Hello, everyone! I finally decided to update! *groans in exhaustion*

I know that I've skipped the song 'Haunted' but that's only because I had a previous story that frequently referenced that particular song. If anyone's interested, that story is 'Never Thought I'd See it Break'. It was a challenge requested by TheDoctorCT-21-0408.

I'm also skipping the song 'Long Live' because another one of my stories ALSO used that song as a reference. Bottom line, this will be the last chapter.

However, thank you for all of the support and love! It means a lot!

Please review/give feedback if you enjoyed this particular chapter!

Song 12. Last Kiss

Lux Bonteri—

I still remember the look on your face, lit through the darkness at three fifty eight. The words that you whispered for just us to know, you told me you loved me so why did you go away…?

It was midnight and Onderon was quiet—even the animals had become calmer than usual.

It was on these sort of nights in which I remembered her the most—Steela.

Some people still call Steela as 'Commander Gerrera,' or simply as 'the leader'. She was a leader—a fighter, a soldier. But at the same time, she was so much more than that…or at least, to me.

She was a lover, a future just waiting to happen. I could see it even now—right before the day she died, she crept through my quarters in the early morning. The sun had not yet risen, but Steela was up even before them.

"Love you," she had whispered in my ear when I woke up. "The second we re-take Onderon, wait for me, okay?"

My mind was still somewhat slow with sleep, but I remember managing a small nod before drifting back again.

I wish I hadn't done so. I didn't realize that Steela's hours alive were numbered.

I do recall now the smell of land, fresh as a rebel, I ran off the ship. That July ninth, the beat of your heart—the jump through your shirt, I can still it now.

I couldn't help but to smile. I still remembered the first time she ever greeted me. It was strange, really. We hadn't even spent a full day together when she first wrapped her arms around me. Well, then again, it's mostly the droids' fault. First day on Onderon and there was already an attack.

We were victorious.

I was somewhat dumbstruck—the din of the cheer was deafening.

"Lux, we did it!" Steela had shouted. I smiled weakly and managed a small nod.

She grinned and gave me a quick hug. It only lasted a second, but it was warm and friendly.

But now I'll go sit on the floor, wearing your clothes. All that I know is I don't know how to be something you miss. I never thought we'd have a last kiss. Never imagined it'd end like this. Your name, forever the name on my lips.

It all ended though, didn't it? I slid off the bed and sank down to the floor. I was still in my night clothes and I ran a hand through my hair. Of all people, I never thought that it would be Steela to fall. She always seemed to be the most alive out of the rebels.

I do remember the swing of your step. The life of the party, you're showing off again and you'd roll your eyes and I'd pull you in. You're not much for dancing, but for me you did.

That night was one of the best that I had in years.

We were all gathered in a small building and Steela was in the corner, winning an arm wrestle with one of the soldiers. It was fun to watch, especially since most girls I knew growing up were always obsessed with…well, girly things.

It was all about getting their hair right, making sure that the dresses weren't wrinkled, but Steela wasn't like that. She was different from most girls I knew, with the exception of Ahsoka.

But I've given up on Ahsoka—she was a Jedi apprentice, and she made it rather clear to me that she didn't enjoy my interests in her. If anything, she's been careful to keep me just as a friend.

Steela wasn't like that, either. She was quick to give me her opinions, even though I had just met her.

"Ha! Who said I couldn't win?" Steela was yelling smugly to her opponent, slamming his arm down on the table.

The man across from her grumbled in complaint and I grinned, striding over to them.

"Lux!" Steela smiled enthusiastically. "Are you gonna join?"

"Um…no." I stammered slightly. "I'm not much when it comes to these sort of games."

"Suit yourself." Steela shrugged, plopping back down on the seat. "Are you afraid to lose to a girl?"

I blinked and looked down at her. Steela's eyes were sparkling mischievously and I finally said, "Do you know how to dance, Steela?"

Steela smirked and replied, "No. I don't think so."

"Come on, then. I'll show you." I said, and before she could protest, I stood her up by the hands. I properly placed one of her hands on my shoulder and I placed a firm hand on her waist.

