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All the other seats in the Jedi Council room were taken when Mace entered and sat down on his seat, sighing heavily.

"So?" Master Yoda asked, not letting him even take a deeper breath.

"There is... light in the tunnel if they didn't feel insulted by Qui-Gon," Windu answered grimly.

"What exactly do you mean?" Plo Koon looked at him and then at Qui-Gon. The older Jedi master, standing in the center didn't look particularly guilty but his padawan, standing behind his master, seemed nervous. 

"They are ready to negotiate a peace treaty. But they want to... Seal the treaty with an arranged marriage between one of the members of the Jedi order and a royal family member Mandalore, probably one of the king's sons."

"Inform them, did you, that the Jedi generally don't marry?" Yoda asked.

"I didn't have time to tell him about it because Master Jinn immediately accused the king of... Wanting to have a hostage as an only condition to have peace."

"It's not a king, it's Mand'alor, a different concept," Obi-Wan murmured louder than he probably wanted, and then he looked up and blushed. "I'm sorry, I..."

"No, please, continue, padawan Kenobi, you seem to understand Mandalorian culture more than we do." Mace gestured to the rest of the council with an encouraging smile.

"I'm not sure the ruler of Mandalore should be called a king. Mand'alor it's a different term, literally a sole ruler. And kingship generally means passing power from generation to generation. On Mandalore technically everyone can challenge Mand'alor to a duel and if you win the Darksaber, you can rule. The fact the last Mand'alor and the present one were part of the same dynasty, and it seems like they are readying the oldest son to take the throne Did you know that thousands of years ago there was a Mand'alor that was accepted into the Jedi order?" when allowed to speak, Obi-Wan opened up with almost childish glee.

"Padawan Kenobi. Would you consider being the one to marry Mand'alor's son?" Windu asked gently. Obi-Wan seemed startled by the proposal.

"I am a man," he reminded, as if it wasn't obvious.

"Wait, are you really considering giving one of our own to them?!" Qui-Gon asked with anger.

"It was quite common in the history of many planets to seal a treaty with a marriage, master," Obi-Wan explained. "It still is. But it has to be done thoughtfully. Whoever will be chosen, they shouldn't be just stuck there on the mercy of foreigners."

"Are you considering agreeing?" Obi-Wan's master shook his head in disbelief. 

"I... I would like to meditate about that matter, Master Windu." Obi-Wan looked at Mace, not minding Qui-Gon's accusations. 

"Of course," the Jedi master nodded. "The temporary truce is still in power, and they are waiting for our answer before we continue negotiations. I guess they are as tired of this war as we are."

"Who wouldn't be? We were fighting for the last seven years." Plo Koon spoke. "I would marry into the Mandalorian family myself if it meant stopping the war,” he added with a chuckle.

"Unfortunately the king... Mand'alor," Mace corrected himself. "Gave us requirements in the matter of choosing our candidate should we agree to the marriage. I'm not sure what will he do if we don't."

“If the truce is still in power then they take into account that we might not agree.” Qui-Gon shrugged. “I’m not going to apologize.”

“I know you are not.” Mace sighed.

“May I be excused, Masters?” Obi-Wan asked

"Of course."

Obi-Wan bowed and hurried out of the room, a long robe fluttering behind him.

***

"So how did the negotiations go, buir?" Cody asked as soon as his father entered the dining room.

"Honestly, I have no idea." he sighed, dropping on the seat on the other side of the table. "Everything went well until I proposed the marriage, which was quite an obvious part of the deal, at least to me, and one of them decided I wanted to take hostage to keep the deal and generally became angry. The other one apologized and asked for some time to take the news back to their council so of course I agreed. And we will wait."

"They don't marry, so it was strange," Alpha clarified as he moved from the door to the table.

"They don't? And you couldn't have told me that before the negotiations?"

"You didn't ask. And I was kind of curious how far they will go for the peace."

"They want that peace as much as we do. They wouldn't reach out to me to negotiate if they didn't."

"I'm a soldier, so I'm not believing people so easily, my king."

“Enough with the theatrics, vod,” Jango hissed. “It’s one thing you didn’t tell me, but stupid answers are not going to make your situation better.”

