A/N: So you know when your boyfriend surprises you with a trip to Italy? Other than that, I have no excuse for not updating. 3 Review my lovelies if you please : ).

"He was new, it was obvious we were his first mission," Skywalker carried his tone hard, "He didn't take our weapons before capturing us, we were able to steal his ship and escape."

Windu and Yoda exchanged glances.

"Habit this is, stealing ships," Master Yoda remarked, his chuckle joining with the rest of the council's small laughter.

"We are grateful for this news Anakin, and that you and your Padawan were able to escape."

"But," Anakin continued for Windu, "Perhaps something a Padawan her age shouldn't be learning?"

Master Windu smiled a rare smile; he seemed to be thinking of what Anakin had said. He shook his head slightly before continuing.

"But, we need your services again. Senator Amidala is going to a planet near the outer rim to confirm allegiance with the Republic," Windu shifted in his chair, "You and your Padawan will with her as body guards."

"Since when are we body guards!?" Skywalker blurted, he pulled back and refrained himself.

The council stared at him, and Yoda glanced towards Anakin attempting to read his thoughts. He cast his eyes away from Yoda's stare; he knew he was treading upon shaky ground. Any hint that he had an attachment to Ahsoka would ruin both of them. Ahsoka – who wanted to be a Jedi more than anything- would be devastated if she were banished from the temple. Anakin composed himself; standing straighter and still.

"We will carry out our orders," Anakin stately softly after a few moments, the defeat in his tone lingered.

***

Ahsoka sat with Cody and Rex in the mess hall; she kept her hands grasped together and her eyes closed.

"Hey kid?" Rex prodded.

Ahsoka ignored him and continued in her attempt to meditate. Her body felt strange after their encounter in the ship, it craved touch and was unsteady. Not being able to calm herself gave Ahsoka anguish, she was not like most Padawan; she was advanced in her training. This was something she definitely did not want slowing her down.

"Kid." Rex said nudging her a little harder.

"What?" Ahsoka hissed keeping her eyes closed.

"Since when are you so serious?"

"I'm always serious, I'm a Jedi," She replied her lids peeling back and glaring at Rex.

Rex and Cody began to chuckle,

"You're not a Jedi yet," Cody teased, his laughter only lasted a few minutes.

The tray of food which held the Clones food lifted from the table and flew against the Trooper roughly. He gasped at this stunt and glared towards Ahsoka.

"Ha," Ahsoka jested, her face softened.

Rex had tried his hardest to control the laugher that broke against his face with every second. His mouth billowed out with air as he attempted to hold back the laughs. Before his face had completely gone red he released the amusement he found in the situation. Rex slammed his hand against the table to support the sniggers and laughter escaping his very lips. He laughed long and hard; long enough for Ahsoka and the rest of the extended table to join in.

The moment was all together a nice distraction. War and conflicts did not surface and the crowd could enjoy each other's energy for a while. Ahsoka allowed her honest smile to break across her face; the act had stirred her old younger self awake. She missed it at times, it was a part of her, and it did ground her soul to her life. It kept her sane.

"I gotta hand it to you kid," Rex complimented through his cries of joy, "You're gonna make the best damn Jedi I've ever met."

Ahsoka smiled, she knew being praised was a hard line in Jedi rules... but she did yearn for it. The sad feelings she felt were disappearing; she knew that even if her and Anakin were separated they would make it back together.

"Ahsoka," Anakin's voice called.

She turned to see him standing behind her. Slowly he placed his hand upon her shoulder and squeezed.

"Do you have a new mission to brief me on?" She asked.

Anakin nodded; holding something against his eyes. A strange flicker in his pupils that caused Ahsoka to rush up from the table and without missing a beat she brushed past him. He followed behind her until they reached an empty room used for sparing. Skywalker closed the door behind him.

"Ahsoka," Anakin began, "We'll have to be body guards again," He paused and moved closer to her, "I know it's something we hate but, I have to follow orders from the Council."

"Wow Skyguy, I'm impressed," She teased, "Since when are you on your best behaviour?"

"Since I fell for my snippy little Padawan," He laughed placing his hands upon her head; she looked up at him, her blue eyes seemingly blushing from his gaze, "My very beautiful snippy Padawan."

He leaned down and kissed her lips softly; locking his lip under hers. The thrill of kissing in the temple walls was not enough to keep it going. Both of them quickly broke off.

"So what's our mission?"

"Guarding Padme," Anakin said quietly, he seemed sad to announce it.

Ahsoka didn't feel her heart sink like she expected it too, she felt secure. Anakin reached out and touched his naked hand to her lekku, his mind finally eased itself. He smiled at Ahsoka and she smiled back.

"Ready when you are master."