For the first time in almost two months, the translucent chalcedony and mother-of-pearl walls of the Royal Palace of Alderaan were abuzz with light and laughter.
When Cody and Ahsoka arrived, Obi-Wan immediately got out of his new repulsorlift chair (which prompted Bail Organa to nearly go into cardiac arrest) and rushed to hug Ahsoka. As he did so, he threw her a playful grin and suddenly lifted her into the air as if she was a Youngling all over again. Ahsoka gasped and then started to giggle as Obi-Wan laughed warmly and unrestrainedly, spinning her around in a circle.
A flash of fear briefly came across Bail and Breha's faces, but they were eventually assuaged by the knowledge that Obi-Wan was indeed quite alright and recovering thanks to his new prosthetics.
Once Obi-Wan put Ahsoka back down, Rex then walked over. "Hi, Rex-" she started to say, before he also picked her up, spinning her around in the same way. By the time he put her down, Ahsoka's head (and entire world) had started to spin wildly as well.
"Now you know how it feels," Rex smirked.
"You think you're really funny, don't you," Ahsoka snipped back, still dizzy. Once the walls stopped moving in her line of vision, she exhaled a long sigh. "It's good to see you again, Captain."
Rex just nodded and smiled. "You too, Commander."
Ahsoka shook her head. "It's not Commander anymore."
"Fulcrum, then?"
"We have the same title," she argued. "There's no need for you to call me that."
"Lady Tano?"
Ahsoka laughed and shook her head. "Please, no. It reminds me too much of Maul," she shuddered. He nodded. "Just Ahsoka."
"Of course," Rex bowed his head. "Just Ahsoka," he repeated.
"I wanted to ask you some questions," she said and he nodded again. "Where have you been all this time? How did you survive?"
"Went undercover as a Stormtrooper for a while," he replied. "Wasn't easy. Had to learn to disguise my voice, to sound more like them. Fortunately, these new vocoders do most of the work for me. Although, despite improving their technology, I can't say their aim is much better," he said distastefully. Ahsoka nodded knowingly. "Came across a few fellow survivors of the order. Asked them what they were doing, and they said they intended to join the Rebellion. So I followed them, and eventually I met Senator Organa."
He nodded in Bail Organa's direction, and Ahsoka smiled faintly. In the end, they were all connected by the same leader after all.
"He told me that he could give a new role to me. I said I didn't want to be Captain anymore, so he made me a Fulcrum. I was too wracked with grief to do anything until he told me that you were the one who originated the title. In the end, I realized that all I had to do was make a change. That was what I set out to do and that was what I intended to accomplish. And now you know the rest of the story."
Ahsoka smiled. "So, you met your other brothers, huh? Any of our familiar comrades?"
Rex shook his head. "Some you might recognize, but for the most part no. Do you remember Echo?"
Ahsoka smiled. "Oh, yes I do. How is he? Is he holding up alright?"
"Still got that anxiety, I'm afraid. But otherwise fine, as far as I know."
"Who else did you run into?"
"Wrecker, Tech, Hunter...It was only a brief encounter," he admitted. "But it was good to see them."
Ahsoka nodded. "I hope I can meet them too someday," she said solemnly. She wanted to say, I really do miss the clones. But she did not want to come off as insensitive. She felt a pang in her heart as she remembered her earlier years when she was still young and did not know how to properly utilize her squad.
Back then, her inexperience has resulted in several unnecessary deaths that could have been prevented had she been a bit wiser. At the time, she hadn't thought much about it. However, after her departure from the Jedi Order, it had finally dawned on her just how strange of a situation it was. She had always felt a bit guilty afterwards, wondering if maybe Rex resented her being partially responsible for the deaths of her brothers.
"Hm. I hope you can too," Rex replied thoughtfully. "I was able to convince them to also remove their chips...if it wasn't for you, I would not have known that it could be possible. So, for that I will always be grateful."
"Oh," Ahsoka said surprised. "Well...I couldn't have done it without you," she joked nervously. Rex smiled back warmly.
Just then, Ahsoka felt something tugging on one of her lekku. As she turned around, she immediately saw that Leia was shyly staring up at her.
"Ahsoka," Leia said.
Ahsoka's face brightened immediately and she scooped up the little princess into a hug, laughing loudly. Leia shrieked with surprise, then excitement. Ahsoka spun her around in the same way that Obi-Wan had done with her. She then passed her onto Obi-Wan who joyously lifted her into the air, much to their delight. Bail covered his face with his hand to hide his grin. Breha worried for a few moments that Leia might fall, but Bail just rubbed her shoulder as if to reassure her that with two Jedi in the room there was no chance of Leia accidentally being dropped. Obi-Wan eventually did put her back down on the ground, after which the two of them joined hands and danced happy little circles around each other.
