Author's note: This chapter was originally supposed to be much longer, but I decided to split it into two because of what comes next in the story. It's pretty important, so I felt that it deserved its own chapter. Another thing: I go back to school on Jan. 3rd, so from then on expect one chapter per week, maybe two if I have time on the weekends. Enjoy!

In Love With A Master

Co-author: Brandon66

Chapter Seven

Anakin awoke early the next morning, half expecting to be back on Coruscant. Instead, he opened his eyes and saw white and blue lekku. He shifted his view to her beautiful red skin, taking in every inch of her. I created a trail of kisses, from her montral to lekku. He heard her moan gently in her sleep, encouraging him to continue.

He shifted his body so he could kiss her face, starting from behind the ear. He worked his way down until he reached her lips, adjusting her head slightly to reach his lips. They connected, and Anakin felt a tingle throughout his body. She met his tongue, and they enjoyed a long, passionate kiss.

She raised a hand, trying to feel her lover's face. Anakin gently guided it to his cheek, allowing her to stroke it. He enjoyed the feeling, and decided to reward her with another kiss.

She pulled away, and Anakin thought he had done something wrong.

"Mmmm, Ani…" she moaned, "let me get more comfortable," she said, shifting her body to face him.

She traced a finger gently down Anakin's chest, exploring his muscular figure. Anakin responded by flexing his pectorals, causing her to pull back in shock.

"Anakin, what was that?"

"What?" he asked, totally confused by her sudden withdrawal.

"Your chest… it moved. Are you feeling sick?" she put a hand on his forehead, checking for raised body temperature.

He started laughing. He took her hands in his, gently working his thumbs in small circles on her palms. "I'm completely fine. My chest can move because I've developed the muscles there. Don't worry."

She took a moment to look at his chest again, as if expecting something to happen. Finally, she looked at him, and laughed as well.

"Although… I am feeling a bit chilly," he said, "maybe you can help warm me up?"

She pulled herself closer to him, their bodies pressing on one another. He flexed his chest muscles again, causing her breasts to move in unison.

She pulled herself even closer, and locked his lips in a stranglehold. She met his tongue, and began an intense wrestling match as they explored each other's mouths. She felt something poking at her stomach, but was too lost in the moment to care. When she pulled away, she looked down and saw his excitement manifest itself. She looked into his eyes, and he saw something he would never forget: there was a desire, a hunger to be with him. It was as if she had been consumed by some primal instinct, taking on the look of an animal lusting for its mate.

He felt aroused and worried at the same time. She was fighting off a full-scale siege inside her mind, trying to prevent her base instincts to topple the mighty walls of her self-discipline. She had decided to wait until after they were married, but her instincts only saw a man before her. Her arms moved as if with a mind of their own, slowly working their way towards his fully-erect manhood. She called upon the force for aid in self-discipline, and stopped herself from touching him there.

"Ani… can we just stay like this for a while?"

He nodded, and pulled her closer, holding her in his strong arms.

# # #

They spent the rest of their meditative retreat on Alderaan exploring the countryside, taking romantic trips down the river, having picnics, among other things.

They were all disappointed when it was time to leave, but also a bit excited to announce their engagement.

Anakin was packing his bag, his body slightly bent forward as he placed each item in the suitcase. Shaak Ti had already stopped her packing, and instead spent her time watching him work. He turned around to get something, and almost fell back when he saw her staring at him.

"See anything you like?" he asked, flexing his chest muscles.

"Yes… and it's very distracting," she said, licking her lips.

"I'm flattered by the attention, but we do have to get back to the Temple soon…"

"Right, of course. Sorry for bothering you," she said, sounding hurt.

He felt bad about shooting her down like that, but decided to let it go. He finished packing his bag, and used the force to propel it downstairs. Ahsoka and R2 were loading their bags into the Twilight, as well as the gifts they had gotten for some of their friends.

When they boarded the ship, Anakin informed them that he had to make a slight detour. They headed to the capital city of Aldea, and landed near Senator Organa's residence. Anakin went alone to personally thank him for the house.

# # #

Senator Organa was reading the news on a holo-tablet at the kitchen table and drinking tea, when he heard a knock at the door. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Anakin Skywalker.

"Master Skywalker," he said, "How are you? Did you enjoy your vacation?"

"I did indeed, Senator," he said, bowing in respect.

"Excellent! I'm glad. I was going to call you, but telling you in person will be even better. Anakin, the house is yours. Feel free to use it whenever you'd like."

Anakin was taken aback. "I...I don't know what to say. Thank you, Senator Organa."

He waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. It's a gift."

Anakin thanked him, and returned to the ship.

