A/N: Hello dear ones, here it comes, a new chapter of this still-Green teen fic! You'll see, I had quite a bit of fun writing our favourite Squad as teenies. I hope you will enjoy, and without more words, I leave you to your reading :). See you below, Meysun.

Storms on Pijal (Stars of the Darkest Night)

A Star Wars Fanfiction by Meysun

Chapter Two: Truth or Dare

Coruscant.

.

"No there's nothing you can send me, my own true love

For there's nothing that I wish to be owning

Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled

From across the lonesome cosmos"

.

.

"Truth or dare, Kenobi?", Quinlan asked, brown eyes glinting with mischief.

Obi-Wan frowned, wondering once more why he had not kept to his room – he had so many lessons to catch up with, much more important than this.

But then, perhaps not.

Because these two weeks of trying to worm himself through more than a year of absence from the Temple had been grey and dull – the worry of simply surviving, of keeping her safe dissolving into the familiar frets about assignments and classes that were so trivial it hurt.

He was behind several classes and was actually forced to sit in lessons with younger Initiates who were too intimidated to actually bother him, but who did not really talk to him either.

He sparred with Qui-Gon, of course, and he was skilled enough in the Force to take some advanced classes along with Luminara – but they could not always be together, and Obi-Wan's head was threatening to explode with all the notions he was trying to force in.

And then, thank the Force, Quin and Kit had arrived, barrelled into the Archives and simply refused to listen to his feeble arguments about classes and papers – and somehow Obi-Wan had found himself sitting on the roof with them and Luminara, like before. With two full bottles of either Savareen brandy or Jawa Juice to share, and an empty one Quinlan was using for a very, very silly game.

"A whiff from a death-stick" – Quin was holding out the horrendous stick in question – "Or… what is your definition of love?"

Obi-Wan placed his glass back on the ground, carefully. He had tipped down a few sips of brandy, probably more than he should have. But that past year had been rough and Qui-Gon had been a bit more liberal than the regular Jedi Master – he had actually shared a swig with him and… her… once, after a particularly trying chase.

This was different, though, and he eyed the death-stick apprehensively. He had been away for so long, and he had no idea how to fit in anymore – he did not want Kit or Quin thinking he was childish, thinking he did not dare…

"Come on, Kenobi, that can't be so difficult! Just a whiff from a death-stick, or quoting that kriffing Jedi Code, you chose…

- Quin, don't pressure him", Nara said, quietly, blue eyes searching for Obi's, sending reassurance through the Force.

Obi-Wan did not want any death-stick fumes into his lungs – he hated the very thought of it, because it was not the Jedi Way. But he also knew Quinlan could tell he would lie quoting the Code, simply by touching the bottle.

That was what made this game so tricky – they could not lie. Only Quin. And Quin never lied, because he did not care for words.

"Truth", he whispered, and Quin rolled his eyes.

"And here we go…

- It's… loving someone enough to want to take every single burden they have on your shoulders, and still feel strong enough to take more. It's… missing them fiercely when they are away, and feeling like you are becoming a better person when they are around."

It felt so true. It felt so necessary. It felt like using words for tears.

"And it's… being intimate. Knowing that person so much that you are familiar with little habits, and ways of reacting, and the way… the way they wake up or rise they eyebrows or…"

His voice broke, and he realised his friends were staring at him, wide-eyed and completely silent – he felt himself blush fiercely, and his fingers tightened around the fabric of his trousers.

"Force, Obi", Kit finally said, black eyes shining under the stars. "That's not the Jedi Code at all…

- That's kriffing poetry. Unless it's what you think about Master Qui-Gon, then it's just… creepy."

Obi-Wan had to huff at Quin's words, shaking his head – but his eyes were burning, and suddenly Nara was taking his hand in hers, fingers cool and soothing against his palm.

"It happened to you, did it not, Obi? No one can say such words without feeling them, at least once…"

Obi-Wan shrugged, looking at the ground because he did not trust his eyes – then he felt Nara's soft brush against his shields, and suddenly – because of the brandy, nothing more - he was hiding his face in her very shoulder. She embraced him quietly and held him against her – and all that time Quin and Kit stayed blessedly silent.

