Chapter 2

Dex's

(one hour later)

Jaina gazed around her new, small yet cozy bedroom in their shared quarters, a soft smile on her face as she lowered her duffle bags to the floor.

Her entire life so far had changed in a day.

And now, after growing up in the youngling dorms alongside the other members of her clan, she had her own little room.

Hearing a soft knock on the open doorway into the living room, Jaina turned from the window's view of the nighttime Coruscant skyline and smiled. "Master."

Obi-Wan stepped into the room, his face beaming with pride and affection. "I wanted to check in with you, and see if you were settling in all right."

He could sense her happiness and her excitement, and yet he could also sense her nervousness.

What she was experiencing was something entirely new and entirely overwhelming for her.

"Also, there was one more thing." He smiled, his expression warm, heartfelt, and affectionate, as he pulled out a small, wooden box.

Jaina's eyes widened. "...for me?"

"The training lightsaber you used during the Sparring Tournament," Obi-Wan began, his tone gentle and supportive, "it was far too long for your frame and height. You need something shorter."

He handed her the wooden box. That was another advantage that came with being able to sense people's feelings, even if they didn't realize it. He knew that the teenager was feeling a bit insecure about her size, and he also knew just how to fix that.

"Oh." Jaina blinked, flushing slightly and glancing down at her petite, four-foot-ten frame.

Obi-Wan's expression softened as he noticed her shyness. He knew that her height bothered her.

"You are quite small, my Padawan," he stated simply, but not without affection. "Your height and frame are something that—like anything else—simply need to be worked around."

"The lightsaber is an extension of the warrior, and you will be a more effective combatant," he continued, gesturing at the box, "by using a blade that is shorter, lighter, and more balanced, in order to ensure that you have greater control."

"I took the liberty of designing one, and having it made for you." He smiled gently. "Open it."

Jaina gazed at the box, her eyes lighting up with anticipation as she opened it.

Inside the box, the new Jedi Padawan found a lightsaber hilt that was much shorter than the training sabers she had used over the years.

He had designed the lightsaber for her, and it matched her height, stature, and the way she wielded a blade perfectly.

Obi-Wan could sense how happy she was that she could finally hold her own, despite being much smaller than most Jedi.

The hilt design was very similar to his own, despite being shorter, and tailor-fit to the size of her hands, with the exception of the gold and bronze blade guard instead now a more feminine rose gold, to match the pink ribbon that ran through her Padawan braid.

"That should be a little more comfortable for you," he said warmly. "And when you are ready, you can learn how to personalize it to fit your style, just as I have with mine."

Jaina's eyes lit up. She gazed at the lightsaber hilt, a smile crossing her face as she carefully, reverently, lifted it up from the box and ignited the blue blade.

"Careful," Obi-Wan cautioned her with a soft smile. "We will have plenty of time to test it out tomorrow."

His face warmed as he saw the teenager's pure and innocent excitement, and her awe at the thoughtful present.

"For now," he gestured with his head towards the door. "Time for dinner, my Padawan. I have a special place in mind."

Jaina smiled, deactivating the lightsaber.

"It's going to take some time, getting used to being called that," she murmured, more to herself than anything, and chuckled.

Jaina hooked the lightsaber to her belt, gazing at it for another few moments.

"Thank you, Master. I love it, I'll take the utmost care of it."

Obi-Wan watched her with pride and affection. He liked the way she spoke and moved, calm and collected despite the emotions she was obviously feeling.

"I have no doubt you'll get used to it, my Padawan. And you may consider our very long day to be not quite over yet." He gestured for her to follow him towards the front door.

"I thought we should celebrate," he said, his tone light. "With the first dinner of the many that we will have. Together."

Several minutes later, Jaina sat in the passenger seat of the open-cockpit speeder as it sped through the Coruscant Galarb District. She gazed out at the bright buildings for several moments, before turning to grin curiously at her new Master. "So. Where are we going?"

Obi-Wan glanced back at her for a moment, just to take in her youthful grin before replying.

"Patience, Padawan," he chided, his voice full of affection, kindness, and teasing amusement. "We'll be there before you know it."

The Jedi Master glanced down at her, and sensed the brimming excitement and curiosity. He couldn't wait to see her face when they arrived at their destination...

Jaina raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly as her new Master drove their speeder through CoCo Town.

"I can't wait to see the look on your face." Obi-Wan smirked, his voice still gentle but growing slightly more amused.

As the speeder began to slow down to a halt in front of a small, red and grey establishment with a neon sign that read Dex's Diner, Jaina's eyebrows rose in surprise, her eyes widening.