Alpha laughed.

“Let me be myself, my king,” he stressed the last word. “You know I’m the most efficient then.”

“Be gone.” Jango shook his head, fighting a smile.

"I'm always amazed by the way you two talk to each other." Cody shook his head and then looked at his father.

"It has always been like this between the two of us. This friendly rivalry kept us alive before we met your grandfather who took us in." Jango looked lost in his memories for a moment before he sighed. "Back to the topic of negotiations... I truly think they will agree. Before we hit the proposal of marriage, I think we were on the same page in many aspects."

"I hope you're right, buir. I hate seeing our people die in that stupid war. I just hate it took us so long to start negotiating."

"And I'm just glad we finally got to that point." Jango smiled.

"So I should be getting ready to get married soon," Cody said almost grimly.

"You know it's our only chance..."

"Yes, I know, I've always known that I'll probably marry for political advantage. I just thought it would be a bit later."

"I did what I could so it wouldn't be too... Problematic for you."

"What do you mean?"

"I made sure that if they agreed to our terms, they would choose the most appropriate candidate. I emphasized the candidate must be a man, preferably human, and no older than two years from you. I don't want you to be unhappy just because you don't marry for love."

Cody smiled.

"Thank you, buir," he said.

***

"You're insane! How can you even consider marrying someone you never met?!" Quinlan shook him by the shoulders. Obi-Wan broke the hold and moved back from him.

"I didn't ask you to come here so you could yell at me, Quinlan," he said calmly. "Besides Master Qui-Gon already did."

"Then he did something right for once! You don't even know that prince you're going to marry!"

"It is my duty for the Republic and the Jedi. If I can help to stop this war, then I will do anything to stop it."

"Because you're insane."

"Because it is the right thing to do."

"Well, at least you didn't volunteer yourself. Maybe you have some sanity left."

"I didn't ask you to come here to comment on my decision, which isn't final by the way."

"So why am I here, Obes?" Quinlan looked at him closely. 

"I wanted you to meditate with me. On the matter of that marriage, yes, but... You know I always did better when meditating with someone. And you're the one I trust the most."

"Don't worry, Obes. I'm on your side, no matter what stupid decision you're going to make next." Quinlan hugged him with one arm. "Here? Or the Room of the Thousand Fountains?"

"Here. I need some quietness."

Quinlan nodded and a moment later they settled into meditation, side by side, hands intertwined.

***

"So, padawan Kenobi, I believe you made a decision?" Windu started, looking at the young man intensely.

"Yes, master. I agree to participate in that arranged marriage." There was a relieved murmur around the Council Room before Obi-Wan spoke again. "Under one condition."

"Which is?"

"I want to be able to take trials."

"I'm afraid it might be hard before the wedding..." Windu started and Obi-Wan silenced him with a hand gesture. Qui-Gon was secretly proud of him. 

"I'm not stupid, I know it's quite impossible to do it before the wedding. But I want to make sure that you will let me take trials after the wedding and that Mand'alor will let me come back here to take them, and I want to have it in writing. I talked to my master and to other masters that helped in my training and they are all positive that I can pass the trials."

Qui-Gon patted him on the shoulder to show him his support.

"I promise, on behalf of the council, that you will be allowed to take the Trials. And about the other request, we'll pass it on to Mand'alor during negotiations. And I will do my best to guarantee this annotation to be included in the official documents."

"Thank you, Master Windu." Obi-Wan bowed his head slightly. 

***

"When will I meet him, buir?" 

"Three days before the wedding." 

"Three?" Cody exclaimed. "No. Give me more time. Please."

"It is your duty..."

"I know! I know it is my duty to do what the Mand'alor commands and I was raised knowing I probably won't marry for love. But I don't want to marry a complete stranger! If he comes here three days before the wedding, with all the official things we both need to do I'll spend with him what, two hours? Three?"

"What do you want me to do, Cody?!" Jango raised from his seat. "I'm as bound by duty as you are! We can't afford to fight for another year!"

"I'm not asking for a year! I want a whole week with my soon-to-be husband! A week without responsibilities so I won't end up married to someone who will hate me for merely existing!" Cody raised his voice as well. "It's easy for Jedi to hate me, as a son of the ruler they were fighting for the last seven years."

