He was stumped. Garen Muln lamented over the fact that he had allowed himself to become stuck in a rut.

He was perturbed. Had he been deceived? Did he really see what he thought he saw? Was it a mundane dream that was a side effect of too much blue milk before bed?

He never knew it was ever like that. He didn't think it was possible for something like that to happen within the ranks of the Jedi Order.

Then again, everyone had their secrets. He was sure he had stumbled upon one of the deepest and darkest of them.

He could not manage the burden alone. It would torment him to the brink of madness if he did not spill the truth to somebody! He would never be able to meet their gazes, or accept their praise, or obey their commands, without an aching, weary mind.

And they would see that. They would know something was wrong. If Garen's will was bent enough, suppose they just delved into his thoughts to fish out the truth!

And to keep their secret safe, what length would they go to? Brainwashing? Solemn oath? "Murder?" He whispered aloud, shivering.

The cheery, beige walls of his room were taunting him; encouraging him to be at peace. But he could never be at peace again.

Garen had reached his decision. He knew what he had to do. He knew the one person he could trust.

He was going to have to tell Obi-Wan. He could imagine the surprise and pure shame that would shake his friend. But he had to know this. He deserved to know this.

Garen hung his head as two salty tears rolled down his cheeks.

---

"Obi-Wan?" Garen began. His eyes were still red. Obi-Wan was extremely worried- he had never seen Garen so distraught. "What's wrong, buddy?"

"Don't worry about me," Garen mumbled into his fist. "It's you, Kenobi. It's your Master."

"Qui-Gon? What about him?"

"I saw him-" Garen gulped back sobs. "I saw him..."

Obi-Wan looked very pale and very worried. "Saw him what?"

"Kissing Master Windu," Garen croaked. His nose was dripping and his heart raced as he searched Kenobi's face. It was expressionless, save for a small smile flitting across his lips. "I believe you're mistaken, Garen," he said quite calmly.

"But I saw him!" Garen babbled. "You must believe me! Qui-Gon's back was to me but I saw the whole thing! Your Master is dating Jedi Council Master Mace Windu!"

Obi-Wan put a hand on his shoulder. "Listen to me. It wasn't Qui-Gon. It was Mace's broad shouldered girlfriend, Zora Antan."

"Zora Antan?" Garen echoed. "Zora Antan?" He didn't know how or why Kenobi knew this, but now unguarded embarrassment made color rise to his face. Stupid. Stupid, he cursed himself.

"No need to beat yourself up," Obi-Wan said quickly. "Just last week Bant ran up to me in hysterics, claiming she saw them waltzing in the gardens. I'm used to this, now."

"You won't tell Qui-Gon, will you?" Garen asked feebly.

"Naw." Obi-Wan brushed the idea aside. "He'd take offense and tell Zora to do something about her moustache- you know; say it was hurting his image. And then the wrath of the Council would come down on him!"

Garen managed a weak laugh, relaxing. Obi-Wan changed the subject in a serious tone. "I demand to know why you were kissing Siri behind the Archive shelves yesterday."

"That was Bruck Chun!"

"A likely story…"

Review… duh. XD