Every few hours or so, Obi-Wan's prosthetic legs required some checking-on. It was a similar process to what Ahsoka had undergone when rehealing her own legs, only much more intensive and Kaeden insisted on doing more physickotherapy. "It'll be better for him in the long run," she pointed out. "He needs to adjust to using them gradually." Thus, Obi-Wan was put under strict orders to spend most of his time in the repulsorlift chair until Kaeden and Cody took him out for brief walking practice sessions.

This didn't stop him from rebelling, however. It did not stop Leia from following him around constantly either. By the time they had finished their dinner, Ahsoka noticed that Leia had started to sit in Obi-Wan's lap while Cody pushed both of them around. Part of her felt obligated to point out that the repulsorlift chair was a transport, not a toy, but a younger part of her could not stop smiling and decided to let them be.

For the most part, Kaeden had been quite occupied, dividing her time between Rebel duties, taking care of Obi-Wan, and occasionally talking to Rex. Ahsoka's hands twitched with longing, wanting to reach out and grab her now that they were so close within each other's reach. But she refrained from doing so, and allowed Kaeden her space to do as she pleased. In the meantime, she entertained herself by speaking with Cody and Breha Organa. Although he was somewhat more comfortable with her and Rex than the others, Cody still did not have much to say. Breha, on the other hand, was very enthusiastic and happy to discuss anything with her.

"Look," she said, pulling out a small collection of holodiscs that she had taken of Leia as a baby. Ahsoka pressed her hands to her mouth, hiding a wide grin. "Isn't she so adorable?" Breha said excitedly. "The first thing we thought was, she's so pretty! Isn't that right, dear?" she called out to Bail as he passed by them.

Bail Organa's eyes flickered over towards the album and his face softened, losing some of its weariness. Clearly, he had both of his hands full...whether with Senate or Rebel business, it was anyone's guess. "Yes," he smiled. "Of course, we weren't concerned at all about how she would look. But we both thought she was overwhelmingly beautiful."

Breha swapped the discs for a new projection and Ahsoka giggled, watching a short clip of Leia trying to walk for the first time. "She was always so smart, too. Look, she fell down. But she didn't cry at all! And then she immediately got back up, and remember to brace herself against the wall this time. See?"

Ahsoka smiled. Having trained many Younglings herself, she was quite familiar with other children who had been Leia's age or younger. Her face darkened slightly as she remembered the faces she had forgotten, the ones that she had hoped would grow up to become the next generation of Padawans but had died at such a young age. She quickly disguised her expression behind a cough. "Yes," she nodded.

Just then, she felt the weight of someone sitting sinking into the couch cushions beside her while a warm, strong arm wrapped around her waist. Ahsoka blushed and allowed Kaeden to entangle her their hands together. "Ooh, baby pictures," Kaeden said excitedly. "Are these Leia's? Oh my god, she is too cute."

Breha beamed excitedly at the opportunity to show off Leia even more, and launched into another deep explanation of every holorecording and the event at which they had been taken. Kaeden listened closely, occasionally laughing and cooing in adoration. Ahsoka smiled. She wished she could still summon the joy to react properly, the way Kaeden could. Of course, she still felt happiness over seeing these reminders of happier times...and she was not incapable of smiling, far from it. However, ever since her trials, something in her had changed. Perhaps one might say it was a coming of age, but she had found herself no longer able to smile as wide or laugh as loud as she used to with Anakin. This distance between her former and current self had only continued to grow ever since Order 66, and she foresaw it continuing to deepen indefinitely.

That was, until she met Kaeden and Miara. They were the ones who had successfully tugged her out of her endless sluggish nothingness.

"Aw, these are so cute. I wish I still had me and Miara's baby pictures," Kaeden mused out loud. "Wonder if I could try digging them up on the Holonet, someday? They'd have to be buried real deep, though."

Ahsoka nodded. Many of them had lost something after leaving Raada. Kaeden, in particular, had given up so much. Sometimes, she worried that she had asked too much of her, to sacrifice so many of the things that tied them to the past if only for the sake of following her.

Rex returned to the fire room, this time carrying a drowsy Leia. "She's all tuckered out," he announced to Breha, who immediately rushed over and took the sleeping girl from his arms. "Think it's time to put this one to bed."

"Yes, absolutely, thank you Captain Rex," Breha Organa replied, cradling Leia to her chest as she also leaned forwards and kissed Rex on the cheek. Blushing, Rex immediately nodded and stepped back so she could carry Leia to her room. Ahsoka quirked an eyebrow, smirking.

"Where's Cody?" she asked.

