Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.

Full summary: Sequel to Sooner or Later. At last Anakin has a proper Master one he loves and trusts, QuiGon Jinn. In the midst of their complicated romance, they're put to their first test as a team when there's a sudden slew of attacks on the Temple. QuiAni

Warnings: Slash, future shota, JA reference.

Pairing(s): Eventual Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)

Fic type: AU, romance

Bizarre speaks: Pretty weak on the views end of things guys...

Chosen
Volume Two
The Heir
Chapter II: Friends

Personal journal of Obi-Wan Kenobi-Knight of the Jedi Order:

06/08/05-27 BBY-19:00

Transport ship POM

During the victory celebration the Mimbanite offered to paint me. Tattoo me. I asked RhenFa why. She looked at me like I was simple.

To remember, she exclaimed. So years later I could recall this moment of glory. I'm not sure the Code allows that kind of thing. I can't think of any tattooed Jedi.

I took her up on the offer and now sport a tribal symbol, in red, on my hip. Wasn't too bad, though the skin is tender still.

I think that before my time is up I will acquire more such markings of remembrance.
People who knew nothing of the Jedi Order often misrepresented the Jedi as religious zealots. A strange mistake as the Jedi preserved civilization itself. Maintaining order and peace. Working long and hard in service to the Republic of the Force.

Protecting civilization is not an easy task. It requires skill, rhythm and trust. The Jedi were family, although not bound by blood. So, when someone disturbed that familiar rhythm, it was a sign for concern.

Anakin Skywalker caused the biggest disturbance at the Temple since Qui-Gon's former apprentice, Xanatos. Having been with the Order for almost six years Skywalker was now fifteen. Thus far, he had not made any effort to find friends among his age-mates. For a time, Anakin had taken a shine to Obi-Wan Kenobi. But now, Obi-Wan went continually from one mission to another.

Anakin retreated completely. He clung to his aged Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, like a shadow. He was known to spend vast amounts of free time barricaded in his apartment. Making good of his talent with mechanics to build and repair druids and other tech devices.

01/26/11-27 BBY-6:00

Coruscant, the Jedi Temple

Garen and I are headed into town. Bant and Reeft are busy right now or I'd have dragged them along. I'm getting another tattoo.

-19:00

I am very pleased with the ink. It's a braid, running from behind one ear, down the side of my neck and over the shoulder. It curls in a flourish near my pectoral. A Padawan braid it is.

And who is your Master, Garen asked?

I am forevermore my own Master, I told him. He says I am bitter and accuses me of running away. Using the constant missions to avoid confronting Qui-Gon. I have long since cast aside any feelings on that matter, though.

I do miss Bant and Reef, even the annoying Garen. But I can't grow here. Expansive as the Temple is, there is not enough room. I suppose I can thank Qui-Gon for making that clear.

The Council assumed this was what the restless kid was doing now. They had summoned Qui-Gon to their chambers alone. In order to discuss the matter.

Qui-Gon went to the Council rather unsure. He hadn't broken any rules…lately. He bowed to the waiting Masters upon entering.

"Worried we are, Qui-Gon," Master Yoda informed him plainly. "Concern we have for your Padawan."

"He is not displaying any social behavior," Mace Windu elaborated. "We feel it might be counter productive to his training."

Qui-Gon regarded the Masters carefully. "And why is that?"

"Jedi have to trust each other implicitly," Ki-Adi-Mundi explained with an irritated shrug. "You know that well, Qui-Gon. If Skywalker is not close to others, he will not engender that trust."

"I see," Qui-Gon nodded. "I will do what I can."

"That is all we ask," Shaak Ti assured him as the Council dispersed.

Qui-Gon sighed heavily upon returning to his quarters to find Anakin holed up. Although the first words had yet to be spoken, the elder Jedi already felt argued out. Anakin had a way of doing that to him. The boy's will was very strong. There were few who could dissuade him, even at the Temple. Not that many tried, it wasn't the Jedi way to pursue unnecessary conflict. And, other Padawans seemed unwilling to confront Skywalker.

