(A/N: Unfortunately, I haven't read the book where Qui-Gon takes Obi-Wan as his apprentice. Therefore, this fanfic is instead of that book. Obi-Wan isn't yet apprenticed to Qui-Gon.)

Chapter One: Obi-Wan's Punishment

-twelve years later-

Obi-Wan raced down the corridor, sweat beading on his forehead. He was late… again. Finally, he reached the classroom, out of breath. He was in such a hurry that he didn't watch where he was going, and ran straight into the teacher.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, class started fifteen minutes ago. Explain yourself."

"I…I…" Obi-Wan stuttered, mind racing, "Well, you see, I was on my way here, but then there… I mean, the floor was being waxed…and I had to find a way to go around… and I got lost." he finished, looking up at his teacher hopefully.

"Nice try, Kenobi. Just a little bit of advice, though… before you start fabricating a fantastic story next time, remember that you can't lie to a Jedi."

Oh yeah. Crap. Obi-Wan shuffled his feet and tried to look as humble and apologetic as possible. It didn't work.

"As a punishment you will receive extra homework tonight. In the event that you're late yet again I will triple the amount you get today. Do I make myself clear?" When Obi-Wan nodded, she motioned for him to take a seat. He quickly complied without another word.

The teacher proceeded to the front of the room, and began her lecture for the day. Half way through, though, Obi-Wan found himself drifting off to sleep. I shouldn't have stayed up all night playing games on the holovision…

"Obi-Wan!" he looked up so quickly that he nearly overbalanced and fell off of his chair. "This is the second time I've had to interrupt my class because of you! I want you to stay after. I have to have a talk with you."

Obi-Wan moaned inwardly. "Yes ma'am."

xxxxx

When class was over, Obi-Wan headed reluctantly to the front of the room. The teacher was out for the moment, so he sat on top of the desk at the front and waited for her. For a moment he considered running out of the room and escaping, but that would be completely useless. She would just call him back later.

After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the teacher returned. "I'm glad to find you still here…and, quite frankly, a little bit surprised." Obi-Wan smiled hopefully. Maybe she would let him off easy… after all, he already had extra homework.

"As punishment, I have decided that you will have to work under a Jedi for a month. Not," she added, "as a padawan, but as a kind of servant. You will do what he asks you to. Do you understand?"

Obi-Wan nodded glumly.

"Good. I have already checked in with the Jedi, and they are okay with this punishment. The Jedi you will be working under is named Qui-Gon Jinn. He will be waiting for you in the back garden after your next class. Which reminds me, you'd better get going. Your next class starts in two minutes."

Obi-Wan nodded and then dashed out of the door.

He was five minutes late for his next class. For being tardy without a valid excuse, (the other teacher hadn't provided him with a note), he received extra homework. As a result, Obi-Wan was rather sulky as he sat down. This was definitely not a good way to begin the day!

Not only did he have extra homework in two classes, but he practically had to work as a slave for a Jedi! It wasn't fair! A lot of kids fell asleep in class… it just happened to him more than anyone else.

Obi-Wan stared blankly down at the desk, completely missing the lecture that the teacher was giving. Suddenly, a thought struck him. Just because he had to work for a Jedi didn't mean he couldn't enjoy it…

A slow grin formed on his lips and he looked over at the teacher, pretending to pay attention. Already he was thinking of ways to make this "Qui-Gon's" life a living hell…

xxxxx

Qui-Gon suddenly jerked out of the meditation that he had been in and glanced at the terminal on the other side of the room that was displaying the time. He stretched, and then got to his feet with a slight moan. It was time to meet the kid that he had volunteered to take under his wing for a few weeks.

As he made his way to the garden, he wondered if he had made a mistake. He could have let one of the other Jedi volunteer… After a moment, he decided that he had done the right thing. Besides, it would be nice not having to do the dishes for a month!

When he reached the garden, the young padawan was already there waiting for him. Qui-Gon examined him, even as he examined Qui-Gon. The boy was dressed in the usual fashion, and had the same haircut that all of the padawans had. What struck him the most, however, were the boy's eyes. They were big and blue, and perfectly innocent. He knew those eyes.