As everyone else rejoiced upon reuniting with each other, Cody hung back hesitantly. His demeanor suggested that of an uninvited guest. That was, until Rex spotted him and started marching over confidently. The two of them hugged as well, and for a brief moment a smile flashed across Cody's face again.
"It's good to see you again, Cody," Rex smiled warmly, his voice rich and deep. Cody pulled back and breathed heavily.
"Likewise...Captain," he said tensely.
Rex just slapped him on the back loudly, causing his mind to snap out of it as his breath was knocked out of his lungs.
"Why is it that the day I finally discover where you've been this whole time, it turns out you were only a few lightyears away? And you didn't even stop to say hi?" Rex asked. Cody flushed immediately, his tan brown face turning a bright scarlet skin.
"Sorry, sir," he said.
Rex furrowed his eyebrow again. "Sir?" he said incredulously. "Since when has there been a need for titles among us?"
Cody furtively cast a glance at Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, and Rex sighed. "Well, with them it's different," he rolled his eyes. "They're our bosses."
"Was," Ahsoka corrected him. "Not anymore."
Rex rolled his eyes, as if he was doubtful of this. "Sure. Was. But we are brothers," he brought his hand up and lightly smacked Cody on the shoulder. Cody blinked, his eyes focusing slightly. "There's no need for all this Commander, Captain stuff. You are you, and I am me. We are one and the same," he said emphatically. "Just think of me like an extension of yourself."
"I couldn't," Cody argued. "I...it goes against everything we believed about ourselves," he faltered.
Rex shook his head. "I do not mean to say that we are merely connected by the genes upon which our blood was built," he replied firmly. "But rather by the bonds forged by our time during the war. And by our shared experience of being slaves to the implant that was wrongfully installed within us." Cody shuddered. "You are my brother, Cody. Whether you choose to walk away from me or not. But just know that I will never walk away from you."
Cody nodded silently, his heartrate starting to return to normal.
"Thank you...Rex," he said awkwardly. Rex clapped him on the back one more time, then returned to his position with his back ramrod straight.
Even years after the war, he's still the perfect model soldier, Ahsoka thought.
After some time, Leia finally let go of Obi-Wan's hand and stepped back so he could also talk to Cody and Rex. Rex and Obi-Wan nodded at each other, having already caught up during their earlier meeting together. As Obi-Wan made eye contact with Cody, however, the clone hesitated. He looked away quickly, his posture suddenly rigid.
"Cody," Obi-Wan said longingly and he froze in place. Cody stopped moving, his feet now glued onto the floor. Obi-Wan stared at him, his blue eyes filling with silent melancholy. Rex looked between the two of them and then backed away as if sensing some strange tension emanating from both of them.
"General," Cody said hesitantly, though he still did not dare to look up.
Ahsoka looked at Rex. Rex looked back at her. They silently watched the two men, observing their strange body language. It seemed as though both wanted to say something, but were reluctant to do so. Obi-Wan tried again.
"It has been many years since I last saw you," he said. His tone was unusually forlorn. "When was the last time we spoke? Ten, eleven years ago?"
"I'm sure you didn't miss me," Cody muttered sardonically. "I'm only one of a million identical replacements, after all. Best to just forget me along with the rest."
Obi-Wan looked hurt. "Cody, you were my best man," he said defensively. "I would never forget you."
Cody's face flushed red and he looked up, finally meeting Obi-Wan's gaze and nearly recoiling from the intensity of it. "Of course you wouldn't," he said bitterly. "No one forgets the face of the man who...who nearly killed his own General," he stuttered. From behind them, Ahsoka looked over at Rex concernedly. He did not say anything, only continued to silently watch the conversation unfolding before them.
"Cody," Obi-Wan said gently. "You have already given your life for me. In the same way, I would not hesitate to also exchange mine for yours. It was not your decision to aim at me, and I know it. Please forgive yourself as I have forgiven you." Cody swallowed, his hand now shaking at his side. "Again, I would have not held it against you, and I will not now. I hold no resentment towards you."
Cody turned around. Ahsoka and Rex both smiled at him reassuringly. Finally, he turned back towards Obi-Wan and hesitantly made direct eye contact.
"Well...in that case, I am also glad to see you too, General." He paused, then added "No surprise when you're an easy sight on the eyes, as always."
Obi-Wan's face broke into a wide grin, and he started laughing. For a second, the young General began to show through the cracks in the mask of old Ben Kenobi. Leia watched, transfixed, as Obi-Wan snorted loudly and clapped Cody on the shoulder.
"Oh, I've missed you," he said in between chuckles. Cody bit his lip and smiled shyly.
