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By the time Quinlan returned from escorting Jinn to the ship Obi-Wan had almost finished the conversation with Master Koon.
He felt exhausted and honestly was on the verge of crying. He never realized just how little Jinn had told the council about various missions or that he’d even lied about some. Like Melidaan and why Obi-Wan left.
Obi-Wan supposes that by this point he should be over the disappointment, should be used to the fact that his old master would lie and keep secrets and manipulate situations so they best suited him. But it still hurt, it still made his stomach twist.
It’s with a soft reassurance in the force and the Kel-dor’s equivalent of a smile that he sends Obi-Wan to his friend. He doesn’t know if he is just guessing at his feelings or if Obi-Wan somehow gave away his fragile state but he appreciates it all the same.
He pauses on his way across the garden to allow Kae to check his hand over and give him a brief hug. He reassures them that he’ll talk to them later and that he and Quinlan won’t go far.
Quinlan wraps an arm around his shoulders as soon as he’s close enough to touch. “How’s the hand?” he asks.
“Fine. I do know how to punch.” Obi-Wan says indignantly.
Quinlan laughs and lets Obi-Wan lead them out of the garden. Even though it’s been a few years he still mostly knows his way around the biggest difference being that the small city is in much better shape now than it was.
“I missed you” Quinlan says once they’re far enough away. “I’ve been missing you for a long time. You’ve been so busy and even when we got to see you it was like you were barely there.”
“I’m sorry”
“No, it’s not your fault. What I mean is it’s good to see you like this. To see you happy and healthy. You know I’ve never liked Jinn and it’s good that you don’t have to deal with him anymore.” Quinlan says quietly to not be overheard by passing citizens.
Obi-Wan can’t help the small hitch in his breath. “What am I supposed to do now? How will I become a jedi without a master?”
“Obes you’re going to be the best jedi the order has ever seen.” Quinlan smiles as they turn onto a less busy street, “This isn’t going to change that, you’re too stubborn.”
“Thanks, I’m still worried though. Jinn was the only master who wanted me and even he rejected me at first.”
“Which I still think is stupid, you were always the best of us.”
“I’m too emotional and punching him proved it just like he said.” Obi-Wan sighs and leans against the wall of the alley they’d found themselves in.
“Obes” Quinlan sighs and looks for a second like he’s trying to figure out what to say, “He hurt you, badly. I know you still have trouble admitting it but Jinn was a shitty Master he didn’t deserve you and while punching him in front of council members might not have been the best idea it was less than what he deserved.”
Obi-Wan didn’t reply, just leaned into Quinlan’s side and let his friend hold him up. He might not know whether he will still become a jedi but something in him can’t regret everything that has happened. He can’t regret the friends he’s made, the care he so desperately is clinging to. It might not be jedi like, but he thinks that no matter what happens he will never be able to give up the parts of himself that are at their core mandalorian.
“I think that’s enough doom and gloom for now, why don’t you tell me about the chaos you’ve been up to the past little while before I’m forced to ask someone else.”
Obi-Wan laughs then realizes with mild horror the chaos that Quinlan and Arla becoming friends would lead to. “I’ll tell you whatever you want”