In the least comforting way, everyone recognizes her.
Ahsoka doesn't even make it past the front doors when four Jedi masters come running at them, their expressions a mixture of worry and bewilderment. Master Windu's borders on judgment.
Master Plo Koon is the first to ask if they're okay.
"Yeah, we're fine." Anakin waves dismissively. "But we'd be better if you could figure out how to undo this without, you know, making it worse."
Master Yoda sneaks to the front of the group, his presence calm. Almost too calm for this situation. It's both confusing and comforting.
"Panic, we must not." Master Yoda addresses the others first, then turns to Ahsoka specifically. "Have this artifact, do you?"
She nods quickly, gesturing to the ship behind them. "Yes, Master Yoda." Ahsoka puts on her best 'good Padawan' voice. "It's locked in a case. Captain Rex can get it for you."
Master Yoda nods, then starts back down the hall. When no one follows, he gestures for them to do so. Slowly, the group walks down the hall, everyone keeping some distance from the two of them as if they're contagious.
And this is when everyone else passing by turns to stare. Ahsoka isn't sure if it's because they don't recognize them, or because there aren't supposed to be any male Togruta Jedi in the temple, but either way, it makes her want to hide.
At least it doesn't take them long to reach the council room. But before they can be locked into whatever meeting is about to start, Anakin pauses.
"Masters, I...uh, I actually would like to step out for this. Ahsoka can give as good a report as I can."
Ahsoka's eyes snap to him. This, she didn't expect. Why is he backing out of this? Not that council meetings are fun, but this is an official report. That's usually done by her master.
"What reason do you have for handing your responsibilities off to your Padawan?" Master Windu narrows his eyes.
Ahsoka steps in before Anakin can embarrass himself. "I'm fully capable of delivering a report, Master Windu. In fact, I'm the one who found the artifact in the first place." If he really has a reason to leave, she'll help him get out.
"That doesn't answer my question." Master Windu hardly addresses her, his eyes staying on Anakin. This time, he's on his own.
To everyone else, Anakin must seem unmoved and confident. Must Ahsoka notices a slight twitch to his back lekku. A sign of irritation. "I would like to speak with Master Shaak Ti. About Togruta biology."
"A Togruta Padawan, you have." Master Yoda counters, a light in his eyes that almost sounds teasing. In his Yoda way.
Again, Ahsoka notices the slight changes only a Togruta would. This time, his facial markings flush brighter. "I know, and Ahsoka's been helpful but..." He clears his throat. "I would rather ask these questions to an adult. Not my teenage Padawan."
Ahsoka scrunched her nose in disgust, already imagining what those questions might be. She quickly shuts the thought away.
Thankfully, the others seem to be moving on too. "Very well. Go, you may. In the archives, Master Ti may be. Or meditating." Master Yoda nods his approval, then turns his full attention to Ahsoka again. "Tell us of this artifact, you will. Unravel its mysteries, we hope to."
With another nod, Ahsoka lets herself get pulled into a long and boring meeting about her memories of this switch and the artifact itself. And once they shoo her out to have an official meeting -where Obi-Wan will very likely learn about this- she's left to return to her own devices.
Time to get some advice of her own.
Without much thought, Ahsoka heads for Master Depa's quarters.
Anakin sits in the Jedi archives with Master Shaak Ti, a Togruta biology datapad open in between them. He cringes at the pictures displayed, trying very hard to learn these details without getting absolutely mortified.
"You see, a Togruta male's genitalia is very similar to that of a human." She concludes, scrolling through to another page. "Which is a relief for you, I'm sure. Having to relearn your most basic body functions would be a very awkward experience for all involved."
She can say that again. Anakin sits back, glad that he doesn't need to figure out how to piss. "And I shouldn't have any issues with the diet change, right?"
"Correct. Because you were an omnivore, your taste pallet has already adjusted to meats. And of course, you will be given different rations as well."
He nods along. And they've already tested his midi-chlorian count again, finding that nothing has changed, despite the fact Togruta naturally have fewer midi-chlorians.
