AN: A very little fic I thought of when I couldn't sleep one night... I spent way too much time watching the second episode, so I went back and watched the first for the fifth time in a week... (library you know, have to return it)...

Flames consumed Qui-Gon Jinn's body and flames consumed Obi-Wan Kenobi's thoughts.

He shouldn't have been mad. He knew that. But watching his master's body burn, he felt a strange sort of twisted pleasure.

Anger was the way to the dark side. Obi-Wan bit the inside of his cheek.

Qui-Gon's dying words haunted him. He is the chosen one. You must train him.

But no goodbye. Obi-Wan wondered why it mattered so much to him. Attachments made it harder for the Jedi to do their jobs. A Master only passed on the knowledge to a Padawan; he didn't replace a family.

Obi-Wan liked to think that Qui-Gon cared a little about him. In a sense this was true; his deceased master had wanted him to learn and be safe. But he didn't care enough to say good-bye...

Obi-Wan forced his thoughts away from the heartless trail they were travelling down. He had no reason to condemn his master for doing his job. For wanting something to happen. Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One. Qui-Gon needed the promise that his training would happen. That's all.

Obi-Wan spent the rest of the funeral at peace.

When they all exited the temple, Anakin tugged gently at Obi-Wan's cloak. He looked down at the child. "Yes, Anakin?"

"I don't want to be a burden," the boy whispered.

He knelt down in front of him. "What do you mean, Anakin?"

"I mean, if you want to grieve... I have no place being here. I don't wish to be a burden to you."

Obi-Wan smiled. "First lesson then. I have watched many people die, and so will you eventually. Grieving is part of life. You are not a burden to me."

Anakin looked down then back up. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Oh." The child hesitated and then wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan's shoulders. "I'll try not to be a burden."

"I have the utmost faith you'll only be a joy."

Ten years later, clinging on for dear life as a nineteen year old Anakin flew through the power couplings, Obi-Wan silently took back those words.