Throughout everything, Reva continued to hang back in her own corner. Just like Cody, she did not seem interested in engaging in conversation with anyone. For a moment Ahsoka briefly wondered if it was due to shyness or a lack of familiarity with the two clones. Deciding to say hi, she walked over and waved at her.
"Hello, Reva," she said, feeling in her heart that she was actually quite pleased to see her and that she was doing well. "I'm glad to see you are doing well-oh!"
Reva moved towards her, awkwardly wrapping her arms around Ahsoka. Surprised, Ahsoka smiled and hugged her back. "Huggy mood, huh?" she asked teasingly. The two of them stayed still for a few moments before Reva quickly broke apart and moved back to her original position. Almost as if she wanted to get it over with and pretend it had never happened. She remained by Ahsoka's side, but she still did not look over at the two clones. Finally, it dawned on Ahsoka why she was acting so uncomfortable.
"It's alright if you don't want to interact with them," Ahsoka told her. "Rex and Cody are good friends of ours, and they've had their chips removed for over ten years now. But I understand if you still aren't ready to trust them." Reva nodded hesitantly, one of her hands still scratching her arm nervously. Ahsoka reached out and took it, gently squeezing her hand to let her know she had her support. Hesitantly, Reva allowed her and squeezed back.
Just then, Ahsoka noticed Bail Organa out of the corner of her eye and opened her mouth to thank him for bringing all of her friends back together. However he just shook his head and winked, confusing her. As she watched, both him and Breha walked over with the giddy air of two people concealing something wondrously pleasant that they could not bear to hide anymore.
"I think it's time," he said, nudging Breha. "Let's give her our last surprise."
Breha grinned mischievously and Ahsoka finally understood where Leia got her playful streak from. She raised her hand, nodding and motioning regally at two guards who obediently began to open a door they had not noticed before.
"As thanks for returning our most precious loved one to us," Bail Organa said, looking Ahsoka right in the eye. "And as an apology to make up for not reuniting you sooner. She has been waiting for you, for so long."
Who? Ahsoka wanted to ask.
But just then, the door opened and all thoughts were immediately forgotten as her mind went blank. Ahsoka let go of Reva's hand and rushed forwards, not noticing Reva's slight frown as her right hand twitched emptily. Ahsoka ran forwards, not caring about the strain she was putting on her recently healed legs. Running and sprinting as if she had forgotten everything around her.
And for a moment, she practically did.
"Kaeden!" Ahsoka squealed, immediately running and jumping into the shorter woman's waiting arms. Kaeden opened her arms wide and wrapped both of them around Ahsoka tightly, not willing to let go after having spent so much time apart. The two lovers embraced and nuzzled their faces against one another. Ahsoka's montrals poked Kaeden in the face and Kaeden's hair got slightly in the way but neither of them cared.
By the time they finally broke apart, they could feel the heat of several people's gaze on them. Ahsoka immediately flushed and suddenly felt self-conscious, embarrassed at having been caught acting like a lovesick teenager. Obi-Wan just smiled knowingly, barely concealing his smirk behind a fake cough.
"Sorry," Ahsoka began to apologize, but Kaeden just grabbed her face with both hands and pulled her in for another kiss. "Mmph!" Ahsoka protested, her normally orange skin starting to turn a deep orangey red.
"If you think I'm going to let you go after disappearing on me like that, then you had better rethink every decision that led you to this moment," Kaeden hissed, tilting Ahsoka's face towards her with a callused right hand that had seen both the rough toil of farming and the delicate intricacies of surgery.
"Ah!" Ahsoka shuddered when she felt her pinch her cheek. "I didn't mean to," she stuttered. "I was thinking about you every day."
Kaeden reached up and Ahsoka instinctively leaned down, allowing her to kiss her softly again. From her corner, Reva suddenly turned away and became interested in looking down at her boots. Leia looked up at her curiously. "Did you know how I even got here? I had to find out through your old teacher and his apprentices! If I left things up to you, I would never have found you again!"
Reva looked back up, her brow furrowed. Leia imagined that she might have some objections to being implicitly referred to as Obi-Wan's Padawan.
"I was going to call you," Ahsoka said, her tone taking on an unusual whine that none of them had ever heard but Kaeden seemed accustomed to. "I just...didn't know when would be a good time. When it would be safe again."
"I understand," Kaeden said, reaching up again and wrapping both of her arms fondly around her. Ahsoka blushed again and reciprocated. "Just do me a favor and promise me that from now on, you'll keep me in the loop. Remember, we're partners. We share our troubles together. We confront them together. That's what it means."
Ahsoka nodded, dizzy with ecstasy. "Partners," she repeated, feeling spoiled by how much attention was currently being lavished on her.
Kaeden stepped back and smacked her lightly on the arm. "Well, could've been wives," she said drily. "But someone keeps forgetting to propose to me."
