Traitor.
Ever since the mission was approved, he couldn't help but feel like one. Because if there was even the slightest chance of preventing the mission from happening, he would. If there was a way to stop Ahsoka from going to Serias, he'd do just that — even if it meant breaking her trust.
Fives, along with eight other brothers, was assigned to the squad right after the meeting with Skywalker. From there, things went quickly. Ahsoka wasted no time getting them trained and ensuring that every strategy detail was ingrained in their minds. However, as the mission approached, it felt less like a capture operation and more like a planned execution.
Fives got the feeling Shenn wouldn't be given to stand trial, a detail Ahsoka hadn't disclosed in any of the briefings. He wasn't sure what exactly she had planned, but was certain it didn't involve taking the man alive. Whether Tavred's death would appear accidental, or if his saber-pierced corpse would rest on Serias to remain off the record… He didn't know if Ahsoka herself had decided that yet.
Fives wouldn't say Shenn deserved anything. He was a piece of scum whose fate evoked not a shred of pity. Fives didn't even have to come to the trial to know what the verdict would be. But the thought that Ahsoka was to orchestrate this execution — that scared him. It would scar her, in a way she hasn't known yet. This wasn't the same as fighting a battle — she was planning a deliberate assassination. A cold-blooded, cruel murder. She was about to abandon her every belief, everything she stood for, in a desperate attempt to fill the void in her soul.
Fives couldn't let her do that. He couldn't watch her go down that road. They were being deployed in two hours and he couldn't let her go with that dark look in her eyes. So he went looking for her. He took his last chance to change her mind while he still could, while it wasn't too late.
Finding Ahsoka wasn't that difficult, actually. The command centre had become her second home, so it was a safe bet she'd be there now too. Time was running short but Fives paused in front of the door nonetheless. He had to make this right. There would be no do-overs, no second chances. If he messed it up now, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.
He pressed the key panel and stepped inside.
Ahsoka was alone in the room. The table's dim light kept her face in shadow as she bowed over the maps. Fives knew their content by heart by now, just as she did, but it didn't stop her from boring her eyes into them. Her tired gaze darted from above the plans to look at him.
"I didn't expect you to come here," she said with genuine surprise.
"Am I unwelcome?"
"No," she replied slowly and Fives couldn't help but think it wasn't as honest. They stared at each other in silence, each waiting for the other to speak first.
"Any questions about the strategy?" she finally asked, her voice cold and formal, as if they were strangers. It had been that way for a while now. What was worse, he'd started getting used to it.
"No, that much is clear," he replied, matching her clinical tone.
"Then I don't see what else there is to discuss," Ahsoka said, turning her attention back to the maps on the table.
"Please don't do this," he said suddenly, the raw desperation breaking through his voice.
"Do exactly what, Fives?"
"Please tell me you're intending to bring Shenn in alive."
There was a heavy silence. And that was all the answer he needed.
"Ahsoka—"
"What?" she snapped, cutting him off. "You gonna tell me he doesn't deserve it? That it's not honourable? I've fought honourably my whole life and it didn't work! Not when they're not playing fair." Her hands gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles going white.
"But you're not like them. You're better," Fives insisted. "What about the Order? Don't you believe in their teachings anymore?"
"Jedi should be rational, aren't they?" she crossed her arms over her chest. "Well, this is the most rational thing to do. I can't let him escape again. Stopping this scumbag from killing anyone else is objectively good."
This logic was deeply flawed, but Fives doubted he was able to make her see that now. So he tried a different approach. "What about not being influenced by your emotions? Or have you conventionally forgotten about that part?"
"Last time I remember you told me not to cut off my emotions." she retorted, her voice rising. "So which is it, Fives? Or are you only choosing rules that suit you?"
That closed his mouth.
Jedi rules were intricate. Some of them he didn't understand, a few he didn't agree with. And to match them with the war's reality…it seemed nearly impossible. Keepers of the peace, spending most of their time with weapons drawn.
He knew that fighting a war wasn't black or white. And to win one it sometimes required being morally flexible. But this… This was the one thing that was not up for debate.
Her giving in to this hatred was a one-way ticket. It was a poison to her heart and he was terrified to watch as it consumed her.
"Just be honest with me—"
"You want honesty?" she interrupted, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "I'm tired! I'm tired of losing and bearing the blood on my hands! So if that's the only way to stop more bloodshed, then I'm ready to do it."
