Work Text:
Quinlan laughed at Obi-Wan's attempts at fighting with a staff. He was just watching, as while Obi-Wan took his break, he would get his own lesson. It wouldn't do for Obi-Wan's pet to be worse at fighting than he was. Even if Obi-Wan was a scholar-warrior, Quinlan was his protector.
Life wasn't too bad, these days. Two and a half years since his capture, a year and a half since he gave in and accepted his fate as a pet and just over a year since Obi-Wan's eighteenth birthday. It wasn't what he had wanted, but Quinlan had long since settled down and accepted his fate. Besides, being bound to Obi-Wan and his protector wasn't so bad.
An alarm started blaring. Quinlan sat up, tilting his head. He couldn't place what that alarm meant. He really should but this wasn't one he had heard before outside of demonstrations
That's the imminent invasion alarm. Obi-Wan wasn't looking his way as he put away the staff and gathered his things.
Oh, that one. That means we need to get back to our rooms, right?
Yes, it does. Ready?
I am. Quinlan caught up with Obi-Wan. They hurried through the palace and to their rooms.
Quinlan had never told Obi-Wan when his birthday was. Obi-Wan hadn't asked, just generally keeping track of his birthday. Quinlan was okay with that; Obi-Wan was very absentminded about details like that and their importance. And most pets didn't get their birthday celebrated anyways.
But it was Quinlan's twenty first birthday. Of course he was spending it doing the invasion things instead of spending it the way they always did, with Obi-Wan picking out his favorites at each meal they didn't share with Obi-Wan's family. Lessons and then quiet time together, reading, cuddling, watching movies and tv shows. Sometimes playing games and discussing things. He loved the way they did most days.
Even if it wasn't what his life had been meant to be. Even if he missed going on missions, on having a greater purpose than protecting one person. Even if he missed his family, both with the Jedi Order, and his birth family.
It was a false alarm.
But then they heard that there was to be guests for lunch and meetings. Obi-Wan and Quinlan exchanged feelings of glee. The alarm automatically cancelled lessons for the rest of the day.
There was a way to peek in on the meetings. Obi-Wan and Quinlan snuck down to the nearest spy spot, the way that few people used because it was tricky to use without getting caught. They mastered it with use of the Force. This way, Obi-Wan didn't need to worry about competing with the others who were not needed at the meeting.
As soon as they saw the guests, Quinlan stiffened, panic floating through the bond.
We can't let them see me. They'll freak out, consider this slavery, and well, it kind of is, and no Kiffar likes seeing other Kiffar in chains. I don't think we want to deal with the fallout of that.
...yeah, let's not do that.
"King Bran, his daughter Prince Nicole, her husband Prince Duane, and grandchildren Bernard, Aisling, Craig, and Conall."
Quinlan fidgeted through the initial pleasantries, amused by the assumption that his Aunt Nicole was his grandpa Bran's only child, and all four of the youngest generation were Nicole's kids. Then came the answer to the question he had been asking himself since he realized that it was Kiffar who had come to Stewjon.
"Yes, Kiffar don't venture far outside their planet. But two and a half years ago, my youngest grandson went missing," King Bran explained. "Last news of him was in this area of space. We hope we can find him soon." He looked rather depressed as he added, "and today is his birthday."
Quinlan sank to the floor, putting his head on his knees. Of course they were looking for him. Of course they were. But he couldn't go with them and they would never understand if they knew he was here.
"The only Kiffar we've seen in the last three years was a Jedi. We took care of him."
Quinlan winced.
Obi-Wan was still watching. They all look rather murderous. Why? ...Quin?
Quinlan let out a sigh. I've told you the truth about my family, you've seen some of the memories. Bran is my grandpa. They're looking for me.
Oh. Why did it take them so long?
Probably a combination of factors including how the Jedi report these things to family members who would want to know and the time it took to come up with a feasible plan. It would not surprise me if there's some sort of attack plan.