"Lux? What are you doing?" Steela hissed.

"Just follow my lead." I said with a small smile.

Steela's glare faltered and I gently led her around the room.

"I look like a fool." Steela muttered. "This seems so…prissy."

I resisted the urge to laugh. "I'm teaching you something new. I thought you liked learning."

"Yes, but only when I'm good at it!" Steela snapped, stepping on my foot.

I grinned and said, "You did that on purpose. You're rather good at dancing so far, too."

Steela rolled her eyes and murmured, "After this, I'm going to teach you how to arm wrestle."

I smiled and replied, "Agreed."

I loved your handshake, meeting my friends and I love how you walk with your hands in your pockets. How you kissed me when I was in the middle of saying something, there's not a day I don't miss those rude interruptions.

Even when Ahsoka first came to Onderon, Steela acted politely. It wasn't very friendly, but I was relieved to see that she didn't show any contempt or anger towards her.

"What are you so mad about?" I asked her one day, finding her oiling a rifle in the back of the training camp.

"I'm not mad about anything, Lux." Steela replied back loudly. "It must be great to see your friend again, right?"

She stood up, flung the rifle behind her back and shoved her hands into her pockets.

"Steela!" I groaned and ran after her.

When I finally cut up to her, Steela was huffing with annoyance.

"Steela, don't take this seriously—Ahsoka's just a friend and she's already told me that she doesn't have any feelings for me! She's probably training some of our men as we speak and you can't be upset because—"

"Shut up!" Steela muttered and pressed her lips against mine.

I blinked, confused, and for several moments, we stood still. My senses sharpened and I could suddenly smell Steela's hair, hear the sounds of our friends training…

When Steela pulled away, a smug smile was on her face and whistling a single note, she turned around, her hands still shoved in her pockets, and walked away casually.

But now I'll go sit on the floor, wearing your clothes. All that I know is I don't know how to be something you miss. I never thought we'd have a last kiss. Never imagined it'd end like this. Your name, forever the name on my lips.

I looked up, a smile now on my face from the reminiscence of my time spent with Steela. It wasn't exactly a happy smile, though.

How could the ending be happy, anyways?

So I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep and I'll feel you forget me like I used to watch you breathe. And I'll keep up with our old friends just to ask them how they are. I hope it's nice where you are.

I sighed and picked up the data pad that was sitting on my night stand. I flicked through the pictures quietly. Each digitalized image contained a frozen smile on Steela's face. Each picture brought a punch to the chest.

How are you? A message popped up on the screen and I sighed, realizing who it was.

Ahsoka. She was still guilty over Steela's death. Though it wasn't her fault and I didn't harbor any resentment towards her, I still felt somewhat detached. If we were there to save Steela on time, she wouldn't have ever died.

I'm fine. And you? I wrote back.

I've been better. I'm sorry. I know that it doesn't bring her back, but if I could take back what happened today, I would.

I sighed and rubbed my eyes tiredly.

It wasn't your fault. Don't beat yourself up over it. Good night, Ahsoka.

Good night, Lux.

I gently placed my data pad back on the nightstand and settled back into bed. I clasped my hands on top of my stomach and closed my eyes.

I hope the sun shines and it's a beautiful day, and something reminds you that you wish you had stayed. You could plan for a change in the weather or time, but I never planned on you dying by my side.

I rolled over on my side and instinctively curled up into a ball. So much changed.

Too much changed.

I hope wherever Steela is, she'll be happy.

So, I'll go, sit on the floor, wearing your clothes. All that I know is I don't know how to be something you miss. Never thought we'd have a last kiss. Never imagined we'd end like this. Your name, forever the name on my lips, just like our last kiss…

I suddenly sat up and looked back at the night stand. Rolling out the drawer, my fingers fumbled inside until they settled on what they were looking for. Taking a shuddery breath, I drew out the object and brought it into the dim light of the moon from outside.

A small box was sitting in my hands, just big enough to fit snugly into my palm. I flicked it open gently and a shining band of gold sat in the velvety inside of the box.

There were still too many words still frozen on my lips.

And they would never be said.