Summary:

Jinn can't avoid Obi-Wan.

Rex and Ahsoka go out on a date.

7.

It wasn't long before Master Yoda joined them in the garden. He hopped on top of one of the broken boulders while the group gathered around them. Jinn cautiously joined the gathering but remained a comfortable distance apart. He hadn't recovered his Force-shields. His emotions continued to pour out of him like an open wound.

Ahsoka sympathetically turned to him and said, "If you want, I can help you rebuild your shields?"

"Thank you for the offer, Miss Tano but I'm better off this way. Please, continue your meeting."

Obi-Wan and Anakin shared a look before the Jedi Master cleared his throat and said, "Yes, well as we previously stated, Ahsoka and Captain Rex have provided a report on future events. We can use it to foil the Separatists' plans. Perhaps even end the war early in our favor."

Jinn shook his head and said, "No, that won't work. The Sith Lord will simply change his plans. He'll soon learn that you are on to him."

Annoyed, Obi-Wan said, "Then, what do you suggest we do?"

Jinn replied, "Slay him."

Ahsoka frowned and said, "That's easier said than done. Darth Sidious is powerful."

Jinn took a deep breath to calm himself and said, "Very well then I'll slay him."

Rex crossed his arms over his chest and said, "You make it sound easy. Do you really think you can kill him?"

Without hesitation, Jinn answered, "Yes, the longer you delay, the stronger he will become. You are a fool if you think you can outmaneuver him. Don't play his game. End it."

Anakin was surprised to hear himself say, "I agree."

Jinn said, "Good, then Anakin and I will slay him."

Ahsoka raised her brow and said, "Hold on a minute. Do you even have a plan?"

Jinn rose from the grass. He approached the group and leaned his shoulder against the boulder Master Yoda was sitting on. He crossed his arms over his chest. He seemed eerily relaxed for someone talking about murder.

"Yes, I was thinking either decapitation or through the heart."

Obi-Wan could not believe what he was hearing. This was not the Jedi way. What Jinn was suggesting was gruesome. His calm exterior and matter-of-fact attitude only made him question his sanity.

"You can't be serious?"

Jinn approached Anakin and grabbed his right prosthetic arm and raised it up and said, "Well, as you can see, maiming isn't enough."

Anakin glared and yanked his arm free from his hold. He was surprised that Jinn came to the same conclusion he did. However, he had no idea that he had the audacity to come right out and say it. He wondered if he even cared about what other people thought of him.

Jinn read his thoughts and said, "No, I don't care what others think. I'm not part of your Order. I'm an outsider. If this act goes against your morality than I would be more than happy to shoulder the responsibility alone. In fact, I would prefer it in order to spare you the repercussions, but there is a chance I may fail. I need someone to be my second sword."

Master Yoda nodded his head and said, "Hm, a wise decision, a partner is."

The little Jedi scanned the group in front of him. Anakin was like minded as Jinn. He agreed with Jinn to take on the Sith alone. However, maybe they were too alike. It wouldn't be good to have two Jedi prone to taking on too many risks. They would just get in over their heads.

Master Yoda considered Ahsoka Tano. The young Togruta time-traveler was balanced. He was pleased to learn that her skill had improved greatly as she matured. Though, she could not be Jinn's partner. She was Anakin's Padawan. He could not assign her to someone else. Even if he considered her mental age and knighted her, it would only raise suspicions. She had to remain Anakin's apprentice for the time being.

That left only one choice.

"Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, your partner will be."

Jinn was flabbergasted. "No! You can't-"

Master Yoda interrupted him and said, "The time to face the Sith, it is not. Only confront the Sith when Master Kenobi agrees. Until then, work with him, you will."

XXX

Rex was glad when the meeting was finally over at the Jedi Temple. General Kenobi had to stay in order to debrief the High Council. Apparently, they were only going to give the other High Council members a censored version of the truth. It was to make sure there were no leaks to Darth Sidious. Also, Rex doubted they would believe the time travel part of their story.

Since he had shore leave, he decided he should try and enjoy it. He thought about making an appearance at the clone bar, 79's. He knew that most of the 501st would probably be there, but he saw that Ahsoka looked a little worn out. She probably wouldn't appreciate being at a noise bar. It probably wasn't even open yet either. He figured he should take her somewhere else. Somewhere they hadn't been to before. Somewhere new.

