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Obi-Wan had befriended the man in the cell across from him, which would surprise anyone and everyone. Mand’alor Jango Fett resided across from him in this prison, and since Obi-Wan himself was a Jedi, not even the two of them expected a friendship to bloom.
Or possibly more. Obi-Wan wouldn’t deny how comforting it was when Jango told him stories after one of the sith, Maul usually, tortured him. Stories about Mandalorian mythology, even of his family. Jango’s voice and presence were just so calming to him, that Obi-Wan would miss it if they escaped.
Saying when they escaped was getting more and more grim. Obi-Wan’s been here for months, and Jango just over a month. The Mand’alor himself wasn’t rescued within a week; and sure, Obi-Wan was important to the Jedi and the war effort, but he figured he wouldn’t be rescued.
“They’ll be here soon,” Jango said one night.
“The sith? This late?” Obi-Wan spoke as he got up from his cot. “Well, they are masters of darkness, so maybe that isn’t so far off.”
“No, no,” Jango laughed. “The Haat Mand’ade .”
Obi-Wan was quiet. “How can you be so sure?”
Jango smiled, Obi-Wan could only faintly see it in the torch light. “They wouldn’t abandon me. And I won’t abandon you. Good night, Obi-Wan.”
“Good night, Jango.”
More sessions were held the next day. As much as it pained him, Jango had stopped trying to stop them. He couldn’t do anything, he’s unarmed and without armor, even if he got out of his cell.
He thanked the Manda that he couldn’t hear what was happening to Obi-Wan, but the suspense of when he would come back and what they did to him was almost worse. Almost.
Jango had just finished carving in for how many days he’s been here when he heard the door open. Obi-Wan was back. Maul was leading the two carrying Obi-Wan, who was completely limp in their grip. Jango took a breath and reminded himself that he couldn’t act too emotional, it would only make things worse for Obi-Wan and Jango.
The two guards just threw Obi-Wan in his cell, not even on his cot. He must’ve been somewhat conscious since he rolled onto his side coughing.
“Still awake, Kenobi?” Maul snarled. When Maul stepped into Obi-Wan’s cell, Jango’s ice turned cold. He’s never been hurt in his cell before, why now? Well Jango didn’t know that. Obi-Wan was here much longer than Jango was. He turned away from Obi-Wan’s cell; visuals or no, he would still hear if Obi-Wan got hurt.
Maul said something quiet to Obi-Wan before kicking him, it sounded like. After that, the cell door slammed closed and he heard Maul’s heavy footsteps, and the guards, leave their block.
Only after the heavy door closed did Jango go to the bars. “Obi-Wan,” Jango said. “Obi-Wan, please, say something. Anything.”
Obi-Wan didn’t speak. He looked… well, he looked like shit. Under his clothes, Jango could only imagine how many bruises he was covered in.
“Please, Obi-Wan.”
Silence rang out. It was only this silent before Obi-Wan talked to him two weeks ago. Jango was worried, he’s never been hurt this bad. He could clearly see that Obi-Wan was breathing as he laid on his back, but Jango was still worried. Despite not being able to do anything, Jango felt horrible. He was the Mand’alor , kinged after his father’s death, he reunited most of the Mandalorians; why couldn’t he save Obi-Wan?
Jango moved back to the wall, still looking at Obi-Wan. The slit of a window, high in each cell washed over Obi-Wan like a spotlight. The only thing keeping Jango slightly composed was seeing Obi-Wan’s shallow breathing.
The heavy door opened again, but there were more than the standard two sets of footsteps. For the month Jango’s been held here, their guarding schedule has never deviated. Which was why when Myles ran past his cell, Jango only laughed. Even if Obi-Wan doubted a rescue, Jango never did.
“Jango,” Myles sounded breathless when he ran back to Jango’s cell. “I’m sorry it took so long, but we’re here now.”
Silas walked up and nodded, with two Supercommandos following behind. “‘ Alor , good to see you in good shape.”
“I knew you two would be the ones to rescue me,” Jango thought aloud. As one Supercommando stepped up to open Jango’s door, Jango stood. “Open the cell across from mine, too.”
