Chapter Text

          Obi-Wan stared at the Council blankly. “A girl?” he echoed.

          “Yes. Master Jinn claimed you left due to the affections of a girl.”

          “I was trying to help children,” Obi-Wan replied, flatly. He tried tucking his hands into his sleeves only to find he didn’t have any. He had only so recently returned to the Temple and although he had been able to shower and clean up, there hadn’t been much of anything to change into before he was summoned in front of the Council. “Everyone was younger than me, trying to survive and stop the fighting between their parents. They were dying. Yes, one of the leaders was a girl and I did care about her, but I cared about the other children too. These kids were being slaughtered by adults – by their parents. They were wounded and starving. I wanted to help them – all of them, not just one girl.”

          Master Windu steepled his fingers in thought, regarding him as Obi-Wan’s expression tried to soften with understanding and he continued.

          “I understand many believe it was the wrong choice – maybe it was – but I felt compelled to do what I could to help them. It felt right. I knew – I know – I couldn’t save everyone, but I could help,” the padawan insisted.

          “Alright, padawan Kenobi,” Master Windu announced. He spoke quieter than Obi-Wan had anticipated and his posture relaxed a bit, as if this almost relieved him. “Thank you for your report and those answers to our inquiries. The Council have decided you will be put on probation for now, to readjust to the Temple life and catch up.”

          “Thank you for this second chance, masters,” Obi-Wan’s bow was perfect. Mace wondered how long he had spent practicing it. The master frowned to himself, thinking. There was much to consider. “I will not fail you.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

He wasn’t entirely sure if he was looking for the padawan, but Master Windu had found Obi-Wan anyways. The was scribbling fervently in a notebook, writing down so fast he never could have followed what he was writing. There were books surrounding him, sitting perfectly on the ground, with a robe underneath, protecting them from the grass. The gardens weren’t a particularly common place for the students to study – most masters preferred their padawans to do it in their quarters – but it wasn’t unheard of. Mace’s suspicion grew in the pit of his stomach, uncomfortably. “Hello, padawan Kenobi,” Mace greeted.

Obi-Wan looked up and tossed the notebook on the books, notes forgotten as he scrambled to his feet. His bow continued to be stiff but perfect in form. Even after spending so much time in the trenches and sewers of a war zone, he continued to have flawless form. “Greetings, master. Can I help you?”

“I haven’t seen you with your master as of late, padawan. Is something wrong?”

“Master Jinn has not yet decided whether or not to resume responsibility over my apprenticeship,” the boy replied, back straight with his gaze just barely not meeting his. To anyone else, it would have appeared he was making respectful eye contact when in fact, he was looking nearly right behind him.

“Uh…pardon?” Mace wasn’t usually so ineloquent, but this threw him for a loop. What did that exactly mean? His thoughts continued to whirl around his head; a master could not just take and drop a student at a whim. This was not what the Council had discussed.

Obi-Wan hesitated briefly and glanced away from him. “He hasn’t yet chosen whether I am worthy enough to be accepted back as his padawan, master.”

Okay. What.

Mace’s mouth moved faster than his thoughts for the next several moments, his tongue rattling off questions before his brain could comprehend anything to formulate a different answer. “You mean Master Jinn is not, technically, currently your master?”

“Correct, Master Windu.”

“What have you been doing then?”

“Catching up on my schoolwork and classes, going over the current katas I know and researching in the archives, master. And meditating, of course.”

“Of course. Tell me, padawan. Where are you staying?”

“I have been sleeping in the initiate dorms with my friend, Bant. Master Jinn was kind enough to allow my belongings to be stored in my old room until he makes a decision.”

“What do you think will happen if he doesn’t…take you back?”

“I imagine I will either be sent back to the Agro-Corp or have to leave of my own accord.”

“How long does Master Jinn have to make this decision?” His throat was so dry. This was not what the Council had told Jinn. This was not supposed to happen; they had taken Kenobi back. He never should have been abandoned, not with the new information about his departing after he was brought back to the Temple. They understood, the Council understood what Kenobi had done and why. It was even commendable, trying to help so many people, even if they all were horrified on how it happened and where he had been. What he had endured for their overlook; for Jinn’s mistake. Any other Master would have at the very least, dragged their padawan back and reported the situation to the Council.

“Until the end of the probation, I suppose? My apologies, I’m not entirely sure,” Kenobi’s shrug was a bit careless, as if he wasn’t surprised. “I am using this time for an attempt to prove myself as an excellent padawan, worthy of Master Jinn’s tutelage.”

“Padawan, that’s not... The probation isn’t for…” Mace sighed as he uncharacteristically ineloquent. He wasn’t supposed to have anything to prove; this was not what the Council had wanted. He was supposed to catch up and reconnect with his master, not feel as if he had to prove himself again. “Do you know where Master Jinn is now?”

Obi-Wan looked suddenly uncomfortable and rather a bit ashamed as he stared at the floor, his gaze completely casting away from Mace’s. “I believe he was watching Master Drallig’s 103 Shien-Cho class.”

“Why?”

“He has taken a liking to watching Bant Eerin.”

“Bant…your friend?”

“Yes, master.”

“Another padawan?”

“No master. She is still currently an initiate.”

What.

Mace grit his teeth, struggling to take a breath that wasn’t full of irritation. What was Qui-Gon Jinn thinking? Although his friend was known for going against the Council and generally, the Council mainly let him get away with it, this was too much. This was costing them a bright student who could be a great Jedi. If Qui-Gon wasn’t so intent on destroying his confidence and self-esteem. Mace took another breath to calm himself. “Will you look for another Master if Qui-Gon does not take you back?”

“No other master wanted me before I was of age,” Obi-Wan shrugged. “I find it difficult to believe anyone would want me now, being much too old with the marks against me.”

Mace closed his eyes momentarily for a long, disguised, blink. That…that troll. He knew exactly why Obi-wan thought that way. “Yoda’s meddling has taken a toll on you, hasn’t it?”

“I’m sorry, master?”

Shoot, he said that out loud. He looked back at the padawan, whose expression turned curious. Ah, well, too late to back down now. The truth may even help in some way. “Padawan… Yoda really wanted you with Qui-Gon. He discouraged other masters from talking to you and well, being the grandmaster, the others fell  in line.” Mace wasn’t sure if the boy believed him and he wasn’t particularly proud of it.

Obi-Wan stared at him, his face unreadable. “Oh.”

The two of them were silent briefly as Obi-Wan considered this. Mace’s gaze fell upon the books and notebook on the ground near Obi-Wan’s feet. The writing was rather unreadable from the distance he was at, but the books were recognizable. If there was one thing Obi-Wan was at this point, it was certainly studious. Mace felt his chest sink a little; why in the world would Qui-Gon not want this boy when he was so eager to learn? “Kark this,” Mace muttered under his breath. This was getting out of hand and Mace wasn’t about to lose a student who would undoubtedly be a fantastic Jedi.

“Pardon master?”

Mace looked back at the padawan and pulled back his shoulders. Maybe it was unconsciously, but Obi-Wan mirrored him.

“I’m not going to lie,” Mace said slowly, looking back at the padawan. “This…this isn’t great. Master Jinn isn’t…acting like he should.”

Obi-Wan’s lip twitched as he fought a shrug. “I know I’m supposed to be a knight,” he replied quietly. “I know-,” looking like he wanted to say something else, he just shook his head. “I know.”

Mace believed him. “Would you be willing for another master?”