# # #

They arrived back on Coruscant, and raced to the Council chambers for an important meeting. Shaak Ti took her regular seat, while Ahsoka and Anakin stood in the center of the room.

Anakin was watching Shaak Ti in her seat, and Ahsoka had to nudge him when Master Windu began speaking.

"Mandalore has been thrown into a state of chaos. Three months after the death of Duchess Satine, no ruler has taken her place. An important meeting is being held tomorrow to determine who will succeed her. We have decided that Master Ti and Padawan Tano will oversee the event, and ensure the security of all present. You will depart at once. Contact us when you arrive, and report any progress."

"Yes, Master Windu," Shaak Ti replied.

"Good. Now, if there is nothing else…" he paused for a moment, waiting for someone else to speak.

"... then this council is adjourned."

The Council members were getting up to leave when Anakin spoke up. "Masters, if I may," he said, waiting for them to sit back down, "I have an announcement to make."

"Announcement, you say?" Master Yoda aksed. "Important, it is?"

"Yes, Master," he said, turning to address the aged Jedi. "Master Ti and I are engaged to be married."

He waited a moment for his words to sink in, watching the looks of shock on the normally reserved Jedi Council's faces.

"Not only that," he continued, "but we have decided to adopt Ahsoka as our daughter." The gathered Jedi Masters glanced at Ahsoka, then at Anakin, then Shaak Ti.

Master Plo was the first to speak. "Is this true, Master Ti?"

She nodded. "And what of little 'Soka?"

"I've always seen Masters Skywalker and Ti as father and mother figures in my life. I look up to Master Skywalker, since I am his Padawan, and to Master Ti, since we share a special bond, being the only two Togrutans in the Order. From now on, I would like to be known as Padawan Ahsoka Tano-Skywalker."

"And I would like to be addressed as Shaak Ti-Skywalker," she interjected, "once we are officially married."

Everyone in the room, save for Ahsoka, Shaak Ti, and Anakin, struggled to process what they had just heard. Never before in the history of the Jedi had two members been engaged to marry, let alone adopt a child. After minutes of silent contemplation, Master Yoda spoke.

"Very well. Happy, you seem to be. Approve of your decision, I do. Interfere, we will not." They bowed respectfully before the council, and made a hasty retreat. They headed towards the hangar, ready for their mission.

# # #

When the trio arrived, Shaak Ti realized that they needed a ship.

"You can take the Twilight," Anakin said. "Ahsoka's flown it before, so I know she's in good hands," he said, gently patting his ship.

"Don't worry Ani, we'll make sure not to damage your precious ship," Shaak Ti remarked, a mischievous look in her eye.

"Be careful, ok? I can't afford to lose you. Either of you."

"Don't worry, dad," Ahsoka said, smiling and winking at me. "I'll look after mom while we're away."

"I know you will, Snips," he said, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"I've got a surprise when you get back. And please, don't do any of the dumb things I pull on a regular basis." They chuckled, and closed the landing ramp.

Anakin watched them fly away, comforted by the knowledge that he would see them soon.

Now that they're gone, I can finally start working on our dorm! I can't wait to see their faces when they get back.

He was walking back to his dorm, when Master Plo stopped him.

"Skywalker," he said in his deep voice, "I just wanted to thank you personally for what you did for little 'Soka."

Anakin nodded, before the aquatic jedi continued, "I know that she never knew her birth parents. I've seen the way she looks at you two, and I'm positive she already saw you as her parents, even before you began dating. I wanted to thank you for being what I couldn't: a father to Ahsoka."

Anakin smiled, and let the Jedi Master continue on his way. Once he entered his dorm, he grabbed some tools and got to work.

# # #

Shaak Ti and Ahsoka had taken turns sleeping and piloting, rotating every six hours. They both pitched in cooking, letting R2 fly the ship in the meantime. The trip only took a day, so they didn't have to cook more than once. "Cooking" amounted to using some leftover spices to season rations, since otherwise they were barely palatable.

As soon as the Twilight touched down on Mandalore, they were immediately shuttled to the throne room. It was filled with all of Satine's various advisors, and Ahsoka even saw the Duchess's nephew, Korkie Kryze.

"Hey mom," Ahsoka whispered, "Why is Satine's nephew here?" she asked, pointing at him. "I thought this meeting was about deciding the next ruler."

"Sweetie, he IS the next in the line of succession for the throne."

"What?" Ahsoka asked, feeling confused. "Isn't there someone more qualified to take the throne? He's my age!"

"Ahsoka, don't judge someone by their age," Shaak Ti said. "You'd be surprised by what Korkie has already done for the planet." The two Jedi returned their attention to the crowd of advisors still arguing about the right of succession.