"You'll still have his blood on your hands," Fives said, his voice heavy with worry.
"It's a price I'm willing to pay."
"Once you start, it will never end—"
"Maybe it comes with being a commander," she shot with a bitter edge. "Don't know, they didn't exactly put it in the job description. But there's plenty they left out."
"Ahsoka—"
"Stop!" she pressed her palms to her face. "Just— stop it, Fives. I don't come and tell you how to do your work. I need to do this, and nothing you say will change that."
This was his breaking point. It was what he feared most — that no matter what he did or said, it would all be in vain. Ahsoka was right there, just a few paces away, but as if millions of light years separated them.
"As a trooper…" Fives started quietly. "I can't force you to do anything. But as a friend, I'm begging you not to do this." He looked up at her. Her breathing was ragged from the built-up emotions. He could see her fighting her own instinct to let it all out, to allow herself to be weak and vulnerable.
"You devoted your whole life to helping others," he continued. His voice filled with admiration as he recalled his earliest memories of her. "Since you were a child, you've been fighting this war and you still haven't given up. Every day you get up and decide to keep going. The thing I admire most about you… It's not the Force or lightsabers – it's your heart. The fact that after all you've been through, it's still pure. War didn't change you; didn't break you." He swallowed back tears, his voice shaking. "Please don't let them break you now."
Ahsoka closed her eyes, her eye markings pinched together. A stray tear ran down her cheek, shining in the dim light.
"I'm not as strong," she said. "or pure, as you think I am." She stepped past him, her pace slow but deliberate. "Sorry to disappoint you," she added, the words barely above a whisper before she disappeared through the doorway.
The echo of her voice stayed with him even though she was long gone.
Fives had promised to follow her wherever she led, but he wasn't sure how far he could go this time.
When Fives had still been a shiny, older brothers used to laugh whenever his nerves showed. And for his young, fragile pride, being the punchline of a joke was tough to stomach. So he started to fight against his weak human instincts — the ones even Kaminoan geneticists had failed to breed out. It took a lot of effort and self-consciousness on his part to catch himself from restlessly flexing his fingers or gritting teeth with fright. Any slips from his 'trooper with no fear' act irritated him more than missing the mark at the shooting range. But as the years went by, Fives had learnt that fear was often a saviour. It was this nagging feeling at the back of your mind that kept you alert and warned you before the world went to shit.
Now his nerves screamed in alarm at the sight of the old ML-39 Corvette. Rust clung stubbornly to the underside of the ship, diverting attention from the hastily patched wing. Still, he didn't slow his step, following Ahsoka up the ship's ramp. The machine screeched under the footsteps of their small blue-white squad. Fives wondered whether the vehicle's poor shape was a detail to maintain their cover in the Outer Rim or simply a reflection of the GAR's faltering budget. His hand moved instinctively to his holster, even though he knew nothing bad would happen. At least not yet.
"Good to finally meet in person," Ahsoka greeted the Clone Sergeant, firmly shaking his armour-clad hand.
"'ll be even better if we got to see each other in one piece after the mission," Thafo replied in a raspy voice. Fives waited for the introduction of the rest of the Viper Squad but it didn't come. "Let's move out," he ordered before heading to the bridge. Clearly, the sergeant wasn't a man of many words.
Fives looked over the green markings on the commando armour. Even in the dim lighting in the gunship, he could spot the deep dents and scratches. These plates alone had certainly seen and been through more than Fives himself. However, there was no chance of hearing about any of that experience.
The journey to the Serianan system was long and tiring, and the heavy atmosphere did not help. Most of the time they spend in tense silence, waiting for the ship to cross the frontier posts and checkpoints without being spotted. The rest of the time they used to rehearse the strategy. Not that there was a need for it. The Viper Squad seemed to have prepared plans from aurek to xesh for every mishap they might encounter. Somehow, Fives thought that might not be enough.
"Syndicate's our priority," Thafo suddenly said to Ahsoka. Fives lifted his eyes from where he'd been making the last checks on his gear. There was an edge in his voice that sounded almost like a warning. "If it comes to choosing to capture your shaibur or the dealer, you're on your own."
"I'm aware," Ahsoka replied, matching his tone. Thafo held her hard stare brazenly, omitting the trivial nuances like military hierarchy, as if on this deck was only one officer in command. Jedi or not, she was merely a guest on this mission, whether a welcome one it'd likely prove her usefulness. But Fives doubted any of it mattered to Ahsoka. She had her priorities set, of that he was sure. "How much further to the Rim?" she asked.
