We Pretend It's Alright

Chapter 14

Since Alderaan

Words- 6,432

We Pretend It's Alright

Ahsoka hurried into the Senate building, running late for the trial. Quickly making her way to the courtroom, she told security her name and showed her identification right as they were about to close the doors, one minute till the trial was to resume.

The clone standing at the door, looking down at his list and her identification a few times before allowing her to pass, shutting the doors as soon as she walked through them.

Ahsoka's head was pounding as strode into the crowded court room. She wore a hooded tunic drawn low on her face, the same clothes she had left in the night before. She saw Padme straightening a few files, sitting at the defense's table. She wondered if the woman had noticed that she hadn't come home last night, or if she was so wrapped up in her own world that she hadn't. Padme had so much going on between her political life, Anakin, and her pregnancy that Ahsoka didn't know how she had time for anything else. Last night had been… interesting to say the least.

oOo

(The night before)

Ahsoka was having a rough night. After being rejected by Riyo, Ahsoka had gone down to the 227th level to a much shadier cantina, looking to drink till she couldn't remember the look Riyo had given her.

"Gimme another" Ahsoka hiccupped, waving at the bar-droid for another pint.

"Well well." A familiar voice hissed into her left ear. "Little Jedi out for some fun."

Ahsoka banged her head down on the bar, not in the mood for the woman she knew was beside her. "Ventress." Ahsoka groaned, she head still down. "Not a Jedi."

"Oh yes, how I could I forget. Your little squad kicked you out, didn't they?" Ventress laughed, sitting down beside Ahsoka at the bar and signaling for a drink, a cruel smile on her face. "And what are you doing down, little 'shoka, all alone?"

"Trying to have a drink in peace." Ahsoka shot back nastily, lifting her head and glaring at Ventress. "Can I help you with something?"

"Hmm, well that depends." Ventress said suggestively, curling her lip as she gave Ahsoka a look Ahsoka didn't know how she felt about. "You still close to Skywalker?"

"Yes." Ahsoka said stiffly, narrowing her eyes. "Why do you care?"

"It just so happens that I may have a little information his wife may want."

"His wife?" Ahsoka said, setting her drink down. "Are you talking about Senator Amidala?"

"Don't tell me you don't know." Ventress rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink. "Could they be more obvious?"

Ahsoka didn't say anything, instead looking down at her drink and taking a sip. She had known they were together, but how did Ventress. "What information do you have?" She asked, deciding to ignore the issue for now.

"How badly do you want to know?" Ventress smirked, taking another drink suggestively.

Ahsoka set hher drink down and stood up, moving closer to Ventress, her face inches from the other woman's. "Tell me." Ahsoka said, her voice dangerously low.

Ventress smirked at her again, moving even closer to her. "You think I'd tell you for nothing?"

"What's your price?"

"I think you know."

Ahsoka pushed her away, hating that part of her didn't want to. She sat back down as Ventress laughed, slamming back another drink.

"I thought as much." Ventress laughed, sitting back down herself as Ahsoka looked away, her cheeks burning. "I information about three hidden channels the Chancellor used to communicate with Dooku. Still interested?"

Ahsoka turned back to Ventress. Could she really trust her? How many times had they been enemies, but still, Ventress had helped her back when no one else did. "What's in it for you?" Ahsoka asked, still unsure of what to do.

"I want payment, obviously. Four thousand credits." Ventress said with a wave of her thin, white hand. "Plus, it wouldn't hurt to see the bastard's name dragged through the dirt." She snarled.

"Fine." Ahsoka agreed. She would do anything to help Anakin, and she knew Padme had mentioned to her something about a bounty for intel. "Let's go then." She downed her last drink and followed Ventress from the cantina.

oOo

Ahsoka was earger to give Padme the intel after the trial, but know she was more concered about finding a seat in the packed room. She looked up at the seats in front her as she began to walk up into the stands, before spying Master Plo sitting alone at the end of a row, an empty seat next on his right. After remembering Obi Wan's words, she approached her old mentor, a small smile on her tired face.

"May I sit here?" She asked, gaining his attention.

Plo Koon turned his head and his brow raised in surprise. "Ahsoka." He said, standing up, a softness in his voice. "What a pleasant surprise."

Before she could stop herself Ahsoka wrapped her old master in a hug. The Jedi master, though a little taken it back at this action, returned the hug. After they broke apart and sat down, Plo Koon asked, "How are you, young one? Though I suppose you aren't so young anymore. It has been so long since I last saw you."

