Chapter Sixteen

Echo paced back and forth, scrutinizing his appearance in the mirror. He usually tried to look polished. Today he wanted to shine like the top of the Senate Building in the sun.

What time was it? Thirteen-hundred?

Why is this such a nerve wracking experience?

A knock came at the door, and he sighed, walking to it. Ella's hair was down, pulled away from her face by a pink cloth headband. A cream dress with sprigs of pink and white flowers hung to her knees, and her feet were supported by brown ankle boots. A silver locket with a fancy E stamped into the center hung above her heart.

"Hey!" she greeted joyfully. "Don't you look dapper!"

Echo flushed and sighed nervously, worrying his lip. "Do I have anything on my face or in my teeth? Or anything on my clothes?" He glanced down at the grays the GAR had given them for everyday wear.

Ella reaches up and cupped his cheek, kissing him chastely. "You look sharp, Echo. Very nice. They're going to love you."

He just hummed and took a deep breath. How scary could this be? He shouldn't be so anxious. He was only meeting other people… right?

If you mean people who will become my in-laws and might change Ella's mind about me completely if they dislike me, and her father who probably doesn't like me just because I like his daughter… then yeah. They're people.

Ding!

"I think they're here!" Ella exclaimed.

Be still my beating heart. Nope. No. No fainting today. That won't impress anyone.

He pinched himself, then followed his girl to the door. She took his hand and squeezed it, then opened the door.

There was a middle aged man and woman and three boys; one close to Ella's age, the next in his teens, and the last ten or eleven.

"ELLA!" they screamed and rushed forward, wrapping their daughter and sister in a hug.

"We've missed you so much, El!" the youngest boy exclaimed.

"It hasn't been the same without you," the oldest chimed in.

"Is that your boyfriend?" the middle asked.

Ella laughed and squeezed them all, bestowing a kiss on each of their cheeks, then invited them in and took his hand again.

"Mama, Daddy, boys… this is Echo, the man I love more than anything in the world."

Shut up… you're the sweetest thing ever and you're going to make me melt in front of your family.

"Echo," she said. "This is my littlest brother, Amon."

The boy immediately hugged him, his brown eyes like his sisters as he smiled up at the man whose waist he'd trapped in his arms. "You make Ella happy. When she holos me, she's always smiling when she tells me about you."

Echo smiled widely at him and hugged him back, "She makes me very happy too. You have an amazing sister."

Amon beamed and released him as his older brother stepped forward and held out his hand to shake.

"I'm Olvet," he introduced, his face solemn but his eyes and voice warm, almost velvety. Echo had a feeling they'd get along, sensing a kindred quiet spirit.

"It's very nice to meet you, Olvet," he replied.

Then the oldest boy stepped forward. He had a witty gleam in his keen green eyes, and a playful smirk hovering about the corners of his lips. Echo felt as though he were meeting Fives' long lost soul twin.

"I'm Thalis, Ella's little big brother."

Echo shook his hand and nodded, "I've looked forward to meeting you. From what I hear, you have a lot in common with my best friend, Fives. He's actually rather eager to meet you whenever you have the chance."

"I'd be glad to meet him, if he's such a good friend of yours," Thalis replied.

Ella's mother stepped forward and smiled, hugging him gently. "You can call me Manicha. From all I've heard of you, I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

Echo flushed, "I'm sure. Your daughter speaks highly of you. I want to thank you for your part of raising her, ma'am. Whatever you did to bring this angel to the person she is now, I thank you."

Mrs. Manicha smiled at her daughter, "I just listened to the Maker and let him guide her and me."

Then came her father. He looked him up and down gravely, a dare in his eyes, as if challenging him to ever hurt his precious little girl. But he shook his hand amiably enough.

"I'm Maron Starrow. Her father."

Echo nodded, "An honor, sir. And thank you for protecting her for so long; for keeping her sweet and innocent and giving her the safety to be herself."

This seemed to impress her father, and hope welled up in Echo's heart.

"It's an honor to meet the man my daughter has spoken of so lovingly," he replied, patting his shoulder. He smiled.

Yes!

"I ordered pizza," Ella exclaimed.

"Yeah! You're the best!" Amon cheered, attatching himself to her side.