"I..." she giggled. "Wow. I was...not expecting this, Master."

Obi-Wan smiled and shrugged, glancing towards his new Padawan, wanting her to see the smile he knew was on his own lips. "I didn't think you would."

He looked back at the small diner. "Let me introduce you to one of my favorite places in the entire galaxy."

The Jedi Master unbuckled his belt, standing up and motioning for her to do the same. "Come on."

Jaina grinned and followed her Master out the speeder, gazing at the diner in front of them as they walked.

"I've been coming here since I was even younger than you are right now. It's my favorite restaurant in all of Coruscant, and I wanted to make sure my new Padawan had the chance to try it for her first night."

He stepped forward and held open a small door set into the wall of the diner, gesturing for her to enter.

"After you." He smiled. "Welcome to Dex's Diner."

Jaina stepped inside, the mouthwatering smells immediately reaching her nostrils as she gazed around at the various beings of all sizes and species eating their burgers and tapping along to the catchy music playing in the background.

Behind the counter, a male Besalisk carrying some burgers took a look at them and grinned. "Obi-Wan!"

Obi-Wan grinned, waving towards the Besalisk. "Dex! Good to see you," he said warmly. "How's business?"

He turned back to his Padawan, gesturing for her to follow him. "Come, Jaina. I want you to meet someone."

Jaina followed her Master towards the bar counter, smiling politely towards Dex as they approached.

"Dex, I want you to meet my new Padawan," Obi-Wan said. He gestured towards Jaina as the Besalisk raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Jaina, this is Dexter Jettser, one of my oldest friends. He runs this diner. It's been around as long as I can remember."

Jaina beamed, lowering her head politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

Dex burst out laughing. "It's a pleasure to meet you, little lady! She's a lot calmer than Anakin was when you first brought him here around her age, isn't she?"

Obi-Wan chuckled and elbowed Dex in the side softly, his tone amused but playful. "Don't embarrass her."

"Hey, I'm just pointing out the truth," Dex replied, his voice just as playful as Obi-Wan's. "I remember Anakin was a little loud to put it lightly," he continued, with a mischievous grin. "Always wanted a burger three times his size. He was a good kid, but he always had endless sources of energy."

Jaina grinned. "Really?"

"You have no idea." Dex laughed. "You should've seen Anakin at your age."

"Dex isn't exaggerating," Obi-Wan said, smiling wryly and turning back to Jaina. "Anakin was quite possibly one of the most energetic children I've ever seen in my life."

"The amount of trouble he got himself into," he laughed, "It's amazing he made it to Knighthood in one piece."

"I never would've guessed!" Jaina chuckled.

"Anakin always liked to have a little...fun." Obi-Wan smirked, looking back at Dex. "Especially when he wasn't meant to. And it got him in a lot of trouble as a Padawan, as you might imagine."

The Jedi Master laughed, shaking his head slowly as he looked back at his Padawan. "In any case, you are a much…calmer child than he was."

"I…will take that as a compliment, I guess?" Jaina giggled

"It was," Obi-Wan smirked back at her. "And now…" After a moment of silence, he glanced back at Dex. "May I trouble you for some burgers, my old friend?"

Dex laughed. "Two of my best burgers and an extra order of fries, comin' right up!"

As Dex disappeared into the kitchen, Obi-Wan turned to face his Padawan.

His voice was compassionate and reassuring, and it was clear that he wanted her to relax and enjoy her first night out as his Padawan. "You're going to love the food."

Jaina hopped to sit atop one of the–slightly–tall barstools, chuckling. "I have to admit, Master, this wasn't how I expected our first evening together to go at all."

"And exactly how did you expect our first evening as Master and Padawan to go?" Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing but caring as he sat down next to her.

"Well…" Jaina shrugged, chuckling mischievously. "Let's just say, you have a…reputation amongst the younglings."

"Oh really?" Obi-Wan laughed, giving her a teasing side-glance of his own, "And exactly what type of reputation do I have?"

"Well...I suppose I can say this now. Now that the vows have been said and all, I mean. No take-backs." Jaina grinned. "You're...known to be a bit...stiff. Strict. Stern." She chuckled sheepishly, shrugging. "I was not expecting a diner."

Obi-Wan laughed, his tone friendly—yet the hint of a mischievous smirk still danced on his lips. "On the contrary, it is precisely because I can be so strict and stern that I like to relax and unwind in places like this."

