The Double Date
A.N: Timeline setting: About a month after Operation Cinder. Enjoy the fluff overload.
General Hera Syndulla, was not a general tonight, at least that was what Kanan had ordered of her.
Initially, Hera had been sceptical. What was Kanan up to? What did he mean by 'not a general tonight'?
She had asked him, naturally, what he meant, and his response had been simple yet odd, especially coming from someone like him.
"Tonight Hera, you're just a normal woman heading out for a night of fun with yours truly."
Hera had rolled her eyes dramatically at Kanan's statement. What was supposed to be something complimentary directed at her ended up being another flounce of his ego, not that she minded. Kanan didn't particularly have a large ego, and it was also fun to watch him get a chance to show off.
That it was with words was different this time. He had become someone withdraw in recent years, especially after Malachor. His spirit to do the right thing wasn't gone, nor was his determination.
But instead, he seemed more like the Jedi of old. Reserved, yet wise.
It was no wonder then that he had been offered a place as a council member in the formation of a new and different Jedi Order.
Hera suspected that Ahsoka had something to do with that.
And so now here she was, walking arm in arm with Kanan down a luscious street in Aldera, the capital of Alderaan. Glancing at the Jedi she walked with, Hera couldn't help but admire the smart suit like outfit he had on tonight.
'He cleans up good!' Hera thought.
Mind you, she had thought similar things before.
Hera herself was also in an unusual style of dress, one that she wouldn't normally ever wear. A long wispy dress, not too provocative, but one that showed dignity and respect, as well as appeal.
Kanan had said that he loved how she looked in it when they had gotten off the Ghost for wherever they were going. When she had questioned how he knew due to his lack of eyesight, his response had made her stomach flutter in joy.
"I can always see you Hera Syndulla."
And so they walked, Hera admiring the view, taking in the various neon signs of the posh and regal shops and restaurants.
Kanan had still not told her what was going on. She figured it was a date of some kind. Their lifestyle had never allowed them to have a real date before, and Hera was honestly unsure what to do.
Did they just randomly pick out a place to eat? Were they supposed to book a table in advance?
"Where exactly are we going Kanan, and what are we doing dressed up like this?" Hera spoke softly, clinging to Kanan in affection.
"I've booked us a table at a nice little place that Senator Organa recommended. He said it would suit us all well."
"But Kanan we've never been on a date before, at least not like this.
"You mean Gorse wasn't a date?"
"When we first met? No, of course not. Why? Did you think it was?"
"Maybe. No."
Hera rolled her eyes again at the banter. She and Kanan had always shared such a relationship, and it was one she thoroughly enjoyed.
They continued to walk down the street, passing by other people of various species and gender as they too enjoyed their evenings. It was calm and serene, a far cry from their normal lifestyle.
And then something clicked in Hera's mind.
"What do you mean by the way by 'all of us'? Who else is coming?"
For a moment Hera dreaded that Kanan was referring to the rest of the crew of the Ghost.
She loved them all dearly, she really did. But this was her and Kanan's time, right?
A small smile came to Kanan's face as he pulled Hera in another direction, down another brightly neon lighted street.
"Cause it won't be just us. Turns out we know some other people who have never been on a date together before, so I figured I'd invite them along for fun."
Hera was surprised at how organized Kanan was. Going to this length to organize now what sounded like a double date was not easy.
"So, who else is coming then?" Hera questioned, thinking through the various possibilities in her head.
For a moment, a humorous image of Ezra and Sabine popped into her head sitting next to one another awkwardly, before it promptly vanished.
Kanan didn't verbally respond, but rather pointed with his free arm towards an exquisite looking restaurant, and in particular two people who stood outside of it equally well dressed.
"Hey Kanan, glad you and Hera could make it." Kaeden Larte's cheerful voice greeted the human and twi-lek as they approached.
'Ah, this makes sense.' Hera thought was she was released by Kanan and quickly brought into an embrace by Kaeden.
Beside the dark skinned human, Ahsoka Tano stood, an equally confused look on her face as was on Hera's.
