Chapter 17: Ahsoka and Barriss

Ahsoka and Barriss were given a round of applause from everyone around them as Anakin finished greeting the room. As usual, a majority of the guests were Padme's colleagues from the Senate with the exception of Depa, Caleb, and Isadora. Amongst those guests was Senator Riyo Chuchi from Pantora, who quickly made her way to the couple of honor. Ahsoka welcomed her old acquaintance with open arms as the young politician ran up to her.

"Oh Ahsoka! Congratulations on your engagement, who would have thought that my Jedi friend would be getting married!" Riyo exclaimed as she embraced the Togruta.

"It's good to see you again Riyo and thank you! This is my fiancee Barriss Offee Jedi Knight and Healer," Ahsoka replied, pulling Barriss close to her.

Riyo bows, " , it is an honor to be in the presence of another hero. I'm Senator Riyo Chuci from Pantora."

Barriss smiled, "Likewise Senator and please call me Barriss. A friend of Ahsoka's is a friend of mine, she has told me of your adventures together."

"Really? Well I must confess that I've been looking forward to learning all about you Barriss and the rest of Ahsoka's family! Am I correct in saying that? That you all are a family now that the Order is reborn?" Riyo asked curiously.

"Yes, we are. Even though we have lost so much in the past, we really have become inseparable," Ahsoka answers looking at Anakin and Padme who were making their way towards the group, "Barriss and I are very lucky."

"So Barriss, how does it feel to be betrothed to my Padawan? I always thought you always had a thing for me but clearly I wasn't your type!" Anakin exclaimed, receiving all sorts of looks from the people around him. Ahsoka wasted no time punching the man in the arm hard.

"Barriss has standards, Skyguy! No offense Padme…" said Ahsoka, taken aback by the laughter coming from Padme, Luminara, and Obi-wan.

Barriss smirked, "Very funny Anakin, but I believe it was you that was trying to impress me back on Anison!"

Anakin scoffed, "That's not the impression I got when we were swimming in that lake!"

"Come now Anakin, Barriss was just too polite to call out your stupidity!" laughed Obi-wan.

Anakin, as usual, dismisses his mentor's comment with a wave of his hand, "Sure, says the man who wanted to see how a brainwashing parasite worked on his girlfriend before saving her. What a nerd!"

"Oh yes! Thank you Anakin for reminding me, darling I really do think we should discuss that!" Luminara addresses her husband, who was putting a palm to his face at the memory.

"Well anyways, thank you Barriss for not developing a crush on my big headed husband!" Padme interjects before noticing the new tattoos on both Mirialan women's arms, "Oh my… those are gorgeous! Luminara, did you and Barriss get those today?!"

Luminara gives Barriss a loving look before answering, "Yes, we did. It's a mother/daughter tradition in our homeworld to get something to represent the bond when there's an engagement."

Padme yanks Ahsoka towards her, "Oh Soka! We should do something fun like that!"

"I'm afraid to ask what you have in mind," Ahsoka says dejectedly.

"Oh Ani, these beads are stunning! Ahsoka you're such a lady now, I'm sure I'll be crying rivers at the ceremony!" beamed Padme as she admired her beloved's handiwork.

Anakin pats Ahsoka on the head and says, "I know what can I say? I'm the best thing that has ever happened to our little Soka!"

Ahsoka stuck her tongue out at her Master, "This night is about Barriss and I you sack of-".

"Well are we going to stand here all night or are we going to eat something before we scare Senator Chuchi away?" Obi-wan interrupts, winking at the smiling Pantorian.

"Alright all, let's feed the grumpy old man before he blows a gasket!"

"Anakin!"

Meanwhile, at the bar, a nicely dressed Caleb Dume walks over to the Mirialan woman that has captured his interest since the moment he met her back on Lothal. Isadora was just accepting her drink from the bartender when the Padawan tapped her on her exposed shoulder. Tonight, Isadora wore an all-black strapless gown that reached to her ankles. To complete the look, black stiletto heels graced her feet and a red cape was resting over her right shoulder. If Caleb didn't know better, the young man would suspect the woman was no different than the other diplomats in the room.

"Quite the party huh?" Caleb says upon seeing Isadora's raised brow.