"Can I see the place?" her mother asked her.

Ella nodded and squeezed his hand, hugging him and placing a kiss on his cheek. "You gonna be alright?"

Echo nodded hugged her back, whispering, "Yes. I'll get the pizza when it arrives. You enjoy catching up with your mother."

"You're the best, Echo," she murmured, then turned and looped her arm around her mother and began showing her the little nooks and crannies of her small apartment which she'd made into a home.

Someone tugged his sleeve and he looked down to see Amon. He kept himself from bending down, not wanting him to feel small.

"What can I do for you, vod'ika?"

He looked confused. "What's that? Vod… vodka?"

Echo chuckled, "Almost. Vod-ee-kah." He over enunciated for him. "It means 'little brother.'"

Amon gave him a toothy grin, "I like that. What would I call you? You're not little."

Echo nodded, "I suppose not. So you would call me ori'vod. 'Big brother.'"

"Oh-ree vod?"

"Mhm! Yes. That's right."

The boy hugged him, "Thanks oh-ree vod."

Echo hugged him back, "You're welcome, vod'ika."

"What language is that?" Olvet asked from the couch.

"Mando'a," his father answered. "Language of the Mandalorian peoples."

"You speak?" Echo asked, sitting down across from him.

The older man shrugged, "Little bit."

"Ella said you're a technician. Do you specialize?"

"Mostly complex computers. I write the codes for many of your star destroyers' computers and systems," he replied.

Echo's eyes widened and he leaned forward, "Really?"

He nodded. "You're 501st, right?"

Echo nodded, "Yes sir. Serve under General Skywalker."

"Who's your captain?"

He was surprised. "Erm, Captain Rex, sir. CT-75..."

Mr. Starrow held up a hand to stop him, "No need for the number, son. I recognize the name."

Wow. Wait'll I tell Rex that Ella's father knows his name!

"I think I met him once. I was here on business. He helped me find the business center," he said. "Good man, Rex."

Echo nodded, "He is. We're lucky to have him as our captain and brother. The rest of us, I mean."

"You and he are close?"

"I'd say so."

Her father hummed, then nodded at Olvet, "Kiddo, how about you go take the bags to the room Ella set up for us, yeah?"

Olvet nodded, understanding his father's real orders and stood, recruiting his brothers.

After they disappeared around a corner, Echo gulped. He and Ella's father were alone now. He felt like the walls were shrinking.

"Son," Mr. Starrow addressed him, "I happen to actually like you so far," he said. "You've made my daughter happy. Step one. You make her feel beautiful in a way that doesn't make her feel cheap. Step two." He leaned forward. "Step three has two parts. You've made your intentions clear to her. Now, I want to ask you something important."

Echo nodded and leaned forward, keeping eye contact with him, even though it was difficult.

Mr. Starrow lowered his voice, "Can you promise me that you'll never abandon her?"

Echo's eyes widened, "Leave her?"

He nodded. "Echo, I've watched her grow from a tiny little girl with pigtails and a crooked smile and chubby cheeks to a beautiful, pure-hearted young woman. I've watched her pray to be loved and weep when she feared she'd never be good enough for the love she craved so much." He sighed, "I believe you'd never hurt her physically or mentally. Never intentionally. I think you're an empathetic person. That's good. She needs someone who isn't scared away by deep feelings. But she has dreamed of this for years. In my way of thinking, crushing her dreams and taking that innocence from her is just as bad as hurting her."

Echo nodded, "I agree with you sir. One of the first things that drew me to her was her purity. How different she was than the girls I'd heard about. She was nothing like the holos. Nothing like some cheesy fairytale. She was real. A kind of real that's real and worth dying to protect. And yes, sir. I would die to protect her innocence."

"Good," he said. "I trust that you'd never leave her?"

Echo shook his head, "Begging your pardon sir, but I'm no idiot. I know a treasure when I see it, as she is most certainly treasure. Precious treasure. And so is the love she has for me." He chuckled. "I'm just lucky she sees me as worthy of her love. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, sir. I'd never throw that away. Not willingly. Not unless her life depended on it. Of anything else, I cannot say. But I promise you, sir. I will never abandon your daughter. Not ever."

Mr. Starrow nodded and smiled proudly. "Good then."