"If it makes you feel any better, Ahsoka didn't know anything about this either. Kaeden and I worked on it together." Kanan spoke from behind Hera, his voice full of cheek and humour, to which Hera snorted in return.
Hera wasn't angry. She might have originally preferred a night out alone with Kanan, but a night out with friends was just as good. It would be nice to catch up with the other pair, having not seen either of them since the mission to take down the Emperor.
Stepping back from the embrace with Kaeden, Hera's eyes briefly went over the attire of her friends.
Kaeden was dressed in a dress much like hers, one that showed her confidence in who she was. Hera had to admire that.
Ahsoka was another case. Her dress was long, yet revealed more skin than Hera would have expected from the Togruta woman. But she looked uncomfortable.
Hera understood. Ahsoka was a warrior through and through, not use to wearing clothing such as what she currently wore. Hera herself had been uncomfortable at first, but she had adapted, and she was no doubt sure that Ahsoka would too.
"It's good to see you Ahsoka. That dress suits you." Hera remarked, offering a friendly smile to her friend, to which the Togruta grimaced back slightly.
"I feel ridiculous." Ahsoka muttered in return, one of her hands playing with an edge of the dress in discomfort.
"Nonsense, you look great. Now come on, let's go get our table." Kaeden spoke from beside Ahsoka, pulling her along and into the restaurant.
Beside her, Kanan appeared, once more offering his arm to her.
"My Lady?" He spoke, his voice calm and respectful.
Hera only smiled as she took it in response, following their friends inside the restaurant.
A few moments later, the group of four had been seated at one of the best tables in the restaurant, where they were both isolated enough they could freely talk, and watch the food being prepared at the same time.
The only mishap that had occurred so far had been when the waiter had arrived with four menus in his hand, offering one to each on the table.
Kanan had looked straight up at the man, a serious look on his face that Hera could tell was one of jest and spoke.
"Really, you're gonna give me a menu? I'm blind!"
The waiter had broken down into a series of desperate apologies, offering a meal on the house in response as well as other solutions to appease his apparently offended guest.
In the end, Kanan had simply dropped the act, laughing and smiling at the man and calming him down.
"Don't worry about it buddy, stuff like this happens. How were you supposed to know?"
And just like that the situation had been resolved, the waiter leaving the table with an order of food and drinks at his disposal.
Hera allowed herself to get comfortable, listening to the soft sound of music and discussion that emanated from the other guests around them.
"This was a good idea Kanan. Can't believe it was yours though?" Hera spoke, gentle teasing in her voice.
"What is this, pick on Kanan day?" Kanan replied, another look of fake annoyance on his face.
"So, how's things going with the rebellion? I heard they promoted you to General?" Ahsoka's voice flowed from the other side of the table towards Hera. The Togruta looked more at ease now that she was settled and waiting.
"Good, we took out Admiral Versio recently. Thrawn showed up out of nowhere and offered to help us of all things." Hera replied, her 'general' voice on in a second.
The unexpected actions of the Chiss had been a cause of great concern for a while, but he had upheld his end of the bargain offering support and supplies to the rebellion in exchange for a place to rest on occasion.
They weren't friends, not really. More like acquaintances.
"That's good then, with Versio down Rax is the only real threat left. Have the rebellion been able to find him yet?" Ahsoka continued as their drinks arrived.
"Thrawn thinks he's above Jakku, but we don't have the firepower to attack him yet. Apparently the Emperor's flagship, the Eclipse is there. We can't conventionally beat that thing." Hera replied, reaching across to her drink to take a small sip. Its taste was fruity, with a small pinch of alcohol in it. Not enough to get her drunk, but enough for there to be a pleasant bite to it.
"You'll get him soon Hera, I believe in you." Ahsoka replied, a smile on her face as she reached for her own drink somewhat apprehensively.
"It's not going to poison you Ahsoka." Kaeden spoke from beside her, her own drink in her hand.
Ahsoka seemed to debate for a few seconds, before taking a small sip of her drink. Her face briefly contorted in surprise at the taste, before she placed the drink back down on the table.
"First time drinking?" Kanan's voice came across the table. Hera had expected there to be traces of humour in it directed at the Togruta, but there was none. Instead, his tone was reserved and almost cautious.
