Chapter 8.

Ahsoka knew that as much as she wanted to avoid getting involved in military matters it was within her skillset that made it inevitable. She sat down on the edge of the bed in her private quarters kicking off her boots. Lux smiled at her, moving his things back into his bag. Ahsoka was exhausted and didn't take much notice of his actions. She was worried about Anakin and what he might face on Mortis and she was worried about Maul despite the horrible things he had done in his past. There has been no contact from him since the end of the war and the destruction of the Jedi temple.

In light of Anakin's misguided emotions, he had sought after Ahsoka, realising his error in judgement. Ahsoka knew that Padme and his children would mean everything to him and she recognised that she was a little jealous. It didn't excuse the fact that he still harboured deep feelings for Padme and hid his thoughts from her. Emotionally, Anakin isolated the two of them and disregarded the deep connection they once had. In a sense it had mimicked betrayal of the highest order and that is what hurt Ahsoka most. The trust that their relationship was built on became compromised and it became very clear to Ahsoka that she wasn't his biggest priority when she needed it. Ahsoka knows that she can be naïve, but she knows that irrespective of her current situation, without commitment there can be no love.

Ahsoka sat up and watched Lux leave the room, taking his bag with him. She frowned and got up to her feet instinctively. She followed him into the room adjacent to hers. Lux turned and dropped his bag onto the bed.

"hello Ahsoka," he said before she could address his packed bag, "you're leaving tomorrow, you should get some rest".

"Can we talk?" her voice was small but demanding as she stood leaning against the doorway.

"what about?" he replied sheepishly, shrugging off the gundark in the room.

"I want to apologise, Lux," she sighed, opening her mouth to continue but Lux stopped her, passionately enveloping her lips with his.

Ahsoka was shocked by this sudden outcry of emotion from him as he slid his hand down the side of her face. She was unable to reciprocate the kiss in fear of what her actions might coerce.

"I'm going to miss you," he said, his voice deep and round, yet warm and soothing. Ahsoka bit her lip anxiously. "Whatever you want to apologise for, it's forgiven. I won't get to see you for who knows how long…"

Ahsoka couldn't help but feel more uneasy, "Lux-"

"Ahsoka, don't" he warned, "this, us, let's celebrate it for what it is".

Ahsoka stayed silent, unsure of how to continue the conversation.

"I'm not exactly a Jedi 'Soka but I notice things, more than you realise."

Ahsoka let out a breath she had been holding in, "I thought you were about to confess your love for me!" she laughed nervously, "I'm confused, Lux…"

Ahsoka had to hold back tears as her chest tightened. Lux had always been a dear friend and was her first crush ever since they had met on Raxus. She couldn't help but feel sad. He has been one of the most significant people in her life.

Lux stayed silent as Ahsoka pulled her gaze away from his. He took her hand and sat her down on the bed.

"Yes, I won't see you until I figure out these disappearances with Rex but I'm torn between what was and you…" her voice was soft and shaky, her eyes finally looking up to his, waiting for a reaction.

Lux stood, breathed out heavily, and turned smiling, "sounds like we need to enjoy ourselves before we part ways".

Ahsoka could sense the disappointment and insecurity radiating from him but she wouldn't deny him one last night of distractions.

Everyone gathered on the roof as the sun settled behind the mountains. An old storage crate served as a fire pit as they all sat around it and shared stories of their greatest achievements.

Katooni told the story of how herself, Petro, Gungi, and Zatt had faced off against Grievous in a ship to ship laser fight above Anaxes under the guidance of Kit Fisto and his padawan Ganodi. They worked together with the 501st in blockading Anaxes. Katooni and Petro had become quite formidable when they worked together and the Jedi council had let them forge their own path together. Grievous had been on a scouting mission to Anaxes and they were there waiting for him. They managed to attach a tracker to his ship which was last tracked to Utapau.

The hum of propellers could be heard as the delivery drone descended upon the marker point Tech had placed for it on the rooftop and let it fly away before collecting the food inside. And it was then as laughter chorused from the small group of unique individuals that stark white snow began to fall. The snow fell peacefully upon the rooftop, only collating light powdered dust as they ate their food.

Tech and the bad batch retired early, claiming that the ship tomorrow would require all of them in order to run it smoothly. Ahsoka couldn't help but giggle at this remark, smiling and dismissing them. Ahsoka used to force to compress the powder into a small round ball, pulling it to her hand and tossing it up and down. Katooni, Petro, and Zatt all looked at each other unsure of whether to run or duck as she threw the snowball where Katooni would have been. Rex, Ahsoka, and Lux playfully hid behind the seat near the fire whilst the other three used the force to pick up their seats and use them as shields. It wasn't long before the numerous snowballs had spread so much snow that the fire slowly died down, concluding their friendly battle.

Early morning rolled around, everyone said their goodbyes and Ahsoka boarded the ship with Rex and the Bad Batch. She had spent half the night keeping Lux company, who knows when he'll have adult company again.

Lux had agreed to watch over the young Jedi and go to Coruscant with them. He would have had to go to Coruscant soon enough for a call of the full senate. Pierre would meet him there along with a protection detail to which he had recommended Saw. Katooni, Zatt, and Petro would continue their studies and no doubt continually be approached to join the military much to their dismay.

Ahsoka hummed to herself as she entered the small cockpit of the ship, it certainly wasn't anything like the one that blew up the temple but it would do. She laughed to herself internally, plonking down in the co-pilot seat and spinning dramatically.

"Good to have you back, Commander," Rex stated, grinning from ear to ear. She followed up with a swift playful punch to his shoulder as the ship left the quaint mountainside abode.

'May we meet again, Anakin'. Ahsoka's voice rang out into the force as the disappearance into the clones began.