Echo licked his lips. "May I ask you a question sir?"

He nodded, "You may."

He swallowed, then sighed, "I know it's early for civvies. That is to say civillians; normal folk. But… I knew since the day I realized I was in love with your daughter that she was the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I… I'd like your blessing."

His eyes widened at the request. "How long have you known her?"

"Nearly six months sir."

Mr. Starrow was silent as he considered. Then he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and sighed. "Echo, let me tell you a story."

Echo nodded and scooted a little closer.

"A long time ago there was a man and woman, and they were very much in love. They knew from the moment they took their love seriously that they wanted to marry. But they were in school and her parents had told her she had to finish first. So they did. It was two years later they married." He paused. "That was Manicha and me. While I am glad of the way things turned out, she and I both agreed if we could we would've married earlier."

What? Is he really?

Mr. Starrow nodded and sat up. "Yes, Echo. You have my blessing. Tell me; if you hadn't gotten it, would you have still married her?"

He hesitated, then nodded. "Your blessing means very much to me, sir. Truly. I'm grateful to have it, and I know that it will give Ella great joy to know you support us." He shook his head, "But if I'm being truthful, I'd have married her regardless. I'm already breaking rules to be with her, sir. I don't know if she told you, but having a romantic relationship of any kind with anyone is strictly prohibited, and is punishable by death or reconditioning." He held up a hand, "She would come to no harm. She might lose her job at the worst, if we were discovered by the general public."

"You would be killed?" he asked incredulously.

Echo nodded, "Yes sir."

Mr. Starrow nodded, "If there was any doubt before, there is none now."

Echo sighed in relief. "Thank you, sir."

The man got up and walked over to him, then hugged him. Echo smiled, returning the embrace.

"I am glad my daughter found you, Echo."

"Thank you, sir."

Ding!

"Pizza delivery!"

Echo sighed, "I'll get it, sir. I told Ella to enjoy herself while you all were here. You should check out the apartment. She's fixed it up real nice."

He nodded and walked toward the back, "Thanks, son."

Echo opened the door and signed for his girl, then took the pizza and thanked the delivery boy. He brought it to the dining area and grabbed the plates and eating ware. After triple-checking that everything would be to Ella's liking, he walked down the hallway and knocked at the door of her room. Six faces, five becoming familiar and one unforgettable, appeared in the doorway.

Echo smiled. "Pizza's here. I didn't want it to get cold."

The boys cheered and ran toward food while the couples followed close behind.

Ella leaned her head on his shoulder and he kissed her hair. She smiled and leaned into him.

Oh, Ella. You're going to be mine. Thank the Maker, you're going to be mine.

•~§~•

Rex sighed, grunting as he accidentally moved a certain way and one of his bruised ribs protested violently. He just readjusted and flipped the page of the book he'd borrowed from Ella. The Eight Cousins.

Beep! his comlink chirped at him. Groaning in dismay, he dog eared the page and set it aside, answering the untimely call.

"Rex speaking," he said, hoping his grumpiness over his reading being interrupted didn't bleed through.

"Sorry to bother you, sir," a brother's voice said. Rex could hear excitement bubbling under the surface, breaking its half-hearted restraints. "It's Echo. I'm on my way back to the barracks."

Rex sat up, clutching his side. Those ribs didn't like movement. Kix would kill him for moving. "How'd it go, Echo?"

He sighed, laughed a little, then said, "I got his blessing!"

A wide smile stretched across the captain's face. "I knew you would. Did everyone get along well?"

"Yes sir. Her mom likes me. Her youngest brother barely let me go except to eat pizza. Which, by the way, is amazing. We have to get some ordered for us all soon. It's quite the experience. I kinda had a brain explosion when I first tasted it."

"What about her dad?"

"I mean it's hard to tell if he's stringing me along or if he's genuine… I think he likes me? It might be false hopes, but I think there's evidence that he really does."

"So you're going to get a ring?"

"Oh! Yes! Thanks, that's why I called you."

Rex furrowed his brow in confusion, and intelligently responded, "Huh?"

"Master Kenobi offered to cover the expenses of a ring since I have no money… well, besides what I won playing sabacc, which isn't really a lot in the grand scheme of things. My only problem now will be to pick one that I think will be right for her and won't be the most expensive thing there is." He chuckled, "You can be my voice of reason."

