Three days have passed since Fives got rescued from the avalanche. His own injuries were long healed but that didn't prevent him from being a frequent visitor to the medbay. He was using every given occasion to come and brighten Ahsoka's mood. Even if he had only breaks of a few minutes between drills, he was using them to swing by and crack some jokes or tease her with the hilarious holos from their last bet. He was staying in the medbay long after scheduled visiting hours, not leaving until he pulled every string of Kix's patience. Ahsoka was always greeting him with a wide smile, clearly grateful for any distraction from boredom as she was chained to the bed and unable to leave it without someone else's assistance. But with the inevitable battle approaching, Fives had less and less spare time on his hands and his sheer will was no longer enough to meet her.

It was past curfew and yet Fives was only now returning from the briefing. Since the alarm had woken him before dawn, he hadn't had a second to take a deep breath, let alone make personal trips to the medbay. The thoughts of his Commander waiting just a few halls away were haunting Fives and throwing him off concentration in the middle of manoeuvres but he hasn't been able to satisfy his longing for the whole day. Now, as the graveyard shift started, most troopers were either in the barracks or on their way there. Fives would've been as well hadn't he decided to make a quick detour. He knew it was late, the lights in her room were probably already down but he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to see her. Even if Ahsoka was already asleep he would quietly wish her sweet dreams and return to the barracks with the assurance she was alright.

Fives swept swiftly through the corridors of the medbay, succeeding in not coming across Kix, but halted as he found himself in front of Ahsoka's door. His finger lingered millimetres away from the buzzer. He didn't want to barge in without notice but if the girl was already asleep then intruding on her also didn't sit well with him. Not entirely convinced of either solution, Fives shifted his finger onto the opening panel. A flicker of relief flashed across his chest as the doors slid to the side and let bright lights fall on his armour. His mouth had already opened to say a cheeky comment that it was past her bedtime but the words died on his tongue as he noticed that Ahsoka wasn't laying in her bed but instead stood beside the end of it.

The moment she saw him, Ahsoka froze. Her face stilled in shocked expression as she stared at Fives with eyes wide open. She was leaning heavily on the bed frame which she held tightly with both hands to maintain her balance without putting weight on the injured leg. Despite seeming aware that she had been caught red-handed, Ahsoka didn't rush with any explanation as if deeply hoping he wouldn't question her actions. Well kriff, was she wrong.

"What are you doing?" Fives asked her incredulously. The girl slowly raised her palm and waved it in front of him as if she was performing the Jedi persuasive trick.

"This is all a dream." She said calmly.

"Yeah, I'm not falling for that." He replied deadpanned and crossed arms over his chest. "Sorry I'm bothering you, since you're clearly in a hurry. Is there a contest for the dumbest idea you're rushing to?"

"No," Ahsoka huffed annoyedly. "I know you're too big of a competition for this one." She put one hand on her hip in a sassy gesture but quickly shifted it back to the bed frame to keep her balance on one leg.

"Funny." He scoffed while leaning against the door frame. "So, correct me if I'm wrong, you weren't trying to sneak out of the medbay? Because crawling doesn't sound particularly smart to me."

"I just wanted to go get a cup of caf." Ahsoka rolled her eyes at Fives' jab but now she put on a lighter tone, seemingly trying a different approach.

"I could have brought you the caf here." Fives refuted her argument with ease.

"It would get cold before you got back."

"You're just looking for excuses." He pointed out, struggling to contain the sigh that was weighing on his chest since the beginning of this conversation.

"And you aren't?" She retorted sternly, visibly as exasperated by the dispute as was Fives.

"Come on, Ahsoka." He tried to reason. "It's already late and you'll be able to walk on your own in a couple of days anyway." Fives remarked, really believing he could convince her. These were some valid arguments that even she couldn't refute. Ahsoka must've known that too 'cause she didn't try to.

"No. I'm going out now." Ahsoka said firmly and stressed her words with a pointing finger. "I'm tired of sitting here and I'm not afraid of Kix." Her tone was dead serious and to be honest, Fives was quite impressed by her determination. Although the mention of medic did sound a bit ridiculous.