"Yes, Padme never disappoints. How've you been Padawan Dume?" Isadora says, taking a sip from her martini.

Caleb scoffed, "Geez, do you always have to be so formal? For the last time, call me Caleb, Isadora!"

"Well excuse me for having manners! It's only natural that a Knight addresses a student by their respective title!" Isadora laughed.

"Can't we just pretend we're not Jedi tonight and that you're a lady and I a man?" Caleb asks, grabbing a flute from a tray offered to him by a protocol droid.

Isadora smiles and rolls her eyes, "We've been over this Dume, I'm too old for you and you're too young to be having a girlfriend. Besides I seriously doubt Depa would like you frollicking all over the galaxy with some girl instead of focusing on your training."

"Hey I'm fifteen years old and you're nineteen! That's only a four year gap and that didn't stop Skywalker and Amidala from getting hitched! Or Ahsoka and Barriss! Ahsoka is eighteen and Barriss is like twenty two! Besides, my Master has been too busy with the upcoming Vos trial to be too concerned with my business," Caleb smirked.

Isadora brings Caleb's chin up to eye level, "Sorry handsome, the answer is still no, you're just too young for me right now, and I'm not even sure if this whole marriage and family thing is what I want. I'm just happy being around these guys.." Isadora says moving her head in the direction of the Kenobi and Skywalker table, "Force knows, they're going to need all the support with Vos's sentencing."

Caleb exhaled, "Yeah... Master Billabba is not one to put things off, but I know she's worried on how they're all going to respond to the news of having to testify in court."

"As if they haven't suffered enough already and of course right when everything is going so well for once! I do hope we can at least enjoy this engagement before the next storm hits," Isadora huffed, meeting Caleb's eyes once more.

Nothing else was said in the moment as the two locked eyes. Both parties knew that it was best to drop the subject before their moods darkened. The Padawan extended a hand to the Knight.

"You say you can't be my girlfriend, but will you at least amuse me with a dance?"

Isadora's face softened and set her glass down to take the hand, "Fine Dume, but don't let this get to your head okay?"

With a laugh from the young man, the two made their way to the outside terrace, where couples were swaying in the moonlight to music played by a live band. Although Isadora was firm in her affirmation to not date her now dance companion, the woman couldn't deny Caleb's charm. Dume no doubt had a handsome face with a pair of deep blue eyes similar to hers and those of her race, but she was a Knight and he was still a student. There was still some growing up to do and despite having adorned a Padawan braid just a few years prior, Isadora would prefer her potential date to not have one.

Isadora has been aware of the young man's crush since their first encounter post Clone War. She'll never forget seeing that scarlet blush form on his tan, freckled face or the feeling of his eyes on her when she was out in the grassy fields meditating. At the time, the woman thought nothing of it. Being a young Jedi, male or female, does come with the occasional flirtation from within the Order and outside it, but Isadora never expected the boy that was being trained under such a legendary grandmaster to openly share his feelings for her.

Every interaction she and Caleb have had since his first attempt of asking her out has been Isadora gently rejecting him, but this time felt different. The teenager's Padawan braid wasn't distracting her now, it was his formal wear that was. A button up shirt and dress slacks were more appealing than the usual Jedi robes. Isadora mentally brushed her thoughts aside. Maybe one day Isadora can entertain the idea of a date. As the duo got into an even rhythm, Caleb spoke up.

"How much do you want to bet that Skywalker's kid and Kenobi's kid will end up together one day?"

Isadora snorts, "I can't believe you're thinking about the love lives of infants! Don't you think about anything else?"

"I'm serious! How much? Don't act like that it wouldn't be the funniest thing if those families melded together or maybe it'll be your Padawan to woo the girl!" Caleb retorted before unexpectedly throwing Isadora in the air. The boy chuckled at the petite woman's shriek of surprise before catching her from the floor beneath them.

With a slap in the arm Isadora shouts, "Don't you ever do that again Dume or so help me!"

Isadora wasn't able to finish her thought as Caleb gave her a twirl, "Or what? You'll resent me for making you look like such a great dancer? C'mon you Mirialans are known for your agility on the dancefloor."

The aforementioned Mirialan blushed in frustration. Isadora genuinely hoped none of her friends was witnessing this.

"Keep it up Caleb and this dance will be over!"

