The low hanging suns led them the last stretch of the journey early the following morning. A sense of dolefulness surrounded the group and not a single word was shared between them during the first few hours of travel. Ahsoka had switched places with Rex on Runi's eopie, doing her best to entertain the little one after the scarring events of the previous night. Despite Ahsoka's best efforts she only earned a handful of giggles during the ride—though it was better than nothing at all.

Rex and Saxe rode their mounts next to each other behind Ahsoka taking the lead. Rex glanced at the Sergeant who seemed to be rather distant in thought.

"Your trooper did what he had to," Rex commented firmly, his eyes returned to fixate on the centre of Ahsoka's back.

"Hmm?" Saxe answered, addled.

"Fawn. He had to kill that raider. He saved Runi's life, and mine."

Saxe gave Rex a weak smile and sighed. "You're right, he did what needed to be done," he agreed and gave the boys behind them a brief glance before continuing, "but I also try to remind them that there's always another way. Fighting clankers is different, but these are people… They're only trying to protect themselves and their land."

Rex contemplated, drawing out the silence between them. Saxe was right, he couldn't deny it.

"That's an important lesson to teach," Rex concurred, and smiled proudly at the Sergeant. "You know, Saxe, with wisdom like that… You'll be a Marshal Commander before you know it."

Saxe snorted dismissively. "Oh I don't know about that! Seems like an uptight rank to hold. That's more Cody's thing." Saxe snapped his head towards Rex as soon as he finished his sentence, his eyes wide.

"Don't worry. I promise not to tell him," Rex chuckled lightly, and the two fell into a comfortable silence as they came upon a large canyon to move through. If the cryptic description on the map Saxe received was correct, and they had been following it as intended, they would be at the location within the hour.

Small desert beasts scurried past them along the indents in the rocks, seeking shelter from the suns. Hugger drained the last of his canteen by pouring the remaining drops on his neck, audibly moaning, causing Prince to give him an eye roll in response. Fawn hadn't said a word since the night before, but Kiss was keeping a close eye on him as they rode last on the same eopie.

Rex pressured his mount closer to Ahsoka and ardently observed her, noticing Runi had dozed off against her chest, tentatively shielded by her cloak. Ahsoka smiled as she looked ahead through the rock formations, the sudden sound of her voice startled Rex.

"I can sense that, you know?" she playfully informed him and glanced in his direction.

"I… wasn't trying to hide it, sir," Rex answered bashfully and cleared his throat. "You're good with her."

Surprise was apparent in Ahsoka's eyes. "Really?"

Rex could only manage a nod, feeling his cheeks blush at the prolonged eye contact.

"Kinda just winging it here, Rex… No idea what I'm doing," she replied with a soft giggle and held his gaze.

Her diffident demeanour made Rex chuckle and he bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from showering her in compliments about how fantastic she was. He wanted to let her know how much she impressed him every day, how much of an impact she had on him, and all the other people around them.

But most of all, he wanted to tell her how he truly felt about her. The boundary had been crossed multiple times already, their… intimacy was not happenstance. Their professional relationship had turned rather unorthodox, Rex couldn't deny it, no matter how hard he tried. They were not Commander Tano and Captain Rex anymore. Now they were simply Ahsoka and Rex, despite his best effort of keeping up appearances by referring to her by anything but her real name.

"Well, you could fool me, sir," Rex forced with a half smile, cursing at himself for his cowardice. His men would be ashamed of him if they saw him now. She was right there, yet he still couldn't…

"Hold up!" Saxe called out behind them, making the pair halt. Saxe's mount trotted past them and the Sergeant surveyed their surroundings while conferring with his map. "I think we're in the right place…"

The large slit in the rocks they had been travelling through led into a mound, with a gape so dark and threatening it made Rex snort. "I've been around long enough to know not to go in there…" he announced to the group, and low agreeable murmurs could be heard amongst the other men.

Ahsoka, eager and excitable, dismounted as Runi stirred awake and lifted her to the ground as well. She grabbed the girl by the hand and threw the reins over Rex's saddle handle. She gave him a teasing smirk as she turned on her heel and began walking towards the mountain opening with Runi.

Rex's mouth fell open in bewilderment and he was frozen in place for a few seconds before he croaked, "Sir? Commander! Wait!" The Captain quickly slid off the beast and haphazardly handed the reins over to Saxe after grabbing his helmet. The Sergeant only shook his head in amusement.