It hadn't escaped her attention either that Kanan had ordered a glass of water, rather than an alcoholic drink.
Ahsoka seemed to contemplate the question of a moment, almost as if she was sensing too that Kanan was unsure about something.
"Yeah. Tastes like death though." Ahsoka replied, clearly not impressed.
"You get used to it, the taste I mean, Just don't go overboard. It's easy to get addicted to the stuff. Even harder to stop." Kana replied with confidence.
Hera would never say it allowed, but she was proud of him.
Reaching down beneath the table, she lightly squeezed his hand in understanding.
Kanan squeezed back.
"So, what's it like being a Jedi councillor? Everything they said it was back in the temple crèche?" Ahsoka shifted the conversation again, earning an odd look from Kaeden beside her.
"I knew you had something to do with that!" Kanan all but burst out, his face turning into one of mock aggression, earning a chuckle from Ahsoka.
"Sorry. They asked me first, but I thought you'd be better suited for the job with a padawan and all." Ahsoka replied, experimentally testing out her drink again.
Kanan seemed content. It had surprised her when Kanan had mentioned he was going to be a councillor on the new Jedi council. He had apparently been asked to bring his unique outlook and experiences to the fold.
And under Kanan's guidance both Obi-Wan and Vos had seen that attachment, and the use of emotion was not a bad thing. It both held the Jedi back, and had been their doom in the past.
"Don't worry about it Ahsoka. I was surprised at first, and it's a lot of hard work, especially when some new kid comes along asking to be trained. But it's rewarding, that's the important part. Hopefully Master Billiba is proud of me." Kanan responded, his voice taking on what Hera called his Jedi Master tone, one that was respectful and wise, especially for one as young as him.
"I'm sure she is Kanan." Ahsoka responded, a gentle smile on her face.
"Still wish you'd join us though. We could sure use you, especially for lightsaber practise." Kanan quipped afterwards, a smile on his face.
Ahsoka chose not to reply, instead shifting her head to Hera again.
"So, how's Kallus and Cassian doing with the Fulcrum network? Has it all fallen apart yet?"
Hera was about to reply when the annoyed voice of Kaeden interrupted them, a sad look on her face.
"Come on guys! We came out for a night of fun, not a business meeting. Can't we just forget about it all for one night and just be ourselves?"
The other three members of the group seemed despondent at first. Truth be told that was who they were. Rebels, not civilians. They lived their lives this way.
Hera was about to point out that fact when Ahsoka spoke first, her hand resting on Kaeden's arm be squeezing it.
"Yeah, your right."
Small talk shifted away from business to pleasure. Kaeden enquired about the Ghost crew in general, as well as asking after her sister.
In return, Hera questioned Ahsoka about her own journeys, acquiring artefacts of both Jedi and Sith culture.
Roughly twenty minutes later, food arrived.
Hera looked across the table at the large slab of meat that Ahsoka had ordered. It was cooked, there was no question about that, but it still looked raw.
When she questioned it, Ahsoka smirked, but it was Kaeden that replied.
"Togruta are carnivores."
'Well,' Hera thought, 'you learn something new every day.'
The four ate in relative silence, only pausing to trade the traditional inquiries about the state of each other's food.
When all was eaten, and a dessert ordered by Kanan of all people, the conversation shifted to more bizarre talk.
"So? What's the most dangerous mission you lot have ever been on?" Kaeden inquired, her voice full of both mischief and mirth.
"Malachor." Kanan answered first, gesturing to his eyes in the process. That caused a stab of pain inside of Hera. The memory of the day he came back without his sight haunted her dreams.
"Atollon." Hera selected, remembering the sheer force of power that Thrawn had brought down around them. She had been sure back then that that was the end for her and her team.
Luckily it had not been.
And then Ahsoka spoke.
"Mortis, I actually died there after all."
All three heads at the table turned to Ahsoka with a range of emotions. Kanan looked surprised but in awe at the statement, to which Hera understood.
But Kaeden's face was worse. It had a look of deep terror and concern, as well as dread on it.
Ahsoka meanwhile looked nonchalant about her words, taking a rather sizable gulp of her second glass of wine.
