Hey all!

So basically I have had this fic steaming for quite a while now, but just couldn't find the time to work on it.

I've always wanted a 5 + 1 fic of my own, especially given how little there are in our fandom.

So given that I basically hit a block for my imperialverse story, I decided to use this opportunity to work on something else and give myself a fresh outlook to my story once I come back.

Anyways, hope you enjoy! And as always, constructive criticism is most welcome!

Atollon was a hot place. Like a really hot place. So hot that Rebels weren't even allowed to work on certain periods of the day, unless they risked fainting due to heatstroke.

However, despite all the warnings and risks about working under such conditions, a young pair of teens could be seen forgoing all of them and toiling away outside of the shade. Or rather, one of them was.

"You missed a spot, Ezra," The teenage girl known as Sabine said, fanning herself as she lounged in a chair under the shade.

Ezra, the teenage boy who was sweating his ass off under absolutely no roof, glared at her in response before returning his attention back to brushing her canvas.

There were no words which could be used to describe how delighted Sabine felt at Ezra's silent compliance. Sure, maybe it wasn't the nicest thing to force him to repaint her entire canvas under the hot sun. But it was his fault for spilling an entire canister's worth of paint and erasing about a week's worth of her own concentrated effort.

So, it was only fair to have him pay her back this way.

"Mhhm, no no no," Sabine chastised. "You painted over that spot a little too much Ezra. Remember, you need to use light strokes,"

"Lighter than what I am doing now?" Ezra exclaimed.

"Yeap," Sabine replied, chuckling. "It might be better for you to start over,"

"Again?" Ezra said exasperatedly. He narrowed his eyes at his giggling friend, putting his arms on his hips with a huff. "I think you're having a bit too much fun with this ordering me around,"

"I guarantee you it is not fun to have my painting be splattered with random colours after spending half the week on it," Sabine replied with a glare in her words. "Watching you attempt to be artistic however, is another story,"

"Haha laugh all you want Sabine," Ezra replied as he turned back to her canvas. "Maybe next time when you run out of paints, I'll forget to get you some. See how much you enjoy being cut off from your supply,"

"Yea you do that Ezra. But don't come crying to me when you have a water resistant pink moustache on your face," Sabine retorted back.

Although he didn't give a response, Sabine could hear Ezra quietly chuckling as he continued on with his brushing. Trying to reach a particular tall spot on her canvas, Ezra stretched his arms out to get higher up. His muscles involuntarily flexed against his tight shirt, giving Sabine quite the view. She took note of the various ways in which his body had changed, how his vest which used to hang over his body now constricted it, and how his once lanky arms had changed into quite the digits. A momentary thought flashed in her mind as she imagined being embraced in those warm appendages, and for a moment Sabine shivered in anticipation.

"Damn," Sabine quietly whispered to herself. No matter how hard she denied it, his body was definitely something she enjoyed watching.

"Did you say something Sabine?" The object of her admiration called out.

"Nope! Nothing, nothing at all. Never said anything," Sabine replied a little too quickly.

Ezra arched his eyebrow, but kept his back towards her. He kept his focus towards Sabine's canvas for a little while longer, until a booming voice called out back from the base.

"Captain Sabine Wren, Commander Sato has requested your presence in the docking bays," The announcement called out.

"Ooh, looks like someone's in trouble," Ezra said as he smirked at her. "Want me to come with to help bail you out?"

"Not a chance Loth Rat," Sabine replied with a smirk of her own. "There's no way I'm letting you get out of cleaning your own mess,"

"Oh well, can't blame me for trying," Ezra replied with a light chuckle.

Sabine wasn't too sure why Command was calling out to her. It was weird that only she and not any of the other Spectres were being called out to meet Sato. If it was Hera or Kanan in her position however, then it would make sense, as they would need to be briefed on whatever new assignment they were getting, before deciding which of the Spectres could be assigned to it.

But if it was only her, it would mean that whatever this was, it was a personal matter. And if it was personal, it probably meant that she was about to receive some form of reprimand.

Despite considering herself to be a model soldier, Sabine was actually anything but. While her skills and knowledge were definitely something which made her stand out, Sabine's artistic tendencies were something of a sore spot for any Rebel commander. There wasn't a flat surface on the base which Sabine's hands hadn't touched and there was no limit to how much she wanted to let loose around the base. While in her opinion, her various graffitis were great visually, not all of the higher ups appreciated her artistic talents. Especially the more militaristic ones.

Usually though, Sabine did not mind getting chewed out. But she definitely did not want to use her one free day for that. Especially since this was one of those days in which Kanan did not need Ezra for his Jedi training, and she knew how rare that was.

