Spoilers: This takes place a couple years after Episode I, but there are no real spoilers.

Disclaimer: I don't own Obi-Wan and Anakin, but could I have them? Please?

A/N: This is birthday ficlet for my dear friend and sister in Christ, Padawan Aneiki R'hyvar. I hope you have wonderful day, my friend, and that this makes you smile! :)

As always, I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for his incredible mercy and grace and his many blessings. I would be utterly lost without him.

I hope you enjoy it, and please let me know what you think!


The School of Hard Knocks

"It's not broken, is it?"

Obi-wan could feel that it wasn't - there was no distinctive grinding sensation when he moved his foot, no numbness when he wiggled his toes.

But judging by his Padawan's voice alone, Obi-Wan would have thought that his latest injury was something far more serious than it was, though it was obviously quite serious as far Anakin was concerned. The eleven-year-old stood beside the bio bed where Obi-Wan now lay. His shoulders were slumped and his eyes were downcast, guilt practically radiating through their bond.

"No, it's just a bad sprain," Bant assured.

"This is why I asked you not to leave droid parts scattered around our quarters, Anakin," Obi-Wan interjected.

Unfortunately, his stern tone was somewhat ruined by the wince that escaped as the Mon Calamari healer finished wrapping his ankle.

Anakin ducked his head. "I know, Master, and I really am sorry."

Obi-Wan sighed, reaching out to pat the boy's arm. "You're not entirely to blame, Anakin. A Jedi must always be aware of his surroundings, even in the Temple. Qui-Gon was often telling me to be mindful of the here and now." He glanced down wryly at his ankle. "As this incident seems to suggest, that is a lesson I haven't yet mastered."

The comment pulled a small smile from Anakin, and Obi-Wan was relieved to see it. He didn't want Anakin to be burdened by guilt at such a young age. He did, however, want him to learn something from this.

"Though, understand, young Padawan," the Jedi Knight added, "this doesn't mean you're 'off the hook,' so to speak."

Anakin's blue eyes grew a little wide as he met Obi-Wan's pointed gaze. He stared at him for a long moment, then grimaced, apparently able to guess exactly what form of punishment his master had in mind.

"We're not going to be sparring later, are we?" he asked, already sounding resigned.

"No, Padawan, I'm afraid not. I won't be able to spar for at least a week. But while I heal, we'll have plenty of time to practice your meditation technique."

Anakin groaned, but he nodded, accepting his fate.

A week later, Obi-Wan's ankle no longer ached, Anakin's meditation technique was vastly improved, and - coincidentally - stray droid parts never again appeared on the apartment floor.

Overall, Obi-Wan considered it quite the success.

Fin


A/N: I hope you enjoyed this, and please let me know what you think!

Take care and God bless!

Ani-maniac494 :)