They're here for you, Quin... Stay with me. Obi-Wan begged. His fear of loneliness, his fear of facing his family, everyone was evident in the bond. Quinlan soothed the feelings and helped Obi-Wan release them.
Always, Obi, I'll stay with you always. Quinlan promised, standing back up. I vowed to protect you, didn't I?
He looked out, seeing his grandpa arguing, his Aunt helping. Duane was keeping an eye on the others. Bernard and Craig were his kids. Bernard was twenty nine, and Craig was twenty four. Aisling and Conall were their cousins, at twenty six and twenty three. All four were the forces of chaos. Craig and Conall was an especially dangerous combination with explosions.
And they were just invited to tour the castle. Oh. That was the plan. Quinlan wished them luck, but he would not be returning with them. He couldn't.
But they're your family. I can sense how much you miss them, how much you want to go with them.
I wish I could show them that I'm here, that I'm alive. Hug them, maybe cuddle pile with them. But it wouldn't end well.
You're really going to stay with me just like that?
You know, for a scholar sometimes you can be quite dumb. Quinlan pulled Obi-Wan in for a kiss.
Obi-Wan flailed for a bit, then settled and returned the kiss. Oh. Stay with me.
No place I'd rather be, than by your side.
Obi-Wan beamed at him and pulled him close so they could watch the rest of the meeting.
.
Lunch was tricky. They were to appear, but the lunch was with Kiffar. And everyone was fully aware that Quinlan could not appear as himself. Even though they doubted he was actually the King's grandson, they did figure it would be bad if they let on that they had a Kiffar pet, once the Kiffar understood a pet was.
Quinlan agreed to what they wanted to do to hide that he's Kiffar, mostly make up and hiding what he still kept in his hair. This meant that his hair clip, signifying his status as Obi-Wan's pet, was placed more prominently.
He breathed a sigh of relief when he wasn't given a second look. He spent most of lunch trying not to stare at his family, longing to give them all hugs. Longing to tell all of them just how much he had missed them. Longing for the touch of another Kiffar to ease the persistent ache that had popped up because it had been so long. Obi-Wan was great, but he wasn't good enough for the way Kiffar were born. Other Kiffar, especially family, were always best. Second best was to be able to rely on more than one person for the affection. Which also wasn't an option here.
At the end of lunch (which he barely ate, he stretched and rejoined Obi-Wan, accepting the offered hand. He didn't notice the four sets of narrowed eyes watching him. Duane, Craig, Bernard, and Aisling had all noticed his stretch. They recognized the way he stretched, and when they looked closely, they thought he looked like Quinlan, but they needed to look at him straight on to be certain.
Quinlan was oblivious as he went about the rest of the day with Obi-Wan, much the same as usual. With the exception of sharing kisses, and feelings. And some giggling as they finally let themselves have something they had both been craving.
.
Obi-Wan was thrilled that Quinlan loved him. Was willing to be that sort of pet to Obi-Wan. Especially since Obi-Wan knew at this point that he would never care for whoever he married beyond ensuring they had children. His pet wanted to share a deeper sort of companionship, something that in other circumstances could have been a marriage full of love.
He begged Quinlan to stay in a moment of weakness. He resolved to not do that again. To be prepared to let his pet go if it came up again.
Quinlan was so clearly hurting that he couldn't go to his own family. But he didn't. He stuck with Obi-Wan, continuing to act as if he had no plans to ever leave. At this point, Obi-Wan believed he didn't. It was amazing.
But... it was also sad. Quinlan's family was right there, but he didn't go running to them. He didn't reveal himself, though they were here specifically to look for him. He just stuck with Obi-Wan. Didn't really seem to even consider a reveal an option.
Wait. King Bran had said it was his youngest grandchild's birthday. It was Quinlan's birthday.