Ahsoka opened and closed her mouth, and Rex smirked at the knowledge that the snippy young commander had finally met her match.
"Anyways," Kaeden said, marching towards Bail Organa and Obi-Wan. "I'm forgetting my manners. I've been wanting to say, thank you so much for inviting me, Your...Highness?
"It's no problem," Bail Organa said graciously. "In fact, it was Leia who suggested it. And...you need not refer to me as such. I am just a humble Senator."
Kaeden nodded. "Senator, then," she said, then turned towards Obi-Wan. "And good to see that you are doing well, General," she nodded. "You're going to need someone to check on those legs of yours to make sure they're being properly maintained. Fortunately, I think I might have a vacancy in my schedule."
Obi-Wan laughed. "I should be thankful to be receiving such generous help."
"It's no trouble," Kaeden replied, then she bent down so she could speak to Leia. "So, I owe my thanks to you, huh?" she asked. As she knelt down, she looked up and noticed Reva standing across from them. "Oh, hey!" she said. "I remember you! You're General Kenobi's family friend, right? Good to see you again!" she held out her hand invitingly.
Reva stiffened and Kaeden blinked, confused. A few minutes passed and Reva still did not respond to her offer to shake her hand. Kaeden slowly lowered her hand and stepped back.
"Sorry," she said apologetically. "You don't have to shake my hand if you don't want to, of course. Force of habit...I have a younger sister, and we always grew up pretty comfortable around each other. Even Ahsoka has to remind me that normal people aren't used to our version of affection sometimes," she grinned sheepishly.
Despite Kaeden's disarming friendliness, Reva still did not respond. Ahsoka frowned, slightly offended on Kaeden's part. But Kaeden did not seem to hold it against her. Instead, she just turned back towards Obi-Wan and began to chat with him loudly about the state of his prosthetics. Within minutes, she had successfully ordered him back into the repulsorlift chair (for his own wellbeing).
As Kaeden continued to talk to Obi-Wan aside, the others began to withdraw. Cody and Rex left together (presumably to catch up over some drinks at the local bar). Reva looked over at Ahsoka then looked away almost instantly. Confused, Ahsoka opened her mouth to call out to her but was interrupted by Breha smiling and walking towards her. Before she could ask, Breha announced "Please come with me, I'd like to consult your opinion on some sensitive matters" and whisked her away.
Now, it was just Bail Organa and Leia.
Leia grabbed his hand and he took it without thinking, still falling back into old habits. There had been so many reunions. But throughout it all, the one person he desperately longed to connect to had been there all along. Right beside him.
He hoped that they still could.
"Are you alright, Leia?" Bail Organa asked gently, kneeling down so she could better hear and face him. "You're not usually this quiet. You haven't even said anything all evening."
Leia looked down. Over the course of her return to Alderaan, she had slowly started to open up to him again and was acting a bit more like herself. However, there were moments during lunch and dinner when her mind seemed to be somewhere else. She didn't drink any Mintea anymore and seemed less interested in playing with her usual droids. "I'm fine," she said, kicking at the floor aimlessly.
Bail Organa shook his head. "I can tell there has been something...different," he said carefully, not wanting to scare her with a concerning word choice. "Something that changed. Do you want to talk to me about it?"
Leia looked up at him. Her father looked back at her with the same reassuring gaze that he always gave her, the strong confidence that she always felt safe with. And she did. But...like he said, something was different this time. Leia hated it. She felt inexplicably angry, upset that she couldn't just be happy and safe like she used to before being taken by Vader. She looked down at the ground.
"I'm happy to be home," she said. "But I'm...it's not the same," she said quietly. "It's not the same because now I know about Vader."
Bail Organa's face fell and Leia immediately regretted making him worried. "What did he do to you, my dear?" he asked slowly. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Leia bit her lip, unsure.
"Nothing," she said. "Just...sometimes, he got angry when he didn't get what he wanted. But that's all."
Bail Organa's expression became even more solemn. Silently, he held out his hand. Confused, Leia reached out and placed her hand within it like she always had.
"Leia," Bail Organa said gently. "I know it's hard, and uncomfortable, but...I promise you, I will not get angry at you no matter what. You can tell me what happened."
Leia opened her mouth then closed it. When she opened it again, everything spilled out as if someone had placed a pile of credits underneath her tongue.
Everything came out. Her imprisonment, their first encounter when he saw the japoor snippet and threatened to kill her. Or the second time when he placed the pear in front of her and nearly killed her except for the fact that she had managed to use the Force to throw it at him. Or the time she realized that he had cut off Ben's legs to punish him and injured Ahsoka so she could never escape. Reva's story about nearly being executed by him as a Youngling. Bail Organa's expression did not change throughout, although he winced slightly as if unpleasantly picturing his own daughter meeting the same fate. Finally, Leia decided to skim over the incident when she had seen him without his helmet off. Bail Organa's eyes widened immediately.
