Truly, how could he not have noticed? How could he not have anticipated, that a former Sith apprentice would expect punishment to the extreme and seek it out on their own if gone unheeded? That Anakin hasn’t seriously hurt any civilian is a fortunate thing, and – Obi-Wan would like to believe – is a testament to his changed, or at least changing, nature. But Anakin’s pain and grief and suffering and this entire episode could have been prevented if only Obi-Wan were more attentive and active. He shouldn’t have assumed matters done when Anakin doesn’t bring it up anymore. He should have been more explicit with his forgiveness. He should have spoken in plain words and soothe the nigh-broken man before his worries even arose. But all that, he has failed.

Eventually he has to rise to his feet and leave Anakin to rest, alone. With a heavy heart, Obi-Wan closes the bedroom door behind him. Now that it is done, there is no use in considering should haves or would haves any longer. All he could do is deal with the present at best he can. And the present is staring him in the face in the form of a Council summon.

“Master Kenobi,” Mace begins, his expression and tone neutral but underlain with exhaustion. “Very recently, it has come to our attention that a Force user unaccounted for by the Order is… residing within the Temple, unbeknownst to the Council.”

That is one polite way to put it, which Obi-Wan could appreciate at least. “That is correct, Master Windu,” he answers with as much grace as he could muster. “The Force user in question goes by the name Anakin. He has in fact been residing in my quarters for over a standard month. I am fully and singularly responsible for the decision to harbor him.”

“Would you care to explain why the Council has not been informed of any of this?”

“Yes, Masters.” Obi-Wan discreetly takes a deep breath. “It was because Anakin’s arrival overlapped with the death of the former chancellor. We had our hands full during the re-election period, especially with the remnants of the Confederacy going into hiding and planning assassinations. I saw little need to trouble you with an issue that – I believed – I could handle.”