"Three parsecs. Get the boys ready."
Fives grimaced as his foot once again bogged down in the mud. The Serias' heavy fog didn't make it easier to avoid the puddles. Sneaking was much harder when each step resulted in a splash, and in this creepily silent forest, there was nothing to mask their rustling. Dense foliage brought the night into the greenwood quicker, enveloping them in cold, stiff air. They trudged through the darkness for hours, clinging to the hope that the base's coordinates were accurate.
Fives startled when two lights suddenly glared at him from the darkness — Ahsoka's predator eyes shining in the dark — and she signalled for the troops to divide. Only then did he notice the warehouse-like building about two hundred metres ahead.
They surrounded the base, their barrels aimed at the guards by the entrance. Eight, nine…ten Trandoshans stood by a small heater; no wonder since their lizard skin shuddered in the cold climate. Fives could hear the echo of their hissing native language, but was more interested in the heavy weaponry in their clawed hands. Sure, taking them down would be child's play; the weight of numbers was just one of the assets of Fives' party, but he worried about the silhouettes looming behind the dirty windows and the alarm buttons on the Trandoshans' arm. The element of surprise was an advantage he preferred not to lose this early in the mission.
At the edge of Trandoshan camp, the bushes rustled despite the still air. Fives watched as two men noticed the movement and split from the rest of the bodyguards, lured by Ahsoka moving the leaves with the Force. From then things went quickly. Just when they entered the tree line, Fives and Ahsoka struck them from behind, bringing them unconscious to the ground before either could let out a cry. A swish of blaster bolts tore through the fog as the Viper Squad moved in, silencing the rest of the group before Ahsoka even had the chance to draw her saber.
Dividing their forces, they entered the base from two sides. Overriding the locks, they stepped inside, where the stuffy air reeked of pot and liquor. The old wooden floor groaned beneath their feet as the soldiers navigated through the dim corridors. With fingers steady on the triggers, Fives followed Ahsoka to a heavy door. Loud voices came from behind it, but it was impossible to determine how many people were inside. Keeping their breathing quiet, the clones waited for Thafo's signal.
And then, hell broke loose.
Clones stormed the room, the air filling with the swish of blaster bolts and the scent of blood. Fives pierced a few limbs with bullets before he was forced to use his fists against a furious Zabrak. A crack of bones, followed by a scream, somehow got lost in the overall commotion.
"On the ground! Don't move! Hands where I can see them!" The soldiers shouted. The mercenaries smart enough to listen survived with as much as a bruise. The more reluctant ones…well, they didn't survive.
With a knee pressed into the Trandoshan's back, pinning him to the ground, Fives took a few deep breaths. Blood coated his hands, but it belonged to someone else. He scanned the room for Ahsoka and thankfully she also seemed uninjured. Most of his brothers were busy tying up the dealers and bringing them to one wall and so Fives joined them. Thafo however, moved toward the numerous crates taking up the space. He tore them open with his knife and smiled.
"Look at that," he said, picking a shining brand-new rifle from its case. "Maybe I should keep one for myself." He pointed the barrel at his hostages crowded against the wall, and before Fives could open his mouth, the bullet flew across the room. A silent scream left Zabrak's throat as the bullet hit right next to his right ear. The Viper boys snickered contentedly, but Fives didn't get the joke. His eyes watched carefully as the Sergeant put down the rifle and moved on to more crates.
Guns, grandes, carbines…there was everything. But it wasn't until Thafo's knife pierced the bag from which the vibrant blue powder spilt onto the ground that a smile stretched his scarred face.
"Jackpot, boys," he called briskly. "Let's pack this home and take our guests on a trip."
Fives looked at his chrono. Not even an hour had passed since they had hidden in the bushes outside the camp. Apparently, the Viper Squad was as efficient as they said. Months of observations and planning had paid off in just a matter of minutes. The dealers had been neutralised and were ready for further interrogation and their cargo was secured. However, their intelligence had failed in one regard — there was no sight of Shenn.
"Sorry you didn't get your part of the deal," Thafo told Ahsoka, though not very sympathetically. Fives couldn't say he wasn't glad either.
"Don't be," she snapped and moved toward the far end of the room. At first, Fives thought she was storming off in anger, away from the conversation. But then she dropped to a crouch and pressed her open palm against the floor.