Caleb's expression turned apologetic, "Alright, I'll stop. I'm sorry, I swear I just wanted to show you a good time."

Isadora averted her eyes towards the sky, her embarrassment threatening to get the better of her, "It's fine, just stop trying so hard to win me over. You offered a dance, not a spectacle and forgive me if I'm not "Mirialan enough" for you."

"Isadora, please…" Caleb began to say before being pushed away by the woman.

"Spare me the excuse, this is exactly what I'm talking about. I don't have the patience for this. Now I know to find someone with some brains should I ever want to date!" Isadora says walking away.

"Isadora wait!" Caleb calls out running after the woman.

Unbeknownst to the Padawan, Depa watched the whole ordeal from afar shaking her head.

"Oh Master Windu, what am I going to do with that boy?"

After eating their dinner, Obi-wan excused himself to check on Aurora who was with Luke and Leia in Anakin and Padme's bedroom. Luminara insisted on doing the next feeding and diaper change shift, but the man protested by restating that the woman deserved a fun filled evening with her Padawan on her special day. Besides, just as Obi-wan enjoys teaching and being a Jedi, he loved being a dad. Aurora has her father wrapped around her tiny finger and she doesn't have a clue.

Obi-wan left the bedroom door ajar in order to have a light source and was pleased to see all three babies fast asleep in their shared bassinet. Who would have known there'd be a day where Obi-wan would live to see the children of both himself and Anakin swaddled up together.

"Master Qui-gon would be so proud. He would have been a great grandad," Obi-wan thought to himself as he leaned him to give his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "What are you dreaming about, my sweet girl? Are you dreaming about all the adventures you'll have with mommy and daddy?" he cooed to the baby as he lifted her to his arms.

"Obi-wan?" whispered Satine's voice, causing the man to whip his head around.

"Satine! What are you doing here? I was starting to think you weren't coming, seeing it's been a few hours," Obi-wan answers quietly, walking towards the Mandalorian.

"I know, the time got away from me, but I wanted to stop by and bring something for the baby before returning to Mandalore," Satine answered, holding a small gift box out to the man.

"Let's step out of here…" Obi-wan suggests, lightly pushing the woman out of the bedroom until they were alone in the hallway, "Satine, you didn't have to-"

"Of course I did Obi-wan… You and Luminara have been good to me despite how I greeted you both. Think of this as a peace offering and a blessing from the people of Mandalore on the birth of the child that will maintain the peace." Satine interrupts.

With a small smile and a sigh, Obi-wan looks into the gift box as Satine reveals a gorgeous assortment of baby sized dresses and hair bows. The material of the clothing looked no different than Satine's usual attire, they were outfits fit for royalty. In the midst of linens, laid a tiny, platinum bracelet with a charm displaying a Mandorlorian emblem.

"I know it's not a stuffed toy and I know Aurora is not a Mandalorian, but I wanted to give your daughter something to signify Mandalore's newfound respect for the Jedi. It was the Jedi that ended a war and it is the child of a Jedi who will no doubt do incredible things in the future. For as long as she lives, you, Luminara, and Aurora will always have an ally in Mandalore," Satine explained, looking bashful.

"Satine...I don't know what to say…" Obi-wan stuttered.

Satine places a hand on her former love's shoulder, "Your reaction is all I need."

Obi-wan smiles warmly at the Duchess, "Thank you Satine… I mean that from the bottom of my heart."

Satine melts into the embrace, "You'll always have my gratitude my dear Obi-wan."

After a moment of silence, the two pulled away from each other. Upon observing Satine's wandering gaze downwards to the baby in the man's arm, Obi-wan asked, "What is it?"

"Would it be alright if I held her? Aurora?" The Duchess prodded.

Not noticing Luminara walking towards the duo, Obi-wan nods and says, "Of course, here...just use the crook of your arm to support her head."

Satine laughed lightly, "Dearest I know how to hold a baby properly."

"Forgive me then, your Grace, I suppose being a father makes me a little protective," Obi-wan responds, finally passing his child over to the woman.

Meanwhile Luminara, having missed her daughter the entire afternoon, was hoping to sneak in a moment alone with her husband and baby. She stood at the end of the hall, completely frozen in her tracks as her eyes widened to see the Duchess give Obi-wan a peck on the cheek. Not wanting to make a sound, Luminara quickly clasps a hand over her gaping mouth and moves out of sight, not wanting to believe what she was seeing.

