Synopsis: Ahsoka struggles with the unexpected supposed loss of Maul, and comes to terms with unrecognized feelings for him. Maul negotiates with Saw Gerrera and Lux. Maul and Ahsoka are reunited, but with new & confusing emotions.
They say there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. These vary for many people, but often transition over the course of several weeks, months, or years. Yet the Jedi were patrons of the ways of stoicism, all of which had drained from Ahsoka's disturbed mind.
Ahsoka had seen much death in her life, from her brief childhood on Shili, to her time in the Jedi Order, and especially now in the tsunami of death the Empire procured. She had seen many enemies die. Worse than that, she had seen many of her friends die. It always ate away at her soul when thinking of the ones she'd lost, but until this point she had composed herself in grieving in a healthy way. Until this point.
If someone had told her that the Jedi Order would be brought to its knees and executed, that she would join forces with a Sith Lord who tried to murder her, that she'd grow close to him and be deeply perturbed by his loss, she'd laugh it off like the bad joke it was. If you told her now, as she vagrantly meandered through the cosmos, that she had fallen in love with said Sith Lord, she'd dismiss that as well- yet that's exactly what had happened, unbeknownst to Ahsoka's consciousness. Now the Sith Lord whose soul had so tightly intertwined with hers was gone, and she was alone again.
This can't be happening, Ahsoka thought as she plummeted through space. She could still feel Maul's presence, although it slowly faded away. She held onto his force signature like a vice until suddenly it felt gone- completely, utterly gone. Not that it had faded away in distance, but it was abruptly gone. The TIE must've finished what was left of the ship, and Maul was dead.
"No!" she wailed, burying her head in her trembling hands. Her body shook as she sobbed, pounding her fists against the floor where she was huddled in a fetal position. Her stomach roiled, and she wretched violently. Why did you do this? Why did you sacrifice yourself? she called out to the void, only to be answered with the acute loneliness of Maul's absence.
Anger was forbidden by the Jedi, but she was no Jedi. It seeped through her veins slowly, then all at once like a dam breaking. She was angry with the Empire. She was angry with Palpatine for destroying all she loved, for torturing Maul. She was angry with Anakin. She was angry with the TIE. Oddly enough, she found herself angry at Maul. How could you leave me? How could you?
Days passed by listlessly. Ahsoka eventually came to the conclusion of hating herself for blaming Maul, when in reality he had sacrificed his life in exchange for hers. She felt unworthy of such a gift of love, such a gift of selflessness. I'm so sorry, Maul, she thought desolately. The guilt was crushing. There was so much good in you, and I took it for granted. I called you a monster. If only I could have saved you, things would be different. I wish you were here. Again, her only answer was silence.
Ahsoka came to the crushing realization that the mission was now a loss, and any hope of defeating Sidious had gone with it. She missed Maul most of all, painfully so. Another day would pass until she reached Master Yoda on Dagobah again. And for what? Without Maul, what's the point of going on? She pondered whether or not she should pull the emergency latch and end it all right there. If she had the energy to get up and pull it, maybe she would have.
This is what attachment does, she thought. Her feelings towards Maul had boiled up from her subconscious, and the pain of his loss was prominent. I'm beyond attached, she thought tiredly. It didn't matter now. She didn't care, Maul was all she had had left. Ahsoka looked up at the emergency latch hesitantly. Instead, after two restless nights, she finally drifted into the dark oblivion that was sleep.
xxx
Maul awoke disoriented, his vision and memory of the ship slowly coming out from the blur. Ahsoka! he thought in a panic. Maul tried to move, but restraints on his arms and legs prevented him from doing so. He was strapped inside a cage, albeit not one designed for a Force user much to his approval. Maul was no longer on their ship, nor was he in a TIE. Saw Gerrera and a young man he did not recognize stared back at him through the cage.
"He's awake," the young man said.
"Fortunately so," Maul breathed groggily. "Where are we?"