"With the General," Rex replied. Ahsoka almost rolled her eyes. Of course, she thought to herself.

"I guess I should check on him again," Kaeden said, starting to rise from the couch. However, she was stopped by a firm tug on her arm.

"I think Obi-Wan should be fine," Ahsoka said. "After all, he has Cody with him." Kaeden stared at her with a slightly confused look. Ahsoka readjusted her grip on her hand so she could gently pull her closer and cleared her throat. "Er, I mean," she coughed, "I've suddenly come down with a fever."

"You have a fever?" Kaeden's brows furrowed and she immediately reached up, pressing her hand to Ahsoka's forehead and also covering her eyes completely so she could not see. "I don't feel any-"

"Um, I mean, my temperature is increasing because I'm in the presence of something really hot," Ahsoka stammered, somewhat blindsided by the lack of visual information. A moment passed, and her heart thudded in her chest. "So I could also use some medic assistance."

"But you don't have a temperature-"

"Augh!" Ahsoka groaned, standing up and pushing Kaeden's hand out of her face. "Just, do you have a minute to spare? Please? You've been spending all day taking of Obi-Wan, I just would like to talk! If that's okay with you and you have some time."

She opened her eyes and found Kaeden staring with a slightly shocked expression at her. Behind them, Rex crossed his arms and smirked. It was now his turn to be smug.

"Oh, get lost already," Ahsoka groaned. Rex just threw her a final gloating look and walked out, finally leaving them alone.

"Wait...so you don't have a fever?" Kaeden asked slowly.

"No," Ahsoka replied, feeling her face grow red with embarrassment. "I just...wanted to spend some time with you. Just the two of us."

"Ohhh...why didn't you say so?" Kaeden asked. "I would've-"

"Shut up," Ahsoka said, pushing her. Kaeden yelped and landed facefirst on the couch. Ahsoka plopped herself down next to her, hearing an audible creaking sound. Geez, she thought to herself. I hope this isn't expensive. I definitely can't afford to pay the Organas back if this thing breaks.

Scooting next to Kaeden, she crawled over until she was hovering above Kaeden's face and leaned in closer. Kaeden turned so she could face her and stared up at her, their noses almost touching. "What did you want to talk about?" Kaeden asked.

Ahsoka stared back at her for a few seconds, then finally opened her mouth. "Us," she said bluntly. "We're...we're still partners, right?"

Kaeden's mouth fell open and she immediately scrambled to prop herself up. "Wha-of course we are! What makes you think we wouldn't be?" she asked incredulously. "Did I do something?"

"No, not at all," Ahsoka shook her head. "I was more worried, well...that I did something. Um. That would make you, not want to continue this anymore."

Kaeden frowned and sat up. "Hold on," she said seriously. "Is this your way of saying you want to break up with me?"

"I don't!" Ahsoka said frantically. "I'm just..." she inhaled shakily.

This is so awkward. I'm so bad at this. I shouldn't have said that, she thought anxiously to herself. Why did I do this? This was a terrible idea.

Kaeden watched her for a moment, as if observing her thoughts. "I'm confused. What is this really about? Do you think I stopped caring about you or something? Because last I checked, I thought we were good. I thought I made my feelings towards you very clear."

Ahsoka nodded slowly. "I know, and you've been doing such a great job of reminding me that," she said quietly. "I just...I feel bad. I don't know why exactly, but I feel like I should be doing more. To be a better partner to you."

Kaeden's brow furrowed. "You don't have to do anything for me," she said bluntly. "I'm not that kind of person. I wouldn't ask anything of you."

"I know," Ahsoka said mournfully. "I just..." Why was this so hard to say? "I guess it would be a little easier if you were more selfish," she admitted. "I just wish I knew how to..."

"If I was what?" Kaeden asked, even more puzzled. "You want me to be selfish? Why?"

"Because," Ahsoka hesitated. "Because...I feel like you always know what to do to make me happy so I don't get lonely when you're gone, and I really appreciate it. But then, when I have to leave, I feel bad because I don't know what to do for you in return. I know that when I went missing, it was really hard on you, and I wish I hadn't caused you to feel that pain. It bothers me, that I don't know how to make it up to you."

Kaeden went silent for a minute. "I'm not hurt-"

"Don't lie," Ahsoka interjected. "I know it must have been painful for you. It was hard for me too."

"I wasn't lying," Kaeden said pointedly. "What I'm trying to say is, yes I was really worried for you, but you didn't hurt me. I knew that you left because of your duty to the Alliance, not because you had trouble choosing between them and me. Your duty has always been to justice, Ahsoka. Just like how mine is to the sick and helpless. I understand that and I expect you to as well."

