Setting: Post-TPM
"Do I have to?" Anakin whined as Obi-Wan hurried him along the many hallways of the Jedi Temple.
Anakin had just been accepted to be Obi-Wan's apprentice the day before when the Jedi council ordered Obi-Wan to enroll him in Padawan School. Anakin had heard many things about the place and decided he did not want to go.
"Every Jedi has to, Anakin. I did when I was your age. And Qui-Gon before me, " Obi-Wan told Anakin with an annoyed expression.
He had been asking him the same thing all throughout the day.
"But it might be dangerous," he said, trying to get out of going.
Obi-Wan stopped and rolled his eyes.
"I lived through it. So, you have to, too,"
"But...but...Master...it's not fair," Anakin said, pouting.
"You're going and that's final. Now, let me see the check list,"
Anakin reluctantly handed the clipboard to Obi-Wan.
"Aaahh. Let me see...notebook?" he asked Anakin.
Anakin pulled his notebook out of his heavy blue backpack.
"Check," he said.
By the time Obi-Wan had gone through the whole list, all of Anakin's things were scattered on the floor. Anakin gingerly picked up his things when he felt his master's eyes on him. A few minutes later Anakin got up off of the floor and wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan's legs.
"Please, don't make me go, Master Kenobi. I'm scared," he whispered into the rough-spun cloth of Obi-Wan's trousers.
Obi-Wan gently unwrapped Anakin's fingers from his legs and bent down to his height.
"It will only be for three years and then we'll see each other again. It won't be that long and maybe along the way, you'll make some friends," Obi-Wan said to Anakin. He had started to take a liking to the boy.
"But...I had to leave mom, say goodbye to Padme, and Qui-Gon died..." he shook his head sadly, "I don't want to lose you, too,"
Obi-Wan hugged Anakin tightly.
"Ani, I promise that I'll be here when you get back. You won't lose me. Now be strong and walk in there and don't eat the Dianoga Cuisine," he said as he released Anakin.
"Why?" Anakin asked Obi-Wan suspiciously.
"It tastes awful! Go on, then. May the Force Be With You...go." Obi-Wan said as he gave Anakin another quick hug and turned him around.
Anakin stopped in front of the entrance and turned back around. Obi-Wan walked to the door of his speeder and did the same. Obi-Wan sadly waved goodbye and got in. As Obi-Wan took off, Anakin let a small tear roll down his cheek and went in. It would be a long three years without Anakin. A little boy that annoyed him so much...that he loved.
"Goodbye, Anakin, goodbye." Obi-Wan said as the teacher closed the door to the little classroom.