Archive of Our Own

Cody felt numb as he sat on the ship to Kamino. Decommissioned. Because the natborn assigned to the 212th didn't like his attitude and his approach to missions. 

Why did Obi-Wan have to die? Why couldn't the 212th have stuck with Obi-Wan or on their own? They were fine without oversight. 

And now Cody was facing the worst consequence of all. Decommissioning.

No one knew what it was. There were rumors, of course, but no one knew for certain. 

After all, those who were decommissioned never came back. But could mean anything, especially with the longnecks. It could mean being locked away. It could mean experiments. It could just mean death. 

There were rumors that those that were decommissioned actually were cycled back into the GAR after everything was wiped and signs of their previous identities were wiped away.

Or maybe there was some secret thing that decommissioned clones had to do. 

Cody wasn't sure. But he knew that his life as he knew it was over. To everyone... he was as good as dead already. 

Did the Jedi know about decommissioning? Cody wasn't sure. He wasn't certain he'd seen any paperwork for decommissioning, actually. 

He knew it happened in the battalions that didn't have a Jedi, and in the Coruscant Guard. Not unless a clone was arrested, at which point what happened to them was out of the Jedi's hands. Even then, there didn't seem to be any official paperwork. 

Cody sighed and ignored the clones giving him sympathetic looks. He had so many regrets. 

Mostly, he just wished he could still be with the 212th, and keep them safe. The way Obi-Wan would have wanted.

But... the rest of him just thought of the flirting and the almost dates he had with Quinlan Vos since the first time they had ended up at a bar together. 

Cody would have liked to date him for real. Find out what kissing him was like... learn why he acted so chaotic, cheerful, and almost unbearable to be around and yet was actually so soft and really got along with Obi-Wan when they were in private with few witnesses. Learn more about Quinlan's family that he mentioned once. And just... be around Quinlan more. There was something about him that made Cody want to smile and relax. 

But that wasn't going to happen. Cody, CC-2224, had just arrived on Kamino for decommissioning.

.

Quinlan frowned over all the information he had. How had no one noticed? Why were they so thorough at keeping it secret? What was so important about decommissioning? 

It had all started on his usual visit to the Coruscant Guard to give them something nice to eat. Fox had seemed distressed, and Quinlan's world had fallen apart. 

Because Cody was being sent for decommissioning.

Fox had been surprised Quinlan didn't know what that was. He explained that it was as good as death. No clone who was sent to be decommissioned ever came back, as far back as they could remember. 

The more Quinlan learned, the more upset he was. None of the clones had ever mentioned decommissioning because they thought the Jedi knew and were just too kind to ever send them. 

But there was no official paperwork for decommissioning. It was generally just a notification to the highest ranked clone officer, and an order sent to the clone who was being decommissioned, if they had not heard in person. 

Once they arrived on Kamino, they were ushered through some secret way that did not cross paths with Shaak or any other Jedi who happened to be on Kamino. 

There was a conspiracy to keep the Jedi out of this. It worried Quinlan that the Jedi were being kept from something this big. What else was being hidden from them? 

He would have to work to get to the bottom of this. 

But first he had to rescue the clone he wanted to date. Cody was a wonderful man and Quinlan enjoyed every single one of their interactions. 

And if Quinlan could learn more about decommissioning along the way? All the better. 

Quinlan sent a droid off with his ship to pretend to leave Kamino. Really, he had convinced Fox to let him know if someone was being sent, and when. Because he would be following them, and hopefully it would not be too late.

Not only was Cody important to himself, but Cody had become a good friend to Obi-Wan, almost a brother. Quinlan knew how hard it was for Obi-Wan to trust that much. He would be heartbroken when he heard that Cody was gone. 

Quinlan was fully aware Obi-Wan’s death was faked; he knew his friend. It was obvious. How Anakin and Ahsoka didn't know since they were there, he wasn't sure. But it was understandable why most fell for it.

Quinlan watched the clone who was being decommissioned get marched to a side door. He waited a bit after the door closed, then hurried over. He smirked. It needed a code to get in. He touched the pad lightly, and got a very brief memory of someone entering the code. He kept that memory in his head and took a moment before he entered the code. 

Perfect. Things like that didn't always work, since gloves and other coverings prevented the existence of the echoes he picked up via psychometry. It might get through if someone felt strongly, especially if that person was Force sensitive, but  that wasn't actually very common.