"Commander, how about we go get something to eat?"

Ahsoka smiled and said, "Sure, that sounds great. Where do you want to go?"

He returned her smile and said, "I was thinking we could go somewhere new. Just the both of us?"

Her eyes sparkled as she teasingly said, "Oh my Captain, are you asking me out on a date?"

Rex blushed and nervously rubbed the back of his head. He didn't know why he felt so bashful. They were already boyfriend and girlfriend. It wasn't like she didn't know how he felt, but for some reason he couldn't help the butterflies from fluttering inside his stomach.

"Yes, I suppose I am. That is-if you want to. Go on a date, I mean."

Rex felt like an idiot for stammering. He couldn't look her in the eye after that. Ahsoka laughed and linked her arm with his.

"I'd love to, Rex."

Rex grinned and said, "So, where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere with you, cyare."

Rex beamed. He felt like he could burst at the seams with how happy he felt. He never thought he'd have a chance to walk arm-in-arm with his girlfriend down a Coruscant street. War always got in the way and later with the Rebellion. There never seemed to be any time to do normal things like go out on a date. It wasn't like he was a normal citizen. He wondered what it was like to take things for granted like they did. He and Ahsoka had always been soldiers. They only knew how to fight. He'd been fighting for most of his life. It was important work with more lows than highs, but it was nice just being two people without worrying about life and death for a change. It didn't matter that it would only last for a little while. He learned that even a little while with the right person could help you get though a lot.

"Rex, let's try that place."

He followed her outstretched hand to where she was pointing. It was a little brunch place at the corner of a side street. It looked cozy with only a handful of customers eating inside. The place was called Seagulls. When they went inside, Rex couldn't help but feel out of place in his armor. It would have been better if he were wearing his formal uniform or civilian clothes instead.

Ahsoka didn't seem to care. She led Rex over to a table for two and took a seat. There were white cloth napkins with their utensils on the table and a small red flower in vase. It was the nicest place Rex had ever eaten it. He noticed that a few of the customers gave him a weird look, but nobody said anything.

Then, unexpectedly a Mandalorian approached them. He had a helmet on and wore tattered armor. Rex noticed he was armed with a knife and a blaster. The Captain quickly rose to his feet and stared at the man's visor.

"Is there a problem here?"

The Mandalorian's voice was coarse as he spoke, "No, problem here. I came over to give you the menu. Today's special is bantha in red wine stew."

Rex stared perplexed as the Mandalorian as he handed him two menus. Ahsoka got up to reach over and take one out from Rex's hand.

"Oh, uh-thank you."

"Your welcome," replied the Mandalorian. "What do you want to drink?"

Someone from behind the counter coughed loudly. The Mandalorian looked over at a woman glaring at him while holding a knife. The woman was clearly the chef. She was wearing an apron.

The Mandalorian sighed and turned around to face Ahsoka and Rex and said, "Sorry, I mean what would you like to drink?"

Ahsoka smiled and covered her mouth with her hand to prevent herself from laughing out loud. She never thought a Mandalorian would be her waiter at the cozy little eatery. She just knew there was a story there. After a few minutes she finally recovered and sat up straight in her chair.

"I'll have a glass of water, please."

Rex was dumbfounded and said, "Yeah, I'll have the same."

The Mandalorian stiffly replied, "Great. Please let me know when you are ready to order."

The dangerous looking waiter then turned around and headed back inside the kitchen. The woman who had been glaring at him put down her knife and quickly wiped her hands on her apron. She then approached their table and gave the pair a friendly smile.

"Hello, welcome to Seagulls. I'm Brenda. I hope my waiter hasn't upset you."

Rex said, "No, it's alright. I just never had a Mandalorian as a waiter before."

Ahsoka put down her menu and said, "If you don't mind me asking, but how did that happen?"

Brenda sighed and said, "He owes me a favor."

Rex raised an eyebrow and said, "Must have been some favor."

Brenda shrugged and said, "It is what it is. Now, are you two together?"

Rex blushed and looked away and said, "Wh-What do you mean?"