Ahsoka nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself.

"I know I've said that I was frustrated when you had to leave. But it's not because I blamed you. It's because I'm only human," Kaeden frowned, reaching up and cupping her cheek with her hand. Ahsoka closed her eyes and leaned into the touch, reaching up to press Kaeden's hand even closer to her face. "I'm already selfish. I want you to be with me all the time. I want us to just lie down at home on our couch, gazing at stars and eating jogan fruits and watching sappy holodramas. I want to wake up and roll over and immediately know that you'll be beside me. I'm already selfish, Ahsoka. I don't know how much more you want me to be."

Ahsoka nodded, quietly moving her hand so she could kiss the palm of Kaeden's hand. It was rough and calloused, but warm. Warm like fresh baked bread, sun-scorched earth and ripe home-grown peaches. "I know," she said softly. "I wanted to tell you that I feel the same way. That I also...love you...and that sometimes, I feel selfish about you. I hope you don't mind."

"Hon, I want us to be that way," Kaeden groaned. "That's what I've been trying to tell you this whole time. I don't like it when you shut me out, trying to keep everything to yourself like I can't handle a little extra weight. We're partners, I told you. I want to know all sides of you, even the ones that you think are inconvenient or too complicated. Even if you feel like it's embarrassing when I try to pamper you."

Ahsoka sighed and let herself fall forwards. Kaeden let out a small sound of surprise as she flopped onto her chest and slotted herself right into the crook of her neck and shoulders. "I want to share them with you," she said. "I just...I feel like sometimes it's a bit unfairly balanced. You always take care of me, but I never get to see the other parts of you. When was the last time you shared something inconvenient or complicated with me? And how can I know what I should do when I also want to pamper you? It's like you always watch out for me, but there's nothing I can do for you," she whined.

Kaeden blinked, slightly taken aback. "Well..."

"I want us to be partners in a way that means both of us are equally reliant on each other," Ahsoka said stubbornly. "Of course, if you don't want that, I understand. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. But I would like us both to be more honest with each other," she murmured. "I think, if you also confided in me what you're thinking, I'd feel more comfortable being vulnerable together. It would make it a little less awkward at least. Don't you think so?"

Kaeden shifted slightly so she could gaze down at Ahsoka's montrals. "Maybe," she breathed softly, reaching up so she could stroke them. Ahsoka let out a sigh and melted into her touch. She felt like a kitten being petted and swaddled in a big blanket.

"Only if you want to, though."

"I do want to."

A few minutes went by. Ahsoka nuzzled her face further into Kaeden's neck, wrapping her arms around Kaeden's waist. Kaeden patted her on the back and absentmindedly continued to stroke her Montrals. As the sun set outside, the temperature in the room dipped to a much cooler level an the sky took on a bluish-purple hue. Only the fireplace continued to burn steadily, throwing golden amber light across their faces.

"I love you," Ahsoka whispered quietly, emboldened by the firelight.

Kaeden looked down with an unreadable expression on her face. "I love you too," she whispered back.

Ahsoka looked up. Slowly, she propped herself back onto her elbows and leaned in until she could hear Kaeden's quiet breathing right next to her face. "I want to show it to you," she murmured. "Can I?"

Kaeden sighed, leaning back until she was completely supported by the fluffy white pillows underneath her. "Yes," she breathed back.

Ahsoka leaned forwards and kissed her. "I love you so much," she muttered. "You're so beautiful."

"No," Kaeden said roughly, her voice hoarse. "You are," she said, gently running one of her hands through Ahsoka's lekku. Ahsoka smiled back.

"I'm pretty sure I'm right, actually."

"Prove it."

"Gladly."

Ahsoka closed her eyes and leaned in for a second kiss. Kaeden reached up and wrapped her leg around her, pulling her in closer. Ahsoka pressed their lips together harder, running both of her hands through Kaeden's hair. When they finally broke apart, she let out a long-needed breath.

"I think we should move this somewhere else," Kaeden said observantly. "Your rich friends might get mad at us for breaking their fancy expensive couch."

"Oh, well," Ahsoka grinned. "They'll just have to deal with it."

"What do you mean? I thought you were supposed to be a huge supporter of the Rebel Alliance," Kaeden teased. "Why the change of mind so suddenly?"

"Because," Ahsoka said, readjusting her position so she could sit more comfortably, "I have the prettiest girl in the Galaxy with me. I'm not passing up this opportunity for anything else."

Kaeden let out a sharp laugh. "Fine, then," she said, leaning back. "You got me."