Both Silas and Myles looked over. “That’s a Jetii , Jango.”
Jango nodded. “I’m aware.”
“Is that Kenobi? He’s one of the Jetii’s top tacticians, we could use him as leverage,” Myles said. “Good thinking, ‘ Alor .”
“No, we’re rescuing him, too,” Jango said, crossing his arms. “Do you see the state he’s in? He can’t take much more torture.”
“That’s not our problem, Jango.”
“It is my problem, and it will be your problem if you don’t stop questioning my orders,” Jango growled. “Open it, now.” The second Supercommando saluted before turning to Obi-Wan’s cell.
“If he used magic on you-” Myles began.
“They can’t use magic without a tome, di’kut .”
Silas sighed. “Can we argue once we leave, please? I’m not sure how much time we have between rounds.”
Jango knew they’d be good for an hour or two, but he kept that to himself. He can deal without the arguing right now.
“Fine,” Myles bit out. “But this isn’t over.”
“I didn’t expect it to be.”
Once Jango’s door was open and the second Supercommando had Obi-Wan in his arms, they were off.
Obi-Wan felt groggy. His head was pounding, but instead of the uncomfortable cot in his cell, he was in a comfortable bed. He was warm, and almost fell back into unconsciousness.
Almost.
If it weren’t for the argument somewhere in the room. Obi-Wan vaguely recognized Jango’s voice, but not the other one. He raised an arm and covered his eyes as he groaned low in his throat. Their talking wasn’t great for his head.
“Obi-Wan,” Jango said quietly. “Can you speak? Are you okay?”
Obi-Wan moved his arm to look at Jango. “I’d be better if you weren’t so loud.”
Jango was kneeling next to Obi-Wan’s bed, with a soft smile. “Of course, I’m sorry.” Obi-Wan smiled back and closed his eyes again.
“My head hurts,” Obi-Wan mumbled. Jango grabbed Obi-Wan’s hand and intertwined their fingers.
“I can imagine, whatever Maul did to you was…” Jango trailed off. Even with his eyes closed, Obi-Wan knew Jango was looking at Obi-Wan. He imagined he wasn't in the best looking condition. “Rough.”
Obi-Wan snorted. “An understatement, but yes, Maul was quite rough.”
With the reminder of Maul, Obi-Wan opened his eyes again. Jango was still looking at him. “Where are we?”
“Sundari,” Jango said. “We’re safe now.”
Obi-Wan nodded. Jango moved his hand to Obi-Wan’s face, rubbing his thumb over Obi-Wan's cheek.
“Rest, Obi-Wan.”
So, he did.
When Obi-Wan woke up, the room was empty. His head still hurt, and he now noticed the dull ache throughout his body. Obi-Wan sat up and ran a hand through his hair; it was oily from his time as a captive of the Sith, so he was looking forward to a bath.
A moment later, a cleric walked in. She looked surprised to see him awake. “ Mand’alor , the Jedi is awake,” the cleric said, and Jango was soon in the doorway. The cleric checked Obi-Wan over, asking him how he felt and if he remembered anything. Obi-Wan could see Jango over the cleric’s shoulder, looking like he wanted to pace.
“I was captured by the Sith, them hoping that I’d give up the Fire Emblem’s location,” Obi-Wan said.
The cleric nodded. “Of course, I didn’t think you’d have memory loss, but it’s always important to check,” she said before walking to the door. “I’ll fetch something for you to eat, the Mand’alor can keep you company.”
Once the door was shut Jango finally walked over to Obi-Wan and sat on the bed. “I’ve been worried,” Jango mumbled.
“I could tell,” Obi-Wan smiled.
Jango huffed before pulling Obi-Wan into a gentle hug. It was nice; being in that cell, the only time he was touched by someone else was when he was being tortured. Obi-Wan tucked his nose into Jango’s shoulder and sighed in relief. He was free.
Free, but in Mandalorian space.
Jango squeezed Obi-Wan before pulling away, but still keeping his hands on Obi-Wan’s shoulders. “The clerics believe you’ll make a full recovery, you’ll be fine now. You’re safe now, Obi-Wan.”
