Freaks and Miracles

"Master," said ten-year-old Anakin Skywalker, sprawled out on the carpet of the living room he shared with Obi-Wan, frowning down at the biology textbook he was studying.

"Yes, Padawan?" Obi-Wan answered, looking up from the book he was reading on the politics of Anaxes. He made a habit of doing something to enrich his mind while Anakin did his class assignments not only to model good study habits but also because it encouraged the bright but easily distracted boy to focus on his work for longer periods.

"This book says that all humanoids have a mother and a father involved in their conception." Anakin cocked his head, biting his lip. "But I don't have a father at all. Mom said so. She said he never existed at all. He didn't get sold off or die or abandon her like some of my friends' dads did. That means I don't have a father at all, so I'm a freak."

"It means you're a miracle, not a freak," Obi-Wan said gently. "Anakin, I care about you and always want what is best for you. What more do you want in a father?"

"Well, Master." Anakin smirked, back to being his sunny, cheeky self. "I was hoping for someone who looked a little less like a Hutt, but, since we aren't actually related, I think I can be flexible."

"I think it's time for someone to return to their homework." Obi-Wan shot his apprentice a pointed glance, leaving very little doubt about to whom he was referring.

"I think, in that context, someone means me," commented Anakin, utterly unabashed, as he riveted his eyes on his textbook once more.

"Someone's deductive skills are improving," muttered Obi-Wan wryly, burying himself in his rather dry political treatise once more. "I'm such a proud Master."

"Hold your applause, Master," Anakin responded, deadpan. "I've just been studying my grammar."

"Now I really can't contain my glee and awe," remarked Obi-Wan, grinning and thoroughly enjoying the miracle of this one small moment of amusement with his gifted Padawan.