It was a good thing it was a Kaminoan who had entered the code.

Quinlan crept along the hall, listening and paying attention. There didn't seem to be any doors. Like this was more of a secret passage than a main part of the facility. That was alarming- were there other places like that in the facility that were less noticeable?

Finally, they came to a sealed door at the end of the hall. 

Quinlan eyed it and sighed. Getting in was going to be trickier than he thought. No matter. Nothing ever held him for long when he was determined.

It turned out security there wasn't even that strong, like they didn't expect someone to actually enter the passageway. It was marked with Kaminoan only, and yet, the decommissioned clone was brought down there anyways.

What else were they hiding, if they were hiding things like this?

Quinlan slipped through the door and took in a deep breath and let it out. He braced himself. What was he going to discover here? 

He ducked around a corner when he heard a Kaminoan rush up to another one. 

"Someone's here. Saha Ko’s code was used twice in five minutes at the entry door."

Quinlan inwardly cursed. Okay, so security was a little tougher than he thought. They were paying attention. But they hadn't found him yet.  

He ducked into a closet and messaged an update to Shaak, who was fully aware of his plans. He gave her an updated plan, and then resumed his mission.

Just what was this decommissioning, and where was Cody?

Quinlan crept along carefully, using techniques that he used frequently. They didn't so much hide him as make people dismiss him, unless they were strong of mind or really noticed when things were out of place, like a Kiffar in dark clothes in a white environment. But it would hopefully give them just enough of a reason to not notice that he could duck away before they did a double take.

He spotted a room. The latest decommissioned clone was doing some sort of intake. Testing, it looked like. 

Quinlan found a computer and sliced in. He didn't bother being subtle. They knew he was there, after all. Or at least, that someone was there. He scanned through everything he found, and sent it all to his usual site for storing information he couldn't download onto a storage device. He made sure Shaak knew he did that and how to collect it.

As he finished up, his mind swirled with the information he had skimmed through.

Clones who were decommissioned were forced through several tests. Medical, physical, mental, and so many more, just to determine their capabilities and why they were the way they were.

Clones that hit certain thresholds on the tests were often just reconditioned and sent back to the field under a new number, if they could remove all signs of identification. Scars were not touched, as they could not remove those without complications yet, but if they were not in a place likely to be seen, that didn't disqualify them.

Cody would have been disqualified from reconditioning. Quinlan shuddered at the thought of it. Reconditioning sounded horrible. Some sort of way to use the chip in their brains (there was a whole chip???) and some brainwashing methods to completely override their personalities, who they were into a blank slate that would do what they were told. 

Some clones were just assigned jobs, depending on how they responded to some questions. They might end up with janitor duty. Or helping out in the labs. Those jobs were for the ones that had been injured too much to return to the fight while still being relatively obedient.

If they didn't qualify for those two options, a clone would be sent for experiments. Which ones depended on what results they had from their tests, and what scientists needed at the time.

In the rare case a clone could not be an experiment, they were locked away until they were useful. Sometimes as donors. Sometimes an experiment came up. Sometimes they were just to be sent out for cannon fodder to one of the non-Jedi run battalions when there was a risky mission.

Quinlan had seen a lot in his years as a shadow. But all of that nearly made him throw up, especially thinking about Cody being on the receiving end of it. Cody didn't deserve that. He was fine under Obi-Wan. 

He heard a noise and quickly wiped all of what he had done from the system. He didn't want them to find the information before Shaak could extract it to Jedi servers. 

He ducked into the nearby closet and waited. 

They were discussing the intruder. He was lucky they thought it was one of the clones, not a Jedi. They had fallen for the ruse that he had left the planet entirely, and they knew where Shaak was. Shaak was the only other Jedi on the planet. This meant their attempt to find him would not consider all a Jedi could do. 

Now he just had to find Cody, get more information and get out. He did not like the sounds of these Kaminoans.

They didn't sound like the rest of the Kaminoans he had met in the past. Those ones didn't like getting their hands dirty, and generally saw things as science. They were rather peaceful and just did what was necessary, to their eyes, no matter how it disagreed with the morals of the wider galaxy. 

The ones here? They sounded almost gleeful about catching a clone and getting to 'take care of him'. They enjoyed hurting the clones in whatever way they could when they were decommissioned. Sure they wanted to do more for science, just like the rest of the Kaminoans, but these ones... they enjoyed what they were doing. It wasn't just clinical. 

