Chapter Seven

The night wind was soft, rushing over and around her like a cool stream, submerging her in liquid soul. Her bare feet caressed the ticklish grass beneath her, just a few feet before the precipice. A tsunami of fog rolled and tumbled, desecrating the open air, concealing the land thousands of miles below her. Ella opened her eyes again to gaze up at the glittering canvas of stars, strewn about like billions of diamonds shattered from a priceless necklace.

"It is lovely up here, isn't it?" a soft voice behind her mused.

The girl turned, her long hair swirling around her in silky ribbons of cinnamon. When she saw the speaker, Ella flung her arms around him, smiling ebulliently. "It is. Thank you for bringing me here." She kissed him chastely.

The man laughed against her lips, kissing her back affectionately. "I wanted our anniversary to be memorable."

"How could I ever forget?" she asked, scandalized at the thought.

He spread a blanket out on the ground and lay down, staring at her until she fell into his arms again. "Ever since we started our life here, I've been planning to bring you up here and watch the sun rise with you."

"I'm glad you did."

"You'll be even more happy that I did in a few hours," he declared slyly.

She elbowed him, "Eyayah, what are you planning?"

He pulled her close with a hand across her rump, "To never, ever let you go. Especially today. It's been a long, long time in coming, but this is how I dreamed of spending our life together. You and me, together." Then he claimed her lips before she could utter a word in reply.

After he let her breathe again, she panted, "I thought we were watching the sunrise, darling."

He laughed. "Yes. But who says we have to just lay here while we wait? I have quite a store of ideas—"

Ella pulled him back down again, effectively silencing him.

•~§~•

Ella jerked awake, gasping as she pondered her dream. It was all so real. She lifted her hand and rested the tips of her fingers against tingling lips.

The young woman sighed and threw her legs over the side of her bed, turning on a lamp. What time was it?

The chrono on the wall indicated that it was a quarter to five.

Standing up, she stumbled over to the closet and grabbed an ankle-length, creamy dress and some grey flats. She wanted to feel pretty today.

I feel so tired. A shower might help that.

Ella turned the handle for the sanisteam… nothing. Not a drop.

The girl sighed sadly. She needed a shower, and before work too.

An idea popped into her head. One she later regretted.

Ella grabbed her bottles of hair supplies and body scrub, her toiletries and her towels, and put them all in a bag with her clothes in another pocket. Then she grabbed her fluffy white robe and slippers and slipped down the hall.

•~§~•

It was early. He knew it was early. But he couldn't stop thinking about her! Every time he'd close his eyes, he'd dream of her.

Echo turned again, sighing. The snores and mumbles of his brothers reverberated around him.

Not gonna get sleep no matter what I do.

He stood up and grabbed a clean pair of underwear and blacks, and headed towards the bathroom. Maybe he'd have a chance to just relax. The thought of warm water rolling over his bruised and aching shoulders and back made him shiver with delight.

Yes. A nice, hot shower will be just the thing I need.

Charily, he tiptoed past the rows upon rows of bunks and brothers, occasionally working his way over or around random cuddle piles.

Finally, Echo opened the door to the little hallway that ran between the bathroom and the barracks. Sometimes, they weren't fully clothed when they journeyed to and from the bathroom, and this helped them get there privately. It was a men's barracks after all.

Echo moved towards the back of the shower room, wanting to be as far away from the door as possible. Stripping out of his underwear and… socks, he opened one stall, leaving his clothes and towel on the outside. He was the only one in here, so why bother?

The hot water felt amazing. Echo moaned in ecstasy, leaning back so he could get as wet as possible. He'd always loved water. His brothers thought he was odd for that. Unless you were a scuba bro, you hated water. Kamino was all water - you wanted nothing to do with Kamino once you were deployed.

But Echo had always found it soothing, and took to it as if he were a fish - fully reliant upon the substance. Someday, he wanted to go to a beach, somewhere. It would be a great vacation, if he ever managed to get one.