"Well, that really is brave of you." Fives praised her meaningfully and anyone who didn't know him well wouldn't have even noticed the mockery in his voice. "But no matter how amusing it would be, I'm not letting you jump on one leg the whole way to the mess."

"Like you could stop me." She spat rebelliously.

"Oh really? You wanna fight me on that? Try stumbling over here and we'll see how it goes." He raised one eyebrow in the challenge but soon his expression drastically changed. "Don't-" Fives shouted once Ahsoka made a move to step on her injured leg. He instinctively held out his hands, ready to catch her if needed but thankfully she stayed in her place. Fives let out a heavy sigh and tiredly pressed his palm to his temple.

"Looks like you're the one backing down."

"It's hard to negotiate with a threatener." He countered tiredly, his fingers still pressed to his forehead.

"It's not a negotiation, Fives." Her voice was strong as durasteel. "I'm going out and you can either join me or not."

Fives was getting really frustrated. This whole argument was absurd. Ahsoka was wearing white pyjamas and a fluffy dressing gown; she didn't even have shoes, her feet were dressed in thick, blue socks. Yet she was exposing a determined expression worthy of a warrior in the most fierce battle. He could understand her exasperation, anyone would get mad after being trapped alone in a room. He supposed that with the upcoming mission even the General had trouble finding time to keep her company. But as compassionate as Fives felt, there was no way he would let her risk her health for something as trivial as a caf. There was no way she'd walk on her own.

"I can carry you."

"Huh?" Her eye markings flew upwards. Her mouth fell agape yet Fives was just as surprised by his offer as was Ahsoka. He hadn't really thought it through, it was just a random notion that too quickly formed into tangible words. "Ah, um…" She mumbled and Fives felt guilty for putting her in such an uncomfortable position. He was about to turn it into a joke so she wouldn't have to look for a way to kindly refuse but then a real word left her lips. "Ok."

Fives thought he misheard her but she was staring at him kinda expectantly and he didn't dare ask her to repeat. Still unsure, he walked up to Ahsoka and slightly bent down so she could hook her left arm over his shoulder. Fives placed one hand on her back and the other under her knees. He heard her sharp inhale next to his ear even though he lifted her gently.

"Alright?" Fives asked while looking her in the eye and immediately felt like his heart skipped a beat because she was so close.

"Yeah, 'm fine." Ahsoka replied faintly. She was blushing heavily, her lekku chevrons nearly black but Fives wasn't going to judge - he was sure the flush on his cheeks and ears was also very much visible.

Fives really hoped she couldn't hear how fast his heart was beating even though he had a feeling that its haste rhythm was reverberating through his ribcage and the plastoid of his armour. Swallowing hard, he moved towards the exit, watching for Ahsoka's legs so they wouldn't hit the door frame.

Fives took the shortest route to the cantina, but after ten minutes of traversing similar corridors, they were still not even halfway there, and with the heavy silence between them, time dragged even slower. He felt that Ahsoka was tense, her unusual silence confirmed that she was uncomfortable and Fives wondered whether she was already regretting saying yes to his offer. He still couldn't decide if he was more joyful or terrified by the situation he had gotten himself into. His hands were both tingling at the close contact with her and shaking from the nerves. Fives was too bold for his own good and now he was facing the consequences.

Ahsoka was staring intently at his face and Fives was very aware of that. Maybe she didn't have much choice of where to direct her gaze given their proximity, but it still felt very intimate. A desire of returning the glance was nagging at him and he had to watch himself to keep his eyes on the road. Fives was so nervous that he was having trouble walking steadily, afraid of actually tripping at any moment. Mouse droid drove past him with a quiet chipper but thankfully that was the only passerby they encountered. Quite understandable considering the late hour.

Suddenly, Ahsoka shifted in his arms; she folded her palms on his pauldron and rested her chin on her hands so that she could watch the corridor behind Fives' back. At first, he greeted the change with relief because without her eyes boring into his soul it was slightly easier to keep his breathing steady. But as Ahsoka moved, her lekku brushed against his jaw and his next inhale hitched in his chest. Kriff, he swore mentally.

