âThis is a war,â Nield says. âIn war, soldiers sometimes die.â
Jaster wants to shout or grab these children by the shoulders and shake them. Yes, soldiers die in war, but children shouldnât be soldiers. He presses his fingers to his forehead and takes a deep breath. âWill you agree to let us take point and draw the enemy fire?â
âDuh,â Nield says. âYouâre blaster proof and we arenât.â
Mylesâs shoulders are shaking as he keeps himself from laughing out loud.
âYouâre here on Mandalore,â Walon tells him. âYou are Obi-Wan Vau, and you are safe here with me.â
âBeâWalonâad,â Obi-Wan murmurs. He is Walonâs child. He isnât a slave. He isnât Xanatosâs victim. He isnât an initiate or a padawan or a general.
When Jaster and Master Windu enter the mess hall for first meal, Obi-Wan canât quite keep the horrified noise from squeaking out of his throat.
âGive me your helmet,â Obi-Wan tells Jango. âI need to stop knowing this.â
âYou arenât allowed to wear beskar helmets,â Jango says, and his Force signature has spiked, embarrassment and hope and something that is too similar to want and pleasure for Obi-Wan to deal with right now.
âYour buir and Master Windu had sex last night,â Obi-Wan hisses, because if he has to suffer than everyone else does too.
âWhat?â Jango whips his head around so quickly, Obi-Wanâs amazed he didnât snap his neck.
âWould it really be so bad if Jango and Obi-Wan were interested in each other? Iâd think youâd be proud. Jangoâs following your example after all.â
âYou.â Jaster would point a finger at Walon, but he has a cup of shig in each hand. âAre the worst.â
Walon presses a button and the door to his room slides open. Jaster takes the hint and leaves, with less dignity than he entered with.
- Strangers Like Me by K_R_Closson
https://archiveofourown.org/works/38620959/chapters/96547128