Obi-Wan glanced at him, confused. “I know you said Master Yoda discouraged others from asking…I trust you master, but… it is difficult to wrap my head around, that someone would want me. Even if you did not put into account my age and the marks against me. Do you really think there is someone who would be willing to teach me?”

“I know there was masters interested,” Mace promised. “Because I was one of them.”

Obi-Wan stared blankly at him.

Mace just continued with a breath. “Since Qui-Gon is being a fool and I have the opportunity, I would like to ask you something. Now, before I do, I want you to know that if you would rather find someone else to train you – I will help you find a master, if not Jinn.”

Obi-Wan nodded, mutely.

“Well. Would you do the honor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, of becoming my padawan?”

The boy gaped; he clearly was not convinced. “A-Are you sure?” he squeaked.

A shatterpoint started to quiver, ready to burst or close – Mace supposed it depended on this moment. Apparently, this was something that would impact the future quite a bit. A put his hand up to face the child. “Do you feel that?”

Obi-Wan closed his eyes to concentrate. It only took a second. “Yes,” he whispered. “The Force agrees,” he added in awe.

“Yes.”

“I would be beyond honored, master,” Obi-Wan exhaled, opening his eyes and stepped back to bow. He hesitated, biting his lip.

“Would you like a hug, padawan-mine?”

“I uh…I wouldn’t…”

“It’s okay.”

Obi-Wan hesitated again but dove in, wrapping his arms around Mace’s middle and squeezed lightly. He could feel the child’s utter relief leaking through the Force, amongst a plethora of other emotions. Mace just curled his arm around the form of the child, securely. It only made Obi-Wan’s grip tighter. “I swear, I will not fail you. I will be the perfect pada-.”

Oh no. Not this. “I do not need or want perfect,” he assured quickly as Obi-Wan pulled back to look up at him. “I just want you to do what you have always done.”

“Uh…what is that, master?”

“Just keep trying to do good, what you believe is right, for the Force.”

Obi-Wan smiled uneasily. “That…that is something I can do.”

The shatter point ceased gently. Yes, the Force agreed for sure.

Chapter Text

Mace wasted no time and started to lead Obi-Wan back into the Temple after the boy had gathered up his robe and reading materials. He was so studious, how could anyone not want this kid to teach? “We have a lot to do. Do you have any more classes today?”

Obi-Wan nodded, arms full of books and notebooks, his robe spilling over his limbs. “Yes, master. One, in an hour.”

Mace gently took a few of the books from Obi-Wan’s possession and stacked them under his own arm. "Alright. I will show you our quarters and then while you are in class, I will fill out the appropriate paperwork. Afterwards, we can go to the Quartermaster to get more supplies and eventually get your things from Master Jinn's quarters. Do you have much?"

Obi-wan shook his head. "Not really, master."

"We will be in front of the Council probably either today or tomorrow, depending on how fast the rumors spread," Mace mused. It had not been an entirely long time since Depa was knighted, just a few years, and she was easily well on her way to Mastery. An overachiever for sure; she’ll get along with Obi-Wan. He had not quite intended on taking a padawan so quickly after her, but once she was gone, the empty nesting was very strong. He did not like being void of a padawan, Depa had been so good with him. Despite what many others thought, he did like to teach; he just had a particular kind of person that he was better with teaching.

"I won't tell anyone, master," the boy promised, gaze hardening in determination. Oh yes, this was the type of person he was good with teaching. Mace just shook his head again.

"I'm not ashamed of you, Obi-Wan."

"It is, however, easier to control outcomes," the padawan finished.

Mace paused. It wasn’t really something that he was thinking of off the top of his head. "That's…yes, I suppose."

"I can wait."

"You were abandoned on a war-tone planet for nearly a year. Your patience and discretion is not in doubt. Come on. Depa's old room should be pretty intact - oh, I'll have to introduce you to her soon too. She is going to make…so, so many jokes."

"She is?"

"Let's just say she was rather upset with Yoda's meddling with you and Qui-Gon. She wanted a brother," Mace admitted, shooting Obi-Wan an amused, sly look. The look on his face was something the master probably would never really get used to.

"O-Oh," Obi-Wan squeaked.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"I feel like we were just here," Master Munda muttered, settled in his chair. Mace had brought the council back together quickly; he didn’t want Obi-Wan to wait any longer than necessary.

"This should be quick," Mace assured. The other masters glanced amongst one another, uncertainly. They did not appear to completely believe him. Shocking.

"What is it?"

"Apparently Qui-Gon has a different view on probation that we do," Mace started, rolling his shoulders back.

Everyone groaned, audibly. Several nearly fell over, keening over their knees to exaggerate. What a bunch of drama queens, Mace thought. Not that he really blamed him, Qui-Gon Jinn tended to bring out that in them, with his tactics. Usually, they were annoying but rather harmless in the end. Or situations eventually resolved themselves in some sense. But this was different and Mace didn’t want his padawan to pay any more of the price.

"What did he do now?" Master Rancicis grumbled.

Mace straightened further. "He told his padawan he hadn't decided whether to take him back as an apprentice yet."

"What," Master Koon replied, flatly. Like Mace, Master Plo Koon was very familiar with Qui-Gon, as they were generally around the same age and, dare he say, a bit of friends. They weren’t particularly close at this point, but he knew very well of Qui-Gon’s antics. However, Plo was also a Seeker, he had the biggest soft spot for younglings and padawans. Anything involving them and he was mush. It was an interesting contrast from Plo’s own master, a blunt and stark wookie, Master Tyvoka.

Mace just kept going. "Furthermore, he is taking an interest in another initiate, one of padawan Kenobi's friends."

"What," Master Koon repeated, a bit more heated, leaning forward in his seat. Master Tyvoka glanced at him and grumbled something that Mace couldn’t understand.

"Since Master Jinn has set aside his claim on padawan Kenobi,” Mace continued easily. “I have asked him to be become mine. He agreed. And before anyone says anything, I did tell him he could say no and I would help him find a master, even if it was not Jinn." The Council settled a little, whether they were surprised or not, Mace couldn’t quite tell.

"But he agreed," Master Poof concluded.

Mace nodded.

"Felt right," Obi-Wan muttered. He had stayed silent the entire time. Mace probably would have forgotten that he was there, aside from the face that he was so acutely aware of him and he was trying to be.

Yoda hummed.

“Master Jinn needs help and therapy, not a support padawan,” Mace’s voice was quiet as he glanced down only for a moment, raising his gaze to look at the Grandmaster of the Order. “I’m sorry, grandmaster, but it isn’t fair to Obi-Wan. As much as you think he can save him and I believe you, you don’t know what the cost would be. It isn’t a risk that I want to take.”

The old master just closed his eyes slowly. Everyone waited on bated breath for his reply. “Mistake, I may have made. Worried about my grandpadawan, I was. Blinded,” he said, opening his eyes again but it took several moments before he looked up, directly at Obi-Wan. “Deepest apologies, Padawan Kenobi.”

Obi-Wan bowed. “There is nothing to forgive, master. I also do care for Master Jinn,” voice quiet but sincere, his gaze softened. Yoda shot him a small smile.

“A great Jedi you would have become, under Qui-Gon,” he noted.

Obi-Wan’s cheeks heated. He did not know what to say to that.

“But just as great, healthier perhaps, you will be under Master Windu. Approve, I do,” he conceded. He kept his eyes on Obi-Wan. Mace kept looking between the two. Something, something was going on. Yoda was seeing something that he wasn’t. He was seeing something that no one else was. “Agree to this, I do.”

Mace’s smile was faint but relieved.

