Cody stood stiffly outside the cantina, helmet tucked under one arm, watching the Padawan sway close to a wall. He suppressed a sigh, jaw tightening as the kid let out a half-laugh, half-hiccup and nearly lost their footing for the third time in two minutes. This was his fault. He should’ve said no the moment the kid insisted tagging along.

Around him, his brothers were gathered in groups, some laughing over various games, others sharing drinks- off-duty and relaxing after another successful campaign. They’d earned a night out. Cody had expected to keep a quiet eye on things and maybe drink a little himself. Instead, he was babysitting a wobbly teen with a lightsaber.

The kid hiccupped again.

“You alright, Commander?” Waxer asked as he passed with a grin.

“Just great,” Cody muttered. “I'm cutting it short. I'll see you boys back at the barracks later.”

Waxer chuckled and moved on. Cody turned back to the Padawan, who had now decided to peer over the platform edge. He walked over, a little quicker than he would admit, and pulled them back a few steps. Last thing he needed was them leaning forward too much. He wasn't sure how much help jedi tricks would be when one couldn't even walk straight if they fell.

The kid mumbled something incoherent, blinking at him with unfocused eyes, and he sighed. It wasn’t anger- well, not entirely. This was more… exasperation. He didn’t do this kind of thing. He issued orders, pulled brothers out of fire, stormed enemy lines. He did not babysit padawans who couldn’t hold a drink if their life depended on it and still decided to try it.

Still, the kid looked too young for the battlefield most days, let alone this. A softer part of him, buried beneath years of armor and strict structure, kicked in. Something protective. Like a brother with no patience but just enough concern.

“You’re lucky General Kenobi’s not here,” he muttered as he helped them stand straighter when they stumbled again. “I doubt he would be very happy about this. We're going to get you back to the Temple before you pass out.”

They leaned on him, far more than necessary.

“Force, you're a mess,” Cody grunted, adjusting his grip. “Next time, you're staying behind no matter what you say.”