"I've been getting that quite a lot." Ahsoka smiled.

"Maybe you shouldn't disappear on everyone." Plo teased lightly, laughter in his eyes.

"I'm beginning to think you're right." Ahsoka agreed, grinning.

"All rise." A magnified voice rang through the hall and everyone stood, quieting down, as the Judge entered the room. He sat down, everyone else following suit.

"Bring in prisoner 95746."

The hall watched as the doors opened once more. In walked Anakin, surrounded by an escort of eight clones. They lead him forward to the edge of the floor. He was pushed onto the platform, where he stood as it zoomed forward, stranding him above the black, empty space below.

"The prosecution may now call forward their first witness."

Fornium stood up, walking out onto his platform. "The Prosecution calls Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi to the stand."

Ahsoka and Plo Koon exchanged a look as chatter broke out among the crowd at this statement. As far as Ahsoka new, Obi Wan was meant to be a character witness for the defense. Why was the prosecution calling him up?

We Pretend It's Alright

Obi Wan had not planned on being called to testify when he walked into the courtroom that morning. Seated in the stands by the defense, he had watched the room fill up and Anakin be brought in. Suddenly to his surprise, his name had been called and two clones walked over to him to escort him to the raised platform upon where he was to sit.

Sitting down in the high backed chair, Obi Wan looked out over the room. Anakin stood directly in his line of vision and they made direct eye contact.

Anakin gave a small nod of his head before titling his head slightly down and closing his eyes, almost in meditation. A brief look of surprise flashed over Obi Wan's face at this small act, but no one else noticed the exchange.

After swearing an oath not to lie, Obi Wan waited patiently as Fornium slowly approached him.

"Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker was your former apprentice, or padawan, wasn't he?"

"Yes, I trained Anakin from the time he was eight until nineteen."

"Would you say that you have a close relationship to the defendant?"

"I trust him with my life." Obi Wan answered, looking at Anakin as he spoke.

"But yet, you aided in a plot to arrest him?" Fornium asked, coming to stand between Obi Wan and Anakin.

Obi Wan narrowed his eyes. He was not about to let this man twist his actions.

"I aided in the arrest because I had faith in the justice system to reveal the true nature of what happened. I assisted because I believed Anakin would receive a fair trial."

"Your involvement had nothing to do with his actions?"

"My actions were taken to ensure justice prevailed. At the time of the arrest I knew nothing of the situation beyond Anakin's potential involvement. I believed by allowing the justice system to work, it would better resolve this matter."

"Master Jedi, do you believe that Mr. Skywalker is reasonable for the deaths of three Jedi masters and the Chancellor?"

"Anakin did not murder Masters Fisto, Kolar, or Tiin. The only person Anakin fought that night was the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, the Chancellor."

"So he is at least responsible for murdering the Chancellor?"

"The Chancellor was a Sith lord planning to take over the galaxy. He challenged Anakin, who had no choice but to defend himself."

"Master Jedi, we have heard an awful lot about this "Sith" business. But it seems to be no more than an outdated myth that most people are unfamiliar with?"

"The Sith are an ancient order of dark force users, as old as the Jedi. They are a power seeking evil that hides in the shadows."

"Have there been any other of these "Sith" that anyone would know of?"

"Most notably was Count Dooku, or Lord Tyrannous, as you saw in the holos shown yesterday."

"But what proof do we have beyond the Jedi's word? "

"If the word of the Jedi is not enough, ask any of the many clone troops that have personal fought against him? Ask the Asajj Ventress, his former apprentice. Ask Darth Maul, a former Sith that is currently holding the population of Mandalore hostage. Watch the hours of footage recorded of it. There is undeniable proof of this, starting yet again with the holo we saw yesterday, recovered from Count Dooku's personal residence." Obi Wan explained calmly, narrowing his eyes at Fornium.

"So we've heard." Fornium said. "Back to your relationship with Anakin Skywalker. You stated earlier that you trust him with your life, and that you do not think him responsible for the death of the three Jedi Masters."

Obi Wan nodded, again glancing up at Anakin who still stood with his head bent, but his eyes were now open.

"Can you explain to us, then, why the he was expelled from the Jedi Order?"

"Anakin was expelled for unrelated reasons that arose during his trial."