“Are there any objections?” Koon asked gaze turning around on the council. Everyone shook their heads. Master Koon turned back towards Obi-Wan and continued to speak. Even though his vocoder, he sounded soft and pleasant, reassuring. “Padawan, your probation was supposed to give you time to heal from your ordeal,” Master Koon explained gently. “To readjust to the temple and life, to connect with others and your master, as well as to catch up with your classes. It was not punishment; nor was it to give Master Jinn the option to reject you.”

“Apologies for my misunderstanding, masters.”

“No worries, padawan. It appears something good did come out of this.”

Mace had no doubt that Master Koon would have been smiling for further assurance. Oh, him and his spot for children.

“Have you told Master Jinn?” Master Rancicis pressed.

“Not yet,” Windu admitted, looking a little guilty. He honestly did not want to deal with that yet. He loved Qui-Gon dearly of course, but more often than not, his pride tended to come out in the oddest ways. “It’s next on the agenda since everything is official now. Not looking forward to it.”

“Perhaps we should suggest he see a mind healer,” Master Koon suggested.

“<<I would like to keep him from personal padawans for the time at least>>,” Master Tvyoka’s voice came out as a growl and his translator did not do well to capture his tone. “<<Xanatos had done a number on him and he needs to work through that>>.”

“Temple bound, he will be,” Yoda agreed with a short nod. “Help, he does need. Call him to the Council, he will be. Talk to him, we shall.”

“Knight Tahl might be able to help,” Obi-Wan hesitated but suggested quickly. “I know she is still recovering from…from losing her sight. But he cares about her.”

“Yes, that probably would help, if she is up to it,” Master Mundi nodded.

“I’m pretty certain she would be,” Mace mumbled. Louder, he continued, changing the subject in an attempt to release them from the meeting. “Thank you for your time, masters. If you don’t mind, it is rather late, and I would like my padawan to get some sleep. I will be speaking with Master Jinn tomorrow.”

There were no objects and so Master Windu led his padawan from the council chambers. It was subtle, but he could see Obi-Wan let out a breath in relief. “I do not know how he will react to this, master. I do not want to hurt him. Or will he be relieved?”

Mace wondered if Obi-Wan realized he was speaking aloud. “I think on some level he does care about you, Obi-Wan. And he would have been a good teacher for you, but not in the state that he is in,” Mace explained. “It has nothing to do with you either, it is not that he didn’t want you specifically. He is scared, his last padawan did not turn out well.”

Before he could stop himself, Obi-Wan let out a disbelieving snort. “Understatement.” He caught himself, cheeks reddening. “My apologies master, I wasn’t.”

“Don’t worry about it, Obi-Wan. It was a rather understatement, wasn’t it?” Mace hummed. “Qui-Gon hasn’t really worked through that fear, especially with the recent run-ins with Xanatos.”

Obi-Wan shivered subtly.

“And that is why he is going to get some help. We can only hope that he will accept it and want to get help. We cannot force him to heal,” Mace concluded as he glided up to his door. Putting in his code, the door slid open, and he led the padawan in. It wasn’t particularly extravagant or large, his quarters, but a bit roomy and definitely had a worn, lived-in look. Giving Obi-Wan a quick tour – there wasn’t much to see – he brought the boy to his room. There wasn’t much there, just a bed, a dresser and a few other furniture pieces. There were a couple of scorch marks from Depa’s relentless late-night practices, and a bit of paint chipped off where she would keep her posters up. “You can decorate as you would like. I hope you will come to see it as home.”

Obi-Wan’s shoulders sagged a little and the warm smile on his face made everything so worth it to Mace. “Thank you, master.”

Mace put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and squeezed lightly. “You are very welcome, padawan-mine.”

Chapter Text

The next day, Mace Windu went straight to work. He got Obi-Wan settled, did any more necessary paperwork and finally went into a lesson. He wasn’t sure where to start and since he hadn’t talked with Qui-Gon Jinn yet, he didn’t really know where Obi-Wan was in teachings either. He started at the beginning.

The boy was quiet and attentive, watching Master Windu carefully and doing everything he was asked. He still looked like he felt he had something to prove. Mace hoped he could get that mindset out of him at some point.

          Mace had started with some basic katas, just to see where Obi-Wan was. To his surprise, Obi-Wan knew very little over the initiate katas, except a few higher ones from Aratu. Not surprising, since it was Qui-Gon’s very, very preferred form. The boy seemed a little red, probably feeling a little ashamed by his lack of progress and when Mace had asked why he thought Mace was starting him here, his response had not bee what he had expected.

          “I defer to your superior judgment, master.”

          The Korun master had an inkling that Qui-Gon wasn’t big on communication. He really shouldn’t have been surprised. But then Mace told him why he started him here, corrected him a few things (there weren’t many, Qui-Gon had certainly drilled the basics into his former padawan) and complimented the best parts. A few times when Mace spoke, he barely caught Obi-Wan staring at him in surprise and confusion, like hadn’t expected Mace to speak at all.

          Oh yes, Qui-Gon and his lack of communication.

          Mace knew he would need a few more lessons and some time with Obi-Wan to figure out which style would suit him best. He really hoped it was Vapaad, he really wanted to teach a padawan that. He did, with Depa, to an extent, but she preferred Soresu and he feared she would influence his new padawan with it too.

          Afterwards, he and Obi-Wan had gotten some lunch from the refectory. The boy avoided his friends for the day, or at least, Mace thought he did. He wasn’t completely certain who his friends were at this point. He hoped he would be able to learn soon.

          With all the looks they were given; it was no doubt that the two were the talk that was going about the building. Whether it be the fact that Obi-Wan Kenobi was getting lunch with Mace Windu or the rumors floating around Obi-Wan and his departure from the Order, there was plenty to talk about. Most rumors were probably not even remotely true but padawans were horrible gossips and even worse when it came to name-calling.

          He and Obi-Wan had nearly left the refectory when he had heard one that had been accompanied by a snigger. “General.”

          Obi-Wan had certainly heard it as well but he didn’t say anything; just kept walking out. Mace didn’t mention it either.

Although he was certain Obi-Wan felt some kind of terrible (although unnecessary but understandable) embarrassment about the request, the padawan had asked if they could eat elsewhere and privately. He didn’t fight it and brought his new padawan to a secluded corner of the gardens. They had eaten in silence. It was a little uncomfortable at first, slow bites and awkward glances, but as they got into their food, things seemed to settle down in the air.

Mace glanced at him frequently, trying to soak in all he could with his new padawan; learn his ticks and quirks. He knew Depa better than virtually anyone; he wanted to know his new padawan just as well. It would take some time but Mace was certainly up for the challenge.

There was a quick mediation lesson afterwards and a longer actual meditation after that before it had started to get late.

They had barely spoken but it wasn’t entirely uncomfortable. It was a start.

          Once morning came around again and Obi-Wan had left for class, Mace made a call.

          “Hello, former padawan-mine,” Mace greeted, sitting down in front of the portable holo communicator that he had set on the table.  

          Said former padawan narrowed her eyes, her feet on the table before her, not quite visible. He was fairly certain she was painting her nails. Her dark skin was a good contrast of the lighter blue tones of the holo itself and Mace could see the pronounced smudges under her eyes easily. “What did you do, master?”

          Mace just scoffed. There was always something with her. It wasn’t that she was wrong though. She knew him too well. “I did not do anything. Well, not really. I suppose I did do something but…”

          Depa let out a laugh. It was vaguely humorous and seemed to be amused by his current lack of eloquence. He talked different when he was with her. It was both easier and more difficult at the same time. He wondered if he would ever be that way with Obi-Wan too in the future. “Come on, master. Out with it. It must be something, since you know I am going to be home very soon.”