Obi-Wan dragged Quinlan to the kitchens to request a traditional birthday dessert as soon as he realized. Quinlan was quietly pleased, and only had to offer that he didn't want to assume Obi-Wan would celebrate his birthday.
.
They were enjoying their little celebration in their rooms when the first explosions rocked the castle. Quinlan jumped up, gathering things to bring with them to the shelter they would have to evacuate to. Obi-Wan helped, amazed that Quinlan didn't even consider that this would be the best time to escape. Everyone would be distracted and his family could get him out unnoticed then come back and yell at Obi-Wan's parents.
They were about to leave the room when something new pinged Obi-Wan's senses. It was like... Quinlan, only... a lot of Quinlan's. Jedi?
Quinlan staggered, sitting down hard on the floor as the feeling of Jedi he recognized hit him. A pang of longing, homesickness, love, and just all out pain hit him, but he shook it off and built a wall. He couldn't distract them with his presence. And he couldn't leave Obi-Wan, no matter how much it hurt that his family was right there and he couldn't go to them.
He took in a deep breath and returned to the gathering of what they needed. He glanced at the time. Almost ten minutes had passed. Ten minutes was the maximum they should spend on packing, according to evacuation protocols.
Obi-Wan felt how Quinlan was still a bundle of pain. How much Quinlan wanted to go to his family. But Quinlan didn't consider it an option and just resumed what he had been doing.
He felt tears come to his eyes. Quinlan had done so much for Obi-Wan. So much, and he was still willing to sacrifice ever seeing his family again. Just for Obi-Wan.
No. That wasn't what Obi-Wan wanted for Quinlan. He wanted his pet to be happy. To be able to be with his family. To be a Jedi again, especially since Obi-Wan could not be.
"Quin," Obi-Wan started, but stopped, a lump coming to his throat.
Quinlan walked over to him. "What is it, Obi?"
Obi-Wan reached up and pulled the hair clip from his hair. "I can't ask you to stay with me. You need to go to the Jedi, to your family. That's where you belong. You're a Jedi, Quin, and it's cruel to take that from you." Tears started pouring down his face.
Quinlan stared at him, stared at the hair clip in his hand. A bunch of different emotions tore through his mind. He kissed Obi-Wan.
"Thank you."
Obi-Wan nodded, trying to keep his composure as he reached for Quinlan's necklace and flame pendant.
Quinlan caught his hand and stared at him intensely. "Stay with me."
"What?"
Quinlan chuckled sheepishly. "I suppose it's more accurate to say... come home with me."
That did not actually clear anything up.
"What?" Obi-Wan gaped at him.
Quinlan took his hand and looked him in the eye. "You have the ability to use the Force. You need more training than what I can give you, more training than what I've done already. The Jedi might accept you. Or at least ensure you get the training you need to not have an issue the rest of your life."
“But why offer?”
“Obi... I vowed to protect you that day we did the rituals, the day we became bonded. It was a vow made with the Force. I can't break it, it would have consequences. Either we both go, or we both stay here. No matter how much I want to leave, I need to stay at your side.”
Obi-Wan stared at him. “You made that choice for me? I...” He shook his head and shelved that to deal with later. "How can I be a Jedi, I'm a prince! What about my family?"
"It may have missed your notice, but I'm also a prince, technically. Yet I am a Jedi first, no matter what my family and Kiffu might think." Quinlan took his other hand and squeezed. "Obi-Wan. You deserve so much more than how your family treats you. You wouldn't react to your family the way I am in this same situation, would you? Please, Obi. Come with me. We can get away from this. Together."
Obi-Wan blinked, then nodded, smiling. "Together, I like that."
"Right, you pack up the books you don't want to give up. If it gets too heavy, we'll just use the Force to strengthen ourselves in order to get out faster." Quinlan resumed packing, more frantically with the aim of making sure they had what they wanted. they would never be coming back, after all.