Obi-wan took a step back, "Ah Satine…"

Satine immediately took on a guilty expression, "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry Obi-wan, that was too much...It's just seeing you with this precious little thing brings old feelings to the surface…."

Obi-wan waved a hand, "No...Satine, it was just a friendly peck. Had it been on the lips, I'd think we'd be in trouble!"

Satine's smile still didn't return, "Still, I can't help but feel ashamed…"

Obi-wan leaned forward, "Why don't we just forget anything happened and you just marvel at my marvelous creation?"

A hard laugh escaped the Duchess's lips, "And there goes Mr. Negotiator. I hope my dear child, you grow to be more polite like your mother...but in all seriousness Ben, Aurora is truly a beautiful girl. No doubt a Kenobi."

Obi-wan smiled and shook his head, "She may have some of my traits, but she is her mother's daughter."

Satine delivers Aurora back to her father, whose eyes blinked open at the moment of contact. The Duchess gasped at the sight, "Those eyes…."

"Her mother's eyes...told you so" the proud father retorted before turning back to the bedroom, "Well hello there miss Aurora, are you hungry?"

"I'll leave you to it and I'll see you back at the party?" asked Satine to which Obi-wan nodded in response. With an exhale, the politician made her way back to the hub of the party, not noticing Luminara rushing for the refresher nearby to dry her eyes.

Once Luminara made her way inside the refresher, she immediately closed the door shut and locked it before sliding down to the tile floor. As hot tears began to stream downward, Luminara's mind was racing. She could barely hear her thoughts over the pounding of her heart, which she is sure is breaking.

This cannot be happening….I did not see what I just saw….There was not just another woman that so happens to be Obi-wan's ex that held my baby and kissed him….How did this happen? Why were those two alone together with the baby? We thought she wasn't coming! Why did this have to happen on such a big day for Barriss?!"

Suddenly, it wasn't Luminara's voice that echoed in her head, but voices of the past that chilled the woman to the bone. First it was her Master, "I've told you before and I'll say it again, young lady! That boy will never, ever care about you! You're a Jedi! And you may be a girl, but leave the fantasy behind. You're no princess, hell you wouldn't pass as a pretty little handmaiden! There are no attachments and Force help me if I see so much as a second glance, it'll be another lashing! Do I make myself clear?"

Next, it was Ventress, "Do you think you'll still be able to call him yours when your dear Obi-wan can't help himself? I used to think he liked me too!"

Then, it was Maul's, "You should've stayed dead! Don't you see how stupid it was for Lady Tano to bring you back?! Kenobi only loved you because you were one of the last of his kind and you had to get pregnant…"

Finally, worst of all, there was Quinlan, "Lumi… do you see now that I was trying to show you mercy? He doesn't love you, I do!"

It became too much for Luminara as she placed both hands onto her head and whispered to herself, "Shut up! All of you! None of you are real! I'm not going crazy….this isn't happening… everything is fine…"

"I LOVE YOU!" screamed Quinlan's voice.

"NO!" Luminara screamed back, punching the tile beneath her hard enough to hear her joints pop painfully.

"OW!" Luminara cried holding her injured hand as tears began to mix with the blood now spilled on the ground.

"Damn it! Why did I have to do that? I have to pull myself together for Barriss!"

Sure enough, as awful as she felt, Luminara sprang up and cleaned up the blood with some disinfectant while splashing some cold water on her face. By the time, the woman was done disposing any evidence of her emotional breakdown, she looked practically back to normal save for some puffiness in the eye area.

"No one will notice.." Luminara assures herself as she unlocks the door and heads for the bar outside.

"I won again! Up yours Skywalker!" Isadora cheered as she laid her winning deck of sabacc cards on the table.

A slightly drunk Anakin slammed a fist on the table, "Damn you!"

Isadora slides her winnings towards her, "Looks like I'll be earning enough to buy myself a nice astromech like R2 here!"

Ahsoka laughed at how heated her Master looked, "It's okay to admit that you suck at card games Master!"

Anakin smirks, "Can it Snips, I don't see you winning any rounds. Name one thing you can beat me at!"