It's okay, Obi. You do not have to tell us. Only if you want to.

Nara had always soothed him. Force and being, she was the friend Obi-Wan felt closest to now, because she never burdened him. She just shone, like a calm beacon, guiding him home, and this time Obi-Wan let her hold him, and allowed himself to drown, for a bit, in the calm ocean of her Force-signature.

"Just so you know… it was not a death-stick. Not really."

Obi-Wan huffed, once more, against Nara's shoulder, and used the Force to let the bottle float back towards Quin.

"Truth or dare, Vos?", he managed to croak, cheek cradled against the soft fabric of Nara's tunic.

I'm home, I'm home, I'm home. I'm with my friends, they feel the Force too, they would not have left either. I'm home. I'm home.

"What was the worst item you ever had to read or… keeping silent for full fifteen minutes.

- Dare, Quin. Dare", Kit grinned. "Good one, Obi."

Quin just huffed, dismissively, the moonlight throwing its rays on his cheeks, making his yellow stripe stand out.

"Without me you'd be so bored. I'm not taking that stupid dare. The worst item I ever had to read was on this mission with Master Holme where we were tracking an Ugnaught and where all that was left in the dingy room he stayed in was a pair of stained underpants. You'd never imagine just how much these species fart.

- Okay, Quin, enough", Obi-Wan interrupted, wincing in disgust, and he could feel Nara's silent laughter, shaking her slim frame, as she caught the bottle.

"Truth or dare, Luminara Unduli? Who's the one among us you would agree to date or… leap to the Council tower and knock, three times, on the window behind Windu's seat."

Nara's frame shook even more.

"That's absolutely stupid, Quin. I'm not climbing up there. It's way too easy, and I don't need to knock on his window to speak with Master Windu.

- Show off", Quin grinned and Kit bent towards her, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"So, Nara, which one?"

Luminara did not stir, and her arm around Obi-Wan did not waver one bit.

"My dear Green Squad, I would have thought the answer to be obvious. Should I really be pressured in dating one of you, I'd pick Obi, of course."

She did not let him move, winking at him as their eyes met.

"Because, my dear boys, Obi perfectly knows I am not interested in men, and would stay sweet and friendly, unlike you both. And because he knows that the one I could eventually muse about, should the Force let me err, is Master Gallia."

The look on Kit's and Quin's faces was absolutely priceless, Kit's eyes wide as saucers and Quin's mouth positively gaping.

"Ma- Master Gallia?", Kit croaked. "Kriffing hells. I- Kriff. I'd never thought we could share that, Nara.

- How long have you known, Obi?", Quin asked, turning towards Obi-Wan who was still leaning against Nara, body relaxed enough to begin to feel slightly sleepy.

But then, perhaps it was the brandy.

You want me to tell them?

He had asked gently through the Force and Luminara smiled at him.

"When we turned thirteen, Nara was pretty much the only one sparring with me. Because I was smaller, remember? We spent a lot of time together. Sparring, and in the Force. And it never felt awkward. So I… knew.

- He never asked, though", Nara said, softly. "He's not like you.

- Hey, I'm an awesome friend as well, Nara!", Quin threw in, hotly, and Luminara smiled.

"Of course you are. You all are.

- So, Obi, nothing happened because Nara wasn't interested or because you both were not?", Kit asked, taking a swig of brandy.

"I'm done with truths", Obi-Wan mumbled, closing his eyes.

"Come o-o-on…", Quin whined. "You can't drop a bombshell like that and just leave us sitting there.

- 'Course I can. I'm not even seventeen. I could go to Master Windu and tell him you tried to drug me to get truths out of me, Padawan Vos.

- You wouldn't. Not you, baby Obi.

- Not working.

- Please, please, please…"

Obi-Wan felt a little smile tug at his lips and in the end, he sat up, keeping his hand in Nara's.

"I was not interested because it was Nara. Because what we shared was… different from romantic love, and completely fulfilling just as it was. We already met in the Force. We already shared ideas. And we were friends. There was no need for more."