He smirked. "Like all aspects of being a Jedi, it is important to find balance, my young apprentice."

The Jedi Master shrugged. "Besides. I have decided that it is better to approach you not as a strict teacher, but instead as an understanding friend."

"…At least just for tonight."

Jaina raised an eyebrow. "And tomorrow?"

Obi-Wan chuckled, his voice playful but firm. "Tomorrow, I will enforce and exercise all the sternness a Master should show towards his Jedi apprentice."

His tone was lighthearted, but there was no mistaking his message.

"But tonight, my newly-minted Padawan, we relax, enjoy each other's company, and get to know each other better."

Jaina smiled softly and nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

"And for the record, while I may be stiff and strict tomorrow," Obi-Wan paused, his tone growing just a tad bit more serious, "I will always be open and understanding of whatever is on your mind."

"…In other words, do not try to hide anything from me."

His gaze remained compassionate, kind, and warm for a few more seconds, before turning teasing once more.

"…Because you will not succeed, I can assure you."

Jaina wrinkled her nose playfully. "I wasn't planning on it, but thanks for the warning. That is duly noted."

Obi-Wan laughed, taking her comment in jest. "Just a reminder." He added with a playful, teasing tone.

"I have been doing this a very long time," the Jedi Master smiled. "Not to mention, I raised Anakin. So you can try and hide whatever you want from me, but I will find out. One way or another."

"...And then we'll have that fun conversation," he added with a wink, his tone playful—but there was no mistaking the hint of sternness within.

Jaina shuddered, chuckling nervously. "Fun…" she murmured wryly.

Obi-Wan laughed, his smile and tone softening once more. "Do not be so nervous, Padawan." He laughed. "For tomorrow, we'll simply go over rules and regulations."

"No harsh and lengthy lectures or punishments." He gave her a small, reassuring wink. "I promise."

"Okay…" Jaina chuckled

Obi-Wan smiled, looking at her with a playful but sincere expression.

"So. How about you tell me a bit more about yourself?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'd like to get to know you better as a person before we dive into all the formalities of our new arrangement."

Jaina shrugged lightly. "What do you want to know?"

Obi-Wan chuckled, scratching his chin softly in thought. "What about your hobbies?" He offered. "What do you like to do for fun, besides your Jedi training? And other than go to the Archives, like you mentioned earlier today."

"Nothing really, I usually just read," Jaina admitted. "I used to enjoy dejarik…but the other younglings my age would kind of get frustrated playing with me and start to tease, so I just, um…stopped."

Obi-Wan gave her a sympathetic smile, nodding his head softly as she spoke.

"Those younglings sound as though they were quite insensitive and unkind," he said. "You should never have to stop doing what you enjoy just because others have a problem with it."

"Besides…" he paused for a moment, letting out a deep sigh as his tone became a bit more stern—not towards her, but towards her tormentors, "I bet none of them could beat you. Am I correct?"

Jaina chuckled softly. "No. They couldn't. And they weren't always the most, how shall I say, intellectually stimulating opponents either."

Obi-Wan chuckled as well. "Well, that doesn't surprise me in the slightest," he teased. "If you've mastered the art of strategy by the age of thirteen."

"You had a natural talent for a game that you genuinely enjoyed, yet you had no one you could truly play with." He smirked. "In that department, I think I can help provide you with—how did you word it?—the intellectual stimulation you've been searching for."

Jaina grinned, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, I'd love that."

Obi-Wan smiled back at her. "I would like nothing more than to see a young Jedi like you put her considerable talents to good use—and to provide the challenge you have sorely been lacking."

His eyes twinkled as his tone became a tad bit more playful yet again. "…Besides, I can't help but admit that it will be very satisfying for me as well, to finally have a friend who may actually come close to beating me at dejarik. Anakin is…not the most gracious loser."

"Nor is he the most patient player."

Jaina's grin widened at the challenge, shrugging mischievously. "I can be very patient. And I tend not to repeat my mistakes. I like to think I'd be able to win, eventually. One day. Years and years from now."

Obi-Wan laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "That's what they all say."

"You will not be joining the very small club of those who have bested me in my favorite game any time soon, young one."

Jaina giggled. "Oh, I can't wait."

Obi-Wan nodded with a playful smile. "Me too." He cocked an eyebrow curiously. "In the meantime, however, are there any other activities you find enjoyment in?"

"Hmm. Mostly just those two." Jaina said. "I mean, I mentioned earlier today when I first approached you that I took all the electives available to younglings."

"And, well, I've been doing that ever since I was much younger."

