Chapter 49 – Trip to Theed

A little note first about this double update. Updating took me quite a while because I was extremely busy with work. It didn't leave me very inspired to write. Which is why, unfortunately, these chapters are a bit shorter than I'd hoped. I just got immensely stuck every time, which is why I'm uploading them now as they are at the moment. The following chapters will be longer again.

Hope you enjoy.

;-

Ahsoka awoke to someone lying closely pressed against her. She knew instantly that it was Lux both from the scent and the presence she felt in the Force. She could tell that he was still asleep, so she didn't move. Instead she just laid there, enjoying the warmth and comfort she felt in his embrace.

The memory of what they had done during the night came back to her. She couldn't help but blush slightly at the thought of what they'd done together. She silently hoped that they would spend more night like that, but she made a silent promise with herself that she would make sure that her sisters would never find out.

A few minutes later Lux woke up as well. As he noticed Ahsoka smile at him, he smiled back at her. "Good morning 'Soka," he greeted her.

"Morning Luxie," Ahsoka replied playfully as she leaned in for a kiss, one that Lux eagerly returned. "Last night was amazing, I'm really glad that we're here together," she said happily.

"I'm very happy to be here with you as well, Ahsoka," Lux replied. "I'm sure that I will remember this vacation forever."

"Me too," Ahsoka replied as she happily snuggled into his embrace. This would be a trip she would long remember as well. But this trip wasn't over yet, they still had more time together.

Ahsoka smirked with a few naughty thoughts. She got up out of the bed with her back turned to Lux, fully aware of the fact that she was still naked. She could feel Lux' gaze burning in her back as she walked to the refresher. She looked back at Lux over her shoulder. "I'm going to take a shower, could you help me wash my back?" she asked in a flirty tone before disappearing into the refresher.

Lux stared after her for a short moment. Then he got up and quickly followed after her.

;-

After a shower that took far longer than normal and breakfast, Ahsoka and Lux were on their way to Theed, the capital of Naboo. Before departing they had looked up some things to see in the city. They had also found a restaurant in the city that had a very good reputation, so they had already made reservations for that evening.

In the full light of day, the city looked amazing in the distance. Ahsoka smiled as they flew closer. She could see that Lux had a similar smile on his face. They were both looking forward to it.

;-

Ahsoka and Lux had begun their tour in one of the city's large gardens. It was obvious that the Naboo government had not cut any corners in creating this place. As they walked through they were constantly surrounded by a wide variety of colors.

After spending some time in the garden, they had come across a sign for a water gondola ride. With Naboo being having quite a large collection of rivers and lakes, the city also had plenty of canals throughout. Finding the place wasn't that difficult, seeing as it was well advertised.

A little wait later and they were being ferried through the canals in a gondola. The small boat came with a droid driver, so that the people on it had some more privacy. Also with a small refrigerator unit filled with some snack and drinks, making it a very pleasant journey in the warm sun.

Ahsoka smiled as she rested her head on Lux' shoulder. "This is wonderful, I'm really glad we found this," she said happily.

Lux smiled as well as he wrapped his arm around Ahsoka. "This is a great way to see the city," he replied. "And it's even better because you're here."

Ahsoka chuckled a bit before she moved a bit and kissed him on the cheek. "It's great to be here with you," she said with a smile. They hugged a little closed together and enjoyed the rest of their gondola trip.

;-

After their boat tour, Ahsoka and Lux had made their way to a nearby plaza to get something to drink. They'd found a nice looking café and had taken a seat there.

"I'll go and get us a drink, I'll be right back," Lux said after they'd taken a look at the menu. He got up and made his way inside.

"Thanks Lux," Ahsoka replied with a smile. She looked around the area a bit. The small center they were at now was quite the lively place. There were a lot of people walking around. Suddenly, Ahsoka felt a familiar presence through the Force. Curiosity overtook her, so she started looking for who the presence belonged to. Much to her surprise, she spotted Barriss walking up to her.

"Ahsoka, it's great to see you again," Barriss said when she reached the table.

Ahsoka smiled and stood up. "It's great to see you too, Barriss," Ahsoka replied as she pulled her friend into a hug. "What are you doing on Naboo?" she asked.

