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As the first light of dawn began to touch the sky of Aldera, Anakin Skywalker quietly slipped from the bed he shared with his wife, briefly pausing to gently kiss her forehead, watching her peaceful face that belied the exhaustion of her recent workload. "You've given so much of yourself lately," he whispered tenderly, more to himself than her, lightly tracing the marking on her cheek with the back of a finger. "Let me give you something in return."
Quietly leaving their bedroom, he walked across the hall and softly entered Ashla's room, where she was nestled in her blankets, hair messy, bathed in the early morning sun light. He gently nudged her shoulder, whispering, “Ashla, love?" Reaching down, he brushed the hair back from her face and she stirred, opening one eye briefly and snuggling closer to him. "Want to help me surprise Mom with breakfast?" he asked. Her eyes opened slowly, a sleepy smile spreading across her face as she nodded excitedly.
In the kitchen, they embarked on their breakfast mission, creating a joyous mess. Flour covered the counters, the air, and themselves, their laughter a sweet melody in the early morning.
Upstairs, Ahsoka awoke to the cold absence of Anakin's warmth. She reached out, feeling the cool emptiness of the sheets where he normally lay. Curiosity piqued, she wrapped herself in a robe and made her way downstairs, her eyes lingering on the family holos that lined the hallway right outside their bedroom. She paused at each one, particularly at a holo of Rex holding a newborn Ashla, his expression one of comical bewilderment. A soft smile graced her lips as she remembered the early days of their family, the challenges, and the immense love that had grown from those moments.
As she neared the kitchen, the sounds of laughter and clattering utensils grew louder. She leaned against the doorway, observing Anakin and Ashla in their flour-covered glory. For a moment, she just watched them, a heartwarming scene of her little family, lost in their world of joy.
Finally sensing her, Anakin looked up, his eyes meeting hers. A bright smile spread across his face. "Morning, Snips!" he exclaimed with a playful tone. "We were going to make you breakfast in bed, but..."
"We kinda made a mess instead!" Ashla added, her giggles filling the room.
Ahsoka's eyes sparkled with playful mischief as she walked further into the kitchen, grabbing a handful of flour and launching it at Anakin and Ashla. Anakin's laughter echoed as he scooped her up over his shoulder, Ahsoka's flour-covered hand leaving a trail over his head and back. Ashla's delighted laughter joined theirs, creating a symphony of joy in their cozy kitchen.
Later, as the golden rays of Aldera's morning light bathed their kitchen in a warm glow, the Skywalkers gathered around their family table, a place steeped in memories and laughter. Amidst the lingering scent of their joyful breakfast endeavor, Anakin turned to Ahsoka with a gentle, almost shy demeanor. “I, um, made you something,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of uncharacteristic bashfulness that tugged at Ahsoka’s heartstrings.
Delicately, he retrieved a polished kyber figurine from his robe - a miniature representation of their family, each detail lovingly crafted by his hands. Ahsoka accepted it with utmost care, her fingers tracing the smooth, cool surface. Her eyes welled up with emotion, reflecting the depth of her love and appreciation.
Reaching out, Ahsoka placed her hand tenderly on Anakin's cheek, turning him gently to face her. "Thank you, d’bhem," she whispered, her voice brimming with warmth and love. "For this morning, this moment, this gift... it's everything I didn't know I needed."
Anakin's smile, radiant and full of affection, lit up the room. "Anything for you, Snips," he responded, his words echoing his deep devotion. They leaned in, sharing a tender, loving kiss, a symbol of their unbreakable bond and the comfort they found in each other's presence.
As the morning light of Aldera continued to cast its golden hue across their home, the Skywalkers reveled in the comfort and joy of their love. It was a simple yet profound morning, one that would remain etched in the heart of their family, a reminder of the unspoken promises and deep connections that bound them together.