"Oh shut it, I'm not that heavy." Ahsoka huffed and Fives realised that his curse was very much audible after all.

"I didn't say you were." Fives quickly defended himself but supposed he didn't sound very convincing - his breathing was still shuddering slightly and Ahsoka's weight had nothing to do with it.

"You thought it tho, didn't you?" She pressed further but Fives easily, and with relief, recognised her teasing tone.

"I could never, Commander." He promised solemnly and with much more drama than needed. "But yes, I guess carrying the weight of your stubbornness is quite excessive."

Not bothering to come up with a clever remark, Ahsoka swung her leg and kicked him in the ribs, which probably hurt her more than him as Fives was wearing plastoid armour while she merely a woollen sock.

"Watch out." Fives warned her. "It's not wise to attack someone who's carrying you."

"Oh I doubt there's anything I should worry about." Ahsoka said lightly, and although she was still turned away he could have sworn she was smiling. "You wouldn't dare to drop me."

It was all the encouragement he needed. As childish as it was, they always loved proving each other wrong. Every time a sentence was spoken with even the slightest hint of a challenge, they just took it on. As if pushing boundaries of absurdity had become a contest of its own.

So now, not a second passed before Fives abruptly lowered his hands, causing Ahsoka to slide against his armour a few inches closer to the ground. Fives' grasp was still firm and he in fact wouldn't dare drop the girl but Ahsoka apparently wasn't so sure of that. The moment Fives jerked his arms, she gasped sharply and threw her arms around his neck. Her one palm clenched on his cuirass whereas another clutched at the very rim of the collar of his blacks. Her fingertips pressed hard onto his bare skin and if not for Fives' quick reflexes, he might've really dropped her. He could feel her hot breath tickling his ear which evoked a shiver running down his spine. His head spun at the mix of sensations and he clenched his hands tighter on the girl because his muscles didn't feel so reliable anymore.

Ahsoka quickly retreated her hand and rested it back on his armour but the warmth of her touch lingered on his skin long after. She once again faced the hall behind him, but Fives wasn't as foolish to hope his rising blush came unnoticed. Rest of the way he carried her with utmost care and caution.

Once they made it to the mess, it was Ahsoka who pushed the door panel since both Fives' hands were occupied. The lamps lit up in canon, their flickering echoed in the huge hall. Fives rarely had the opportunity to see the mess completely deserted as it was now. Usually, he had trouble making his brilliant remarks audible in the overall commotion but now each step was reverberating in his ears as he slowly walked up to the table. He gingerly put Ahsoka down on the bench, securing her injured leg to lie safely on it. After assuring she was alright, he moved to the kitchenette.

Without asking her opinion, Fives made two decaffeinated drinks. It was late and the fact that he got himself persuaded to take her here was enough. He also didn't have to inquire about sweetener or milk since he very well knew her caf preferences. On his way back to Ahsoka, he saw that she was watching him this whole time with her chin resting on her palm.

"I know you're jealous of my ability to walk freely but you don't have to be so open about it." He said while approaching the table.

Ahsoka chucked in response but straightened slightly, resting both hands on the countertop. Fives placed two steaming mugs on the table and sat opposite her.

"Thanks." She said softly when enveloping the warm cup in both palms.

For a while they just sat in silence, slowly sipping hot caf, savouring its sweet scent and taste. They neither exchanged thoughts nor glances but it was fine - Fives felt comfortable in her company even when no words were spoken. With a slight surprise, he realised that it's been days since he could find some peace and enjoy the stillness of the night.

"I heard there's a big battle coming." Ahsoka accosted lightly after half her cup's contents were already gone. Her fingertips were tapping a quiet rhythm on the side of her mug, but Fives didn't recognise the song.

"Yeah, Skywalker came up with some crazy plan for this one."

"Doesn't he always?" She huffed a laugh. "Bet it's involving explosions."

"Every good plan does. What's wrong with playing an arsonist from time to time, right?" He smirked and raised the mug to his mouth. Ahsoka chucked but then her expression melted and she let out a disappointed sigh.

"Bummer I won't be here to hear stories from your victory."

"You're leaving?" Fives asked surprised and set the mug back onto the table even though he hadn't taken a sip yet.

