He had worried that Obi-Wan did not have room for him in his heart. But Shmi's smile rose in Anakin's mind. Hearts have infinite room, my son.
It was one of her favorite sayings. Anakin sighed. He wished he could combine Obi-Wan's cool judgement with his mother's goodness. Someday. Maybe his Master would trust him enough to let him tangle again with the Sith.
Perhaps he would never have a Master-Padawan relationship as deep and trusting as Obi-Wan had with Qui-Gon. Perhaps Obi- Wan kept his as a Padawan in order to fulfill a dying wish. But maybe it didn't matter how it happened.
He should not focus on what he didn't have. He had this. This was his. And that was something. He would work hard. He would be a great Padawan. And Obi-Wan would come to love him. He would make him do so.
'I think I know what you're thinking,' Obi-Wan said, noting Anakin's sigh. 'It was not the training mission I thought it would be, either. I thought I had things to teach you. Instead, you taught me.'
'I taught you?' Anakin was surprised. 'What?'
'That I am not Qui-Gon,' Obi-Wan said. 'And you are not me. Simple as that.'
'Simple is sometimes best,' Anakin said, repeating Obi-Wan's words.
'We are on a journey together, Padawan.' Obi-Wan clicked his glass lightly against Anakin's. 'We will forge our own path. Let us drink to that.'
Across Dexter's cafe, someone watched the two Jedi. Someone with cool eyes behind dark-lensed goggles. Someone who had recently removed synth-flesh that had knitted into his skin, leaving his skin raw. But no one looked twice at anyone else in Dexter's cafe. It was too dangerous and could provoke violence.
Go ahead, enjoy your drinks and your smiles, Jedi. You escaped for now. Yet I am not angry. I am only amused. It only gives me more time to play with you. You met me once, but you won't recognize me next time. You'll look, but you won't see. You think I left that case behind by accident? I don't make mistakes. I enjoy opportunities. And I make my own.
In other words, Jedi — we'll meet again soon.