          “I wanted to tell you before you landed on Coruscant, so you didn’t hear anything through gossip or rumor.”

          His former padawan gasped dramatically. She was mocking him but that wasn’t all that much of a surprise. True, he had a reputation, but Depa knew him beyond that. Too well. “By goodness, master! What did you do?!”

          He just rolled his eyes. “Nothing of what you assume. I just wanted to tell you first, okay. So…you remember Obi-Wan Kenobi, right?”

          “The padawan that should have been my brother?” Depa suddenly became disgruntled and grumbled, leaning forward for a better look at her toes. Depa wasn’t huge when it came to children, but she got very specific with those she did like. Obi-Wan had been one of them, even though she didn’t know him too well. She found him adorable and wanted very badly for Mace to take him on. He’s still not entirely sure why. Then again, Depa often begged for a younger sibling, even before Kenobi. “You got him back, right? I would have gotten him myself if I hadn’t been in the middle of a mission.”

          “Yes. He’s fine. The Council put him and Jinn on probation so Kenobi would have the chance to reacclimate to the temple, catch up on his classes and get used to Jinn again,” Mace explained carefully.

          Depa sighed. “What did Jinn do now? It must have been something further than, you know, leaving a young padawan on a war-torn planet with a bunch of other children fighting against their parents.”

          “You read Kenobi’s report,” Mace realized. It wasn’t a question. He shouldn’t have been surprised. Most people who knew the truth about what happened on Melida/Daan were not happy.

          “I wanted to know how bad I had to kick his ass.”

          “I’d rather you didn’t,” Mace shook his head.

          “So, what did he do now?”

          “Well…I came across Kenobi and asked him how he was doing. It turns out that…Depa, please don’t do anything I will regret but…the Council and Jinn had very different definitions on the word probation,” Mace started again uneasily.

          She looked up from her nails, eyes narrowing further and brows creasing heavily. “What does that mean?”

          “Jinn apparently thought that this was a good opportunity to debate whether he would take Kenobi on as his student again or not,” Mace spoke quickly, trying to get the words out of his mouth. They left a bad taste.

          Depa froze, her hand holding a bottle of paint tightly. He feared it would crack and spill all over her hands. She didn’t say anything, and Mace knew this was much worse. Carefully, she set down the paint and took a deep breath.

          “There better be some really good news coming up if you don’t want me to do something you will regret,” she exhaled.

          Mace nodded. “Yes. There is good news. That you will like. Upon hearing this and given the opening, I asked Kenobi to become my apprentice instead. He accepted.” There was a brief silence. “Depa, you have a padawan brother.”

          Freezing again for a moment, a grin started to widen on her face. “YES!” she cheered. She laughed briefly, moving around the holocall. “Oh, thank the Force! I have a baby brother! I’m so happy for you, master. And me! Tell me, is he as adorable as I’m fairly certain that he is?”

          Mace glanced down and smiled. “Depa, he is much cuter than you know. He’s so studious and kind of serious but I’m fairly certain he just doesn’t trust me yet. He is always trying so hard, and it hasn’t even been a week. He does this thing with his lip when he is studying something he really likes and this tugging on his braid with two fingers when it is something he doesn’t.”

          “You’re learning about him fast,” Depa chuckled.

          “We were doing katas yesterday, just simple things. I wanted to see how far he was. I was a little surprised that he was still at initiate katas, aside from a few higher aratu ones. Not sure what Qui-Gon was teaching him. I had asked him about why I was having him do these initiate katas and what he thought, he just said “I defer to your superior judgment, master’.”

          Depa looked confused. “That seems like an odd thing to say from a young padawan. They are usually full of opinions.”

“I know. And then I told him why I was making him do these specific katas and he just kind of looked at me like he wasn’t expecting me to say anything remotely like that,” Mace explained. Obi-Wan had startled when Mace spoke to him gently during the katas. There was nothing wrong with him, but he had explained why he was making him start at the basics, not only to see how far he was yet but also to make sure he had a firm, strong basis in the basics. Because that was where all styles came from. Mace knew that the boy wasn’t expecting that, but he wasn’t entirely sure what Obi-Wan had been expecting.

          “Huh, I wonder how Qui-Gon was training him. It doesn’t seem there was a lot of communication,” Depa shrugged and reached over to her nail polish bottle again. “No matter, he’s your padawan now. And now he’s got a big sister that can tease him and gossip about your tricks and latest exploits.”

          Mace’s nose scrunched up. “Exploits?”

          Depa sniggered. “Yeah.”

          “You may have to put a pause on that kind of thing,” he admitted. “He’s not entirely comfortable with me yet and he doesn’t quite trust me yet either. Probably due to the multiple rejections from other masters before his padawanship and the ones from Qui-Gon himself. I would be mindful and wary too.”

          “He doesn’t know you, Master,” Depa sighed, nearly exasperated. “You have to show him you. Open up. Take him to the theater or something; show him a side of you that you don’t completely put out in public. Let him get to know you and you will come to get to know him. He’ll be able to trust you if you let him know who you are, make it obvious. And then he will open up,” Depa explained, finishing off her nails. She let out a long breath on them.

          “When did you get so wise?”

          Depa grinned up at him. “Someone had to be out of the two of us.”

Chapter Text

          Depa hadn’t waited a moment before hurrying over to her old master’s quarters once she had returned from her mission. Quickly filling out all the paperwork and doing the briefings, she finally got over to her master’s quarters. She hesitated only briefly and then decided to knock. Normally she wouldn’t knock, Mace was very used to her barging in, but she didn’t want to spook her new padawan brother. And just her luck, he was the one who opened the door.

          “Hello Obi-Wan,” Depa greeted.

          “Knight Billaba,” Obi-Wan bowed curtly.

          He was so cute, Depa thought. His hair had been recently trimmed, with a new braid that hung on the side of his face. Any residual wounds or bruises were in the final stages of healing and ultimately, disappearing. Freckles splattered over his nose, but they would probably fade with time; after all, he had spent quite some time outside on another planet. He kept his attire pressed and perfect, always ready for company, she supposed.

          “I’m your sister now, Obi-Wan. You can call me Depa,” she added, smiling gently. She really hoped he liked her. Mace may not want her to but boy, did she want to influence and gossip with and cuddle with her new brother.  

          He nodded. “Are you looking for Master Windu?”

          She shrugged, noncommittedly. “Not specifically. I wanted to see you. I was really excited when Mace told me that you were his padawan now.”

          Obi-Wan glanced down and blushed. “I heard,” he murmured. He stood back and allowed her access to the apartment.

          “He is a great teacher,” she announced as she walked in and sat down on the couch. Mace peered in the room and lit up at the sight of his former padawan.

          “Ah Depa! You’re back,” he smiled as he got into the room. “How was the mission?”

          She just shrugged and kicked off her boots. “Eh, successful. Same old same old.”

          “Would you like me to leave?” Obi-Wan asked.

          Mace and Depa both glanced at one another and then looked at him curiously although a bit baffled. “No, padawan. You don’t have to leave. Depa often comes over here, we are still close, even though she has been knighted for some time. She would like to get to know you too.”

          “Okay.”

          “I was thinking of attending the theater tonight,” Depa winked subtly at her old master.

          Mace quickly caught on. “Ah yes. That is a good idea former padawan. I do like the theater.” Depa quietly snorted, understatement. He looked back over at his padawan. “Would you like to come, Obi-Wan?”

