A/N: Hello all! I hope you're all staying safe and doing well! Here's the next chapter as promised, I've planned the story now, however I still need to write each chapter but as it stands, I know what direction I want this story to go. I hope you enjoy!
Light began creeping in through the window indicating a new day was on the horizon, Ahsoka stirred softly as the daylight brightened the room. The young Togruta rubbed her eyes and realised just how exhausted she was, the war was beginning to have an impact on the Padawan. Having downtime and just any opportunity to relax was becoming few and far between as the war escalated, any chance she got to rest she snatched at.
Ahsoka's eyes began to focus on her surroundings, the basic layout of the room becoming clearer to her, she soon realised where she was. Looking down, she noticed the young senator sleeping soundly beside her. Ahsoka smiled at her companion, she thought about how peaceful he seemed as he slept. The young Jedi thought about the night she and Lux had shared, how the two of them finally plucked up the courage to tell one another how they felt towards each other. In that moment, she realised just how relieved she was. Ahsoka had kept her true feelings bottled up for so long, it wasn't like she had a choice in the matter. A metaphorical weight had been lifted from her, and boy was she happy about it. Ahsoka was still watching Lux sleep when she began to gently stroke his cheek with the back of her index finger, her intimate gesture caused the senator to calmly awaken from his slumber.
"Morning, beautiful." Lux said groggily. She blushed, being called beautiful was a rarity. Lux pulled himself up to her level, the two of them now being sat up in the small bed. He brought her closer and planted a kiss in the dip of her montrals. Ahsoka's eyes fluttered.
"Hello, Luxy." She flirted. Ahsoka swung her legs over the side of the bed and wrapped the thin sheets around herself, then began to make her way over to the illuminated window. Lux sat back and watched as Ahsoka swiftly walked across the room, he sat in awe as the bedding hung loosely around her slender frame. Ahsoka peered out the window and noticed a few citizens beginning to set up for the celebrations ahead, she turned to face Lux once again.
"Your people seem to be eager to celebrate some more." She whispered. He smiled.
"It seems so." Lux replied, he continued to look over at Ahsoka when he glanced at her shoulder and noticed a small amount of blood seeping through her bandage.
"Ahsoka, darling… you're bleeding." She glimpsed down at her now soiled bandage and sighed. In all honesty, Ahsoka had forgotten about her injury. Lux got up from his position on the bed and glided to the other side of the room to a small box, in which were a change of bandages and medical supplies for Ahsoka. She trailed back over to the bed and met Lux. He carefully unravelled her bloody garment and cleaned the wound for her, causing her to wince.
"Sorry." Lux mumbled as he delicately tended to the young Jedi, Ahsoka usually would do this herself but given the intimacy of her and the senator, she thought she'd give him a chance to dress her shoulder. She usually did not want to show anyone that she can be vulnerable, the young Jedi felt slightly embarrassed that she was exposing this side of herself to Lux, however she did slightly enjoy having Lux take care of her. Ahsoka watched Lux closely as he rebandaged her injury.
"You know I could've done it myself." She said stubbornly, Lux smirked and cocked a brow.
"You're welcome." He responded sarcastically, he laughed slightly at Ahsoka's stubbornness, it was her own way of thanking him and he knew that. Once Lux had finished wrapping up Ahsoka's arm, the two of them sat in a comfortable silence. Her head lowered itself to rest on Lux's shoulder, he welcomed the friendly gesture and wrapped an arm around Ahsoka. The young couple remained in the embrace for some time, savouring their moment together.
"Where do we go from here, 'Soka?" Lux pondered, breaking the silence. Ahsoka sighed, she knew that whatever time they had together was limited and then it's back to their lives as they know it. Ahsoka will be shipped off across the galaxy on yet another mission and, presumably, Lux will remain here on Onderon. She thought about Lux's question and quite frankly, she had no idea what was going to happen in terms of their relationship. Ahsoka pulled away slightly from Lux's embrace and looked up to him.
"I… don't know." Was all she could say, they both knew their situation. Ahsoka is a Jedi, having any romantic relationship is no option for her however that still didn't deter her feelings towards Lux. The two of them had no idea where their relationship was going to go, yet they both wanted the same outcome. The young couple were plunged into another silence and were deep in thought about what options they have.