As Rex jogged towards the pair—who had already managed to enter the darkness—he mumbled expletives under his breath, questioning, but mostly blaming, the Force for Ahsoka's abundance of curiosity. Or perhaps her Master had a stronger hand in this than the Force…

The darkness enveloped everything around him and Rex had to put on his bucket and switch the light on to even see where to put his feet. The ground beneath him was hard and smooth, like it had been man-made, and the rocky walls looked to have been tunnelled. "Commander?" Rex called carefully.

"We're here, Rex," Ahsoka answered and shortly she and Runi appeared in the light from his helmet as he followed the rounded path. It smelled like wet stone and smoke. Wherever they were, Rex was sure Saxe had read the map backwards.

"Come on, let's go back," Rex tensely suggested and his outstretched arm pointed in the direction they had come from, but Ahsoka stood her ground and only tilted her head in response, causing Rex to groan. "Commander, I have a bad feeling about this, let's find another path."

Ahsoka put her hand on his arm, pushing it back down to his side. She let her hand linger on his vambrace before she reached up to remove his helmet. With a hiss it unsealed and she gently handed it to Runi, who aimed it in various directions, curious about the light emanating from it. Rex still had his head turned in the direction they came, feeling rather exposed and vulnerable when he was unable to hide behind his helmet with Ahsoka so close.

"There's nothing dangerous here, Rex. I'd feel it," she said softly and placed her hand on his cuirass. "I know you don't want to let her go, I don't want to do it either, but we have to. Her family is at the other end of this tunnel."

Rex faced her, his expression stale and his jaws set. He held himself back, almost annoyed that Ahsoka had been able to read him so perfectly. He wondered if she could tell more than that… Could she read his mind? Had she? He shook his head and closed his eyes as he sighed in response, "How can you be so sure?"

"Do you trust me?" Ahsoka asked gently.

He opened his eyes at the question and stared at her. There was no doubt. There had never been. "Of course I do, sir…" he said, almost exasperated she even had to ask.

"Then trust me on this," she replied and hooked her arm into his and began leading him towards Runi, who was happily aiming his bucket in front of them as they continued down the dark pathway.

The air around them felt colder the deeper into the mountain they came—a nice change from the sweltering heat, but the smell of wet rock and smoke remained, slightly increasing. Suddenly, as they followed the curved path, a string of lights appeared on the wall, nailed to the rock, and continued ahead.

Runi circled back and appeared by Rex's leg, the helmet extended to him and a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Rex accepted the helmet with an appreciative nod and gave her cheek a gentle caress with the back of his finger. Runi giggled and took a hold of the edge of his skidplate, dragging Rex along as she continued down the tunnel.

As they rounded the, seemingly, last bend of the path the trio stopped midstep, and Rex blocket Runi with his arm, pushing her to step behind him and Ahsoka. The green-skinned hulking body of a Gamorrean holding a long, sharp-edged cleaver stood in their way, guarding a large entrance. Its upturned cartilaginous snout and tusked jowls jiggled defensively at the sight of them, with the cleaver now aimed in their direction.

Rex instinctively reached for one of his blasters, but Ahsoka's hand quickly covered his arm, halting his movement.

"We mean you no harm," Ahsoka assured the stranger and held her other arm upturned, showing herself unarmed. "We're only here to reunite this little girl with her family."

The Gamorrean looked between them with suspicious beady eyes but eventually noticed the little Togruta hidden behind the clone trooper's leg. With a huff the guard withdrew their weapon and nodded for them to follow.

With a relieved sigh, Ahsoka smiled at Runi and took her by the hand. They began to follow the Gamorrean through the entrance. Rex, feeling a sense of hesitance and uncertainty, stalled behind them for a moment before reluctantly continuing on. He wasn't sure if it was the presence of the guard, unknowingly walking into Force-knows-what, or the fact that they were closer to the end of their task that caused him to hesitate.

When Rex caught up to them his mouth fell open in awe when he saw the immensely hollowed inside of the mountain. A large cavern spanned the area and it bristled with life. Huts and cots, made out of hardened sand aligned the stony walls surrounded by carts, tents and big communal braisers. The fires were circled by blankets and pillows littered throughout the place and more of the same strings of lights snaked across the area. Vegetation, flowered pots and vines curled the structures, most likely brought in from off-world.