Overall, this conversation has been very beneficial in multiple areas. He's learned more about Togruta culture and why his lekku won't grow as long as Shaak Ti's -not that he plans to stay this way long enough to get there. And she even told him about a few good shops around Coruscant to get a headband. Or, an Akul-tooth headdress, as she said.
But there's just one more question he needs to ask and he's not sure he can make up a good excuse for it.
"Um...so, are humans and Togruta...compatible?" Master Ti stares at him. Anakin laughs nervously. "I just think it'd be a good thing to know, right? Always be prepared."
"I don't see how you will need to prepare for that."
Anakin backpedals. Hard. "I mean, it's not that important, I guess. Just another question. You don't even have to answer!" He swallows, accepting his fate. "You know what? Forget about it. It's a dumb question anyway-"
"No." He stops, unsure what exactly that response was for. Eventually, she elaborates. "No, humans and Togruta are not compatible. The genes don't match well enough to make a hybrid. I doubt the egg could even be fertilized."
So no pregnancy risk? Good. Good to know. Right.
Anakin clears his throat when he realizes he hasn't answered out loud. "Thanks. And sorry for asking. I really was just...curious."
To her credit, Master Ti doesn't seem bothered at all. "Curiosity is expected. I'm just glad I was able to satisfy a fraction of it." She gives him a knowing look before she stands, returning the datapad to its rightful place in the archives.
Anakin stands as well, guessing that this little study session is through, but Master Ti stops him before he can step away.
"Young Skywalker." Her voice is different now, a little softer. There's a light in her eyes too that catches his whole attention. "Would you be interested in visiting Shili? To experience full Togruta culture?"
He doesn't know what to say at first. While he's sure she knows this likely won't last forever -hopefully not- the way she's asking...
"Yes, I would." He smiles. "With Ahsoka, of course. It's more her culture than mine, despite my appearance."
Master Ti let's go if his shoulder, an elegant smile on her face. "Of course, but I do know you enjoy learning, Young Skywalker. Perhaps not through reading, like your former master, but through experience."
He blinks, not sure how she managed to pick that up, but he can't deny it. Though the war has dampened his enthusiasm when visiting new planets, he's still curious to see what they'll find. To see how their specific planet has impacted a whole culture of people.
Anakin gives her a deep bow. "Thank you for offering this, Master Ti. I would love to learn more about your and Ahsoka's people. Especially when I'm accepted at one of you." Maybe. It could turn out that the other Togruta avoid him, knowing something's wrong. But, even if that happens, he can't blame them.
"I will give you further details when the time comes. Until then, you should prepare an explanation for Master Kenobi. I believe he will have some opinions on your status."
A wave of dread fills Anakin's stomach. "Yeah, I will."
Anakin walks into his and Ahsoka's shared quarters just before dinner.
"Took long enough." Ahsoka snorts. She waited just short of forever for him to get back and now that he's here, they'll be able to eat together for once.
Like a normal Master and Padawan would.
Anakin drops onto the couch, a heavy sigh escaping him. "Sure did. But I'd say it was worth it."
Ahsoka's about to ask him what exactly he and Master Ti were talking about. Then, she remembers it's in the wide category of "I really don't want to know".
"So..." Ahsoka says instead, her eyes glancing toward the kitchen. "I'm guessing you're too tired to cook?"
There's a pause as Anakin gives her an apologetic look. "Sorry, Snips. We could look for a restaurant since we're both tired of Temple food."
The food at the Jedi temple used to be good, Ahsoka remembers. But ever since the war started, it's gone down due to a lack of resources and unpredicable schedules. Now, they mostly serve reheated meals.
"Yeah, a restaurant sounds good." Ahsoka stands quickly, excited to finally eat something warm and fresh for once. Anakin silently raises his hand, making no move to leave his spot on the couch. Ahsoka rolls her eyes at his lazy ass, then helps pull him to his feet.