"Ahsoka, I want us to be together," She tried to respond but Lux interrupted her. "I know it will be difficult, but I honestly think we could make it work."
"Lux, you know even if we did try, it will be too difficult." He took her hand in his own.
"Nothing is worth doing if it isn't difficult, 'Soka." She wanted nothing more than to say yes and be with Lux, but one little voice in her head was telling her no. Ahsoka looked down at their hands and smiled weakly, Lux looking at her almost pleading.
"It won't be easy, Lux." She warned.
"I know, my love." The two sat in a comfortable silence for a while, both enjoying each other's company.
"I should probably go back to my room." Muttered Ahsoka, she knew if she stayed with Lux any longer, Anakin would start looking for her and she cannot let him know where she spent the night.
"Okay, 'Soka." Lux said with a glint of sadness. He kissed her one last time before she disappeared from his sight, sneaking the palace's labyrinth corridors. Ahsoka was tiptoeing her way around trying her hardest not to be seen, in comparison to the night before, she did not care who saw her sprinting through the halls. She was too busy concentrating on being discreet that just as was rounding the final corner to the corridor in which her room was located, she ran into Obi-Wan, literally. The pair met with a bump, Ahsoka immediately went into shock as she realised who she had just barged into.
"Oh, Master Kenobi… I didn't see you there… sorry." She stuttered, Obi-Wan cocked his head at the young Jedi.
"It's alright, Ahsoka, you seem to be up early." Ahsoka began panicking at what was to follow.
"Oh... I uh… was just coming back from a walk, I couldn't sleep." He narrowed his eyes slightly as he grew suspicious of her.
"Really? That's unlike you." He pondered; panic was setting in for the Togruta now.
"I just needed to clear my head, Master, after the past few days." Obi-Wan smiled with sympathy, he was aware that Ahsoka had been through a lot during her time on Onderon, not only has she fought battles alongside the rebels, but she's also had to battle her mind to stay focused on the mission. That was enough to make anyone struggle. He placed his hand on her shoulder to offer some comfort.
"Go on, get some rest, young one. You've earned it," Ahsoka nodded and swiftly walked past her Master, Obi-Wan turned to her and spoke again, "Ahsoka?" She paused and turned her head.
"Yes, Master?" Obi-Wan could see the exhaustion painted across her expression, dark circles becoming more obvious under her eyes and her slumped posture. He was worried for the young woman.
"Please, ensure you sleep before we depart." Her Master smiled softly, she sent him a slight nod before walking away. She breathed a sigh of relief, however Obi-Wan could sense the truth of why she was out this early but chose to turn a blind eye. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation they had just a few days earlier, how he had advised her to control her feelings for the young man she had become she had grown close to. From what he noticed, Ahsoka had dealt with her feelings in her own way and was making the right choice for her. This brought a slight smile to the Jedi Master's lips; he was reminded of his feelings for the Duchess of Mandalore and noticed the similarities in Ahsoka's situation. As much as he was a strong enforcer of the Jedi Code, he could not help but be proud of his grand padawan for embracing her feelings of love for the young man.
The walk back to her quarters was not a long one, however it felt like a lifetime to the Padawan. Ahsoka was relieved that Obi-Wan did not press her further about where she had been, he would have been able to see through her if she had tried to lie. Once she got into the small room, she collapsed onto the small cot and began to drift into a slumber, for the first time in a while her thoughts seemed to have dissolved and allowed her to get some much-needed rest.
Anakin watched from the windows of the palace as the people of Onderon began to gather in the main city square, celebrating their planet's freedom. He could not help but feel slightly impressed by the efforts of the rebels and the people, he also felt a sense of pride for being the one to suggest aiding the rebels. The Jedi Knight was leaning on the ledge of the window, lost in his thoughts when he heard the sliding of a door from down the hall, looking out the corner of his eye he watched as Obi-Wan made his way down to him.
"Anakin, have you seen Ahsoka? The King wants us to join him soon." Admittedly, Anakin had lost track of time and Ahsoka, once again.
"Um… no I haven't seen her." Obi-Wan sighed.
"She's more than likely resting, we should go check on her." Anakin nodded and moved from his perch on the window, his master ushered him to follow. The two strolled and made their way to the young Jedi was staying.