Before Ahsoka could say anything, Anakin cuts her off with a jab of a mechanical finger, "I'm a better pilot, better with a saber, better at the Force, better dancer, and to hell with it, I bet I'm a better lover!"

"Okay Skyguy, those shots are really getting into that big head of yours!" Ahsoka slurred back while Padme and Barriss blushed darkly beside her.

"Better lover? Since you're being so generous with the useless information pouring out your mouth, care to spill the deets Anakin?" Isadora piped up after finishing another martini.

Barriss stands up, "I'm going to get some water for everyone!"

"Great idea Barriss!" Padme agreed, putting an arm around her husband, "Ani, why don't you check on the twins while Barriss gets some water."

"Psst, they're fine Padme and I'm fine! I just need to light a fire in 'Soka's ass here to be just as amazing like me!" Anakin replied playfully, dodging the thousandth kick from the Togruta bride to be.

"Not in this lifetime, you jerk!" Ahsoka fired back, "I've got Barriss...she's all I need and she is a million times cooler than you!"

"Here's that water!" Barriss cuts in handing glasses of cold water to each of her companions.

"Barriss…" said Ahsoka forcing the Mirialan onto her lap, "I just told the dummy over there that you're the coolest."

"Did you now? Well I'm sure that went well…" Barriss sighed, kissing her wasted fiancee on the head.

To everyone's shock, Anakin said thoughtfully, "Meh, that's probably true…"

Obi-wan then steps in, drink in hand, "Now you all have my interest!"

"Shut up Obi-wan, no one can top Barriss's lightsaber dance!" Anakin cackled, finally taking a sip of water.

"Babe! You can dance with a lightsaber?!" Ahsoka chirped happily.

Barriss smiled, "Ahsoka please drink your water."

"You should have been there Snips! Back when I was still a Padawan, Obi-wan, Luminara, Barriss, and I had a mission on Anison. It was the most boring mission I've ever been on, but seeing Barriss twirling and flipping around with her lightsaber was worth it. She moved so fast, that all anyone could see was a fan of blue light!" Anakin recounted with a glazed twinkle in his eye.

"Anakin is right Barriss, I was very impressed with your performance. Did Luminara teach you those moves?" Obi-wan asked.

"Yes, she did and trust me when I say she can do a better job. I wish we would have danced together, but her sand dance outshines anything I can do with a lightsaber" Barriss admitted, searching the crowds for her Master, "Speaking of, has anyone seen where she's gone?"

"I was actually hoping you all would know…"Obi-wan confessed, causing everyone to look puzzled except for Anakin who laughed.

"Now, you can't even keep track of your wife!"

Padme stood up as Obi-wan glared at the younger man, "I think I saw her near the bar, I'll go check, need to check on the twins anyway."

Obi-wan accepts Padme's declaration with a nod and takes a seat next to Ahsoka and Barriss, "So should we expect a mother/daughter performance at the wedding then?"

With a sharp intake of breath, Ahsoka squeezed Barriss tight, "Oh Barriss, please say yes! That would be soooooo amazing! Please, please, pretty please?!"

Barriss giggled, "We are actually planning on performing at the reception. Once we settle on a date and whatnot, we'll start rehearsing...in secret Ahsoka!"

"Aww Barriss!" Ahsoka whined, "You're going to be my wife, I should get to see!"

"It was supposed to be a surprise silly!"

"I don't care, it's my wedding!"

With an amused look, Barriss looks back at her lover, "Oh now it's your wedding, I believe it was just yesterday, you were saying weddings are just for princesses like me?"

"Well you are a princess, my princess…"Ahsoka purred, bringing her dark lips to kiss Barriss.

"Aww!" Riyo chimed in after silently watching the family's antics from afar.

Obi-wan looks to Isadora, "You down for another game? I'd love to see Anakin fail once more."

"Hell yeah Obi-wan! Now I know what it must have felt like teaching the king of sand over here!" Isadora snickered while re-shuffling the deck of cards in her hands.

"Oh it is so on you two! Whoever finishes last has to clean this whole party up by themselves!" Anakin challenged.

"Deal!" Obi-wan and Isadora said unanimously.

"Get over here Chuci, you're playing too!" Isadora says smacking the seat next to hers. Riyo grinned and happily took the seat.