"No, No, No! The boy is simply too young to rule an entire system," one of the advisors said. "He would only destroy what little peace we have left!"

"I disagree," another argued. "The boy has already accomplished so much. He's studied politics for many years, and Satine had been teaching him how to rule. I'm confident he understands the responsibilities of the throne."

Ahsoka left her mother's side, and waded through the sea of advisors to reach Korkie.

"Aren't you next in line for the throne?" she asked.

"Yes, I am," he said, sounding dejected, "but I don't think I'll ever be as effective as my aunt Satine."

Her conversation was interrupted when a gas grenade came flying into the room, forcing Korkie and the advisors to flee.

She heard the familiar roar of jetpacks, but couldn't identify the source. When the smoke cleared, the two Jedi saw three members of Death Watch hovering above them.

"Kill the boy!" one yelled. Another fired a shot at Korkie, but it was blocked by Ahsoka's lightsaber. They opened fire on the two Jedi, each shot expertly deflected by their lightsabers.

"What do you want? Why are you here?" Ahsoka asked. The smoke had completely dissipated, and they appeared shocked to see two Jedi.

"Damn Jedi!" one yelled. "We will never forget Concordia. Attack!"

They let loose a torrent of blaster fire, which was deflected back by the Jedi. Each shot hit their mark, killing the three attackers.

"You've just saved my life… thank you, Master Jedi," he said, bowing before them. "I've… I've decided to take the throne. I will not let those terrorists strike fear into the hearts of Mandalore anymore."

# # #

A week after the failed assassination of Korkie, things began to return to normal. Korkie had officially announced his succession to the throne, and had tried his hardest to rule as effectively as his late aunt. He told Ahsoka that there would be a funeral for all friends of Satine in a few weeks time.

Shaak Ti had been through a lot during her week on Mandalore, and she missed Anakin more than ever. She was relieved when she got a transmission from the Council, informing them that they could return. She was almost giddy with excitement, knowing that she could return to him soon.

# # #

Anakin was putting the finishing touches on their new dorm, when he got a message Shaak Ti. They were in hyperspace, and on their way home. He told them to meet him outside his dorm, barely able able to contain his excitement.

After several hours in hyperspace, R2 began landing procedures for the Twilight. Shaak Ti stood in front of the landing ramp, unable to wait for it to open. When it had descended enough for her to fit, she leaped into the hangar, and took off running to the Council chambers. Ahsoka chased her, barely able to catch up with her before entering the Council chambers. As usual, every member was present, either physically or by hologram.

Shaak Ti gave her report to the council, standing on the balls of her feet, unable to stand still from her excitement. Ahsoka knew she missed Anakin, but she didn't realize how much.

Shaak Ti finished her report, and the two Togrutans were allowed to leave. She began bolting for the doors, until Ahsoka caught her and reminded her about talking to Obi Wan. She agreed, and they waited outside the Council chambers, Shaak Ti trying desperately to compose herself.

Obi Wan walked outside and waved. "Hello Master Ti," he said, nodding to me, "Ahsoka."

"Is there something you wish to tell me?" he asked.

"Yes, Master Kenobi," Ahsoka replied, her tone changing immediately to reflect the seriousness of what she was going to say. "We thought you should know that a funeral will be held for Duchess Satine on Mandalore in a few weeks time. Any friend of Satine is welcome, if you wish to attend."

The words "friend of Satine" got stuck in Obi Wan's ears.

We were much more than just friends. If anyone deserves to go, it should be me.

He was lost in his thoughts, so he didn't notice when Ahsoka said goodbye before chasing her mother down the hall.

"Ahsoka?" he asked, stopping the padawan in her tracks.

"Yes, Master Kenobi?"

He beckoned her to come closer. Shaak Ti had stopped running, and Ahsoka mouthed the words "wait for me" to her. She complied, leaning up against a wall while she watched her daughter from afar.

"Ahsoka, thank you for telling me this. Will there be any time for guests to give speeches at the funeral service?"

"Of course. Were you planning on giving one?" She asked.

Shaak Ti had returned to her daughter's side, the look of pure excitement gone from her face.

"Yes. I have known her ever since I was a padawan, under Master Qui Gon. It wasn't until after the Clone Wars ended that I realized my love for her."

He took out a small black box from his back pocket, handing it to Ahsoka to inspect. She opened it, and discovered a beautiful gold ring.

"I was going to ask her to marry me, but she died before I got the chance."

Ahsoka could hear the sadness in his voice. She felt the intense flurry of emotions from Shaak Ti. At just the thought of Anakin, Shaak Ti felt deep sorrow for Obi Wan. Ahsoka and her mother pulled him close, hugging him for a long time before leaving.

