[ his half-knowing, half-embarrassed grin tells no, not only when he was younger. he has an impetuous streak a mile wide, anakin knows. he is reminded of it enough, frequently by the very man she mentions.

any response he had to her description evaporates like so much mist under the rays of a sun. dany's question gives anakin pause. he thought frequently of returning, particularly when padmé was not present. with her here, most of his motivation to return has faded too. he is here, as is she, and the only way it could be more perfect is if luke were here, as well. does he hope the same of obi-wan? ]

He's been with me since I was nine years old, [ he begins slowly. since he was freed is what he doesn't say, though it's easy to surmise. anakin surrenders her hands, his own dropping. a little frown furrows his brow. he turns from her, walking a short distance away from her and the dragon. ]

Obi-Wan took me on as his padawan when I wasn't sure if I would be trained. We've been together since. [ stopping, anakin chuckles. ] I've spent longer away from my wife than I ever have from him.

[ his smile falls away too. blue eyes search out dany's. ]

He was like a father to me, then a brother. There are times I wish I could speak to him. He's a good, wise man, and…I miss him, [ anakin finishes helplessly. something like guilt darkens his eyes, and he has to look away. ] I'm not sure he'd approve of me here. I don't think he'd agree with what I've done.

[ or with what he still intends to do. ]