Saw's steely gaze matched Maul's. "Rebel custody," he spat.
"Your reputation precedes you, Gerrera."
"I've heard much about you, Sith," Saw spat.
"Only good things I presume?" Maul hissed sarcastically. Saw's mouth formed a tight, unamused line. Maul continued suavely, "Luckily for me, there've been some... advancements... in my career you have not been made aware of through rumor, and you and I would make excellent business associates" he breathed coolly. Saw's eyes squinted, his face turning a shade darker in anger.
"There is nothing in the world that would make me work with anyone who associates with Sidious," he spat.
"Isn't that convenient seeing that I am no longer associated with Sidious?"
"Lies. It's known you're one of his apprentices," Saw yelled.
"Was. Whomever you're getting your misinformation from also failed to mention that there can only be two Siths, a master and an apprentice, and that position has been replaced by Skywalker."
"Why should I give a shit?"
"Sidious is my enemy," Maul muttered slowly, the way one would speak to a child.
"I don't believe you, lying scum."
"You don't have to. Now, let's talk how we can benefit each other-"
"Lets. What are you doing on Jedha?" Saw asked angrily, pointing his blaster at Maul's forehead.
"I was getting to that before being rudely interrupted," Maul seethed petulantly. "I've been traveling with a Jedi that survived Order 66. We were alerted that there was a rebel base on Jedha. I've come to bring her to you."
Saw laughed heartily. "Darth Maul working with a Jedi? If you're going to lie to my face, at least make it believable. Even if this were true, why would a Jedi would work with the likes of you?" he asked. Maul felt himself growing angry.
"Because she is the only one who can help me destroy Sidious and Skywalker," Maul hissed. Saw glared at him.
"Humor me then. Who is this made-up Jedi?"
"Lady Ahsoka Tano, who at this very moment is hurtling through space in the escape pod I deployed." Saw looked at him cautiously, but Lux's eyes widened at Ahsoka's name.
"Ahsoka's alive?" Lux gasped. "Saw, we have to rescue her!"
"You've met?" Maul asked in surprise, which was ignored.
"Don't get your hopes up, Lux. This piece of shit will tell us anything he can to escape."
"How would he know Ahsoka? How would he know where to find us?"
"Maybe he killed Ahsoka and forced her to disclose where our base is, and if we let him escape, he'll kill us for Sidious. What if it's a trap, Lux?," Saw gritted, although Lux had a point.
"You think Ahsoka would give in to a Sith? How would he set up an ambush if he had no idea we were even outside of Jedha's orbit?"
"If you both would end your insufferable banter, I urge you to intercept her. Keep me imprisoned until then, and you will see that I am not lying," Maul barked. Lux and Saw looked at each other wearily.
"I will not waste time or fuel on Sith schemes," Saw finally said.
"Do not take advantage of my courtesy of cooperating. You leave me with no choice then to retrieve her myself in this ship- with or without you," Maul snarled defiantly. Saw's face turned purple with anger.
"Fuck you, I refuse to do what you ask."
"I was not asking, I was demanding. Get. Her. Now," Maul snarled. The two looked tensely at one another for several moments, the tension in the air palpable.
"We have to try, Saw! He's probably lying, but if not, Ahsoka would be a massive step forward in our war against the Empire! Ahsoka is my friend, and if she's out there, I say we at least try. You have nothing to lose, the fuel is minimal. She can't be far," Lux said in a panic. Saw rolled his eyes, and Maul looked suspiciously at Lux. Who is Lux? How does he know her?
"The coordinates are on what is left of my ship," Maul added curtly.
"Fine. We will investigate but if there is any sort of ambush or trickery, I'll execute this bastard on the spot," he growled, glaring into Maul's eyes. Maul scoffed.