But what impressed Rex most of all, was the small artificial lake running through the cavern, with wooden bridges connecting the two sides on multiple locations. Rex knew this planet wasn't famed for its abundance of water… How these people had managed to keep this hidden was beyond him.

"Don't remember anything like this from Anakin's stories…" Ahsoka pondered.

"Me neither," Rex concurred.

They could see many races through the area, the majority being human. But a few Rodians and Twi'leks could be spotted, and another Gamorrean on the other side of the cavern. The guard who had shown them the way disappeared into the crowd, leaving the trio by one of the bridges.

"Are we sure this is the right place?" Rex asked dubiously.

Ahsoka's hand stroked Runi across the back, but her soothing movements stopped when she saw the Gamorrean return, parting the crowd, with a dozen Togruta in tow. "Yeah… We're in the right place, Rex," she whispered.

The guard stepped off the path and stood at attention next to the bridge as one of the dozen, a pale female Togruta with dark face markings framing most of her face, made her way across to them. She was dressed in a long flowy tunic tied at the waist and her head tails, slightly longer than Ahsoka's, were draped in beads and the odd tooth. Her arms and neck were circled by bands covered in more beads and other small trinkets. Her presence as she approached demanded respect, and it seemed the others who had surrounded her earlier gave it to her, yet she looked young, and Rex guessed she couldn't be much older than Ahsoka.

The Togruta stopped abruptly when she saw the trio, and her eyes were completely fixed on Runi. With a large smile she called, "Sa'mahr!"

Runi looked up and recognition could be seen across her glazed yellow eyes and the little one took off running. Rex's instincts told him to grab her, but he forced himself not to by biting into his lip and balling his hands into fists instead.

The little one ran towards the Togruta who sank to her knees and they connected in a loving embrace. Rex and Ahsoka stayed behind, not wanting to interrupt them, but as soon as the two parted, Runi was lifted into her arms and the Togruta continued over to Rex and Ahsoka.

"Friends! Welcome! Welcome to Det Behm!" the Togruta exclaimed as she stopped in front of them. "I cannot believe you brought my dear sister back to me! Please, tell me your names!"

"I'm Ahsoka, but Captain Rex here is the one you should be thanking," Ahsoka said with a smile and patted Rex on the shoulder.

The Togruta turned her attention to the clone trooper, her markings raised in curiosity. "I do not recognise you. I met another, a Sergeant I believe… But you, Captain Rex, you're the one who saved her?"

Rex cleared his throat and placed his arms behind his back. "Yes, ma'am… I uh… It was the right thing to do."

"Words cannot express my gratitude," the Togruta smiled warmly and glanced at Runi in her arms. The little one's smile was as wide as it had ever been. "My name is Rama Phar, and I welcome you to our community. Tonight we will feast, and celebrate Runi'vin's safe return, and you will be our honoured guests! You are free to stay the night here, you must have had quite the journey."

"Thank you, Rama. We would be honoured to stay," Ahsoka answered and smiled at them both.

Runi glanced at Rex and pointed at him with her tiny hand, her hand then making grabbing-motions in the air in his direction. "Khos!" she said happily, and Rama furrowed her eyebrows lightly in confusion as she met Rex's stiff stare.

"She uh… started calling me that on our way here," he confessed faintly.

Rama couldn't hide the small smile appearing across her lips as she put Runi down beside her. The little one happily walked over to Rex and grabbed his hand.

"Our father died before Runi'vin was born. She's never had a true father figure in her life…" Rama explained softly, while she observed the bond between her sister and the Clone Captain. "This is further proof of your good character, Captain Rex, and I am forever in your debt."

"Not at all. It has been nothing but a pleasure to care for her," Rex replied with a tinge of sadness in his voice, whether Rama could hear it remained a mystery as a commotion behind the Togruta drew them all from the conversation.

One of the Gamorrean guards squealed in concern, raising their cleaver in the direction of the entrance Rex, Ahsoka and Runi had come through. As the group turned that way, they could see the outline of five eopies and five clone troopers. Rama raised her hand towards the guard, and silence befell the hollowed stone again, except for the buzz from the inner market place further down the cavern.

"Relax, Birgec! These are more of our guests, one of which I recognise," Rama said with a smile as Sergeant Saxe, after tying the mounts to a post, approached them with his squad in tow.