"Small unit is returning to Corrie tomorrow for supplies and they're taking me along." Ahsoka explained. "Anakin concluded that I won't be of much use jumping on one leg through the snow drifts. Unless you're volunteering to carry me through the battlefield as well." She joked but Fives was too disappointed by the news to muster a chuckle.

He was blandly stirring his drink; suddenly it didn't taste as sweet as it used to. It was selfish of him to be upset about something like that. Ahsoka needed rest and the Halls of Healing in the Temple certainly will help her recover quickly. But the thought that he won't be able to see her in a while was putting him in a bad mood.

"So you're finally going for those pancakes, huh?" He asked, bringing back her wish from when they were trapped inside the cave.

"Actually… I was thinking about the jogan fruit pie you told me about." She said with a sparkle in her eyes. Fives suddenly raised his surprised gaze at her. "That is, if it's fine by you." Ahsoka added quickly as if taking his astonishment for displeasure.

"Yeah, of course. Sure." Fives assured quickly, blinking twice to shake off his surprise.

"Great, it's settled then." She sent him the most beautiful smile and Fives quickly took a long sip of caf as an excuse not to reply because he really didn't know what to say. That he was happy? It seemed more than obvious.

Fives started thinking about their appointment and realised that the concept felt very surreal because they'd never actually gone out together off duty. Sure, she had been in the 79's a few times but it was always a group trip, accompanied by at least half of the Torrent Company. Fives was probably overthinking it - they were just going to dinner. It was just the two of them in the mess right now so what's the difference, right? The prospect of their meeting was filling him with excitement but Fives tried not to get his hopes high. There were plenty of things that could still go wrong, for example, Ahsoka changing her mind. And even if she didn't he had no idea when he'll be given leave. But all his doubts apart, it was something worth waiting for.

"While I'm not here…" Ahsoka's quiet voice snapped Fives out of his reverie though what really startled him was the vast difference in her tone compared to her previous chipper. The girl stared at the inside of her cup, but before speaking up again, she lifted her gaze straight to his eyes. "Be careful, ok?"

"I'm always careful." He replied without much thought. His words were layered with amusement he quickly regretted, as it seemed to only upset her more.

"I mean it, Fives." Her gaze hardened just like her grip on the cup. "This mission is dangerous already as it is and I don't want to wonder where you got shot next just because you wanted to play a hero." Ahsoka took a deep inhale after letting the last sentence out in one breath.

Fives was struck by the intensity of her statement. Ahsoka's stare was stern, but beneath the severity of her gaze, Fives could see the concern. The fact that he was the reason for it made his heart clench.

"Alright, I'll be careful." He replied softly, maintaining eye contact with Ahsoka so she could see the honesty behind his assurance. "I promise." Fives vowed, getting the impression that his previous claim wasn't enough as she didn't seem convinced.

Ahsoka kept her eyes locked on his, trapping Fives in the ocean of her blue orbs. She looked tense as if bad scenarios were already plaguing her mind, poisoning it with worries about something that hadn't even happened yet. Fives frowned, feeling really uneasy, and was about to say something to calm her anxiety but a steadying exhale left her lips.

"Good." Ahsoka nodded, blinking for the first time in a few minutes. "Because I'm tired of visits and visiting the medbay; we really have to change the meeting spot." She said with a hint of tease and now Fives could let out a relieved sigh as well.

"You're so picky." He shook his head in fake disapproval. "Hopefully the cantina I'm taking you to will come to your liking."

"Yeah, it better does." Ahsoka said, mirroring his smirk. "If not then the companion will have to make it up to me." She raised the cup to her lips and took a slow sip without breaking their eye contact. She was intending to abash him with her comment but Fives knew the game too well and was a hella player himself. He propped his chin on his palm and with a smug smile on his lips, he answered:

"Good thing I know how to satisfy you." Ahsoka's eyes widened wildly and she choked on the sip of caf in her mouth. She coughed twice to clear her throat but the blush on her cheeks wasn't as easy to get control over. Fives chuckled at her embarrassed expression, his grin only broadening. Ahsoka shook her head in disbelief as if wordlessly saying he was impossible but when she brought the mug back to her lips, Fives was sure she was hiding a small smile behind its ridge.