Once the quartet began their heated game, Barriss leaned in to whisper into Ahsoka's ear, "Wanna go somewhere where we can be alone?"

Ahsoka then stood up, holding Barriss bridal style, "Where to?"

"Our spot of course!" beamed Barriss.

"You got it babe!" Ahsoka answered as she began their trek to the rooftop of the lavish apartment.

Just as Padme suspected, Luminara was found near the bar using the Force to pour herself another big glass of wine. On the outside, the fellow mother appeared to be her usual, elegant self, but the darkness in her eyes proved Padme otherwise.

"Luminara, is everything alright?" Padme asks, walking closer to the Mirialan.

"Is Obi-wan asking?" Luminara replied dryly, not meeting Padme's eyes.

"Yes, but I'm not here as his messenger," Padme says gently, placing a comforting hand on Luminara's shoulder.

Luminara flinched at the touch, but didn't protest it. It didn't take Padme long to notice the bandages that covered her friend's right set of knuckles, "My goodness, Luminara! What's happened to your hand? Are you hurt?"

Luminara quickly hid her hand in her sleeve, quietly cursing herself for the slip. With a newfound resolve to find out what was troubling the Jedi, Padme pulls Luminara in the direction of her and Anakin's quarters.

"Padme.."

"No, Luminara, you're coming with me and that's not a request!" Padme hissed as she pushed Luminara into the bedroom, closing and locking the door behind her. "Please sit, you need to tell me what's going on, I know I don't have to remind you how special tonight is for our girls so there's no use in beating around the bush."

Before responding, Luminara admits defeat and allows herself to take a deep breath before sitting at the edge of the bed, "I saw Satine kiss Obi-wan while holding my child, she blurted causing Padme to gasp.

"Oh Luminara….please tell me you're joking"! Padme cried in disbelief, taking Luminara's hands into her own, "Don't answer that...it's obvious from your hands that it must be true…"

Feeling a sob form at the back of her throat, Luminara continued her story, "To be fair, it was just a peck on the cheek, but I….I just wanted a moment alone with my child and husband since I was away with Barriss all day and we all thought Satine wouldn't show….so to see...to see the woman you have accepted into your husband's life kiss him while holding our child….it just…" Pain overwhelmed Luminara to the point where she couldn't finish as she was now sobbing into Padme's lap.

Padme's own heart broke in half seeing the woman she has admired for quite some time now crumble. Yes, there have been times where other women have tried to woo Anakin and yes she was targeted as well during her pregnancy, but Padme was not ignorant to the amount of trauma Luminara has endured. Just knowing all the tales, she has heard from Anakin's hard life as a slave to his horror stories of how brutal being a Jedi could be was enough to bring the Senator to her knees. Padme couldn't imagine the dark journey Luminara had taken to be where she is now. Those were only a few reasons why Padme has a soft spot for the Jedi Master. They are war heros turned mothers.

For a while, Padme elected to stay silent for her friend while the woman cried her soul out. Knowing that there were no words to suffice, Padme merely rubbed soothing circles into Luminara's back until the Jedi's breathing started to grow more even. Thankfully, they had deepest sleepers for babies so there was no other disturbance to get in the way of Luminara's healing.

"Is your hand going to need medical attention?" Padme softly asked.

Luminara sat herself back up and dried her eyes, "I'll have Bariss look at it later, I might have sprained it."

"I know you Jedi are supposed to reject pain medication, but can I offer any?"

"As always you're very kind, but no I'll be alright. It doesn't hurt anymore and I'll be fully healed within the day."

"May I ask how you injured your hand?"

Luminara gave a weak smile, "I punched the tile in the guest refresher out of frustration. You may think I'm crazy, but whenever I feel insecure or stressed or sad, I hear voices from the people who have hurt me over the years...saying things I know to be untrue, but it's painful nonetheless. I much rather break every bone in my body than feel the cuts their words make.."