"And what reasons are those?"

"That is not the concern of this court. Those reasons have nothing to do with the charges Anakin is facing today." Obi Wan answered calmly, careful not to look at Padme as he spoke.

"Rather convenient, isn't it?"

"I don't know what you are implying." Obi Wan replied aloofly, knowing exactly what he was doing.

"Convenient that he was expelled for reasons unable to be disclosed. If he was truly innocent what does he have to hide? Or is it the Jedi council that has something to hide?"

"We have nothing to hide." Obi Wan stated. "But I will not break the confidentially of the trial."

"Would you say that Mr. Skywalker is an aggressive man?" Fornium said, quickly changing topics.

Obi Wan hesitated, not wanting to fall into this trap. "Anakin can be aggressive, but it does not control him. As a Jedi-"

"Former Jedi, expelled for undisclosed reasons." Fornium cut in.

"Do not interrupt me again." Obi Wan said very calmly. "As I was saying, as a Jedi, Anakin spent years learning how to control his actions and emotions and how to think very critically. As a military leader, aggression is natural and proves to be a strong trait in moderation, something Anakin understood. Ask any of his men, they'll tell you the same."

"Does this moderation extend to his coldblooded murder of the previously mentioned Count Dooku?"

"Dooku's death was a necessary action to end the war." Obi Wan said shortly.

"Meaning he didn't deserve a trial? Couldn't we say the same for Mr. Skywalker here, exert the same attitude towards him that he did to his enemies he held grudges against."

"The circumstances of these cases of completely different. Dooku was a known Sith Lord with many proven crimes against the galaxy. He was an extremely dangerous man that had evaded capture many times. Attempting to save the Chancellor and maintain control of Dooku was an almost impossible task, especially as I was incapacitated at the time. The Jedi council did not condemn Anakin's actions and neither did the Republic."

"But, Mr. Skywalker seems to have a history of these violent actions, does he not?"

"We are fighting a war. Casualties occur in the quest for victory. This action was a huge step towards victory. Would you rather Count Dooku was still out there fighting against the Republic?"

"Of course I am not, but I am simply showing that there seems to be a pattern here."

Obi Wan said nothing to this.

"No further questions your honor." Fornium stated, turning his back on the Jedi Master and walking back to the rest of the prosecution.

"Does the defense wish to question Master Kenobi?" The Judge asked.

Helgo stood up and walked forward. "We do."

"You may proceed."

Padme stood up for the first time in the trial and walked forward onto the defense's platform. Obi Wan noticed the small look of reassurance she gave Anakin as she walked past where he stood. Obi Wan watched a small smile flash across his face at the look, but it was gone as fast as it had come. Padme turned to look at Obi Wan, a pleasant look on her face.

"Master Kenobi, you have known Anakin for fifteen years?" She started.

"Yes."

"As someone who knows Anakin better than almost anyone else, how would you describe him?"

Obi Wan let a small, almost nostalgic smile grace his lips as he looked down at Padme and Anakin behind her. "Anakin has many qualities I admire. His drive, confidence, and skill made him one of the most powerful Jedi the Republic has seen and a great military as well. But above all, Anakin's loyalty is what has always stood out. Those who he is close to, he would do anything for. Ask his men they will tell you the same. Anakin has saved my life twelve-"

"Thirteen." Anakin coughed quietly, only loud enough for Obi Wan and Padme to hear.

"Excuse me, thirteen times. He never leaves a man behind. When Anakin makes a promise, he sticks by his word." Obi Wan explained, watching Anakin with a fond expression. Anakin was looking back at him, his expression unreadable. "Of course," Obi Wan had to add, "He is stubborn, and a little too cocky, but no one's perfect."

This earned a laugh from some of the crowd. Ahsoka and Plo Koon exchanged an amused look. It wouldn't be Obi Wan and Anakin without a little banter. Obi Wan had definitely warmed the crowd up to Anakin a little. He had humanized him in a way that few others could.

"Master Kenobi, what would you say to those who have already decided they believe Anakin to be guilty of these charges?"

"I would explain to them that they are doing the Republic a disservice. Justice is meant for all, whether that means justice for the Chancellor or for Anakin. Justice means hearing every side of the story every fact and detail that is relevant before a decision is made. Listen carefully to what you hear and see in this court, be wary of those who wish to cover their backs or hide the truth. Understand motivations. Listen." Obi Wan said simply, his statement seeming to be common sense.