Rex carefully stood up, moving to his drawer to change into his grays. "Have you thought about Fives being your voice of reason?"

"..."

"Echo?"

"Sir, no disrespect, but repeat that last question to yourself a few more times."

Oh. Ok. I'm an idiot.

"I'm usually his voice of reason."

"Well let's bring him along anyway. He'll probably help with something."

"Alright. I also have to finish in time to get back to base and change into my dress uniform."

"That dance tonight?"

"Yeah. I'm a little concerned about it."

"Why?"

A sigh. "Rex I can't dance! I mean, she taught me something when we made muffins and just barely got the basics of it. But how am I going to know how to do these fancy ones?"

Rex laughed, "Look, Echo. Maybe you're thinking about this all wrong. I'm sure it won't be half as bad as you think it will be?"

"I guess you're right. If you were in my shoes though, you'd understand how nerve wracking it is."

"That's where you're partly wrong. If I were in your shoes I'd be over the moon excited. Vod, you got the blessing from Ella's dad, you're going to pick out a ring to ask her to marry you, you're taking her to a dance, and you had pizza!"

"Rex…"

"All I mean is, don't get so worked up when you probably have this covered without knowing it."

"Thanks. I'm gonna wait outside. Join me when you're ready."

"I'm on my way. Fives is on his way to you."

"Thanks."

Rex hung up and slipped into his fatigues, then raced towards the 501st barracks entrance.

Warm air kissed his cheeks as he stepped out into the humid Coruscant weather. He looked around and smiled when he found his brothers waiting on him.

"Ready Echo?" The boy looked nervous.

"Y-Yeah. I'm ready."

Rex clapped his back, then moved to a speeder and claimed driver. Echo automatically got passenger because of the occasion. Fives hopped into the backseat as they drove off.

"Where we headed, Echo?" Rex asked.

Echo plugged in the coordinates. "Chalee's Gems."

"In a quarter mile, turn left on Crooked Avenue."

"Okay, thanks nav lady," Rex shot back as he turned.

"Take the down ramp to the second level, exit 21B."

Rex obediently turned but was getting annoyed. The computer's voice was too monotonous.

"In one thousand feet, you will arrive at your destination."

"What side of the road?"

"Uh… left?" Echo guessed.

"Your destination is on the left— you have gone too far. At the next available lane, make a U-turn."

"I did that on purpose, lady. That's the only way to get to the store!" Rex hissed venomously as he turned into a parking lot. "Okay. We're here."

The boys jumped out and walked inside, then stopped short when they saw a familiar face waiting on them.

"You didn't tell me?" the young woman exclaimed, crossing her arms. "How were you going to get her ring size, huh? She told me a while ago, after you told Skyguy! And how were you going to make up a cover story?"

"Commander…" Echo tried to placate.

"Don't 'Commander' me!" she whined. "I can't believe you didn't tell me!"

"How did you know we'd be coming here?"

She shrugged, "I asked Padme. She recommended it to you, it was only a matter of when. You got her father's blessing today, so I knew you'd book it to get here."

Echo sighed. "Look, Ahsoka, can I start looking and you can forgive me? I don't know when I'll have another chance. We could be called away again tonight and I want to get the ring before that has a chance to happen."

Ahsoka nodded, "Just one more thing. Do you have the gift card Obi Wan gave you for this place?"

Echo smacked his forehead. "I can't believe I'm such a di'kut."

The girl whisked it out of her purse and stuck it in his hand. "Yes. I know. What would you do without me. You're welcome. Get searching. And nothing over the top!"

Echo nodded and took a deep breath, then walked to the first case. He moved from case to case before he stopped, and waved them over. "Guys… I think I found it."

He pointed to a golden knot ring with tiny sparkling stones set along the tangled loops.

It was so Ella.

Ahsoka nodded, "Yes! That's it!"

"Can I help you?" a young woman asked.

Ahsoka stepped forward. "I'm getting a ring for my sister. She's leaving to get married and I wanted to get her something special to remind her of us." She pointed at the ring, "Can I get the knot one?"

She smiled, "Aww, that's so sweet. Absolutely."

