Chapter Text
Cold.
The jarring chill startled him. It was the first thing Obi-Wan registered. It was a drastic change from the warm water in his fresher. He blinked and when he opened his eyes he saw white all around him.
Snow.
He wrapped his arms around his chest in a pathetic attempt to stay warm, not that it would do much since he was naked and wet.
He also wasn’t alone. So he likely wouldn’t be freezing to death. That was if the rather imperious looking man in front of him would be kind enough to offer him shelter.
The imperious man, who wore a disdainful expression with one severe brow arched, looked at him and frowned. He had a lightsaber hilt in his hands, so at least Obi-Wan was with other Jedi.
“Padawan?” The man said, voice as cold as the snow.
Obi-Wan opened his mouth to speak but hands were grabbing him from behind and a thick warm cloth was wrapped around him. It covered him down to mid-thigh which was better than before but his legs were still bare and he was already wet from the fresher.
“Sorry, kid,” A modulated voice said.
The cold must already be getting to him, his mind was slow. He glanced up and nearly screamed in shock. A metal helmet was above him and there were dozens all around him.
Mandalorians.
His soulmate.
Obi-Wan immediately perked up a little, clutching the cloth around himself tighter. He had known that it could happen, that he could appear at his soulmate’s side when their life was in danger but he had never quite expected it to happen like this. Also, how was he even supposed to help when he was naked? He had no lightsaber on him, nothing to defend himself or his soulmate.
“Jango, come look at this,” The same modulated voice from earlier said.
Jango Fett, the leader of the True Mandalorians, was probably his soulmate. If he had the energy to spare, he could’ve crowed with excitement. He had dreaded the possibility that it might be Tor Vizsla, the leader of Death Watch. There was also the chance that it was another Mandalorian. It could be someone else in the crowd around him.
Obi-Wan had done research once his soulmark appeared. It was a blue lightsaber, which he assumed was him, crossed over a distinctive black lightsaber, which he later figured out was the Darksaber, the symbol for the Mand’alor. As soon as he learned that particular fact, he had dived into Mandalorian politics to learn more about his future partner. It was a sign that someone out there wanted him when it felt like no one did since no master had wanted to choose him as their padawan.
A tall figure in silver and blue armor emerged and the crowd of Mandalorians closed around them.
“I’m showing Jango the soulmark, okay?” The other Mandalorian asked.
“What?”
Obi-Wan’s sluggish mind barely had a moment to register the words before he was spun around and the cloth was lifted, baring the soulmark above his right buttcheek.
It was really one of the more embarrassing locations. It had dismayed him when it first appeared. He couldn’t show it to anyone without worrying about flashing them. Of course, Quin thought the location was hilarious. Bruck had made the comment that that was how low his soulmate would think of him, wanting no one to know that he was their soulmate.
“Oh, kriff,” A deep, honey-like voice said. The cold might be getting to him if he thought that a voice could sound that good.
Obi-Wan watched with a dazed expression as the silver and blue armored Mandalorian, Jango Fett, took off his cloak and draped it over him. He pulled off his helmet and Obi-Wan blushed under the warm, golden gaze.
“What are you doing with that padawan?” The older Jedi shouted. Obi-Wan heard the tell-tale crackle of a lightsaber igniting.
That golden gaze hardened and Jango stood up. A gloved hand between his shoulders pressed him against Jango and Jango held a blaster up in his other hand, pointing towards the Jedi.
“This padawan is my soulmate,” Jango growled.
Obi-Wan vaguely realized he wasn’t shivering anymore.
“What do you mean?”
“Put your Jetii’kad down and I’ll show you.”
“Give me the padawan, and I’ll consider putting my lightsaber down,” The Jedi snarled.
“What’s going on?” Obi-Wan asked, barely able to keep his eyes open at that point.
“The Governor called in for Jedi help because a group of Mandalorians were terrorizing his people,” The Jedi said.
The hand between his shoulder blades pressed in harder. Obi-Wan rested his forehead against Jango’s arm; his head was getting heavier each second.
“That governor,” Jango snarled, “Called us in to help.”
“Do you see any other Mandalorians?”