Fives frowned, watching as Ahsoka knelt there, eyes tightly closed. Suddenly, she unleashed her sabers and drove the green blades into the wooden boards. After a swift spin, she pushed the cutout circle aside, but what surprised Fives was the fact that the other side was covered in durasteel.
Fives and Thafo joined Ahsoka and looked into the fresh hole. Below stretched a tunnel, echoing with a low eerie whistle. A slight breeze wafted upward, stirring the flaps of Fives' kama.
"Huh," Thafo muttered, peering into the darkness.
"Guess we'll both get what we came for," Ahsoka taunted. "Inks, Cob — help Thafo. Rest, with me."
The white-blue boys gathered around the newly made passage, and one by one, they slid down the rope into the underground. When only Fives and Ahsoka remained, he looked her in the eyes. However brave and resilient she was, she couldn't bear the silent plea in his gaze. She averted her eyes and jumped into the tunnel.
Water dripped steadily from above, droplets echoing loudly as they splashed into the puddles below. The tunnels twisted and turned, as if deliberately seeking to disrupt their orientation with each turn. They moved forward; every fifty metres or so, one set of lights flickered out with a crack while the next one flashed to life. But they could never see how long the corridor stretched before it split again.
This was going even worse than Fives had anticipated. Not only were they going in blind, without any intel about this underground mansion whatsoever, but also they were left on their own since Thafo already got what he came for. Fives didn't know the details of Ahsoka's deal with the Commando but she definitely had the worse end of it. Viper Squad my ass.
Fives kept close to Ahsoka. He was determined to protect her even from whatever came next, even if it was herself. Right now, however, the biggest threat to her life came from the B2 battle droids and the red bolts flying their way.
Ahsoka lunged forward, shielding the troopers as she gradually made her way forward through the droids. The squad tore through the enemy ranks, pushing onward until they rounded a corner where the tunnel opened into a larger space. And there he was. Much less dignified, with his officer suit torn in several places, but it was him. Shenn's eyes widened as if surprised they breached his security so quickly. He was in the process of collecting whatever he deemed valuable, but when he saw Ahsoka's glowing lightsabers, must have realised that none of it mattered.
Shenn ran to the end of the hall, and just as he crossed the threshold, a durasteel gate began descending from the ceiling to separate him from his intruders. Ahsoka wouldn't let that happen. She sprinted and swept inside before the doors could close. Without a second thought, Fives raced after her. The door was almost shut, but instead of stopping, he pushed himself to speed up. He leapt forward and landed on the floor with a forward roll, avoiding being crushed by inches. His relief didn't last long, because he didn't even manage to get from the floor when red bolts whizzed past him.
Shenn held his blaster tightly, desperately firing bolts toward Ahsoka who was the most immediate threat. None of the shots reached her as she effortlessly reflected them. Meanwhile, Fives scrambled up from the floor, his gaze darting around in search of the key panel. He was acutely aware of the need for backup. But the glowing panel control on the far wall was out of options; getting past either Shenn or Ahsoka seemed impossible. He could only hope the other troops were already working to override the mechanism from the outside and it was a matter of minutes till they got through. But Fives feared what could happen in those few minutes.
"Stop there or I'll kill him," Shenn threatened, suddenly pointing his gun at Fives. That didn't slow Ahsoka's stride.
A red bolt tore through the air. Fives instinctively shielded himself with his arm, but the bolt froze midair. Ahsoka's flexed hand kept it in place with the Force before sending it back, searing the ground inches from Shenn's feet. Tavred stumbled backwards, blindly colliding with a table. Before he dared to pull the trigger again, his blaster ripped from his grasp and fell to the ground out of his reach.
Shenn's face tensed, his eyes darting between Ahsoka and Fives as he sketched strategy on the spot. He clenched his fists, licked his lips and lunged for the another blaster lying on the tabletop.
"Don't," Ahsoka snarled. Before Tavred could graze over the gun, it flew across the room, and slammed the wall with a dull thud.
"All right then, Jedi," Shenn scoffed. "You won. Cuff me." He raised his hands in a mock gesture. But his outstretched arms froze in place and Tavred watched with widening eyes as his own limbs began to slowly twist, drawing painful winces from his throat.
"There'll be no cuffs," Ahsoka said, her voice hollow. She walked in a menacing step, her ignited lightsaber dragging behind her, its edge carving red tracks on the floor.
