Summary

Rex and Ahsoka spend time together.

Ahsoka talks to Padme about saving Anakin.

Ahsoka and friends arrive on Atollon.

Padme gossips with Maul.

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45.

After they left the hanger Ahsoka and Rex returned to her quarters. Rex assumed they take the time to go over their plans in the upcoming fight with Dooku. Though, Rex's mind was still spinning from what they just revealed to the men. He had been sitting on the secret for so long that it felt strange being able to reveal it. It felt like a dream.

Rex couldn't remember how many times he wished he could have done things differently. He spent countless nights looking up at the stars and wondering what might have been while he was in hiding. Sometimes he wanted things to be different so badly that it ached deep inside him. The reality that change was really happening was both hopeful and frightening.

He heard the door shut behind him when he entered Ahsoka's room. She turned around and gave him a smile, but it slipped when she saw his somber expression.

"Rex? What's wrong?"

In two quick strides, he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her. He buried his face into her shoulder and held her tight.

"Hey, are you okay?"

He pulled back from her and said, "Yeah, I'm fine."

Ahsoka frowned and said, "You know you can talk to me."

"I know. It's just the work we've done and the changes we're made finally feels like they're paying off. I've dreamed about this moment for long. Now that it's here, it feels like I might wake up. I might find myself back on Seelos and wondering where you are."

Ahsoka's expression softened. She reached up to cup his face and said, "Hey, I'm right here. You're not dreaming."

He caught her hand and said, "You're right. Being with you is better than any dream, cyare."

He then released her hand and placed his on her shoulders. He closed the distance between them and gave her a slow tender kiss. He wanted her to know how much she meant to him. When their lips finally apart, he reached up to trace the outline of her jaw. Her beautiful blue eyes were closed. She looked less like a child and more like a woman then. He lightly ran his fingertips over her lek and heard her gasp. He held her gaze when he took the lek in his hand and started massaging the end between his fingers.

In response, she closed her eyes with a moan. He caught his breath when he heard the sound. He loved her sounds. He wanted to make her sound like that again.

"Didn't I promise you that I'd learn every inch of your body once we were alone, Soka?"

She opened her eyes with a smile and said, "I think I remember you saying something like that."

"We're alone now."

Rex pulled her in for another kiss. This time, Ahsoka raised her arms and wrapped them around his neck. She liked how strong and broad his shoulders were. His scent was masculine and delicious. She tilted her head and deepened the kiss. She opened her mouth and touched her tongue with his. Rex was surprised when he felt her tongue, but he was a quick learner. He immediately started kissing her with open mouth kisses back. His blood was pounding inside his ears.

She turned her head with a gasp to catch her breath. She raked her fingers over the short blonde hair at his nape. The sharp feel of her nails over his skin felt like fire. He couldn't understand how something could both feel like not enough and yet too much at the same time.

"Gods, the things you do to me, cyare."

She smiled and said, "You make me feel pretty amazing too, Rex. Now, how about we move this over to the bed?"

She then took his hand to pull him along, but Rex looked uncertain. He stopped her and said, "Are you sure? We don't have to."

Ahsoka stopped and said, "I know, but we can do other things." She shyly lowered her gaze and said, "You know, you can do to me what I did to you back on Endor."

Rex was getting hot and bothered just thinking about the way Ahsoka touched him on Endor. He couldn't wait to touch and taste her the same way, but he was afraid that he might get carried away and cross the line. They had agreed to wait for her body to mature before mating. They had agreed to wait until she turned 16. However, all their intimate moments were making it near impossible to resist.

"Believe me, Soka. I want to, but I think we need to set some ground rules first."

She raised her white marked brow and said, "Okay, what do you have in mind?"

He sighed and said, "First, I keep my kit on."

She eyed him up and down. Rex was handsome in his armor, but he was even more handsome out of it. She had seen him in his blacks. He was all muscle and hard lines. She gave him a predatory smile.

"Are you sure?"

He gave her a look and said, "I mean it, Soka. Second, I really think we should look into getting some protection."

Ahsoka said, "So, clones aren't sterile?"

Rex narrowed his brow and said, "No. Clones are all given mandatory lectures about protection, but most clones don't interact with female civilians unless they're on shore leave. And most civilians are afraid of clones."