Obi-Wan huffed to himself, huddling as close as possible to Jango as he could, trying to fight off a bone deep chill. Finding a group of Mandalorians and assuming that they were the only ones in the area was lazy. Also, True Mandalorians weren’t known for attacking without provocation.
“Do you have the request the governor sent you?” Obi-Wan asked, closing his eyes. If they could show proof that the governor asked for them that would clear them. It was the simplest solution and also the only solution he could think of as the cold was creeping into his mind.
Jango’s hand pulled away and without the support, Obi-Wan listed to the side. A hand on his shoulder caught him before he could fall.
“Jango,” A slightly panicked voice said, “He’s not shivering anymore.”
There were several curses before he was picked up and cradled against a hard chest plate.
“I’m not having my soulmate die of hypothermia— Myles, show him the governor’s message. Silas and Ja’rad, come with me. Master Jetii we can speak later, once my soulmate is well.”
There was some jostling and then an almost painful heat. Obi-Wan was laid down on something metal that radiated warmth. It seeped into his very bones, chasing away the chill.
Obi-Wan groaned and opened his eyes.
A Togrutan man was opening cabinets and humming to himself. The silver and blue armored Mandalorian was sitting in a chair next to him, reading over something on a pad. He was base human and he had dark, slightly curly hair. Several strands swept over his forehead.
His soulmate. Jango Fett.
As if aware of his thoughts, Jango glanced up and his face brightened.
“You’re awake,” he said, grinning.
“Hi,” Obi-Wan said, sitting up. The sheet covering him fell and he scrambled to grab it and cover himself.
“Silas is going to grab you some clothes,” Jango said.
“Thank you.”
Another Mandalorian walked into the room, the one who had given Obi-Wan his cloak earlier.
“Jango, the Jetiise are in the common area, waiting for you.” He spared Obi-Wan a glance. “Glad to see you’re awake, kid.”
Obi-Wan bristled at that, he wasn’t a kid and he couldn’t let his soulmate think he was.
“I’m not a kid, I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Padawan,” He said, holding out his hand.
“Myles Eldar,” He shook Obi-Wan’s hand and gestured to Jango with the other, “His second in command.”
They let go and Jango stepped forward and introduced himself.
“Jango Fett, Leader of the True Mandalorians.” They shook hands. Jango’s hand was much larger than his. He had a good grip and a few calluses.
“I’m glad it’s you,” Obi-Wan said after a moment.
Jango frowned, hand falling from Obi-Wan’s.
“Instead of Tor, I can’t imagine being a soulmate to him,” Obi-Wan shuddered.
“You know who he is?”
“Once I figured out what the other lightsaber was, I did research,” Obi-Wan said, shrugging. He didn’t say it was also because he wanted to know if there actually could be someone in the galaxy who wanted him.
During Bandomeer he had wished for his soulmate to appear and help him. He would’ve taken Tor as long as it meant he got off that planet and escaped Xanatos. When his soulmate never showed, it felt like another punch to the gut, just one more sign that another person didn’t want him.
“I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not,” Jango said, scratching the back of his head.
“Is he awake?” A blond human male asked as he walked into the small room. It was quickly getting crowded.
“Hi,” Obi-Wan said.
The blond man stammered a hello and thrust a pile of clothes at him. Obi-Wan caught them before they fell.
“Here, I couldn’t find anything smaller,” He said.
“Thank you,” Obi-Wan said, trained to be polite from a young age.
“Silas, can you see if the Jetiise need anything,” Jango said. Silas nodded and darted out of the room. Jango turned to Obi-Wan and his grin shifted into a grimace and he patted Obi-Wan on the head. “I’ll see you out there.” And left the room.
Obi-Wan frowned, watching him leave. Maybe even his soulmate didn’t want him. Obi-Wan couldn’t think of another reason for the condescending head pats and quick departure. His mood fell further as he wondered if the reason why Silas couldn’t be around him was because he and Jango were together and Obi-Wan’s appearance ruined it.
“Get changed, kid,” Myles said, leaning back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.
Right. Wondering why even his soulmate didn’t want him wasn’t going to help. He had to keep moving forward. Perhaps they could have a platonic relationship. Silas could be Jango’s lover and Obi-Wan would be Jango’s confidante? Friend? Either way it wasn’t very comforting.