"Power up the engines," Saw barked at Lux. He nodded and swiftly exited the corridor, followed by Saw who eyed Maul warily before leaving. Several guards pointed their blasters at Maul, holding firmly until further notice. Maul sighed, a small smile forming on the edges of his lips. I'll see you soon enough, My Lady, he thought into the void.
xxx
Ahsoka laid silently in the pod, staring listlessly into the abyss of space. Her cheeks were still wet with tears, but she had stopped crying. The emptiness seemed as though it would go on forever, until it didn't. Slowly, she heard the distant scream of a TIE. Oh no, she thought. Ahsoka looked out the window, and to her horror saw the same TIE that had killed Maul followed by a much larger Imperial light cruiser.
"You sons of bitches," she muttered, wiping her tears from her face. To her surprise, as they made their final approach, there was no blast fire. Then the realization hit her. They're going to capture me, and do Force knows what, Ahsoka thought worriedly. She grabbed her lightsaber and waited patiently for them. Not if I have anything to do about it. The cruiser sucked her pod into its landing deck, and the boarding door opened. The TIE followed shortly after into the landing deck. Ahsoka unsheathed her lightsaber, leaping out of the escape pod and into the hallway of the cruiser with an angry scream. To her surprise, Lux stared back at her, mouth agape.
"W-what…" she murmured, before Lux ran forward and hugged her tightly.
"Ahsoka, you're alive!" exclaimed Lux. Ahsoka hugged him back lazily, as though she were stunned by a blaster.
"W...Why are you in a cruiser? Why is there a TIE?" she asked dazedly.
"We use them for cover against the Empire. I'll explain everything later-" Lux asked before Saw exited the TIE. Ahsoka didn't have to wonder what the cold steel on the back of her head was, knowing instantly what a blaster tip felt like. Lux yelled to protest, but was quickly interrupted by Saw.
"Cuff her, now," he barked. Lux looked reluctantly towards Saw, but obediently did so.
"You give me one good fucking reason why you're working with Maul, and if you lie to me, I'll blow your head off right here," he spat. Ahsoka's eyes widened.
"He's alive?" she gasped. Her heart skipped a beat, and tears of happiness welled in her eyes. Maul is alive. "Take me to him, please! I need to see him-" Saw stopped her, jabbing the blaster against her forehead roughly.
"He is a prisoner of the Rebel Alliance and will be interrogated and executed accordingly. Now I'll give you one more chance to tell me right now why the fuck you're working with a Sith," Saw snarled.
"Saw, don't hurt her!" Lux cried out.
"Okay, okay… Everyone calm down, I'll tell you everything," Ahsoka murmured shakily, her voice trembling with emotion. Maul is alive. Force, Maul is alive! Her heart swelled with happiness at the thought of seeing him again, but more pressing matters were at hand first (for instance, Saw's blaster pressing into her temple, and the possibility of Maul's execution). She needed to keep her cool.
Ahsoka spent over an hour explaining in great detail the events leading up to Order 66, how the clones turned, her escape with Rex, reuniting with Maul, and all their endeavors since then. Saw and Lux listened intently until she had finished. Saw seemed relatively pleased with the explanation, while Lux's brow furrowed in frustration.
"But Ahsoka, Darth Maul is beyond dangerous- you can't be serious," Lux murmured.
"It's true, you have to believe me. There is good in him, and he wants to bring down Sidious and the Empire more than any of us combined. You cannot execute him. We may have our differences, but he is a strong ally, and I trust him completely. I owe him my life, on multiple occasions! "
"The same life he tried to take?" Lux challenged.
"Things change," she said sternly.
Saw sighed deeply. "Lux is right. I don't trust him."
"You don't have to, but you must trust his intent to kill Sidious. Please, we can talk later, I have to see him," she begged.
"You may see him when we arrive back to base on Jedha. He will remain imprisoned under my command until this situation is settled, and I reserve the right to execute him," Saw warned.
