Meeting

Qui-Gon Jinn was on crèche duty, helping Jedi Master Ali Alann put the smallest younglings, ranging from seven to ten months, to bed. Five out of six of them were already sleeping. The newest arrival, a seven-month-old auburn-haired, blue-grey eyed, Obi-Wan Kenobi was being fussy for Ali, squirming in the firm grasp the elderly Master had him in. He was whimpering, seeming like he was going to burst into a full blown tantrum any second. That would not be good, for if he did explode, all the other babies in the crèche would too. Qui-Gon walked to Ali and held out his arms.

"Would you like me to take him, Master Alann?" he whispered quietly, for the sake of the sleeping children.

"Yes, please, Master Jinn." Ali handed the squirming child to the younger Master, and, for some strange reason, he stilled.

"And who do we have here? I don't recall ever meeting this one." Qui-Gon asked, gently rocking back and forth on his heels to lull Obi-Wan to sleep.

"This is Obi-Wan Kenobi. He arrived just over a week ago. He doesn't usually act like this, though. He's usually very agreeable." Ali glanced at Obi-Wan, who was staring up at Qui-Gon with wide eyes. "He's taken a liking to you, hasn't he?"

"Mm, yes," Qui-Gon murmured, gazing deep into the child's eyes. Obi-Wan reached up and grasped a fistful of brown-blond hair that had fallen over Qui-Gon's shoulder and pulled. Hard. "He has incredible strength for one so young." Qui-Gon noted as he pried the tiny fingers from his locks, ceasing the stinging sensation. The tiny youngling then reached up to pat Qui-Gon's face, entwining his fingers in the short beard that adorned Qui-Gon's chin. "Stop, child." Qui-Gon whispered sternly, removing the hands from his face. "What is your obsession with pulling hair?" he asked. Obi-Wan's only answer was to smile, showing his only three teeth, sprouting from the middle of his lower gums. A trail of drool rolled out of his mouth, down his cheek, and onto the sleeve of Qui-Gon's tunic. Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. "Wonderful."

"I think it is time for young Kenobi to be put to bed." Master Alann said, holding his arms out to take the babe from Qui-Gon's gentle hold. Qui-Gon reluctantly handed the child over.

"Do you mind, Master, if I come back in the morning to help with the daily routine?" Qui-Gon asked, glancing longingly at Obi-Wan, who now laid in his crib.

"I would love if you did, Master Jinn. I rarely have help in the mornings."