"Another year gone," Obi-Wan mused.
"Feeling sentimental, old man?"
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin. "Only the slightest. Aren't you?"
Anakin grinned. "Maybe."
"Well, I'm glad the year's over," Ahsoka said, pointedly flopping down onto the couch between Anakin and Obi-Wan. She didn't drink champagne like the actual adults—Padmé had given her sparkling apple cider, which was fine, and Ahsoka had mostly just watched in mild amusement as everyone's faces grew steadily more flushed, voices more relaxed.
"Who's glad the year's over?" Padmé asked. She came over with Rex, who was less flushed than the others, but still more…smiley. Ahsoka made mental note to take pictures later.
"Everyone, I think," Ahsoka said, making herself smaller so that everyone could fit on the couch. That wasn't really necessary though—the couch was big enough for the five of them. Ahsoka was warm all over, and not just because she was surrounded.
She became more aware of everything else around her, too. Next to her, Anakin and Obi-Wan shifting a little for Rex and Padmé. In front of her, the fire flickering red and orange. Above her somewhere, the faintest buzz of the lights. Outside, the dull roar of people counting down the seconds until the new year officially arrived.
Ten…nine…eight…
Ahsoka closed her eyes. Another year gone.
She was sixteen years old right now. In the next few months, she would be seventeen. She would have been fighting in a war for nearly three years.
She supposed she should be bitter about that. She knew some of her friends were.
Seven…six…five…
Ahsoka opened her eyes, looked at the people around her. She wondered if they felt the same.
Four…three…two…
The world outside exploded in fireworks and confetti and music. Voices—thousands on top of thousands on top of thousands—ringing over the city, carrying a song that Ahsoka recognized from past years. Drawn to the sudden excitement, Ahsoka jumped up from the couch.
"Guys," she said, looking out over the balcony, "look!"
A few moments later, she felt her friends gather around her. They looked out over the city, all bright lights and brighter colors. Above all the fireworks, Ahsoka could hear the shouts of triumph from everyone else on the planet—happy new year! Another year gone, another year worth beginning.
Ahsoka smiled, resting her arms around Obi-Wan and Anakin's shoulders. She heard huffs of laughter around herself, but she knew they didn't mind.
Another year gone, another year beginning.
Ahsoka looked at the fireworks.
She couldn't wait.
A/N: Well, there we are!
Thank you guys so much for sticking around with this story!
I know that this year was really hard for all of us—and while this year's problems won't be magically fixed in a day, I hope that things will at least get better for everyone. That said, I wish you all nothing but happiness and healing in this coming year. ❤️