Do clones get vacations?

The trooper sighed, shampooing his hair and scrubbing clean. He almost left it at that, then shrugged and picked up the conditioner. Fives liked it, and his hair was always really soft.

Maybe Ella will like it too, he wondered.

It smelled a bit synthetic, but there was a faint tropical scent as well. He looked at the bottle.

Muja fruit and spice.

Hmm.

It sounded yummy.

Echo rinsed off once more time, then walked out and grabbed the towel, drying his hair.

The door that opened to the hallway hissed as someone entered. His head was still inside the towel when he heard someone gasp.

Probably just a shiny coming back from their nightwatch or something.

He lifted the towel from his head, turning to see who was there.

A deafening moment of silence descended.

Then they both screamed.

Ella ran into the nearest stall, shutting it behind her.

Echo turned around, wrapping his towel around his waist as quickly as he could before grabbing his clothes and sliding back into the stall he'd just emerged from, slamming the door.

"Uh… umm…" she ventured, her voice high.

"Ella…?" Echo squeaked back. What is she doing here?

"I-I can explain!" she promised.

"Okay?"

She sighed, "I woke up and knew I couldn't go back to sleep, so I decided to get a shower. Except my water isn't working now. So… I thought no one would be in here…"

Echo groaned, feeling as if his entire body was blushing in fifty shades of scarlet and vermillion. "Okay." He gulped. "H-How much did you see?"

There was quiet. Then, "You have three freckles on your abdomen?"

Echo felt heat surge through him again and sank to the floor, burying his face in his hands. "Oh Maker…"

"It's… I'm sorry."

He shook his head, then remembered he couldn't hear that. "No. It's okay. I… I suppose you've probably seen it all before."

"Well… um…"

"Being a nurse?"

"Oh! Yes, I have."

An awkwardness stretched for what seemed like forever.

You should dress and get out of here, he thought to himself.

You still have to shave.

I don't care! I'll come back later!

What about Ella?

She probably wants me to leave too.

But what if someone comes in? You know how everyone is; they could poke their heads in or grab her ankle for sport thinking it's a brother, or even slip in there only to find it's Ella. You want to put her through that?

Echo groaned. Of course he didn't want her to be so embarrassed. It wasn't her fault that her shower wasn't working.

Bravely, he put aside that screeching feeling that he wanted to jump out the airlock and be over with this humiliation, and cleared his throat. "I'm going to dress, and stand guard while you shower. You don't have to hurry or worry."

She didn't respond for a few tense seconds, and Echo began to wonder if he'd overstepped. Then, "Are you sure? I won't get you in trouble or anything?"

He sighed in relief, and replied, "Not at all. I have to shave anyway, so I'll be here awhile. You have your clothes in there, right?"

"Of course."

Duh. Not all people leave their clothes outside the stall when they shower. What were you thinking Echo?

"Alright. Just making sure."

After a pause, the sanisteam turned on. Echo sighed and slipped into his clothes, then washed his face and began to shave.

He was just checking to make sure he hadn't missed anything, when he heard the rises and falls of a song, ricocheting off the tile walls and echoing around him.

"It's not the pale moon that excites me

That thrills and delights me.

Oh no.

It's just the nearness of you.

It isn't your sweet conversation

That brings this sensation.

Oh no.

It's just the nearness of you.

When your in my arms, and I feel you

So close to me.

All my wildest dreams came true.

I don't need no soft lights to enchant me.

If you will only grant me,

The right to hold you ever so tight

And to feel in the night

The nearness of you."

Her voice was so sweet and mesmerizing that he put down the razor and just leaned against the sink, listening intently.

"Earth angel, earth angel, will you be mine?

My darling dear, love you all the time?

I'm just a fool. A fool in love with you.

Earth angel, earth angel, the one I adore.

Love you forever and evermore.

I'm just a fool. A fool in love with you.