So far, Fives had been sipping his drink as slowly as possible, as if afraid that once he finishes, their moment together would be gone - doesn't matter whether he did it consciously or not. The beverage was already cold, the remnants of diluted sweetener rolling around the bottom of his mug as he tilted it. The drink lacked nutritional value from the very beginning but now it was also devoid of flavour.

"It's late, we should get going." Ahsoka said decisively, setting her cup back onto the table with a loud clank as if to emphasise her statement. Fives agreed, his chrono was already displaying zero two hundred, but he didn't mind teasing her a little.

"Oh? You finished your drink and now you're ready to go?" He sent her a pointing look. "Trooper, make me a caf. Trooper, carry me to the medbay."

"Don't be so dramatic." She rolled her eyes but the smile was stretching her lips. Fives smirked, pleased by her reaction. He quickly took the last sip of his tasteless caf and collected both cups to return them.

When he got back to the table, Ahsoka was already waiting for him expectantly. She looked at him with big eyes and held out her arms in the air like a child. Fives snorted at her act and bent down to pick Ahsoka up. She hooked one arm around his shoulder and squirmed a little so the dents of his armour wouldn't press into her side.

"Comfortable?" He asked with a chuckle in his voice once she settled in.

"Very." Ahsoka admitted with a grin.

Fives moved towards the exit, his right hand buried in the soft material of her dressing gown as he held her back. Ahsoka switched off the lights with a push of the Force and they left the quiet mess behind.

The corridors were as deserted as they were an hour ago. Fives knew that wandering in the middle of the night with his Commander in his arms was an unusual practice and better not be spotted by anyone, but he enjoyed the moment too much to hasten his pace. His calm and even steps prompted Ahsoka to rest her head on his pauldron, her legs slightly dangling. After a few turns in the winding corridors, Fives realised that Ahsoka had been uncommonly quiet. He could feel how her breathing slowed down as it ghosted against his neck. Fives cast a look at her face and had to stifle a chuckle as he saw that her eyes were closed.

"You're not falling asleep, are you?" He asked softly, still glancing down at her. "Cause I hadn't taken you out just so you could sleep elsewhere." Fives deliberately omitted 'in my arms' but he did mean it.

"No, 'm just resting." She muffled quietly.

"Right, I can't even imagine how tiresome this journey must've been for you." Fives teased.

"Bearing with your sarcasm is exhausting." She answered cheekily though without lifting her head from where it rested on his pauldron. "Besides, I wouldn't be so sleepy if you made me a real caf." Ahsoka opened one eye as she said the last comment.

"So it's my fault why you're dozing off on my shoulder?"

"No, that's your armour's credit. I didn't think plastoid could be this cosy." She nuzzled against his shoulder slightly, closing her eyes again. "I finally get what pauldrons really are for."

"You mean you're going to wear them from now on?" He raised one eyebrow at her.

"Of course not, where would be a benefit for me in that?" Her voice was uncannily lively for the dreamy act she was performing.

"Then you're intending to just use mine for this purpose?" Fives definitely wouldn't mind if she did.

"You got them for a reason, didn't you?"

"Precisely," Fives forced himself to finally take his eyes off her and focus on the road ahead. "I worked my way up to the ARC to earn them just for this special assignment."

"Your contribution is invaluable." Ahsoka praised him in her officer's voice. "Did your training on Kamino include such circumstances?"

"Oh yeah, we were carrying sacks of potatoes every day to be ready when the time comes." Fives answered casually but there was a pause from her side. Then she abruptly raised her head from his shoulder and straightened up as much as she could in his hold.

"Did you just compare me to the sack of potatoes?" She raised one eye marking at him.

"Not me; the Kaminoans did." He smoothly defended himself. They were already in the medbay and Fives tried to manoeuvre through the narrower corridors without bumping Ahsoka's dangling legs into the walls.

"Well, I'm starting to question their teaching techniques." She remarked with superiority.

"It's the outcome that counts." Fives replied, somehow imitating Rex's solemn tone.