"If you execute him, your chance of defeating Sidious is gone," Ahsoka warned frantically. Saw stared at her coolly, but said nothing as he powered up the cruiser.
xxx
The anticipation in the walk towards the brig where Maul was being held was palpable. Ahsoka's heart thudded against her ribs as she anxiously waited. When she could finally sense his Force signature, tears of joy began to well in her eyes.
Maul? Are you alright? she called out to him.
Something like that, he thought back. A smile formed on her lips, and she wiped her eyes. Before she could respond, they rounded a corner and into the room where Maul was being guarded. Ahsoka let out a pained chuckle of disbelief, followed by a deep sigh of relief.
"Maul," she murmured softly. Maul's eyes looked intently at her, his fiery gaze turning calm at the sight of her.
"My Lady, you're unharmed I see?" he inquired smoothly, although his voice trembled slightly. Every fiber in his being desired to embrace her, as did hers.
"You idiot… How could you do that?" she scolded, but her voice held no anger. Maul's golden eyes burned into her blue ones, which filled and overflowed like an ocean's wave. He was so overjoyed inside, the insult slipped by his usually harsh tongue. Maul's cheeks burned from his parting words. How could I not? echoed in his mind.
"Let him out," Ahsoka demanded.
"You're not in charge here," Saw growled, holding his loaded blaster to her backside. Maul strained viciously against the restraints at the sight of the blaster pointed at her.
"You dare harm her and I'll kill you!" he snarled wildly.
It's alright, don't try anything Ahsoka thought to him calmly through the Force. It did little to stifle Maul's ferocity, but he held his tongue, and refrained from breaking the measly restraints for a former Sith lord. .
"Saw, even with your blaster pointed towards me I could defeat you with my saber. We are allies, and allies do not take up arms against one another. Please release Maul to me, now. It is important to me," she half-pleaded, half-warned. Saw hesitated.
"Saw, Ahsoka would not lie. If what she said is true, which it must be, Maul is our ally," Lux argued gently.
"The Sith are not our ally, ex Sith or not. I don't trust him to not kill us," he spat.
"Maul's restraints are not made for a Force user. He could have killed both of you ten times over if he pleased, you realize that don't you?" Ahsoka cried angrily. Saw and Lux looked at each other nervously, then back to Maul. Ahsoka continued, "Maul is not your enemy, he is my ally as well as yours. Release him now, or he'll release himself. You're wearing my patience," she snapped in a panic. She was frantic to have him released. Maul smirked proudly at her ferocity. I must be rubbing off on her, he thought amusedly.
"Fine," Saw growled. He pressed the release button and Maul's restraints, and he fell to the floor. Before he could stand upright fully, Ahsoka rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She cried into his chest quietly, and he could feel her body tremor as she did so.
"I thought you were dead," she whispered, her voice breaking between sobs. Maul's heartstrings felt like they were being pulled taut. Her reaction to his supposed death surprised him, and also satisfied some other part of him. He wrapped an arm around her protectively. Maul could feel the turmoil inside her slowly ebb away with his touch. She cares about me… she cares so deeply, he thought perplexedly. He tried in vain to stomp out his elation. The things this Togruta does to me...
"I thought so too," he murmured softly.
"Just, don't do that again… promise me you'll never do something like that again," she pleaded softly. He could not promise such a thing. Maul's hearts skipped a beat at her affection for him, his eyes lingering over hers longingly. To his surprise, she was as well- or so he thought. She can't be, he thought in shock. He could not wrap his head around the thought that someone as beautiful as Ahsoka would look upon a monster like him in such a way. No, she's only thankful, he settled. Yet something unspoken made the air between them taut, as if there was more to be said but neither would dare, nor even know what to say.
Suddenly, Lux's awkward cough broke the silence. Maul and Ahsoka mutually felt uncomfortable when they realized their closeness, and stepped back from one another promptly.