She huffs, shaking her head. "I swear, you act like a grandpa or something. Aren't you barely twenty?"
He shoots her a look. "Twenty-one, Padawan. And I don't act old. My joints just aren't what they used to be."
Again, she rolls her eyes. Of course, she knows it's because of the endless days they spend fighting. Anyone's joints would go out after hours of deflecting bullets, evading heavy fire, and pulling off crazy schemes. But when she jokes about his age, it feels less sad to think about.
He's old, sure, but not old enough to be this tired all the time.
Their walk is in near silence, the rush of Coruscant's surface setting a somehow peaceful feeling over them. It's busy and a little intimidating, even after living here her whole life, but these are lives they fight to protect. These are people who aren't starving or dying because of Dooku.
And maybe, someday, no one will be afraid anymore. The war will end and the Jedi will return to their real duties as peacemakers.
And she can be a real Padawan.
They step into Core Tastes, a popular enough restaurant to have a variety of options for unusual species, but also not expensive enough to blow both of their monthly credits on it. Though, she doubts Anakin's eating habits could allow him anywhere near a really fancy restaurant.
How he's so close to Padmé, she doesn't know.
Once they're both seating in a booth and given Togruta and human menus, Ahsoka breaks the silence. "So, I talked to Master Depa today. After the report."
Anakin nods to show he's listening, but his eyes don't leave the menu.
"She showed me some stuff to do with my hair and let me watch her spar with Caleb. He's not very good, so I gave him some pointers."
This time, Anakin does look up. "If you were bored, you could've found me. My conversation wasn't that important."
"But important enough to avoid the report?" Ahsoka shoots back, smiling at his avoidant look. Exactly what she thought. "It's fine. I didn't mind it." It made her feel responsible, like when she gives orders to her troops.
Older.
There's a sniff as Anakin leans back in his chair -he still flinches when he hits his back lekku. "No desserts. Should've known."
"We haven't even had dinner yet and you're already thinking about dessert?" She teases, enjoying the scowl he sends her.
"No, I was just looking. I already know what so want." As if you prove his point, Anakin closes his menu and sets it aside, looking to wave down a waiter.
Always so competitive. Ahsoka looks through her own menu, a little overwhelmed at all the options that are given. The Togruta menu has five good ones she usually gets, but this?
"Hey, Master? What is Mee-Loo-Run fruit?"
"Meiloorun fruit? It's kind of tangy." He says it as if she knows what that means. "What? Is it part of the fruit deal or something?" He steals her menu away and looks for himself, nodding along as he reads out the different fruits. "Yeah, that's good. But not very filling. You could get a side of drowned snappers. And some Yavin sticks."
At this rate, he'll be ordering for her. "What's the one with the noodles and green stuff?" Ahsoka asks, half tugging her menu back.
"Oh, that! I don't know if you'd like it. It's kind of spicy."
And this is why they don't usually go out to eat. He can never settle on something. "Fine. Then just get me something you know most humans like." She sits back, a little disappointed. Why can't she just get a Togruta meal and call it good?
Because she only has one stomach, her mind supplies. And a sensitive one at that.
"How about this. I get you the fruits to try. And if you don't like it, I'll share mine."
"Fine." She lets him stack their menus, then orders. For being so tired before, he sure is talking a lot. Or, at less tiny putting more effort into this than she expected.
Anakin continues to talk as they wait for their food, mentioning a mission to Shili somewhere in there. It makes Ahsoka perk up. Especially when he says they'll go together to connect with the Togruta there.
"...But we don't have to." Anakin finishes, his eyes turning down as his expression hardens.
"What? Why wouldn't I want to go?" She may not remember Shili as her home, but she still feels a connection to her people. It's something all Togruta feel.
"Well, I don't want you to feel like I'm..." he shakes his head. "Nevermind."
"Master, I want to go." She really can't imagine why she wouldn't.
