Mud | Obikin

18.

When we finally part, I decide lunch is not what I need and head directly to the Archives to set up my mission. My hope is that, where meditation failed, studying could thrive in clearing my mind.

As usual, I soon become absorbed in information and lose sight of my original goal. This occurrence is particularly welcomed today, as it keeps me from speculating about the real meaning behind Padme's words.

I'm intent on the events that forced the Followers of Palawa to abandon their planet, when Quinlan makes the chair in front of me creak under his weight, donning an aggravated expression.

"Did a Nexu eat your comm, or are you purposely avoiding me?"

I swiftly hush him. "People are studying in here."

He looked maddened before; now he's evidently ready for a fight. "That old Master over there wouldn't hear me if I yelled. I wanted to share with you what I found before going to Windu, but you left me no choice, you prickly Nerfherder. Could it be that what I said last night is too near the bone? You shouldn't let personal problems affect your duty."

I raise my eyes from my datapad to meet his. "You're right; I shouldn't. I bet you waited for the chance to tell me this your whole life."

Quin considers my countenance before speaking again, probably sensing that there's no use in kicking a dying man.

"What I'd have told you if you'd taken my calls is that tomorrow I'm going back down to the lower levels. Apparently, the explosive they used is uncommon on Coruscant, so I hope a tour of the black market could lead to something." His tone gets sharp. "Windu said you and Skywalker were to visit Palawa, following the fresh intel on Sing's movements."

"I requested it to be a solo mission."

My bluntness surprises him. "Alone could be bad, but without Skywalker is undeniably good. Does this mean you became wise overnight and decided to get rid of him?"

"Perhaps. I wouldn't say I am wise, though." My eyes drift down to my hands gripping the pad. I wonder if I'll ever get over this mess.

"Those puppy eyes of yours break my heart, Kenobi," Quin huffs. "By the maker, what has that boy done to you? I didn't even know you were into men."

"It is news to me too."

Inside me, something cracks. I've never considered this, and now I'm not sure what to think.

Quin rubs his furrowed brows, both worried and disappointed by my hopeless tone. "I've been too hard on you. There's something about Padawans that's just... I know, right? Tempting but utterly inappropriate. Most of us have been through similar poodoo; it will pass. Stay strong."

"If only we could stop talking about this..." I mutter, unnoticed.

"I got it!" He exclaims after some thinking, ignoring the indignant grumble of our archive colleague. "Take Shaali with you, two birds with one stone. Company and company." Then, suddenly thoughtful. "Or, I can find you someone else if that is not your type anymore..."

"If I hear another word about that girl, I'm going to push you off the Temple roof. I'll go alone, if Windu lets me, and I will try avoiding Anakin. That's all."

"You know, 'do or do not'..." He quickly raises his hands to protect his face before I hit him with the datapad. "Here's what we're going to do. Let me finish this last assignment here on Coruscant. When I'm done, I'll reach you on Palawa, and we can search the ruins together."

"You're not my type, Master Vos." I try not to grin and fail.

Quin slaps his thigh and laughs obnoxiously loud, pretending not to see the exasperated glances from the elderly Jedi behind me.