When she noticed everyone staring at her with shocked expressions, her eyes widened in realization.
"Oh, right, yeah. Boy is that a story."
"Ok, first crush?" Hera questioned, earning a splutter from Kanan as he choked on his dessert, as well as a brief flash of red in his cheeks.
Hera would admit that her senses and restraint were somewhat dulled by the alcohol she had consumed, as were both Ahsoka and Kaeden, the latter of which giggled slightly and the former swayed from side to side.
"Can't say I really had one." Kaeden answered first, clearly lying. Hera had anticipated this.
"Lux Bonteri." Ahsoka had replied. Out of the four of them, she was currently the most heavily affected by the alcohol she had consumed, which was evident by the brazen way she had answered the question.
"What about you Hera?" Kaeden enquired after a moment.
Hera thought back to her childhood. She had been raised during wartime, watching as her father and her people had fought for freedom. She had never really had time to take notice.
"No one really, what about you Kanan?"
Kanan's response was suspicious. He immediately turned his head away from her, seemingly sinking down in his seat as if he was trying to be invisible.
That meant that the answer was something scandalous.
"Ohhhh, Kanan's hiding something. Come on Kanan, who was it?" Hera teased, bumping her shoulder to his affectionately.
"I'm not gonna say it." Kanan replied, trying and failing to keep his tone level. Whatever the answer, it was embarrassing to him.
And Hera was determined to find out.
"Tell us. Was it someone at the temple? Don't tell me it was a master or something?" It was Ahsoka of all people who teased this time, her words coming out slightly slurred as she spoke.
Kanan then mumbled something under his breath. Neither Ahsoka nor Kaeden could make anything out of it, but Hera managed to. After years of knowing Kanan, she knew his quirks.
"What do you mean she's sitting at this table?!"
The evening continued to pass with ease, as each of the four friends enjoyed one another's company.
And then it happened.
"I don't feel so great."
Kaeden was by Ahsoka's side in an instant, ensuring that the heavily drunk Togruta was ok.
Shortly afterwards, when it looked like Ahsoka was done with her queasy stage, an unexpected sound came from her.
'HIC'
Kanan chuckled under his breath, and Hera was forced to contain a smirk as she listened to Ahsoka break out into a rhythm of hiccups, each louder than the last.
And then the drunk talk began.
"Have I ever told you I love the colour of your hair Hera? Green really suits you."
"I don't have any hair Ahsoka."
"Oh, really? What are those long things on your head then?"
"Lekku Ahsoka. You have them too."
"Do I? Oh, look at that I do. Wow they are so many pretty colours."
It was Kanan that reached across the table and picked up Ahsoka's now empty wine glass before she could request a fifth refill.
"I think you've had enough now Ahsoka." Kanan spoke, his voice calm and in teacher mode.
Ahsoka merely turned her now drunk gaze to Kanan, her eyes widening dramatically.
"Caleb? Why do you have lekku on your face?"
At that, Hera burst out laughing.
As expected, Ahsoka's descent into drunkenness marked the end of the night out for the friends. Kaeden had helped Ahsoka leave, promising to look after her.
Hera knew that Ahsoka would not be feeling great in the morning, and that she would need all the help she could get.
Not that she envied her.
Waving their friends off, Kanan once again offered his arm to Hera, which the Twi-lek immediately accepted.
"So, where to now Master Jedi?" Hera quipped, both pride and humour in her voice. She was half expecting to be taken back to the Ghost for the remainder of the night.
So it was a pleasant surprise when Kanan instead pulled her into an expensive hotel, revealing that they had a room booked for the night.
Suffice to say, Hera did not complain.
After checking in at reception, the duo headed to their room. Opening the door, Hera gasped at how luxurious the room was. A large balcony was present, overlooking the lakes of Alderaan's capital.
"This is beautiful!" Hera commented at the view as she felt Kanan join her.
"Yeah. If only I could see it."
Kanan's self-depreciation aside, Hera knew what he meant. Kanan may not have been able to physically see it, but no doubt the force was showing him something equally as beautiful.
"I had fun tonight Kanan. It was a good idea. We should do it again." Hera spoke quietly, leaning into Kanan slightly.
