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The Padawan before Obi-Wan was too young. Somewhere between eight and ten, perhaps? But anyway, very young that the confession itself warranted a laugh. Obi-Wan settled for a palm above the kid’s head and smiled gently at him. “It doesn't work that way, young one. You're too young for me.” Besides, it was forbidden by the Order. Qui-Gon was very lax with his current Padawan, it looked like.
“But I'll still grow up.”
“Of course you will,” Obi-Wan said. “And then you can be one of the finest Jedi the Order has ever known.”
Anakin pouted. “You think so?”
“I do. Qui-Gon specifically chose you, Anakin. He saw something in you. You will be fine.”
“That's true and all, but— I mean it. What I said. I won't repeat it since it's embarrassing, but you know what it is! I like you!” He did repeat it. Obi-Wan couldn't help but be endeared; was this why Yoda had specifically chosen to instruct younglings? They were very adorable. Anakin’s age was closer to a youngling than a senior Padawan, and Obi-Wan managed a helpless smile once again.
“I know, Padawan,” he said. On his wrist, his comms beeped. The time to depart had arrived. “You know, Anakin, maybe ten years from now, this conversation will be one of our inside jokes once you're finally a Jedi knight. Maybe we will laugh at it over tea, even.”
Anakin’s face soured. “You're not taking me seriously!”
It was hard to, honestly. The minimum age requirement for Obi-Wan to take someone's confessions half-seriously— only half, he was a Jedi— was at least twenty-five— his age— or older. And Anakin was, what, ten! The situations Obi-Wan often found himself in was downright ridiculous. He hadn't heard Quinlan having these at all.
Obi-Wan just gave Anakin another head pat before answering his comms. Once given an affirmative, he bid Anakin goodbye as he boarded a speeder. Better not give Anakin too much attention— he'd surely forget it once he was older. Obi-Wan had noticed his inclination towards tinkering with droids; maybe he should visit Qui-Gon sometimes and suggest that he encourage Anakin about it more. He should forget his childish confession, then, after.
Resolved, Obi-Wan sped away, unaware of the miffed, ashamed Padawan looking after his back.