"I see. Then you're right. We should get protection. I want to be able to enjoy spending time with my boyfriend without worrying about getting pregnant. Now, why don't you come over here, Captain. I think I'm due for an inspection."

Ahsoka walked towards the bed and sat down. She raised her hand to beckon Rex to come join her. He didn't hesitate. He willingly followed her to the bed and sat down beside her. He then placed his hand on her cheek and kissed her fervently.

When they broke apart, they were both breathless. Ahsoka smile and moved to take off her clothes. She removed her boots and gloves before finally taking off her red battle dress. She was down to her bra and leggings when she laid back down onto the bed. Rex's heart was racing. He marveled at her body. She was lean and athletic. Rex had only seen other clones bare before. There wasn't much to see. They were all identical to himself, but Ahsoka was different.

"Beautiful."

She looked away with embarrassment and said, "You really think so? This body is so young."

Rex slowly removed his gloves and placed them on the bed beside her. He reached out with his bare hand to tenderly trace the white marking on the face. Her skin was smooth and warm.

"I love everything about you, Ahsoka."

He bent down to kiss along her neck. She gasped at his touch. She closed her eyes and curled her fingers into his hair as he sucked on her skin. She gasped when he started touching her body. He caressed her breasts and then lower. He had such large strong hands, yet his touch was gentle and teasing. It wasn't long before he had her making lovely sounds again.

XXX

Ahsoka woke to the sound of her door chime. She blinked and opened her eyes. She was disoriented for a moment before she remembered where she was and who she was with. A big smile spread across her face when she turned her head and saw Rex sleeping beside her. He was still fully dressed in his armor and lightly snoring into her pillow. He looked adorable.

The door chimed again. Ahsoka groaned and got up. She picked up her red dress and quickly put it on. She wasn't wearing her gloves or boots, but at least she was decent enough to answer the door. She opened it and saw that it was Padme.

"Padme. What can I do for you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry for disturbing you. I didn't know you were resting."

Suddenly, a loud snore caught her attention to inside Ashoka's dark room.

"And that you had company."

Ahsoka used the Force to grab her boots and gloves. She quickly put them on before stepping out into the hall. She started walking down the corridor.

"Come on, let's go talk somewhere more private."

Padme raised her brow. She followed Ahsoka into an empty conference room. Ahsoka locked the door once Padme is inside. She then walked towards the window that overlooked the stars zooming by while they were in hyperspace.

"You really should be more careful about hiding your relationship."

"I don't see why I should. I'm already a traitor to the Republic."

Padme said, "I must admit. I was worried for you when you revealed the work you've been doing to help the clones, but I'm very proud of you, Ahsoka. I think Anakin would be very proud of you too."

Ahsoka looked over her shoulder and said, "Thank you, Padme."

The brown eyed beauty joined her at the window and said, "If there is anything I can do to help change things, so we don't go down a dark path, please tell me."

"You, being here and helping me get through to Anakin is more than enough. Though, I think I should tell you more about how events unfolded in my timeline just in case something happens."

Padme pulled out a chair from the conference table and sat down and said, "Of course. If you think it will help, then I'll listen."

The Togruta teen didn't join Padme at the table. Instead, she walked farther towards the window. The light from the stars lit her face as they zoomed by. She stared at her reflection. She touched the glass and remembered what it was like to the girl she used to be. She remembered all the things she wished she could have said.

"Anakin is already falling to the Dark side of the Force. I think he might have been slipping for years. I didn't see it when I was a youngling. The war chipped away at him. It's all a dress rehearsal for the monster he might become. I don't know the details, but I know that Anakin loses you. Without you, he completely turned away from the Light."

Padme was distraught by what she heard. She wanted to deny it. She wanted to say that Anakin would never do such a thing. He would never turn his back on his friends. He would never betray them. Yet, Padme knew how much Anakin loved her. There was no telling what someone might do while grieving. She remembered how terrible it was for Anakin when his mother died.

She placed her hand over her mouth before dropping it into her lap and balling it into a fist. She had to be strong for Anakin. She couldn't let him become a monster.

"How did your Padme die?"