It sounded like some of the experiments weren't even that necessary, more of a test to see if they could get a clone to break and cry and scream. 

Quinlan held his breath. He was not going to give himself away. This was going to be a difficult situation to navigate and he was not going to make it worse by being found. He had to get Cody and get out somehow so that they could properly take this whole operation down. 

The real question was why? What did those non-Jedi get out of this? Did the Chancellor know about this? Just what was going on here? 

The more Quinlan dug into the underbelly of the war, the more he knew that while the Separatists were committing the worst of the war crimes, he knew that the only reason the Republic was any better was because the Jedi ensured they always did their best to be kind. If the Jedi were not running the war... the Republic would not be treating its civilians much better than the Separatists. The only reason it would be better was that the corrupt ones, the Chancellor included, wanted to appear like they were good people to get everyone on their side, rather than just trying to hide it. If it weren't for that... 

Quinlan thought that maybe he had all the pieces of the puzzle, or enough to get a picture. But it was hard. Maybe he was just in denial. Because he knew what it looked like. One of the corrupt politicians of the Republic was the Sith, and all the others were working with him together to get what they wanted out of this war. Maybe it was even the Chancellor- it certainly would explain a lot of gaps in his history and why he was so squeaky clean in paper trails.

...Annnd the Force was ringing with truth. Kriff, Quinlan had not wanted to be right. There was a reason he hadn't let himself think about the possibility before. 

He sighed and sent his conclusions to Shaak as well, just in case. It was a bad idea to get captured. But his instincts were telling him it was probably going to happen. Which meant he had to be prepared, just in case. The more information Shaak had to work with, the easier it would be for her to figure out a plan.

If it was better to leave Quinlan... then so be it. As long as they could shut this whole operation down in the end.

Finally, the Kaminoans left the room after being unable to find anything. They were still discussing what they'd like to do to the intruder, experiments that amounted to torture, as they left.

Quinlan let out a breath and slipped out of the closet. He closed the door and leaned on it. He needed more of a plan. He needed to figure out where Cody was. Once he knew that, he would know if he could leave Cody for a bit or if he should get Cody immediately. He couldn't throw away the opportunity for information for one clone, no matter how much he loved Cody. 

But he wasn't going to leave Cody to suffer either, if he could help it. 

He searched the area, spotting many experiment rooms, and many dead eyed clones. He ended up throwing up once after seeing the aftermath of a particularly brutal experiment that did result in the clone being dead. 

As he walked, he got a better idea of the layout and occasionally messaged Shaak ideas on how to get in and shut it down. But he was starting to think that they had to be acting on getting the Sith before they could do it- knowing they were shutting his side project down was going to make him move forward with other plans. He also made note that the chips needed to be investigated without alerting anyone. That was also going to be tricky.

Finally, he found Cody in the last of the cells. Cody was curled up on his side, facing away from the cell door. 

Quinlan approached. He studied the lock on the door and tried to decide if it was worth it.

"No matter what you do, I'm not going to beg for death," Cody said quietly. "No matter what experiments, I'm going to remain me unless you recondition me." He shifted and hissed in pain.

Quinlan snorted. "Yeah, I'm not here for that." 

Cody jumped and sat up, spinning. "Quinlan?" 

"Hey, Codes. You look awful."

Cody smiled. "Of course I do... what are you doing here?"

"You know, before Fox told me you were being decommissioned, I'd never heard of it before? Nor had any Jedi. And anyway. You don't deserve it." 

Cody gaped at him. "You're joking."

"Nope. I'm still trying to figure out the best way out of this without causing too much trouble we have to deal with. The Jedi taking down all this, something the non-Jedi officers seem to love, will have some sort of fallout and we have to be careful."

"You should leave me, then. I can wait."

Quinlan sighed. "I know. I still don't like seeing this. I've seen what they're doing to others. It's not pretty and I don't like the thought of it happening to you, because I know you."

"It's okay. I'm more worried about the 212th without..."

"He'll be back. He faked his death for a mission. I suspect he will turn up on Naboo after their Festival of Lights. He's not going to leave them to suffer, especially not after hearing that you're gone.”

Cody stared, then smirked. "Well, I suppose I should have known, and Admiral Jenkins has no clue what he's about to get."