Jaina shrugged. "I needed to secure special approval from the Council years ago, to take all the electives. My daily class schedule was a bit…um…full. I didn't really have time for much else."

"So your schedule was busy, even by Jedi youngling standards." He raised an eyebrow. "And yet you still managed to graduate as your valedictorian anyway."

"Well, only barely," Jaina chuckled sheepishly. "It was a struggle to ensure my lightsaber training marks did not drag down the rest of my average."

"Your lightsaber abilities will change and improve, with time, patience, and one-on-one training with the right teacher," the Jedi Master said gently. He leaned his elbows on the bar counter. "So, that's my question answered. What would you like to learn about me?"

Jaina grinned. "Oh, so I get to ask questions too in this little game of ours?"

"Of course you do. It's only fair." Obi-Wan laughed. "So, go ahead. Ask away. And once I answer yours—only after answering yours—then I will ask you one back."

"I'm going to be unoriginal and steal your question from a few minutes ago," Jaina giggled. "What are your hobbies?"

Obi-Wan smirked. "Well, I will gladly be unoriginal in turn, and answer that question by stealing your answer."

"I enjoy reading, just as you do. I find it an endlessly captivating and enjoyable pursuit, and a relaxing pastime."

"I also thoroughly enjoy dejarik."

"And in my spare time, I enjoy meditating, cooking, taking long walks in Monument Plaza, and occasionally visiting museums and libraries, on the rare days I am off duty."

Jaina beamed. "One of my classes took a field trip once, to the Coruscant National Museum in the Senate District. I always thought that trip was much too short."

"I can imagine," Obi-Wan agreed with a smile. "The National Museum is vast, and I can spend hours upon hours simply wandering through its various exhibits."

"In fact," he continued, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "I don't believe one single lifetime would be enough time to fully explore and appreciate everything it has to offer."

He smiled towards her. "I'll take you back there one day, when we find ourselves with a bit of free time."

Jaina smiled. "I'd like that."

Obi-Wan smiled back fondly. "My turn: what is your least favorite food?"

Jaina wrinkled her nose.

Obi-Wan grinned and shook his head. "Don't tell me—are you one of those unfortunate people who despise brussels sprouts?"

Jaina smiled sheepishly. "Uh…maybe…vegetables…as a whole…"

Obi-Wan snorted with laughter, his eyes widening. "What?! Vegetables as a whole?!"

"You are aware that vegetables are the source of countless vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, are you not?" He paused, barely holding back his chuckles. "You cannot just decide that you hate almost 90 percent of the food groups in the galaxy!"

Jaina groaned playfully. "They taste absolutely disgusting!"

"That is probably because you have barely had a vegetable cooked properly in your life," Obi-Wan said bluntly. "I'm assuming we're discussing the Temple cafeterias here?"

"I dare you to have a bite of one of the dishes I usually make, back at our quarters, and tell me that you still hate them."

Jaina groaned once more. "I can already sense where the beginnings of our arguments will start—you're not going to let me leave dinner tables until I've finished all my vegetables, are you?"

He smirked, his tone a combination of playfulness and sternness. "That is precisely what is going to happen, yes, young one."

Jaina groaned.

Obi-Wan laughed. "The look of absolute horror on your face right now is priceless." The Jedi Master smirked. "Your fate is sealed, I'm afraid. No dessert for those who do not eat their vegetables."

"Oh, now that's just cruel," Jaina sighed.

Obi-Wan chuckled softly, gazing back towards her. "You know, I did have one more question, and it's been on my mind since the Sparring Tournament."

Jaina glanced up. "What is it, Master?"

"Well…that soft pink ribbon in your hair…" He looked back at his Padawan, his expression growing a tad more gentle, not wanting to say anything that would offend her. "I'm assuming you chose the color yourself? As beautiful as it is symbolic—I was curious—what is the meaning behind it?"

Jaina blinked. "Nothing really," she answered. "I just...I've always liked this color…"

She paused. "...Why? Would it be a problem? I know there are all sorts of regulations, and if it would cause problems within the GAR, I can always change it to a more suitable color—"

"—absolutely not." Obi-Wan interrupted, quick to reassure her, shaking his head slowly as he sensed a small trace of panic in her emotional aura. "I was simply curious."

"The Order has changed, but I feel you should still be allowed to express yourself, just as you wish." He glanced back towards her, smiling kindly. "If you enjoy that color...then don't ever feel like you need to change it."

"Oh…okay." Jaina smiled sheepishly.