"Good to see you again, ma'am. Sorry for the interruption," Saxe answered politely.

"Nonsense!" Rama waved her hand in the air. "We were just about to prepare for tonight's celebration. You and your men are also welcome to partake."

Saxe nodded appreciatively, and the men behind him murmured in delight as Rama began to lead the group over the bridge towards the crowded centre of the warmly lit cavern.

Rama happily showed them to one of the quaint domiciles next to the furthest bridge. She invited them into her home, and though it was fairly small for them all to fit properly, the cosy and warm interior felt welcoming and hospitable. The walls were draped in colourful tapestries and the floor covered in countless rugs of various sorts and sizes, with soft lighting illuminating the space. Rama showed them to a small sitting area further in.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said, gesturing to the cushions and pillows scattered around the room. From a small kitchen area, she retrieved a teapot and began to pour steaming cups of herbal tea for each of them.

The aroma of the tea filled the room, a warm and comforting scent that mixed with the smoky air from the fire lit in the kitchen. The group settled down around the room, grateful for the warm beverage after a long journey.

Rama took her seat and looked around at the group, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It is good to have friends in such uncertain times," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "You are the first clone troopers," she continued and glanced at Ahsoka's hip and the weapon hanging there, "and the first Jedi to ever visit Det Behm."

"I had no idea this place even existed," Ahsoka confessed.

Rama grinned. "Few do," she answered proudly.

"Is this where you grew up?" Ahsoka asked curiously from the brim of her cup as she sipped the steaming beverage. Kiss and Fawn sat on opposite sides of Ahsoka, both troopers interested in Rama's answer. Hugger sat by one of the doors, distracted by the plate of violet-coloured pastries stacked in the middle of a small side table.

Rama looked at Ahsoka with a smile. "No, Runi and I both grew up on Kiros. I travelled to Tatooine when Runi was still a baby. Our mother was a landscape painter. She and others in her trade manned a freighter to move their art and sculptures along the trade route. Runi would always go with her, while I wanted to explore other parts of the galaxy." Rama was silent for a bit before she mournfully continued, "Then I heard about the attack, and that Runi was gone… I had lost all hope, until your Republic contacted me."

"And now Runi is with you again," said Rex, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I'm glad we were able to bring her back to you."

Rama looked at Rex, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain," she said. "I can't express how happy I am for everything you and your team has done for us. It takes a special kind of person to care for someone else's child as if they were their own."

Rex hesitated in his answer, many thoughts circled him in that moment. Saxe, who was by Rex's side, noticed the turmoil within the Captain, and answered in his stead. "It was our pleasure, ma'am," said the Sergeant. "We're just glad that we were able to help."

Rama smiled, looking around at each of them in turn. "You are all remarkable," she said. "And I am honoured to be able to share a cup with you today."

As the group took a simultaneous sip, Rex mustered the courage to inquire more about Rama and Runi's future. "Will you stay here on Tatooine?" he softly asked, leaning back with his arms crossed.

The Togruta contemplated, before answering, "I'm unsure… Perhaps Runi and I will go back to Kiros for a bit, maybe visit those we know who still live there at the colony. I know a few aunts who would be happy to see her." She turned to face Runi sitting on the pillow next to Rex, having already taken one of those violet pastries. Her mouth was completely covered in a circlet of purple frosting. Hugger followed her lead immediately.

"But first, we must celebrate this reunion," Rama explained joyously. "The feast will begin in a few hours, held in your honour as I said before. Until then you are welcome to rest and eat here. I will fetch you when the festivities begin." She rose from her seat and looked around the group. Prince was the only one not seated. Instead he leaned against the doorpost with his usual broody frown, but it wavered a bit when Rama smiled at him.

"Are you… sure we're not intruding?" Rex hesitantly asked.

As a response Rama only sniggered and placed her hand on the Captain's shoulder as she walked by him. "As of today, you all are part of this family. Stay as long as you want." With that, she left the group to recuperate. The fire crackled and popped in the background, casting flickering shadows on the tapestries across the walls, and the sounds of the preparations going on outside could be heard from the open window.