The rest just is just breaking our balance.

"I felt just the same", Nara said softly. "Absolute safety and peace.

- Kriff, Quin. I don't feel that when we spar. Safety and peace… nah.

- I'm not romantic, Kit, so stop whining. Truth or dare?

- Nara picks it, not you", Kit said, leaning back against the chimney. "I don't trust you, Vos. You have a very, very dirty mind.

- You're one to talk, Fisto.

- What is your best memory, Kit, or… skip the next three meals and giving your share to Obi?"

Obi-Wan felt his eyes go wide, and removed his hand from Nara's, flailing a little and spluttering:

"I don't… I don't…

- Oh no, you'll certainly not get my share, Scrawny-Wan, no matter how much Nara wants you to fatten up.

- Hey!

- Baby Obi is pissed now, Kit… Awww… I like it when you get all riled up, it's too cute, come and give me a hug, Ooooobi…"

Quin was crawling towards him and Obi-Wan realized too late that he was serious, and probably really drunk – an eyeblink later he was crushed against Quin's chest, feeling his friend ruffle his short hair.

"I love you, Obi, I really really love you, you know this, don't you? Always, always, 'cause you're my cute little tooka-doll…

- Quin…", Obi whispered, stiffening and feeling his cheeks turn very, very red. "Quin, I think you drank too much.

- Oh Force", Kit wheezed, doubling up with laughter. "Oh Force. Nara. It's like – now. My best memory is just happening. It's Quin calling Obi his little… his little… his…"

He paused, wiping tears from his eyes, not helping Obi-Wan one bit who was squirming in Quin's arms, pressed flush against his friend's chest.

"Obi, can I kiss you…?"

Quin's eyes were glassy, unfocused and absolutely dreamy, and he was still holding him firmly against him, Force-signature completely woozy.

"Umm… no, please…"

Kit laughed even harder, and Luminara tried to pry Quin's hand from Obi's back, but Quin was having none of it.

"I like you here, Obi. You told Master Ti you didn't mind my hugs.

- But… Quin, that was… that was ages ago…

- So you don't love me anymore? You said… you said…"

Quin's eyes were slowly filling with tears and Obi-Wan turned towards Nara and Kit, alarmed.

"How much did he drink…?

- Waaay to much", Kit huffed. "Two or three glasses, I guess.

- Oh no", Obi-Wan whispered, watching Quin's face begin to crumble. "Oh no, Quin… Quin… it's okay, you can hug me, it's going to be alright, I promise…

- You promise?", Quinlan asked, in a very, very small voice, hands still firmly fisted in Obi-Wan's tunic – and there was such sadness in his eyes, suddenly, making his throat feel all tight.

"No Master will ever want us, Obi…

- Of course they do, Quin", Obi-Wan whispered, allowing his hand to trail up Quinlan's back, rubbing gentle circles there. "Master Tholme picked you – and he's very, very fond of you. And Master Qui-Gon picked me, remember?

- Mhmmm… Don't like it", Quin pouted, leaning his head on Obi-Wan's shoulder, and his breath definitely smelled of brandy, but Obi did not care.

"What is it you don't like, Quin?

- He's taking you 'way. 'lways 'way. Never there. 'nd you're s'pposed to use So-re-su. Not A-ta-ru."

Quinlan was articulating the words very clearly and Obi-Wan felt his chest tighten. He stiffened, stilling in Quin's arms, and met Kit and Nara's eyes.

"Is this what he thinks? Is this what you all think?", Obi-Wan asked, very quietly – and he felt his throat go even tighter than his chest when both Nara and Kit failed to answer him, for a while.

"Don't like this g'me 'nymore", Quin whispered, fiddling with Obi-Wan's braid, and then Nara spoke softly:

"We were worried for you, this past year, Obi. We missed you.

- You were gone a long time. And Master Qui-Gon, well… he's not the best about keeping the Council informed", Kit supplied.