"Commander Sato," Sabine said with a salute as she approached him. "How may I help you?"

"Captain Wren," Sato greeted as he turned to face her. "Can you please list down to me the individuals who should have knowledge of this base?"

Sabine held back the urge to roll her eyes, but gave a reply anyway. "Only Rebels Commander,"

"Good, it seems like you do know. Then perhaps you can explain to me why your friend, who is not a Rebel, has managed to find her way here?" Sato said as he pointed his finger towards a very familiar figure.

"Ketsu?" Sabine said in a surprised voice.

"See? I told you she knows me," Ketsu exclaimed as she shoved off a few of the Rebels surrounding her. "Now stop being so handsy with me. You're not my type anyways," She harrumphed, stomping her way towards Sabine.

"Hey partner," Ketsu said as she slung an arm around Sabine's shoulder. "Fancy meeting you here,"

"Ketsu?" Sabine repeated again. "What are you even doing here?"

"Oh you know, I wanted to get a tour of this base which you told me so much about,"

A nervous bead of sweat rolled down Sabine's forehead as she tried to ignore Sato's questioning glare. "I swear, I didn't tell her anything about this place," She insisted.

"I would be inclined to believe you, Captain. But her presence here seems to imply otherwise," Sato replied.

"Oh don't worry, she didn't tell me much," Ketsu pointed out with a wave of her hand. "But I am dying for a chance to look around, I'm sure that there's a lot around here for me to check out,"

"That… would not be something I recommend,"

"I'm sure it will be alright," Ketsu said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Besides, Sabine would definitely be more than enough to stop me from peering too much into your Rebel secrets," She added before dragging a completely unwilling Sabine away.

It seemed that Sato and his men did trust Sabine enough to let Ketsu leave without too much trouble. Although Sabine did not appreciate being given the responsibility to watch over her old partner when she had more interesting things to do.

"What are you even doing here?" Sabine asked teresely, pulling Ketsu to a halt. She glared at her sharply, making sure that her disapproval was known. "And I'm not showing you around, you suddenly coming here without a reason is way too suspicious already,"

"Can't I come here to see an old friend?" Ketsu replied as she blinked her eyes innocently.

"You can, but I know you won't,"

"Ughh fine," Ketsu relented as she released Sabine from her grip. "I just needed to be around someone, that's all,"

Sabine's face softened in surprise. The tone in Ketsu's voice sounded vulnerable. And she knew that Ketsu was never vulnerable.

"Why? What happened?"

"Nothing too serious," Ketsu replied with a downcast smile. "Just needed to take my mind off the galaxy for a while. How's life here?"

"Just like the usual," Sabine replied. "Things have been getting pretty hectic around here lately. I barely have any time for myself," She turned to look at Ketsu, a worried look formed on her face as she saw Ketsu's troubled expression. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"As good as I'll ever be," Ketsu replied with a light chuckle. But even her laughter had no joy behind it. "It's just some of the things I saw before I came here," She continued with a sigh. "The Empire is getting more and more messed up by the minute. I guess I just couldn't take it anymore,"

"What did they do?"

"Nothing good," Ketsu replied with a downcast look. The memory of what had happened caused her to shrink back into her mind a little But Sabine's comforting hand helped ease her back out of it.

"I stayed with one of your Rebel cells in the Mid Rim a few months ago. They were nice, offered me food, shelter and a place to unwind. All they asked in exchange was for me to do some menial jobs. Carry that box there, clean that ship," A smile formed on Ketsu's face as she reminisced. "It was a good thing we had, definitely more than I deserved. But then the Empire found us. Apparently we had a mole, some skeevy bastard who would do anything to get some credits,"

"They hit us hard," Ketsu continued. "Took out nearly everything we had. But the Rebels who worked there were smart. Managed to stick it out long enough to launch a few hit and run attacks. And when I joined up in some of their operations, it was actually like we stood a chance,"

"Of course they did, it's you," Sabine said with a comforting smile. "If anyone can hold back the Empire with a single blaster you can," But Sabine's kind words did not do anything to improve Ketsu's mood.

"If only that were the end of the story," Ketsu replied dryly. "I went out on patrol one day to scout a location a little far out from the base. They hadn't attacked us in a while, so I was worried that they were planning some kind of large-scale assault. But instead what happened next was much much worse,"

"What happened?"

"They bombed them Sabine. Bombed every single speck of dust on the base. It was like they decided that it wasn't worth keeping any of them alive anymore. When I heard the explosions, I ran back as fast as I could. But I was too late. By the time I arrived, not even dust was left behind," Ketsu said as she shut her eyes. "They took everything out. Even the surrounding villages. The base wasn't even nearby, but the Empire didn't want to take any chances. They wanted dead Rebels, and if innocents got in the way of that, so be it,"

A feeling of horror washed over Sabine. She knew all too well about the atrocities of the Empire, but she hadn't expected it to have become this bad.

