polarspaz:

Tender Care Au.

After some time passes Obi-Wan asks Vader what his real name is, knowing that Siths renounce their old names and take up a new one as a right of passage. Vader contemplates a moment, eyes disant in thought, before he leans in close to the older Jedi and whispers, Anakin Skywalker.

Obi-Wan’s world practically shatters at the revelation. The young, bright boy who Qui-Gon entrusted to him so long ago was now standing before him, broken and twisted by the dark side. Obi-Wan nearly collapses as overwhelming guilt billows inside him, remembering how easily he dismissed Anakin from his life, blissfully unaware on how the boy was being tortured and molded into a killing machine for over 13 years.

He failed Qui-Gon, but more importantly, he failed Anakin, and the young man had paid the price for his foolishness.

Anakin is absolutely distraught and confused as he feels the shame emanating from his master, holding the older man’s trembling form from completely collapsing onto the floor. All Anakin can do is apologize, not sure why his real name had caused his master so much pain.

After some congolling, Obi-Wan launches into a hysterical tirade, explaining to Anakin how he failed him, how he was supposed to train him, how if he had been a far better person he could have prevented all that had happened.

Anakin grabs Obi-Wan frantic face, silencing the stream of guilt spewing from his mouth. “What’s done is done. The past cannot be changed, no matter how badly you wish it. I learned that a long time ago. But even if the past could be changed, I wouldn’t want it if it meant that I would lose everything I have at this moment.” Anakin presses their foreheads together and smiles softly. “To have you.”