Obi-Wan followed his lead, shock turning to glee quickly. He was leaving all this behind. Leaving behind his annoying siblings. Leaving behind people who didn't care. He was finding a new home, with Quinlan. He hoped they would never be separated, but he also hoped there was a way to undo the vow. He didn't want Quinlan to get hurt for him.
Quinlan paused on the way out. "I just want to see if we can figure out what happened to my lightsaber. I think Lysn took it when she captured me."
"You know, ever since you arrived, I've been hearing singing coming from her office, but no one else seems to hear it." It seemed like the right thing to say, though Obi-Wan felt silly admitting to it.
Quinlan started walking. "Lead the way."
When they arrived, dodging everyone they could along the way, Quinlan heard it. The singing. He beamed.
"That singing is my kyber crystal, that's what powers the lightsaber. You must have intrigued it from the beginning. It only sings for those it likes."
Obi-Wan blinked, surprised. "Oh. Well, I guess I might like it too? It's a nice song."
Quinlan chuckled and finished breaking into the office. Between the singing and the Force, he found his lightsaber and reunited with it in short order. He turned it on and swung it, pleased to see that his time unable to practice hadn't made it impossible to fight. He was a bit rusty, but at least he had remembered how the balance of the lightsaber worked compared to other weapons.
He held it to his chest and promised his crystal he would meditate with it at the earliest opportunity. After a few moments of just soaking in the feel of having his lightsaber again, he clipped it to his belt.
"Let's go."
Obi-Wan grabbed his hand. "Let's."
They started picking their way through the castle, avoiding all fighting, avoiding all rubble.
Any idea why Jedi are here?
Nope. We've heard nothing in meetings that indicate the Jedi would consider an assault on this place.
Well, not our problem.
No, not anymore.
They left the castle and started running. They made it to the wall, and realized they had to avoid the Guard. They were strategizing when a throat cleared behind them.
They turned slowly. Quinlan froze with fear and remembered pain, ducking behind Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan offered Lysn a smile.
"I don't suppose you'll just let us go?"
Lysn frowned, looking between them, then she sighed. "Go, Prince Obi-Wan. You deserve better. You better look after him Quinlan."
Quinlan relaxed. They weren't in trouble. "I will. And Lysn? Technically, it's Prince Quinlan. King Bran's my grandfather, bye!" He took off with Obi-Wan, snickering at the shock on her expression as they left.
None of the Guard who saw them interfered. It seemed that they were aware of how bad things were for Obi-Wan, and wanted him safe. That was good enough for Quinlan.
But then they reached the main fighting. The citizens were sheltering. And the fighters were... Stewjon and Jedi. Oh, Kiffu? And Death Watch. Quinlan remembered that symbol from his hacking. And with the Jedi, Mandalorians? Now that was a twist he didn't see coming. These ones seemed to be more allied with Jedi than anything.
Quinlan studied the battle, trying to find the best path to what seemed to be the guard headquarters. Obi-Wan leaned into him and pointed it out with just a few thoughts. Quinlan agreed quickly.
And then they were off. Quinlan defended with occasional use of his lightsaber, while Obi-Wan used the Force where he could. They were going to make it.
There was a brief scuffle when Death Watch recognized Obi-Wan, but they got out of that quickly.
They were at the command center for the fight. There was surprise when they arrived.
Then Quinlan yelled, "Master Mace!" And tackled the nearest Jedi in a hug.
Mace Windu stumbled, wrapping his arms around Quinlan. "Padawan Vos?"
Quinlan pulled away and nodded, straightening as he wiped his eyes. "Yes, Master Windu." He glanced back and gestured at Obi-Wan to approach.
Obi-Wan did so nervously.
"This is Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi. He's Force sensitive. Stewjon calls the Force a Curse, and those who can use it, Cursed. He's not treated well by his family. Obi, this is Master Mace Windu. He's on the Jedi High Council."
Mace nodded, studying Obi-Wan intently. "Nice to meet you, Prince Obi-Wan."
