I double checked my shields as I rushed down the hallway. I was late, I was so so late, and I was so in trouble. Master Luminara's going to kill me. I ran faster, tripping over my own feet, still groggy. I had woken up in the library ten minutes ago, exactly two hours over curfew. I did not have my comlink on me, and I had no idea how long I had been out. The last thing I remember was working on my studies, preparing for a Political Etiquette exam this week, and now I was racing for my life, hoping that Master Luminara had not yet signed my death warrant.

Rounding the corner, I extended my hand and opened the door to our quarters with the Force; within seconds I had run through the entryway, dropped my books, and collapsed to the floor. I sat there quietly, trying to catch my breath, when I heard her throat clear. I froze, unwilling to raise my eyes.

"Padawan. Look at me."

I obeyed automatically, Master Luminara never liked to be kept waiting, especially not when I was in trouble. Her piercing blue eyes were cold, distant, but was that concern? If it was, it was coated in disapproval and disappointment.

"Do you have any idea how late it is?" Her tone was hard, stern, but even toned too. She never yelled, but she gave her voice an edge that could cut me like a razor.

"I apologize Master. I fell asleep in the library. I know that I missed curfew and did not have a comlink on me." I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"That is all true Padawan, but this is not the first time this has occurred recently." I shook my head, trying to think, unbelieving. She was right. I had done the same thing, not even a week ago.

I hung my head, embarrassed. I tried to release my anger, mostly anger at myself, to the Force but with no success. I was too tired and too mutton headed to walk straight, much less use the Force at that level.

"Barriss, look at me." Her voice was like steel, and I looked up apprehensively. Her face had softened, her eyes warm and relaxed. "Barriss, why are you shielding from me?"

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly cold. I did not know. I did not know what was wrong with me either. I had been slipping steadily, and now I was falling apart. A part of me wanted to tell her what was wrong, that I was exhausted and stressed beyond belief and struggling to keep up with my training. But another part of me just wanted to go to bed and pretend like today had never happened.

I sat there silently for a few moments, forgetting that she had asked me a question. "Barriss…" she said, a warning tone lining her voice.

All I could do was look at her, helpless. "Master, please help." I was shaking, caught in something I couldn't get out of. Within an instant, Master Luminara was at my side. One hand gripped my shoulder, the other cupped my face, and I leaned into the familiar palm.

Her eyes found mine, full of warmth and concern. "Breathe, little one. It's all right. I'm here, my padawan." I reached out and gripped her arm, and she wrapped me in an embrace. With those words, I surrendered everything through our bond, letting her in. My Master, my Savior; she was the only one who could save me from myself, and as the tears began to flow I gave thanks that I was lucky enough to have been rescued by such a woman.

A/N: What do you think guys? There's not nearly enough stories about Barriss and Luminara out there, so I thought I would provide one. It's just a one-shot, but should I continue it? Let me know what you think.