The Water
Obi-Wan took in a sharp breath. His lungs burned as water caught in his mouth. The screeching sound of hysterical laughter filled the room as he thrashed against the water until his head was pushed under again. He grabbed at the hand, trying desperately to pull it off but it was no use. The other boy was stronger than him.
His air was running out again, making it feel like his chest was about to explode. He knew he needed to stay calm, panicking would just make it worse. But rather than pulling him up again, the hand just disappeared. Obi-Wan broke through the surface of the water feature, taking in as much air as he could. He struggled to pull himself into the grass, shaking and coughing whilst trying desperately to breath in.
A long shadow fell over him as he knelt in the grass. He lifted his head to the Jedi Master standing over him with hands on his hips and a questioning look on his face.
"Master Jinn!" He scrambled to his feet, water dripping from his hair as he bowed.
"Do we know each other?"
Obi-Wan pressed his lips together, calming himself before facing the Jedi Master again. "Obi-Wan Kenobi. We spoke last week at the initiate training session."
Master Jinn tilted his head slighting in thought. He was everything Obi-Wan wanted so much. The way he stood there, arms in sleeves like an immovable object. He imbodied the calm and strength of a Jedi Master. The kind of Jedi Master Obi-Wan wanted.
"Yes, I remember," he finally answered, not sounding particularly pleased about it, especially as he looked down at Obi-Wan's soaked clothes. "Did you fall in, initiate?"
Obi-Wan felt anger rise in him but pushed it down. He nodded because what else was he supposed to do? Tell him that Bruck had pushed him in and held him under? It would be his word against Bruck's. Besides, did it really look better to say he got over-powered and humiliated rather than just being clumsy?
Master Jinn hummed disapprovingly. "Are you injured?"
"No, Master."
"You'd better go and dry off then."
"Yes, Master."
Of course, Bruck was waiting for Obi-Wan as soon as he got close to the initiate quarters.
"Well, what happened to you, Oafy-Wan?" He asked innocently.
"You'll pay for this, Chun."
"Careful," he leaned down to Obi-Wan, getting in his face, "You're getting closer to 13 and I don't see any Masters lining up for a Padawan with that kind of attitude."
Obi-Wan stood his ground. "I don't see any lining up for you either."
Anger flashed over his face. If they weren't this close to so many people, he would have lashed out, Obi-Wan was sure of it.
"Careful," he warned instead before stepping away. Not without knocking his shoulder against Obi-Wan's.
…
The next day Obi-Wan was more careful about the time he chose to meditate in the room of a thousand fountains. Bruck was otherwise occupied so at least Obi-Wan wouldn't be able to get caught up in another fight. Weirdly enough he had to admit Bruck was right. No Master wanted a Padawan who behaved like that. Especially not one like Master Jinn.
He found a spot near one of the fountains, kneeling by the water. Focusing on his breathing, he let himself drift out of his current surroundings. Rushing water faded into background noise and the light, artificial breeze moved around him like he wasn't there at all. He tried to ignore the thoughts that warned him Bruck would sneak up on him again. Bruck wasn't here. He was safe. Distant chatter drifter further away. Quiet. Calm.
"Careful."
Obi-Wan startled out of his mediation, twisting towards the figure that had snuck up on him and throwing a poorly aimed punch. His wrist got caught by a large hand before his fist could make contact with the broad chest it was heading towards.
A startled eyebrow was raised at him but the Jedi Master look amused nevertheless. Obi-Wan's face showed pure shock though.
"Master Jinn!"
He let Obi-Wan's wrist go. "I didn't know you were so easily startled. I was half expecting you to fall in again. I wasn't expecting you to attack me."
Obi-Wan flustered. "I didn't- I thought- I'm sorry, Master."
"Hm." Master Jinn stood up to his full height again. "The fault is mine little one," he folded his arms back into his sleeves, but a look of amusement remained on his face, "I couldn't resist."
"I should have been more aware." Obi-Wan lowered his head. He'd managed to embarrass himself twice now in front of Master Jinn. It was like the Force was telling him to try his luck with someone else.
Master Jinn made a small affirming sound. "But you were meditating. I shouldn't have interrupted."
"Would you like to meditate with me?" Obi-Wan offered, feeling his pulse in his throat.
The amusement reappeared on the Jedi Master's face. "This close to the water? I might fall in." With that he walked away leaving Obi-Wan with an odd feeling that perhaps Master Jinn liked him more than he thought.