Once everyone was gone, Shaak Ti bolted once again towards Anakin's dorm. Ahsoka smiled and tried not to laugh as she followed her mother.

# # #

Shaak Ti turned a corner, and saw her Anakin. He turned his head and smiled. She ran towards him, and he opened his arms to her. She almost tackled him, as they both fell to the floor. He wrapped his arms around her, as they both laughed.

She met his lips, and forced her tongue inside. He followed suit, and soon they were locked in a passionate kiss, still on the floor outside his dorm. Shaak Ti was going wild after a week without the salty-sweet taste that was uniquely Anakin. She heard Ahsoka stop behind her, and gently released herself from his lips, pushing herself up from his chest. She kissed every inch of his face, making sure his face was covered before standing up.

"It seems like someone missed me," he said with a grin.

Ahsoka walked over to them and smiled. "Of course we missed you dad. Our life isn't the same without you." She went towards the door, but Anakin extended his arm to block her.

"Shaak Ti, Ahsoka, do you remember when I told you about a surprise I was working on for the two of you?"

"What's the surprise?" Ahsoka asked.

"This." Anakin opened the door, and let Shaak Ti and Ahsoka walk inside.

Their eyes lit up, both in disbelief as they looked around the room.

Anakin had completely renovated the dorm, so that it could comfortably house three. They walked down the short hallway from the entrance, which led to a small living room and kitchen, each with furniture. The refresher door was in the back of the living room.

To the right of the dorm was the master bedroom, complete with a queen sized bed. Anakin added a wardrobe for Shaak Ti, and a holo-tv hanging opposite of the bed, and two dressers. As an added bonus, Anakin had soundproofed the room, preventing any noise from escaping the bedroom, but allowing noise from the rest of the dorm inside.

On the left side of the dorm was a smaller room for Ahsoka. There was a bed, a holo-tv hanging from the ceiling, a closet in the corner, and a dresser. Anakin had even moved her belongings to the new room.

"Surprise! All that's left is to move Shaak Ti's things to our new dorm," he said, motioning towards the front door.

As they walked to Shaak Ti's dorm, he began telling them about the renovation.

"First, I had to convince the Council to let the three of us live together," he said. "Masters Kenobi and Plo supported my argument, and eventually the Council conceded and gave its permission. However, we have to clear the room today, because they are re-assigning it to someone else tomorrow morning.

Once they arrived, the three Jedi began packing up all of Shaak Ti's belongings, putting them in boxes and ferrying them back to their new dorm.

After clearing the room for most of the afternoon, the three Jedi were exhausted. They returned to their dorm, and sat down on the couch. Shaak Ti positioned herself on Anakin's lap, leaning her head against his shoulder, with Ahsoka lying across from them.

"So, how was Mandalore?" Anakin asked. "Hopefully less exciting than last time?"

Shaak Ti glared at him with mock-anger, before cracking a smile.

"It went alright," Shaak Ti said, "Satine's nephew, Korkie Kryze, has succeeded his late aunt as ruler of Mandalore. He also told us that they're holding a funeral for friends of the Duchess. Obi Wan already told us that he'll be there; we're going too, right?"

"Of course," he said, stroking her montrals. "When is it?"

"About a week from now, although they're still organizing it." Ahsoka replied.

"Well, that gives Shaak Ti and I more time to organize our wedding, right love?"

She smiled back at him, envisioning being called "Shaak Ti-Skywalker."

"Of course, my love," she said.

They sat there for a while, tired from their moving operation, when Anakin his gift for Ahsoka. She went to the refresher, so Anakin gently lifted the lovely Togrutan from his lap and went to fetch the gift. When Ahsoka came back, she saw Anakin standing in front of her, his hands behind his back.

"Ahsoka, I have a gift for you," he said, revealing a set of blueprints.

"Master?" Ahsoka asked, bewildered by the strange gift.

"These are design schematics for shoto lightsabers. Take a look."

She unfurled the paper, and saw a diagram for a short-handle lightsaber.

"I thought this prefer these over your existing lightsabers," he said.

She ran towards him, hugging him tight.

"THANK YOU!" she shouted.

"Your welcome, Snips. Maybe we can work on it tomorrow? I think they might have some of the basic parts in stock."

She nodded emphatically, before running off to her room. Anakin smiled when he saw her carefully place the schematics on her dresser, before returning to the couch.

"Now, how about we watch a movie?" Anakin asked.

"That brings back memories…" Shaak Ti said, gazing off into space.

Ahsoka chose a movie, and Shaak Ti returned to Anakin's lap.

She turned her head to see the screen, enjoying the feeling of Anakin's skin against hers.

What did I do to deserve him?

# # #

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