In the background, Dex reappeared, placing two plates of burgers in front of the Jedi; with fries and two glasses of Jawa Juice on the side.

"Enjoy!" Dex smiled, gesturing to the food before he gave Obi-Wan a wink.

Obi-Wan just chuckled. "Dig in, my Padawan. You're going to love them."

Jaina's eyes widened. "It's certainly different from the Temple cafeterias."

"The food here is much better than at the cafeterias." Obi-Wan replied lightly, as he took a delicious bite out of his own burger.

He glanced back towards his new Padawan, curious to see her reaction. She was probably expecting a formal lecture or lesson at any moment—which, ironically, was also expected of Obi-Wan himself…but he preferred to be not so formal in this particular situation.

Jaina picked up her burger and gazed curiously at it for a moment, before taking a small bite, her eyes widening in awe at the explosion of flavor.

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile at her reaction. "Told you that you would love it."

"Now, I have another question for you." He waited for her to finish tasting her first bite before speaking. "Why Soresu? What made you choose to study Form III?"

Jaina shrugged, taking a small bite out of a fry. "I prefer utilizing defense to acquire ample time to analyze my opponent, before making a move."

"I trained a little bit in Form IV as well, but Soresu always just felt right for me, in a way."

"Soresu is certainly the most defensive form." Obi-Wan confirmed, his tone lightened by a smile. "And to be able to employ it in practice requires patience."

"You have patience, Padawan. But…" He took a bite out of his own burger before continuing. "Let me ask you: what happens when someone makes you angry?"

"I don't know…" Jaina mused, taking another bite out of her burger. "...don't think I've been angry, at least not really…"

"You've never been angry before?" Obi-Wan asked, his expression turning slightly bemused. He took a quick sip of his drink, glancing back at his new Padawan, trying to imagine her losing her composure over something. "I thought all younglings got mad at each other, at one point or another?"

"I always...kind of kept to myself, as a youngling," Jaina admitted sheepishly, taking another bite.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "So, you were a loner?" The Jedi Master asked, his tone light and humorous as he was curious to know more about his new Padawan. "That would explain the awkwardness then. Did the other younglings not play with you?"

Jaina shrugged, eating a fry. "Not really."

"And what about friends?" he asked curiously. "Did you make friends, Padawan? While studying?"

Jaina blinked. "Uh…" Her cheeks flushed as she attempted a nonchalant shrug, her gaze lowering to the bar counter. "…I…may not...have had as much…luck...in that particular department…"

She paused. "...but I've read through a couple of psychology and sociology books, I like to think I still possess adequate social skills, and I'm also fairly certain l'd eventually be able to figure out how to properly interact with the troopers under your command and—"

Obi-Wan laughed, giving her a soft, reassuring smile and raising a hand.

"There is nothing wrong with being a little shy, my young Padawan." He gave her an encouraging nod, his voice friendly and calm. "Your social skills are just fine, awkward, at worst."

He could tell that this was a subject she was not entirely comfortable with. He had noticed her sudden blush, and the fact that she was suddenly avoiding his gaze.

"So…" He continued softly, carefully. "I take it you did not have many friends?"

Jaina shrugged weakly. "No…not really…"

Obi-Wan nodded. He knew, without needing to hear anything else, just how similar he and Jaina truly were.

They both had grown up with few, yet meaningful, connections, and both of them were somewhat lacking in that one specific aspect of their lives.

That, of course, was not an issue.

In fact, they could both relate in that way, and that was just one of the many shared values he had found in his new apprentice.

"You realize that you aren't going to be alone now, right?" He smiled softly. "You have a friend now."

"…Oh, right, that was one of your vows from this afternoon, wasn't it? 'To be my mentor and my friend'," Jaina quipped, chuckling softly.

Obi-Wan smiled. "Good. It was, I'm glad you remember."

"But," he continued. "I do mean it. You aren't going to be alone, ever, not from this moment onward."

He glanced back towards her—the two sharing a brief moment of meaningful silence in the middle of the otherwise bustling diner—and was left feeling a rush of emotion.

"Let me know if you ever need someone to talk to. No question of yours will ever go unanswered," Obi-Wan said quietly. "We are a team, Jaina."

Jaina nodded, smiling softly. "Yes, Master."

Obi-Wan smiled fondly at her, his voice growing a bit more playful once more. "Good. Now. Finish your food. We have more to discuss."

(one hour later)

As they returned to the living room of their quarters within the Jedi Temple Residential Wing, Jaina neatly hung her Jedi robes on the hook next to the front door and set her boots on the small shoe rack.

