Chapter 16: Brothers, Sisters, Mother and Daughter

Ashoka's POV

"Rise and shine young lady, we're going out today!" Ahsoka hears Padme say as the woman enters the guest room the teen has been sleeping in.

"Why?" Ahsoka groans as she covers her face with a pillow.

"Can't a lady just enjoy a day in the city with her favorite teenager?" Padme laughs, sitting herself on the edge of the bed. "You've been moping around lately and I say it's time for you to enjoy some sunshine and fun. I want today to be a reminder that you are still a teenager, Ahsoka, war hero or not."

Ahsoka loved Padme dearly like an older sister now that she knows that the Senator is Anakin's wife, but the teen was getting tired of being reminded of her age. Her childhood ended the moment Master Yoda threw her in the front lines with Anakin and Obi-wan. Nothing has been the same since then and nothing will ever change that. Even though Ahsoka is almost seventeen, mentally she was an adult who was no different than any other war veteran.

"Thanks Padme, but seriously I'm fine" Ahsoka replies, still not moving from their position in bed.

"I did not take the day off from my campaign duties just for you to hibernate in bed. C'mon Ahsoka get dressed or Anakin will drag you by the ear. He wants you to join us for breakfast before he spends the day with Obi-wan, don't make me shop alone! We should get you some things so you can be more comfortable living with us. This your home too, you should have some more belongings" Padme says.

Ahsoka exhaled, knowing her friend spoke the truth. Ever since Ahsoka left Master Luminara's apartment, she had nowhere else to go but to Anakin and Padme's home. Of course the couple greeted her with open arms and gave her the open guest room calling it now her bedroom, yet Ahsoka still felt like a third wheel in the couple's domestic life. She pinches in by cooking and cleaning, but Ahsoka was lonely. She missed Barriss's company and she was still hurt how by the rejection she felt the last time the two were together. Ahsoka couldn't deny her feelings for the healer no matter how hard she has tried to shove them down.

"Okay.." Ahsoka finally says, rising up from the bed.

"Thank you Ahsoka… we'll be waiting in the kitchen for you." Padme says gently.

"Well… here goes nothing…" Ahsoka thinks to herself before getting ready for the day.

Barriss's POV

"Good morning sweetheart" Barriss hears Luminara say to her as the teen pours herself some coffee.

"Good morning Master" Barriss replies with a smile.

"Please Barriss, you can call me by my first name, I'm more than just your Master now" Luminara says, taking a cip from her own mug.

"Okay" Barriss nods before sitting next to Luminara out on the outside balcony.

"Is Obi-wan here?" Barriss asks.

"No, he left a little bit ago, he says he needed to discuss something with Skywalker" Luminara responds.

"Any idea what about?"

Luminara shakes her head, "No, perhaps they're discussing their plans for the future."

"I see…" Barriss says feeling happy she may get to spend another day with her Master, "What would you like to do today… Luminara?"

Luminara smiles at the fact that Barriss referred to her by her first name, "Well, Padme has asked us to spend a day in the city with her, most likely some shopping and probably lunch. A girl's day I suppose."

"Did you give her an answer yet?"

Luminara nods, "Yes, I told her we'd join her. I find it a great opportunity to feel what it's like to be a woman and nothing else."

"I agree," Barriss says with a grin. All Barriss ever wanted was to feel normal and even though she is grateful for her talents, she loved the idea of taking a break from it all for a day.

Anakin's POV

Anakin pulls into a local diner that Obi-wan enjoys going to for lunch as his Master has said he'd like to spend the afternoon with him discussing something.

"I just hope whatever it is, it's something good and not new Jedi business" Anakin thinks to himself as he spots Obi-wan and walks to join him in a booth. For nearly two weeks, the Chosen One has enjoyed spending his days with his wife. Little activities like shopping, cooking meals, watching holo entertainment, reading, and making lots of love has made Anakin more happy than any of his days as a Jedi save for the exception of meeting Ahsoka. None of the five have discussed their plans going into the expected new Jedi Order, but as of now Anakin has no intention of using his lightsaber anytime soon. The young man had other plans in mind.

"Hello Master!" Anakin greets Obi-wan as he sits down.

"Good afternoon, how have you and Padme been?" Obi-wan asks with a smile.

"Happy" Anakin answers, "What about you and Luminara?"