Ahsoka turned to face Padme and shook her head. "I don't know. I wasn't there when it happened. I was fighting Darth Maul at the Battle of Mandalore."

"Then what about Captain Rex?"

Ahsoka moved to lean against the conference table and said, "No, Rex was with me on Mandalore. Though, my version of Master Obi-Wan might have known."

Padme crossed her arms and leaned back. She thought it was a shame they couldn't ask Ahsoka's version of Obi-Wan about what happened. However, she remembered that someone else might have the information they were missing.

"Do you think Master Jinn might know how Anakin became a Sith?"

Ahsoka knew without a doubt that Jinn knew that Anakin becomes Darth Vader. He revealed it when he stabbed Anakin in the hanger of the ship when Ventress left him. The Darkness and hatred in his voice was chilling. Jinn's distain for Vader was clear. However, that didn't mean Jinn knew the cause of his fall.

"I don't know. We should ask him when he joins us."

Padme raised her brow and said, "What do you mean?"

"I have a team set up a base in the Lothal sector. It's on the way to the Unknown Region. Jinn and the others will be joining us to help save Anakin from Dooku."

The brown eyed beauty said, "So, that's the reason why you wanted to pass the Lothal sector. Well, I'm glad we can reunite with our friends, but I can't help being worried about Anakin. What do you think Dooku wants with him?"

"My guess is Dooku is following Sidious' orders. Sidious wants Anakin to become his apprentice. I don't think he will come to any harm, but I don't know what sort of lies he might have told him. I just know that I can't fail him again."

XXX

When Ahsoka finally arrived on Atollon, she saw that her missing friends were all together. Ventress, Ezra and Barriss greeted her, Rex, and Padme when they landed at the base. Barriss and Ezra each gave her a hug when she reached the end of the ramp.

Ezra shouted, "Ahsoka! You're back."

Barriss said, "I'm glad you're safe, Ahsoka."

The Togruta teen smiled and said, "I'm glad to be back."

Ezra even gave Rex a hug too. Jesse and Appo were started by the warm gesture but were even more surprised when Rex laughed and hugged him back. Rex then released Ezra and patted him on the shoulder.

"I think you've grown a bit, kid."

"Yeah? You think I should try growing a beard? You had one before. Or later?"

Rex smiled and said, "It wasn't because I wanted to. I had to hide my face. It's not exactly unique."

Ahsoka turned and said, "Really? I kind of like it."

Rex shook his head and said, "You just like hair because you haven't got any, Soka."

Ventress stepped closer to them and said, "If you're done talking about hair styles, then I suggest you come along and join us for a meeting."

Rex shared a cautious look with Ahsoka. She shrugged and fell into step beside Ventress and Padme. It was weird. She never thought she'd be walking into a meeting while walking between those two. They couldn't have been more different, the ex-assassin and the Senator. Ventress lead the group to a large coral with a hollow base with an opening at the top. Streams of light poured in from the opening and down to a seating area. The seating area was composed of several woven mats, a tea kettle, and some fruits.

Ahsoka saw that Obi-Wan and Jinn were already inside and talking to Slick. She also noticed a dark figure standing in the back. It was Darth Maul, but he was wearing grey Jedi robes.

"Ah, nice of you to finally join us, Lady Tano."

She froze when he approached her. She quickly stood between him and Padme.

"I see you've finally recovered. It would be a shame if I had to send you back to the tank."

Ventress glanced at them and said, "Now, now. Play nice or mommy will get mad."

Maul frowned at her comment. He didn't think it was right for a Force-master like Jinn to breed with a former Nightsister, but he had overlooked it since they had overlooked the fact that he was a Sith. Though, he did respect Ventress' skill. He had seen her train with Jinn. She was formidable. Her body may be slowed by her pregnancy, but her powers hadn't dulled. He could see why the dark Jedi would choose someone like her for his partner.

"As you wish, Mrs. Kenobi."

Padme raised her brow and said, "Mrs. Kenobi?"

Maul said, "Yes, Lady Ventress is married to Master Jinn."

The brown eyed beauty was shocked. "Is that true?"

Maul said, "So they tell me, but like you, I too missed the wedding." He then gestured with his hand to the mats on the floor and said, "Please, have a seat, ladies."

XXX

TBC

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