From there the transaction went quickly, and Echo walked out with the largest smile his brothers had ever seen splitting across his face.

"Thanks, Ahsoka, and guys," he said as they all piled into the speeder.

"We barely did anything but stand there," Rex said. "You know her better than you give yourself credit for."

Echo shrugged, blushing furiously. Then he peeked at the ring again, smiling widely.

"I can't wait to give this to her."

I can't wait either, Rex thought proudly. My little brother is getting married.

•~§~•

Ella spun before the mirror, a magical tingly feeling burning in her heart as the pure white dress spun around her, its light veil-like material billowing and surrounding her in an enchanting mist.

Her long hair was down, a thick braid crowning the top. A sparkling silver starburst was clipped at the back of her head in the center of the braid, and two matching ones twinkled from her ears. Her locket rested over her heart.

She lifted the hem of her long skirt to peer at the shoes, which were heels but much more supportive than the spear-tipped sadists she'd been forced to inhabit before. These were of a lighter brown leather color and tied up tight, securing her feet. A floral pattern of lace decorated the sides.

Ella stepped back with her hands on her hips, smacking her lips. She'd chosen Echo's favorite gloss again, and they glimmered softly in the dim glow of her fairy lights.

She'd do fine.

The doorbell rang and someone opened it.

"Echo! Well don't you look nice!" Mama exclaimed.

"Thank you, ma'am," came the shy reply.

"Ella will be out in a minute, she's just putting the finishing touches on herself. Wanna Wait in the living room?"

"Yes ma'am. Thank you."

Ella heard their steps heading into that part of the apartment and her brothers' greetings. She slipped out and began to walk down the hall, when she was intercepted.

"There's my little Ellie girl," Daddy said joyfully. He took her hand and twirled her around, nodding in approval. "You look stunning, Ella. He won't know what hit him."

Ella blushed and hugged her father. "Thank you, Daddy."

Then he gently pulled her back by the biceps. "Ella Grace Starrow, I'm so proud of you. I want you to know that. I'm proud of the work you've done to get through college, and for getting the job you've dreamt of for the last few years. I'm proud of the type of man you love, the man you gave your heart to, and the beautiful woman you have come to be. I love you, Ellie girl."

She hugged her father again and kissed his cheek, a mist rising in her eyes. "Oh Daddy.. I love you too. Thank you so much. You have always been the most amazing father to me. Thank you for showing me what a good man looks like."

He blinked hard and looked away, "Aww, honey. You better go stun your boyfriend before the waterworks erupt and you'll ruin your makeup and I'll ruin my dignity, because I'm not a pretty crier like you."

Elk laughed and took a steadying breath. Then she let her father escort her out to meet her man.

When Echo saw her, he froze and his eyes widened almost comically. His jaw dropped and it looked like he forgot how to breathe. He shook himself to clear his dazed mind, then breathed, "Vheh a'oatr… you are absolutely angelic."

Ella walked over to him and flung her arms around him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Eyayah. You look really handsome too."

"Um, Echo?"

"Yes Amon?"

The boy squirmed, "What is it that you called Ella? Vay odor?"

Echo laughed and shook his head, "It's mando'a again. 'Vey ah-ote-ehr.'"

"Vey ah-ote-ehr. What's it mean?"

Ella flushed.

Echo smiled at her before answering, "It means 'earth angel.'"

"Oh!" Thalis exclaimed, "Like the song?"

Echo nodded, "She sang it once and I thought it described her quite well."

"What about what she called you?" Olvet asked.

"Eyayah. It means 'echo.'"

"Ee-yah-yah?" Amon tried.

"Very good," Echo encouraged.

"I think yours is sweeter," Amon declared. "It's more creative."

Echo laughed, "Depends on how you look at it. I think hers is sweeter because I love it when she says it. Her voice is sweeter. And echo, though it is my name, means something to her too."

"How?"

Ella stepped in here, "Well, what is an echo?"

"Him!" Amon said.

They all laughed.

"Well, yes, but what is an echo that he got his name from?" she prompted.

Olvet answered, "A sound that repeats?"

"Yes," Ella said, "Or a sound that comes back. Echo's name is a special promise that he'll also come back to me."

"No matter how long it takes or how far I have to go, or how hard it is," Echo said.

