Chapter Text
Obi-Wan and Cody always worked together closely. That usually went unacknowledged from those who didn't know them. But there were the occasional planets that did understand. Like Naboo. Naboo was hosting a recognition celebration for those leading the war- as a High General and Marshal commander, both of them were invited, but the note on the invite did note that Cody and Obi-Wan worked together so they would undoubtedly be arriving at the same time.
As many of the GAR leadership as could attend were, it was only polite after all. Obi-Wan spent sometime working with the Council to rearrange missions in order to ensure that any specifically invited (like himself and Cody) were able to attend, while still covering everything that needed to be covered. Other, less 'important' generals and commanders were set to make it as well, particularly those on leave.
“Are you ready to go? Our ship is ready.” Obi-Wan had entered Cody's room where he was packing
“Why was I invited? Do I really have to go?” Cody asked, just the hint of a whine in his voice.
“Unfortunately, it is quite rude to decline invitations sent out by name when it comes to Naboo. And your dress uniform isn't exactly in their tastes either, so I expect we'll be dealing with a clothing fitting when we arrive.”
“What? Why would they waste their money on a clone?”
“Because Naboo holds life in special regard, no matter the origins. If the origins are unsavory, they blame the creator or the cause rather than the life form itself.”
“Oh. Wait, are we talking fancy clothes like what Senator Amidala wears all the time?”
“Not quite that fancy, but fancier than anything you're used to wearing. If it makes you feel better, I'll be forced into them as well.”
“Aren't the Jedi exempt?”
“We can choose to use the exemption,” Obi-wan corrected, “And I'm sure that most of the Jedi will. But I and many others do like to try to meet cultural expectations where we can because it makes us seem less aloof, and they respect us more for respecting their culture than sticking to our own, at least in the case of Naboo. Other cultures can be insulted by that.”
They were now heading to the ship they would be taking to Naboo. Their men would be on leave while they were off attending the celebration. There was actually plans about allowing the 212th to be on Naboo for the celebration as well, but Obi-Wan was planning on leaving that as a surprise for Cody and them, with Waxer, being in charge while they were gone, the only point of contact about it.
“How do you know so much about Naboo's culture anyways? And is there anything else I need to be aware of?”
“Oh, years ago, when I was still a padawan, we took a mission to protect the then Queen Amidala. Well, really it started off with Master Qui-Gon and I trying to enter negotiations with the Trade Federation to get them to stop the blockade and things went downhill from there. Ended up escaping with the Queen and her handmaidens to Tatooine, which is where Qui-Gon found nine-year old Anakin and brought him back with us. We ended up back at Naboo to try to free the people after the Trade Federation invaded with their droids.
“Qui-Gon died, I took Anakin as a padawan, got Knighted, in that order I might add, and we were stuck there for a while due to cultural expectations of mourning and celebration, and while I stuck with my robes for some of it, I did give in at some points, especially after I'd had the time to read up on the culture, which was my way of avoiding my grief at the time.”
Cody blinked. “That was... a lot. So you basically... had a lot of time to research and such? And kind of got forced into it?”
“That's an accurate summary,” Obi-Wan agreed with a hum. “If anybody offers you anything, you can deny it once. If they press, accept it after that. If there is a genuine reason you don't want something, like allergies, they'll accept that and won't offer a second time. Sometimes even without a reason they'll accept no for an answer. But if they think you genuinely need it, they won't accept no for an answer. Clothing is very important, they actually have a heritage law in place about it. I think they're not supposed to wear the same clothes twice, particularly those who are in the spotlight like politicians, if I recall correctly.”
“That's... intense. We don't have to worry about that, right?”
“Right, it's still polite to wear something new every day of the celebration, which is why we're arriving early so that they have time to fit enough outfits to us.”
“I can't believe they're going to let me wear anything but my blacks or armor.”
“You'll understand once you meet them. It's a bit... overwhelming. And feels a bit invasive the way they make sure everyone is perfectly presentable. Hmm. Other than that... Well, there's manners, but I expect we'll be seated together, so I can keep you on track there.”
“Do they have their own language?”
“Oh, yes of course. I know some, but they find it rude to converse in a language someone doesn't have if there is a common language, so everyone knows basic as well so they don't have to worry about translations.”
“Well, that's a relief. So no expectations to at least greet someone in their language?”
“None of that,” Obi-Wan confirmed with a smile. “Mostly because not everyone goes to the same lengths in diplomatic meetings, so it cannot be expected that everyone will be able to understand the greeting. I do know some of the language myself, like I said, and like to practice with Padme at times, but it's never been necessary. I just like learning languages. And pick them up easily when I put my mind to it.”
“Fair enough. Will... will you be able to be in the same room when we're doing these... fittings?” Cody asked nervously. He didn't like asking for things, but he also didn't want to mess things up.
“If you need me to. I take it you are uncertain of how you will react and might need someone to run interference if you react poorly to something?”
“Something like that, yes. And I've noticed that sometimes it's easier to understand traditions and expectations when someone else can explain it because the third party has a better idea of where either side is coming from thanks to the outside perspective.”
“You have a good mind for this sort of thing. Unfortunately, who you invite to fittings to be in the same room implies things. Because of how much the clothes come on and off. The people involved in the fitting are professionals and trained for that and secrecy, but who you choose to bring in... well, that means you either see them as family or are in a relationship with them.”
“I... see.” Cody considered that. Then sighed. “This is about the feelings we both like to pretend we don't have and how awkward it would be to imply family over a relationship if we ever felt comfortable with it, isn't it?”
“Precisely.” Obi-Wan nodded. “I'm sure we can work something out, though, if you're inclined.”
“You know what? No, I'm tired of dancing around our feelings. There's a betting pool you know, pretty much everyone in the 501st and 212th are in it.”
“I know. Ahsoka told me. She's involved, along with the less traditionally strict of the Jedi, too. I think they're starting to recruit any clone who's even heard about us let alone seen us interact.”
“We're doomed.”
Obi-Wan smirked. “We can play this to our favor. Ahsoka and Rex have bet that we will keep it secret for at least five months, with signs sneaking through our professionalism. I'm sure if we make that happen they'll share the winnings with us. After all, many dates have passed, and today in particular is not on any of the lists. In fact, this entire month in fact has not been bet on at all.”
“How in the world do you know the bets?”
“Your men do not secure their belongings as securely as they think they do. Waxer's pad unlocks with Boil's number. I wanted to know who would win if we kept to our current unspoken course of waiting until the war was over and I wasn't in the position to order you around anymore. That would surprisingly be Mace, Fox, and Fives. Anakin is not involved, I'm pretty sure they tried to bring it up to him once and he told them I was too perfect to be in love with anyone let alone in a relationship.”
“...seriously?”
“Oh, definitely.” At this point, they had securely strapped themselves in and taken off to the surface of Naboo. The rest of the 212th had been invited to spend their leave on the planet itself and partake in the festival Naboo was hosting if they so pleased. They would be informed shortly. Most would be skeptical, of course. But they would give in anyways.
“How is he so oblivious?”
Obi-Wan shrugged. “He still doesn't know that I saw him kiss Padme on Geonosis, and he's unaware of the betting pool going on. He freaks out any time people try to broach the subject with him. And, even better... He's still unaware of the fact that I accompanied him for his fittings after I took him as my padawan meant that I already saw him as family.”
“You're joking... Wait, what about all the times he has to have been in the same room as Padme as she's changing?”
“Between that and some other traditions I'll get into later... I'm pretty sure all of Naboo is actually aware that Padme and Anakin are married, they just don't bring it up because they understand that it could affect things for Padme in Coruscant and Anakin's status with the Jedi.”
Cody stared at Obi-Wan. “Please tell me I can share all of this with Rex?”
“Go right ahead. He probably needs the warning himself, since he works with Anakin, I'm pretty sure any Jedi that was invited got their clone commander or captain invited along too. And I need to warn Ahsoka. I'm sure she's going to love getting more ammunition about how oblivious Anakin is to use against him when he finally comes clean.”
Cody cackled. “I want front row seats.”
“I'm pretty sure everyone wants front row seats.” Obi-Wan paused. “We've strayed from the point. Are we dating or courting now?”
“Yeah, I think so, though I suppose the terminology really depends on the culture? I just know I don't think I would find anyone better suited for me than you.”
Obi-Wan smiled at him warmly. “Me either. You know, Naboo and Mandalore have similar cultural beliefs around marriage- that the vows are whats important not any real ceremony, even if people do hold them because the party is what people are really after, that and the opportunity to tease the couple mercilessly. They both also don't have taboos about couples marrying, let alone getting engaged, within the first year of dating.”
“They don't? Why not?”
Obi-Wan shrugged. “I'm not sure, but I think a lot of it is that both cultures are such that it doesn't take long for belief clashes and incompatibility to show up.”
“How so?”
“Naboo has had its fair share of assassinations. Anyone rising in prominence can be targeted. You might have noticed that Padme not only has handmaidens that are rather close to identical to her, but they also will take her place?
Cody nodded.
“Well, that's actually very common over all. Even as kids, friend groups try to look a lot like each other to protect themselves. Not everyone does it, of course, but it does send a message when they do. It is becoming less common as the individual values of the Republic has made its way onto Naboo. The ruling King or Queen always has their body doubles, though other politicians might not. When you have to work with body doubles all your life, when you have to blend in at all times, you learn how to communicate with them, and in turn, that means that you know how to communicate with life partners. Some do still end up failing, a bit, even with that. But the old traditions are still in mind, so culturally, they haven't grown a stigma around marrying too quickly the way much of the Republic has.”
“Fascinating,” Cody murmured. Then he looked up. “I want to learn more. What about Mandalore?”
“Mandalorians never hide themselves even if they don't show their faces. Which means the big things get out of the way quickly. The little things- like how a person cleans up after themselves, what a person cooks, sleep habits, those are more minor disagreements in the grand scheme of things, and if a couple has weathered all the big disagreements together, they usually can get through the little things without too much trouble, especially if they have great communication.”
“Which you have?” Cody raised an eyebrow at him.