"No further questions."

Padme nodded to Obi Wan before turning and walking back towards the rest of the defense sharing another look with Anakin as she passed him.

"A one hour recess will now commence."

We Pretend It's Alright

"I hear you've been living life as a pirate." Plo Koon said to Ahsoka, slightly amused, as they waited for the rest of courtroom to clear out.

"You heard right." Ahsoka confirmed, a bit of a sheepish grin on her face. "I worked with Hondo Ohnaka's crew for a while."

"Something different." Plo Koon mused. "I can see the appeal for you after leaving such a structured life."

Ahsoka nodded. He was the first person to understand her decision, as she'd known he would.

"I- I needed to try something new, lead my own life." Ahsoka said, looking down at Anakin leaving the room, escorted by his guard and Padme who walked behind the escort.

"It seems you're not the only Jedi to have that desire." Plo said, looking down at Padme and Anakin as well. "Your old maser seems to be following in your footsteps, or rather the other way around."

"Well, you heard what Obi Wan said about Anakin. His loyalty to those he cares about comes first. Now, that's his family."

"I admire his devotion, though I wish it hadn't lead him down this path." Plo said, a hint of sadness in his deep voice. "Have you spoken to him?"

"No." Ahsoka said, a bit ashamed. "I don't think either of us are in the right mind space for that conversation."

"You might be surprised to find that when you do, it won't matter. Mutual support is what you both need, and that's what will come through." Plo said wisely, looking down at the former Padawan. "Don't think about it too much, young one."

"I don't seem to be thinking enough these days." Ahsoka admitted, looking back at the Jedi. "I feel stuck, unable to move forward."

"You are holding onto to a lot of pain, and it wears on you. You must let it go, stop blaming yourself, 'Soka."

"Easier said than done." Ahsoka snorted, giving him a sad smile. "I can't stop thinking about it and I just keep messing up."

"There will come a point where you have no choice but to make a decision. Accept what has happened and forgive yourself, or continue to live "stuck" as you say." Plo Koon got to his feet resting his hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "This will be your true test. I believe you will prevail, good luck, my child." Plo's hand left her shoulder as he walked back down the aisle and down the stairs.

Ahsoka watched him go, pondering his words.

We Pretend It's Alright

"I am working on getting you limited visitation rights." Padme told Anakin as they settled into a small room to wait for the trial to resume. "I hear back tonight if it will be approved or not."

Anakin nodded. His mind was still on the testimony that had just happened, what Obi Wan had said. Was that really how he felt, still? How did he feel about Obi Wan now?

"If that gets allowed, I'd be able to bring Ahsoka in for a short visit, and if there is anyone else you would want to see…" She trailed off, watching him curiously.

"He sure had a lot to say about me." Anakin said slowly. "Did you tell him to say all of that?"

"No, that was all him." Padme said with a smile. "I told him the questions we were going to be asking and a few other things, but he spoke of his own accord."

Anakin nodded in understanding, frowning as he thought. "You did brilliantly Padme." He added, looking up at her with respect. "I forget how amazing you are at this."

"Well, being a senator and former queen certainly might have a little something to do with it." Padme smiled.

"Was Ahsoka here today?" He asked.

"I'm not entirely sure." Padme admitted. "She never came home last night, so I-"

"What? She didn't come home? Are you sure she's alright?" Anakin interrupted, concern and a bit of panic in his voice.

"Ahsoka can take care of herself, Anakin." Padme said calmly. "And this isn't the first time this has happened. I'm sure she's fine."

"What do you mean this isn't the first time?"

"Ahsoka… like I said, she's not the same as when she left. She certainly picked up some bad habitats to cope with a lot of what has happened."

"She isn't on-"

"No, nothing like that." Padme stopped him. "But she had become quite the drinker. I don't even think she realizes how much she is drinking."

"This is all my fault." Anakin said, placing his head in his hands. "She needed me to-"

"You can't possibly blame yourself for this." Padme protested, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I was supposed to take care of her, to guide her." Anakin said, his voice muffled. "If I hadn't let her leave-"

"Ahsoka needed to leave, you know that. There was nothing you could of done to stop that."

"Then I should have gone with her."

"And a lot of good that would have done." Padme scoffed. "Anakin, she needed to go out by herself to experience a world she didn't know and discover who she was outside of the Order. Could she have used a better environment to do this? Probably, but what's done is done. The important thing is to help her get through it know. To help each other."