"I'll see what I can do, ad'ika," Jango said softly. "I'll contact the Jedi council and ask them but I can't promise you anything."

"Thank you, buir." Cody came closer to him to hide in his father's arms for a moment. He might have been eighteen but in a moment like this, he needed all the support he could get. Jango hugged him with the same force.

***

Obi-Wan left the ship walking next to Qui-Gon, his head high, trying not to show how nervous he actually was. Mand'alor, in full, shining armor, stood there with two other men, the youngest being probably his future spouse, as Obi-Wan thought.

"Master Jedi," Jango said looking at Qui-Gon. "Padawan Kenobi. This is Cody, my son, and your soon-to-be husband."

"Obi-Wan Kenobi," he introduced himself to the prince. "This is my master, Qui Gon Jinn."

"Master?" Neutral expression disappeared from Cody's face replaced by anger. "Bercet'ad? Is that how Jedi are keeping their young? As slaves?"

Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan and then at Jango, who frowned.

"No!" Obi-Wan answered quickly. "Not like this. I'm his..." he hesitated, looking for a good word. "Hibir. He teaches me. I'm no one's property. You misunderstood, your highness."

"You know mando'a?" Cody seemed so surprised he barely looked angry. "And call me Cody, or Kote, this time next week you will be my husband, arranged marriage or not, we will be equal." 

"Not fluently. But I used to be... Fascinated by Mandalorian culture, before the war, of course. I picked up the language."

"And no one pressured you to marry me?" Cody asked to clarify.

"No. I was asked, and they gave me enough time to think about it and I agreed. Fully consensual."

Cody looked at Qui-Gon who wasn't sure he was supposed to be scared or amused.

"I'm sorry, Master Jedi. I... Acted too quickly."

"I'm almost glad you did. It gives me hope that Obi-Wan will be even safer here than I initially thought if you protect him so fiercely at the first meeting."

"Kote," Jango looked at his son. "How about you show your fiancé around?"

"Yes, buir." He nodded.

He came closer to Obi-Wan and offered his arm.

"Shall we?"

***

They were strolling through the palace slowly, Cody speaking softly about the places, their history, and everything that could be interesting for his guest (fiancé). Alpha kept close behind them, not a word from him.

"This is my quarters," Cody said finally as they reached the east wing of the palace. "The door directly opposite is your room."

"After the wedding, it will be expected for you two to share." There was a teasing note in Alpha's voice as he spoke for the first time.

"I don't care what will be expected," Cody snapped. "It's not like they can expect a child from this marriage in any other way than Gai Bal Manda." He looked at Obi-Wan. "Don't worry. We can stay in separate rooms as long as you prefer."

"Thank you." Obi-Wan smiled lightly.

"Come on. I wanted to show you the winter garden."

"Lead the way, my dear." 

***

"Kote!" the kid ran through the garden toward them. He suddenly stopped before them. 

"Who are you?" He asked looking at Obi-Wan suspiciously.

"This is my fiancé, Tup'ika," Cody answered. "I told you about that, remember? That I am going to marry soon? That I will have a husband and there will be a huge party?"

"But you don't know him! He was never here and I didn't see him so you didn't too! How can you know he can eat tiingilar? You said it yourself, that you couldn't marry someone who can't eat tiingilar!"

Cody ruffled his hair, smiling.

"Sometimes there are more important things than tiingilar, Tup'ika," he explained. "And we can't always do what we really want. Sometimes we have to do our duty."

"It's stupid," Tup pouted.

"It's life, vod'ika. One day you will have duties too, and you will have to do what you will be asked."

"All right, Your Highness, it's high time for you to take a nap," Alpha decided. Tup whined but when Alpha took him in his arms, Tup’s eyes began dropping and he probably was asleep before they reached the little prince's rooms.

"Well. That went well," Obi-Wan said slowly. Cody snorted.

"He'll warm up to you. He's four, it's the age when children don't like changes."

"Oh, I know," Obi-Wan answered with a laugh. "I used to spend so much time in the crèche with younglings and many of them were just like your brother."

"Younglings?" Cody asked, confused.

