Chapter Text
Bruck could admit that he was not feeling very confident when the news of an adult Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi spread like a fact that was not to be questioned. His only relief was that even the main person concerned among them knew nothing about what was happening. Kenobi was still Kenobi and there was nothing more to say about that loser.
Then they learned more by listening to the Masters, Knights and Padawans talk. They had forgotten that children heard everything and talked. They were gossipers too.
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Force, High Councillor Obi-Wan Kenobi, was not just an exiled namesake, he was their Kenobi from the future.
That skinny idiot was going to become a High Councillor before he was forty, the youngest Councillor ever, and Bruck felt like he was losing his footing. He had always thought he was superior to Kenobi, the redhead was in no way better than him, but this? This was proof that not only was he better than him, he was better than everyone.
And that he was the one who was a failure.
About four weeks after the rumours began, a Master arrived at the Crèche, attracting their attention by being neither a Crèche Master from one of the Clans nor one of their EduCorps teachers.
"Master Docent."
Their Twi'lek Master frowned discreetly before softening her expression and turning to the newcomer, her Leks clearly conveying her annoyance at being addressed by her first name by a stranger, even to Bruck, who did not know the Twi'lek language.
"Master..."
"Kenobi. I would like to see Obi-Wan, please."
It was him. She had raised him, but now they were about the same age. It was extremely unsettling to see.
Fascinated, Bruck abruptly turned his head away when the Jedi Master's gaze fell on him and recognition lit up his eyes. He would prefer not to be recognised, thank you very much. He could not be a pleasant memory.
"Hello, Obi-Wan."
"Hello... Obi-Wan," the redhead replied confidently once he instinctively identified that he was facing his echo.
The adult simply smiled, looking amused, and took the Initiate away to talk. They returned much later, when they were revising lessons or reading to distract themselves. Both of them relaxed and confident.
Kenobi went back to talk to Eerin in a low voice, and when he passed in front of him, Bruck saw no anger. No mistrust. Just a thoughtful reflection.
What exactly had that guy said to him?
"Don't get a big head, Oafy-Wan," he muttered reflexively.
The redhead smiled a secret smile as he turned on a datapad, as if he knew more than he did.
"Don't you get a big head, Chun."
What did he mean by that? Why would he get a big head? What did he-
A large hand landed on his shoulder, making him jump.
"Bruck Chun, do you have a minute?"
"Yes, Master," he replied out of habit before grimacing when he saw that it was Master Kenobi.
"Good, follow me."
They went to a group meditation room a little further into the Crèche, and Bruck did not even dare look him in the eye. He had hit him just two days ago. He had insulted him five minutes ago.
"I'll be brief. Will you be my Padawan apprentice?"