Quinlan chuckled. "Nope. I'm sure everyone in the 212th will be delighted to watch Obes take him apart verbally before sending him on his way." 

Cody sighed. "You better go."

"Any ideas? Because I don't have any, and Shaak is working on figuring out some other things."

Cody frowned. "I think it would be best if you just left and came back when you have a plan. You got the information. I'm okay. If they're going to kill me it'll be months yet."

"You're hurt though."

"I can handle it. It's okay. Do your job."

Quinlan let out a breath and nodded. "Just know I don't like it."

"Neither do I, but the galaxy is more important than one clone. If I have to die..."

"I know." Quinlan hesitated then held out a hand.

Cody took his hand and held onto it. "Love you." His eyes widened and he looked away, embarrassed.

Quinlan grinned, delighted, as he squeezed Cody's hand. "Love you too. We'll set up a date once this mess is over, okay?"

Cody smiled. "Okay. That sounds good."

Quinlan squeezed one last time before leaving. He finished out his tour of the secret area, making sure he had gathered as much information as he could.

By then, it had been hours since he had first arrived. The Kaminoans were more determined to catch the intruder, certain that the clone had not left yet due to how security was set up. They were everywhere.

Quinlan continued to do a good job of evading them. They still had no idea that it wasn't a clone who had snuck into their little corner.

But he couldn't find a way to get out. He was debating the merits of trying to climb into the vents when a Kaminoan rounded the corner and saw him. 

She froze.

Quinlan waved and took off and promptly took a turn to race down a corridor. 

He heard the other scientists moving frantically. They knew he was here now. They knew they were not dealing with a clone.

He spotted a vent. Perfect. He pulled the cover off with the Force and was just about to dive in when he felt a prick in his calf. He reached down and pulled out a blow dart. Another one landed in his neck, now that he wasn’t moving. 

Oops. They caught him. At least Shaak had all the information. 

He staggered and fought to keep his eyes open but whatever was in the blow darts was fast acting and strong. He felt woozy and then he crashed to the ground before passing out.

.

Quinlan opened his eyes blearily. His head pounding signified the use of a drug to knock him out. Ah, right. That was what happened. As long as Cody was okay, and the information he found helped the clones, and helped end the war... This was fine. 

He shifted and became aware that he was strapped down, flat on his back, arms at his sides. The room was white, as all rooms in Kamino were. But the lights were off so it was dim. 

Quinlan let out a breath and considered the best option here. He wasn't sure he'd be able to escape. Shaak knew everything. Maybe it would be best to wait... At the same time, he was curious. What did they have in store for him? What would happen if he did try to escape? 

He decided to give it a try. He used the Force to attempt to remove the restraints. When he got the lock on the first strap undone, the bed shocked him. 

Quinlan took a deep breath and let it out. Okay. Nice deterrent. He undid the next lock. The shock was stronger and lasted longer. He breathed through the pain and started on the next one quickly. After that shock, the pain lingered. 

Quinlan worked through the rest quickly. The last one, he had to cover his mouth to muffle his gasp and whimpers. But he was free. He rolled off the bed and looked around. It was an experiment room. That boded well... but why did they leave him alone?

Quinlan shook his head, ignoring the lingering aches and started for the door. He hesitated and examined the door and the surroundings before opening it. 

It opened, but there was a forcefield there. He poked it lightly and jumped back at the burn with a curse. 

Fascinating, what these Kaminoans had done. Probably because the clones could be very resourceful when they wanted to be. 

Quinlan started poking around more. Too bad they took his lightsaber. At least they hadn't stripped him of his clothes. Now that would be an awkward escape attempt.

He found a vent and opened it. It was small. Most clones wouldn't be able to make it through it, not unless they were severely malnourished. Quinlan thought it would be a tight squeeze but it was worth a shot. He squeezed in and started inching his way through the vent. 

He wasn't entirely in when his ankle was grabbed. 

Quinlan grumbled as they pulled him out. He was not surprised to find a blank faced clone; the Kaminoans seemed to like using reconditioned clones to do their dirty work, even these scientists who loved their experiments so much.

"Fascinating," said the Kaminoan closest to him. "I had wondered how a Jedi would react to our measures. I was watching the entire time."

Quinlan watched them replace the vent cover and screw it on tight, then added a small machine with a red light on it. So that was out. 