A few hours later, after the group had cleaned themselves up and rested, the celebrations were about to begin. Hugger had finished the remaining pastries but seemed to be ready for dinner already regardless. Rex couldn't for the life of him understand where all that food went, considering Hugger remained fit like the rest of them. The Captain shook his head and glanced over at Kiss who peeked out the window as the community gathered in the centre of the cavern—where tables had been set out with an abundance of food, desserts, fruits and berries covering them from end to end. A few other setups were being put in place, but the medic had a hard time seeing what else was afoot outside from this angle.

"This is quite the celebration," Kiss commented with a smile. "Never been invited to one."

"Me neither," Fawn added quietly, a weak smile appearing in the corner of his mouth.

Hugger chuckled. "Tonight, we party! Hard! Right, Sergeant?" he asked loudly, and smacked Saxe square in the back, sending him forward with his hip jamming into the side table's edge. Saxe hissed at the impact but pressed a smile as he met Hugger's joyful stare.

"Relax," Saxe replied, but then sighed and added, "but yes, party all you want. Enjoy yourselves!"

Rama returned shortly there after with Runi skipping along beside her—now dressed in a royal blue dress with a dark braided suede belt tied around her waist. Rex immediately stood and smiled at the sight of her. She looked like a little princess.

"Friends," Rama announced and proceeded to usher them to the door as she continued, "let the celebrations begin! This is all for you!"

She opened the door and the group, some of them more eager than others, were urged to join the festivities starting to pick up. The troopers, including Prince, who, despite his best effort at appearing disinterested, seemed to be getting curious, were already making their way down to the crowd. Music had begun playing, echoes of flutes, drums and the odd rattle instrument surrounded them all as Rama escorted them from her home, herself full in conversation with Sergeant Saxe.

Rex lingered behind by the wooden railing circling the edge of Rama's residence, taking in the view of the bustling cavern. It was in a hive of activity, with strings of lights spanning crisscrossed throughout the space, illuminating the crowd in a warm glow. People were now dancing, sharing drinks, and even playing matches of Dejarik at various tables scattered throughout the cavern. The music was now accompanied by laughter and conversation.

As he looked down, Rex was struck by the warmth and happiness of the scene before him. Despite the hardships and danger they all had faced in their lives as soldiers, this moment was a reminder of the beauty and joy that still existed in the galaxy. He could see the glimpses of relaxation and bliss across his brothers faces as they scattered through the crowd to revel.

"This is a nice change of pace," Ahsoka commented. Her voice, though soft, caught Rex off-guard. He turned to see her leaning against the door post. With a soft smile she walked up beside him to watch the revellers below.

"It certainly is," Rex agreed after a while and leaned with his elbows against the railing, taking a deep breath and feeling the weight of the past few days lift from his shoulders. He glanced over at Ahsoka, who was similarly relaxed and content, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence.

"It's good to see everyone so happy. Makes you almost forget there's a war going on out there," Ahsoka said, her arm brushing up against Rex's vambrace as she leaned forward.

She was right. He hadn't thought of the war at all, and he cursed under his breath for abandoning his duties so easily. But his priorities had changed. He knew that now, and it was a hard realisation to face. Rex was filled with a mix of emotions as he watched the festivities. Rama and Runi had joined Kiss and Hugger on the dance floor, and the Captain watched as the little Togruta spun and spun until she screamed with laughter. He was happy that Runi was finally back with her family, but he was also sad to have to leave her behind.

Ahsoka, observing Rex, could sense the struggle within him and she placed a hand on his arm. "It's okay, Rex," she said softly. "She'll be safe here. You did a wonderful job taking care of her."

"Wish I could have done more," Rex answered.

Ahsoka slid her hand over to the top of his and squeezed it. "You did everything you could. She's alive and well, and back with her family…"

Rex looked down at their hands and smiled softly. "I couldn't have done it without you, Commander…"

The two of them stood there for a moment, lost in the comfort of each other's presence. The warm light and the music of the celebration below was a soothing balm to their weary souls. The twinkling lights around them made the large cavern look like an enchanted forest, with its artificial lake and imported plants potted throughout the space. Runi still spun like a desert storm in the middle of the crowd and the realisation hit Rex straight in the gut again—their mission was complete.

"Rex?"

He met her eyes and despite any response dying in the moment, Ahsoka could read him, sense his hardship, and her hand gently lifted to caress his cheek comfortingly. With an inward sigh the Captain closed his eyes and leaned into the touch, his heart aching for her. He didn't know if she was using her Jedi tricks to ease some of his pain, but he felt instantly relieved by the feel of her soft hand against his skin.