Obi-Wan sighed. “Jango. I’m a Jedi in your capital, how safe can I really be?”
“You don’t have to be a Jedi anymore, Obi-Wan, you can be a Mandalorian with me,” Jango said with a smile.
“You can’t really expect me to just leave my family and friends, especially now,” Obi-Wan said slowly.
Jango glared at him. “You’re being selfish, I know we have something between us. Being in those cells together…” Jango trailed off.
Obi-Wan placed a hand on Jango’s cheek. “I never said there wasn’t, and I want that, too, Jango. But imagine if it were the other way around; you, in Jedi territory, while your people are at war and they need you.” Jango huffed. “You know I’m right.”
“Of course you’re right,” Jango muttered as he turned his head to kiss Obi-Wan’s palm. “You’re the Jedi’s best tactician for a reason. What will you have me do?”
“You’re not going to like it.”
“I already don’t,” Jango mumbled.
“You must form an alliance with the Jedi,” Obi-Wan said, and continued after Jango’s sour twist of his mouth. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend. The Jedi are at war with the Sith, and you are in conflict with Death Watch, who is working with the Sith.”
Jango sighed. “Even if I wanted to do that, there’s no way I’d convince my advisors.”
“Then let me convince them.” Jango laughed, Obi-Wan frowned. “I’m serious.”
“I know you are, that’s what makes it funny, cyar’ika ,” Jango smirked as he pulled Obi-Wan forward and pressed their foreheads together. “I’ll let you try, once you recover. But what will you do when it doesn’t work?”
Obi-Wan smiled. “I doubted a rescue, and we were saved. You doubt me, but I’m not called the negotiator for nothing, darling.”
He was brilliant. In every meeting, Obi-Wan dominated. He answered every advisor’s questions without hesitation and clearity. Jango knew Obi-Wan had the right idea of allying with the Jedi, but now even Jango was fully on board.
“I like your Jetii ,” Myles said, once, when leaving a meeting. Jango only rolled his eyes with a smile. Even if Jango didn’t need anyone’s permission, it was nice to know that his friends approved of Obi-Wan.
When Jango was walking Obi-Wan back to his suite, Obi-Wan asked how he was doing.
“You’ve convinced me.”
“Yes, but convincing you is easy,” Obi-Wan sighed. “Your advisors seem to approve, but do they still agree when I’m not in the meeting room?”
Jango stopped them in the hall. The sun streaming through the windows was warm. “They do, Obi-Wan. I’m sure when we meet with the Jedi there will be… tension.”
“An understatement,” Obi-Wan muttered, smiling at Jango.
“But we will work through it. It won’t be easy, at any moment, but it will work out,” Jango took both of Obi-Wan’s hands into his. “I know it will.”
Obi-Wan leaned forward to press their foreheads together. “Thank you, darling. I needed that.”
The two of them stared into each other’s eyes in the open hallway of the palace. Jango looked down at Obi-Wan’s lips, something he’s thought about for days.
“May I kiss you?”
Obi-Wan smiled, his eyes crinkling. “Aren’t we already?”
Jango snorted before putting their lips together. The kiss was slow and sweet, chaste, since they were in public. When Jango pulled away, Obi-Wan had his eyes closed for a moment more.
“You’re beautiful,” Jango whispered.
“And you’re radiant,” Obi-Wan replied.
Jango had sent notice to the Jedi about Obi-Wan’s safety and the offer of an alliance, and Obi-Wan had sent Anakin a letter. He didn’t want Anakin to see him and Jango together without some kind of warning, but also didn’t want to put it in an important document, either. Obi-Wan knew Anakin would throw a fit if Obi-Wan didn’t fit what Anakin thought he was.
Anakin and Jango’s meeting would either go wonderfully, or terribly. Obi-Wan had raised Anakin since their father died, but as Anakin grew up, he felt a need to protect Obi-Wan; however unnecessary.
A response from the Jedi, signed by Yoda himself, was all they needed before heading to a neutral area for the terms. In a stronghold, right on the border of Concord Dawn and Jedi territory.
The Jedi must have gotten there first, since Anakin was seen pacing the Mandalorian side. Even knowing Anakin, a general like Obi-Wan, would be here, he still sighed at the thought of Anakin’s emotions.
