Qui-Gon had had it. He had patience enough to sit through the most boring negotiations in the galaxy, risk his life on suicide missions, AND bear the wrath of the Council when he chose to defy an order, but this was just too much.
Obi-Wan was driving him insane. The boy just had too muhc unfocused energy. He was only fourteen years old, yet he had already torn through all of the work of all of his classes this quarter (classes which included Molecular Biochemistry and advanced Quantum Physics), and they had only been back at the Temple for a week.
Practice sessions didn't tire the boy. Instead they only seemed to add to his already boundless energy. He had read every book in their quarters, and was more than half-way through the ancient Jedi history section in the Temple Library.
He talked constantly. He stayed up all night. He would occasionally focus, but then Qui-Gon would enter the room, and that focus would go right out the window.
It had to stop, otherwise Qui-Gon was going to lose his mind.
He thought and though and thought, and nothing seemed good enough. He could think of nothing that would keep the boy calm for more than a few seconds... unless...
About the time this crazy plan formed in his mind, Obi-Wan burst through the door, carrying on about how Yoda had accused him of something-or-other that he claimed he didn't do. Qui wasn't convinced.
"Obi-Wan, come sit here with me." Always the obedient Padawan, Obi-Wan scurried across the room and sat in the chair opposite Qui-Gon. He looked worried.
�Master, what��
�Hush, Obi-Wan.�
�Yes, Master.� They sat in silence for nearly five minutes when the Padawan started fidgeting. He received a stern look from the elder Jedi and stopped instantly, sinking down into the chair.
Another two minutes passed, and Obi-Wan shifted again. He received another look and sank further into the chair.
Another two minutes.
�Master?�
�Yes, Obi-Wan?�
�Why are we sitting here?�
�You are in Time-Out, Padawan.� At that, Obi-Wan went ballistic.
�You can�t be serious, Master! I have not been in Time-Out since I was six! This is absurd!� Qui-Gon smirked at his flustered apprentice.
�Yes, Obi-Wan, it is absurd,� he said calmly, further irritating the boy, �but so is your behavior lately.�
�Master, if this is about Master Yoda, I��
�No, Obi-Wan, this is about your actions lately and your seeming inability to focus and release your extra energy.� The younger Jedi flailed his arms dramatically and it was all Qui-Gon could do not to laugh. �Sit down, Padawan.� Reluctantly, he complied, flopping gracelessly into the chair with a grunt and a pout. �You will sit here in Time-Out until you learn to focus your energy.�
Obi-Wan let out a loud sigh and sank into the chair.
~ + ~
12 hours later
�Master?�
�Yes, Obi-Wan?�
�Can I move yet?�
�Have you learned your lesson?�
�I think so, Master�but right now it is kind of hard to focus.�
�Why is that?�
�Because I�ve got to go to the bathroom.�
�Then go, but come back.�
�Yes, Master.�
~ + ~
Two minutes later
�Master?�
�Yes, Obi-Wan?�
�Do I really have to get back in that chair? I promise I will behave.�
�IF you keep yourself focused, you may go free.� Upon hearing this, Obi-Wan let out an ear-piercing cheer and took off out of their quarters.
Qui-Gon hung his head and laughed. He had to. Otherwise, he was sure he would cry.
~fin~
© Draickin und Phoenix
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