"Oh. Sorry it was obvious to me, but I guess you never really studied how the Jedi Order works. So, when children arrive at the Jedi Temple they are at crèche first and we call them younglings. Later, typically thirteen years old or slightly older or younger they become padawans. Younglings are being taught by many masters and they rarely leave the Temple while padawans are practically glued to their master's side and they learn that way."

"And you... Don't kidnap children?" Cody asked uncertainly and Obi-Wan snorted.

"No," he answered. "Although many planets accused us of doing so. When Jedi locate a force-sensitive child, which means that a child is more predisposed to use force than other children, the Jedi masters talk to their parents and offer training. And if they don’t agree, then it’s done. No pressure, just… From what I know there is constant observation of the force-sensitive children to make sure they are not in the circle of interest of Sith.”

“And your parents were glad to agree? Or was it a difficult farewell?” Cody looked concerned.

“Oh. I never met them. I was dropped off at the Jedi Temple with a letter that I am force-sensitive and they needed to hide me.”

“Your family… just abandoned you?” Cody frowned.

“I don’t think they did that to just get rid of me, but they wanted to keep me safe. But to say it bluntly yes, I was just dumped at the age of six months.”

“You speak about it so carelessly… It’s so strange for me. Family is everything for Mandalorians.” Cody shook his head.

“As a Jedi, you learn that you are not really important. I mean you are, but it’s…” Obi-Wan hesitated. “That’s the main reason Jedi rarely have families. Because it’s difficult to do your duty when you’re worried about your spouse or children.” He ended melancholically.

“It seems… I can’t imagine being raised like that. It goes against what I was brought up with.”

“I hope our different upbringing won’t make that marriage more difficult?” Obi-Wan smiled lightly. Cody looked at him, really looked at him for the first time since he arrived, and he saw a lost young man, alone on a foreign planet, and promised him, in the safety of his own mind, to always protect him.

“No,” he answered finally, returning the smile. “I think we both will learn something from it.”

***

The next day, early in the morning Cody knocked on Obi-Wan’s door. No one answered.

“He left, Your Highness,” one of the guards supplied. “He is in the winter garden, or at least that’s what he told me.”

“Thank you,” Cody answered and he headed in the indicated direction.

Obi-Wan was sitting on the ground in a secluded corner of the garden, legs crossed, eyes closed. He was breathing evenly and he radiated so much calmness that Cody felt strangely at peace.

He sat in front of the young Jedi.

"Obi-Wan?" he asked softly. Obi-Wan opened his eyes and blinked slowly.

"Oh," he said. "I didn't... Miss anything?"

"No." Cody chuckled. "I just wanted to ask you to join me for breakfast. You weren't in your room and the guard told me you were heading here, so I came."

"Aren't we already late for the meal? I might have... Lost track of time." Obi-Wan smiled sheepishly.

"I'll ask for the food to be brought here. Wait a minute." Cody stood up before Obi-Wan could stop him.

"So I've been meaning to ask," Obi-Wan spoke as they were halfway through the meal, shared in the garden.

"By all means."

"You are called both Cody and Kote, your father or uncle doesn't seem to have a Mandalorian name and you called your little brother Tup. Can I ask about the names? Are you the only one who has two?"

Cody smiled.

"Buir wanted his children to have Mandalorian names but he regretted it pretty quickly. He kept finding them for the youngest though. We call Rayshe'a Fives, and he got his name because he is the fifth child of my father. His twin's name is Eyayah, and we call him Echo. And I'm Kote, but Cody is easier to pronounce so it stuck. Tup's Mandalorian name is Tionas, but to be honest no one really likes it." Cody chuckled. "So he is Tup most of the time. Rex's Mandalorian name is Rhal and I have no idea what Wolffe's is because it's like everyone who knows it swore not to mention it again."

"So should I call you Cody or Kote? And what about your brothers? You know, I want to make a good impression."

"I prefer Cody, but both are fine, really. Fives prefers the nickname, but his twin actually prefers Eyayah, and with the rest... Well, they will react if you use Mandalorian names but I think they like the *normal* ones better."

"Noted." Obi-Wan smiled. "Thank you."

His smile was so blinding that Cody forgot how to breathe for a moment. 

**

"You like him."