I fell for you and I knew the vision of your loveliness.

I hope, and I pray, that someday

I'll be the vision of your happiness.

Earth angel, earth angel, please be mine.

My darling dear, love you all the time.

I'm just a fool. A fool in love with you."

The water turned off, and a few minutes later, the girl walked out in a clingy white dress. The wispy sleeves hung loose above the elbows, and a dark blue sash caressed her slim waist. Soft grey flats tapped softly as she made her way to the sink.

"Is it okay if I dry my hair and do my makeup in here?" she asked softly.

Echo could only nod mutely, too transfixed to take time for a coherent thought.

The girl plugged in some sort of device and began drying her hair. Gradually, bouncing brown curls fell over her shoulders and spilled over and down her back. She leaned over, gathering her hair before her face and loosened it at the crown before flipping and arranging it before the mirror.

The trooper hadn't moved an inch, watching as if it were the last thing he'd ever see.

If I could fall harder I'd break in pieces.

Satisfied with her hair, Ella took out a little bag of products and began to apply them to her face. When she turned his way, he really couldn't see much difference.

What imperfections did she have to hide beneath the powder? What was meant to be concealed beneath her captivating brown eyes? He had to admit, the blush added a sweet pinkness to her cheeks, but he liked adding that on his own.

Then she took out a little stick of lip balm. His world revolved around watching her tender movements as she buttered those soft lips, then painted them with a clear glittery gloss to make them shimmer. That was the part he could condone out of all this makeup business.

Before she slipped the gloss back into the bag, he caught sight of the label.

Cotton candy.

Ohh.

It took everything in him not to lean forward and see what it tasted like from her lips.

Ella smiled and turned to face him. "Thank you, Echo. And… I'm sorry about earlier."

Echo shook his head, "Uh… uh, no don't worry. It-it was no problem, r-really."

You bumbling besalisk.

Ella gathered her bag together and returned to stand beside him. "Thanks for guarding me," she murmured.

"Anytime," he replied, breathily.

Ella turned and was about to leave, then she swiveled around and came to face him again. Their noses were painfully close.

"Uhm," she whispered, "breakfast?"

Echo froze. She wants to have breakfast with me?

He hurriedly nodded. "Uh, um, just let me get my armor."

Spinning around, he sprinted to the barracks, leaping over and weaving through cuddle piles until he fell to his knees in front of his own bunk. He opened his armor drawer with caution, grabbing up the container of protective plates, then slowly toeing it shut again. Echo almost dropped the box nearly five times on his way back to the bathroom.

Ella was still there when he came back. He slipped behind a curtain and clipped the pieces of his armor on as quickly as he could.

Is this a date? What if it isn't? What if it is! Oh, Maker, I'm such a wreck!

Echo tripped over his own feet as he flung back the curtain, catching himself before he fell. He heard Ella laugh guiltily.

"Alright," he said, and followed her out and towards the mess.

Don't mess this up, Echo. Don't you dare mess this up!

•~§~•

Ella felt as if she were on top of the world as she and Echo took a seat in the mess. This was really happening!

"Would you like some caf?" he offered, then his eyes widened and he smacked his forehead. "You don't drink coffee. Right. Tea then?"

Ella nodded. He remembered.

Echo stood to get them their beverages, then paused, "I'm afraid I can't offer you more than ration bars or blocks."

Ella smiled and stood too, "But I can."

He looked confused.

"Don't worry. You'll see when you get back.

He nodded hesitantly, then walked towards the tea and caf stations.

Ella entered the kitchens, grabbing two plates off a shelf as she opened a large storage box. There were muffins. Three kinds. Cinnamon crumble, blueberry, and banana nut. Ella grabbed one each for him and two cinnamon for herself. Then she slipped back out, leaving no trace that she'd even been there except for the five missing muffins.