“You know him?” Jango asked quietly. It was late, the stars shining high in the sky, and most Mandalorians sleeping in their caravans.
“My brother.”
“It’s always good to meet family,” Jango said, and sat up.
“Darling, please, let me speak to him before you two meet,” Obi-Wan said as he put a hand on Jango’s shoulder. “He can be… unpredictable.”
Jango gave him a dubious look. “Whatever you say.”
So when the horses stopped, Jango stayed in the caravan while Obi-Wan hoped out. Anakin was already walking towards him.
“Anakin, so great-”
“Save it,” Anakin said. “Where is he?”
“Where is who?” Obi-Wan asked, despite knowing exactly who Anakin was talking about and where he was.
Anakin glared. “You know who I’m talking about.”
“I do, but Anakin, please, let me explain.”
“You don’t need to,” Anakin said. “He captured you from the Sith, and tricked you to get the Fire Emblem.”
Obi-Wan sighed. “Anakin, if he captured me, do you really think he would let me contact the Jedi? Contact you?” Anakin clenched his jaw, but didn’t respond. Obi-Wan stepped closer to Anakin and lowered his voice. “The reason I wrote to you was so you wouldn’t be so upset. Anakin, I know about you and Padme. And look, I have romantic attachment as well, and as two of the most important generals, imagine how we could bring change to the Jedi.
“The no-attachments rule is outdated and can be oppressive, Anakin, I know ,” Obi-Wan continued. “If you had trusted me, talked to me, you wouldn’t have to hide your relationship.”
Anakin scowled at Obi-Wan. “Padme told you, didn’t she? I told her not to, that you wouldn’t understand-”
“Do you even listen to me? Anakin, Padme didn’t tell me anything; I am not stupid,” Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose. “I told you, I love someone, too, and yet you think I wouldn’t understand?”
“It’s not the same.”
“Oh? Because you’re married and we aren’t?”
Anakin’s eyes widened. “How did you-”
“I’m not blind, Anakin.”
Anakin stared at Obi-Wan, emotions churning in his eyes. “Palpatine said you’d never love anyone, that you’d never understand.”
“You would believe Palpatine over me? About… me?” Obi-Wan only squinted at Anakin as he spoke. Obi-Wan sighed, and softened his voice. “Anakin, I love you, you’re my brother. If you talked to me you’d see that we have more in common then you think,” Obi-Wan paused. “Then the Chancellor thinks.”
Anakin looked away. “I’m sorry Obi-Wan, but you seem so… detached, sometimes. So… far away.”
“That is only an act for the public,” Obi-Wan said. “If you ever need, or want, to talk to me, I won’t be General Kenobi, I’ll be your brother.”
Anakin nodded. “Okay. I’m sorry.”
“You were forgiven before you apologized, Anakin,” Obi-Wan smiled as he pulled Anakin into a hug. Anakin froze, before wrapping his arms around Obi-Wan and squeezing. Obi-Wan pulled away when Anakin stopped squeezing. “Now, go rest. I’m sure you’ve been up since you’ve gotten my letter, and talks between the Mandalorians and the Jedi will be long. We will all need our strength.”
Anakin nodded, again, and a yawn escaped him. He rolled his eyes, but they were warm. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right. I’d like to meet your man, before the talks begin tomorrow.”
“I’ll arrange it.”
Nodding for a final time, Anakin walked back to the fort.
Jango poked his head out. “In love, huh?”
“Oh hush,” Obi-Wan scowled as he cupped Jango’s face. “I do hope I’m not… going too fast.”
“ Cyar’ika , with how we met, nothing can be ‘too fast,’” Jango laughed, mirroring Obi-Wan’s position. In the dark of night, the lovers shared another kiss before they changed history.
Jango woke early the next day, preparing what he would say to the Jedi Council. As he was combing his hair, rehearsing what he’d say, there was a knock at the door. Looking at himself in the mirror, Jango thought he looked acceptable, shrugged to himself, and walked to the door.
Opening the door, Obi-Wan was standing in front of him, talking quietly to a tall brunet, who was frowning slightly.