"Have you spoken to her since we arrived?" Anakin asked.
"No. Not much." He lied, not wanting to discuss his earlier encounter with Ahsoka. Anakin could tell by Obi-Wan's blunt reply that he was not telling the truth. Hr narrowed his eyes and began to pry his old master.
"Are you sure? I can sense you're lying." He said playfully. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
"I did speak to her briefly today, yes." Obi-Wan finally admitted, not wishing to discuss the details of his conversation with the young Jedi.
"When did you talk?"
"If you must know, I saw her this morning when she couldn't sleep." He snapped, the auburn-haired Jedi was in no mood to discuss the thoughts he had of Ahsoka. Anakin went silent. The two Jedi made it to where Ahsoka was staying, Anakin knocked on the closed door, shortly it shot open with a refreshed yet dazed Ahsoka standing in the entrance.
"Hey Snips, how're you feeling?" Truthfully, she was still tired but felt rested enough to function.
"A bit better, thanks." She uttered groggily.
"You looked more rested, young one." Spoke Obi-Wan with a small smile.
"Are you ready to go? The King wishes us to attend the memorial for Steela." Anakin spoke, his Padawan nodded at him with a solemn expression.
Lux was adding the final touches to his attire for Steela's memorial, he stood facing his reflection eyeing himself for any imperfections. He sighed whilst fiddling with his holsters, although this was a great day for his home planet, it was also one filled with grief and sorrow. The young man could hear the roar from the crowds gathering outside the palace, he peered over to the window and saw the streets flooded with people, his people. Watching them rejoice in their freedom brought a warm smile to his face.
This is what Steela would have wanted. He thought to himself, her sacrifice had allowed them to be free from the Separatist's grasp, and to hopefully join the Republic. Lux continued to watch over the mass of people in the streets, and wished he was able to celebrate with them, but his recent bereavement disallowed him.
"Mr. Bonteri?" His commlink spoke from across his room, the sudden voice broke his fixation. Lux was surprised at who the voice belonged to.
"Y-yes, My Lord?" He stuttered in response to the King, nerves beginning to take over.
"I have something I wish to discuss with you, please, make your way to the throne room before the memorial." Was all he said, Lux could feel himself begin to tremble in anticipation.
"Of course, My Lord." Lux said firmly. Without hesitation, he rushed out of his quarters and briskly made his way to where the king was waiting for him. He was met with the king sat upon his throne, smiling ear to ear. Lux bowed at the rightful ruler.
"Ah, my boy," Dendup arose from his throne and shuffled over to the young man before him. "Your mother would be most proud of you." The king said softly, placing an affectionate hand on Lux's back.
"Thank you." Was all Lux could say, the thought of the mother seeing what he had achieved was a melancholic thought. He wished she was still present to witness what had happened, him playing the part in overthrowing the Separatists, the very government that had murdered her. The blossoming relationship between himself and Ahsoka, he knew she would be proud of him, but he still longed for her to see these events for herself.
"That is why I wish to speak with you, my boy," The two men walked with no destination in mind. "Now that I am back upon my throne, I have made the decision to join the Republic."
"A wise choice, My Lord," Lux was glad that King had come to that conclusion. "Joining the Republic will be the best option for our people." Although he had once shown a less favourable opinion on the topic, but after having his faith restored in the Republic and the Jedi, he now thought this would be the best for Onderon.
"Now that my power as king has been restored, I am in need of a new senator to settle us in to the Republic Senate." The two men paused their walk, Lux turned to Dendup who was smirking at the young man.
"You have shown great leadership, Mr Bonteri. I would like to appoint you as senator of Onderon." Lux froze, shock overcoming him. He stared wide eyed at the king, unable to speak.
"M-me… sire… are you sure?" The king chuckled.
"Of course, my boy. You have a great voice like your mother, and I would like for you to represent Onderon in the senate." Lux still could not believe what he was being asked but had made his decision, nonetheless.
"I will take you up on your offer, My Lord. I will bring us back to the Republic." His tone firm and assertive. Dendup continued to grin and extended his hand for the young senator to shake, Lux grasped his hand and shook it.
"Thank you, my boy. Now come, we must attend the ceremony."
A/N: Hello lovelies! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I will be back soon with Chapter 21! Stay safe all.