Barriss smiled as she pulled back from the hug. Ahsoka gestured at the table she was just sitting at and they both sat down. "I read about a medical seminar being held here on Naboo. After discussing it with Master Che, she asked me to go there and see if there was anything useful for the Order," she explained to her friend.

Ahsoka smiled at her again. "Well, that sounds like the perfect assignment for you," she replied. "Was it any good?"

Barriss nodded. "I thought it was really interesting. There were a lot of experienced doctors giving lectures," she replied. "A lot of companies were also demonstrating new medical instruments and medicine. I already ordered two new scanners and I was planning on contacting Master Che later to discuss a few other things."

"They're lucky to have you then," Ahsoka said. "I'm sure you'll be a great part of the Circle of Healers one day."

"Thank you Ahsoka," Barriss replied with a smile. "I'll do my best. But what brings you to Naboo?" she asked. She could instantly see Ahsoka's lekku darken a little by the question.

"Well," Ahsoka began before someone walked up to their table.

"Padawan Offee, it's nice to see you again," Lux greeted her as he arrived back at the table.

"Senator Bonteri, it's good to see you again as well," she replied. Lux sat down next to Ahsoka with two drinks he had just picked up. "The two of you are here together?" she asked Ahsoka.

Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, that's right. We're here on a little vacation," she replied. "We both had a busy time before this, so when Lux contacted me about taking a vacation I agreed immediately."

Lux smiled as well. "I really needed a vacation and I was very glad that Ahsoka could come with me," he added. "We've been having a great time so far."

"We sure have," Ahsoka said with a smile. "Naboo is an amazing planet."

Barriss nodded. "It sure is. I hope I'll be able to come back here some other time as well," she replied. "So what have the two of you been up to on Naboo? I'd imagine that there are a lot of great places to visit."

"There sure are," Ahsoka said. "After we'd gotten some supplies and things yesterday, we took a long walk around the area where we're staying, following by a picnic at one of the lakes. It was great, just spending time together." She smiled at Lux as she said that, her lekku darkening just a tad. He smiled back at her, a slight blush present on his face as well.

Barriss noticed the exchange of smiles and could sense a slight sense of naughtiness in the both of them. Being trained in healing, it wasn't difficult for her to figure out what they had obviously gotten up to. It gave her a good opportunity to tease her friend. "So I guess that I will be calling you misses Bonteri soon," she said with a smirk, greatly enjoying the looks on their faces. "And I guess you'll be starting a family soon too, hmm?"

Barriss couldn't help but laugh at the shocked expressions on their faces. Both Ahsoka and Lux were blushing madly. "You too look so cute together," she added with a smile.

"Oh, shut up Barriss," Ahsoka said after a short moment. "You know that I can sense your feelings as well, right? I can sense jealousy in you. I'm sure you'd love to have a little picnic with some by the lakes too, hmm?" She now smirked at Barriss.

Now Barriss blushed at her friend's words and it was time for Ahsoka and Lux to laugh. "I don't have the Force, but I think you're right," Lux commented.

Barriss shook her head with amusement. "All joking aside, I'm glad you're happy together," she told the two. "You deserve to be happy Ahsoka, especially after everything that happened."

Ahsoka looked at her friend, trying to get her a read on her feelings. "Barriss, you're not still blaming yourself, are you?" she asked her friend.

Barriss hesitated for a moment. "Ahsoka, I…"

"Barriss, don't," Ahsoka interrupted her. "What happened was not your fault. Stop blaming yourself for what happened."

"Alright, thank you Ahsoka," Barriss replied with a smile.

"Anytime Barriss," Ahsoka said with a smile. "So how have things been going for you back in the Temple?"

"Things have been going pretty well thankfully," Barriss replied. "I did have a mission during which the Dark Side affected me a bit again, but I was able to pull through that nicely with the help of master Unduli and Nyla and my other new friends."

"Nyla?" Lux asked. "Do you mean Nyla Sonter? That Twi'Lek Padawan who was with us before that mess on Felucia? How is she doing right now? She looked awful when you got us out from there."