There was a moment of silence.

Then Mama gasped, "Speaking of long, you've been here too long and if you don't head out you're going to be late!"

Echo and Ella leapt to their feet and raced towards the door.

"Wait! One picture?" Mama begged.

Ella nodded and wrapped her arm around Echo's shoulders as he rested his hand around her waist. They smiled at one another as the data pad captured the moment.

"Perfect!" Mama said. "Now go and have fun, be safe, and stay together."

"Not a problem!" Echo replied jovially before whisking them out the door.

•~§~•

Twirling skirts swirled past in a blur of color under the shifting dim lights. But Echo didn't have eyes for anyone but the girl in his arms. When he saw her tonight, a vision almost completely in white, he wondered if he'd been asleep for some time and was waking up at their wedding. Not that he'd complain.

"You're doing fine you know," she said, her head against his hammering heart.

"Just know it isn't purposeful if I crush your beautiful feet," he replied.

"Good thing I wore these shoes. They protect me a whole lot better than the evil things you had to take for me."

"Hmm. Did I tell you how absolutely amazing you look? You make the dress look like a masterpiece."

"And that is the right way to compliment a girl's looks," she murmured. "What do they teach you on Kamino to make you this adept at flirting and girls?"

"Uh, to not interact with them since they are a distraction from the cause?"

"Oh, distracting?" she cooed, tilting her head so her skin glowed in the light crept across her skin in a warm glow. It was tantalizing not to be able to kiss her.

"Increasingly distracting," he breathed huskily.

"Care to show me how distracting?" she enticed.

Oh do I ever.

Echo pulled her from the dance floor and down a hallway. He opened a closet and pulled her in, closing the door behind them. Without a second wasted, he captured her lips, his hands needy but careful as he clutched her dress, wanting her closer, closer than anyone had ever been before.

Ella gripped his shoulders, fisting the material of his uniform in her fingers, just as desperate to be near him.

Echo felt as if he were being consumed by raw flames, and the agony wasn't pain, but a million warm embraces and a million sensations he couldn't comprehend or get enough of.

But he must. At least for now.

He gasped for air as they slowed their wordless admissions of how much they loved each other, pulling her against him to steady them both. Echo cleared his throat and panted out, "Distracted yet?"

She just nodded against him.

Echo smiled smugly, then opened the door and glanced out. No one was in the hall. He ushered Ella out and escorted her to the ladies room, waiting outside.

As he leaned against a wall, someone tapped his shoulder. He turned to see a young woman with glossy purple hair and blue skin. Her eyes were a honeycomb gold.

Pantoran.

"Good evening, sir," she greeted warmly. "I'm Riyo Chuchi."

Echo gasped. "Echo, of the 501st. A pleasure to meet you, my lady."

She smiled and took his hand, "How is Ella?"

He returned her smile, shaking her hand, "She's well. I'm just waiting on her to— oh! Here she is."

Ella walked to his side and quickly recognized the young lady. "Ella. Ella Starrow."

"Call me Riyo, both of you," she pleaded. "I get Chuchi or Senator all the time unless I'm with Padme."

"Absolutely," Ella said, then lowered her voice, "Thank you so very much for doing this for us. I can't tell you how much it means to us."

Riyo nodded, "Believe me, I am just as giddy. I've always wanted to host a wedding there. Yours will be the first, and likely the best. I like you already, and Echo is quite a gentleman. You're a lucky woman."

Aww, I'm blushing. And he was, like scarlet roses.

"That I am," Ella replied, beaming up at him with her beautiful brown eyes, stealing all coherent thought away.

"Would you mind joining me in the room over here? Padme is waiting. She and I wanted to discuss some details for your wedding."

Ella nodded and took Echo's arm. "Shall we?"

He nodded, "Lead the way."

:

:

:

:

:

Mando'a Translations

Vheh a'oatr - earth angel

Eyayah - echo

Di'kut - idiot

Vod'ika - little brother

Ori'vod - big brother

Thalis - not a translation but a pronunciation note. Thalis is pronounced Tal-iss.

Olvet - Ole-veht

Amon - Am - ohn

Manicha - Monica but breathier.

:

:

:

Thanks y'all! Hope you like!

:

: