"... and then one day the Chancellor just showed up at my door requesting my help with a secret mission. He straight up just offered me a job doing something I was good at. It was too good to pass up." Ahsoka spoke through a mouthful of food, knowing full well that her manners were extremely lacking. She couldn't help it though. She hadn't had a meal this good in ages!

"Palpatine really just offered you a job as his personal agent? No strings attached?" Padmé responded to Ahsoka's story of what she had done since leaving the Order, delicately taking a bite out of her plate of food in the process. Ahsoka couldn't help but notice the stark difference in the food on each of their plates. Whereas Ahsoka had a large pile of well cooked meat wrapped up in a bun, Padmé simply had a plate of various pieces of salad, a thin layer of exquisite looking dressing on top.

If Ahsoka wasn't a carnivore, she'd most certainly eat Padmé's meal.

"Yeah, it seems so. He straight up apologised for the trial and even offered to listen to any problems or concern I have. I see why Anakin respects him so much. He's like a kindly grandpa in a way." Ahsoka replied, swallowing her mouthful of food in the process and shooting a toothy grin at Padmé.

"Palpatine has always been pragmatic, but honest. Even if I disagree with how he runs things I won't deny he's done some incredible things for the Republic." Padmé continued, reached down to her plate with her utensil to pick up another piece of what looked like a long stringy leaf, before placing it in her mouth.

"Yeah, well the important thing is that I'm stable now. He even gifted me an apartment at 500 Republica."

Padmé nodded her head at Ahsoka words, finishing off the rest of her plate of food before placing the utensil down on the table. Ahsoka meanwhile was still a ways off finishing her lunch. Barely half of it was eaten, as Ahsoka savoured every bite.

"I'm glad you are doing well Ahsoka, but you really should have come straight here after you left the Order. I would have helped you in any way I could, you know that."

Freezing mid bite, Ahsoka shifted her eyes to lock onto Padmé's, slowly lowering her bun to her plate in the process. Padmé's eyes showed nothing but compassion, as well as an alluring sense of guilt and worry. Just looking into her brown eyes made Ahsoka feel sad, as if she had done something wrong, or hadn't done something she was supposed to do.

"Padmé I..." Ahsoka began, struggling over her words, her hands coming together, her fingers fiddling with one another, "I didn't want to bother you. You'd already defended me in that bogus trial, and you had bigger things to worry about than dealing with a lost Togruta. Besides, the last thing you needed would be to be seen in the company of a suspected murderer and terrorist. It would damage your political career to no end."

The look that came across Padmé's face was one that Ahsoka had never seen before. It contained a hint of anger, but one that was mainly covered by shock.

"Do you think so little of me Ahsoka? I couldn't care less what people thought of me helping my aquited friend who was in need. You're still only a teenager Ahsoka. It's ok to allow someone to look after you."

Now Ahsoka was the one who felt guilty, looking down at her plate of half eaten food in shame. She shouldn't have assumed anything bad about Padmé. After all, she was one of , if not the nicest person she had ever met in her short life. Ahsoka valued Padmé's friendship and guidance as much as she did Anakin's.

"No Senator, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, I just… I just didn't want anyone to worry about me. Anakin didn't even want me to begin with, and after the Council all but threw me out of their Order I just… I just assumed I wasn't worth it." Ahsoka replied, her voice falling low in despair.

In an instant Padmé rose from her seat and came walking round the table, crouching beside Ahsoka in the process, who now had her head in her hands, and wrapped an arm round her.

"Well Anakin wants you around now. I want you around. Even the Chancellor wants you around. You have people who care about you Ahsoka, you just have to let them."

Ahsoka considered Padmé's words. Throughout her life she had been a sociable individual, making friends with everyone around her. Her nature as a Togruta was to interact with others, to build bonds and to work together.

But when the very people she had trusted, the very people she had allowed herself to get close to had turned and betrayed her, as Barriss had done, that was when she had changed.

Her sociable nature, her gregariousness and willingness to do everything for everyone had done little to help her.