"Happy" Obi-wan replies, his eyes twinkling.

"That's wonderful to hear, Master, you deserve that," Anakin smiles.

A robotic waitress then comes to collect their food order before zooming off, leaving the men alone again.

"So what can I do for you Obi-wan?" Anakin questions.

"I need your help with something. I was going to ask Padme but she's busy today with the girls. I hope Ahsoka and Barriss can make amends since what I'm about to ask is going to impact one of them" Obi-wan says.

"What do you mean?" Anakin frowns.

"I went to Mirial with Vos yesterday to buy a ring.." Obi-wan says with a smile.

"You're going to propose?!" Anakin says happily, relieved that the lunch was not on Jedi business after all.

"Yes… I just don't know how to ask…. I want it to be absolutely perfect and I don't want to do it until I have Barriss's blessing thus why I hope the teens feel better after today."

Anakin nods in agreement, "Yes, me too. It's hard seeing Ahsoka so down in the dumps."

"So any suggestions?" Obi-wan asks, "How did you propose to Padme?"

"I didn't," Anakin lets out a sigh, "I just kind of poured my heart out and right before we were supposed to be executed on Geonosis, she told me she loved me too. Once the battle was over, Padme just said, "Let's get married!" and we then just did Naboo. Just the two of us, C-3PO, R2, and the priest; that's all there is to it."

"Perhaps one day, you and Padme can have the nice ceremony and reception you deserve" Obi-wan says sadly, knowing how lonely that must have been for the couple to share their happiest moment together alone.

Anakin shrugs, "It's alright, we had each other, that's all I could ask for and we're happy now that we don't have to hide our relationship anymore. Living a lie like that is not something I'd wish on an enemy."

The two men were silent for a moment as their food was brought to them. Anakin began to ponder on his Master's question as to how to propose to Luminara.

"So… is there any place that's special to you guys?" Anakin asks, digging into his meal.

Obi-wan shakes his head sadly, "No… unfortunately any place that holds value to us perished in the fire. Our happiest moments took place in the Temple gardens."

Anakin nods his head, searching his mind for another suggestion.

"Well maybe you two should go away somewhere for a few days. Padme and I always enjoy our time in Naboo since it's so beautiful up there."

"Indeed it is" Obi-wan agrees.

"Besides the palace, Padme has a guest house on a secluded island there, why not there? There are plenty of gardens, meadows, lakes, etc for you two to enjoy. There's more to Naboo than the city" Anakin states, reminiscing of his time there with his wife before the first Geonosis battle.

"I have no doubt it's a lovely place, but I'm not so sure Luminara would want to go to a place where the two of us were practically tortured." Obi-wan grimaces, looking downward.

"I'm sorry Obi-wan… I hope for all of us that things will become easier as time passes" Anakin says thoughtfully.

"Thank you Anakin, you have no idea how much I appreciate your help," Obi-wan says sincerely.

Anakin fishes for more knowledge of peaceful planets his Master and his beloved could travel to. Within seconds the answer comes to him, "Aldeeran."

"I beg your pardon?" asks Obi-wan.

"Aldeeran, that's where Senator Bail Organa is from. I hear that it's a peaceful world with beauty that rivals Naboo's. It allegedly is home to many natural hot springs and is a very green planet. Maybe try that? I could ask Padme to assist you with your travel plans in terms of accommodations and whatnot" Anakin offers.

Obi-wan beams at the young man before accepting the offer, "That sounds lovely; it would be a first for the both of us, thank you Anakin."

"Anytime Master! So… tell me about this ring!"

Ahsoka's POV

"You've got to be joking!" Ahsoka yells in her mind when she sees Barriss and Luminara walk towards them in the shopping plaza she and Padme were in.

"Surprise!" Padme squeals in delight noticing the shocked expressions on both Ahsoka and Barriss's faces.

Luminara smiles and tells Ahsoka, "It's so good to see you Ahsoka, the three of us have missed having you around."

"Are you sure about all three Master?" Ahsoka thinks before replying politely, "Yes, it's been a while Master."

"Please call me Luminara, no need for formalities these days" Luminara laughs lightly before turning to Barriss. "Barriss, Padme has arranged a spa day for us to help us relax after everything we've gone through. She's been gracious enough to schedule massages and facial treatments for the four of us."