Echo was slowly making his way back to the table with a cup of caf and a steeping cup of tea on a tray. Honey sticks and cream were balanced in between the mugs. Gingerly, he set it down then took a seat.

"Maridun Breakfast Tea," he said cheerfully, handing her the cup and saucer.

"Thank you," she replied gratefully.

His eyes widened as he saw the muffins. "What… how?"

Ella smiled, at submerging two honey sticks in her tea and stirring in cream. "I work in the kitchens sometimes. You know, for the admiral and civvie techs."

"And you."

She nodded.

"What… what are they?" he asked, his tone near reverence.

Her smile turned bittersweet. It hurt that he didn't know a muffin when he saw one. It's unfair. So unfair, she raged mentally. But no one would've known if they saw her. She inclined her head and exclaimed, "Muffins!"

His eyebrows quirked, "Muffins…"

She nodded, "This one is cinnamon, this is blueberry, and the last is banana nut."

He shook his head, shocked. "I… I can't. It's not allowed."

She rolled her eyes, "If anyone sees and has the gall to complain, I will stand up for you. I promise. And besides, do you think Skywalker or Ahsoka would really let you be taken away from us for eating muffins?"

Echo considered this, then nodded and studied the muffins intently.

Ella giggled. "Why are you scrutinizing your breakfast like it's some poison from Mustafar?"

Echo blushed, "Sorry. I'm trying to figure out which to try first."

Ella thought for a moment. "Alphabetically?"

This made him bark out a laugh, then he nodded and reached for the banana nut muffin, slowly biting into it.

Echo's eyes widened, then rolled to the back of his head. "Mmm…"

Ella smirked. "That good?"

He nodded, looking almost tearful, "Mmm hmmph!"

Echo finished the muffin, savoring every bite. Then he tried the blueberry. This produced a similar reaction, though it was clear he still loved the first muffin the best.

Finally he picked up cinnamon. Ella picked up hers with him, taking a bite at the same time.

Echo whimpered. His chewing slowed down and his eyes fluttered shut, trying to enjoy every millisecond.

When he finished, Ella leaned forward, "Well?"

He nodded, "I… I like muffins. Especially the last one. That was…" he shook his head. "It was so good."

Ella just smiled and took a sip of her tea. "I could tell."

Echo flushed, ducking his head.

The girl grinned as an idea popped into her head. She reached out and lay her hand atop his, waiting for him to raise his head, which didn't take long at all. Echo eyed her inquisitively, eyes darting between their hands and her face.

"Sometime when you're free, I'll teach you how to make them."

He gasped as if she'd told him he'd won the lottery and the war was over. "You really mean it?"

She nodded, beaming. "Yes! Really!"

Echo grinned appreciatively. "Thank you."

She took his other hand. "It's my pleasure."

Anything to get more time with you.

•~§~•

Echo lay on his back, staring up at the bottom of Fives' bed. Tonight he wasn't so hopeless when it came to getting sleep. He was weary, worn out from a full day of drills and sparring. The captain had had them on their feet and at each other's throats since he had them all in one place. And he would dream happily tonight. He'd stay asleep, he was sure.

Ella had spent as much time as they'd had with him, parting at the door of the medbay after he'd walked her there himself. He sprinted to the gym to make up for his almost-lateness (late for him,) and nearly was chewed out by Rex. But the captain had seen something in his eyes or stance, and gave him a smirk instead.

'Try to be earlier next time, soldier. If not, it'll mean consequences,' he'd warned, a light tugging at his lips.

Thanks Captain, Echo whispered mentally as he let sleep press down on his eyes. Before he gave in completely, his mind wandered to a young woman with vibrant cinnamon hair and dark chocolate eyes that his own mimicked, just a few shades lighter. A young woman with soft, comforting hands and a heavenly voice, and a precious heart.

I love you, Ella, he spoke through the distance between his heart and hers, hoping that as she slept, she'd feel loved unconditionally. I love you with everything in me, and I'll never stop, no matter what.