Everyone, save Anakin and Padmé had turned and abandoned her, even the troopers she had served and bled with for years. Even Rex had done nothing for her. In the end, she had gained nothing, and lost everything.

That was why she had left. The Council's words, and lack of apology had hurt, but she hadn't been too surprised by it. In fact, Anakin seemed more offended by it than she was.

It was the fact that no one was there for her, that no one even tried to help her that hurt the most, especially after everything she had done for them.

So she had left.

But now, she was back, at least back within the lives of those few that had supported and helped her.

And if there was anyone left in the galaxy worth giving a damn about, it was Anakin and Padmé.

"I know, and thank you Padmé. I might not believe it right now, but it's nice to hear nonetheless." Ahsoka replied, raising her head to look at Padmé's face, a warm smile covering it.

"Good girl. Now finish your meal. You look like you haven't eaten properly in weeks."

"Heh, I haven't, not really." Ahsoka replied before grasping the bun in her hands once again, taking a sizable bite out of it in the process, before beginning to chew. The taste was exquisite. Not too salty, but not too sweet either.

Padmé began to move to return to her chair when a noise drew her attention away.

The sound, which could only be described as a fast whoosh, signified that the door to Padmé's apartment had been opened. The only question was who had entered without even asking for permission in the first place?

Turning in her seat slightly at the sound of heavy footsteps stomping forward, Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the person before her.

Said eyes became even wider when the individual wasted no time scooping Padmé up into a tight hug, burying their face in her hair in the process, murmuring under their breath in the process.

Ahsoka could have sworn she heard something about the Jedi Council in the murmuring, but she was too preoccupied with the sight before her to care.

Padmé clearly recognized the situation however.

"Anakin, Anakin stop."

"No Padmé, I just, I can't, kriff the damned Council and their stupid decisions."

"Anakin, seriously!"

"Seriously what Padmé? What's wrong?"

Padmé spoke no more, merely gesturing with her head to the table where Ahsoka was sitting. Ahsoka watched with wide eyes as Anakin's head turned to notice her, not understanding at first, before his eyes too widened in surprise, breaking out of his intimate embrace with Padmé and taking several steps back in the process.

"Oh kriff!"

At that, Ahsoka couldn't help but burst out laughing. Both Padmé and Anakin stood looking sheepish, both their faces bright red as if they had just been discovered doing something forbidden.

Most likely because they had been.

When Ahsoka had managed to calm herself down enough to stop laughing, wiping the tears that had appeared in her eyes way in the process, she attempted to speak.

"You? And you? Together? Behind everyone's back? I was only teasing you earlier Anakin. I didn't realise how right I was!" Ahsoka said, devolving into fits of giggles again as she tried to keep a straight face. It wasn't that the situation was funny, but just their reactions. Both Anakin and Padmé stood there, guilty looks on their faces as if they knew they had done wrong.

And then Anakin's face changed to one of panic.

"You can't tell anyone Ahsoka! Not Obi-Wan, not Rex, not even Palpatine! You understand me?"

Ahsoka nearly burst out laughing at the desperation in Anakin's voice as he tried to contain what she assumed was a dark secret, until she looked into his eyes.

Within them, there was no hint of humour, or jest, or even the edge of cockiness that he so frequently held within his eyes. Instead, all Ahsoka could see was fear. Fear of losing everything around him. Fear of losing Padmé.

Glancing over at Padmé. Ahsoka saw that she too had a deep look of concern and worry on her face. There was no fear, not like what she saw in Anakin's eyes, but still worry. She too obviously didn't want to lose Anakin.

Standing from her chair, what remained of her food forgotten for the time being, Ahsoka approached the duo.

"Hey, I'm not going to tell anyone, you can trust me. Not like Obi-Wan and Rex are really speaking to me right now anyway, right?" Ahsoka explained, attempting to add some humour, no matter how depressing, into the conversation as a means of distraction. It didn't work but she did see some of the fear and terror in Anakin's eyes recede.

Knowing she needed to say more to convince them, Ahsoka continued.