The tunic was long sleeved and Obi-Wan had to roll them up to keep them from covering his hands. The underwear was also a little too big but there was nothing to do for that. The leggings had to be rolled up too and they had ties in the front so Obi-Wan was able to keep them from falling down his hips. The socks though were thick and cushioned and felt amazing, especially after being out in the cold.
Once he was dressed, Myles showed him to the common room. Jedi and Mandalorians filled it. In one corner, a few Mandalorians and Jedi were talking and laughing. The thick tension from earlier had disappeared. It didn’t feel like they bordered on bloodshed anymore.
Jango was talking with the Jedi from earlier. The Jedi's black hair was streaked with white at the sides. He had a long face and a sharp nose and yet his expression softened when he saw Obi-Wan.
“Ah, Padawan, are you feeling better?” He asked in a warm tone.
“I am, Master,” Obi-Wan said, bowing his head. To his dismay, Jango turned and was talking with Myles.
“Padawan, may I inquire as to what you were doing prior to appearing here?”
“I had finished lightsaber training and was in the fresher,” Obi-Wan said, cheeks warming.
“Ah, most unfortunate timing for you but perhaps perfect timing to avert a potential catastrophe.”
Jango snorted.
“We had told you the truth from the start.”
“Yes, there was an oversight at some point and we will all speak with the governor and get to the bottom of this.”
It sounded as though this was something that Jango and the Jedi Master had been speaking about for awhile.
“Now, padawan, who is your Master? Surely they must be worried over your sudden disappearance.”
“Master Jinn, Qui-Gon Jinn.”
The older Jedi blinked and then he shook his head, grinning.
“I am quite familiar with him. I hadn’t been aware I was speaking with my grand-padawan. I am Master Yan Dooku,” He said, holding out his hand.
“Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi,” He said, grinning. Once the man had lost the icy demeanor he was quite affable. They shook hands.
“May I see your soulmark? I want to compare it to Master Fett’s and register it with the Council.”
Obi-Wan’s cheeks flamed bright red.
“Master Dooku, it’s in a delicate area,” Obi-Wan said, pointing to the spot.
“Ah, that is a rather precarious spot, would you feel more comfortable showing me somewhere more private? Someone else of your choosing can accompany us if you wish.”
Well, everyone here had already seen him naked. If Master Dooku didn’t mind then he was alright with it.
“I can show you here, Master, I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable,” Obi-Wan said.
“Thank you for the consideration, my dear grand-padawan,” Master Dooku said, hitting him with a charming smile before turning to Jango with a more austere countenance. “If you will.”
Jango took off a vambrace, pulled up his sleeve, and held his bare arm over the table.
It was the same but for once Obi-Wan could easily see it right side up. It was a blue blade, the color of a clear sky on a sunny day, crossed over a dark black blade with a distinct angular hilt. The sight of it on another person made Obi-Wan’s heart pound in his chest.
“Can I touch it?” He asked, already reaching for it.
“Yes,” Jango whispered.
Obi-Wan’s fingers grazed over the sharp lines and it was like a spike of electricity shot through him. Jango’s arm twitched and Jango let out a hiss, drawing back from the touch.
Master Dooku’s fingers curled around his, drawing his hand back.
“Touching your soulmate’s mark can cause intense feelings, grand-padawan.”
“Oh, do you want to...” Obi-Wan turned to Jango.
“No,” Jango said sharply, shaking his head.
Right, how could he forget, his soulmate didn’t even want him.
“May I see yours?” Master Dooku asked.
Obi-Wan nodded and turned around. He untied his pants and pulled them and the underwear down far enough to show the soulmark.
Master Dooku glanced from one to the other and back several times before nodding his head and directing them to redress.
“Congratulations on finding your soulmate, grand-padawan, and,” He turned to Jango, “If you will give me your comm code, the Council can pass on updates about your soulmate or answer any questions you might have.”
“Thank you, Master Jetii,” Jango said, nodding.
“May I borrow your long range comms? I need to message the boy’s Master and inform him of his whereabouts and well-being.”
“Myles can show you the comm room,” Jango said.
“They're this way,” Myles said.