Sensing she had done something wrong, Leia almost withdrew her hand. She worried that he might fly into a fit of anger, but he did not. Instead he looked up at her and spoke to her in a low and quiet tone that she had never heard him use before.
"He said what?" he asked.
Leia trembled, afraid of what might happen if she told the truth. But she trusted him, even if he was not her real father. She could tell him what had happened.
"Said he would kill me for seeing him without a helmet on," she said quietly. "Or if I ever tried to run away."
Bail Organa went silent. Leia's legs trembled. Never in her life had she seen her father angry before. Exhausted, sure...annoyed, even. But usually it was with other Senators or because the Empire was encroaching on his goals. She had never seen him look so furious in his life, and yet it was also a completely different fury from Vader's. This anger was quiet, slowly seething and smoking at the surface...but controlled. Bail Organa closed his eyes and took a deep breath, covering her small hands with his much larger ones.
"I see," he said quietly. Leia waited silently, her breath catching in her throat. But Bail Organa did not continue his train of thought.
Instead, he scooped her up and took her into his arms. Leia wrapped her arms around his shoulders and snuggled her head into the crook of his neck, hoping to erase the cold metallic feel of Vader's hands with Bail Organa's warmth and softness.
"You are home now, Leia," he said quietly. "I am so sorry that you had to go through those horrors...I wish I could have protected you from them myself. But I want you to know that it was not your fault." Leia nodded, even though she did not quite believe him. "I don't want you to blame yourself for any of it. Vader may be a sad man, but he alone is responsible for his actions. You were right to leave him."
Leia buried her head in his chest. She hoped he was right.
"He said he was my father," she breathed. "He said that if I ever left him, I would be bad...and ungrateful. And selfish."
"You don't owe it to him to stay," Bail Organa muttered angrily, then caught himself and took a deep breath. "Vader can complain all he wants, I have very little pity for him. But I do care about your safety. All I want is for you to be safe," he murmured, reaching up and placing a gentle hand on her back. "That is all that matters to me. That this nightmare can be over for you."
"But it's not over," she whispered. "Not for the other children. The ones who Vader is still hunting."
Bail Organa nodded silently.
"I'm worried for my friend," she said. "I met this boy my age, a boy named Luke. He said that he also knows Ben. Is he..." Bail Organa lowered her slightly so she could look him in the eye. "Is he in the same situation as me?" she asked carefully.
Bail Organa closed his eyes and nodded.
So it's true.
Leia looked down. She had known it, deep down. The Force had told her already the instant they met. She hadn't understood what it meant at first, but she did now. "Was he a decoy for me?" she asked quietly. "An identical replacement, to hide my existence?"
Bail Organa shook his head and opened his eyes. "No," he said. "Neither of you is a decoy. You are both equally important, and equally precious. I'm sorry that I could not tell you about any of this before," he said quietly. "But I wanted you to grow up without the burden of it all. Of being the daughter of a lowly senator, instead of your real father. Of being separated from your twin."
Leia nodded and looked down. Of course Luke was not a decoy. Uncle Owen and Auntie Beru clearly loved him, as far as she had seen. No, if anything, the real reason that they were kept separate was because they already had loving families who wanted them. It would be foolish to wait around for Vader to come to his senses and finally decide when he wanted to be a real parent to them. Not when there were already two sets of parents with open arms ready to adopt them.
"I'm ready," she breathed. "I'm ready to take it all on. The Rebellion, Luke, my real heritage...You can tell me who I am now."
Bail Organa sighed. "Well, first and foremost, you are Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan, the heir to the throne, the apple of my eye, and the future leader of the Rebellion. But you can choose any name you like."
Leia straightened up. "I want to be a General like Ben and Ahsoka," she declared with a determined expression.
Bail Organa nodded. "And a General you shall be," he said. "But first, you should start small. Baby steps. Work your way up from the bottom, and then you can decide what you want do."
Leia grinned. "Well, what if all I want to do is bash in Vader's stupid helmet?" she asked, feeling a slight thrill as she finally spoke the name that had kept her from opening up for so many days. It felt good to grind it into the dust below her feet like sand, to remind herself that he was nothing, that he was just a man, and that merely saying his name would not manifest anything.
Bail Organa brushed the hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. "Then I will do everything in my power to make sure my little princess' dream comes true."
"I...see," Breha nodded briskly. "Thank you for telling me, General Tano. I greatly appreciate all the information you've shared with me."
"Of course," Ahsoka said, feeling somewhat frustrated with herself that she hadn't thought of telling her before. "I'm happy to help. I just...I realize now that I probably should have told you this all in the first place."