Ahsoka grinned and giggled. "That's what I was hoping you'd say," she murmured, pressing a kiss to Kaeden's forehead and affectionately brushing the hair out of her face.


Alderaan's night was cold and chilly, much in contrast to the brightness and warmth of the day. But Reva was no stranger to fridigity. She simply wrapped her blanket around herself and leaned back against the wall, looking out the window. Tatooinean hovels were build for the heat, yet lacked the insulation to trap it during treacherously cold nights. She had gotten used to spending the nights with nothing but a poncho draped around her armor, her simple mat offering a place to sleep just barely an inch off the ground.

As she gazed out the skylight in her room, her thoughts began to wander. Now that Leia had finally been returned to her parents, whatever ties she had to her were now severed. She had no reason to stay by her side anymore. In fact, if she left now, nobody would even notice. Kenobi, Tano, the medic and the two clones were all accounted for. They had places to be, places to go back to, people who cared about them. She did not.

Even now, she was just staying there on the Organas' courtesy. They had no obligation to feed or lodge her. Everything was dependent on nonexistent charity, a duty that Reva no longer could fulfill.

Reva clenched her hand tightly, feeling her nails digging into her fist. She had had enough of depending on others' charity. She was forced to depend on the Inquisitorius Squad after they found her on the streets. She would not be reduced to such humiliation again.

Her eyes grew weary as she thought further on what was to become of her. Undoubtedly, they were planning to head to Tatooine next. If she came along, she would probably have to interact with the two clones, who she despised. Well. Not personally. It was more of...a trauma thing. She had some difficulty getting past the memories.

Reva frowned and closed her eyes, breathing in harder.

Do I really want to go to Tatooine and fight for Luke Skywalker? She thought to herself frustratedly. Do I want to force myself to fight alongside the faces of the same people who killed me and every one of my friends, all so I can rescue a child I don't know from the father who caused this entire mess? How much longer am I going to subject myself to being connected to Anakin Skywalker? How much longer will I have to pay for his sins?

It's not Luke or Leia's fault, she told herself.

They were children. They were innocent. They had no way of knowing what horrible deeds their father had committed, or just how deeply embroiled into the same problems he had made them.

And yet, some part of her was still angry. Angry that it had been more than ten years, and she was still nursing her wounds. Still cleaning up his mistakes. Still tryingi n vain to protect someone else from the very person who was supposed to love them.

I'm so tired of falling into the same cycles. When will it ever end? When I kill Skywalker? When he kills me?

Ahsoka had told her not to think lowly of herself, that she too could be a great Jedi. But it was probably just wishful thinking. She did not dare to ask Kenobi for his opinion.

Yeah, right, she thought to herself scornfully. You were foolish to think you could go up against Vader. You can't even beat Tano.

Just as if she had summoned her, all of her thoughts suddenly changed direction and began to revolve around Tano. Reva groaned and buried her face into a pillow, trying to scrub her mind free. But even when she stopped herself, the intrusive thoughts persisted. Thinking about her. Her smile. Her attention. Her partner that she never let out of her sight, even for just a few seconds.

It's pointless. I can't compete with her nurse girlfriend. I don't even think I want to. I just wish they'd stop appearing in the same place as me, Reva thought irritably as she pressed the pillow further onto her face. Maybe if she tried hard enough, she could smother herself and pass out from asphyxiation, entirely eliminating the need to deal with this situation.

As she sat back, she was suddenly reminded of Kenobi and the clone commander, constantly dancing around each other in a ridiculous circle. At least you're not those poor idiots, she thought to herself. I'd rather never have any feelings returned than spend an eternity trying to reach across. It's embarrassing.

The wish-globe next to her continued to spin, shining a light that was just a little too bright to sleep with. Reva reached out and extinguished it manually, forgetting that she could just have used the Force.

Tano will never feel that way towards me, she squeezed her eyes shut. It's better to just let these thoughts disappear. Or let myself disappear. Whichever is easiest.

She definitely couldn't stay here on Alderaan. But there was nowhere else for her to go. Her best shot was probably a planet in the Outer Rim, just barely outside of the Empire's jurisdictional reach. It would probably be easier if she left with them for Tatooine then split up later to hunt down one.

Reva gritted her teeth.

If only Tatooine wasn't Tatooine.

She cleared her thoughts by focusing on what usually helped her stay concentrated, which was directing all of her anger towards Anakin Skywalker. You did this, she thought furiously. You caused all of this. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be in this predicament.

However, as to whether she would still feel the same way for Tano, she was not so sure. And as to whom exactly she had to blame for these feelings...it remained unclear.