"I'm running a special today for-"

Brenda paused for a moment while she eyed the Captain and the Commander. She was going to say couples but thought maybe she shouldn't. The trooper looked too old for the Togruta girl. Yet, they were together. She saw them come in together. The girl was on his arm, but she couldn't figure out what their relationship was. She thought it might be better if she didn't mention it. She could tell them the special was for something else.

Ahsoka tilted her head at Brenda and said, "For couples?"

Brenda nervously said, "Oh no, I meant-"

Ahsoka smiled and said, "No, you got it right the first time. We are a couple."

Brenda sighed in relief but then frowned at Rex. The Captain was sure that if looks could kill then the chef could probably end a Sith on the spot.

"Trooper, how old are you?"

Rex felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Brenda had the stern voice of a Kamino drill instructor. It was no wonder the Mandalorian withered under her glare. Rex didn't know why she wanted to know his age. He answered honestly.

"28."

Ahsoka jumped up and said, "He means 10! Clone troopers age a lot faster than normal humans."

Rex nearly dropped his helmet off the table. He suddenly realized why Brenda was so upset. From her perspective, he was an adult and Ahsoka was a youngling. He must look like a creep. No man goes out on a date with a child.

"Oh," stated Brenda.

Brenda eyed Rex suspiciously before glancing over at Ahsoka and asked, "And your age, young lady?"

"I'm 14."

Brenda then buried her face into her hand and said, "Fine. Forget it. I'll give you both the kid's meal discount instead."

Rex stared at the chef in disbelief. "You believe us?"

She looked off towards the counter and said, "Listen, I've got a Mandalorian stirring a pot of stew in my kitchen. Who knows what I believe anymore? Just let me know when you're ready to order."

Ahsoka smiled and said, "I think I'll have the stew, please."

Rex shrugged and said, "I guess I'll have the same."

"Great. I'll be right back."

When the chef finally returned to the kitchen, the Mandalorian came out with their drinks. He carefully placed them on the table. Rex couldn't see his face, but he got the impression that he wasn't very happy. He didn't say a word. He just went about his business waiting on the other customers. Rex could not get over how weird it was to watch him work. He looked more like a bounty hunter than a waiter.

Ahsoka giggled and reached for Rex's hand from across the table. In response, Rex flinched and pulled his hand away in embarrassment.

"Rex? What's wrong?"

"Sorry, it's just that I didn't realize what we must look like to other people."

"Rex, I don't care how we look to other people. I care about you."

He shrugged and said, "I just don't want things to be awkward for you."

She smiled. Rex was so sweet. He was always looking out for her. She didn't know what she'd do without him. After being apart for so long and then seeing him again, it felt like coming home. He made her feel safe. He made her feel like she belonged.

For the longest time, Ahsoka had worked to fight against the Empire. Sometimes with allies. Sometimes alone. Some days, she was safe. Some days, she wasn't. On those bad days she often found herself recording a message to Rex. He never sent one back. It wasn't till later that she learned why, but after a while it didn't matter. The messages became a sort of diary. It helped her to get things off her chest.

It wasn't until they were reunited that Rex heard her messages. She remembered catching him in her quarters while listening to them. At the time, she felt embarrassed. She didn't want him to hear it. He told her that he wanted to. She remembered that night. They held each other while they listened. He stroked her lekku for the first time that night. It was a prefect night. Rex made it perfect.

Tenderly, she reached for his hand again across the table.

"I don't feel awkward when I'm with you, Rexy."

He blushed and together they laced their fingers over the table.

It wasn't long afterwards when their meal arrived. It turned out that Brenda was a fantastic chef. The bantha red wine stew was delicious. Rex and Ahsoka couldn't remember the last time they ate something so good. When they were done, Rex insisted that he cover the bill. After all, it was their first real date. He was surprised that Brenda kept her word and gave them the kid's discount. Though, a part of him was a little bothered that she was treating them like kids.

When they finally left, they were walking back towards the barracks holding hands. Though, Rex knew they couldn't be caught doing so once they got inside. In this timeline, Ahsoka was still a Jedi.

"I wish we could stay out a little longer."

"Me too, cyare."