"Qui-Gon, quick gone, always gone…", Quin sang softly against Obi-Wan's chest. "Qui-Gon, Obi gone, all gone…"

Obi-Wan's hands stilled on Quinlan's back, and he bit his lip, hard. And then he tried to take a deep breath. And another. And another after that.

"You don't need to worry about me", he whispered. "I'm fine. It was a long mission, but we succeeded, and we are back now.

- Didn't miss us", Quin slurred. "Not Obi. N'ver talks 'bout 'nything.

- That's not true…", Obi-Wan let out, still facing Kit and Nara above Quin's back. "That's not true."

I missed you. I missed having you around in the Force. I missed sharing being a Jedi with you, and feeling you next to me.

He did not say the words aloud. He just hugged Quin, quietly, and when Nara and Kit stayed silent, he simply started rubbing circles into his friend's back once more.

"You don't talk to us, Obi… You don't seek us out", Kit said, quietly. "We are allowed to have friends, you know… We are allowed to talk about… things."

Quin had closed his eyes and his head was beginning to droop, soon resting against Obi-Wan's shoulder. He was getting heavier, though, and Nara sensed his discomfort, moving to help him slide Quin down on the ground, resting his head on her lap.

And Obi-Wan found himself feeling very cold, without the furnace of Quin's body against him.

"I… have nothing to say. There's nothing to say."

His voice broke on the last word, but Obi-Wan went on, stubbornly:

"We can't change it. We can't make it better. We can just… accept it and let go. That's what I learnt on Ilum, long ago. And there's no way to make it better.

- You never told us you let go, on Ilum, Obi...

- Because you never asked, Kit!"

There were tears in Obi-Wan's eyes, suddenly. Because she had asked. She had wanted to know everything, about his past, about Ilum, about his crystal and who he was. And it had felt so wonderful telling her – because she had asked.

"You never asked! Why do you ask now? Why do you… what does it matter now? I'm not talking enough, I don't care, I'm not supposed to use Ataru, my Master is careless and so am I, and what's next, I wonder? What am I supposed to do, Kit? What am I supposed to do to make it right and feel like I belong here, because I. Don't. Know."

A hot, single tear ran down Obi-Wan's cheek and he wiped it, with a fierce, childish move that also belonged before.

"Hey, Obi… Hey…"

We don't want you to change.

Kit's voice was soothing in the Force. Obi had stood up, and Kit extended his hands towards him, letting the Force shine gently in his palms.

"I lied, before. It was Bantha fodder. My favourite memory is not Quin calling you a tooka-doll. It's Ilum, Obi… What we shared together, there. When I spotted my crystal and was afraid to get it, and then Quin told me how to climb, and Nara reassured me. And you… you looked into the Force and told me I would get it. I have never believed harder in the Force than that day. And it's all thanks to you three. That's why I love this memory so much."

Obi-Wan felt another tear roll down his cheek.

"I don't believe in the Force so much, right now…", he said, voice very small. "I think… I think the Force is disappointed with me.

- I don't think so, Obi", Nara threw in, quietly, fingers carding through Quin's hair who was still fast asleep. "I don't think the Force is disappointed.

- I think you are", Kit said quietly. "I think you are angry at yourself, Obi.

- Because you came back?", Nara asked, softly, blue eyes finding his – and there was no judgment, no disappointment, just kindness and concern.

Obi-Wan shook his head, quietly.

"Because you almost didn't…", Kit finally voiced. "Because it still hurts."

And Obi-Wan nodded.

And when his friend finally made the step to cradle him against his chest, in a way that was opposite to Quin's drunken hug but felt just as warm, he closed his eyes – asking the Force to please make it better and forgive him.

"There's nothing to forgive, Obi… We are glad you came back", Kit said, very quietly. "We are glad you came back."

The moon shone, quietly, on the abandoned bottle, making it look like crystal through the tears clinging to Obi's lashes he soon pushed back, letting out a huff when he felt Quin begin to snore.

"What are we going to do? About him?", he asked, letting go of Kit and crouching next to Quin and Nara.

And Nara simply smiled at him, blue eyes like the midnight sky.

"We are going to bring him home, Obi."

.

...

.

