Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Kick:

The road was dark, save the distant stars that dotted the night sky. No light to guide him as Anakin took the path home. He'd been out much later than he would have liked.

Since arriving on Shili, Anakin had been able to help out around the shops in town or nearby farms, providing his skills as a mechanic. When the locals were short on credits, they traded other products such as crops, meat, and so on.

Anakin had turned the garage behind their house into his workshop so he could work close to Ahsoka now that she was farther along in the pregnancy. But there were times he'd have to go between the farms, working on machines much too big to move. Times like today.

Luckily, this job provided actual money and even with Obi-Wan's generosity, it was always a good idea to put away the extra for emergencies, especially with a baby on the way.

Unfortunately, the downside to the job was that it had been much farther than he normally traveled from Ahsoka since arriving here Shili but always carried his com in case of any issues. Today however, it wasn't until he was on his way back that Anakin had realized he'd left his com at the house with Ahsoka by accident since he was in a rush to leave that morning.

It also didn't help that he forgot to wake Ahsoka before he left earlier that morning. Anakin had mentioned the job to her a few days prior but the more he thought about it, the more he worried she forgot.

He'd already been gone entire day. Of course, it wasn't the plan but there were unforeseen complications with the job. The farmer recommended Anakin come back the next day to finish up, but he declined, not wanting to make the commute again. Instead he stayed to complete the remainder of the work, which resulted in his commute in darkness.

By the time he'd reached home it was very late in the evening, the walk itself added an hour of travel time. With late hour and no lights coming from inside the house, Anakin assumed Ahsoka had already gone to bed.

Knowing it was best not to startle or wake his pregnant wife, Anakin quietly open the front door and snuck over the threshold. He slowly turned to close the door but before it was completely shut, light filled the common room

"So where have you been?" Ahsoka's voice cut through the silence, making Anakin wince as he turned to face his wife. She was leaning against the counter by the kitchen, arms crossed above her rounded stomach. She raised an eye marking, waiting for him to answer.

"Hey, Snips! Thought you'd be in bed by now." Anakin took a step forward but stopped once realizing it was best to keep his distance for now.

"Anakin, why in the galaxy would I be asleep? I was about to go looking for you!" Ahsoka scolded.

"I'm sorry. I had a job run later than expected." Anakin said, slightly lowering his head.

"Do you know how terrified I was? I thought something happened to you! I woke up and you were gone... I tried calling but you weren't answering your com, I had no idea where you were!" Ahsoka took a breath. "What if... what if you didn't come back? What would have done then? What would we have done?" She continued, resting her hand on her abdomen.

Anakin sighed, he hated causing her any pain. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to worry... This morning I was running late and forgot my com."

"I don't have to know where you're at every second of the day, I just... I just want know that you're okay." Ahsoka had gotten better at controlling her emotions for the most part over the last few years but now that she was pregnant, she had no such luck. She'd been trying her best to hold back the tears thus far.

"You're right, I needed to be more careful... I'm still getting used to this new life, but I know that's no excuse." He replied.

"Anakin, I-" Ahsoka's words were cut by a soft gasp, Anakin was by her side in an instant.

"Ahsoka? Ahsoka, what's wrong?" Only receiving silence in response, he placed his hands on either side of her face, trying to find the source of her speechlessness.

After a moment Ahsoka reached up, taking his hand in hers and bringing it to rest on her lower stomach. She waited for him to feel the light flutter that came from inside.

Once the movement was felt, a smile broke across Anakin's face. "Was that?"

"I think our baby just kicked." Ahsoka mirrored his excitement. The moment was surreal, being able to feel their child made them briefly forget their worries.

After a few minutes, Anakin spoke. "Ahsoka, you know I wouldn't have just left you without a reason, right?"

Ahsoka took a breath. "I know, I just… I have this fear that one day you'll wake up and realizes you've made a mistake."

"What mistake?" He asked, puzzled by Ahsoka's words.

"Leaving the Jedi… choosing this baby and me." Her voice was soft and sad as she lowered her head.

"Hey." Anakin said lifting her chin to meet her eyes. "Hey, look at me… that is a choice I will never regret as long as I live, I promise you."

Anakin wrapped his arms around Ahsoka, bringing her close.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"I'm sorry too..." He replied.

They stayed in each other arms for what seemed like hours, not wanting to let go. Anakin knew it was late and they both needed sleep, he reluctantly pulled away. "I love you both so much, I would never do anything to jeopardize that."

"I love you too." Ahsoka gave a soft smile, wiping away the tears that had escaped. "Come on, let's go to bed."

"You go, I'll be right behind you. I want to shower first." Anakin said as she made her way towards their bedroom.

Anakin locked the door and turned out the lights before heading into the bathroom. He showered quickly, trying desperately to brush off the sleep until he made it to bed.

The room was dark by the time he'd come out, only seeing the outline of Ahsoka's sleeping form, her back facing him. He gently crawled into bed beside her, not wanting to disturb her sleep.

Once he was about to drift off, he felt her turn to face him before softly speaking. "Can you hold me?"

"Absolutely." And without another word, Anakin wrapped his arms around her, pulling her towards him before moving to make sure they were both comfortable. Sleep quickly came for them both, allowing them peace for the night ahead.