"So... what are you going to do?" Quinlan asked nonchalantly as he stood up. 

"Everyone believes that you have left, even General Ti. They shall simply think that something happened to you in space and they will never be able to find you."

Quinlan raised an eyebrow. "And what are you going to do to me, then?"

"We have never had the opportunity to experiment with a Jedi or with a Kiffar before. The experience will be good for our records."

Quinlan crossed his arms. "What makes you think I will cooperate?"

"We have ways to handle that."

The clone standing nearest of the two in the room stepped forward to stick him with a needle. 

Quinlan hissed at the pain then stepped back. "I'm not some experiment."

"Oh, but you are now." 

Quinlan tried to fight the clones but his legs gave out. They carried him back to the operating table and strapped him into place. 

Quinlan's eyes darted around but he could do nothing. Nothing was responding. But he was still wide awake. 

"Good, it didn't knock you out. It does that with some. Now, let's begin..."

Quinlan closed his eyes and inwardly cursed as the pain began. It was all worth it. As long as this helped end the war and helped the clones never face decommissioning again... he could live with this. No matter how bad it got.

.

Cody curled up in the corner of his cell. It had been at least a week since Quinlan showed up, he was pretty certain. Nothing had changed. He knew these things took time though, so he could wait. At the very least, he knew the Jedi would never let this happen to someone else. That was enough. 

His cell opened. 

Cody stiffened. He had just ended the last experiment. They couldn't be sending him to another experiment. 

There was a thud and a groan before the door slammed shut. 

Cody turned and looked. He gasped. "Quinlan?"

Quinlan opened his eyes and smiled weakly. "Hey, Codes. You doing okay?"

"What... what happened to you?"

"There wasn't an easy way out, they knew there was an intruder... got me with a dart. Been experimenting on me since... never had a Jedi or a Kiffar before."

"Why did they bring you here?" Cody asked. 

"Well, I suppose that would probably be because they know Kiffar need touch, and they realized I wasn't healing well. I imagine they're looking to see what touch might do."

"Why me?" Cody asked as he helped Quinlan move to the corner where there was a thin bedroll and a blanket. 

Quinlan shrugged. "They know who I am... maybe they thought it would be better to try someone I would have met, according to my public records." 

"Oh." Cody sighed. "Are you okay?" He glanced over Quinlan. 

Quinlan was dressed much like he was, and the stitches and bacta patches from the experiments were visible. 

"Are you okay?" Quinlan countered softly. 

"No..."

"There's your answer." Quinlan yawned. "I need some sleep so... cuddle with me?"

"Alright. I can do that." Cody laid down with Quinlan and wrapped his arms around the Jedi.

Quinlan snuggled in, relieved to have the itchy crawling feeling of not enough touch subside. He fell asleep quickly once he was settled, leaving Cody to look at him in surprise.

Cody was worried. Seeing his favorite Jedi like this... it was worrying. Quinlan wasn't supposed to be so hurt. Quinlan wasn't supposed to have been caught. 

And yet... Quinlan had been investigating the decommissioning, he was trying to do something about it. That was the only reason he was here. And it was for Cody. 

Cody couldn't describe how that made him feel. He just hoped that Quinlan would recover okay.

And that the Jedi would arrive soon. 

.

Quinlan lost track of the days since the Kaminoans had captured him and found a reason to keep him and experiment on him. 

At least they wanted him to heal so they could keep experimenting. That meant that he was always left with Cody, no matter what state they were in. And from what Cody said, it had altered how they handled his experiments too, since he had to be available for cuddling.

The Kaminoans had exclaimed and whispered over the change in healing rate after just one night with Cody. 

Quinlan was just happy to be getting cuddles, and with his favorite clone too. He knew Cody was worrying. Quinlan was worrying over him too. 

But there wasn't any good way to get out of this, unfortunately. Not unless the Jedi showed up unexpectedly. 

Quinlan knew that could take months with the careful dance of politics and doing the right thing. Especially depending on where the trials led them. It might be better not to let on they know until they have all angles covered; learning that they know about decommissioning and everything associated with it would lead to the Sith knowing they were on his trail, whereas keeping it to themselves meant that they could surprise him. 

Regardless, he spent his time either in the experiments room or with Cody. They didn't give him his own cell. They sometimes kept him from Cody longer, trying to pinpoint how the lack of touch affected him and his healing.