"He is my fiancé in an arranged marriage," Cody said stiffly.

"And you like him!" Rex sounded almost accusatory. "You can't wait to kiss him, can you?"

"I am doing my duty."

"And you wish part of that duty was a public consummation like it used to be, don't you?" Rex teased.

"Shut up!" Cody hissed angrily and he would probably move forward to hit him but he noticed his father's stern look.

"Udesiir, ad'ike," he said coming closer. "Rex, you can leave now. I'll take it from here." 

"Yes, buir," he answered, bowed his head, and left, sending Cody one last smile.

"How are you feeling?" Jango asked, looking at his son closely.

"I'm terribly nervous," Cody answered. "But it's fine. We... Get along far better than I thought we would. So I am quite happy."

"You do like him." Jango grinned and Cody pouted. "Come on. It's going to start soon. You'll be fine on your own?"

"Where are you going?"

"To make sure your fiancé is not running away."

***

Obi-Wan sighed, adjusting the long ceremonial dress he was gifted by the Council for him to wear for the wedding. His hair was tied loosely at the back of his neck and his padawan braid was temporarily tied at the top of his head. He fidgeted a bit with a vambrace on his right forearm, just to get some calmness in the mindless moves.

"How are you feeling, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Nervous." Obi-Wan giggled nervously. "But I'll manage."

"No second thoughts?"

"No, master."

"Come on, Obi-Wan, aren't you even a little bit worried?" Qui-Gon sounded almost angry and it made Obi-Wan laugh.

"I like to think that the Force knows what it's doing and if I'm here then it was planned somehow."

"May I?" Jango entered the room, knocking on the doorframe.

"Yes, Mand'alor, of course." Obi-Wan looked at him.

"I was wondering if we could talk before the ceremony. Just the two of us?"

"Will you be all right?" Qui-Gon asked and Obi-Wan nodded.

"I'll be fine, master."

"Just so you know, because maybe it's not so clear. I am very proud of you, padawan." He kissed the top of Obi-Wan's head and left the room, closing the door behind.

"What did you want to talk about, sir?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Not sir, please. In about thirty minutes you will be my son-in-law," Jango answered with a smile. "I just wanted to ask how are you doing."

"I'm fine. Nervous but it's all right. I'm worried I'm going to misspell something in mando'a and make a laughing stock out of myself."

"Want to practice for the last time?"

"Not really, I have a feeling it will make me feel even more nervous."

Jango squeezed his shoulder encouragingly.

"It will be all right, ad'ika," he said. "It's not like public consummation is still on a table, it's just a kiss and you're done."

Obi-Wan snorted.

"Thank you," he answered.

"Shall we?" Jango offered his arm in a similar gesture to what Cody did at their first meeting. "Everyone is waiting for you. Well, probably for me as well."

Obi-Wan smiled and together they went out of the backroom.

***

Obi-Wan couldn't really focus on what was said during the ceremony, even though he had a translator so the incomprehension wasn't the case. He was just so nervous he barely registered that it was time for the marriage vows. Cody put his hand on Obi-Wan's wrist.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, just nervous." Cody smiled at him encouragingly. 

The ceremony started. They grabbed each other's vambraces (the only part of the armor they both were wearing), and Cody spoke first, reciting clearly the words of riduurok. After he finished, Obi-Wan Knew it was his turn but he still hesitated for a moment. When he recited the wedding vows his translator huffed behind him.

"I don't know why am even here You speak mando'a almost as well as I do," he mumbled making Obi-Wan snort.

In the corner of his eye, he saw that Cody was moving closer and suddenly he remembered about the kiss. So he moved forward definitely too quickly, head-butting Cody in the process. Cody staggered and Obi-Wan panicked.

"Are you all right?!" he asked quickly, not knowing if he should come closer or rather away. Cody snickered, barely refraining himself from laughing louder.

"It's all right, I'm fine. Kriff, nice hit."

"I'm sorry." Obi-Wan couldn't look him in the eye. He thought that no, he wasn’t nervous before, just a little anxious, but now he was terrified. He just head-butted Mand’alor’s son. During their wedding ceremony. Was there a worse way to start a relationship?