Anakin was silent for a moment as he contemplated her words. "If you do get me visitation, I want to see her." Anakin said finally. "That is, if she wants to see me." He added, a bit dejectedly.

"As you wish." Padme said, placing a light kiss in his forehead before slowly standing up, wincing at the pain of the extra weight she was carrying around. "I have to go brief with Helgo and Jinka before we resume. I'll see you in the courtroom."

"Love you." Anakin said quietly as she was leaving.

"The feeling is mutual." Padme said from the open doorway, guards on either side of her. She winked at him with a grin before turning and walking out, the door slamming shut behind him.

We Pretend It's Alright

Two days later, Ahsoka sat with Padme in a small room deep within the Senate. It hadn't been easy, but Padme had secured clearance to bring Ahsoka in for a short meeting with Anakin under the pretense of doing work for the trial. The past two days of the trial had consisted of the prosecution bringing up security footage among other pieces of evidence, which the defense had refuted. But for every person that seemed to doubt Anakin's guilt, there was another convinced of his guilt.

Ahsoka was nervous. She didn't know what to say to him. What could she say?

Ahsoka looked over at Padme, who winced as one of the twins began kicking again.

"They fighting again." Ahsoka said with a little smile, trying to ease her own nerves.

"Something like that. These kids can't wait to get out of here." Padme joked, secretly hoping they wouldn't be born until this mess was behind them. Her face grew more serious as she looked at Ahsoka, resting her hands on her stomach. "Ahsoka, you know, don't you?"

"About what?" Ahsoka asked, though she had an idea of where Padme was going.

"About me and Anakin." Padme said simply not have the energy for discretion.

"Yeah, I do." Ahsoka replied softly, her gaze drifting back to Padme's pregnant belly.

"How long have you known?"

"Since Alderaan."

We Pretend It's Alright

(Flashback, about a year into Ahsoka being Anakin's padawan)

"Obi Wan-"

"Anakin, she is your padawan and I cannot bring her with me this weekend." Obi Wan said exasperatedly. "I simply don't understand why you don't want to bring her with you."

"Maybe I just need a break from her?" Anakin tried to little effect.

"You think I never grew tired of you?" Obi Wan threw back at him, an amused look on his face as he watched Anakin's indignant expression. "Having a padawan is a learning opportunity for you as much as it is for Ahsoka. Do try and learn something." Obi Wan said dryly, watching with amusement as Anakin stood up a sour expression on his face as he stomped away.

Anakin was very frustrated now. He had approached multiple masters to see if he could get one of them to take Ahsoka for the weekend, but had been unable to find anyone able to. It was one of the rare occasions that he was home from the war and had managed to get himself assigned to as a personal protector to Senator Amidala this weekend while she attended a celebration on Alderaan. She had put in a request for Jedi protection due to a recent threat, requesting him in all but name. It was going to be a perfect weekend getaway for them…

Except for the fact that Ahsoka was coming too.

"We're going to Alderaan." Anakin announced shortly, walking into Ahsoka's small quarters in the temple. She was sitting on her cot, cross-legged, reading a book. She looked up curiously at his entrance and quickly jumped to her feet after hearing his words.

"The war's gone to Alderaan?" She asked, shocked.

"No, of course not." Anakin scoffed, frowning at his Padawan before turning and walking out of the room, Ahsoka following closely. "I have been assigned to protect Senator Amidala this weekend at a festival on Alderaan, and you with be accompanying with us."

Ahsoka noticed that he didn't seem to be very happy about any of this. "Isn't that a good thing? I know Senator Amidala and you are friends"

"Yes, friends." Anakin said. He stopped in his paces, turning around and looking down at Ahsoka, an unpleasant expression still on his disgruntled face. "Report to Senator Amidala's office in two standard hours, I will meet you there. You remember where it is?"

"Yes, Master." Ahsoka nodded, she had been to the Senator's office several times.

"Alright then." Anakin nodded to her, watching as she turned and walked back to the room they had just left.

oOo

"Anakin stop being so moody."

"I'm not moody-"

"Don't ruin this before its even begun."