Barriss, per usual, bows to Padme and says, "Thank you Senator, you are too kind."

Padme pulls Barriss in for a hug, "It's no trouble, I'm so happy you could join us."

"C'mon Barriss, we've been clearly set up. Why do you have to be so perfect all the time?" Ahsoka thought with a mental eye roll.

"Well, the spa is this way," Padme announces to her right, "We should get going."

Ahsoka was quick to notice both Padme and Luminara separate themselves from the teenage girls by walking a few feet ahead of them. The two appeared to have no issue engaging in light-hearted conversation.

"You and I used to be like that," Ahsoka says, looking to Barriss, "I can't help but wonder what caused it to end."

"I never said our relationship was over Ahsoka" Barriss says quickly, sounding hurt, "I just needed some time and I was confused."

Ahsoka throws her hands up in the air, "What's there to be confused about? I told you I loved you and you allowed me to kiss you and then you started avoiding me. Sounds simple to me!"

"Ahsoka, it's not that simple!" Barriss snaps back, "My entire world was turned inside out within a short span of hours. From blowing up an entire droid factory to healing Padme to being tortured by a Sith Lord to ending the war to you kissing me, excuse me if I need a second to catch my breath!"

Ahsoka stops and spins to make eye contact, "So now what Barriss? Are you still confused? Do you need more time? Because guess what? As much as you may want me to, I can't shove my feelings for you down!"

"Why would you do that?!" Barriss fires back.

"Because it hurts too much" Ahsoka shouts, tears stinging her eyes.

"Ahsoka…"

"Don't Barriss, just shut up and let's get this over with. Just mask your feelings like you always do" Ahsoka scoffs, beginning to walk again.

"Excuse me!" Barriss yells, loud enough for the two older women to turn around concerned.

"What?!" Ahsoka yells back, "Does the truth sting Barriss? Does rejection hurt because it does for me?"

"How dare you accuse me of being so cold!" Barriss screams pointing a finger in Ahsoka's direction.

"Don't put words in my mouth Barriss! Maybe you wouldn't think of yourself as cold if you would actually talk to me about your feelings. Look at your Master, she and Obi-wan clearly have the ability to communicate and it looks like they're in love. Why would you deprive yourself of that?" Ahsoka responds, blushing as she does so.

Barriss looked embarrassed as she made eye contact with Luminara from afar. The teen looks back at Ahsoka before turning to walk away.

"Don't walk away from me!" Ahsoka shouts desperately.

Barriss looks over her shoulder and says quietly, "I'm not going to talk to you like this…"

Guilt washed over Ahsoka like a wave as she saw Barriss continue to walk back towards Padme and Luminara. Both women looked saddened by what just transpired but continued to walk to the spa once Barriss caught up to them.

"What am I going to do?" Ahsoka thinks glumly as she starts to walk again.

Barriss's POV

"Why does she have to be so angry with me? Why can't she see?" Barriss thinks to herself as she undresses herself in the empty room where her massage was going to take place. There was another massage table next to hers where Barriss assumes Ahsoka's considering her Master and Padme went somewhere else. The girl wasn't angry with either of the adult women. Barriss knew they had good intentions and if Ahsoka wasn't such a hot head, their plan could have worked in rekindling their relationship. Yet now, Barriss feels nothing but doubt as she lays face down on the massage table waiting for the therapist to come in. She then hears the door open.

"Hey…" Ahsoka's voice says as she takes off her robe and gets into position on her massage table.

"Hey" Barriss replies quietly.

"I'm sorry," Ahsoka continued.

"You're sorry?"

Ahsoka chuckled, "Yeah I am… I should not have yelled at you like that in front of everyone. Unlike you, I have a hard time controlling my emotions."

"So what you're saying is that you are aware I have emotions? I'm not some cold blooded girl?" Barriss inquires.

"No Barriss, you're not cold-blooded. I guess…" Ahsoka pauses before finishing her thought, "I guess I'm just so insecure about my feelings for you that when you avoid me it puts me in a spot that I'm not comfortable in. I'm not one to lose many battles and when it feels like I lost a battle that was so important to me… I snap."

Barriss frowns a little at the last bit, "You think what's going on between us is a battle? For what?"

"Your heart" Ahsoka replied calmly.

This caused a domino effect within Barriss. Her eyes widened as her own heart started to race and her face heated up. Ahsoka was quick to speak up once more.