When Rex opened his eyes her piercing gaze captured his as they looked at each other while the minutes passed them by. Neither of them said anything, they didn't need to, and soon Ahsoka closed the short distance between them and placed her arms around his neck, pulling him into a gentle hug. Her cheek rested against his breastplate and Rex exhaled sharply, before snaking his own arms around her.

It was a comforting hug, one which was sorely needed. Rex took her in, her sweet scent, her warmth… He felt a sense of stability. He felt… safe. Like he was home there in her embrace.

"Captain Rex! Captain!" Rama suddenly exclaimed happily from below the railing, quickly making her way up the steps. Rex and Ahsoka stepped away from each other, an occurrence not unknown to them at this point.

Rama approached them as she reached their spot. "There you are, you must come! Runi'vin wants you to dance! Come!" She grabbed Rex's arm and pulled him with her without awaiting a response. Ahsoka smiled widely at his apprehensive yet polite expression as he followed the Togruta down to the dance floor. The drums, flutes and other instruments eagerly set the mood, and Rama had to elbow her way through the other inhabitants to reach the centre where Runi waited, Rex dutifully trailing along, still hooked in her Rama's arm.

Rex had to admit, ever since they landed on Tatooine he had been trying to keep somewhat of a distance to Runi. Maybe without realising it at first, but now as they neared the girl, Rex could feel the pain settled in his stomach like a hard knot. Allowing Ahsoka and the other men to spend time and interact with her hadn't been without reason. He wanted their approaching goodbye to be simple, easy… But he was beginning to feel like no matter what he did, the pain would still be there in the end.

He followed Rama down to the spot where Runi was waiting for him. The little girl beamed with joy when she saw him. Rama squeezed Rex's arm before she let him go, ushering him in the little Togruta's direction. Rex took Runi's small hand in his, leading her to the least crowded area of the dance floor. He felt… confused, his emotions unstable. On one hand, he was overjoyed to see the little girl he had come to care for so deeply smiling and laughing, her spirit finally lifted after having mourned the sudden loss of her mother while living with a bunch of strangers. On the other hand, he felt a deep sadness knowing that he would soon have to leave her there, and go back to his duties.

As they started to dance, Rex was taken aback by how light and graceful Runi was in his arms. He couldn't help but smile as he twirled her around, feeling a sense of pride as he watched her eyes light up with joy. Despite her silence, Runi was incredibly expressive through her movements, and Rex could feel the love and gratitude she had for him through their dance.

It wasn't so much a coordinated dance, but they moved to the music at Runi's behest, and her enthusiasm strung him along.

The music was lively and upbeat, and the energy of the crowd was contagious. As they danced, Rex couldn't help but reflect on the journey he and Runi had been on together. He remembered the scared little girl he had found aboard that drifting cargo freighter, and the bond that had formed between them as he took care of her and, to some extent, helped her heal. At least that's what he hoped.

The experience had been both challenging and rewarding, and Rex was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Runi's life, even if only for a short time. The thought of having to let her go was difficult, but he took comfort in knowing that she would be safe and happy with her sister. Rex grinned as Runi giggled hysterically while he spun her around. In this moment, separated from everything else going on in the galaxy, it was easy to forget anything else even existed, and Rex would allow himself to relax and enjoy this night.

Ahsoka watched Rex dance with Runi, a smile spread across her face as she saw the two of them twirl and move in perfect harmony. As she leaned against the wooden railing, she felt a sense of warmth in her heart as she watched the two of them, despite the bittersweet nature of the moment.

As she gazed upon them, she felt an indescribable feeling in the pit of her stomach. Longing, joy, excitement. She was happy for Rex, who had grown so attached to Runi during their time together. The little Togruta girl had brought out the best in him, and Ahsoka was overjoyed to see him happy and carefree when he was with her. Before, Ahsoka had always known Rex to be focused on the war, which, in itself, wasn't a bad thing. He was dutiful and dedicated, but that dedication could also exclude him from other things, such as moments like these.

At the same time, however, she felt a sadness knowing that this was likely, but hopefully not, the last time she would see Rex and Runi together, and though the little girl was safe again and with family, she worried what this would do to Rex once they left the planet, and returned to the fight.

