Reconsidering My Place(Completed)

Antics

1 week later

Anakin POV

Administrative work today was rough. I was forced to sit through 3 hours of briefings from Obi-wan, Cody and even Master Plo. Barriss' presence wasn't necessary so she went and did her own thing. Since Hispol, she's calmed down with her insubordinate nature and snide remarks. We don't speak much however if not needed. The most we exchanged were greetings and farewells, out of respect of course. Even that is a recent development. I find it easier to let little things slide, like when she uses the shower for 30 minutes, using up all of our ration of heated water.

She usually showers at 0900. It's 0840. Perfect. I quickly disrobed and hopped in. Warm bliss at last!

Barriss POV

I am finished with my duties as a medic. It's been a long, tiring day. My arms ache from holding them over the sick and infirm. I need a nice, hot shower to relax then. I entered my quarters, looking around for Master Skywalker. He's not here as usual. All that hot water's mine! Before I could prepare myself to enter the bathroom, the door opened, mist pouring out on the floor. A tall, well-built figure emerged, his top half uncovered while his bottom half was covered with a towel. I felt heat rise to my cheeks as the figure ran its fingers through soaked locks of hair.

"Oh... Evening Barriss." Greeted Master Skywalker, a dotish smirk gracing his lips. An uncomfortable heat rose to my cheeks. His eyebrows contorted into an inquisitive look.

"Evening... Master." I replied lazily. What am I doing? Master warned me to never gaze too heavily at the opposite gender. The Jedi Master quickly looked down and back at me, a new round of discomfort slapped him in the face. "Oh, my bad." He apologized quickly before searching the room for something, anything. I instinctually turned around, hands over my eyes. I don't want to see anything even by accident.

I mean, I've seen clones shirtless, but it's easy to ignore it since I'm usually in the zone as some would say, or I simply avert my gaze. I was not prepared, the image of his toned, muscular chest burned into my memory. "You can look now." He informed playfully. "You better not have used all my hot water, Master." I chided, finding some clothes to change into. He was wearing his usual outfit, minus the armour. Simply the tunic and trousers.

Anakin POV

I found it a little odd that Barriss reacted that way. I was expecting her to complain and make a fuss. Ahsoka and I were comfortable enough to wear bathrobes or less around each other. The clothed one just wouldn't stare. Just part of being roommates. Those things are bound to happen. No matter, those days are over. I miss my little Padawan, her large eyes stared at me in my sleep. I failed her.

All of a sudden, a blood-curdling scream came from the bathroom. Barriss!? I immediately ran to the door, quickly overrode the lock and activated my lightsaber. "What's wrong!? Separatist spy probe?" The shower windows were fogged by steam, but they began to clear up. Her green figure almost came into view. I quickly turned around, scared of what I'd see. "The water turned cold!" She corrected aggressively. "I said I didn't use 'all' of it," I noted, clipping my lightsaber to my hip.

"Get out! I hate you!" She spat. "I'm going," I replied dejectedly, raising my hands. "Wait! I... I left my clothes outside. Can you pass them? They're in a small brown bag on my bed." She has some audacity to be asking for my help after all that. "Whatever," I mumbled.

I scanned the area for something fitting that description. Oh, there it is. I quickly retrieved it with force. "I got it," I called. The automatic door cracked open, her hand poked through. "Give it here." She ordered rather arrogantly.

"I thought you hated me," I said with a smirk. "Not the time! My clothes! Now!"

"Um... No. Come get them." I teased, stepping away from the door. "What? Master!" She dragged. The door opened, revealing the young m

irialan wrapped in a bathrobe from shoulders down. Her hair was short, chin-length and dripping wet. With an angry scowl on my face and one hand holding the towel, she marched over to me with revenge on her mind. "Hand it here!" She reached for the bag as I raised my arm well out of her reach. She began jumping up, barely coming close to it. "Say please," I demanded as I began laughing loudly. "... Please." She pleaded, joining in my laughter, though she was more giggling than laughing. That was rather easy.

I began to bring my arm down but she made one last jumping attempt, the momentum knocked me back and I tricked over myself, accidentally carrying me with her. My back hit the floor. Looking up, I was let by Barriss' slim face staring at mine. My eyes drifted to the visible cleavage and a part of her torso revealed by the now loose towel around her body. "Master, that's not for you to see." She blankly stated, my eyes adjusted to face her. I chuckled nervously, "My apologies."

She quickly grabbed the bag from out of my hands, laughing in victory, "Mine!" She ran to the bathroom to finish her routine. That was fun.

Barriss POV

What. The. Hell. That was so embarrassing. I have so many questions. How much did he see? Why did I start laughing like that, Master Unduli would never play like that. Did I sin? Did I make him sin? As a Jedi, it's wrong to be so indecent with one's master. What if he reports me? I hope he doesn't. I was only trying to play off the gravity of the situation and be more personable, but instead, I may have caused my Master to have... Less than thoughts. Master Unduli would be as disgusted as I am.

After getting dressed and attempting to dry my hair, I exited the bathroom, ready to accept my fate. My mind ran wild and he wasn't helping. He sat cross-legged in a meditative position in the middle of the room. "Barris," I shivered at his low, authoritative tone. "Come join me. Meditation is always better with the company." He justified. I allowed myself to breathe. Perhaps he wants me to admit my mistake, such generosity. I appreciate it.

I accepted his request, kneeling down behind him to the left. My own meditative position, my hands on my lips. "I won't bite, come closer." He urged playfully. Master Unduli would never. I scooted up towards him until I was in line. "Master, I wish to apologize." I humbly stated, ready for whatever may come. "For what?" He queried. I stared at my lap. This is too much. "For exposing myself and making you uncomfortable," I replied. "Barriss, we live in the same room. It's bound to happen. And I'm the one who started it. If it made you uncomfortable I'll stop with the joking around."

I was not expecting that. I was expecting him to berate me, threaten me or something else. Instead, he was taking the blame? I don't understand. "But... you've seen... Me. I caused you to sin." I protested. "Sin? We were just having fun. If that was your intention then no 'sin' was committed." Asserted the human, his voice unraised, as cool as bacta. "It wasn't, I swear! I just... want you to not send me back." Again these damn tears nipped at my eyes, and all the shame for my unwarranted behaviour poured out like a river of despair and self-loathing. I'm better than this.

Anakin POV

This is my fault. My temper caused me to be harsh and it's affecting her. Selfishly, I forgot how much this much be affecting her, losing both Ahsoka and her master. I only added to that pain. I have to fix this. "Well, if you really don't want me to send you back, I have one request." I determined, I good feel her side eyeing me. "Loosen up. You're my Padawan after all. We should have a working relationship."

I think I heard a soft sniffle as she wiped her face quickly. "I understand. As you wish, my Master."

Her Master. I guess the old deal is no longer in effect perhaps. No matter.

Words 1421

Posted 26/7/2024