"I'll set up a room for you. You'll most likely have to wait in a cell until things are sorted out, and you're interrogated fully and privately" he addressed Maul. Maul sneered at the abrupt soiling of such a moment, but it was obvious that imprisonment would be expected for a time being. Saw re-cuffed Maul, and Lux pulled on Ahsoka's sleeve to signal her to leave.
"Don't harm him," Ahsoka said to Saw.
"A pitiful endeavor it would be," Maul said.
"Bold words from a man in cuffs," he retorted.
"Like putting a leash on a rancor," Maul gritted savagely.
"Enough! Both of you, try not to kill each other," Ahsoka snapped. Neither replied.
If you need me, let me know, she thought to him. Maul prickled with irritation.
Seeing as you're the one who requires so much saving, you let me know, my lady, he thought back. While his words were harsh, there was no venom to it. Maul's back to normal, she mused, smiling slightly.
"Ahsoka, if you'll follow me," Lux asked, interrupting her thoughts. Ahsoka nodded, and he led her through the base. When they arrived at a small room away from others, Lux hugged her tightly.
"It's so good to know you're alive. I've missed you," he murmured, burying his head into her lekku. Ahsoka hugged him back.
"You as well. It's been some time. What's happened to you since…" she trailed off, not finishing what need not be rehashed.
"Well, as you might guess, Onderon has been occupied by the Empire. They offered me a position which initially I refused, but when Saw began his rebellion starting on Jedha, I took it as an opportunity to gain access to the Empire. We've been using undocumented Imperial ships to board others and take prisoners to gain intel," he murmured, his eyes filled with sadness. "They've taken everything from me… They've destroyed everything." Ahsoka embraced him, and they sat in silence for several minutes. After that, they talked for a few hours, rehashing old memories and stories. Memories and stories of happier times, which Ahsoka had talked about for the first time in ages without becoming depressed about it. Eventually, they talked about Order 66.
"I'm sorry what happened to you, what happened to Anakin… I've thought about you every day, and when it came out that the Jedi were gone, I was inconsolable for a week straight" Lux said. Ahsoka's lekku flushed a shade darker.
"T-thank you, Lux. I've missed you too, and it's so good to see you again" she replied.
"So, there are other Jedi then?"
"Yes, many according to Master Yoda."
"The rebellion needs the Jedi. The galaxy has lost all hope with them gone, and your cunning and strength…"
"I'm no Jedi, not anymore" she replied uncomfortably. "I wasn't before Order 66, if you haven't heard, I left."
"Oh… So you're a Sith now?"
"What? N-no! No, I'm just… me."
"Sorry! It's just, now that you're with Maul… Speaking of which, our base is pretty limited on space, but there should be one more bed left if that has enough room for you two once Saw releases Maul," he murmured uncomfortably. Ahsoka's eyes widened in shock, but Lux continued obliviously, "He'll probably be interrogated for awhile before being released to you, the rebellion won't like knowing he's here so-"
"Lux, we're not together, n-not like that," she chuckled sheepishly. "Separate quarters, please. I'm sure Maul would appreciate that as well," she added. Lux's face lit up.
"You're not together?"
"No, what makes you think that?" she asked in shock.
"C'mon 'Soka, you were all over him! You totally like him, you can tell me, I won't judge- well, maybe I'll judge a little," Lux teased, jealousy mingled in with his tone. Ahsoka scoffed.
"Well, he did just save my life, and I thought he was dead. I know it probably looks beyond weird, and Maul and I have had a complicated… companionship, you could say, but he's all I've had for months. Maul has good in him, I just doubt he'll show that to you. Take my word for it, and don't mention I said anything."
"So, you don't like him like… that?" Lux asked anxiously. Ahsoka's words caught in her throat when she tried to reply, and she noticed her lekku flushed purple. I do, I think, she thought. Force, what's wrong with me? They were business associates, and nothing more as made clear by Maul in the past- yet, their behavior towards one another had been anything but platonic in the last month or more, and especially not when death was at their door. I shouldn't think of Maul like that, he'd mock me. It's just what happened that has me feeling emotional, she decided uneasily.