For Anakin Skywalker was well know around the Temple. Rumors of his place as 'the Chosen One' were certainly reinforced by his innate skills and strength in the Force. Thanks to his crucial role in thwarting Nute Gunray and the Trade fedration, the boy's piloting skills were legendary even before he returned from Naboo. Some admired Anakin for his status, others resented him. He had fans and rivals. It wasn't a matter of anonymity.

The Council had a point, Qui-Gon realized as he watched Ani tinker wordlessly with a malfunctioning astromech. Qui-Gon knew the boy was waiting for him to speak first. He wasn't ready yet. What to say? Excluding Obi-Wan Kenobi, whom neither of them had seen for years, his protégée had no friends. Not that Qui-Gon was that surprised.

Anakin was unnervingly attuned, especially in battle. He had none of the youthful confusion a fifteen-year-old boy should. Ani knew what he wanted out of life. He wanted to be a Jedi. He wanted to be with Master Qui-Gon. Both went hand in hand. There was nothing to be confused about. He seemed so much older at times. No wonder the other youngsters were wary of him. The thought made Qui-Gon frown.

He hadn't wanted to steal Ani's childhood. You didn't, he forcefully reminded himself. You do not seduce the willing…

"What did the Council want, Master?" Anakin's calm voice shattered his musing.

"They are concerned for you," Qui-Gon said plainly. Anakin looked up. There was that familiar amused sparkle in the boy's eyes. "I am as well." The gleam faded with his words. "You have no friends, Padawan. Why is that?"

"I have all the friends I need," Ani told him, neither tone nor gaze faltering.

"You do not have any," Qui-Gon repeated.

"I have you." There, that was it. "My heart is full."

"Your heart may be full, Anakin, but there will be a time when your life is empty." They would not always be together. Life didn't work that way. As Qui-Gon pointed out many times, he was old enough to be Ani's grandfather. He was certain to die of old age or circumstance while Anakin was still in his prime. What then?

Anakin was silent for a moment more, watching the Master. "None of them want to be my friend," he shrugged. More bothered by that than he would let on. "Even if I tried, it wouldn't happen. So, what do you suggest, Master?"

"You have not tried," the Master replied evenly. "You are reclusive. That makes them wary. Perhaps if you offer friendship first that may change their minds."

Anakin ran a hand through his short hair. He really didn't want friends and was reclusive for a reason. "Friends would just take time away from you." He tried a new tact.

"That is not necessarily a bad thing, Anakin."

The apprentice set down his tools and climbed gracefully to his feet. "Why is that, Master?" he asked calmly, coming close to Qui-Gon.

"Because I am not the only one in this world, Anakin, and neither are you." Qui-Gon replied coolly. "You are depriving yourself of much and I will not always be around."

Anakin tried to think up a new argument. He considered telling Qui-Gon the honest truth. He really didn't want or need friends. He wasn't lonely. Friends only got in the way.

It hurt when they left…

Eventually he gave up and let his head fall against Qui-Gon's broad chest. "I will try. For you," he sighed softly. "But, only for you.

"Thank you," the Master smiled.

"Just one problem," Anakin admitted, embarrassed. "I'm not sure who my age-mates are."

"That can be remedied."

"Oh?"

"Certainly," Qui-Gon nodded. There were seminars and other functions where Jedi came together. Not exactly recreational, but parties nonetheless.

"Alright then," Anakin pushed onto his toes and placed a gentle kiss to Qui-Gon's lips. "For you," he repeated sweetly.

The next time there was a gathering of the Jedi, Master Qui-Gon was sure to take his Padawan. He pointed out several of Ani's age-mates and then went to greet Mace Windu.