Despite these conflicting emotions, Ahsoka was glad to spend this time with Rex—away from the rest of the army, and her Masters. As she took a sip of her drink, she looked up at the curved ceiling of the cavern, basking in the warmth from the strings of light, and wondering if Rex knew how she felt about him. Maybe it was time to talk to him about it…

The evening raged on in a flurry of joy as all the inhabitants of Det Behm took part in everything, along with the Saxe Squad, who had been accepted with open arms. The troopers, who had been at the fore of multiple conflicts and battles throughout the war, were finally able to rejoice and relax, not having to look over their shoulders expecting a clanker to be there.

Ahsoka, who had been determined to get a moment alone with Rex, had unexpectedly been dragged into a Dejarik competition. Despite the urgency of the confession she was set to deliver, she couldn't back down from the challenge presented to her—especially not when the competitor announced to be unbeatable. She spent most of the evening at the tables, casting glances in Rex's direction across the space, as he was busy retelling Rama and some of the other locals about his time with Runi.

By the time the festivities were slowly easing and most of the people bid their fellows goodnight, Ahsoka was intercepted by Rama before she reached the large brazier Rex and Saxe's squad had gathered around.

"Ahsoka!" Rama called with a large smile covering most of her face. "There you are! I wanted to invite you to spend the night at our home where more refreshments are waiting. Some of the other women will join us as well!"

Surprised, and slightly touched, Ahsoka's markings knitted together before she responded with a smile. "I'd love to! Thank you, Rama."

"It is nothing!" Rama stepped closer and continued in a whisper, "It's also an opportunity for us all to talk without the men looming over our shoulders!" She sniggered and grabbed Ahsoka's shoulder as she led her to the residence.

Rex observed as Ahsoka and Rama walked away from the braziers, his face fell slightly as Ahsoka's frame disappeared through the dispersing crowd, but a tinge of a smile was still present on his lips. She always had that impact on him, whenever she was near. Rex turned back to the mug he was nursing in his hand, his eyes fixated on the rolling flames in front of him.

Hugger, Fawn and Prince had already fallen asleep around the fire, their bodies strewn about with their limbs tangled. That Prince had even taken part in the festivities had surprised all of them, and made Hugger doubly determined to make him never forget this day. Kiss had settled on the other side of the cavern, treating some ailments the local doctor didn't have experience treating. The inhabitants were so appreciative he got an invitation to sleep in one of the other residences as a thank you from the people he treated.

Saxe sat next to Rex, nursing his own drink. His eyes were not fixed on the fire, but on the Captain. He gently cleared his throat, and began to tread the sensitive line he had been eyeing all evening…

"So, Rex…" Saxe started, and took a slow sip before continuing, "Your Commander… Ahsoka Tano…"

There was a long pause, causing Rex to raise a questioning eyebrow in the Sergeant's direction. "Yes?" Rex responded.

"You… have feelings for her, right?"

Rex's grip around the mug faltered and some of its contents spilled over the edge before he managed to steady himself again. He wasn't expecting this particular conversation to surface right now.

"Why do you say that?" Rex asked, acting oblivious, but by the look on Saxe's face he wasn't doing a very good job of it.

"It's a small cave, Rex. I see things," Saxe responded in a light scoff before he added, "and I'm no fool."

Rex placed his mug to the side before letting his palms face the fire for warmth. "You're certainly not," he answered agreeably with his eyes back on the fire. His frame was set in a defensive and closed off way, causing Saxe to shift even closer to him.

"You know," Saxe began while leaning closer, the act earned him an eye roll from Rex before he even began his sentence, yet, Saxe continued without being deterred, "you deserve to find someone. I like her! She's just your type of crazy."

"Careful," Rex warned, and nodded towards the domicile they had been in previously before adding, "She can probably hear you through the walls." It was said with a slight sarcasm—a last desperate attempt to steer this conversation anywhere but where it was heading.

Saxe only laughed in response before draining the last of his beverage. He kept looking at Rex, but didn't say anything else. Despite the Sergeant not prodding him, Rex couldn't quite take the tension drawn taught between them and sighed heavily in defeat.

"I don't even know what I'm doing to be honest with you, Saxe." The heartfelt honesty and vulnerability present in the Captain's voice made Saxe's eyes soften.

"Do any of us truly know, Rex?" he answered.