"Um, just Obi-Wan is fine," Obi-Wan responded nervously. "I'm giving that life up."
"Interesting choice. How do you feel about it?"
Obi-Wan sensed a test, but still chose to answer honestly. "Nervous, mostly. I don't know what I'm getting into despite everything Quin has told me and taught me. But I want to keep learning, and I want to know more. I want to be able to help people."
Mace studied him further, then looked between him and Quinlan. "You two share a bond. How did that happen?"
Quinlan fidgeted, looking away uncertainly. "Stewjon has rituals that actually draw on the Force though they don't realize it. When Obi-Wan turned eighteen, he underwent the rituals for that, and I was required as his pet to be his anchor."
"Which formed the bond between you two automatically." Mace nodded, frowning. That wasn't the whole story. He was worried at how casually Quinlan was treating this, as factual and not worrying in the least. It was not a good sign. Mind healing would certainly be required for him and for Obi-Wan. Especially with their bond and the fact they were so clearly in love with each other.
"Yes, Master Windu. Um. The Force altered the ritual a bit at the end to show us... visions of the past and the future. We're not sure why or what it was trying to show us, though all the visions of the future showed us working together."
Mace nodded. "I don't want to make a decision now. You will both have to wait until we return to Coruscant and you can meet with the entire Council. For now, welcome back, Padawan Vos, and, Obi-Wan? I hope we can find what works for you."
Obi-Wan beamed at him. "Thank you."
"For now, you two shall have to stay back. Quinlan?"
"Yes, Master Mace?"
"Thank you. Your intel is what led us here. We didn't want to entirely get involved with this situation. But your grandparents insisted on looking for you."
Quinlan winced.
"And your information showed how truly dangerous Death Watch is and the threat they pose. That led to more investigations, to a tentative agreement with the remaining Mandalorians, and the Senate approving this operation. Your family's primary reason for being here was to get you out."
"The Senate didn't approve the mission to retrieve one lowly padawan, did they?" Quinlan asked wryly.
"I am sorry."
Quinlan shrugged. "It's okay. I... It's not been so bad... since I stopped trying to escape. Spent most of my time with Obi-Wan. He was lonely. Was so used to it I didn't even consider leaving until he brought it up."
"I understand, Quinlan. There is no shame in giving up. Everyone has their breaking point, and you found yours. I am sorry you had to go through that, and I am impressed you've come through it as well as you did."
"I wouldn't be sure I made it through that well," Quinlan replied quietly, looking down. He was fidgeting again. He doubted he would be interested in getting into mischief any time soon. Doubted he would ever avoid the consequences again. And he was certainly not going to be the loud, boisterous Padawan he had been ever again. He couldn't be.
"Such experiences change you. That's okay. You will recover and grow into the new person you've become. Now... I have a battle to direct."
"Oh!" Obi-Wan exclaimed. "I noticed that Death Watch is doing just fine against the other Mandalorians and they've clearly practiced ways to fight Jedi. But I did see some Mandalorians and Jedi working together and Death Watch didn't seem to know how to handle it. Didn't seem to have any strategies against it. So... I think you'll gain ground if you and the Mandalorians really work together."
Mace's eyebrow went up. "Impressive observation. Let me know if you have more."
"Uh, I have one, actually," Quinlan spoke up nervously. "I'm not sure Death Watch actually cares about Stewjon beyond them financially backing Death Watch for so long. They're not caring who's in their path. And they tried to capture Obi-Wan when they recognized him. They weren't trying to save him. I heard one of them say something about hostage and more money."
"Something we can use against them, if the opportunity arises. Excellent work, Quinlan."
Quinlan smiled, ducking his head in embarrassment at the praise. He wasn't used to it. Praise didn't come often outside of Obi-Wan. He wasn't used to it anymore.