"No, don't blame yourself," Breha shook her head. "I can understand why you wouldn't want to relive the horrors of what you've experienced. But as an opponent of Vader's...and as a mother...it is very important to me that we gather every single detail we can about him," she narrowed her eyes. "I will reflect on what you have just told me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. Well, if you'll excuse me, I must be off."
With that, she stood up and walked away. Ahsoka turned around, but she was already gone. Just then, she heard a loud bang and opened the door.
"Hi, Obi-Wan," she said amusedly.
Obi-Wan rubbed his head sheepishly. Apparently, his reluctance to use Bail Organa's repulsorlift chair might have had something to do with his lack of coordination while controlling it.
"Hello, dear," he said. "I just wanted to check up and see if you are feeling well."
"I am quite alright," she replied, standing aside so he could move his chair through the doorway. "How are your legs?"
"Much better, thank you. Your partner is an incredible medic. You clearly made the right choice when picking her."
Ahsoka blushed, and Obi-Wan smiled. "Oh, I didn't pick her. She chose me," she babbled.
"Did she? Well, she is quite lucky indeed."
"No, no," Ahsoka shook her head, embarrassed. "I'm the lucky one. I don't even know why she picked me."
Obi-Wan smiled. "It is said that we cannot choose the ones we love," he said, "But I believe that will not be an issue, as she has both chosen and loves you."
Ahsoka's face was now burning so hot that one could even fry a mudhorn egg on it.
"Anyways," she decided to change the subject, "I actually wanted to tell you something myself. You see...when I was out in the Ash Worlds, before Cody found me, I saw a vision."
"A vision?" Obi-Wan asked. "As in, a vision of what is to come?"
"No," Ahsoka shook her head. "A vision of someone."
"Anakin?"
"No. Master Plo," Ahsoka replied.
Obi-Wan blinked, his eyes wide with shock.
"He came to say something to me," she began. "He was...talking to me, asking for my forgiveness. I told him I already forgave him. He told me something...I think, that there was more for me to learn...and that this was not the end. Or at least, I think. I can't remember."
Obi-Wan frowned. She could see the gears turning in his brain as he processed this information. In fact, she could practically hear what he was thinking already.
If General Koon can come back from the dead, why not my Master?
Did something happen to Master Qui-Gon?
Is he unable to come back?
Or does he...just not want to?
"I don't know all the details of it," she confessed. "But I think there is a possibility of our old Masters returning again," she said carefully. "And possibly, Anakin as well."
Obi-Wan remained silent for a few moments before nodding again.
"Perhaps," he said. "However, that might just be our attachment speaking."
Ahsoka looked down.
If this was her from a few months ago, she would have simply said that she wasn't a Jedi and therefore this didn't apply to her. But things were different now.
"You may be right," she admitted. "But..."
Her words hung heavily over the both of them as they silently imagined it in their minds. Anakin, smiling again and back to his old self. Grinning at them and cracking lighthearted jokes. Talking to Leia as if he loved her, and not like an object or property that needed to be controlled.
"But...?" Obi-Wan prompted her.
Ahsoka closed her eyes and exhaled.
"I just wish it could happen without us having to kill him."
Obi-Wan went silent for a few seconds and Ahsoka looked away. It hurt too much to think about. Finally, Obi-Wan cleared his throat and spoke again.
"All we have to do is confront him," he said firmly. "It does not have to end in death. He has the capacity to turn back to the Light, to fulfill the Prophecy still."
"I know," Ahsoka nodded.
But every day, it was getting harder and harder to believe.
"Just think about it," Obi-Wan said gently. "Padme told me she believed it was possible."
Ahsoka shuddered slightly at hearing the mention of Padme again. There were so many questions she wanted to ask him, about Padme, and Anakin, and Leia...Luke, too. But she held herself back.
"I will," she replied. "Thank you, Obi-Wan."
"You are most welcome, Ahsoka."
With that, Ahsoka turned and walked out. Just then, she crossed paths with Rex and Kaeden. Ahsoka's hands twitched with longing, wanting to reach out and grab her now that they were so close within each other's reach, but she refrained from doing so momentarily. As she turned towards them to wave hi, she noticed that Rex was carrying a drowsy Leia in his arms.
"She's all tuckered out," he announced to Breha, who immediately rushed over and took the sleeping girl from his arms. "Think it's time to put this one to bed."
"Yes, absolutely, thank you Captain Rex," Breha Organa replied, cradling Leia to her chest as she also leaned forwards and kissed Rex on the cheek. Blushing, Rex immediately nodded and stepped back so she could carry Leia to her room. Ahsoka quirked an eyebrow, smirking.
"Wipe that smirk off your face," Rex said sternly. "Have you seen Cody?"
"Oh, he's probably going to speak to the General," Ahsoka replied. At the mention of Obi-Wan, Kaeden immediately straightened up.