Padme lifts Luminara's chin up, "Luminara, there is nothing you can say that can change what I think of you. You're a dear friend to me and I love you no different than I love Ahsoka or Obi-wan. You've been through so much and you've been so incredibly brave going to therapy and being a wife, a mentor, and mother to a newborn. Those are all huge feats you should be proud of! If there's one thing I've learned being married to Anakin is that there are going to be rough times when you're healing. Believe me when I say I've sat through many sleepless nights cradling a crying Anakin after another nightmare and I have had many objects broken as a result of his anger, but I know that it's healthy for those emotions to be released. Otherwise, our fears would control our lives forever!"

"So if you ever need to call me or come over to vent, cry, scream, hit something, watch the baby...anything! I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you and so will Ani. It's simply what family does...and I know you have Obi-wan and Barriss, but I can also understand the need to be strong for them now that we have another wedding to prep!"

All at once, the agony that plagued Luminara evaporated as Padme's words mended her heart. The amount of warmth coming from the younger woman's amber eyes was enough to warm the entire world of Coruscant. Luminara gives Padme's hands a squeeze, "Thank you Padme...you truly are a friend. I'd be lying if I said that I expected us to be close friends, but there's nothing I wouldn't do for you, your children, and Anakin. Obi-wan and I's home will always be open for the Skywalkers. Thank you for bringing me out of my drunken stupor and just being here for me. I feel so much better!"

"Oh Luminara, you have no idea how happy that makes me hearing you say that!" Padme says joyfully as she embraces the older woman, "It's nice having a friend whose a new mother and married to a Jedi like me."

"I agree," Luminara replies warmly, patting Padme on the back.

Padme then pulls back from the hug and with both hands on her waist proclaimed, "Now let's get back out and finish this party strong! I'll be happy to smack Obi-wan if you need me to?"

Luminara chuckled, "No, I don't think that'll be necessary. We'll talk later, but for now, I'd love to give Barriss and Ahsoka the biggest hug and then go to bed with my baby."

"I think that's a great idea, you know your clan is staying the night with us right?" Padme winked as they made their way out of the bedroom.

"I suppose I do now!"

For as long as the two have been together, Ahsoka and Barriss quickly became fond of stargazing from atop the Skywalker apartment. It was a place that the two could be alone and be at peace as they watched speeders and comets fly across the night sky. Tonight, Ahsoka's favorite thing to say to the heavens above was "Barriss Offee is the most beautiful being in the galaxy and she's getting married to me, Ahsoka Tano!" while the alcohol in her system finished their course inside her body. All Barriss could do was watch in awe at how the moonlight radiated Ahsoka's beauty. Seeing and hearing the Togruta profess her love made Barriss's heart beat faster from all the overwhelming warm feelings that bubbled inside.

Finally, Ahsoka winded down and laid back next to Barriss to look to the stars, "Barriss?"

"Yes, my love?"

"Was there a reason why you wanted us to be up here?"

Blushing, Barriss rolled up her left sleeve to reveal another new tattoo. Upon recognition, Ahsoka shot up and pulled Barriss's arm closer to her, "Is that?"

"The same markings from her head? Yes.." Barriss answered.

"Barriss…"

"Ahsoka…"

Ahsoka looked into her fiance's eyes with tears and caressed the Mirialan's face, "Why?"

"Because since the day we've met, you've given me something to fight for every day since. When you saved us from suffocating deep underground on Geonosis, it lit something inside me that I never knew existed. Even with my healing background and perfect scores from my youth, your actions inspired me to be a better Jedi. A Jedi that doesn't just do what she is told, but instead a Jedi that fights for what's right...For love. For justice. For peace. And then when Palaptine tortured us, I knew then I loved you...and even when I allowed my anxiety to cloud my judgement you still fought for our future together and in the end, you asked me to marry you when you could literally have anyone in the galaxy. You're perfect to me Ahsoka Tano and I will love you until the day I die, but until then…"

Barriss placed Ahsoka's trembling hand over her heart, "You make me feel so alive and free and I've transformed into the woman I've always dreamed to be. Now everytime I look down to that arm, I'll have a permanent reminder to continue fighting for Ahsoka Tano, my whole universe, my wife to be."

Barriss then cupped Ahsoka's wet, beaming face and cemented her sentiment with a tender if the galaxy itself was blessing the women's love, fireworks began to explode above them. The couple took a moment to marvel at how perfect their treasured spot has become, before proceeding to kiss each other some more. Kissing under a world of color was a moment neither Barriss or Ahsoka will forget.