Mace eyed him worriedly but didn't say anything. He knew there were several people who were in for a surprise when they arrived. The Jedi's true objective had been accomplished, approved by the Senate or not. Beating Death Watch here would only deal a blow to their position, but ultimately they didn't really need to win. Fighting them here at all was a blow to their position, especially since they ensured that there would need to be rebuilding. Which meant Stewjon would be lacking money for supporting Death Watch as they had been.
.
Hours later, Quinlan and Obi-Wan ended up helping out in whatever way they could. Quinlan was just happy to be back among Jedi and accepted whatever they requested of him. Doing his best to help out.
Obi-Wan was thrilled to be able to properly help out for once. No sitting on the sidelines. Just helping those who needed it. When they needed it. Even after his path was decided, his family had not allowed him to help. They claimed he needed to be able to fight and he needed the knowledge first. He wondered if they ever intended for him to be able to help out.
After all, the Jedi took one look at the fact they had an extra person, and after a quick assessment, gave him ways to help. It wasn't the most glorious work, but it freed someone up for the trickier things if Obi-Wan did it. So he did.
He didn't realize how many of the Jedi he was impressing, once they realized just who he was. Helping out so eagerly, so automatically, was what Jedi looked for. So seeing a prince do such earned him their favor, and he would have just that much less resistance when he was allowed to be a Jedi.
Then the battle was over. Mace left to talk to the rulers of Stewjon after a quick word with Obi-Wan on if he wanted anything said to his parents. Obi-Wan had nothing to say to them. He had not feelings about them.
While Mace was gone, Quinlan and Obi-Wan were asked to listen to Master Qui-Gon Jinn on where to help. They did so quickly and as perfectly as they could, fully aware of the eyes on them.
Qui-Gon was rather curious about Obi-Wan. As he worked with them, he asked several questions. He was impressed by how much Obi-Wan already knew, both of the Force and outside the Force. Quinlan let Obi-Wan answer, though they were sticking close together.
Qui-Gon took note of Quinlan's demeanor, of how he was quick to obey, and didn't even joke about disobeying. How close he was to Obi-Wan, and some interesting comments both of them made. But he was also impressed with Obi-Wan's answers. Quinlan must have been a good teacher, then.
He'd have to inform Tholme.
.
Quinlan was tired. He hadn't worked so hard in a long time. But that was fine. He was happy. Thrilled. he was going home and Obi-Wan was going with him. Everything would be falling into place.
Mace returned with the Kiffar, they all looked disgruntled that they had not been able to find Quinlan. Especially with the Queen and King of Stewjon so focused on their missing son. Mace was amused, but had decided it was for the best not to reveal that Quinlan had found his way out. He did not want to cause a scene until they were in space.
And that's what happened.
Quinlan spotted them as he waited for Mace with Obi-Wan. He lit up and this time, didn't hold back.
"Grandpa!" He ran for his grandfather, tackling him in an enthusiastic hug that Bran caught.
Bran looked down at his grandson in astonishment. "Quinlan?"
Quinlan nodded, burying his face in his grandfather's shoulder.
"Oh, Quin." Bran hugged him tightly. "You're here. You made it out."
"Yeah. I did." Quinlan didn't move.
"Wait a minute, those clothes, I did see you earlier. Why didn't you say anything?" Uncle Duane asked.
Quinlan pulled away from Bran, eyes damp. "Aside from not wanting to cause a scene, I couldn't just leave Obi behind." He gestured at Obi-Wan to join them.
Obi-Wan did so nervously. He'd met them all earlier, but that was as a Prince at an important occasion. This time they knew that Quinlan had been his pet for two and a half years.
"Uh. Hi."
They stared.
"Wait, that's the missing prince," Conall hissed.
Obi-Wan nodded sheepishly. "I want to be a Jedi. I'm Force sensitive." He put more confidence into those words than he felt.
Bran hummed, looking at his grandson. "Obi, is it?" For Kiffar the greatest sign of trust and liking a person was how formal they were when referring to that person. So the fact that Quinlan did not call him prince, and used a nickname indicated that he was close to Obi-Wan.
