‘How in the Force name did I end up here?’

The sentence kept repeating in his head as he sipped slowly at his tea, feeling Padme stare at him. The office had been cleared out by everyone but one of her handmaidens, the lady standing by the door and a blocker had been activated on her desk.

She didn’t want anyone to hear what was being discussed.

“Obi-Wan, could you please make Anakin see sense?” Padme suddenly questioned, her hands resting on the desk.

That made Obi-Wan pause, the cup slowly lowering to stare at the woman in question. Had she just…

Seeing that she had his attention, Padme leaned forward. “Please, I don’t want a media circus about us, I just want him and the kids to come home but he won’t listen to me.” She murmured quietly, eyes large and slightly glistening.

In any other case, Obi-Wan might have let a cooler head prevail, he might have kept to the side and tried to negotiate a solution to such a conundrum.

But in this one, he was personally invested.

And Padme seemed to have no idea just how personally invested he was as he placed his cup down on the table stationed with the chairs.

Did she really think that he and Anakin hadn’t spoken?

Where in the galaxy did she think he had gone and he quickly had to review his memories, to check if Anakin had mentioned to her in any of the instances he had been in person for where he and the kids were.

He had assumed he would have told her…

But maybe paranoia had kicked in.

And maybe the troopers had requested Anakin not to say anything?

So far, just like Ilum, Vercopa coordinates were a secret, to keep the Jedi and the troopers there safe just as they kept Ilum’s crystals safe. No off-worlders were bought to the world and all trade happened on a moon a few clicks away.

Knight Ina and her padawan, masters Morana, Firava and Nurdina was actually stationed there, they was delighted. A real people persons, being rechanged by being around people… extroverts Obi-Wan believed he had heard someone call it.

Shaking his head slowly, Obi-Wan watched him before sighing deeply. “Senator Amidala, who do you think advised Anakin when he made his decision to leave?” Obi-Wan questioned, brow raised as she paused in surprise. Clearly it hadn’t occurred to her that Obi-Wan and Anakin had been in touch before Anakin wanted to come to Vercopa.

“You…” She trailed off, brown eyes widening in realization.

Standing, pushing the chair he had been occupying back, Obi-Wan peered down at her as she stared speechlessly back. “Anakin has been my number one priority since the invasion of Naboo, and while I many a time have failed him, I no longer carry any loyalty to the Republic and Senate as a whole,” He stated calmly as she fumbled to stand too, her stare turning into a glare. “He is still my number one priority, his happiness matters to me, which is why I never interfered in your relationship before… but you no longer make him happy. So I will give him all the tools I have to aid him in his time of need. He is my brother, in all but blood and I will fight for him.” He said firmly, the two staring at each other.

“You…” Padme breathed out, looking at a loss for words.

Settling his hands into his sleeves, Obi-Wan let out a deep breath while bowing slightly. “I. You can not deny that Anakin had all the rights in the world to leave. If you wish to make everything a media circus and excruciating, that is up to you but Anakin is allowed to leave and is within his right to doubt your ability to take care of children, considering your behavior.” He stepped back.

Padme’s eyes grew watery. “They’re my children too.” She bit out.

Nodding, Obi-Wan stared at her. “Yes, they are,” She looked surprised by his concession. “But you also left them alone, it took you a while to notice they were gone. You may do as you wish Senator Amidala, you and Anakin can find a solution. I hope you can find one that is fine for you both.” Obi-Wan settled on before turning, heading for the door.

He was so tired of Coruscant.