Vader's second chance

A Star wars story

Chapter 23

Disclaimer: Disney owns everything except my plot.

Hello there everyone! Sorry for making you guys wait so long for this chapter…Anyways, this chapter will begin right after Commander Bly leaves Aayla's quarters in chapter 22 and will follow them while they try to deal with the feelings they have for each other. As a reminder, Anakin, Obi Wan, Ahsoka and Luke are still on their way back from Tatooine, because chapters 21-23 are happening at the same time as chapters 19 and 20. Okay, without further ado, let's jump right into it!

Note: I apologize if this chapter seems a little awkward, but considering the situation our heroes find themselves in, I think that this is more realistic.

Coruscant, Commander Bly's quarters, Bly's point of view:

As soon as the General allowed me to leave her quarters I ran out the door and headed straight to my room. When I entered I collapsed on my bed, trying and failing to not think about General Secura. I was exhausted for and for some reason I couldn't quite understand my heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest. I knew I liked the General, but I had never felt like this before. At least, I didn't have as much of a headache than I do now. Then again, today was the first time we were alone in the same room, so…No! I had to stop thinking this way! I am a Commander of the Grand Army of the Galactic Republic! I can't afford to be thinking about my General in this way! I have a duty towards the Republic and that comes first! I can't sacrifice that for the sake of my emotions! Can I? No, that would be wrong. Besides, surely she doesn't feel the same way towards me. I mean, why would she? Yeah, I'm just being ridiculous. She has no reason to like me back, especially after I made a fool of myself earlier today. I just have to focus on other things and get my mind off of that awkward conversation with her. Putting my thoughts aside, I decided to take a small nap to clear my head. I started changing out of my armor and I was halfway done when I heard a knock on the door. I decided to quickly dump my armor on the bed since it was probably just a brother that needed something. I walked to the door and opened it, only to see the General on the other side.

Moments earlier, Aayla's point of view:

After realizing that I was attached to and probably in love with Bly I had exited my room and headed towards his quarters. I'm not sure about how much time it took me to actually get there since I remember aimlessly walking around the ship for some time, but when I did I was extremely nervous, even if I knew that I was being illogical. After about five minutes of standing outside his door, thinking about how I was going to tell him that I loved him I decided to just knock on his door and see where that would get me. When he opened the door I could see that he was wearing a grey T-shirt and grey shorts, along with his combat boots, which I have never seen him without. We were both silent for a moment and he seemed surprised to see me, but I didn't mind all that much. I opened my mouth, trying to greet him, but I hesitated. Had it not been for him, I would've just kept staring at his face.

Bly-Uh…hello sir.

Aayla-Commander. I wish to discuss something with you.

Bly-Of course sir. Uh, please, come inside.

Aayla-Thank you Commander.

Bly-…You're welcome sir.

He led me inside his room and I took a moment to examine my surroundings. His quarters had very little furniture in them and there was a lot of empty space for us to walk in. He only had a black office chair, a desk, a small bed and a closet, which was most likely full of outfits identical to the one he was wearing right now. His desk was littered with datapads, some having fallen off it and some that were to about to meet the same fate. His armor was piled on his bed, which wasn't as small as I had originally thought. Bly moved his armor aside and sat on the bed. I sat beside him and he asked what I wanted to talk about. I sensed that he was nervous and was suddenly quite glad that he couldn't sense my own feelings, because I had no idea what he would do in that case. I decided to bring up that conversation we had earlier today as a starting point and see how he would react to my question.

Aayla-Well, I wanted to talk about what happened earlier today if you don't mind.

Bly-Oh, not at all sir.

Aayla-So, what why were you so nervous about earlier today Commander?

Bly tried to look embarrassed, but I had seen similar looks on the faces of people who trying to sell a lie and I wasn't going to fall for it.

Bly-Sir, to be honest, I'm terrified of those Sith. I mean, if they can do the kind of stuff you say they can, then what chances do we have?

Aayla-Bly, I know you are lying. That's not why you were nervous.

Bly-…Sir, I don't want to say.

Aayla-You should have told me that instead of lying to my face.

Bly-Yeah, I really should have.

Aayla-Look, I understand if you don't want to talk about it with me, but you have to tell someone about this issue.

Bly-Sir, there is no issue.

Aayla-I sense that something bothers you. I'm just suggesting that you tell someone before it becomes a problem.

Bly-…

Bly wasn't answering. I had expected him to at least say something to me, but he kept silent. He was probably waiting for me to get up and leave. After silently scolding myself for my damned anxiety I got up and headed towards the door, while coming up with an excuse to leave the room.

Aayla-I, um…I have things to take care of. I'll speak to you later Commander.

Bly-…Sir wait! The problem is…well, it's you. I…I mean that I like you!

Aayla-You like me?

Bly-I…I think so sir.

Aayla-…I should have known.

I looked at Bly and he lowered his head in defeat, not wanting to look at me in the eye. He was clearly ashamed of himself, probably thinking that I was going to reject him. I tried to answer him, but the words just wouldn't come out of my mouth. He started apologizing and I just stared at him, not knowing what to do.

Bly-Sir, I'm sorry. I won't let this happen again I swear I…

At that moment it was as if time around me froze. He believes that I just rejected him and I may be about to lose my only chance with him. Well, I'm not going to let that happen. Not while I can still do something about it. I knew that I, as I Jedi am not supposed to act on emotion, but I didn't care about that. I quickly ran up to him and kissed him. I saw that he was surprised, but he didn't back away. After a few moments he and I both melted into the kiss. We stayed like that for what seemed like centuries, even if it was barely a minute. When I pulled away to breath Bly looked at me in the eyes and said the one thing I so desperately wanted to hear.

Bly-General I…I love you too.

Aayla-Bly, you can call me Aayla.

Bly-Yes Gene…I mean Aayla.

Aayla-It's alright Bly.

Bly-Sir, this goes against everything they ever taught me.

Aayla-It goes against everything they every taught me too.

Bly-Do you think it's worth the risk?

Aayla-I don't think it matters. We are fighting a war. If I hadn't done that and one day you didn't come back I would have hated myself for not telling you.

Bly-Same here.

Aayla-So, we're in this together?

Bly-Yes. We're in this together.

So, I feel like I did a pretty good job with this one. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, if not more, and that you're (hopefully) looking forward to more of this in the future. Now, about chapter 24. Chapter 24 will be the last one before we time skip to the Battle of Ryloth and get a real chance to see the impact Luke, Vader and Ahsoka have on the Clone Wars. The introduction may end up being longer than normal because I'll have to explain some details to you guys, but I'll deal with that when the time comes. For now, just know that the next few chapters (with the exception of chapter 24) will cover a large amount of time and will have plenty of action for you guys to enjoy. As a last note before I end this chapter, I would really appreciate it if you guys could give me some feedback on the scenes between Bly and Aayla and tell if I can improve them, because I want to get better at writing romance. Anyways, I'll see you guys next time, but until then, May the Force be with you!