"Don't be, I guess I should have warned you what I'm going to do." Cody smiled. "So? May I kiss you to seal the marriage?"

Obi-Wan nodded, too nervous to trust his voice. Cody stepped closer, closing the gap between them Obi-Wan held his breath until their lips touched then he raised his shaking hands to grip Cody's shoulders as Cody put his around his waist. The kiss was gentle, so different from what Obi-Wan was expecting from the Mandalorian heir. 

When they parted Obi-wan couldn't remember what he was so nervous about. Cody shared the sentiment.

Five months later

Obi-Wan looked behind his shoulder to check if Cody was still sleeping before picking up his comm.

"Master Windu, Master Qui-Gon," he greeted the two Jedi masters, smiling at his Master's face.

"Padawan Kenobi," Windu answered. "We're pleased to inform you that everything is ready for you to take trials. You will be welcome here whenever you're ready. Let us know when you will be able to get here."

"Of course." Obi-Wan bowed his head. "I'll see when we could leave and get to the Jedi Temple."

"We?" Windu asked, frowning.

"Yes? Me and my husband?"

"Is it necessary for him to come with you?" something in that statement made Obi-Wan so angry that he barely refrained from lashing out.

"Yes," he answered stiffly. "If you have something against him coming with me, then I'm not coming as well."

"It was you who asked to be allowed to take trials after the wedding."

"And it was who asked me to get married to bring peace."

Qui-Gon looked really amused. Windu looked undecided for a moment before sighing.

"Fine," he finally said. "Let us know when the two of you may arrive."

"Thank you, masters." Obi-Wan bowed his head again and disconnected.

Then he cursed.

"You all right?" he heard Cody's hoarse voice behind him before the other man put his hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, just a bit angry," Obi-Wan answered. "The council contacted me about the Trials."

"But it's a good thing, right? I mean you wanted to take trials even after the marriage."

"Yes, that's the better part. But Master Windu seemed surprised I wanted to come with me!"

"You know I don't have to."

"I want you to," Obi-Wan answered with a pout and Cody laughed, bringing him into a keldabe for a moment. 

"But they agreed so I just need to know when we could leave," Obi-Wan added after a moment as he moved back.

"Sometime next week? The end, maybe?"

"Works for me." Obi-Wan smiled. "Thank you."

Cody kissed him on the forehead and got out of the bed.

***

They got off the ship in Coruscant port and Obi-Wan felt for the first time how much he missed that place. He smiled and ran towards Qui-Gon, who opened his arms. Obi-Wan didn’t hesitate to hug him.

"It's good to see you, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon patted his back.

"It's good to see you, master," Obi-Wan answered, smiling. "The council is this angry at me that they only sent you?"

"And me!" Obi-Wan heard the small voice and he realized that there was a little boy behind Qui-Gon. He looked at his master questioningly.

"Obi-Wan, this is Anakin." Qui-Gon put his hand on the boy's head. "Hopefully he will be my padawan soon."

"So you're just waiting for me to finally take the Trials and give you a place for a new padawan?" Obi-Wan asked, grinning when Qui-Gon sputtered. "Don't worry, Master, I know it's not that."

"I would be waiting for how long you needed. But I'm convinced you were ready for some time to become a knight."

Obi-Wan smiled and then he crouched in front of Anakin, holding out his hand.

"I'm Obi-Wan. It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too!" Anakin beamed. "How are you? Who is that man that came with you? Why aren't you living in the Jedi Temple?"

Obi-Wan laughed.

"One question at a time, kid." He shook his head. "I'm fine, thank you for asking. This man is my husband, Cody, he is from Mandalore and that's why I am not living in the temple, because I'm living with him."

"Jedi can marry?" Anakin's eyes became bigger and he looked shyly at Cody, who sent him an encouraging smile.

"They can," Obi-Wan answered. "But it's not so easy so many choose not to."

"All right, I think we should head to the temple," Qui-Gon announced. "From what I know they want you to take the Trials tomorrow so you have some time to rest after your journey here."

They made their way towards the Jedi Temple and Obi-Wan couldn't help smiling, seeing all the places that used to be his home. He felt Cody's hand closing around his and he shot him a smile.