Qui-Gon placed the commlink back on the low table, frowning, acknowledging the deep trouble he felt – but then, he did not expect anything else from a call from Rael Averross.

Dooku had always called him reckless – well, Qui-Gon wondered what words he used for Rael, because that man was nothing but a hyperstorm.

A worried hyperstorm, though, judging from the conversation they just had – and no wonder. The situation on Pijal had escalated and become absolute chaos, and Rael was right – it absolutely had to stop.

What worried Qui-Gon, though, or rather who, was this Princess Fanry Rael had kept talking about. Who was headstrong, reckless, and sixteen years old – and Qui-Gon had had his fill of wilful female nobility, especially around his Padawan.

Satine had been more than enough.

Qui-Gon sighed, looking at his chrono, realizing for the first time how late it was. Obi-Wan had not come back to their quarters yet, and Qui-Gon sighed, hoping the young one was not looming over his data-pads in the Archives. His Padawan was taking his studies so seriously it worried him – he could not remember obsessing over his essays and lessons like Obi-Wan did, and it had earned him more than a sharp jibe from Dooku.

But I am not Dooku. And I'm dragging my Padawan out of there, by his braid if I must. That boy needs rest, and sleep.

With that resolve, Qui-Gon stood up, and headed straight for the Archives.

The familiar hall was dark, but the holobooks helped casting a blue, shrouded light looking much like hyperspace, and always reminded Qui-Gon of a tall, roomy vessel. He had always liked the Archives better at night – probably because Madame Nu got softer, then, and tended to ease his research a tiny bit more than in full daylight.

He crossed the hall, searching the seats, but there was no sight of Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon climbed the stairs, quietly, searching for his Padawan's favourite nook under the rosette, and was surprised to find the benches empty on the upper halls as well.

"Master Qui-Gon, what a late pleasure…"

He turned and smiled at Madame Nu, bowing deeply – the Chief Librarian was one of the rare among his fellow-Jedi to be able to make him squirm, because Jocasta Nu's mind was just… sharp as a blade.

Obi-Wan squirmed in front of Mace Windu, Saesee Tinn and the Jedi Council as a whole – but he loved Yoda, Plo Koon and Adi Gallia. And of course, he had Jocasta Nu wrapped around his finger, like the little over-achiever he was.

Qui-Gon, on the other hand, tended to feel uncomfortable around Madame Nu and Vokara Che when she was in a bad mood – the way she managed to cuddle Obi-Wan while hissing at him always left him befuddled.

And of course, Dooku – but that was because Dooku and him had fallen out. No matter what Rael had tried to sell him, just before. Rael had not been there when Feemor had passed into the Force – but Qui-Gon did not want to dwell upon it, not now, and certainly not here.

"Madame Nu, do you happen to know where my young Apprentice is?"

Jocasta Nu's face softened instantly – and Qui-Gon silently vowed to brooch the topic with Obi-Wan, very soon, because it was just too funny seeing the young one get all flustered and red.

"Obi-Wan was here, but he has left a few hours ago. He was quite swept away, I should think… By a green whirlwind consisting of Quinlan Vos and Kit Fisto – quietly backed up by Luminara Unduli.

- Ah… Those four are together once more, I see… That's good..."

It was. Force knew it was. Obi-Wan needed friends to vent about him and their past mission, and he needed a space to be a teen, not the dutiful Padawan he strived so hard to be. It had been too long since he had heard Obi-Wan laugh, for real, or act like the sixteen-year-old boy he was.

"They are probably on the Temple roof", Jocasta Nu said. "But I would not disturb them, were I you. What you do not see, you do not need to condemn, Master Qui-Gon."

And then Madame Nu winked at him, almost causing him to stare back – because he would never have expected such humour and leniency from her, of all people.

"My very thoughts, Madame Nu… Thank you for this insight.

- Is there something else I can do for you, Master Qui-Gon? Something seems to be burdening your mind…"

Qui-Gon sighed, quietly – and then he decided to follow whatever gentle nudge the Force had given him, leading him there.

"I just got a call from Rael Averross."

