"Master, can I talk to you for a second?"
Qui-Gon looked up from his reports, his senses instantly on edge at the sound of his apprentice's voice. Obi-Wan sounded sad, almost frightened, at what he needed to discuss. His padawan stood before him, head bowed, hands clutching a datapad.
"Of course, Obi-Wan. What is it?"
Qui-Gon felt their bond tremble, but Obi-Wan was shielding, and he couldn't uncover the source of his student's anxiety.
"Master, I got my marks back for my Mechanics exam."
Ah. That explains it. Obi-Wan excelled in political and cultural studies, and was ahead of his class in lightsaber training, but he had always struggled with mechanical tasks. By the look on Obi-Wan's face, the exam had not gone well, despite his hard work.
"Ah, yes. May I see your marks?"
Obi-Wan nodded, he would never refuse a direct order from his Master, but something was wrong.
"Master, may I say something first?"
Qui-Gon sighed internally, betraying nothing in his expression. If Obi-Wan had truly done poorly, he needed to say this. Although it was not necessary, he felt obligated to apologize, no matter what his Master told him. Qui-Gon nodded, allowing his apprentice to speak.
"Master, I know you always expect the best from me, and you know that I have always worked my hardest to achieve that, in all of my classes. I want you to know that I did my best on this exam, and I hope that I can do better in the future."
Qui-Gon nodded solemnly, outstretching his hand. "Your marks, please, Obi-Wan." Reluctantly, Obi-Wan handed over the data-pad. Qui-Gon looked the marks over, and raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"These are your marks, Obi-Wan?" The boy nodded. "And you thought these marks would disappoint me?" Another nod.
"Obi-Wan, you made a 92. That is an excellent mark, especially given your difficulties in the class. Why did you think I would be upset?"
Obi-Wan shrugged. Qui-Gon shook his head and opened his arms, inviting his apprentice in for a hug. "Oh, my stubborn, stubborn padawan. Perhaps we should meditate on the illusion of perfection tonight."
"Anakin, how did your Economics test go?"
Obi-Wan sensed rather than saw his apprentice freeze in his tracks as he walked through the door of their apartment. Economics was his last class of the day, and judging by the chrono, it was extremely unusual for him to be back this early.
Within seconds, Anakin recovered his calm outward appearance and walked into the kitchen to meet his Master. "The test was postponed until next week. How was your day?"
Obi-Wan sighed, not amused at his padawan's not so subtle attempt to change the subject. "Why was the test postponed?"
Anakin blinked, as if not understanding the question. "Oh. Well, what had happened was..."
Obi-Wan held up his hand, stopping the inevitable rambling story that would only be about 47% true. "Padawan, before you begin, can you look me in the eye and tell me that whatever you want to say is completely true, without any exaggerations or additions?"
Anakin hung his head, realizing that one could only be an apprentice for so long before you run out of tricks.
"Very well then. What is the real story?"
"Well, we were taking the test on computers, and a virus got into the system. Crashed all the computers and erased everyone's answers. Test was postponed until they figure out what the problem is."
Obi-Wan listened carefully, sending another silent prayer to his Master, wondering how he would ever survive his first and possibly last apprentice.
"And, correct me if I'm wrong, this is the same Economics test that you failed the practice exam for?"
Head still lowered, Anakin nodded. Obi-Wan shook his head. "Well, only one thing to do." Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's arm and steered him towards the door.
"Where are we going?" Anakin demanded, struggling in the firm grip.
"We are going to see your teacher and then you are going to apologize for disrupting the test, fix the computers in the classroom, and then write an essay on the importance of the study of economics. And if I hear one word of complaint, I will revoke your pilot's license for a month."
SLAM!
Obi-Wan and Anakin looked up from their tea. A book bag sailed across the living room and a very grumpy looking Torgruta stormed into the kitchen. Ahsoka jumped up on the counter and bit angrily into an apple.
"Good afternoon to you as well, Snips."
Ahsoka frowned. "Apologies Master. Good afternoon Master Kenobi." Her voice was cold as ice and harder than steel. The elder Jedi exchanged glances, and though both tried to test the bond, Ahsoka's shields were solid.
At first, Anakin attempted to be casual. "So, Snips. How did your practice Political Etiquette exam go?"
Her eyes flashed with anger as she sunk her sharp Torgrutan teeth into the apple again.
That's never a good sign. Dammit, we just got back from the field and she's been studying non-stop.
"What did Master Pacem say?"
She sighed, not able to keep her irritation from leaking into her voice. "Master Pacem thinks my etiquette skills are 'course and unrefined at best'. At best. Can you believe that?"
Obi-Wan and Anakin shared another look, having no trouble believing it at all. Anakin gave Ahsoka a sympathetic look. "I know it's difficult Snips, but it's a skill you have to learn. The war will end, eventually, and Jedi are more than just fighters, you know that."
Ahsoka groaned, hopping off the counter. "I know, but I hate politics and procedure and manners. It's ridiculous and frustrating and I hate it!" The half eaten apple went flying across the kitchen, only to be caught by Obi-Wan, a smug expression on his face.
"On the contrary, Ahsoka. Politics can be extremely interesting. I can help you, if you want, before your actual exam. It's not that hard after all, once you practice. The key to good manners and etiquette when it comes to politicians is to convey total and utter dislike without saying a single thing anyone could find offensive."
Ahsoka smiled, a small one, but a smile nonetheless. "I guess that makes it a little more interesting. Do you really think I can pass the test?"
Obi-Wan smiled, looking at his grand-padawan fondly. "Well, if you're anything like your Master, it might be difficult."
"Hey!" Anakin protested, much to Ahsoka's amusement.
"-but I think I just might have the patience. As long as you watch that temper of yours."
Ahsoka bowed her head, embarrassed at her lack of control. Anakin rubbed the top of her lekku gently. "Don't beat yourself up Snips. When I was your age, I threw things a lot bigger than apples."
"Is that why Obi-Wan doesn't have anything breakable in his apartment?"
"That, young one, is exactly why."
Author's Note: Thank you so much for your incredible patience. I passed all of my final exams, and now that it's summer you'll get updates as fast as I can write them. The Padawans are at it again; I hope you like this latest chapter. Have a great day!