"It's the council that ruined this, refusing to let me leave me padawan-"

"Anakin." Padme pulled his face down to look at hers, impatience now in her voice. "Nothing is ruined. Ahsoka isn't going to ruin anything. Lose the attitude." She lightly clapped her hands against his cheeks, shaking her head as she returned to her closet. "Now, which dress should I bring for the first night of the festival?"

oOo

"Just play it cool." Anakin said quietly as they waited in Padme's office for Ahsoka to arrive any minute now.

"Thank you very much for that great advice, O wise Jedi." Padme said, rolling her eyes. "I've obviously never been with you and Ahsoka in the same room before."

"Well, this is different, this was supposed to be-"

"Ahsoka! So good to see you!" Padme interrupted Anakin, pushing him aside as Ahsoka appeared in the doorway, a backpack slung around her shoulders.

"Hi!" Ahsoka said cheerily, walking inside the brightly light room. "When are we leaving?"

"Well," Padme said, a little excited. "Our ship doesn't leave for about three more hours, but I thought it might be fun if we got you two something to wear first." She grinned excitedly as she threw an arm around Ahsoka and looking from her to Anakin, who had a most disgruntled look on face.

"You told me the ship left at noon." Anakin said accusingly.

"Well," Padme said, flashing him a smile, "I might have lied just a little bit. I didn't think you would come shopping otherwise."

"Padme-"

"Oh well! What's done is done." Padme cut in, giving Anakin a look that clearly meant 'don't argue'. "Come on Ahsoka, let's get you something to wear!"

Padme started walking out, pulling Ahsoka along with her. The padawan threw a bemused look back at Anakin as the two women walked out the door.

"Master Skywalker, my purse." Padme called back. Anakin rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop the smile from creeping onto his face as he grabbed Padme's purse from her desk and following after his padawan and wife, locking the office behind them.

Twenty minutes later, they had arrived at one of Padme's favorite stores for fancy occasions, and she had already started picking things out for Ahsoka to try on.

"Padme, I don't understand why we can't just wear our Jedi clothes." Anakin complained as she handed him another thing to carry as he trailed behind her, holding an already large pile of clothing.

"Anakin, this is prestigious event, I can't have you to walked around in your everyday outfits." Padme explained with the tone of someone explaining something very simple to someone very stupid.

"But we are there as your Jedi protectors, not regular guests." He countered.

"Anakin," Padme said quietly, stopping in her paces and turning to speak so that only he should hear. "It is important to me that you do this, alright? You are, by extension, a representation of me, even as my guard. Dressing correctly is an important part of politics." She gave him a look before giving him a swift peck on the cheek after making sure no one was watching them. "Thank you." She smiled, pilling another three outfits on the very high stack of clothing.

Two hours and a rather vexed pair of Jedi later, the three were finally done shopping, both Anakin and Ahsoka with a whole new wardrobe for the weekend. Both thought Padme had gone quite overboard, but seeing how happy it made her to dress them up, they attempted to stifle their exasperation.

"Now come on," Anakin said, precariously balancing the boxes full of clothes in his arms, using the force to keep it all upright. "We better get to the ship."

Soon they arrived at the docking bay and loaded onto the cruiser. Anakin added the boxes to the area containing Padme's large amount of luggage, before rejoining the others in the main area of the ship.

"Ahsoka, why don't you go see if the pilot needs a co-pilot. Stay up there till I come get you." Anakin said with a jerk of the head.

"Yes, Master." Ahsoka said with a bit of an attitude, exchanging a look with Padme as she flounced away.

"What did you just say to her?" Anakin asked, affronted.

"Oh don't worry about it." Padme laughing, beckoning him over. He sat down beside her, allowing her to take his hand as they felt the ship begin to take off.

"How long is the flight?" He asked with a yawn.

"About six hours, I think." Padme answered. "It'll be nightfall when we land. We're staying in one of the guest houses on the royal property, courtesy of Bail and Breha Organa." Padme explained, sliding over to rest her head on Anakin's shoulder as she cuddled up to his side.

"I'll have to thank them." Anakin said, placing his arm around Padme.

They rode comfortably for a few hours, talking lightly and taking a short nap. Little did the couple know that while they were both cuddled up together, asleep, Ahsoka had peaked her head back into the cabin. Not quite sure what to make of what she was seeing, and not wanting Anakin to sense her presence if she lingered, she had returned to the cockpit confused.

About ten minutes before they were set to land, Anakin made his way into the cockpit as Padme was freshening up.