"Ketsu," Sabine said as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, that must have been a horrible experience,"

Ketsu shook her head dismissively, shrugging off Sabine's hand. "It was, but I'm getting used to it. I just needed some time off, get my mind to focus on something else,"

Sabine placed her hand on Ketsu's shoulder. "Whatever you need Ketsu, I'm here for you,"

A sly smirk made its way on Ketsu's face as she lifted her head. "Well, there is one thing you can help me with," She casually walked over to Sabine, the cheeky look never leaving her face. "I am hoping to get some… companionship,"

"Companionship?"

"Yes, some very… intimate, companionship,"

Sabine blinked once, then twice. It was only after her third time did Ketsu's message finally reach her.

"Uhh, no. I'm flattered, but I don't swing that way,"

"What? Ew, No. Sabine, don't be gross," Ketsu said as she backed away. "I meant male companionship. Just a quick fling, a one night stand. Chilling in bed, you know what I mean?"

"Yes, unfortunately I do," Sabine said with a groan.

"Surely you would have known some guys by now right? Just point me towards one, and I'll be on my way,"

"Ketsu, that's disgusting," Sabine said. "I don't even know who I would suggest,"

"Don't you like, hang out with three other guys on a daily basis?" Ketsu argued, causing the disgust on Sabine's face to intensify.

"They're family!" Sabine exclaimed.

"Yea, which is why it should make it easy for me to hit it," Ketsu said, making suggestive postures with her hands. "Come on, just one night, I promise it won't last,"

"Ketsu, no," Sabine said as she stormed off.

"What about that burly guy? He has a big figure," Ketsu asked quickly, following in step behind her. "I'm sure he would be fun to be around,"

"Zeb's like an uncle. And are you sure you want to cuddle with someone that furry?"

"Okay, point taken," Ketsu replied but kept on pushing. "What about the older Jedi? Jedi are hot. Always with their no attachments rule and all that, makes it kind of naughty when they actually have one,"

"He's taken, and I don't want to get on Hera's bad side,"

"Ok, ok," Ketsu rubbed her chin for a while before remembering the last person. "What about Ezra? I think he's kind of cute. He's about the right build and age, and I think he's just about my type,"

Sabine planted her heels in the sand as she spun to point a harsh finger at Ketsu. "That is a hard no," She stated firmly.

"Woah, I guess he's yours already. Don't worry, I won't lay a finger on him,"

Confusion danced on Sabine's features as she processed Ketsu's words. "He's not… we're not…" She tried to say but was cut off by Ketsu.

"Wait, you're not together yet?"

"He's like my brother!" Sabine argued, although she wasn't so confident of that herself.

"Sabine, I've seen your brother. You two act nothing like that. The way you look at each other is more than enough for me to know that something is going on between you two,"

"There's nothing going on between us. At most he's my best friend. Nothing more, nothing less,"

"Then you wouldn't mind me making a move on your best friend now wouldn't you?" Ketsu threw her own words right back at her. "Because if you did, then that would mean that there is actually something between the two of you,"

Sabine glared at Ketsu's obvious taunting, wondering to herself if there was some truth in her words. "Go right ahead," She said, surprising herself.

"Well don't mind if I do," Ketsu replied with a victorious smile.

"Oh my gosh, are you Ezra Bridger?" Ketsu exclaimed in an excessively girly voice. She had her hands on her cheek, coupled with a dramatic expression on her face.

With the tip of his brush centimetres off the canvas, Ezra turned around to look at the source of the adoring voice. He found himself staring right at a wide eyed girl. One that seemed to be familiar to him but he just couldn't quite recognise.

"Hey," Ezra said a little awkwardly. He glanced around her, hoping that there was someone nearby who could help him identify this person. "Do I know you?"

A tinge of disappointment flashed across Ketsu's face, but she didn't let that deter her. "I wouldn't think so," She said, batting her eyelashes. "But I've seen you around the base quite a few times. I always wanted to talk to you, but whenever I see the look in your eyes, I always get so nervous," Ketsu slowly approached him, eyes wandering lustfully across his body. "It took a lot of courage for me to just call out to you,"

"Errr… good for you?" Ezra replied with an awkward smile. "Who are you again?"

"Ke-" Ketsu stopped herself before saying her actual name. "Kesha Yoon," She said confidently.

"Kesha? Don't think I've heard of you before," Ezra said a little suspiciously.

"Oh I'm no one special," Ketsu said as she grabbed Ezra's hands. "Not like you," She blinked her eyes rapidly at him.