Obi-Wan looked at his Padawan as they returned to their quarters, just observing and watching as she took the time to return her things to their proper place.

From the way she carried herself, to the sense of etiquette and decorum that was already so well developed in someone so young, she really was quite the model Padawan for him.

It was already starting to feel to him like this was a match made in the Force.

He chuckled to himself, still watching his new pupil, a slight smile still on his face.

Hearing the chuckle, Jaina turned to raise an amused eyebrow. "What's so funny?"

The Jedi Master gave his apprentice a gentle smirk, still amused by their budding relationship.

"You." Obi-Wan said bluntly, letting his student know that his comment was made with no mean intention. "You know, you have a lot of the qualities I always imagined my ideal Padawan would have."

He paused for a moment. "There is just something about the way you carry yourself…" he shrugged. "It does not feel as if I am speaking with a teenager, at times, let alone a thirteen year-old."

"Oh." Jaina chuckled sheepishly, scratching the side of her ear.

Obi-Wan smirked at her response. At this moment, her awkwardness was something that was almost impossible to not find adorable.

"That was meant as a compliment, Padawan."

She was thirteen, and yet she was more mature than most Jedi twice her age. She continued to remind him a lot of himself. "Now that you are all settled in, and we have eaten, Padawan…what do you say we…talk some more?"

It was time for more questions.

Jaina wrinkled her nose playfully, picking up on the train of thought. "...More questions?"

Obi-Wan smirked. "I'm afraid so, yes."

He was beginning to develop a fondness for that playful little wrinkle on her nose. It was so expressive.

The Jedi Master took a seat in the armchair across from the couch, settling back, comfortable.

"Sit. Remember, this is your home now, as much as it is mine."

Jaina sat down on the couch and folded her hands across her lap.

"Now...my Padawan, I actually just had one more question." He paused, his tone becoming more serious; he had to know one question more than anything. "Why did you approach me—of all people—and ask to be my apprentice?"

"You mentioned earlier that I have a reputation amongst the younglings for being a strict, stern, and stiff Jedi Master; I could be considered to be unpleasant, to some."

"Because I was a serious, solemn, and stiff youngling," Jaina replied dryly, without missing a beat.

Obi-Wan chuckled out loud. This girl was sharp, despite her soft-spoken demeanor.

He smirked. "Now, that right there, my young apprentice, is a very good answer."

"I liked you already," he added cheekily. "But I like you even more now."

"But you still haven't answered my question."

The Jedi Master paused, leaning forward and resting his hands on his knees, making sure that his new Padawan was paying attention.

"What made you approach me this morning?"

Jaina gazed thoughtfully out the window at the Coruscant skyline, her fingers tapping against her lap.

"After Geonosis two weeks ago, every single youngling was talking about you and Anakin, you know," she began quietly. "About what you did, how insurmountable your odds were, and how you fought and succeeded anyway."

"All the younglings were dreaming about what it would be like to learn from either of you, to wield their lightsabers, and fight in the war. And learn all about strength."

Jaina paused. "But…all I could think about…was how I remembered glimpsing you a few months back, in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Just sitting quietly behind a tree, reading a book."

"And when a stray tooka-cat passed by, you didn't think twice about tossing it one of your biscuits."

Jaina chuckled quietly. "When the news of Geonosis and Anakin's Knighthood broke out, I remembered that moment."

"Don't get me wrong, I want to learn all about strength and skill just like the next youngling. But…I also want to learn about kindness. About patience, and knowledge, and wisdom."

"About restraint. Which seems more crucial in these times, now more than ever." She shrugged weakly. "And you seemed to be—you are—the balance between both."

Obi-Wan was taken aback, his heart filling with an incredible sense of pride and endearment as he took in his Padawan's words.

She was more than he could have possibly expected, and the fact that she understood his true values and principles—a balance between both—was exactly what he had been searching for in an apprentice.

They were truly soulmates, in a way.

"You see me for who I am," he said finally. "What I hope I represent. What I believe in."

"I can teach you that balance."

Jaina smiled softly. "And to think the only reason I accidentally glimpsed you that day in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, was because you stole my usual reading spot," she chuckled lightly. "What a hilarious coincidence."

Obi-Wan chuckled as well. It was truly hilarious to think about. He had stolen her usual reading spot, which led her to remember a kind act that he did for a small, curious animal; which eventually led to the next Exhibition Day, and to her approaching him.

It would have been amusing to him, if it hadn't touched him so deeply.

"Maybe it was," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "But I don't believe in coincidence."