The worst was when they were experimenting with his psychometry, trying to determine what he could feel where. Trying to figure out his limits and how it worked in general. 

He was getting nightmares from some of the things he was forced to touch. 

At least Cody was willing to meditate with him. Most of the time they ended up falling asleep meditating because they were just that tired from all they were dealing with. It was still better than nothing.

They never discussed their feelings, though they did exchange quiet 'I love you's from time to time. They spent time getting to know each other when they were awake, exchanging little tidbits here and there, revealing some deep secrets . 

.

When they were finally rescued, it had been almost four months. They were nearly unrecognizable to those that knew them.

They didn't talk about the experiments to anyone but the mind healers assigned to them. 

It took a long time for them to recover. 

By the time both of them were cleared again, the war had been over for months, and everyone was trying to figure out what they were going to do next.

Cody was constantly dragged everywhere by his worried brothers, trying to get him to talk. Trying to get him to act as before. 

Quinlan had a better time; Obi-Wan, Aayla, Tholme, and all his friends were well versed in what he was like after a traumatic situation, and he had all the space, cuddling, and talking he needed. 

.

Cody walked right into Quinlan's room and collapsed on the couch next to him with a groan. 

"That good?" Quinlan asked him sympathetically.

"They think I'm about to break down any minute or that I'm suddenly going to be like I was reconditioned," Cody groaned, leaning on Quinlan.

Quinlan winced. "They still don't know the details?"

"They haven't even asked ," Cody said exasperatedly. "Even though most of them have access to the report."

"Would hitting things make you feel better?" Quinlan asked, holding up the video game controller in his hand.

"I wouldn't want to mess up your save file..."

"Then start your own. This is a pretty good game to start playing video games with."

"Really?" Cody asked. He'd enjoyed watching Quinlan play it, cuddling and talking, and just enjoying the story.

"Yep. Go ahead. I'm getting to a part I know is going to frustrate me anyways."

Cody grinned and started a new save file. 

Spending quality time with Quinlan was the best. 

Cody beat the first boss with Quinlan's encouragement, and Quinlan was desperately trying not to shout advice so Cody could figure it out on his own. Excited, Cody kissed Quinlan.

Both of them froze and pulled away. 

Quinlan took his hand not meeting Cody's eyes as he ran a thumb over his hand gently. 

"We haven't talked about this," he said quietly. "Although I'd say we've had several dates at this point."

Cody nodded and squeezed his hand gently. "I'd like dating, especially if it's what we've already been doing. I like how we spend time together. There's no expectations for me, and you're always so relaxed when it's just us. I like that."

Quinlan smiled. "There's not many I can fully relax around," he admitted. "You know some of why, and I'm sure I'll tell you more over time. I've always enjoyed being able to be around people but not necessarily expected to be social."

"Most wouldn't expect that. You seem pretty extroverted."

"I am but I like the no expectations of just being, like this."

Cody smiled. "Me too. And as a bonus, we're both friends with Obi-Wan."

"Yep." Quinlan reached up and traced Cody's scar around his eye. "So... we're dating?"

"We are."

"Good." Quinlan pulled him into another kiss. 

Cody hummed happily.

.

Game nights became a regular thing after that. Cody was taking classes, mostly art, during the day as he debated on what he was going to do next. He knew Quinlan was fine with him being around, but he still wanted to contribute in some way. 

His brothers were still worried about him. He never explained where he was going because the first time he mentioned Quinlan, they didn't believe him.

Well, Cody was pretty sure Fox might have believed him from the way Fox had given him a considering look. Fox did have the most experience with Quinlan, after all.

He supposed he couldn't blame them for being worried. He had nearly been decommissioned and he had been in a rough state after the experiments. He would never be the same, and he probably couldn't do field work if he wanted to. 

Cody didn't want to talk about it. He wasn't even sure they were aware that he had been found with Quinlan. Of course they were worried.

But it was annoying. They didn't let him just be. He didn't feel like he was getting any quality time with them anymore. 

Which meant he was spending more time with Quinlan who did just let him be. They had fun together. Neither of them really talked about what happened, but they also didn't really need to. They had talked about it plenty when it was happening and in the immediate aftermath. 

. 

Cody arrived at Quinlan's apartment. "Happy birthday."

Quinlan beamed at him and kissed him. "Thank you. Oooh is that... wait..."

