Letting it All Out (Anakin Skywalker x Barriss Offee)

Letting it All Out

Takes place in an alternate timeline, where Anakin and Barriss became childhood friends, and as such, were BOTH sent to Naboo to protect Padme together during Attack of the Clones. Enjoy!

Bariss Offee POV:

Naboo was as beautiful as always. Often regarded as the most peaceful and naturally pristine planet in the Republic. It wasn't difficult to see why. The sun reflected brilliantly off the lake, the architecture was intricate and immaculate, and the wildlife was majestic as well as peaceful. One could really lose themselves on a planet like this. 

I was already lost. But not because of the gorgeous scenery, but because of who I was sharing the location with. My fellow Jedi padawan: Anakin Skywalker. The famed apprentice of Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the one prophesized to restore the Force back into balance. Despite so much riding on his shoulders, Anakin seemed to carry himself in a very relaxed manner. He seemed happy for the most part. Especially here on Naboo. 

I'd be foolish to say that Skywalker wasn't attractive. He certainly was quite the specimen. At least 6 feet tall, perfectly tanned skin, soft hair, striking blue eyes, and a truly heart-melting smile. He was also a kind man, wanting to help those around him in any way that he could. Including myself. Years ago, he'd been my friend when no one else wanted to be. All because of my Master: Luminara Unduli. 

I respected my Master, but she was VERY strict. I essentially have to devote myself to trying to emulate her. I have to hide my hair, show no emotion and become feverishly in tune with the Jedi Code. I accepted what was expected of me, and no one wanted to be friend because they knew I wasn't meant to have any. I pretended to be above friendship and connections, but deep down, I wanted companionship just as much as anyone else. I never asked to be isolated from my peers, and luckily, Anakin understood that. He was there for me when no one else was. 

"Barriss?" a voice called out softly from behind me. I turned to see the man in question: Anakin Skywalker in the flesh. His padawan braid cascaded down his right shoulder, symbolizing his years of experience, while donning a simple beige tunic. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and I felt my cheeks grow suspiciously warm. 

"Hello Anakin!" I greeted him warmly. He smiled and joined me and witnessing the sun set over the boundless lake. 

"How is the Senator doing?" I asked him after a moment of silence. He turned his head to look at me for a second, before looking back towards the sun. 

"As well as can be expected. Padme wants to return to Coruscant and seek diplomacy with the Confederacy." he explained. 

"Would you expect any less of her?" I questioned him with a soft chuckle. That earned her another famous Anakin smile. 

"No of course not. She's always had the people's best interests at heart." he responded with an admiration in his tone. Padme Amidala was truly a wonderful person to know. She was confident and headstrong, but never unkind or selfish. She wanted to be everyone's friend first and foremost, and Barriss couldn't help but admire her as a person. 

"I wanted to thank you Barriss." Anakin followed up. I scrunched my eyebrows slightly in confusion. 

"For what?" I asked him. 

"Everything. For being my friend, when everyone else my age resented me." he explained. Barriss knew he was right. He was able to bypass several years of training, and still become top of his class. Despite the Code forbidding jealousy, it was to be expected amongst children, like they once were. Me and Anakin were there for each other, when no one else wanted to know us. 

"I'm grateful to be your friend Anakin." I said with an appreciative smile. 

Anakin Skywalker POV:

Barriss Offee was truly a gorgeous woman, inside and out. The intricate markings on her skin, and her ocean blue eyes, made it difficult not to want to look at her. I couldn't be grateful enough for her being my friend. As much as I cared for Obi-Wan, I felt isolated in my training. If not for Barriss, I would still feel somewhat excluded to this day.