A/N:
Anisoka Week 2023
This is for the prompt "Morning".
As the first light of dawn began to touch the sky of Aldera, Anakin Skywalker quietly slipped from the bed he shared with his wife, briefly pausing to gently kiss her forehead, watching her peaceful face that belied the exhaustion of her recent workload. "You've given so much of yourself lately," he whispered tenderly, more to himself than her, lightly tracing the marking on her cheek with the back of a finger. "Let me give you something in return."
Quietly leaving their bedroom, he walked across the hall and softly entered Ashla's room, where she was nestled in her blankets, hair messy, bathed in the early morning sun light. He gently nudged her shoulder, whispering, "Ashla, love?" Reaching down, he brushed the hair back from her face and she stirred, opening one eye briefly and snuggling closer to him. "Want to help me surprise Mom with breakfast?" he asked. Her eyes opened slowly, a sleepy smile spreading across her face as she nodded excitedly.
In the kitchen, they embarked on their breakfast mission, creating a joyous mess. Flour covered the counters, the air, and themselves, their laughter a sweet melody in the early morning.
Upstairs, Ahsoka awoke to the cold absence of Anakin's warmth. She reached out, feeling the cool emptiness of the sheets where he normally lay. Curiosity piqued, she wrapped herself in a robe and made her way downstairs, her eyes lingering on the family holos that lined the hallway right outside their bedroom. She paused at each one, particularly at a holo of Rex holding a newborn Ashla, his expression one of comical bewilderment. A soft smile graced her lips as she remembered the early days of their family, the challenges, and the immense love that had grown from those moments.
As she neared the kitchen, the sounds of laughter and clattering utensils grew louder. She leaned against the doorway, observing Anakin and Ashla in their flour-covered glory. For a moment, she just watched them, a heartwarming scene of her little family, lost in their world of joy.
Finally sensing her, Anakin looked up, his eyes meeting hers. A bright smile spread across his face. "Morning, Snips!" he exclaimed with a playful tone. "We were going to make you breakfast in bed, but..."
"We kinda made a mess instead!" Ashla added, her giggles filling the room.
Ahsoka's eyes sparkled with playful mischief as she walked further into the kitchen, grabbing a handful of flour and launching it at Anakin and Ashla. Anakin's laughter echoed as he scooped her up over his shoulder, Ahsoka's flour-covered hand leaving a trail over his head and back. Ashla's delighted laughter joined theirs, creating a symphony of joy in their cozy kitchen.
Later, as they gathered around their kitchen table, Anakin presented Ahsoka with a present he'd been working on for a while now. "I, um, made you something," he said, turning away almost bashfully, making Ahsoka's heart melt. He reached into the pocket of his robe and brought out a handmade figurine of their family, made from polished kyber. She held it tenderly, her eyes filling with emotion.
"Thank you, d'bhem," she said, her voice soft with love. "This morning was just what I needed."
His smile was as bright as the rising sun. "Anything for you, Snips," Anakin replied, leaning in to give her a gentle, loving kiss.
As the morning light of Aldera continued to brighten their home, the Skywalkers basked in the warmth of their love and laughter, a simple yet unforgettable morning forever etched in the heart of their family.