          Obi-Wan hesitated and studied them for a moment but ended up nodding. “Sure, Master Windu.”

******************************************************************************************************************************************

          Obi-Wan appeared rather taken back by his new master’s apparent and open love for the theater. They had taken a speeder cab over to a nice theater and bought some tickets – good seats, Mace never settled for any less – and bought a few concessions before sitting down. It was one Mace and Depa had only seen once before quite some time ago, but it was also the type that one should see more than once due to complexity. One could learn something new with every sit through of it. The play was chalked full of political strife, international and species relations and even a tint of a love story.

          Mace gave Obi-Wan a little overview of the play, hoping that it would help him understand it and keep up with it better, while Depa chimed in when she could. He was generally on one side and she on the other and Obi-Wan didn’t particularly seem to mind. Mace was just glad the boy didn’t seem to feel trapped or something.

          Obi-Wan shivered a little when the lights went down, shifting in his seat.

          Perhaps this wasn’t….

          The stage brightened into a beautiful and peaceful scene. It wouldn’t last, of course, but at least the stage props and scenes were always beautiful and nothing war-ravaging. Obi-Wan stared at it and his eyes softened.

          The intermission was quiet and short. After using the restroom, the padawan just listened to Depa and Mace’s conversation, shying away from any questions directed towards him.

          He loathed to admit it, but Mace had a hard time keeping attention on his padawan during the play. He loved the theater and this one was something he hadn’t completely mastered yet; it was so difficult not to get immersed in the world and the story and the characters.

          After the curtains were drawn and the audience filed out, the three of them got some sweets from a local shop and started walking back towards the Temple. Obi-Wan stayed between the two as they talked, commenting and even arguing over the content of the play.

          “Look, the Kestramore people were obviously in the wrong,” Depa argued. “They literally helped a coup take place in Citlali; they used the guy they supported as a puppet to get what they wanted!”

          “The government was breaking apart,” Mace replied. “The director obviously chose to make it clear that a successful coup was the only way that the entirety of the people of Valgaard was going to get out from underneath the tyranny of the Divano and Mulkhait. There were cues everywhere!”

          “Oh, and you think that the Astraean’s were isolationists and unsympathetic to the plight of the other people; hiding out instead of having an opinion on the matter?” Depa snorted.

          “It was obvious!” Mace added, waving his hands for emphasis. “The actors made it clear too, always looking for a way off stage, keeping to the edges, not making eye contact. Even their speech patterns were-.”

          “You have got to be joking,” Depa shot back. “They were acting that way because they were scared, they didn’t want to be in groups with others because they were being hunted like animals for sport!”

          Mace just scoffed again and rolled his eyes before glanced at his padawan, watching as the boy licked cautiously at his ice cream. “What did you think of the play, Obi-Wan?”

          The padawan blinked, a bit surprised and looked up at him briefly. His answer was disappointingly cordial and vague. “It was entertaining and informative.”

          “Obi-Wan,” Depa started softly. He looked over at her. “It is okay if you didn’t care for it. You can speak your mind; we won’t be mad. We want to know your opinion and what you think.”

          He glanced down at his ice cream and the two older Jedi feared that they had just furthered Obi-Wan down into his new shell. But he took a breath and spoke. “The director did a really good job of creating believable scenes when it came to the relationship between those of Citlali and those of Kestramore. The two nations, although they have the same goals to defend Valgaard against the Divano and Mulkhait, they are incredibly bitter and often turn to infighting between them, which puts all the plans back.”

          Mace and Depa exchanged glances, surprised. Obi-Wan kept his eyes in front of him and intermitted licked his ice cream.

          “They didn’t play the part of the Astraea people very well though; shifters are often hybrids and show characteristics between the species that they inhabit. Those who shift specifically from one to the other are nearly unidentifiable as Astraeans and they aren’t secluded or narcissistic, they are just nomads. They don’t have a large set political structure as a whole and mostly derive their rules and regulations from long standing traditions and pack and herd structures,” Obi-Wan continued.

          Mace blinked blankly. Depa was unwilling to interrupt.

          Obi-Wan chomped down on the last of his treat but started talking again before he was done. “There was an underlining commentary on the Drusus Faceless however, which I found really interesting. Now they are very isolationist and secluded because of the conflict with the Divano and Mulkhait. They were hunted to near extinction in the beginning invasion and therefore retreated deep into their territory. I’m not sure if the director intended to imply the closeness of the bonds in their culture but like the Jedi, they are empaths and it is speculated that they can read minds, which is unlike the Jedi. The Faceless are thought to have a bit of a hive mind but unlike the commentary and suggestion that the people don’t have any individuality and don’t like that, I think they have an actual higher place for individuality, they just make it a more specialized and private thing. It is not something they showcase. Of course, I don’t actually know that but that’s what I theorize.”

          “Oh, my Force,” Depa whispered. She caught Mace’s gaze and stared at him. “Obi-Wan is a culture nerd.”

          “The clothes they had for the Faceless was ridiculous, all evidence points towards light robes and tight leather armor, not that skanky attire they had them in,” Obi-Wan snorted. “And showcasing their faces? That is just insulting to the people; they have masks and helmets for a reason. Their anonymity is important to them when it comes to the outside peoples. In fact the only…”

          Obi-Wan caught himself and stopped in his tracks.

          Mace and Depa took a few more steps before they had realized they lost him and turned around.

He blushed deeply and shoved his hands into his sleeves. “My deepest apologies, masters…I did not intend…”         

The korun master smiled as warmly as he could. “No, Obi-Wan! I want to hear everything, I promise. I didn’t know you were an expert on Valgaard cultures.”

If possible, the boy blushed further. “I…I’m not… I got to meet a Drusus Beserker and a Citalali official once during a mission with…with my old master,” Obi-Wan explained quietly. “I was…given the opportunity to talk with them and afterwards, when I got back to the Temple briefly, I did some research on them. I found them…fascinating.”

Depa grinned wildly. “That is amazing. Come on, little brother, we have some time before we make it back to the Temple. I want to hear everything the director did wrong about the cultures.”

“Or did right,” Mace pointed out.

Obi-Wan smiled and nodded. “Uhm, okay. Sure.”

The two older masters exchanged glances again, nearly grinning like idiots and walked beside Obi-Wan as he chattered about, although slightly more reserved this time.

It didn’t take a particularly long time to get back to the Temple and to Mace and Obi-Wan’s quarters but by the time they did, the boy was practically half asleep, muttering facts and leaning into Mace’s side. The master unlocked the door and scooped the boy up.

Instead of leaving, Depa grabbed a couple of blankets and took Obi-Wan from Mace’s arms, wrapping him up in one of the blankets.

“What are you doing?” Mace snorted.

“Blanket burrito cuddle,” Depa announced proudly as she brought out the fold out bed from the couch. Making it up, she laid Obi-Wan down and wrapped her arms around him. The boy was practically fast asleep now and lightly snoring.

He just sighed and shook his head. “You plan on staying here tonight?”

“Are you kidding? I have a new baby brother; he is literally one of the cutest things I have ever met in my life and he is an absolute nerd. This is one of the best days of my life,” she grinned. “Do you know how much discourse you two will get in when he’s older? You’re a theater buff and he’s a culture nerd; plays and culture gonna clash. It will be amazing.”

Mace smiled and shook his head. “You just like chaos.”

“Aw don’t lie to me, master,” she winked back. “You love the chaos just as much, if not more than me. He’s going to be perfect with you. With us.”