“Good morning, Obi-Wan,” Jango said warmly.
Obi-Wan turned with a smile. “Good morning to you, Jango. This is my brother, Anakin Skywalker, he wanted to meet you,” Obi-Wan said as he gestured to Anakin.
Jango put out his hand to Anakin. “Pleasure. Jango Fett, Mand’alor .”
Anakin hesitated before taking Jango’s hand. Turning to Obi-Wan, Anakin whispered, “You didn’t tell me he was the Mand’alor .”
Obi-Wan shrugged with a smile. “Oh, some things slipped my mind, I suppose.”
“An honor to meet the Mand’alor , and the man who made Obi-Wan human,” Anakin said with a smile. Obi-Wan scoffed at Anakin, but he was also smiling.
“Anything you can tell me about the Jedi?” Jango asked. The meeting was only in a few hours, if Obi-Wan could give him some insight, Jango would appreciate it.
“I already prefaced Windu and Yoda, and they agree with me. My prediction is that mostly the knights will give us resistance.”
“So most trouble will come after the agreement?”
“If I’m right, yes.”
Jango mulled that over. Infighting would destroy them, there had to be some way to stop that.
Anakin, who was standing awkwardly as Obi-Wan and Jango were talking business, opened his mouth, then shut it. “What if you two announced your marriage?”
Obi-Wan gave Anakin a flat look. “And why would we do that, Anakin?”
“To show that we can get along. The knights will see General Kenobi , in a loving relationship with a Mandalorian, the Mand’alor . And your soldiers will see you with the top Jedi General, It’s got to do something ,” Anakin said, smiling.
Obi-Wan hmmed as he rubbed his chin. Jango, however, thought it was a great idea.
“I like the way you think, Anakin.”
Both Jedi looked at him, Anakin looking happy and smug to himself and Obi-Wan surprised.
“You think it’ll work?” Obi-Wan asked, skepticism in his voice.
“I do, but if you’re not comfortable-”
“It’s not that, at all,” Obi-Wan sighed. “If the Jedi don’t decide to change the ‘no attachments’ rule, they may expel me from the Order.”
“They wouldn’t do that in war,” Anakin frowned.
“If we get rid of our morals in war, were they ever really our morals?” Obi-Wan asked. “We can’t just make exceptions, Anakin, we must keep our rules the same for everyone, war or no.”
“Yes, but even if they did expel you, do you know how many Jedi would leave with you? So many Jedi look up to you, Obi-Wan,” Anakin said, putting a hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. “You two don’t actually have to get married,” Anakin muttered yet under his breath. “But the announcement itself will help.”
Obi-Wan was quiet. “Do you agree?” Obi-Wan asked Jango.
“I do,” Jango said, smiling.
Obi-Wan smiled back. “Then it’s decided.
The negotiation was going well, but many Jedi and Mandalorians were still unsure, some denying the allegiance altogether. Jango made eye contact with Obi-Wan, before nodding.
“I have one final announcement to make,” Jango said. He gestured to Obi-Wan, in his other hand the Falchion. “General Kenobi.” Obi-Wan stood and walked towards Jango.
Jango grabbed his hand and linked their fingers together. “We are getting married.”
Silence filled the hall. Obi-Wan would have laughed at Mace’s face, if not such an important moment.
“While captured by the Sith, the Mand’alor and I found comradery in each other, and more,” Obi-Wan continued. “While our ancestors may have fought each other, we do not have to. Times move on, both of our sides made mistakes, but we can move past them. Jango and I are the first step.”
When Obi-Wan looked at Jango, he looked so… tender. So soft and loving. Obi-Wan smiled at Jango, and kissed his hand.
“Whether or not you think it is possible, we’re showing you that it is ,” Jango urged. “We don’t need to abandon our past, but this resentment between our people can be left behind.”
The Jedi Knights in the crowd cheered, and Mandalorians cried, “Oya!” Even if Jango’s advisors and the Jedi Council looked stunned still, Obi-Wan knew they had done it. With this allegiance they’d win the war; defeating the Sith and Death Watch.
In the middle of the hall, they kissed again.