"You two are the only people who defended me in that trial. You both mean a lot to me. I'm not going to tell anyone anything. You're both entitled to your privacy."

Both Anakin and Padmé glanced at each other, as if silently communicating, before their heads moved back to face Ahsoka.

"Your really ok with this Snips? I mean, it completely violates the Jedi Code and everything you were taught as a child." Anakin questioned, his eyes still wide and full of worry, but significantly calmer now. All elements of fear were gone now, for which Ahsoka was glad.

"A Code taught by people who outright betrayed and abandoned me you mean? Kriff the Code, and kriff their stupid rules. If you two can find happiness with each other, then why not? I'll always support you, as you did me." Ahsoka finished, a gentle smile coming to her face in the process. Hopefully that would convince them that she was on their side.

Both Anakin and Padmé glanced at each other again, their faces slowly changing to something along the lines of warmth and love, before they both turned to Ahsoka.

Anakin approached first, reaching out with his arms and placing them on Ahsoka's shoulders, squeezing gently in a sign of affection.

"Thank you Ahsoka, it means a lot that you trust me as much as you do. I promise we were going to tell you one day, but it was never the right moment."

Ahsoka nodded at Anakin's words, reaching with her own hand up to grasp Anakin's, pushing him back in jest.

"Hey now, no need to go all big softy on me. I think I'll take my leave for now, let you two enjoy the rest of your day." Ahsoka replied, stepping out of Anakin's reach and turning back to the table. Taking the last piece of her bun, Ahsoka stuffed it in her mouth and began to eat it, turning back around and nodding her head to her two friends, before moving past them and heading for the door.

Anakin watched as his former apprentice left the room, excusing herself in light of what she had just discovered.

When the door closed behind her, Anakin released a sigh of relief that he hadn't realized he had been holding. That had been close. Far, far too close. Had it been anyone other than Ahsoka he would be panicking right now.

But he trusted Ahsoka completely. If she said she wouldn't tell anyone, then he believed her, and it meant more to him than she would ever realize.

His relationship with Padmé flew in the face of every single tradition of the Jedi Order, of every aspect of the Code that spoke of attachment, and how it led to ruin.

But for Anakin, both understanding that aspect of the Code, as well as following it was next to impossible. People had accused him in the past of caring too much, and he had admitted to such accusations. As far as he was concerned it made him stronger, and granted him greater focus. Time and time again he had used his so called attachments to help him. His connection to Padmé, his bond with Ahsoka and even his relationship to both Obi-Wan and Palpatine had all helped him become the man he was.

Anakin Skywalker. The man who did all in his power to make sure everyone around him was happy and safe.

That was his goal in life. To ensure the safety of others. Growing up as slave had shown him that if he didn't look out for those who couldn't look out for themselves, then no one else would.

His mother had taught him that. How he missed her.

A pair of arms wrapped around his waist, drawing Anakin out of his inner thoughts. Allowing a warm smile to come to his face he turned around, readjusting Padmé's arms so that he was facing her, but so they were still wrapped around him.

"I'm glad she took that so well. I was worried for a second." Padmé spoke, her voice soft and gentle as she rested her head against Anakin's chest.

"You and me both. Don't really know why though. Ahsoka's not as close-minded as most other Jedi, and would never be malicious or vindictive." Anakin replied, resting his chin on the top of her head, enjoying the soft herbal scent of her hair in the process. He loved the various smells his wife washed her hair in.

"I'm surprised you would ever think that Ahsoka could be vindictive! She's a good young woman who only wants what's best for people." Padmé answered, her tone confused at Anakin's statement. He hadn't meant it of course. Ahsoka was not cruel, especially not to him.

Her enemies on the other hand...

"I know Padmé, I know, it was just a figure of speech. She's always had my back regardless of the situation." Anakin continued, tightening his hold on his wife in comfort, more for him than for her.

"You must be very proud of her." Padmé replied, lifting her head to look directly at Anakin.

"I am. Always was, always will be." Anakin replied without hesitation. If he could go back in time and tell his younger self that Ahsoka becoming his Padawan would be one of the best things that ever happened to him he would. He had been arrogant back then. Ahsoka had taught him as much as he had taught her.