Anakin hesitantly approached the youthful crowd. He recognized one of the boys as Galvin Alavai. Galvin was a senior student who'd been here when Ani first arrived with Master Jinn. Since his was the only name Anakin knew, he figured that was a good start.

At first Alavai wasn't sure who Anakin was. Little Skywalker had grown! They managed to exchange names and settle into a relaxed conversation. Both were Jedi. They had plenty in common to talk about, even if Anakin wasn't much of a conversationalist.

Two other youngsters, whom Anakin was to learn were Tru Veld and Darra Thel-Tanis, joined them a few minuets later. By that point Anakin wasn't paying much attention anymore. He'd spotted a familiar face in the crowd and without so much as a word he left.

It had been years since he'd seen Obi-Wan and he wasn't going to miss this chance. Not just pretending to care about those other Padawans and their meaningless prattle. He hurried to find the Jedi Knight before Kenobi made good his exit.

On the other side of the hall Qui-Gon quickly excused himself from Master Windu. He wove through the crowd toward his former Padawan, but ran into Anakin instead. Somehow Obi-Wan had slipped away. Qui-Gon no longer saw him.

Seeing his Master's gaze Anakin made a feeble attempt to explain himself. "I saw Obi-Wan and ran to…find him."

"I know," the old man nodded. Qui-Gon scanned the crowd once more but still did not see Kenobi. "Have you talked to any of the others?" he quickly changed the subject.

"A few," Ani grimaced, regretting the public setting. He couldn't touch Qui-Gon in a place like this. "Sort of."

"That's a good start," the Master smiled.

"I suppose," the boy nodded. "I know two more people than I did before."

"Good," Qui-Gon snorted. "I expect two more names by the time we leave," he patted Anakin's head fondly.

Anakin finally decided that Qui-Gon would be proud. Thus far he had met two more girls, Melanah Molin and Alluria Curran. Also a small boy, Ferus Olin or something like that. Despite knowing their names he couldn't say he really liked any of them. This friendship crusade was tiresome already.

Of course, Qui-Gon hadn't said he must like them. Only get some names. Yep, that's what the Master had said.

Once back in their private quarters, Qui-Gon kissed him quickly. "Well done, Padawan."

"So I did well?" Anakin murmured between small kisses of his own. "No more parties then?" He was too Force sensitive for such large gatherings to be fun. Regardless of whether he enjoyed the company or not.

Qui-Gon chuckled. "Occasionally."

"Qui," Anakin groaned. "There are just so many people," It was a lame argument. He couldn't socialize because of all the people? Smooth, Skwalker, he winced inside.

"I know there are a lot of people, Anakin," Master Qui-Gon laughed lightly. "Think of it as practice."

"Crowds are noisy, Master," Anakin whined. "How about I find one or two friends and we skip any more parties," the kid offered, turning a pleading look on his mentor.

Qui-Gon wagged a finger at him. "You can handle a few parties a year, Padawan."

Rolling his eyes Anakin gave in. "You are lucky I love you so, Master," he kissed the old man again. "Or I'd be tempted to flout the rules and say no."

"Then we would have a serious problem," Qui-Gon chuckled.

"Then it is a good thing I love you, isn't it?" Their lips met once more. "I still don't see what's so important about having friends." Anakin admitted. "I'd be happy spending all my time with you."

"Enough," the Master commanded. He was tired of discussing it.

"Yes, Master," Anakin teased. "Of course, Master. Whatever you say."

"That's right," Qui-Gon agreed with a smile.

Anakin fell silent for a time. "Master," he finally changed to an even more uncomfortable subject, however. "When will I be old enough for you?"

Thus far, Qui-Gon had managed to avoid this question. Now puberty was wreaking havoc on Anakin. The teen was getting frustrated and desperate.

"A while yet, Ani," Qui-Gon answered smoothly.

Anakin literally bit his tongue to keep from saying anything more. He let out an unhappy moan as his head fell against Qui-Gon.

To Be Continued...