The Jedi knight chuckled lightly in response. "Good, cause I agree. I think Ahsoka had a pretty good night as well huh?"
Hera laughed in response as an image of their Togrutan friend completely wasted came to her head.
"Yeah, it was good to see them again." She replied.
"Hey, back in a sec. I need to get something." Kanan then said suddenly, disappearing back inside the room to fetch whatever it was he wanted.
That left Hera by herself on the balcony.
Aldera was beautiful. Hera had often dreamed about having a life like this. Glamour. Friends. Fun.
But despite that, she would never trade the life, and the family she had currently for this.
Behind her, Hera heard Kanan reappear.
"Hey, got a question for you. You mind?" Kanan voiced from behind her, not moving to take his place by her side again.
Hera paid it no mind. He would join her when he was ready.
"I always have time for you Kanan."
Kanan didn't say anything to begin with, but Hera did hear slightly shuffling from behind her.
When he still did not speak, nor more to join her, Hera turned, expecting to be face to face with her Jedi.
Except that she wasn't. Rather than standing before her, Kanan was crouched before her, his weight resting on one knee.
It was a perplexing position, one that almost looked like…
'No. Way.'
"I don't really know what the Twi-lek tradition for this is, and your father wouldn't tell me, so I figured I do it the human way for now and make it up to you later."
Hera could only stare opened mouthed at Kanan. He wasn't seriously about to…
"So, simple question. Hera Syndulla, will you marry me?"
Author's thoughts
Kanera shippers... you are welcome. :)
Seriously though, I hope you all loved this fluffy chapter. It was a nice change of pace to write for. As you can tell it was a heavy Kanera with a side order of Kaesoka for good measure. But don't worry Kaesoka shippers, they will get their own stuff soon.
So yeah, I had a pretty rubbish day emotionally so I figured I would upload this one shot for you all. Maybe I can make others happy even if I'm not at the moment huh?
Oh and as you can imagine, Hera did say yes at the end. :)
And now for the next tease regarding my super secret project: The ever kind and benevolent chancellor of the Republic will play a very important role in the story. After all, it's not like he's hiding anything now, is he?
Next one shot will focus on Luke and Leia as they are invited to visit a special place. Points for anyone who guesses where they are going. Here is a clue, it is on Naboo.
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
SLE's fave guest: That they are, though in Bail's case, his panic was legitimate. Kanan's on the other hand...
Travis Middleton: Glad you liked the three short stories in one. I like doing them as they contrast against one another well.
Vader was fun to write again, especially with him meeting Leia by accident. Kanan was just pure humour cause it fits him the best.
As for the unexpected Anakin appearance, I figured that would be the favourite of most. Clone Wars is great and Anakin and Ahsoka are just awesome when they are side by side.
The setting of my new project will be revealed at a later date.
As for how Vader knew Bail knew where Ahsoka was... he didn't. However, Bail was already under suspicion of being a rebel, but there was no proof to incriminate him. Vader was merely taking a gamble in trying to find evidence.
FossilQueen1984: Glad you liked all four stories. Bail's panic was just. Vader is enough to scare the average person, but when you know who he is and what you need to keep hidden from him he is extra terrifying.
Glad you liked the family dynamic I tried to forge.
Jayson-Master of Storm: Glad you enjoyed the fatherly dynamics in the one shot. It was fun to write.
Unfortunetly you will have to be patient for my new project. I am far from being ready to share it yet, but I will keep revealing new tidbits of info every one shot to please you all for now. I just hope I don't end up hyping it up too much. :)
MaybeImARebel: Thanks, glad you liked it. Hopefully this one it just as good.
Mysterious Guest number one: Glad you loved them. It's sad really that we never see Bail and Leia together in canon much, but it is pretty clear he loves her.
Kanan is trying really hard... maybe too hard though huh?
And yeah, the Anakin one was sad wasn't it. But I wanted to show the difference between Anakin and Vader, hence why they both appeared in the one shot in different settings. In time, Ahsoka will understand. She will accept what happened, but I doubt she will ever forgive to be fair. And rightfully so in my opinion.