"Nice job Ahsoka." He said with a nod, believing her to have followed his orders. "Padme wants you to go change into something."

"What about you?" Ahsoka asked resentfully as she stood up.

"I committed to dressing for the festival." He said lazily, taking her newly vacated seat, nodding to the pilot in greeting. "Now hurry up before she comes up here to get you."

oOo

Ahsoka stood on a street corner, watching the festivities around her. They had been on Alderaan for about four hours now and were in the midst of the first night of the festival. The festival stretched across the very large center of the city and Anakin had assigned her to stay on this street corner of the festival for some unknown reason before disappearing off somewhere with Padme and a woman she was pretty sure was Breha Organa.

She watched the lantern lit block before her, where a large crowd of couples were dancing a native dance she had never seen before. It was mesmerizing in a way, the synchronization, the passion of the dancers. The orchestra that was playing suddenly increased in speed and the dancers followed along. Finally, the song ended, and everyone laughed and smiled, clapping in applause as the orchestra began another.

"Wonderful, aren't they?"

Ahsoka turned her head to see a young woman that couldn't have been much older than she was standing beside to her. The women nodded to the band with a smile, her waist-length black hair rustling in the slight breeze.

"Yes, they are." Ahsoka said a bit stiffly.

"Ever been to the festival before?" The women asked, her dark almond shaped eyes watching Ahsoka curiously.

"No, this actually my first time on Alderaan." Ahsoka replied conversationally. "Have you been before?"

"Every year since I was born," The woman smiled. "It is my parents' favorite time of the year. My whole family comes every year to the festival of stars from a town about two hours south. Are you here with your family?"

"I…" Ahsoka wasn't quite sure how to respond to this. "I am here with my master." She said stiffly.

"Your master?" The women asked, her brow furled in confusion.

"My Jedi master, sorry I should have clarified that." Ahsoka said with a slight blush. "I'm a Jedi apprentice. My master, or my teacher, and I are here with Senator Amidala."

"Oh!" The girl said in understanding. "I've never met a Jedi before." The women then extended her hand with a smile. "I'm Keltic."

"Ahsoka." The padawan replied, taking the hand and shaking it. "So you live on Alderaan?"

"All my life. I've never been off-world." Keltic said with a shrug.

"Wow, I can't even imagine that." Ahsoka said truthfully.

"Have you been many places?" Keltic asked.

"Too many to keep track off." Ahsoka said, "But it must be nice to have somewhere to call home."

"Don't you have a home?' Keltic asked, confused.

"Well, all Jedi live in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, but it's not much of home." Ahsoka admitted, eyes a bit downcast. "The Jedi aren't big on attachments."

"Do you have friends there?"

"Well sure, but in my life, duty will always come first. It's kind of hard to explain." Ahsoka said, scratching the back of her head. "

"Don't you like it?" Keltic posed the question so simply, but Ahsoka couldn't help but feel the weight of her life choices in that moment.

"Yeah, it's my life." Ahsoka said, wishing they could discuss something else. "So, what's having a family like?" Ahsoka inwardly cringed as she stated the question, wishing she hadn't asked something so stupid.

"Well, I guess it's nice." Keltic said. "They can be a bit annoying sometimes but they're my family, you know." Keltic then clapped her hand over her mouth. "Opps, I'm sorry I forgot."

"It's alright," Ahsoka said, giving her a reassuring smile. "I think I do know what you mean." She said, thinking of Anakin, the 501st, Plo Koon, and Obi Wan.

"Keltic!" A voice called from across the street. They both looked to see an older boy looking back at them. He looked similar to Keltic and Ahsoka assumed he must be her brother. "Keltic come on. Mama says it's time to leave." He stood there, waiting for her to join him.

"It was wonderful to meet you, Ahsoka." Keltic said, extending her hand once more.

"The pleasure was mine." Ahsoka said, imitating Anakin as she shook the hand once more. She watched as brother and sister walked away, wondering for a second what her life might have been like it she had never become a Jedi.

oOo

"Padme, I'm so glad you could join us this year!" Breha said enthusiastically, grabbing Padme by the arm and leading her into the festival, Anakin trailing behind a little annoyed and scanning the crowd. He had just sent Ahsoka off somewhere but had not anticipated that the Queen of Alderaan would be with them all night. Padme threw a smile over her shoulder and he returned it, trying to let himself relax a bit. Not too much though, he was still here as security, no matter if that had been a cover.