"N-no, no I don't" she replied hastily. Why do I feel like I'm lying when this has to be the truth?
"That's… good to know. Sorry, I just assumed by the way you were acting… Glad I was wrong. I'll double check on living quarters, but if I can't find two, you're welcome to stay in mine," he replied cheerfully. Lux put a hand over hers gently. Ahsoka blushed slightly, but pulled her hand away politely.
"M-maybe, I'll think about it."
"No, you won't," Saw interrupted. He had Maul cuffed behind him, who glared Lux. His eyes softened as he glanced over at Ahsoka. She became acutely aware of his gaze as it pierced through her.
"I need eyes on this Sith scum at all times. You'll be staying together, my orders. His kind aren't to be trusted, but you are," Saw said sternly.
"He's not a Sith anymore-"
"I don't care. There will be guards posted outside your door with orders to shoot on sight in the event of escape. I'll fetch you at dawn to discuss our next raid. I'll be needing both of your services," Saw snapped before stalking off. Lux looked tentatively at Ahsoka and Maul, who stared wordlessly at each other.
"I'll see you tomorrow, 'Soka," Lux murmured, squeezing her hand gently. Ahsoka's eyes flitted to Lux with a forced smile. He passed Maul awkwardly through the door frame before two guards stood menacingly behind Maul, as if to give the message to enter the room. Maul did so, and the door shut mechanically behind him.
"Maul…" she murmured softly. His name on her tongue and the tenderness in her voice filled him with passion. If he could kiss her right then and there, he would have. Force, I love you. Maul was beyond saving in regards to his love for her, yet he restrained himself. The mission was of utmost importance, and any threat to his composure compromised that mission. For example, killing myself in order to save her, he mused unregrettably.
"Isn't this a wonderful welcome from the Rebel Alliance," he spat sarcastically. He slid back into his default persona in the hopes of distancing himself from his affections.
"I've never had to babysit a Sith Lord before," she chuckled teasingly. Maul's eyes turned into thin slits, his mouth forming a tight line, yet he was secretly amused. An inkling of romantic feelings nipped at the periphery of Ahsoka's suppressed mind. Her heart was racing just seeing Maul again. She wanted nothing more than to hug him tightly, but any contact terrified her after her affection at their reunion. He just cares about the mission, and he just saved my life. I'm just being emotional, she scolded internally. A gnawing suspicion about his affection for her still lingered. Someone like Maul wanting someone like me? I'm being ridiculous.
"I'm happy you're here. I'm happy you're alive," she murmured, taking his hand tentatively in hers. Maul caressed her hand gently, then immediately regretted it. I'm being careless, he thought.
"Likewise. You should get some rest, my lady. I sense you've been distressed," he noted. Ahsoka nodded. It was true the last two days had been soul crushingly lonesome. Yet, the overwhelming desire to let Maul know what he means to her took precedence. Ahsoka tentatively got closer to him, which took Maul by surprise, then gently pulled him close to her in an embrace. Maul's breath hitched, and his hearts pounded.
"Lady Tano…"
"Maul, I'm so sorry for everything," she cried softly into his chest.
"There is nothing to be sorry for. Luckily it was the Rebels and not-"
"No, I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry I ever called you a monster, and for anytime I was ever cruel to you," Ahsoka whimpered. Maul's shoulders slacked. The emotion in her voice disarmed him, but she continued, "I want you to know how important you are to me, and how much everything you've done means to me… You're special to me, and I never told you that before the attack, and I never want to lose you again," she finished. Maul was speechless for several moments. Her admission had caught him off guard, and he was reeling with a flurry of different emotions. I love you, he thought to himself, and he could feel the foreign words dancing on his tongue. Instead, he held her tightly and buried his face into her lekku. Several silent moments passed while Ahsoka tried to calm her tears.