“Us?”

“Oh, you think I won’t teach him Soresu?” she challenged.

“Depa!”

“Hush master!” she fake whispered. “You don’t want to wake the baby up! He nearly talked his throat raw telling you all the things the play got wrong,” she added with a manic grin.

The older master scoffed and sat on the other side of the bed, leaning against the back. “There were things the play got right,” he defended.

“Barely, according to our resident culture expert here,” she snickered.

Mace rolled his eyes. “You two are going to end up being so much trouble, aren’t you?”

Depa just scoffed and cuddled into the blankets next to Obi-Wan. “Please, those council meetings are so dry and boring like you don’t love it when some people stir up a little trouble. You love it.” She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, the conversation over.

He just shook his head and smiled. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

Chapter Text

Master Windu was rather certain that Qui-Gon Jinn hadn’t been looking for him on purpose, but it was rather obvious that he was looking for someone of higher authority and unfortunately, Mace had just happened to be the person he had come across first.

It was a tad bit odd, but it was the middle of the day and he felt as if he was just asking for it, walking down the halls so casually towards the dining hall. His padawan would be having lunch with his classmates and Mace didn’t want to crowd him. He had met Bant, the initiate that claimed to be Obi-Wan’s best friend (although it seemed like several of Obi-Wan’s friends tried to claim that title and Obi-Wan never seemed to correct them) and she nearly started crying when she found out about Obi-Wan’s renewed and different padawanship. She had, actually, felt so relieved and happy that she had hugged Mace and backed away horrified when she had realized what she’d done. He just smiled at her and told her it was fine. He was glad to see that Obi-Wan had some friends that cared about him so much.

Mace found out a lot about Obi-Wan during these times, although not all of it information that Obi-Wan gave him openly and willingly. Most of it came from simple observations or even things his friends had said, or, at least, the ones Mace had met or heard about. Quinlan Vos was amongst those, which could not surprise Mace more. He had a feeling those two had gotten into plenty of odd and probably troubling situations and most likely still would. Mace had mixed feelings about the notion.

Already, Mace knew Obi-Wan was a quick study and learner. He could see how the boy could become arrogant due to this, but it seemed to help when Mace explained why he would tell Obi-Wan to do the things Mace had him do. His determination kept him going. He kept his room completely immaculate, barely unpacking, but Mace knew he had to give him time. It hadn’t been long.

His loyalty was something to be admired and Mace couldn’t help himself wondering what exactly had happened on the war-torn planet Obi-Wan had bene left on. He-

 “Mace! Oh, it is good that I caught you!”

          The Korun master in the middle of the hall, taking a breath as he identified the voice before he turned around at him, looking rather curious.  “Yes, Master Jinn?” It was rather formal, even for Mace, when it came to his old friend, but Qui-Gon Jinn wasn’t exactly someone he wanted to really speak to today.

          “You will not believe what happened the other night,” Qui-Gon started quickly, quite a bit more frazzled than Mace had normally seen of him. Qui-Gon was known to be rather unflappable at most times. He continued to speak, expressively. “Mace, someone broke into my quarters!”

          Mace blinked blankly. Oh…OH. He knew he had forgotten something. He had been so focused on his new padawan he forgot to tell the boy’s old master. It had nearly been a week since Mace took Obi-Wan as his padawan and he had been trying to gain his trust and for the boy to open up, other things had gotten sidetracked. With Qui-Gon mentioning this…

          “The thief took all of my padawan’s things!”

Ah, he knew what happened. A couple of Obi-Wan’s friends had gone into Master Jinn’s quarters (with Mace’s permission and the use of the emergency key) and had retrieved all of the padawan’s things that had still been inside. He had…neglected to tell Qui-Gon.

          Mace looked at him with curiosity now. Interesting.

          “I wasn’t aware you had a padawan,” he replied, dryly. This was not really how he had planned this conversation on going – honestly, he hadn’t planned anything as of yet – but Mace supposed this would be as good time as any. His padawan was currently in class and would not have to deal with the reaction of Master Jinn, although Mace thought perhaps it would also be best to schedule a time for Qui-Gon to meet with the Council.

          Qui-Gon just appeared confused, even tilting his head for more effect. “Obi-Wan Kenobi. You know, red hair. Kind of short. Came back to the Temple on probation? Ring any bells?”

          “Hmm,” Mace hummed. Probation, like he knew what that meant. Calming himself, the Korun master continued. “And just where is your padawan?”

          “Not entirely sure. I haven’t seen him in a couple of days,” Qui-Gon mused, running a hand through his hair as he glanced around, as if looking for the boy. Mace just bit his tongue. “I have not made my decision yet.”

          “What decision?”

          Oh, he knew quite well what decision.

          “On whether to continue Kenobi’s tutelage,” Qui-Gon responded. There was something in his voice that Mace couldn’t quite identify. “He needs to prove he is loyal and dedicated to the Order and his studies. Hard to do if he isn’t around.”

          “That was not what the Council told you and Obi-Wan,” Mace replied, flatly.

          Qui-Gon’s near worry and confusion vanished and was replaced by suspicion as he stared at his companion, eyes narrowed. “You know where he is.”

          It was not a question.

          They knew each other better than that.

          “Padawan Kenobi is no longer your responsibility, Master Jinn,” Mace confessed as he slowly started to move down the hall. Just like he predicted, he was followed.

          Qui-Gon just kept moving in order to keep up with Mace. His legs were longer, as Qui-Gon was quite rather taller than him and forced himself to slow down. He then sighed, exasperated. As if Mace was pulling something. “What does that mean? Where is Obi-Wan?”

          “In class,” Mace shrugged, as if it was obvious. It should have been. “But like I said, Master Jinn,” Mace emphasized, calmly. He had spent years dealing with the rest of the Council and other Jedi, even longer dealing with Qui-Gon Jinn’s own antics. This should be easy. “He is no longer your responsibility.”

          “What did you do, Mace?”

          “Obi-Wan has been asked to be the student of another master.”

          “What?”

          “Since you relieved yourself of teaching duties over the padawan, essentially knocking him back down to initiate, other masters were free to claim him as their own and request his padawanship. A master had asked, and he had accepted,” Mace explained evenly, an eyebrow raising as he shot his friend a glance.

          Mace nearly laughed at the look on his face. Jinn was gaping. There weren’t many times where one could render this master speechless. Usually, it was generally the other way around.

          “Also!” Mace continued, lifting his voice with the indicators that his next words would not be so befuddling. Oh, he was in for something else. “On a different note, I’m glad our paths crossed. The Council would like to see you, eight a.m. sharp tomorrow morning. I have been rather preoccupied, so I apologize for the rather late notice.”

          Temporarily distracted, Qui-Gon shook himself out of it, eyes continually narrowed in another bout of confusion. “About what?”

          “Ah, you know. Just a few things,” Mace waved a hand. “I wouldn’t worry about it this time around. Some suggestions on how to help you.”

          “Help me?”

          Mace smiled. “Of course, Master Jinn. As Jedi, we are always on the path of learning, to improve ourselves. It is always prudent to at least listen to others’ suggestions and take them to heart.”

          Qui-Gon walked a little faster to get himself in front of his friend and stopped, blocking his way. “Stop. I know you are doing your best to…distract me. We were talking about Obi-Wan Kenobi, my padawan.”

          Mace just sighed. “He’s not your padawan anymore, Qui-Gon. The paperwork has gone through and the Council has approved. I am uncertain why you seem so…odd about this. You didn’t even want an apprentice in the first place.”

