With a long exhale, Qui-Gon began to ponder that conversation with Obi-Wan. He tried to put himself in his padawan's shoes and consider what Obi-Wan might be feeling about it all. Although he had gotten used to Obi-Wan's habits and could see certain patterns in how he responded to things, he was usually still difficult to accurately read. I suppose I could just ask him what he thinks… Qui-Gon thought to himself. But would it only make matters more difficult if I addressed him in such a way?

He was pulled from his contemplation by a presence nearby - Qui-Gon could feel it. He knew in an instant that Anakin had found him, for the boy had such spirit to him that the atmosphere changed just by him being near. Brilliant and sparky, but not in a reactive way. Qui-Gon had thought that Anakin felt like a candle burning bright in a dark room. He wondered if Anakin might shed some light on how he and Obi-Wan had fared in his absence.

Qui-Gon had sensed all this with his eyes still closed in meditation. He didn't realize that a small smile had crept onto his face when Anakin drew near. Without opening his eyes, he acknowledged him. "Anakin? Is that you?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, Master Qui-Gon," a small voice replied. "I'm sorry to disturb you, sir."

Qui-Gon opened his eyes and turned to him. "There's no need to apologize, Ani." He held out his hand, beckoning him closer. "Come, tell me what's on your mind."

Anakin's face was pale as he crept closer. Qui-Gon had noticed a grave change in Anakin's demeanor whenever he was around him. He had started wearing the traditional Jedi robes, but had not yet had his hair cropped and braided as a padawan. He stood beside Qui-Gon - at eye level, as Qui-Gon was seated - but did not look him in the eye.

Qui-Gon would not push him to tell him what was the matter. "Have you had a pleasant time in the temple so far? Master Koon tells me you have been sitting in on some classes with the Wolf Clan," he said softly.

Anakin nodded, but still did not look up.

"I trust you have made some new friends? Learned new things?"

All he got out of Ani was a shrug.

Qui-Gon frowned. "Anakin, I know this must be very hard for you. To be in this new place on a new planet, with new people and new rules. It cannot be easy. But I know you are very smart and very resilient. Adjustment will come with time."
After a moment, Anakin finally looked up at him. "Master, why can't you be my teacher?"

Qui-Gon tilted his head. "Have the other masters not been kind to you?"

"They're nice, I guess. But they're not you."

Qui-Gon smiled sadly. "Ani… I am pleased that you want me to train you. If I could, I would do it without a second thought. But I will not be able to train another student for some time, quite possibly a few years. It will be a while until my body has healed. A fast learner like you will need quick paced teaching, but I need to move slowly for my health."

"I don't mind if you can only teach slowly," Anakin said.

Qui-Gon chuckled quietly. "I know you don't. But you deserve teaching that is suited to your many strengths, which I cannot provide for the time being. But don't worry, Ani. The Council is discussing your training at this very moment. I am sure they will find the perfect teacher for you."

Anakin was convinced that no teacher could be more perfect for him than Qui-Gon. He looked down again, rocking back and forth on his heels slightly.

Qui-Gon noticed Anakin's nerves at the prospect of a new teacher. "Does the thought of having a new master worry you?"

Anakin nodded again, still looking down. "Master Qui-Gon… there's all these new people around and just… I don't know. I feel like I don't belong here. Maybe I should have stayed home. With mom."

Qui-Gon looked at Anakin sternly and tapped the boy's chin to make him look at him. "Ani, if anyone has made you feel that you don't belong here, that was wrong of them and only reveals that they are the ones who do not belong. We are Jedi. We welcome all who come to stay here no matter who they were, where they come from, or how old they are. You belong here. Anyone who thinks otherwise can come talk to me and I will set them straight."

Anakin's eyes turned downward for a moment, then looked back at Qui-Gon. "But what if I'm too… different? It seems like… like I'm too different and it makes everything hard for everyone. I don't want to cause any trouble, really!"

Qui-Gon shook his head and put his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Nonsense. We need difference. We can learn many things from those who are different. The more different you are, the more potential you have to change the minds of others for the better. It doesn't do to be close minded to difference, a Jedi who has forgotten that has forgotten their training."

Anakin still did not look convinced. Though his face was turned towards Qui-Gon, his focus was elsewhere. Qui-Gon squeezed Anakin's shoulder and looked at him attentively. "My boy, I will not press you any further, but I hope you will tell all your troubles to me in time."

Anakin did not respond to that, but some thought came to him that brought him back to the present, and there was something of his usual earnestness in his eyes again. "Will you come and see Obi-Wan and I tonight? Padme is coming to visit us. She said that she wanted to see you."

Qui-Gon raised his eyebrows at this. "Does she now?" Qui-Gon asked.

Anakin nodded. "She came to see you a few times while you were in the medcenter."

This surprised Qui-Gon. He hadn't thought Padme was all that fond of him. "Really?"

Anakin nodded again. "Yeah. We all sat with you sometimes. Obi-Wan and Padme and I."

Qui-Gon furrowed his brow but kept the tender grin. The thought of the three of them by his side while he was recovering warmed his heart, and it was a welcome surprise that so many had paid attention to him. "Is that so? Well, that was… very considerate of her - of all of you. I am pleased that she visited me. I will thank her when I see her tonight."

Anakin's eyes lit up. "Does that mean you're coming?!" he asked with an excited smile.

Qui-Gon nodded his head and laughed. "Yes, I will be there."