"Yeah. I. uh.." Quinlan leaned in to whisper. "I might be in love with him. He's sweet, always treated me well."
Bran's eyebrows shot up then he smiled. "Alright. As long as you're happy and healthy, I don't care about who he was. Just who he is now."
Quinlan beamed at him.
.
Tholme had been coordinating the different groups involved from the ship they'd been able to use for this mission. He didn't hear anything about Quinlan or Obi-Wan. When Mace's group arrived, he was still working on coordinating the rest, getting them back to the ships as well.
And then they were all back and he was meeting up with Mace at his room. He wondered why Mace insisted they meet up at the room he was using but put it out of his mind. He had no real hope they would find Quinlan. It had been two and a half years, and the report from Bran earlier that day had not been hopeful. In fact, it sounded like Quinlan was dead.
So when he rounded the corner, his mind was on finishing up the mission, on writing the mission report. It wasn't on his missing, possibly dead, padawan.
"MASTER!" Quinlan yelled. He darted forward and hugged his master with enthusiasm even as he greeted him in the Force.
Tholme staggered back in surprise before hugging Quinlan in return, greeting him with the Force as he fought tears. Quinlan was here. Quinlan was alive. Quinlan was relatively okay.
Quinlan hugged Tholme far longer than he hugged any of his family, now openly crying. Tholme knew just what to do for his padawan.
He scooped up Quinlan and gestured at Mace and the Stewjoni man with him to follow. They entered his room, where Tholme settled on the couch, cuddling Quinlan, who clearly needed the comfort.
Quinlan just kept clinging. He had his master. He was going home. He hardly dared to believe it. Hardly dared to believe that Obi-Wan was returning with him. But that's what was happening. It was real. They were off of Stewjon.
He was free.
Tholme just kept comforting his padawan, using all the little tricks that had always worked. He took this time to compose himself, as well. He shed a few tears. Quinlan was here. Quinlan was alive, and walking under his own power. Maybe a bit different than before, but two and a half years was a long time to be held by the enemy.
Before long, Quinlan was calm again, soaking in the feeling of the Force around him. Playful and happy at the reunion, pleased that Obi-Wan was with him... that Quinlan had not broken his vow.
...the vow. That was going to be a problem. He considered the best way to approach that problem, and decided it was best to be put in the report, be upfront, and let the Council make their decision for that, for better or worse.
He wasn't ready to think about what worse could mean, though.
When he opened his eyes, he found that there was an additional person in the room with them. Master Vokara Che. One of his usual healers. Of course she would be there to give him a check up.
To his amusement, though, she was giving Obi-Wan an examination, asking questions, and not exactly happy about some of the responses. After all, Force sensitives were... different. It was more important for them to meet their dietary needs, and they had a higher intake in general because of how much energy use of the Force required. On top of some other details.
But, ultimately, she gave him a clean bill of health, providing he ensured that he kept to meeting his own needs better, no matter what silly excuses he had for not doing so.
Then she turned to Quinlan.
Quinlan sat up, giving her a cautious smile. He pulled away from Tholme to sit separately, though he kept holding onto his master's hand for solid proof that he was off of Stewjon.
"Anything you need to tell me?" she asked as she started her examination.
"Uh... I was partially blocked from the Force for a year and a half, contained to my body. I tried to escape twenty times, and each time was accompanied by punishment, including some sort of electric shock? I'm not exactly clear on what that collar and those cuffs did." Quinlan rubbed his neck at the memory.
"But I've been eating pretty well. Maybe not the best, but I've been mostly on top of it. And... it's not been that bad... since I gave up," he said very quietly, not looking at anyone in particular. He cleared his throat. "So I think I'm pretty much okay."
Vokara studied him for a moment, then reached out and patted his knee. "I'll be the judge of that. But I'm going to recommend a mind healer for certain."
"Yeah, I know." Quinlan shrugged, and let her do her examination.