The rest of the Jedi Council was waiting for them inside the Temple. Obi-Wan let go of Cody's hand and stepped forward, bowing in front of them.

"Masters," he said, looking at them.

"Padawan Kenobi. Good it is, to see you," Yoda answered first, smiling. "Not alone you are, hm?"

"Yes, master. But I don't think I have to introduce you to my husband?" he raised his eyebrows questioningly.

"You don't," Windu said seriously. "You will take the Trials first thing in the morning. If everything goes the way it was planned, you will be able to leave the planet in two days."

"Trying to get rid of me so quickly, master Windu?"

"I said that you could, not have to." Windu shook his head. "Your master is a bad influence." he chuckled.

"But you still let him train another kid!" Obi-Wan laughed. "Will it be strange if I said that I missed you?" "Missed as well, you were, Padawan Kenobi,” Yoda answered.

“We readied a room for you two. I apologize in advance because it is quite far, but we wanted to make sure you two will be comfortable so we chose unused quarters ready to share by a master-padawan pair," Plo added. "I'll ask one of the younglings to show you the way."

"Thank you, masters." Obi-Wan bowed his head again and Cody did the same after a moment.

***

"Do you think we should tell them that we didn't need separate beds?" Cody asked, giggling as the two of them fell on the bed.

"It's more fun this way." Obi-Wan shook his head and then moved to kiss his husband.

Neither of them expected to grow so close so quickly, but when it happened, it seemed so natural that they didn't even question it. The first time they shared the bed was pretty early in their relationship, as Obi-Wan woke up in the middle of the night, terrified by a nightmare, and sought comfort from Cody almost unconsciously. Which was the good thing because he didn't feel like a burden and Cody was happy to help. At first, the co-sleeping was sporadic, mostly induced by nightmares, but at some point, it started to feel more normal than sleeping alone. After that, it took off like an avalanche and before they knew it they behaved like a couple that knew each other forever.

"So what now?" Cody asked when they were lying in bed.

"We should probably join them for dinner, which is quite sad, I wanted to take you to Dex's," Obi-Wan answered. "And then I should go to sleep, the Trials begin early and I'd like to meditate before them."

"What the Trials are like?"

"I can't really tell you. Because it's rather kept in a secret but also because I don't know either. It's slightly different to every padawan."

"So you just go in there in blind."

"Exactly!" Obi-Wan giggled. "It will be fine, though. I'm not alone, I mean I am but under constant observation. So I'm safe."

"Wake me up before you leave, I'll be waiting for you to finish the Trials."

"It may take a long hours."

"I don't care."

Obi-Wan smiled at him softly.

"Thank you, Cody."

"Always, love."

***

Obi-Wan disappeared behind the doors of the Jedi Trials chamber almost three hours ago but for Cody, it felt like an eternity. At some point, he started pacing in front of the door.

"It may take some time, your highness. I can inform you when the Trials are done if you want to return to your quarters," Plo Koon spoke looking at him. He was the only Jedi master that didn't disappear when Obi-Wan started his Trials and Cody suspected it was because he was delegated to keep an eye on him.

"I promised him I'll be waiting here for him," Cody answered with determination. "Unless I can't be here?" he asked, wishing the Jedi would deny. 

"You can stay." Plo's voice was soft. "I think he will be done soon."

"I hope so, I..." he almost said he missed him but he stopped himself. It was stupid to miss him so quickly, but that's how he felt right now.

Plo didn't press for him to finish the sentence smiling a bit brighter.

Finally, forty minutes later Obi-Wan opened the door and stepped out. Cody walked towards him quickly.

"So?" he asked.

"Well... I'm afraid you will have to live without seeing my padawan braid," Obi-Wan answered with a playful smile, his eyes shining. Cody pulled him into his arms and spun them around, happy to hear the surprised but amused giggle of his husband.

"I'm proud of you," he said, taking Obi-Wan's face in his hands before pulling him into a kiss. Obi-Wan embraced him, deepening the kiss, neither of them minding that they weren't alone. Finally, Master Windu ostentatiously cleared his throat so Obi-Wan reluctantly moved back, turning to face the Jedi Council and his own master, who looked very smug.