To any man, they might have completely broken down at what was happening in front of them. But this was Ezra. And the only emotion Ezra was feeling in this situation, was confusion.

"You might not want to cling to me too hard," Ezra said as he pointed at the stains on his clothes. "I'm a bit dirty after painting for so long,"

Ketsu stared hungrily as Ezra unconsciously flexed his muscles. Oh, were they making her thirsty.

"I don't mind being dirty, especially if it's with you," Ketsu batted her eyelashes again, but Ezra was only feeling more confusion.

Meanwhile, somewhere off in the distance, Sabine was quietly watching the interaction between the two. She couldn't exactly hear them, but from the way Ketsu clung at Ezra, she could tell that it was getting intimate.

A fire was burning in her heart. Maybe it was jealousy, or maybe it was frustration. But the dim embers were nothing compared to the burning irritation Sabine was feeling over how her best friend was reacting to the situation.

"Just push her away!" Sabine practically screamed in her head. "How could you let her rub her entire body against you!"

Sabine had resolved herself to simply be an observer. But the moment she saw Ketsu pucker her lips and slowly lean towards Ezra, she had enough. And there weren't a lot of things that could stop Sabine from storming right over.

"KETSU!" Sabine screamed as she stomped on over.

"Wait Ketsu?" Ezra said as he turned to look at her. "Hang on, aren't you Sabine's bounty hunter friend?"

"Great, now you realise," Ketsu said with a roll of her eyes. Noticing that Sabine was only getting closer to her, a final cheeky thought formed in Ketsu's mind.

She pulled Ezra's arm closer to her body, keeping it as close to her chest as possible. "Sabine's looking quite scary, Ezra. I hope you can protect me from her," She said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"Get your hands off of him!" Sabine said in a jealous rage as she ripped Ketsu away from Ezra.

"Now Sabine, remember what we talked about just now? Don't be such a jealo-"

"Shut up," Sabine said in a dangerous whisper, cutting Ketsu off.. She practically dragged Ketsu back to the docking bays, intent on bringing her away from the confused Jedi.

"Wait Sabine? What's Ketsu doing here?" Ezra asked in an attempt to get some clarification about the situation.

Sabine turned back to face Ezra, staring at him with a pointed glare. "Absolutely nothing, you hear me? This never happened. You never saw her," She said before continuing to drag Ketsu off.

"Oh come on Sabine!" Ketsu groaned. "I was just about to get to the best part!"

"Not with him you're not," Sabine bit back.

"You could at least introduce me to someone else if you're so insistent on keeping him to yourself," Ketsu whispered in a hushed town. "Who knows, I may accidentally let it slip that you're jealous,"

Sabine narrowed her eyes dangerously at her friend. She levelled a sigh in resignation, raising a finger towards Ketsu.

"Fine, I'll introduce you to someone, but that's all the help you're getting from me,"

Ketsu practically leapt with joy. "I knew you'd come through. So who is it?" She asked excitedly.

"One of Hera's pilots," Sabine replied. "I don't know him that well so he should be just fine for you,"

—

Watching them disappear from his sight, Ezra let out a relenting sigh. He was sure Sabine wasn't coming back so soon, having to deal with Ketsu suddenly being on this base was probably trouble enough.

Bringing his attention back towards the flat rock which made up Sabine's canvas, Ezra tried not to feel too disappointed at not being able to spend some time with Sabine. It was such a waste after all, while he could definitely do without the sun, he really did enjoy hanging out with her.

Watching as the ship which Ketsu arrived in finally took off, Sabine let out a huge sigh of relief. It was like an entire week's worth of energy had been drained from her, despite only coming to visit for a single day.

Stepping away from the docking port, Sabine was about to go look for Ezra before she crashed right into none other than Wedge Antilles.

"Wedge? What's the rush?" Sabine asked.

"Sabine! Where did she go?" Wedge asked frantically.

"Ketsu? She left. I thought I told you she wasn't going to stay for long,"

Panic settled in Wedge's eyes as he flung his head in his arms. "No no no no no," He said as he paced around anxiously. "She told me that she would wake me up!"

Sabine arched her eyebrow at the panicking boy. "Well, she did say she wanted to leave immediately,"

Wedge shook his head, still in despair. "I didn't get to tell her I love her!" He screamed, practically informing the whole hangar of his conundrum.

Sabine watched with an agape mouth as Wedge dragged his feet along.

"Uhh, what?" Ezra asked as he suddenly appeared behind her. "Did you have something to do with that?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," Sabine replied. Immediately brushing the topic off.

Sabine wouldn't realise it now, but she had just set into motion a very troublesome future for the young up and coming pilot.