"We can make a deal, you know? I got money, I can—"
"You can start begging for forgiveness." She cut him off and lifted him off the ground with the Force. "Unfortunately, anyone who could give you absolution is dead."
Shenn's arms seemed to be released from her hold but they immediately flew up, clawing at the invisible hands choking his neck.
"Ahsoka—!" Fives screamed.
"Stay out of it!" She shouted and he felt a slight push of the Force — a warning.
"It's war," Tavred rasped through his constricted throat. "Best strategy wins. No place for pity. But you must know that." His lips twisted into a smirk—cut short as his eyes bulged and a strangled gasp escaped. The once-proud officer — now squirming like a trampled bug. His dangling legs trashed wildly, but there was no escape — his fate was closed in Ahsoka's trembling hand.
Fives watched in horror. Mere seconds were separating Ahsoka from crossing a line and he couldn't stop her. He looked at the blaster in his palm, his mind racing. He could set it to stun. Or perhaps graze her hand with a bullet. Or…
"You deserve death," Ahsoka growled. Her hand trembled violently, as if fighting against herself to close her fist.
Fives raised his blaster, the barrel steadying as it pointed toward her head…
"Everything you've done..." she whispered.
His shaking finger slowly found its place on the trigger…
And then, with a heavy thud, Shenn's body hit the ground.
Ahsoka staggered back — two small shaky steps — and Fives was at her side in an instant. Tears streamed down her face and he couldn't believe that just now he had been pointing a gun at her. They stood there trembling, watching as Shenn writhed on the floor, rolling in the fit of coughs.
Fives removed his helmet and searched Ahsoka's eyes. Despite the redness from the tears, they were clearer than they had been in weeks.
Ahsoka sniffled and turned to the side, quickly wiping her cheeks. As if remembering where she was, her fingers fumbled at her belt and after a moment he pulled out a pair of handcuffs.
Leaning over Shenn, she grabbed his arm to lift him up, but before she could do so, the man turned to face her. Fives only caught a glimpse of a jackknife before Shenn sank it in Ahsoka's middle.
"Die," Shenn spat, twisting the handle.
Seconds later, Tavred was on the floor again; the force of Fives' punch knocked him onto his back. A second hit slit Tavred's lip, the third sent him unconscious.
Fives turned around and found Ahsoka staring blankly at the knife poking out of her stomach. Her hand hovered uncertainly over the wound as dark blood trickled down her dress.
"Kark," he cursed, kneeling next to her. Ahsoka was fighting the instinct to touch the wound so he took her palm in his.
"That's…no good," she half-asked, raising eyes at him.
"No. No, it's not." Fives eyed the protruding knife, knowing it was best to leave it in place at the moment. Before he could decide on what to do, the gate screeched open behind him.
Troopers poured into the room, their blasters raised. But quickly their pose faltered as they took in the scene, each one equally confused by what they were looking at. Finally Brody came forward.
"Commander?"
"Take—" but her voice broke into a wince.
"Tie him up and take along," Fives said instead, nodding towards Shenn's form. "Keep scanning for the signal and contact Thafo to get the ship ready."
Brody's vizier switched to Ahsoka uncertainly and she nodded. Soldiers moved together to gather the unconscious body from the floor but Fives focused on Ahsoka who seemed to need a similar amount of help.
"Can you walk, Commander?"
"Yeah," she breathed. "I got it."
On the count of three, Fives hoisted her to her feet. She put most of her weight on him but remained up and nodded. Fives took it as a cue and they moved towards the exit.
Now that the path was cleared from droids, they could quite smoothly cross the tunnels. Fives matched Ahsoka's faltering steps, his arm firmly around her waist. In front of them, Shenn's limp body was slung over Brody's shoulder, the Separatist's head lolling like a ragdoll.
When they emerged into the warehouse, it was cleaned out; only a thin layer of blue powder covered the floor. Without the boxes the space seemed bigger. Not that it mattered. They hurried outside into the biting wind. Only this time, the strong gusts of air were caused not by nature but by the craft's roaring engines. Floodlights illuminated the now frost-covered ground as the ramp lowered.
"Move it!" Thado's voice cut sharply through the rumble.
For once, Fives agreed with the man's order. The rush was in place, especially since Ahsoka's weight grew heavier on his side.
They boarded the ship, and the warmth enveloped them, contrasting starkly with the night's chill. The ramp slowly closed, but Fives didn't bother looking back at the warehouse or the chaos they left behind.
