polarspaz:

TenderCare AU

So in this AU Anakin does not go with the group to Naboo when they attempt to regain it back from the Separatists, instead he is left with Palpatine, who is more than happy to look after him. 

When Obi-Wan returns with Qui-Gon’s body, he inquires about Anakin after the funeral, but Palpatine assures him that Anakin no longer wishes to be a Jedi and has decided to stay in his care. Obi-Wan is relieved, and so it the Counsel, and neither investigate further, not knowing they’ve just left the young boy in the clutches of the Sith Lord.

Palpatine of course immediately starts training Anakin to become his secret enforcer. He denies the boy any comfort or love, going as far as to sever Anakin’s hands off so he can no longer feel any warmth or softness. Any thought of rebellion is quickly extinguished and soon Anakin is just a hollow assassin with no ability to make a decision on his own. This goes on for 13 years.

Then one day, while on mission on the outer rim, Obi-Wan encounters a wounded Anakin in a stray alley, hunched over with blood seeping from his stomach. Obi-Wan immediately rushes over to help him and Anakin is in too much pain to resist, Neither having any idea on who the other is.

Obi-Wan gets them to his hotel room and starts tending to Anakin wounds and for the first time in 13 years Anakin feels the gentle touch of a human being. To Obi-Wan it’s nothing but to Anakin this is utterly life changing. A few days go by and Anakin has not said a single word the entire time, too enraptured by the kindness he’s received from the older Jedi, until Obi-Wan checks his wounds one night.

He grabs Obi-Wan hands and looks right into his eyes before saying, “My name is Darth Vader and I pledge my life unto you, my new master.”

(((More in part 2)))