"It's… mutual," he murmured uncomfortably, but sighed deeply as if a great weight had been lifted off his chest. Ahsoka's stomach fluttered. Maul pulled away, looking deeply into her eyes.
"You mean that?" she whispered.
"Yes… you're… different, to me," Maul replied rigidly. "What I said to you before the escape pod launched was true… all of it." He fought every urge and instinct to kiss her right then and there, to tell her over and over how much he's loved her, to carry her to the bed and make her his- yet he restrained himself again. She's grateful is all, he reminded himself harshly. Maul gently separated himself from Ahsoka, uncomfortable with how close he was to losing his composure and admitting just how deep the rabbithole of his affection for her really went- and, for the first time, realizing what being cared for truly felt like.
"I can sense you're tired, and can imagine your distress since our departure from one another. It would be wise to rest, Lady Tano," he murmured, cutting their intimacy short. Ahsoka couldn't argue with the fact, although she'd much rather continue their talk. It's for the best, I've said enough, she thought shyly.
"You're right. What about you?" she asked tiredly.
"What about me?"
"You're not coming to bed?" she asked. Maul's brow furrowed in confusion.
"There's only one," he noted. Ahsoka looked at him expectantly, as if the fact was obsolete, and then Maul took the hint. He might as well have been slapped in the face. She can't be serious.
"You're being ridiculous."
"I don't mean sleep with me like that, just next to me since there's only one bed," she said awkwardly, her lekku turning reddish with embarrassment. It amused Maul slightly, but he was more overwhelmed by the invitation to have time for amusement.
"I'll take the floor," he replied flatly.
"Why? I'm inviting you to."
"I am declining the invitation."
"Why?" she asked, slightly hurt.
"Because… attachment is not something the Jedi look fondly upon," he stuttered hesitantly. Ahsoka scoffed.
"Since when do you care about the Jedi? Not wanting you to sleep on a metal floor is attachment? Come on, there's plenty of room," she chided. I care about one Jedi, Maul thought irritably.
"I have slept on worse," he noted.
"You don't have to anymore," she murmured gently. Maul's emotional wall took a small hit, but he tried to remain firm. I just want you next to me, she thought painfully.
"It would be unbecoming of me to share a bed with you," he settled. Ahsoka frowned.
"Stubborn as always," she sighed. Ahsoka grasped her arm to console herself and turned away from where Maul was facing her, her back towards him. Tears began to form in her eyes. Maul immediately detected her distress, his eyes analyzing her intently.
"What's bothering you?" he asked softly. Ahsoka wiped her eyes, refusing to turn back to face him.
"Lady Tano…" he murmured after several seconds of silence.
I don't want to be alone anymore… I thought I lost you. You're all I have, she thought faintly to him in the Force. It was so quiet and broken of a thought that Maul barely sensed it, but the weight of it was crushing. He remembered his loneliness in the trash tunnels: the fear, the isolation, the lack of safety… all emotions emanating from the Togruta before him. He couldn't allow it.
Instead of responding, Maul flicked off the lights. Ahsoka heard soft shuffling about the room, like a metallic cat padding about, but she ignored it and tried to focus on sleeping. A few tentative seconds passed as Maul looked down at her in the night. So beautiful, and so full of suffering, he thought sympathetically.
Suddenly, Ahsoka felt Maul's presence as he laid down beside her on the bed. Maul cautiously wrapped an arm around her. It felt both natural and unnatural to touch her so freely, but he felt her fear dissipate with his embrace. She turned to him, his face barely outlined in the moonlight, but his golden eyes ever piercing into hers. If this is what attachment is, so be it, they both thought separately.
"Thank you," Ahsoka whispered. Maul reached his hand to her face and carefully wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Rest, my lady…" he sighed before drifting off into a deep slumber, following shortly after Ahsoka.