The things a friend can change

Exposed

"So you promise not to tell anyone?" Stahl gritted his teeth.

"Yes Stahl we promise. We'll not tell a single soul." Caleb replied, "Right Ashla?"

"No Caleb, not a single person out of this room will know."

(Barriss' POV)

I stood alongside the 501st, eager to see if Caleb and Ahsoka were safe. Last I've heard, they bumped into much trouble. Though knowing Anakin, he'd probably not have returned if he hadn't completed his mission.

To my relief, the instant the cruiser door opened, a short handsome boy walked out, carrying a massive grin. Oh yes, it had to be Caleb. I ran up to him to almost give him a full body check, searching for any signs of internal damages with the force.

"I'm fine Barriss."

"I'm glad you are."

Behind him was the rest of the crew: Ashla, Pad, Stahl, Ahsoka and Anakin. They were all walking steady which clearly indicated that none of them were severely injured.

I eyed Anakin down swiftly, giving him the 'good to see you' look which he faintly returned so as to not cause any suspicions towards the other few Jedi who were also standing around the landing platform.

However, I brought Ahsoka to the side, determined to figure out what had happened.

(Caleb's POV)

I used to think that Barriss and Anakin were mostly extremely open friends. They talked together, played together, laughed together and even ate together. However, as I grew older, my inquisitive mind had started to work furiously, desperate to figure out their true feelings about one another. Though when I was about to get really deep in thought, I couldn't help but get distracted by someone else I just couldn't get my mind off.

"Hey Caleb."

"Oh, Anakin. Uhh, didn't see you there."

"Really? Or were you just trying to hide your thoughts about something."

"No Anakin, it's nothing. I assure you of that."

"Would you mind telling me what you think about Ahsoka?"

"Umm uhhh. Well hehe what's there to say about her. She's great. Uhh, very kind. And umm..."

He grinned, urgently cutting in with, "What do you thing about her..."

"Skywalker!" Great. Master Windu. "I'll need your full report."

"Yes Master." He then turned to look at me, murmuring, "You'll get there one day."

So while Anakin distracted the Masters, I skipped to the nearest refresher, desperate to pull off the blush.

The last thing I heard was Stahl begging Anakin to keep his secret, which he quickly complied with an understanding nod.

"Where are you going punk?"

I turned away in one swift motion, begging the force not to let him see my face.

"Nowhere you need to know." I replied, running off.

(Ahsoka's POV)

"Barriss stop asking me these questions!"

"Just tell me and I'll let you go."

"Uhhh" I groaned, "No I don't think he's very attractive."

Barriss smirked, "Well, I'm sure he'll keep getting more attractive as he gets older. You'll see."

Having enough of her bickering, I decided to plot a counter attack.

"And what do you think of Anakin? Isn't he handsome, doesn't he have beautiful baby blue eyes?" It worked! I had halted her long enough to allow me the luxury of getting free of her restraints.

Did I like Caleb? Yeah definitely. Kids pretty nice. He's fun, friendly and kinda fancy. Does this mean we've grown an attachment? Definitely not, it only means that we're closer friends now. However, the way Barriss told me 'you'll see' would probably haunt me forever. What can I say? At least it'd be in a good way.

Kinda evil, kinda fun. Not a devil, not a pun. (I do that sometimes)