Madame Nu arched her eyebrows, pensively.

"I see. Lord Regent of Pijal, for now, if I am not mistaken…

- You are not, Madame Nu. Lord Regent he is indeed for a Princess Fanry who seems to have started a true civil war, and is in way over her head…

- No doubt", Madame Nu commented, sharp features pinched in slight displeasure. "From what I heard – but I might be wrong – she really should have watched her tongue, when she refused to free those slaves."

Once more, Qui-Gon watched her in silent astonishment.

"Madame Nu, you never cease to amaze me.

- You flatter me, Qui-Gon. There are just certain topics I try to follow. Slavery is one among them – because I cannot stand it. And I think that young Princess has forgotten what her true goal truly was.

- It is what Rael thinks as well. I'm more pessimistic. I think she planned everything all along – and that now the mess on Pijal is complete.

- Hmm… And Master Averross wants you to come and help him undo this mess, is that it?

- Yes. I think, however, that I am not the right Jedi for this. I don't get on so well with Rael. He's completely partial to this Fanry. And then there's Obi-Wan…

- You do not trust your Padawan with this young Fanry?", Madame Nu asked, quietly. "He will probably be quite wary, don't you think…?"

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow, wondering once more just how much Madame Nu really picked up, from the depths of her Archives.

"I rather do not trust Fanry with Obi-Wan. Lately it seems to me I keep trying to keep girls away from my Padawan – it's a very weird sensation, and I can assure you, it does not make me feel young at all."

Madame Nu smiled at that, blue eyes flashing humorously.

"That, my dear Qui-Gon, is because your Padawan is quite the charmer, and because he is completely, adorably oblivious of it.

- May it stay that way", Qui-Gon grumbled. "That past mission was enough, I can assure you.

- I can imagine that. Well, Master Qui-Gon, I wish you luck… Perhaps it would be good for both of you to go to Pijal. Perhaps you both have issues to settle there. But then, again, I might be mistaken, and you would do well to heed the Council's advice on this. Good night, and may the Force be with you, Qui-Gon.

- May the Force be with you, Madame Nu."

And with a last bow, Qui-Gon left the Archives, still deep in thought, but a bit less troubled.

He found Obi-Wan in his room, already asleep. The door was ajar, and he watched his Padawan quietly from the doorstep, marvelling at how young he still looked, curled up like that.

He had folded his clothes neatly on the chair, and his room was tidy and spotless, as always. But Qui-Gon smiled as he probed Obi-Wan's Force signature, because there was a definite whiff of tipsiness there, as well as the smudge of other Force-signatures. No doubt his Padawan had lived a few strong moments on the Temple roof – and no doubt, as well, that it was none of Qui-Gon's business, as Madame Nu had so rightly pointed out.

Sleep well, Padawan mine.

He sent those words quietly through their bond and watched Obi-Wan turn slightly towards him in his sleep, nose scrunching up like a little tooka, before burrowing into his pillow once more.

And Qui-Gon decided it was high time to leave Pijal and its worries for the morrow and to get some well-needed sleep as well, just like his very, very young Padawan.

Qui-Gon smiled, and quietly closed Obi-Wan's door.

A/N: So, I hope you enjoyed the "truth or dare" game and the return of beloved Madame Nu in my fics 3 ! For those who have not read my other Still Green Stories, the Ilum episode is described in Chapter Three of "Blossoms in the Wind", and the relationship between little Obi and little Quin is described in this fic, as is the reason for Qui-Gon falling out with Dooku. Madame Nu however is only in "There Is No Pain" that is much sadder - she is, however, amazingly smart whenever I write her :).

Do not wonder if the situation on Pijal seems quite confused, it will get clearer in the next chapter featuring the Council, and explanations.
I was super excited when I realised that Rael Averross was actually Dooku's first Padawan - of course I'm the one deciding "yeah let's write Pijal", starting my fic and doing a lot of research later :p! That way I can surprise myself and always pick "dare" in Quin's game :)! Hope you liked this, there's obviously more to come. See you next Friday and meanwhile take care! Much love, Meysun.