Everything he cared about was within his arms.
With hostages taking up the underdeck and their commodity being stacked wherever it fitted, the ship became much more crowded. Having Ahsoka hanging on his shoulder, Fives manoeuvred them between the stacks of crates until he found a relatively quiet space. It was no medbay but it'd have to do.
Fives lowered Ahsoka to the ground, and with sanitised hands, he prepared the necessary supplies.
"Ready?" he asked, carefully grabbing the knife's handle, which was still stuck in her stomach.
"Do it," Ahsoka clenched her teeth but screamed anyway when the blade dragged out of her skin. The blood spilled in a stronger tide but Fives was quick to press on the wound. He was no expert but the injury didn't look too serious — given the fact she was literally stabbed. The bleeding was slow and steady, the wound too off-centre to harm vital organs and Ahsoka's rhythmic breathing was an additional source of consolation.
"Y'know," Fives started, lifting his gaze from the injury to her face. "I'm getting pretty good at treating wounds—thanks to all this practice. Just wish it wasn't always you giving me the opportunity."
Ahsoka didn't laugh. Her mouth quivered but not in a smile. Perhaps it wasn't the time for joking, and his upbeat demeanour wasn't enough to fix anything. She kept staring blankly at the floor, tracing the smears of blood, her eyes glazing.
"I almost killed him," she whispered, her voice shaking with horror. "I thought I would."
"Yeah," Fives breathed, his chest tightening at the memory. "Me too."
"I…" Ahsoka hesitated. "I just couldn't do it."
"No," he said firmly. "You could." Fives stopped, making sure she was looking at him. "But you didn't. And that's why I'm proud of you."
Ahsoka's mouth fell agape before she bit the trembling lip. Her eyes welled up as she stared at him unblinkingly. She was about to say something when the ship shook violently, sending them crashing into a wall. Fives tried to keep the pressure on Ahsoka's wound steady, but knew he failed when he heard her wince. She grabbed his palm and clutched it tightly until the machine stabilised its course.
"Alright?" Fives asked, seeing that her eyes were tightly shut.
"Ah—" She looked at her crushing grip on his hand and quickly let go. "Yes, sorry."
"Can you keep it pressed for a moment? I'll check with the bridge how long till the station. I guess we both 'd rather I wasn't the one doing your stitches."
"Sure," she nodded slightly. "I'll be okay, thanks."
Fives looked over her with a furrowed brow. He didn't expect Ahsoka to flare with happiness, not while having a hole in her stomach, but at least some part of the relief he was feeling wouldn't be exactly out of place. Perhaps she was in more pain than he assumed and he should search the ship for more painkillers.
"I'll be back soon," he promised before getting up and moving past the blast door.
Fives walked quickly towards the upper deck. He was halfway to the bridge when a voice caught him mid-step.
"Fives," Brody emerged from behind a stack of crates. Weariness was apparent on his face, but there was also a glint in his eyes that inspired optimism. "We've contacted General Skywalker. Once he heard about the Commander's injury he decided to come our way."
"Good," Fives nodded, already thanking Skywalker in his mind. "The sooner the better."
"They'll intercept us just outside the Instrop Sector. Two hours, give or take," Brody informed. He looked as if about to move on, but for some reason hesitated. "How's Commander?"
Fives paused, the answer not that simple, he realised. Neither her physical state nor her morale were easy to gauge. "Well," he started. "She sure 'll be happy to hear that professional medical help is on its way."
Fives kept watch over Ahsoka for the rest of the journey. Silence prevailed in their little space as Ahsoka hadn't shown much desire for a talk. Fives respected that. Instead, he focused on her breathing, distincting it from the engine's whirl and the footsteps echoing through the ceiling. But after two hours of Thafo's unsteady piloting and turbulence, the ship jounced for the last time before coming to a stop.
Fives helped Ahsoka stand, steadying her as they made their way through the ship. It had barely been over 24 hours, yet he couldn't wait to stand on Resolute's ground. When the ramp swung down, the welcome committee was already there.
"Commander," Kix greeted formally, accompanied by his medical team. "I see you made sure I don't lose my job?"
Ahsoka sent him a wry smile. With Fives' help she limped to the gurney, instantly staining the white sheet with her blood. Just before she let go of his hand, Fives looked her in the eye.
"Don't worry," he said gently. "I'll take care of everything."
Her features softened for a moment, "I know you will."