          The other master glanced away with a scowl. “It’s complicated.”

          “I’m sure,” Mace replied, dryly but even he had mixed feelings about all of this. It was rather complex, but not in the way Qui-Gon was thinking. “Be pleased, my friend. You no longer have the unwanted responsibility of padawan Kenobi. You can also continue to carouse with Knight Tahl without worrying about the boy coming across you, compromised.”

          Qui-Gon sputtered for a moment. “That…it isn’t…Obi-Wan isn’t a burden; he’s a good student, attentive. And Tahl and I aren’t…carousing.”

          The other master just looked at him expectantly and shrugged. “If you say so. I wanted to keep it down so that the any youngsters around these halls wouldn’t overhear sordid language.”

          “What is going on with you?” Qui-Gon hissed; he looked nearly crazed. Mace would have found this hilarious, messing with his friend like this, if not for the origin of the conversation. “What is even happening? This is ridiculous! My padawan has been reassigned, my quarters broken into and you…you are acting so strange, talking about…” he lowered his voice. “sex and relationship between Tahl and I.”          

          “Qui-Gon,” Mace started. “You need to calm down. Your previous padawan has not been reassigned; someone else just asked to be his master. You didn’t want the responsibility, which apparently you made rather clear when you told padawan Kenobi that you weren’t going to take him back immediately and then started snooping around his best friend, who happens to still be an initiate.”

          Eyes narrowed again. “That’s not what it looked like.”

          “Of course, it isn’t,” he sighed. “Look Qui-Gon. I understand, you weren’t ready for another padawan and I will thank you for at least starting the boy’s training, to keep him out of the corp. He will make an amazing Jedi, I’m sure. But perhaps it is healthier if you don’t spend the next ten years training him. You still haven’t gotten over your last padawan and the things he had done, as well as the impact he left on you. It left you with some…scars and probably some bad habits too,” Mace explained. “I’m not condemning you but maybe you should take a good, long, hard look on the person you are now and if that person should be raising and teaching an impressionable child.”

          Qui-Gon paused, his shoulders sinking as he finally seemed to think about the implications of what his friend had just said.

          Mace finally had the opening to leave, and he turned towards another hall, walking a bit quickly, leaving his friend to his new thoughts. He hoped he had started to help in some way and with the Council and Knight Tahl on his side, perhaps they could help their old colleague.

Besides, Mace wanted to pick Obi-Wan up from his last class, perhaps get something to eat with him. He found trying to earn the boy’s trust to be heart warming and a challenge he rather liked. Obi-Wan may be very, very light-sided, but Mace thought he had his work cut out for him in teaching, which was something he rather appreciated, a challenge.

          “Wait!” Qui-Gon called after him. Mace sighed internally but looked back around. The man hadn’t moved from the spot where Mace had left him, but his expression was creased with worry and concern and perhaps a touch of regret. “Who asked Obi-Wan to be his master?”

          Mace glanced at him and shrugged with a faint smile.

          “I did.”

Chapter Text

Mace was surprised by how smoothly things went after his sort of confrontation with Qui-Gon Jinn. The Council meeting was long and unpleasant, mostly due to Qui-Gon’s stubbornness but somehow, by some miracle, Qui-Gon was eventually vaguely convinced to accept being Temple bound and have multiple sessions with mind healers, although Mace was sure Tahl certainly had quite the hand in that. Perhaps even an ultimatum. Despite her new blindness, she had been acclimating well to the new circumstances. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were not made to confront each other or speak, but every so often, either one would ask about the other. Obi-Wan tried to return the riverstone Qui-Gon had given to him for his thirteenth birthday by currier but the master refused, sending it back with a short note.

          No one brought it up again.

          Obi-Wan had become a little more talkative as time went on, although he kept most of his conversations around intellectual topics or rather, anything that didn’t revolve around himself personally. Mace met a few more of Obi-Wan’s friends and did nothing to irritate any of them, as they had a tendency to be wary and suspicious at this point. He knew why he didn’t care for Quinlan Vos as Obi-Wan’s friend. Mace could not prove it, but he was absolutely certain they stole a senator’s ship for a joy ride.

          He also learned there was rivals as well, including one Bruck Chun. Obi-Wan avoided him at all costs and although Mace’s presence often forced the boy to slink away, he wasn’t sure if it was really helping or just delaying the inevitable clash. A few of Obi-Wan’s other classmates were not as thrilled to have him back either, but Mace believed that was probably less that they didn’t like him and more about questioning his loyalty to the Order. Obi-Wan worked hard to prove them wrong.

          Things seemed to be going fairly well, all things considering. Obi-Wan was learning quickly, his body was filling out again, he even got a little more open with others.

          And then something happened.

          Mace still wasn’t completely sure what all happened or exactly how it occurred, but he had been in the Gardens, working through a few katas with Obi-Wan. He figured they would master the basics of all the forms and go from there. He was really hoping that the boy would find some inspiration and interest in Vapaad, at least more than Depa did. He had no doubt she was still trying to seduce him to Soresu.

          Why couldn’t she let him have this?

          They were in the middle of a steady kata when the shouts of children suddenly filled the air, scrambling over one another. They were quite nearby. Surely a crechemaster brought them out to play, but Mace was in the middle of teaching. Perhaps he could ask the crechemaster to move to the other-

          Obi-Wan was gone from his side in an instant.

          “Obi-Wan?” he murmured, breaking his kata and clipping his lightsaber back to his belt. He looked around and found the children. He had expected them to be running around in play but instead, he found them corralled in a bunch behind Obi-Wan. One hand was holding them back and the other was holding his lightsaber towards the two crechemasters. They had their hands up and apparently were trying to talk to them.

          Mace, for whatever, didn’t hear or comprehend what they were trying to say. All he saw was Obi-Wan, wide-eyed and trembling, his hands shaking as he tried to grip his saber tighter. His eyes were glazed over, and his breath was quick and fast, nearly hyperventilating. Mace nearly started to run towards him, but he stopped himself. He didn’t want to spook the boy.

          Slowly, out of immediate sight of his apprentice, Mace opened his comm. “Vokara?” he whispered. “Can you please come to the north end of the gardens. I fear my padawan is in need of some assistance.”

          There was no real answer, just the scraping of a bag against a surface and the slamming of a door. She heard him.

          Mace slowly approached as he put his comm away, crouching down a little and keeping his hands out. Obi-Wan was sweating like he had just gone three rounds with a master in lightsaber duels. He could hear the barest of a choking sound coming from his throat; difficulty breathing.

          “Look padawan,” one of the crechemasters said slowly. “Put down the saber, these kids are innocent.”

          Apparently, somehow, they were getting the wrong impression. It was pretty obvious that Obi-Wan thought the adults as the threat, not the kids. He was protecting the children.

          The other crechemaster slowly reached in their robe. Mace gritted his teeth and made a sound, drawing attention to him. Obi-Wan’s blade whirled towards him and then back at the others again, glazed eyes going back and forth. He took a few steps back, urging the children to do so as well. They seemed to have the sense to obey, feeling the urgency. Feeling…something.

          Mace’s bond with Obi-Wan wasn’t very strong yet but he could feel some things coming from Obi-Wan, especially since he was projecting so strongly. Protection, mostly.

          “It’s okay, Obi-Wan,” Mace assured. “No one is going to hurt you.”

          Obi-Wan stared.

          “Or the children,” he added.

          It wasn’t long for Vokara Che to show up, although how she had gotten to this part of the Temple and the Gardens so fast, Mace couldn’t know. “What is going on?” She whispered, mirroring Mace’s position. Obi-Wan seemed to think that the other crechemasters deserved more of his attention at this point but kept an eye on him as well.