"I'm sorry master," Obi-Wan said bowing his head. "It's just... What's a better way to celebrate the passed trials than kissing your husband?" he finished, grinning. Windu shook his head.

"Arranged marriage, it was," Yoda spoke and it sounded almost accusatory which made Obi-Wan laugh.

"Why does everyone feel the need to remind us we got married as a result of an arranged marriage? So what, if it was arranged then there can't be love involved? We have to be miserable because we probably would meet if it wasn't for the war?"

"Trials, you passed. Attachments, you have not," Yoda finally said.

"I know I don’t, master."

"So what happens now?" Cody asked, trying to change the subject.

"Well, now I'll be meditating for a whole rotation, then I'll lose my padawan braid and we're free to go." Obi-Wan grinned again.

"If I may..." Windu spoke, getting their attention. "Because your situation is not a common occurrence, we made... Arrangements."

"What arrangements?" Obi-Wan frowned slightly.

"It's nothing bad!” Mace said quickly. “It's a good one actually. We... Organized a small celebration, because you won't be here as other young knights and the whole situation is specific. We can call the whole thing off, of course, if you two have to leave, I understand it is unexpected. But I'll let you know we managed to bring Quinlan back to Coruscant, so I hope you will be able to stay long enough to meet with him.”

“You have to meet Quinlan!” Obi-Wan turned to Cody, so excited that Cody chuckled. Obi-Wan’s enthusiasm deflated a bit after a moment.

“Can we stay, Cody? I mean the duties?” he asked.

“I cleared two whole weeks for us,” Cody answered smiling and Obi-Wan was quick to hug him tight.

“Thank you,” he whispered and Cody pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Everything for you.” And as he spoke he understood that it was how he truly felt.

He really would do anything to make Obi-Wan happy. 

***

Quinlan was... Chaotic, but he and Obi-Wan were so in sync it was nice to look at. They were almost inseparable as soon as Obi-Wan introduced Cody to Quinlan and a second later they were somewhere else. Cody just chuckled and busied himself with drinking tea. When he was sure Obi-Wan disappeared for a longer time, he moved closer to Mace.

"Master Windu," he started. "Could we talk?"

"Of course, your highness."

"Just Cody," he answered, smiling.

"So what can I do for you, Cody?" 

"What are Obi-Wan's ... options now?" 

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean.”

"From what he has told me after passing the trials, the knight takes a youngling to teach.”

"Obi-Wan won't be permitted to do so, as long as he stays on Mandalore with you." 

"Why?" 

"It's no one's fault, really. It's true that a knight becomes a master for a padawan learner, but he is not the only teacher the child has. Most of the masters help, in one way or the other. It won't be possible to train a padawan in isolation from the temple.”

Cody was silent for a moment.

“What if there was a Jedi Temple on Mandalore?”

Mace cocked his head to the side.

“What are you suggesting?”

“Would it be possible to open a Jedi Temple somewhere else?”

“Is it something Mand’alor wants?”

“I didn’t talk with buir about it, if that’s what you are asking. But I want to, so I’m asking if there is anything to talk about.”

“Why?”

“Because I want Obi-Wan to be happier. I can’t imagine him being happy just sitting there with me, hoping no one will contact him from here because it would mean there is something wrong,” Cody answered, almost angrily and it softened something in Mace’s gaze.

“I can’t make a decision for a whole council,” he answered. “But we’ll talk about it, and I’ll contact your father should we decide that’s something worth doing.”

Cody smiled lightly.

“Thank you.”

“I do not promise anything.”

“I know.”

“Why do you two seem so serious?” Obi-Wan appeared next to them and Cody sent him a bright smile.

“I needed to busy myself with something when you disappeared, didn’t I?”

“I’m sorry, it’s just…”

“I’m not serious, cyare,” he interrupted him, taking his hand. “Use all the time you have here, I will have you for myself when we get back to Mandalore.”

“So what were you talking about?” Obi-Wan swiftly changed the topic.

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Hey!” Obi-Wan pouted and Cody just kissed him quickly. When he moved back, Obi-Wan pulled him close once again, and the next kiss was longer.

Mace Windu smiled and he thought, that maybe the marriage was one of the better things that might have happened to Obi-Wan.