At one point she needed to get a look at something, so he had to take off everything up top to show her his back. This gave Tholme a rather close up look of all the scars his padawan had accumulated.
It was horrifying. His padawan looked like he had been through torture, and yet acted ashamed that he had given up after twenty escape attempts. With his back looking like that, Tholme was impressed he didn't give up sooner. And impressed and worried that he was so casual about it.
Many came back from torture and punishment like that unable to even reference it without prompting. It was clear that Quinlan didn't want to talk about it, but he was willing to answer Vokara's questions.
But as the examination went on, Tholme really began to pick out some worrying patterns. Quinlan would ask if he had to answer a question, or if it could wait, but that was the closest he came to laying a boundary. To saying no. He was obeying everything without protest, even when clearly uncomfortable.
That was not normal for Quinlan. He was stubborn. He didn't normally give in so easily, not without question or protest. He would dig his heels in and protest if he was uncomfortable. Until someone figured out that he was uncomfortable not just stubborn and talked him through why.
From the way Vokara kept getting gentler and gentler, she had picked it up too.
And the fact that Quinlan didn't seem to realize what he was doing. Didn't seem to realize how different he was... that he just seem to treat this as normal... that was incredibly worrying.
Then Obi-Wan was officially introduced. The youngest son of the Queen and King of Stewjon. Who was giving up all of that. Because of his Force sensitivity. Mostly. Tholme saw the way he was looking at Quinlan. Saw the way Quinlan looked back.
Somehow, they were in love. In spite of the circumstances, Quinlan had found someone to love. Someone who loved him.
But Tholme listened and picked up the unhealthy dynamic that started it. Picked up how they were leaning into each other. How they relied on each other co-dependently, or at least were heading that way. He would keep an eye on them. He was not letting his padawan get hurt anymore.
.
They were finally about to arrive on Coruscant. Quinlan cuddled with Obi-Wan, excited to be home, finally. To be back to being a Jedi. He'd spent a long time writing the report. Several people told him he didn't need to do it yet, but he wanted too.
Especially because he was scared to talk about the full results of the ritual, but he also knew they needed to know. It was easier to write it all out than to talk about it.
But the report was over. He sent it to Tholme to read it over for errors and then submit it on Quinlan's behalf. There was no point in freaking out about it yet. What would happen, would happen. As long as Quinlan didn't break the vow, they would be fine.
"You okay?" Obi-Wan's quiet voice broke him from his thoughts.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Excited, yet nervous. It's been so long... I'm so different. But I got you, now and that's really nice."
Obi-Wan smiled at him. "It is really nice," he agreed. "I'm glad I joined you in leaving Stewjon. I'm joining what's considered one of the strictest groups of the galaxy, and yet I feel far more free than I ever did as a prince."
Quinlan nodded, kissing his cheek. "You were never really free, Obes... I'm glad you get to be free now."
"And it's all thanks to you, Quin. You were good to me, far better than you should've been considering the position I put you in."
"Let's place the blame where it belongs, Obi. Your parents decided to put me with you. Lysn was the one who kept catching my escape attempts and pushing the punishment. You were always nice to me, good to me, in a way no one else was. You were patient. You gave me space. And when you did have to punish me, it was clear you didn't like it, and you always did the minimum."
"I still hurt you."
"Nothing like anyone else," Quinlan assured him, "and I understood your position. It's okay Obi. But we'll probably be required to see a therapist for our relationship, especially considering how it got started, so we should do this talk with a person to help guide it, okay?"
Obi-Wan nodded tentatively. "If you're sure."
"Absolutely." Quinlan kissed him. "I'm glad to have you at my side. It's like a piece of me that I didn't know was missing is with me."
"Oh... Oh, that makes sense, Quin. Thank you. I'm happy to stick by your side so long as it's allowed."
"Yay." Quinlan snuggled in once more. "Love you."
"Love you too."