"I uh… suppose not. It's complicated. She's a Jedi, and we clones were engineered to fight this war. Not develop feelings and—"

"You di'kut…" Saxe said brusquely, "That's your kriffing programming talking now."

Rex looked at his hands. It wasn't his programming. Any programming he might have had, steering him in a certain direction was gone. Removed. He was… scared. Scared of ruining the friendship he had with Ahsoka. Scared of ruining her life with the Order, and terrified of ruining her future as a Jedi.

"You know what I'm trying to say," Rex uttered tiredly, "I care for her a great deal. More than you know… But she can get into real trouble for this if I act on it. I can't do that to her, no matter how much I…" He made another inward sigh and withdrew his hands from the fire. "It doesn't matter."

There was a constant battle raging within him. Everything he told Saxe was true, but he didn't really care about the Jedi Order right now. Not really. He was simply too cowardly to act on his feelings. Maybe there was a slight chance Ahsoka would accept him, welcome him… but there was also a chance he could be rejected, for the sake of their friendship, which he would understand wholeheartedly.

Rex felt heavy, like he'd been chewing lead these last few minutes. Before Saxe had a chance to respond, Rex asked him a question of his own to divert the spotlight causing sweat droplets to form in the back of his neck, "But what about you? Are you and Captain Heart still…?"

The silence that had surrounded them before was nothing compared to what befell them now. Rex was sure he could hear Saxe's Adam's apple bobble as he swallowed.

"You… haven't heard?" Saxe asked woefully and bit his lip before explaining, "A Separatist ambush took out more than half the squadron he was leading. His starfighter got… obliterated. Only thing they found was that stupid heart pin he always carried around." Saxe dug around in his utility belt until he held the small pin between two fingers and eyed it in front of the flames. A brass looking metal with a heart symbol carved in its centre. "Stupid pin…" Saxe mumbled under his breath and clasped his hand around it, squeezing it tightly.

"I'm sorry, Saxe… I heard about the attack but I didn't know he was there. The casualty list never came across my desk," Rex said, regret hanging heavy in his voice. Losing a friend was always hard, losing someone you loved… even worse.

Even so, Saxe managed a smile. "Don't be sorry, Rex. I'm… past it. Or trying to be. It's funny… We lose people all the time in this blasted war, but it's not getting any easier, is it?"

"No, it isn't…" Rex exhaled heavily. He couldn't even say how many brothers he had lost over time. Too many. And each time tore through him like a blaster shot, and never once did he feel hardened and like he could easily handle the next time. No. Every loss was difficult, every loss brought pain. Some days he didn't even know how he could wake up and continue fighting… Ahsoka made it easier with her presence though, and that became more and more apparent each day.

Saxe put his hand on Rex's shoulder. "Listen, Rex…" he began softly. "If you truly care about Ahsoka then I say why wait? I would have done the same with Heart had I not been too scared of the commanders staring holes in my neck every day. And then… It was too late."

Rex glanced at Saxe, seeing the honesty in his eyes. He knew he was right. Why was he wasting time? "Saxe, I don't—"

"You know I'm right," Saxe interjected.

Rex sighed audibly as a small smile cracked at the corner of his lips. "You're stubborn, if anything."

"And…?" Saxe gauged with a raised eyebrow.

"Well…" Rex pondered. "I suppose there's some truth to what you're saying."

"Some?" Saxe grinned and leaned back. "I'll take that. That's enough for me." He drained the remainder of his mug and put it next to Rex's. "I better get a few blinks before the suns finds us again. And you think of a way to profess your feelings to Ahsoka, like I said, before it's too late."

Rex waved him off dismissively but the smile was still present. "I'll see you in the morning, Saxe."

As Saxe settled down next to his snoring men, Rex stayed by the fire a little longer, staring into the embers rolling from the burning pile. Was it really that easy? To be honest and actually tell Ahsoka how he really felt, no matter the consequences? Their friendship boundary had been crossed, more than once, even though nothing… incriminating had happened. Their various instances of intimacy had already opened many doors. Rex could tell there was something there, and if he had read Ahsoka wrong then he would be certain to doubt many of his other abilities, both as a soldier and as a man. But maybe it was time. Time to talk to her about it. To confess. To tell her he had feelings for her… It was an intimidating, yet incredibly exhilarating, thought.