"Breha, thank you so much for inviting me." Padme said. "It is quite an honor to be at Alderaan's most sacred Festival of Stars."

"Oh I'm just so glad you were able to get time away to join us." Breha said with a wave of her hand. "I only wish Bail was here."

"He isn't coming?' Padme asked, a bit shocked.

"He won't arrive until the second night of the festival." Breha amended. "But he will be here for the closing ceremony on the third night, so I guess I can't be too put out."

"So," Breha smiled, turning towards Anakin and giving Padme smile. "When are you going to introduce me to this charming man?"

"This Is Anakin Skywalker, my Jedi protector for the weekend." Padme said. Anakin stepped forward, bowing to the Queen and brushing his lips across her outstretched hand.

"It is a pleasure, your highness." Anakin said with a small smile.

"A Jedi?" Breha asked, her brow raised. "I always picture someone a little older, I must admit. And the pleasure is all mine Master Skywalker. Have you been to Alderaan before?"

"This is my first time, I must admit." Anakin replied. "I was grateful to learn I would be accompanying Senator Amidala. I have heard many wonderful things about your beautiful festival."

"Anakin and I have been friends for a long time." Padme added. "I was very glad the council permitted him to join me."

"Well, any friend of Padme's is a friend of mine." Breha said with a warm smile. "I am very pleased you were able to join us."

"Thank you, your highness." Anakin said, nodding his head to her.

Three hours later, they had returned to the residence as the festival had begun wrapping up for the night. Ahsoka had been shown to her room where she was eager to change out of the elaborate clothing Padme had put her in.

Padme had retired to her own room, and after activity in the halls had died down, Anakin had joined her.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Padme asked. She and Anakin stood on a small balcony going off of Padme's room that overlooked the glowing city.

"It is." Anakin agreed, wrapping his arms and her and resting his chin on her shoulder. "Almost as beautiful as a certain Senator I know."

"Good one." Padme laughed.

"What, I was talking about Senator Mon Mothma, who did you think I was talking about?" Anakin said playfully, laughing as Padme slapped his arm lovingly.

"Oh of course, how I could I be so foolish?" Padme smiled, relaxing into the warm embrace of her lover and wishing she could in this moment forever.

"I love you, Anakin." She said breathlessly.

"The feeling is mutual."

She smacked him again and they both laughed.

"I love you too, Padme." He said, just as sincerely. "I wish every night could be like this.

"I do too, Ani." Padme whispered. She turned around, and wrapped her arms around his shoulder, kissing him passionately.

Ahsoka, unaware of what was happening two doors down, had been confused when she had knocked on the door to Anakin's room and entered after she got no reply. She had intended to ask him what time he expected her the next morning, but had found it empty. She had then walked to Padme's room, intending to ask her if she had seen Anakin, when she heard laughter coming from the other side of the door. Against her better judgment, she did not leave. She listened as a voice she recognized Padme's voice and then heard Anakin's voice reply. She listened as Padme said something too quiet for her to hear, then there was more laughing. But then she heard something she wished she didn't.

"I love you too, Padme."

Ahsoka took a step back, shock flooding through her body. She quickly walked back to her room and closed the door quietly, leaning against it afterwards. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Maybe she had misheard. But no, she had heard those words as clearly as if she had been standing right next to him.

Anakin and Padme? Together?

Ahsoka didn't know what to do. Should she tell the council? Should she tell Anakin?

After a few sleepless hours, Ahsoka decided she must act as if she knew nothing. Telling the council wouldn't lead to anything good, and telling Anakin what she knew wouldn't help either.

Ahsoka wished she'd never stopped to listen outside that door.

We Pretend It's Alright

"I'm sorry you had to find out like that." Padme said after Ahsoka had explained how she had overheard them. "It must have been confusing for you."

"It was at first, but it kinda made sense, you know? I guess I mean it explained a lot-"

Ahsoka broke off as the door opened, and two guards walked inside. "We are ready for you." One of them said.

"Do you want me to come with you?' Padme asked as Ahsoka got to her feet.

"If it's alright, I want to do this myself." Ahsoka said, and Padme nodded, understanding.

"Ahsoka," Padme added as Ahsoka was at the door. "Remember, he's scared too."

Ahsoka stood for a second contemplating Padme's words. Finally, she looked up at the woman she saw as a older sister and nodded, before following the guard out the door.