Barriss nodded and gave a sad sigh. "Yeah, she was in a pretty bad shape. But, thankfully, she's already recovered nicely," she replied. "The healers are running her through some physical tests now. If she passes them all, and I'm confident that she will, she'll be cleared for some light duties again. After that, I'm sure it won't be long before she can fully continue her training and find a new master."

Barriss smiled. "I met a few of her friends after we got back to the Temple. We became good friends as well and we all helped her get through this difficult time," she said.

"It's good to hear that she recovered," Lux replied. "What they did to her was just brutal and unnecessary. Some Separatists are too cruel."

Ahsoka shivered a bit, remembering some past events. "Yeah, you're definitely right about that Lux," she said. "But I'm glad to hear that things are going well for you Barriss," she added as she looked back at her friend.

"Thanks Ahsoka, I'm really glad with the way things worked out as well," Barriss replied. "It wasn't easy in the beginning, but I won't let myself get discouraged so easily."

"That's good to hear, Barriss," Ahsoka said with a smile. "I'm expecting you to visit me on Shili one day as a Jedi Knight. Maybe with a Padawan?"

Barriss laughed a bit. "I'll do my best," she replied. "Speaking of Shili, how is your family doing?"

"Everyone's doing great," Ahsoka said happily. "In fact, my family has grown by one. I have a little sister now."

"Really?" Barriss asked in surprise.

Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, that's right," she replied. "Her name is Aisha. While I was working on the preparations for the Kiros invasion, I felt someone calling for help. I investigated further and found her hiding from some sleemo that wanted to sell her into slavery."

"What? That's awful," Barriss said in shock.

"I know, she had just lost her parents. That monster killed her mother and kidnapped her," Ahsoka continued. "Thankfully, I was able to save her from him. She stayed with my parents while I went to Kiros and when I came back, my mother told me that she and dad wanted to adopt her. She's part of the family now."

"That's nice to hear," Barriss replied. "I hope to meet her someday."

"I'm sure you will one day," Ahsoka said with smile.

Barriss smiled before she noticed a chrono on the square. "It was great to see the both of you, but unfortunately I need to get going if I still want to contact the Temple today," she told them.

"Oh, I see," Ahsoka replied. "I guess you still have to do that."

"Perhaps we can meet up tomorrow or something if you'd like?" Lux suggested.

"I'd like that, but I'm afraid I can't," Barriss replied. "I'm supposed to fly back to Coruscant tonight. I might go back to that seminar after I contact Master Che, but I'll be returning to the Temple afterwards."

"That's too bad, it would have been nice to spend some time with you," Ahsoka said a little saddened.

"Don't worry Ahsoka, I'm sure that we'll see each other again somewhere," Barriss replied as she gained a smirk. "I'm sure that the two of you will have enough fun together."

Both Ahsoka and Lux blushed a bit at her words, but then Ahsoka smirked back at her. "I'm sure we will," she said back. They all got up and Ahsoka moved over to Barriss. "It was wonderful to see you Barriss, take care of yourself," she said as she hugged her friend.

Barriss smiled and returned the hug. "It was great to see you as well, Ahsoka," she replied as they separated again. "It was nice to see you as well, Senator Bonteri," she added as she turned to Lux and shook his hand.

"Likewise," Lux replied. "And just call me Lux."

Barriss nodded. "Alright, I will. Enjoy the rest of your vacation you two," She said. "And don't worry, I won't tell Anakin what you got up to."

Ahsoka laughed a bit and shook her head. "Thanks Barriss, have a safe trip back," she replied amused. They said their last goodbyes and Barriss left the two alone. After that, Ahsoka and Lux finished their drinks and continued their tour of the city.

;-

I'm ending this chapter here.

I'll be making another chapter for their vacation later. There were a few things I was still thinking off, but it won't be the largest chapter I've made. I'll be honest, I want to advance my stories to different parts that I'm really looking forward to write. So, I probably won't linger too long on their vacation. But don't worry, Ahsoka and Lux will get more opportunities together in later chapters.

A little thanks to Daviddavies5851 for the gondola idea, it worked out nicely in this chapter.

I'm not sure which one of my stories I'll update next. It might be Ahsoka's or else Rebirth of Light.

Until next time.