Chapter Text
Master Di had feigned ignorance for months now. He pretended he didn’t see the first moment that they had locked eyes and he just kept pretending after that. Maybe he should have intervened right away but the war pulled his attention from his Padawan. After all, she was nearly ready for her trials and had proved herself time and time again. He assumed the diliances of youth would fade as time went on. So he ignored it. Now though, he couldn’t pretend anymore. His Padawan and his commanding officer were embracing right in front of him.
They were pressed against the shadows of the rocky terrain, oblivious to any eyes watching from the darkness of the night. It was a well hidden spot. Only someone who hadn’t been able to sleep and walked far from camp, perhaps to ease his own troubled mind, would have stumbled upon them. Unfortunately, that meant that Master Di watched as his padawan wept and Keeli pulled her into his arms.
“I don’t want to go.” She let out a small sob into his chest. “Not without you.”
“I know.” He ran a hand through her hair, tilting her face up to his. “But you have to. These are our orders.”
“But you and Master Di…” She stuttered.
“I will protect him and he will look after me. We’ll see you again soon but we need you to lead Cham and the resistance to safety.”
“You swear you’ll be okay?”
“Yes.”
Master Di could hear what Keeli didn’t say, that as long as he knows that she is safe, he will be okay. He knew those unspoken words because he felt the same. He envied the Jedi who didn’t grow attached to their padawans. He couldn’t imagine feeling anything but a deep fatherly love for her and, when he thought about it, that had a lot to do about why he ignored the obvious, budding relationship between her and Keeli. He wanted her to be happy and he wanted her to be loved. He slipped back to his tent, leaving the couple alone in the dark.
She left with the first wave of refugees in the early morning light. In the chaos of the retreat, there was no time for goodbyes or soft words. Instead, Master Di and Keeli stood side-by-side, watching her retreat. She glanced over her shoulder, sending them a small wave. Keeli saluted her, letting his eyes linger just for a moment as she turned on the blurrg and began to lead the families over the mountain.
…
Now, they wait at the base of the ravine. Tension ripples through the men and small clicks echo off the walls like raindrops on stone as they check and recheck their weapons. Master Di stands next to his Captain, the only one of the men who isn’t fidgeting.
“Captain Keeli, I must confess. I saw you last night.” Master Di’s words are light but meaning is deeply intertwined with every syllable.
Keeli’s face reveals nothing. He isn’t going to flinch unless he is given no choice. So Master Di changes his course and meets him head on.
“With my Padawan.”
“Ah.” When Keeli finally flinches, it is no more than the slightest twitch of his jaw. Di smiles just a bit as he admires his Captain’s courage.
“Keeli,” He starts before the clone quickly speaks.
“If you’re looking for someone to blame, the fault is mine.”
“Right now?” Master Di guides Keeli’s eyes to the army of droids about to descend on them, marching down the middle of the ravine. “That is not my concern.”
Keeli gives him a small smile. Master Di finds himself wishing that they had more time. While that thought consumes him for a moment, Keeli speaks up.
“I know my role, General. I know I’m here to do.” Keeli chooses his words carefully. “But I can’t deny how feel, especially when I feel it with all that I am. I live for her and I would die for her.”
“We’re not supposed to have attachments.” Master Di frowns as he turns his eyes towards the thankfully empty west ridge. She was safe, as was Cham and the twi’lek resistance. There was no time left for being precious. No time for worrying about what the Council would think. They were not here and they weren’t coming. “But she’s been like a daughter to me and I confess I feel the same.”
Keeli nods before he slides his helmet on to his head.
“Well then…” His voice trails off as he focuses on the swell of B2s about to consume them.
The drone of the droids almost drowns out Di’s next words.
“Indeed.”
Master Di ignites his lightsaber.