Qui-Gon kept his face neutral. How did this happen? Were the other Jedi playing a joke on him? The story of Obi-Wan's first journey to the Jedi Temple was now legendary. Qui-Gon knew he would never live it down… and now this! The Jedi were going to have a good laugh over this.

"Hello," the boy began politely, "My name is—"

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, isn't it." It was more of a statement than a question. The young padawan stared, then grinned and nodded. Qui-Gon continued, "I am—"

"Qui-Gon Jinn, isn't it."

There was a short pause as Qui-Gon sighed. "Yes, it is. I suppose I deserved that one. It's nice to meet you, Obi-Wan." He held out his hand, and after a moment Obi-Wan took it, smiling angelically.

Qui-Gon smiled back. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all…

xxxxx

Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon back through the Jedi Temple and up to the rooms where he supposed that the Jedi stayed. Qui-Gon led him to a room in the back of his own section and ushered him inside. "This will be your room for the time that you work for me. It would usually go to my apprentice, so I want no permanent damage to be done to it."

Qui-Gon turned backto Obi-Wan. "You don't seem like a bad kid, and I trust we'll get along just fine. Who knows? This might even be fun." Then the Jedi left him alone so that he could get used to his new room.

As soon as Qui-Gon was gone, the innocent look left Obi-Wan's face and a devilish one replaced it. Oh yes, this was going to be lots of fun!

Obi-Wan reached into his pack and pulled out a jar of nearly invisible itch-powder. Qui-Gon would never know what hit him.

xxxxx

Qui-Gon gave Obi-Wan his first night off to do all of his homework, but warned him that his 'job' would begin immediately the next morning.

He was woken up earlier than he was used to by a loud 'CRACK!' as Qui-Gon rapped on the side of the door post with the handle of his lightsaber. After a moment, Qui-Gon peeked inside, and Obi-Wan glared back at him.

Finally the Jedi said, "Does this mean that you haven't started breakfast yet?"

Obi-Wan groaned and Qui-Gon left, chuckling. The padawan dragged himself out of bed and made his way to the kitchen. Halfway there he spotted Qui-Gon, relaxed on the couch and watching the holovision. Talk about rubbing it in. Obi-Wan gave him a healthy glower, which he responded to with a brilliant smile. "You'd better get to work on breakfast soon, or you'll be late for class. Oh, but first why don't you lay out the clothes that I'm going to wear for the day? I have to be at a council meeting in about fifteen minutes." Qui-Gon was still wearing the clothes that he had worn yesterday.

Obi-Wan was about to retort that he could pick out his own clothes, when he remembered the itch powder. He bowed, careful to keep his face in the very picture of obedience. "Yes, Sir. I'll get to work on that right away."

Qui-Gon watched him turn and head back towards their rooms, a curious look on his face. He seriously hadn't expected the boy to actually do as he had asked.

Back in his own room, Obi-Wan removed the itch powder from his pack and went to pick out Qui-Gon's clothing.

When he had them all laid out, he carefully removed the lid of the itch powder and, without touching it, sprinkled it all over the clothing. When it was sufficiently covered in it and the jar was empty, Obi-Wan had to get rid of the evidence. He crept out of the room and hid the jar under his bed.

Then he skipped merrily down the hall, overjoyed at now having a chance to ruin Qui-Gon's breakfast. After all, he could just whip up something after the Jedi left.

xxxxx

"I'm sorry, Sir! I really didn't mean to use the salt instead of the sugar… I just couldn't tell the difference!"

When Qui-Gon finished spitting the last of his breakfast out into the nearest wastebasket, he turned to Obi-Wan and said, "Next time, ask. But never mind that now, I'm going to have to get changed and run. Have a good time at your lessons!"

"Oh, I will! I like my lessons as much as I like you!" Obi-Wan claimed earnestly, fighting hard to keep his face straight. Qui-Gon smiled and patted him on the head, then went to go change into his new clothing.

He was in such a hurry that he must have missed the evil smirk Obi-Wan gave him.

(A/N: I really hope you all like this so far! Thank you so much for the awesome reviews for the last chapter! I truthfully didn't expect that many, and didn't expect them to be good. Thank you so, so, so much! Please review this chapter, I would love to know what you think!)

Hilary