When she feels a wave of guilt cross through their force bond, Ahsoka blinks. Guilt? Why? "Master?" She tries, not sure what he has to feel guilty about. Was this supposed to be a secret or something? He does that a lot.
He's about to speak when their food comes. They both thank the waiter, then slowly eat in silence. Ahsoka gets lost in the weird textures and taste of fruit -it's good but so very different.
"Do you like it?" Anakin asks, looking hopeful.
"I think so? It's kind of slimy." Not the way mud is slimy, but it's kind of hard to grab with her utensils. "I don't know. I can probably get used to it." She's inclined to stick to what's comfortable, but when will she get a chance like this again? Likely never.
She ends up taking a little of Anakin's food anyway. It's warm and tender, but her human teeth don't really bite into it the way she's used to. It's like trying to smash the meat instead of cutting into it.
Weird.
She tries another piece of fruit, but instead of the sweeter taste, a burst of sourness fills her mouth.
Anakin laughs at her shiver, almost reaching out to steal a piece, then thinks better of it. "Yeah, some fruit is sour when it's not ripe enough."
The taste slowly fades as Ahsoka drinks her juice. "Why do humans like it then? If it hurts to eat?"
He shrugs, actually taking a berry this time. "You learn to tell which ones are sweet. If it's dark, then it'll most likely be ripe. But if it's not firm," he presses the berry between his fingers and it squishes. "Then It's too ripe."
Huh. She half understands, in the way she gets picking out the right kind of prey. If the animal runs away too quickly, it's not worth the risk. But too slow, and it could be sick.
Thankfully, she doesn't have to hunt for her food.
As Ahsoka watched Anakin try to get the blue juice off of his skin -it's what he gets for being so dramatic- she is reminded of their earlier topic. And what he didn't get today say.
"Hey, Skyguy?" He looks up again, his movements completely freezing. "What were you going to say? About the mission to Shili."
The guilt returns and he puts the napkin down. He chews over his words, then finally lets them out. "I just don't want to look like I'm taking over your culture. I'm still human, no matter what weird stuff happens to me and I just...I don't know. I feel like I'm taking advantage of this whole switch thing."
Ahsoka frowns, now confused. "You're not taking advantage of it. I think it's nice that you're interested in learning about Shili. I am too!"
"I know, but they're your people, Ashoka. Not mine. Most Togruta come from Shili. It's a part of who they -you- are. The instincts and connections." He looks away, his now stained fingers rubbing together absently. "I don't want to take that from you."
It hits her suddenly that humans aren't like that. That they come from a wide range of planets and don't really share a culture of their own. Most of who Anakin is comes from Tatooine and he resents the planet completely.
He doesn't have a people. Not even the Jedi.
"I promise I don't mind, Master." Ahsoka says, finally feeling like she understands. "We can both be excited about Shili, even if you're not a real Togruta. I'm sure they won't care either."
The guilt slowly fades. "You think?"
Ahsoka shrugs. "I don't know." She says honestly. "But if Master Shaak Ti thinks it's a good idea, then it probably is."
He rolls his shoulders, relaxing into his seat. "Alright. But tell me if it gets weird, okay?"
"I will." She smiles. That, she can promise.
Once they've paid for their meals and left the restaurant, Ahsoka head back toward the temple. She stops when Anakin doesn't follow.
"I, uh, have something else to do tonight. Don't wait up for me, okay?"
This again. She knows it really means "I'm going to sneak off somewhere and not come back until morning". But when she asked Master Kenobi about it, he said it's always been something Anakin does. So long as he doesn't overstep a line, it's best to leave it alone.
Ahsoka has decided to follow the same idea, even if it sometimes means she has to miss out on some late-night training lessons.
Besides, he always comes back in an especially good mood, so she can't complain.
"Goodnight, Master!" Ahsoka calls, smiling to herself as she watches him run off to the nearest taxi service. "Just don't touch anything you're not supposed to." She mutters to herself, only half joking.
I really didn't mean for that last scene to be so long, but I like it. And I promise we will get Obi-Wan's reaction soon.