          “Not entirely sure. We were doing katas and then some kids started shouting and he freaked out,” Mace tried to explain. “I think he’s having a panic attack.”

          “Or something similar,” Che agreed. “He looks like he’s disassociating. He just came back from a war zone, Mace, one that we know now was two adult factions fighting against a group of children. He’s used to hearing children screaming in pain rather than joy. He might not know the difference; it’s probably what set him off.”

          “Makes sense; he seems to think that the crechemasters are a threat.”

          “Probably sees them like he saw the Melida or the Daan,” Che added. She approached slowly and carefully while Obi-Wan eyed her. “Hello Obi-Wan. Do you remember me?”

          Obi-Wan squinted at her. “You…I know you,” he muttered. “A Jedi?”

          Vokara nodded. “Yes. I am a Healer, Vokara Che,” she said. “Is anyone hurt? I can help anyone who is hurt. My companion here is Mace Windu, he is a Jedi.”

          “Counselor,” Obi-Wan mumbled. He narrowed his eyes, warily.

          Mace brought out his lightsaber and set it on the ground.

          Some of the tension in Obi-Wan’s shoulders released and he looked nearly on the verge of tears. “They came back,” he whispered. “The Jedi came back.”

          “Yes, Obi-Wan,” Mace said in a low tone. “We came to help. You stopped the conflict, and we came to help. You are back in the Temple, safe and sound. Everyone is okay.”

          It was like someone had cut the strings above him. Obi-Wan fell to his knees, still breathing fast and hard and his lightsaber extinguished, rolling in the grass. Carefully, the crechemasters rounded up the children and got them away as Mace moved closer to his padawan.

          “If we can, let’s move him inside. Get him a blanket, something physical to touch,” Che murmured as Mace got closer.

          “Padawan, can I-.”

          He didn’t get to finish before Obi-Wan threw himself at Mace and the older man barely had time to catch him as the boy barreled into him, crying. Somehow, he shimmied out of his robe and wrapped it around the outside of his padawan, curling his arms around him tightly. Okay so apparently touch as good then. Mace took a minute to figure out how to lift Obi-Wan up from the position he was in and got up. Wordlessly, Che lead them back into the Temple, avoiding the main halls and into their quarters. She turned down the lights and gathered up several blankets, giving them to Mace. He got settled on the couch, Obi-Wan’s tears becoming a bit less. It was only moments later when she came back with an unfamiliar blanket. It was large and heavy but when she put it around Obi-Wan, he sunk and quieted down further.

          “He isn’t used to hearing children shout with joy,” Vokara repeated, keeping her voice low and quiet. “That triggered something. He should see a mind healer.”

          “I know,” Mace sighed quietly. “I wanted him to get used to me and trust me before I broached the subject.”

          Vokara nodded. “I understand that. Mace, he might not remember what happened when he gets out of this state and I wouldn’t mention a mind healer immediately, but it needs to happen soon.”

          “Of course,” Mace murmured.

          That was the end of the night.

***************************************************************************************

          The talk about in the following days made Obi-Wan curl in a little more. It wasn’t nearly as much as when they first started but obviously, the episode had startled him. Things started to get back to normal, or at least, somewhat but Mace nearly feared that something had changed too drastically.

          It had been nearly a week when Mace was going to talk about seeing a mind healer when Obi-Wan came up to him instead. It was the end of their katas, right before last meal, as they were cooling down and putting things away when he spoke.

          “Master?”

          Mace stood up and looked over at him. Obi-Wan forced himself to look at him directly. “Yes, padawan?”

          “Is it alright if we go out for last meal?” he asked.

          Okay. That was easy enough. “Sure, there are plenty of places I know-.”

          Obi-Wan’s interruption was a bit uncharacteristic. “Actually, I have a place in mind, somewhere I’d like to show you. But uhm…you can’t ask how I know about it.”

          That was a bit confusing and certainly suspicious, but Mace relented and agreed. If this helped the boy trust him and open up, he would take it. It couldn’t be that bad right?

          Moving through the levels of Coruscant, Mace started to question himself.

          Okay, so perhaps he was wrong.

          After exiting the bus, Obi-Wan led him down the street towards a little diner. He paused before the door and looked over at Mace. “Do you trust me?”

          He didn’t hesitate and nodded. “Yes.”

          “Okay,” Obi-Wan replied and pushed the door open. The chime sang and the two Jedi walked in. Mace could feel eyes on them but forced himself not to look around too much. It was a fairly clean place, to his surprise and a droid manned the counter. “Hello Flo,” Obi-Wan greeted, softly.

          “Dex!” the droid – Flo – called out. “Jedi are here!”

          A besalisk face appeared from the kitchen, bursting into a huge smile at the sight of them. Hurriedly, the being clambered out from behind the counter and approached them, quickly wrapping all four of his arms around Obi-Wan’s small form with a hearty “Obi-Wan!”

          The boy smiled. “Hello Dex.”

          As he set him down, the besalisk, Dex, just grinned and stepped back. “You look good; Jedi are feeding you more, eh?”

          “Yes,” Obi-Wan nodded. “Dex, this is my new Jedi master, Mace Windu. Master, this is Dex, he owns the diner.”

          Dex looked up at him and studied him carefully for a moment. “You like him, Obi?” he asked.

          Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes.”

          “Then he is welcome here!” Dex smiled and gestured towards a booth. The two Jedi sat down on opposite sides. “I’ll be right back with some Jawa Juice, kiddo.”

          Obi-Wan nodded. “Thank you, Dex.”

          After the being left, Mace just looked at his padawan. “I won’t ask how you know this place,” he promised.

          “Dex makes some of the best nerfburgers in the galaxy,” he admitted quietly. “They are actually fairly famous. He is my friend.”

          “He seems to like you very much,” Mace agreed.

          “I’m glad he likes you too,” Obi-Wan added. One of the waitresses, Hermione, came to give them some drinks with an apology that it started to get busy. With an affectionate pinch of Obi-Wan’s cheek, she said she would be back with some nerfbergers for the both of them. They came out rather quickly and Mace could understand why Obi-Wan claimed these to be the best. They were just delightful.

          Obi-Wan was about done with his burger when he spoke again. “I think I should see a mind healer.”

          Mace looked up, surprised, and set what was left of his burger down.

          “I am a burden to the Order at this time,” he explained. “Perhaps they can fix me.”

          “You don’t need to be fixed, padawan,” Mace assured. “You went through something very traumatic, and I have been thinking about it too. You could use some help, some specialized help, and I wanted to wait until you were more comfortable to bring it up.”

          Obi-Wan shifted in his seat. “I wanted you to be comfortable with me when I brought it up.”

          Mace almost chuckled but then looked around the diner. “Is that why you brought me here?”

          “I wanted you to know that I trusted you. This place, Dex, Hermione, I care about this and them. You shared something close to you when we went to the theater with Depa. I wanted…I wanted to return the favor, I guess? I’m not sure how to explain.”

          “Thank you for sharing this with me,” Mace replied instead. “I’m honored that you trust me with this part of your life.”

          Obi-Wan smiled. “You’re welcome. I wanted to bring you here. It’s a good place. Dex and Hermione are good people.”

          Mace smiled and nodded. “And the burgers are magnificent.”

          Obi-Wan laughed which just made Mace grin further. “Yes. They are.”

          “Everything is going to be alright, padawan-mine,” he assured.

          “I think you’re right.”