"I'm sorry Barriss. No matter how hard I try to snap out of it, it seems like I've fallen for you since the day we met and everything thereafter fueled that desire. You're beautiful, smart, funny, brave…. I could go on and on about you but above all, all I wish for you now is to be happy. I'm happy you were beside me in battle and I'm happy you and Luminara are in a good place. I suppose I just hoped you could be happy with me too, but if that's not the case then I'm okay with just being your friend. I'll just kill whoever tries to break your heart and steal your chance at eternal happiness, because that's what you've wanted Barriss, admit it. You wanted no part in the life we had before and now that we're free from active duty, you can live the life of your dreams. Just don't forget about me going forward okay?"

"Ahsoka?" Barriss asks after a moment of silence.

"Yeah?"

"You didn't lose."

"What?"

"I had difficulty coming to terms with what my feelings for you are since I've never explored the possibility of love or sexuality before. But after talking things out with my Master, I see now that love is a good thing. Having someone beside you who loves you for who you are despite all the embarrassing moments…" Barriss says as she laughs at the memory of Ahsoka walking in on her in the Republic shower, "I wouldn't change a thing and I know girls liking other girls is a rarity and not everyone is okay with it… but there's no one that I'd like by my side more than for it to be you. I love you too Ahsoka, I'm sorry it's taken me so long for me to be honest with you."

Tears leave Ahsoka's cheeks upon hearing Barriss's declaration of love. "Do you really mean that Barriss?"

"Yes, Ahsoka" Barriss says smiling, knowing her words to Ahsoka were powerful enough to relieve the girl of her agony.

The door opens again as two massage therapists greet the teenagers before proceeding with their treatment. Barriss never knew how much stress she was holding within her body until her muscles were kneaded out. It was an amazing feeling and she was happy that Ahsoka was getting the same treatment.

"Thank you Padme.. Thank you Master… for bringing us together and allowing us to heal" Barriss thought before resting her eyes as the therapist continues to work on her back.

Luminara's POV

After a full afternoon of eating, shopping, and receiving much needed spa treatment, Luminara bids her Barriss goodbye as she asks her if she could spend the evening with Ahsoka at Anakin and Padme's residence. Without a moment's hesitation, the older woman kisses Barriss's forehead and tells her "Yes, have fun!"

Not only was Luminara grateful that Ahsoka and Barriss had made amends, but she was happy she was going to have an evening alone with Obi-wan. This time the Mirialan Jedi was determined to make dinner for the two of them and to spend the night making love without having to worry about being noisy.

Luminara felt the courage to make a steak dinner for the first time, hoping it will blow her lover away as she knows Obi-wan has always preferred steak over any other protein source. As she was beginning to plate their dinner, Obi-wan returns home and greets her with a kiss, "Hello darling, I see you're making my favorite meal!"

Luminara smiles at him and says, "Well, here's to hoping it tastes as good as it looks!"

The couple decided to take their dinner out to the balcony overlooking the city. Obi-wan cracks open a bottle of wine for the two of them to enjoy with their meal after showing his lady her seat. Once they were settled, Luminara asks, "So did you have a nice afternoon with Anakin?"

Obi-wan nods and says, "Yes I did and bring some good news!"

"Oh?" Luminara says with a raised brow.

"You and I are going on a vacation my darling" Obi-wan answers with a grin.

Luminara beamed as she cups her hands over her mouth in surprise, "Really? A vacation? Together?"

"Yes, love Anakin is making some arrangements for us, we're leaving for the weekend" Obi-wan announces with pride.

"To where?" Luminara practically shouts with glee.

"Aldeeran, Anakin tells me it's quite the romantic spot" Obi-wan answers with a wink.

"Anywhere with you is a romantic place to be my love. You can even make a place like Tatooine worth visiting" Luminara replies full of affection.

Obi-wan takes a breath before getting out of his seat to lift Luminara up from her seat and spinning her once in the air before bringing her down to eye level, "I love you so much Luminara. As much as I loved your dinner, I may say I'm becoming selfish for more. Shall we have dessert?"

Luminara seals her answer with a kiss and with that Obi-wan carries her to the bedroom where they proceeded to make love all throughout the night. At this rate, Luminara has no plans of ever returning to the Jedi Order. Not when she could be happy forever with her Ben.