Ahsoka smiled mischievously and said, "Well, do I get a good-night kiss?"

Rex stopped. He was sure he misheard her. "What?"

"It's customary to get a good-night kiss after a date. You won't be able to do it when we get back."

Rex nervously ran his hand over his short cropped blonde hair. She did have a point. He couldn't kiss Ahsoka back at the barracks. During this time in their lives there were too many rules that got in the way. A brother might see them and there would be questions. Technically, they weren't supposed to be together. Ahsoka was still a Jedi. She could get expelled. It might not be that important to her or affect their relationship, but it would make their plans to save everyone that much more difficult.

She was also so young. He almost forgot just how young she used to be. She was so small. He missed looking her in the eye-and a few other things. Ahsoka had grown up to become a beautiful young woman. She had gorgeous curves and cut a fine figure. He missed the sultry looks her used to give him as an adult.

Her lekku used to be so long and crossed with dark savage stripes. Now, in her youth, they were shorter and more solid. Absently, he caressed her left lekku with the back of his hand. His touch was feather light. She shut her eyes and leaned into his caress. He then gently brushed her lekku over her shoulder to expose her neck. He wrapped his ungloved hand over her throat and felt her pulse throb under the skin. She was so vulnerable, yet she was the strongest person he had ever known.

He leaned forward and lightly kissed her neck. She gasped at the first touch of his lips, but then she raised her arms around his shoulders to pull him close. He wrapped his arms behind her back and around her waist. He pulled her flush against his armor. Before he knew it, he had her pressed up against a wall.

Ashoka moved her arms to guide him into a kiss. Yet, the angle was wrong. She was too short. He pressed her harder against the wall as they continued to kiss. He used his arm around her waist to lift her up. She held him tighter around his neck. Once she was level the kiss turned passionate.

His hand traveled up her clothed thigh and his fingers skimmed the edge of her skirt, but then he stopped. He suddenly remembered where they were. A public street was no place for kissing. Thankfully, the street was deserted, and the sky was already beginning to darken. He broke the kiss at last and gently lowered her down into his arms. In response, she lowered her arms from his neck and down to his chest. He desperately tried to rein in his breath and racing heart.

"Ahsoka."

She shivered. His voice was rough and deep. She pressed her head against his armored body. Her heart was pounding. She was breathless. Her legs felt weak. She was sure she'd fall if Rex wasn't holding her up against him.

She slowly lifted her head and nuzzled him. She breathed in his masculine scent. He smelled so good. She could bite him. He tenderly pulled away and pressed his forehead against her own.

"Ahsoka."

"Will you stay with me tonight?"

Gods, there wasn't anything Rex wanted more then to stay with Ahsoka tonight. The night was young, and they had so much to explore, but she wasn't ready. She was a flower just beginning to bloom. He would only ruin it by rushing in.

He lifted his head and replied, "I can't tonight. I have reports to review. I also need to talk to Cody about the chipped clones on Kamino."

"Right, that reminds me. I need to talk to Padme." She then shook her head and said, "Rex, do you think we should have listened to Anakin and Jinn and faced the Sith now?"

He frowned and said, "I don't know. The Sith is only part of the problem."

Ahsoka said, "Yeah, a big part but you're right. It wouldn't solve everything."

Rex resumed walking and Ahsoka fell into step beside him. He had to admit there was a lot that needed to be fixed. It seemed damn near impossible to fix it all. The two of them had been fighting for most of their lives and they still weren't close to finishing it. He didn't think they'd ever be done, but there was one thing he was certain of. As long as he had Ahsoka, they could take on anything.

He smiled at her and said, "One step at a time, Soka. We'll get there."

XXX

TBC

XXX

Note:

1. Original, I wrote that Ahsoka was 32 and that made Rex 28. I think they should be older since I wrote that Kanan was already blind. Ahsoka should be like 33 or 34. She also didn't get stuck on Malachor. However, I'm not going to change it. Plot wise, I don't think it will affect the story. Please note, I'm sorry if it's wrong.

2. The Mandalorian in this chapter is not that Mando. He is simply a Mando.

3. While writing about Master Yoda and boulders I thought about the song Seagulls from Bad Lip Reading on YouTube. If you haven't heard it then give it a listen.