“No one has perfect communication, and I communicate just fine with my friends. I am cautious about what I share with the Council because half of them were on the Council when I started as a padawan and was often under more suspicion than Anakin was during his padawan years due to what my master got me into. Master Mundi in particular likes to bring up some of those... less than stellar moments of mine when he thinks I am suggesting something too radical, saying I've never changed.
“Unfortunately, between Anakin's stubbornness, the fact he had been a victim for nine years of his life, and the fact that I had to be cautious lest they decide I couldn't take him... Well, he never got the full story nor would he listen the few times I tried.” Obi-Wan sighed. “At this point, I don't know what else to try because I fear anything would cause him to lash out with anger and accusations.”
“Wait, what did you do that caused the Council to be so suspicious of you?”
“Well, I almost wasn't chosen to be a padawan- I was in fact sent to the AgriCorps. And it was mostly due to the anger I carried at the time. It was due to the bullying and the injustice I felt that he wasn't getting caught and punished even though the Jedi are supposed to be better than that. I should've dealt better with the anger, even if the anger would never had happened if the bullying had been taken care of.
“Once I was taken on as a padawan, some on the Council questioned whether it was a good idea since I had already been sent away and it was for a 'good reason'. The next cause of suspicion, less than a year later when I was still thirteen, was the fact that I disobeyed my master to stay on a war torn planet. I found out after I became a knight he had reported it was for a girl, though it was actually to help her and the other children of the planet- almost all younger than me. I actually left the Order until I grew desperate enough to ask for help and master Qui-Gon took me back. I was on probation after that.
“I did cause a lot of chaos and pranks over the course of my padawanship, though not much more than the average padawan. The second thing that caused an issue was a year long mission where I had to help guard the soon to be leader of her people after her father had died. I fell in love with her. With hindsight, sometimes I wonder how much of that was love, and how much was lust and the fact she was the only person around I could truly interact with at the time. I don't think we would've lasted. Our views clashed too much.
“But yeah, my 'attachment' even though I left her behind without a fuss was cause to have them keep a close eye on me. The final cause of suspicion was...” Obi-Wan fidgeted. “Well. It was a bad mission that went longer than it should've, delayed my Trials so I could recover, and I'm still uncomfortable talking about it. Although on that last point, I wasn't fully recovered mentally from that when Qui-Gon died and I took Anakin on, so I never had time to really finish dealing with it.”
“That's... a lot. And yet you've been a model Jedi to the point even your own padawan doesn't always see you bending the rules and creating loopholes for yourself.”
Obi-Wan sighed. “Yes, that's true. Well, he was the only cause for suspicion for my career after being Knighted- I threatened to leave the Order if they would not train him, if they would not let me train him. I would've. I did not get the support I should've in those early days, and I felt I had to be extra perfect in public to make up for it. Anakin understood in the early days that some things were better off behind closed doors, but as time went on he resented that I insisted on keeping those things hidden, and we stopped.”
“You really aren't good at communicating with him are you? You don't seem that bad with everyone else, even if you have a disturbing tendency to sacrifice yourself and pretend that you're fine.”
“Well... I think that if I had been able to recover from that one mission, if I had a chance to properly grieve Qui-Gon, and if he had spent some time as an initiate learning the basics... I think we would've been a great pair, and we were very well matched despite the unfair start we have. As it was, I made it work, and communication is our only flaw as a team.”
“That is kind of true. You didn't do a good job teaching him to control his own impulses though, not that you are a great role model for that.”
Obi-Wan winced. “I generally go for the crazy stunts when there's not much choice left... he often goes for it because it appears to be the most efficient way to save people or reach the objective without losing too many.”
“Uh-huh. Sure, keep telling yourself that.”
“So, are you feeling better about this?” Obi-Wan asked, deciding it was high time they changed the subject from Anakin and back to themselves.
Cody nodded, letting him get away with it as they got off their ship and were ushered off to their rooms. Now his apprehension about clones being a prominent part of this event was returning. He trusted Obi-Wan about the Naboo beliefs. It was the rest of the galaxy he was worried about, though. He decided that if they were going to let their relationship be known, and consider doing other little traditions throughout their time on Naboo, he was going to take advantage of it since they hadn't even kissed to seal the deal as they were too busy talking the entire time.
He took Obi-Wan's hand. He was rewarded with a soft smile and a squeeze as his Jedi kept walking and talking. It seemed he was negotiating the rooms they would be staying in now that their personal situation had changed. He noted them glancing at their clasped hands and nodding in understanding, not even questioning the need for rooms closer together or attached. It was nice, he decided. They could be subtle and everyone in Naboo would know, but not comment on it. And the rest of his brothers would have no clue. Speaking of...
He pulled out his comm when they were left alone to get settled for the next hour before food and the people in charge of their clothes arrived to sort that out. It was time to give Rex an overview without letting him know they were dating. Oh, this would be amusing.
This trip to Naboo was not a bad thing at all, in the end. Their men would likely have a lot of fun joining in on the festival and being welcomed (he had overheard someone discussing that as they walked). He was sure he would enjoy himself with their little secret traditions. And there was plenty of time to explore the new relationship too. Oh yes, this was turning out to be a great thing for them.