"I guess I should check on him again," Kaeden said, starting to turn towards Obi-Wan's room. However, she was stopped by a firm tug on her arm.
"I think Obi-Wan should be fine," Ahsoka said. "Cody can check up on him." Kaeden stared at her with a slightly confused look. Ahsoka readjusted her grip on her hand so she could gently pull her closer and cleared her throat. "Er, I mean," she coughed, "I've suddenly come down with a fever."
"You have a fever?" Kaeden's brows furrowed and she immediately reached up, pressing her hand to Ahsoka's forehead and also covering her eyes completely so she could not see. "I don't feel any-"
"Um, I mean, my temperature is increasing because I'm in the presence of something really hot," Ahsoka stammered, somewhat blindsided by the lack of visual information. A moment passed, and her heart thudded in her chest. "So I could also use some medic assistance."
"But you don't have a temperature-"
"Augh!" Ahsoka groaned, standing up and pushing Kaeden's hand out of her face. "Just, do you have a minute to spare? Please? You've been spending all day taking of Obi-Wan, I just would like to talk! If that's okay with you and you have some time."
She opened her eyes and found Kaeden staring with a slightly shocked expression at her. Behind them, Rex crossed his arms and smirked. It was now his turn to be smug.
"Oh, get lost already," Ahsoka groaned. Rex just threw her a final gloating look and crossed his arms. Embarrassed, Ahsoka grabbed Kaeden and tugged on her arm. The two of them walked through several identical pearly-white synthstone hallways until Ahsoka gave up on trying to locate her room. Kaeden followed behind her obediently, watching as she led her towards a long pale white couch.
"Wait...so you don't have a fever?" Kaeden asked slowly.
"No," Ahsoka replied, feeling her face grow red with embarrassment. "I just...wanted to spend some time with you. Just the two of us."
"Ohhh...why didn't you say so?" Kaeden asked. "I would've-"
"Shut up," Ahsoka said, pushing her. Kaeden yelped and landed facefirst on the couch. Ahsoka plopped herself down next to her, hearing an audible creaking sound. Geez, she thought to herself. I hope this isn't expensive. I definitely can't afford to pay the Organas back if this thing breaks.
Scooting next to Kaeden, she crawled over until she was hovering above Kaeden's face and leaned in closer. Kaeden turned so she could face her and stared up at her, their noses almost touching. "What did you want to talk about?" Kaeden asked.
Ahsoka stared back at her for a few seconds, then finally opened her mouth. "Us," she said bluntly. "We're...we're still partners, right?"
Kaeden's mouth fell open and she immediately scrambled to prop herself up. "Wha-of course we are! What makes you think we wouldn't be?" she asked incredulously. "Did I do something?"
"No, not at all," Ahsoka shook her head. "I was more worried, well...that I did something. Um. That would make you, not want to continue this anymore."
Kaeden frowned and sat up. "Hold on," she said seriously. "Is this your way of saying you want to break up with me?"
"I don't!" Ahsoka said frantically. "I'm just..." she inhaled shakily.
This is so awkward. I'm so bad at this. I shouldn't have said that, she thought anxiously to herself. Why did I do this? This was a terrible idea.
Kaeden watched her for a moment, as if observing her thoughts. "I'm confused. What is this really about? Do you think I stopped caring about you or something? Because last I checked, I thought we were good. I thought I made my feelings towards you very clear."
Ahsoka nodded slowly. "I know, and you've been doing such a great job of reminding me that," she said quietly. "I just...I feel bad. I don't know why exactly, but I feel like I should be doing more. To be a better partner to you."
Kaeden's brow furrowed. "You don't have to do anything for me," she said bluntly. "I'm not that kind of person. I wouldn't ask anything of you."
"I know," Ahsoka said mournfully. "I just..." Why was this so hard to say? "I guess it would be a little easier if you were more selfish," she admitted. "I just wish I knew how to..."
"If I was what?" Kaeden asked, even more puzzled. "You want me to be selfish? Why?"
"Because," Ahsoka hesitated. "Because...I feel like you always know what to do to make me happy so I don't get lonely when you're gone, and I really appreciate it. But then, when I have to leave, I feel bad because I don't know what to do for you in return. I know that when I went missing, it was really hard on you, and I wish I hadn't caused you to feel that pain. It bothers me, that I don't know how to make it up to you."
Kaeden went silent for a minute. "I'm not hurt-"
"Don't lie," Ahsoka interjected. "I know it must have been painful for you. It was hard for me too."
"I wasn't lying," Kaeden said pointedly. "What I'm trying to say is, yes I was really worried for you, but you didn't hurt me. I knew that you left because of your duty to the Alliance, not because you had trouble choosing between them and me. Your duty has always been to justice, Ahsoka. Just like how mine is to the sick and helpless. I understand that and I expect you to as well."