"I um. I contacted your cousin for the recipe." 

Quinlan raised an eyebrow. "That explains the fishing for information on our last call." He took a bite. "Oh..." He hummed happily, devouring it before going for another. "You got it right. I missed this."

Cody sighed in relief. "Oh, good. I'm still figuring out baking."

"Don't worry, you're really good," Quinlan assured him. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"You told me you weren't planning on doing anything for your birthday. I had to do something."

"I was hoping to watch you beat the game tonight?"

Cody blinked then smiled. "Of course. Best way to spend time together." He took a bite of the dessert he made and paused. "Whoa. Very sour. But very sweet. And so good." 

"Exactly why I love it." Quinlan grinned at him. "Now come on, let's cuddle!"

Cody laughed. "Alright alright." He kissed Quinlan. "Happy birthday."

Quinlan beamed at him. 

Cody got started on the game. Confusing mazes to get to the final boss. 

Quinlan watched, cuddling and occasionally adding commentary. He only offered advice if Cody wanted it. Sometimes he was browsing his holopad or playing app games. There was music playing in the background. 

Life was good. 

Cody cheered when he finally arrived at the final boss. 

Naturally, that was when the door opened. Quinlan's eyes were glued on the game once more, wanting to watch Cody's first attempts at the sequence of events for the final boss battle. 

"I told you, Aayla, I didn't really want to have a party or anything today," he said without even looking at the door.

Aayla, the first person in the door, huffed. "Too bad. I brought party snacks, all your favorites. There's presents. I am not missing your birthday after missing all your birthdays during the war."

Quinlan sighed. "Alright, alright fine. Get everything set up, I'm not moving."

Cody knew there were people there, he was aware that Bly had walked in the door after Aayla and had immediately done a double take. But Cody was focused on the game. 

Bly stared until Aayla tugged him over to help her. Those that arrived for the party were a mix of clones and Jedi that Quinlan was comfortable around. Obi-Wan, aware of Quinlan's relationship with Cody, had told Aayla that Cody's brothers would be fine, and not to worry about Cody. 

Aayla, also aware of the relationship after walking in on them kissing once, had laughed.

Fox was the second to last one through the door with Obi-Wan behind him.

"Knew it," Fox muttered.

Obi-Wan laughed. "How many credits did you win?"

"The entire pot," Fox replied smugly. "No one believed this was where Cody was going. Half of the bets were on your rooms, by the way."

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "Of course they were." 

"Want half the credits?"

"Keep them. I have plenty."

"Alright." Fox shook his head. "What game even is that?" 

Obi-Wan walked closer and grinned. "Oh! That's a good choice."

Cody smiled at him, then turned his attention back to the cut scene. "I enjoyed watching Quin play it. And now I am almost there... It shouldn't be long before I have beaten it... how many boss fights are there?"

"So many more," Quinlan chuckled. "We'll be here a while."

"I don't mind." Cody kissed his cheek before focusing once more.

Bly spluttered. 

Quinlan gave him an innocent smile. "Something on your mind, Bly?"

"You-Cody what?"

"It's called dating Bly," Cody replied dryly. "You know, like you're doing with Aayla?"

"Wait, so you've been coming here every night?"

"Yep." Cody started the next boss fight and focused, tapping away on the controller.

"...and you play video games?"

"Yep. It's a fun hobby. Best part is spending it with Quin, of course." 

"Aww, you're so sweet." Quinlan kissed his cheek and cuddled.

Obi-Wan laughed at Bly's face, and at Cody's other brothers. Even Rex was completely surprised by this turn of events.

Cody and Quinlan did not move from their spot on the couch. They munched on whatever snacks others gave them. 

"What kind of weapon even is that?" Rex asked, staring at the screen.

"It's called a keyblade," both Cody and Quinlan responded at the same time. 

Cody finally beat the boss. He stared at the screen. "Was... was that it?"

"Watch the cutscene and find out." Quinlan grinned and hugged him.

Cody sagged when he realized it was indeed the end of the game. That had been a lot. 

Then it sank in. "I did it! I beat the game."

Quinlan kissed him. "That you did. Let's switch it out for something more party friendly?"

Cody nodded. "Once I can save of course."

"Of course."

They kissed again until one of their family protested. 

Then it was fun party games and time, though Quinlan was never far from Cody.