Not that he'd ever tell her that of course. The last thing he wanted to do was over inflate her ego.

She had, after all, been an incredibly snippy youngling once upon a time. Anakin was almost certain that somewhere behind her mature attitude, that young girl still remained.

Focusing on the warm look in his wife's eyes, Anakin leaned his forehead down, resting it against hers.

"The Council is deploying me and the 501st to Ringo Vinda tomorrow, so I can't stay long." Anakin spoke softly, despair in his tone. How he wished he had more time with her.

But rather than share in his despair, Padmé merely nodded in understanding, leaning forward to place a kiss to his lips before speaking.

"Then we better make the most of our time together."

Author's thoughts

Ahsoka and Padmé really do have a great friendship don't they. How much are we all willing to be that they frequently team up in canon to tease Anakin? I think it's almost certain. Obi-Wan probably joins in too with embarrassing stories about his time as a Padawan.

Anyway, simple short chapter this time. I hope you all liked the reveal to Ahsoka about Anakin and Padmé's little secret. I have no doubts she'd be supportive of them in canon, so here she is on their side as well. That said, she doesn't know they are married yet. She only thinks they are together, if that makes any sense.

So, next chapter will be a longer one, and will feature going shopping for something more suitable to wear during her missions. I wonder what it could be?

Once again, thanks to my helpful beta reader 'arrinsynders'. Without them this story would look like a massive pile of speelings mistaks. (yes that was done on purpose)

As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:

rats10: The Rush Clovis stuff will features, but not the entirety of it I;m afraid. That said, it will have a much more significant impact than it does in canon, and the most famous scene from that arc will appear in this story. Hopefully that entices you enough. :)

Gendie01: Many comments to analyse, so let's begin.
Glad I've managed to hold your interest. Hopefully you enjoy the rest of this story.
Oops for the mistake. I am no canon expert, but that was a pretty big one. Maybe Palpy was having a day away from his normal office or something. :)
And no, I have no shame. I knew people would want Thrawn at some point, and so did I, so I thought why not the sooner the better.

SWGoji2001: Ha, you got the reference. I knew someone would.
I'm all about the clichés. Glad you liked it nonetheless.
The shit-storm will be grand, believe me. it will mostly be Windu being grumpy, as expected.
Thrawn will be gone for a while, but he will return. Some Obi-Wan scenes are coming up soon, including a lightsaber duel featuring him and someone else. That said, the big duel I spoke of does not come until the end of the story. Fifty guesses where it takes place and who between. You'll never get it right. ;)

Mysterious guest one: I'm glad you are enjoying everyone's favourite orange Togruta. She is pretty awesome. :)

SLE's fave guest: No worries about being MIA. We all have other things to do. :)
Glad you are pleased with Thrawn's surprise appearance. He plays an important role in a later arc or two. Right now he is off studying Basic.
Anakin really does hate everyone and everything doesn't he... minus a few individuals of course.
Obi-Wan isn't stupid. He knows when Anakin is hiding something.

Chiara Polairix Edelstein: Glad you are liking the direction this story is going. There are more emotional moments to come. :)
If/when the Council finds out... it will certainly cause some problems.

Mysterious guest two: You're not wrong there. The council does like to try and throw it's power about, though I doubt Ahsoka will listen to them anymore.
Obi-Wan's reaction might not be what you expect it to be. :)

Adamantium-Soldier74: Thanks a lot. I'm really glad you are enjoying it so far. Ahsoka's bond with the people from her past is something that has never really been explored in canon, aside from her bond with Anakin. There is more to come with that.
As for her and the 501st... rest assured they will meet again. :)

Kondoru: Hurray for Thrawn indeed. I wonder how big his art collection will get in this AU. (He probably owns an art gallery or something in canon. It wouldn't surprise me that's for sure.
Thrawn is great! He's far scarier than Vader or Sidious in my eyes simply because he doesn't use the force but it just as effective as them.