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There is something significantly wrong with your Padawan.
For all that Qui-Gon is the top of his clan, for all the skill and intelligence he possesses, the boy is an absolute nightmare when it comes to sewing. His stitches are uneven and obvious, bits of fraying fabric unraveling around the edge of an imperfectly folded double hem along the edge of his hood. Yet the look on the boy’s face is one of nonchalance, as though he is completely unaware or unencumbered by this flaw.
Strong in the Living Force, the boy is. So Master had proclaimed the day that you announced your intention to train Qui-Gon. At the time you thought it high praise, that your choice was wise.
Now you wonder if it hadn’t been a warning.
“Why don’t we take out these stitches and try again, hm?” You suggest as calmly as you are able.
Qui-Gon, Force-bless him, shrugs and agrees as if he’s nothing better to do.
It is, for the most part, true. At a mere ten years of age, he’s still too young for most of the junior Padawan courses. The initiate classes won’t resume for another two weeks.
Will you even survive the next two weeks? It feels like a migraine is brewing in your skull, a consistent throbbing that may or may not be the sign that you’re in over your head.
This is your punishment for years of nagging at your own master, for the hair loss you inevitably caused over the course of your apprenticeship.
To your horror, you find Qui-Gon’s second attempt even more heinous than the first. Is he trying to test your patience, your placid nature?
The light flickering in the boy’s eyes suggests this is a strong possibility.
The heathen.
“I suppose it will do. With enough practice, I’m sure you’re bound to improve eventually.” You sigh as you say the words, hoping to guilt your Padawan into more concerted efforts in the future.
If the boy feels any remorse at all, it doesn’t show on his face.
You’re left holding the robe in your hands as Qui-Gon decides he’s been dismissed. The boy - your Padawan - scurries off to the corner of the apartments that contain a variety of potted plants.
These things can keep Qui-Gon’s attention for greater lengths of time. It’s a curious fact, considering how athletic and energetic the boy is in the salles.
He’s nothing if not a contradiction. One that promises to either bring out the best in you, or bring about your demise.