Master Dooku followed after him, leaving Jango and Obi-Wan alone in the crowded room.
Jango stared at him before sighing and leaning forward.
“How old are you?”
“13,” Obi-Wan said.
Jango groaned and shook his head. He mumbled under his breath what Obi-Wan suspected were curses in several languages.
“What about you?” Obi-Wan asked.
“22,” Jango said, sounding exceedingly resigned.
With a nine year age difference, Obi-Wan wouldn’t be surprised if they had a more platonic relationship. He had thought that he would meet his soulmate when he was older, maybe on some mission to Mandalore.
“Are you hungry?” Jango asked.
Considering that the last time he ate was an hour before practice and it had been several hours since then and a trip across the galaxy, which he still didn’t know what planet he was on, that would be a yes. Obi-Wan nodded his head.
“This way, let’s get you some grub,” Jango said.
They went to a kitchen and Jango opened the fridge and looked inside. He paused and then glanced back at Obi-Wan.
“Do you like tiingilar?”
“I’ve never had tiingilar,” Obi-Wan said but he knew what it was. He had devoured everything he could on Mandalorian culture. He wanted to know his soulmate and be ready for them. “I’d like to try it though.”
“Hey, any of you want tiingilar?” Jango leaned over and yelled into the common area. Several people said yes, including one of the Jedi.
Jango patted the counter away from the stove. “You can sit here while I heat it.”
Obi-Wan hopped onto the counter and his legs dangled off of it. What does one ask their soulmate, especially one that was almost ten years older? He didn’t think Jango would be interested in the varieties of Kyber crystal, Quin wasn’t interested in it but he still let Obi-Wan ramble about it the other day.
“Here,” Jango shoved something sticky into Obi-Wan’s hands, “It’s uj cake, my buir’s recipe.”
Buir, Mandalorian for parent, Obi-Wan recalled from his extensive studying at the archives. He really wanted to impress his soulmate. He wanted them to be proud that he was their soulmate.
“Thank you,” Obi-Wan said before taking a bite.
“There you two are,” Myles said, leaning in the doorway and grinning at the pair.
“Padawan Kenobi,” Master Dooku said, “I have informed your Master where you are and that you will return with us to Coruscant once our business on Galidraan is concluded.”
“Thank you, Master Dooku,” Obi-Wan said between bites of uj cake.
“You’re welcome,” Master Dooku’s expression shifted into something more serious, “Perhaps you and Myles here could go into the common area while I discuss a few things with Master Fett.”
“Come on, kid,” Myles said.
“I’ll bring you a bowl when it’s ready,” Jango said.
Knowing a dismissal when he heard one, Obi-Wan jumped off the counter and followed Myles to the common area and away from the kitchen. He couldn’t even glimpse Jango and Master Dooku.
“What are they talking about?” Obi-Wan asked once they sat down.
“Adult stuff,” Myles shrugged.
“Such as?”
“What Jango can expect with you as his soulmate, especially with you still being a padawan. He figured that since I was Jango’s second it’d be good if I knew too. You’ll probably get a similar talk at some point.”
Jango and Dooku eventually emerged from the kitchen, and Jango brought him a bowl of tiingilar which turned out to be even spicier than Obi-Wan had imagined it would be. Myles laughed and grabbed him a glass of blue milk. Jango just sat there shaking his head in amusement. They went to the governor’s mansion after that and found out about a big scandal and had to arrest the sniveling man. The Mandalorians got paid and when they said farewell, Jango patted Obi-Wan's head once more and Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. His soulmate was happy to see him go with the Jedi. On the ship, Dooku never mentioned anything about Obi-Wan's soulmate. He had Obi-Wan meditate with him and his padawan, Komari, and they sparred together.
Back at the temple, Qui-Gon met the ship and gave Obi-Wan his lightsaber. He smiled and asked how the trip was. His Master didn’t have a soulmark, he had never experienced disappearing and reappearing half-way across the galaxy. No one at the temple said anything to him about his soulmate and what would happen. Quin asked what his soulmate was like though. Obi-Wan hadn’t gotten to spend much time with him but he hoped he would see him again in the future. They were soulmates after all, surely they’d have more time together.