Ahsoka nodded, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"I know I've said that I was frustrated when you had to leave. But it's not because I blamed you. It's because I'm only human," Kaeden frowned, reaching up and cupping her cheek with her hand. Ahsoka closed her eyes and leaned into the touch, reaching up to press Kaeden's hand even closer to her face. "I'm already selfish. I want you to be with me all the time. I want us to just lie down at home on our couch, gazing at stars and eating jogan fruits and watching sappy holodramas. I want to wake up and roll over and immediately know that you'll be beside me. I'm already selfish, Ahsoka. I don't know how much more you want me to be."
Ahsoka nodded, quietly moving her hand so she could kiss the palm of Kaeden's hand. It was rough and calloused, but warm. Warm like fresh baked bread, sun-scorched earth and ripe home-grown peaches. "I know," she said softly. "I wanted to tell you that I feel the same way. That I also...love you...and that sometimes, I feel selfish about you. I hope you don't mind."
"Hon, I want us to be that way," Kaeden groaned. "That's what I've been trying to tell you this whole time. I don't like it when you shut me out, trying to keep everything to yourself like I can't handle a little extra weight. We're partners, I told you. I want to know all sides of you, even the ones that you think are inconvenient or too complicated. Even if you feel like it's embarrassing when I try to pamper you."
Ahsoka sighed and let herself fall forwards. Kaeden let out a small sound of surprise as she flopped onto her chest and slotted herself right into the crook of her neck and shoulders. "I want to share them with you," she said. "I just...I feel like sometimes it's a bit unfairly balanced. You always take care of me, but I never get to see the other parts of you. When was the last time you shared something inconvenient or complicated with me? And how can I know what I should do when I also want to pamper you? It's like you always watch out for me, but there's nothing I can do for you," she whined.
Kaeden blinked, slightly taken aback. "Well..."
"I want us to be partners in a way that means both of us are equally reliant on each other," Ahsoka said stubbornly. "Of course, if you don't want that, I understand. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. But I would like us both to be more honest with each other," she murmured. "I think, if you also confided in me what you're thinking, I'd feel more comfortable being vulnerable together. It would make it a little less awkward at least. Don't you think so?"
Kaeden shifted slightly so she could gaze down at Ahsoka's montrals. "Maybe," she breathed softly, reaching up so she could stroke them. Ahsoka let out a sigh and melted into her touch. She felt like a kitten being petted and swaddled in a big blanket.
"Only if you want to, though."
"I do want to."
A few minutes went by. Ahsoka nuzzled her face further into Kaeden's neck, wrapping her arms around Kaeden's waist. Kaeden patted her on the back and absentmindedly continued to stroke her Montrals. As the sun set outside, the temperature in the room dipped to a much cooler level an the sky took on a bluish-purple hue. Only the fireplace continued to burn steadily, throwing golden amber light across their faces.
"I love you," Ahsoka whispered quietly, emboldened by the firelight.
Kaeden looked down with an unreadable expression on her face. "I love you too," she whispered back.
Ahsoka looked up. Slowly, she propped herself back onto her elbows and leaned in until she could hear Kaeden's quiet breathing right next to her face. "I want to show it to you," she murmured. "Can I?"
Kaeden sighed, leaning back until she was completely supported by the fluffy white pillows underneath her. "Yes," she breathed back.
Ahsoka leaned forwards and kissed her. "I love you so much," she muttered. "You're so beautiful."
"No," Kaeden said roughly, her voice hoarse. "You are," she said, gently running one of her hands through Ahsoka's lekku. Ahsoka smiled back.
"I'm pretty sure I'm right, actually."
"Prove it."
"Gladly."
Ahsoka closed her eyes and leaned in for a second kiss. Kaeden reached up and wrapped her leg around her, pulling her in closer. Ahsoka pressed their lips together harder, running both of her hands through Kaeden's hair. When they finally broke apart, she let out a long-needed breath.
"I think we should move this somewhere else," Kaeden said observantly. "Your rich friends might get mad at us for breaking their fancy expensive couch."
"Oh, well," Ahsoka grinned. "They'll just have to deal with it."
"What do you mean? I thought you were supposed to be a huge supporter of the Rebel Alliance," Kaeden teased. "Why the change of mind so suddenly?"
"Because," Ahsoka said, readjusting her position so she could sit more comfortably, "I have the prettiest girl in the Galaxy with me. I'm not passing up this opportunity for anything else."
Kaeden let out a sharp laugh. "Fine, then," she said, leaning back. "You got me."
Ahsoka grinned and giggled. "That's what I was hoping you'd say," she murmured, pressing a kiss to Kaeden's forehead and affectionately brushing the hair out of her face.