Fives watched the medical team take her away. Only once she disappeared from his sight did he turn to his squad.
His gaze hardened and his shoulders tensed as he eyed the Separatist officer squirming against the clones' firm grip. Shenn must've sensed it, his head snapped up, glare blazing with fury, before he spat at Fives' feet. Everything that had happened in the past weeks, all this death, every tear staining Ahsoka's cheeks, every scream ripping from her throat — the cause of it was now in front of his eyes. Fives' hands clenched as legs carried him forward to this pitiful excuse of a man. His arm rose, trembling with rage. No one was there to stop him; no one would even blame him. And yet, he let his fist fall back down, resting at his side.
"Get this scum out of my sight."
Fives made sure Shenn got into his cell and every lock was sturdy enough to keep the man from trying anything foolish. He wasted no time in arranging his soon departure to Coruscant, where Fox was already preparing to take him into custody and drag him in front of the Supreme Court.
It really was the end, wasn't it? Now that justice was made, the angel of death inside Ahsoka could rest in peace. All this grief and blood lust has been satisfied without the need to sacrifice her own soul. It was all Fives had wanted and now the strain inside him loosened, relief taking the place of the previous sorrow. Once Shenn stood his trial and the sentence was passed, Fives would be finally able to put it all behind.
He only hoped Ahsoka could too.
Bacta's sweet smell hit him as soon as he entered the medbay. For once, he could visit those premises without fearing for Ahsoka's injury. The message he'd received from Kix on his way here was short, but reassuring. Actually, given their lousy luck, coming out of a mission with a wound described by a professional as a 'minor' was more than fortunate. Still, as Fives walked down the corridor, he couldn't help but worry.
The steady hum of the med equipment and the soft shuffle of the medical staff accompanied him on his journey to Ahsoka's hospital room. He slowed his stride, using the time to wonder whether his trademark sarcastic remarks would lift her spirits, or if it was a considerate seriousness she needed. Or, quite possibly, if his presence would be welcome at all.
The corridor narrowed and Fives paused, a slow exhale calming his mind, before he pushed the keypad.
"Hey," Fives greeted softly while the door slid shut behind him. The small room was dimly lit, the air con humming quietly. "How's my favourite Commander doing?" he joked half-heartedly, despite his earlier decision to keep the jokes at the door. Fives continued further inside with, what he hoped, was a gentle smile. Ahsoka, however, stared at him with wide eyes, her gaze following him in disbelief as if he were a ghost.
"You came," she said finally, not even trying to hide her astonishment.
"What? Of course I did," he huffed a laugh, taken aback. "Why're you so surprised?"
"I didn't think you would," Ahsoka admitted quietly, her gaze falling to her lap in shame. "Not after how I've been treating you."
Now it was Fives' turn to be stunned. There weren't many things in the galaxy that could keep him away from her, and his hurt pride wouldn't even make the bottom of that short list.
"Hey," he said softly, taking two steps closer and sitting on the edge of her bed. "That's in the past now, okay? I'm not mad at you." He tilted his head to catch her eyes but Ahsoka was persistent in avoiding his gaze.
"Actually…" he added with a small smile, "I'm pretty kriffing proud of you."
His affectionate words were left alone to echo in the following silence.
Ahsoka frowned, her lips trembled, and she bit down on them to keep herself from crying. "I'm sorry." Her voice cracked but she bravely looked him in the eye. "I'm so sorry, Fives. You were right. About everything. …you always are."
"That might be a bit of an overstatement," he opposed the excessive praise. He was more used to her cheeky remarks and sarcastic 'I told you so's' every time his bravado pushed him towards bad decisions. This was new. It made his heart beat faster and cheeks more coloured. But Ahsoka didn't seem to notice either.
"I should've listened to you from the very beginning," she insisted. "Should've made it all different—"
"Soka," Fives interrupted gently when she seemed to wind herself more with every word. "Listen… I know it wasn't that simple. Doing the right thing…it never is. And as long as the war is going on, when lives are at stake, those aren't the choices you should have to be making in the first place." He stopped, having to swallow the bitterness of their reality. He wished she had never had to be forced to make such choices. "Still, you did. You made the right decision in the end. That's what matters."
Fives watched Ahsoka closely, patiently waiting for the words to settle in. She remained silent for a long moment, her gaze fixed on his, her breathing deep and even in the quiet.