"Then I'm definitely disputing those."

"Hey!" He called and turned his face to her, pretending to be offended but couldn't continue as Ahsoka snorted loudly. The markings on her cheeks curved from the wide grin. Her laughter was contagious and soon Fives also wasn't able to stop from laughing.

When he halted before the right room and pressed the key panel, they were both still chuckling. But the moment the door slid open, their laughs died in their throats. Fives felt Ahsoka freeze in his arms as they were met with Kix's piercing gaze. The man was sitting in the chair directly directed to the entrance; his arms were folded over his chest and right ankle was propped on his left knee.

"The trip is over, I presume." Medic greeted them coolly. There was a long pause since neither had any response prepared for this situation. Kix was staring at them sternly and although he wasn't fussing, his apparent stillness was somehow more unsettling.

"Go on, calm him down somehow." Ahsoka murmured to Fives in a hushed voice.

"I thought you weren't afraid of Kix." He replied in a theatrical whisper after which the medic let out a long exasperated sigh. Fives took it as his cue to go further inside the room.

While walking up to her bed, he felt Kix's heavy gaze on him. Fives wasn't easily embarrassed in front of his brothers but now as he walked past the medic with their Commander in his arms, Fives knew the tips of his ears were burning.

"There's a wheelchair, you know." Kix remarked loud and clear, forcing Fives to tightly grit his teeth to hold back the sudden urge to murder.

Fives tried to let the comment pass him but it wasn't easy, especially as he saw that Ahoka's lekku chevrons became two shades darker. He walked over to the bed and gently laid the girl down. As Ahsoka took her arm away, her fingers accidentally brushed over Fives' neck and he had to use the last straps of his composure to keep from letting out an audible gasp. He quickly straightened up and stepped away from the bed, hoping his torture would end. Fives didn't know whether Kix noticed their embarrassment but the sigh he left was permeated with an even greater amount of exasperation than the previous.

"You're leaving first thing in the morning, couldn't you bear staying here until then?" Medic asked Ahsoka while standing from his chair.

"I just wanted to imprint in my memory every corner of this place." She answered solemnly and Fives was really impressed by her ability to muster such a tone in this situation. But he was probably the only one who felt their every physical contact like a blast, his nerves charging with electricity from her touch.

"Sure you did." Kix nodded but there wasn't even a hint of honesty in his voice. He administered her medicines and walked around the bed to check on the leg wound.

Fives stood by the door, leaning against the wall with hands folded over his chest and eyes leisurely following Kix's movements. He hoped the blush already ceased from his cheeks but his heart was still hammering in his chest, refusing to calm down and return to its normal rhythm. Fives blandly wondered if there was anything the medic could prescribe for his condition as well.

Once Kix finished changing the dressing, Ahsoka thanked him and Fives noticed how she also muttered apologies to the medic for her insubordination. The gesture seemed to work on Kix's soft heart as the frown on his forehead disappeared entirely.

Fives knew that the meeting was inevitably coming to an end. He longed for a moment alone with Ahsoka to say goodbye, given they won't be able to see each other for a while, but Kix didn't seem to leave the room before Fives did, as if making sure there were no more unscheduled detours for his patient. Fives didn't know what he wanted to tell Ahsoka which he wouldn't be able to say in Kix's presence but it still irritated him a little. He considered coaxing him for five more minutes but the stern look on Kix's face told him there was no room for negotiations.

"Don't miss me too much." Fives turned to Ahsoka and she immediately found his eyes. "I'll be back in a flash so rest well. And I don't wanna hear about any reckless antics." Fives pointed a warning finger at her. "Not without me."

Ahsoka laughed sonorously, showing off her white fangs in a wide grin. Fives tried to imprint this image in his memory. At least until the next time when he'd be able to see her smile with his own eyes again. He only hoped the separation wouldn't last too long.

Kix moved towards the door, ushering Fives to leave as well. He tried not to sulk too much and kept his sad sigh as low as possible, even though his chest felt heavier with every step he took toward the exit. The lights behind him went out and he was already past the threshold when Fives heard a soft, sweet voice.

"See you, Fives."