"I guess…" she started quietly. "...you're right. Again." A small hesitant smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Fives chuckled, "My point exactly."
The warmth of their laughter kept the following silence light.
Then Ahsoka spoke again, breaking the quiet, her tone more tentative now. "Fives?" She seemed to search his eyes for something as he looked back at her. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
Fives sighed with a soft smile. "You said that already."
"But it doesn't feel enough," she shook her head, almost frustrated. "How are you doing this? I've been an asshole to you this whole time and yet— You're here." Her gaze bore into him, filled with disbelief, awe, and something else he couldn't quite name. He only knew he ever felt that way when he was with her.
"Trust me, Soka," Fives said, reaching gently for her hand. "Out of the entire galaxy, there's no place I'd rather be right now."
Her eyes widened slightly. She blinked at him with her big round eyes, mouth agape. But then her gaze softened, the palm inside his tightened hold on his fingers.
"Fives…" came her soft whisper. Then, before he could process what was happening, Ahsoka leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.
Fives' heart skipped a beat only to race inside his ribcage a moment later. No coherent thought crossed his mind. Not even one. He was dumbfounded, trying and failing to believe that what was happening was real.
Meanwhile, Ahsoka's palm reached up and cupped his jaw. This tender feeling helped him to relax, prompting his eyes to fall close and his shoulders to ease. Fives was drowning. He was lost in the sweet touch of her lips, the gentle caress of her fingertips along his cheek. Her mouth moved slowly, almost tentatively, yet each press was setting his skin alight. Fives barely wrapped his head around it when Ahsoka pulled away, breaking the kiss.
With a shuddered breath, Fives opened his eyes. Ahsoka was still so close that all he could see was her wide gaze, but he couldn't quite read what he saw in it — was it surprise? Uncertainty? It would have been easier had she said something, but he didn't blame her for that; he couldn't find his voice either.
"I, uh…" he began but words failed him. His heart was still racing inside his chest and Ahsoka's breath ghosting over his lips wasn't helping him to concentrate. Kriff. He needed to say something. And not just something. It was about time he told her everything she meant to him. That she was the brightest part of his life, that his soul was tearing itself apart when she wasn't beside him. That even the word 'love' wasn't enough to convey what he felt for her.
"Ahsoka—" he started, his tone breathless.
The door opened suddenly, Kix's voice like a bucket of icy water.
"Commander, I'm here to change your—" the medic broke off as he stepped into the room. Fives jumped away from Ahsoka, stumbling metres away from her bed. His chest was wavering and he didn't need a mirror to know his face was burning with embarrassment.
The silence was unbearable and Kix didn't rush to break it as his gaze flicked between Fives to Ahsoka. "...am I interrupting something?"
"No!" Their voices sounded at once.
"Riiiight," Kix drawled sceptically.
Fives cast a glance at Ahsoka and her face was dark with blush, her lekku chevrons black. Their eyes met for a second but he turned away in an instant as Kix moved towards her.
"How's that wound, Commander?"
"Fine!" Ahsoka answered right away. "Everything's fine."
Kix only hummed in acknowledgement. Kriff, they were terrible liars.
The room felt hot and Fives wondered if they could hear his racing heartbeat the same way it pounded in his ears. The three of them were one too many, a chaperone definitely not what Fives wanted right now. But Kix began to lay out his med equipment, suggesting he would be staying here for a while.
"Fives, out of my bay," Kix's order broke him from his reverie. "I'll be changing Commander's dressing."
"Um, right…" Fives said, his hand automatically going to the back of his neck. "I—I'll leave you to it."
Fives' mind was too hazy to argue, so he stumbled out of the door. He moved out of the bay, past the barracks; his legs carried him forward, matching the hectic rhythm in his chest. As if trapped in a dream, all he could think about was Ahsoka — her delicate palms, her sweet scent, the warmth of her touch, and her soft lips…
He realised he was walking without direction four levels later when he awoke from the trance in the middle of the hangar bay.
His heart was still beating wildly. Ahsoka had kissed him; that was all he knew and could think of. And that was all that mattered.
It felt like a dream. The most incredible, improbable dream. Was he dreaming? Had his insanity gone that far?
But the distinct sounds of the hangar bay, the chill air prickling his skin — everything around him was telling him one thing.
That this… truly was real.
~ Notes ~
Sooooo... they kissed! Finally!
I wanted to thank you all for all the comments and favourites, it really makes me happy 3
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I hope to post the next one soon