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6BBY
Canto Bight
Hera couldn’t stop giggling.
She tugged Kanan along, their fingers interlocked, down one of the many streets that’s circled the gambling city of Canto Bight. This one wasn’t as packed as the others, the press and pull of all beings of the galaxy thinned out. The lights from the storefronts twinkled unashamedly, neon signs flashing sales and wares. The business she was looking for was at the end of the street where there were even less people scattered around.
Hera was on a mission, and she was determined to see it through.
Kanan kept up with her easily, his long legs matching her shorter strides easily. He was laughing too, shoving people to the side that dared got in her way. Every so often their bodies crashed into one another, making them both pause to keep each other from toppling over. They laughed, swaying with the breeze that threatened to make them come crashing down. Hera's heart raced each time Kanan's hands tightened around her waist, the light from the streetlights making his teal eyes glow.
“Weren’t we supposed to do something else here?” Kanan whispered loudly to her.
Hera shrugged, her mind focused on something else. They had a pretty good reason for being on Canto Bight, just the two of them. She was sure of it. The two of them hardly left Sabine on her own these days, even if Zeb promised to make sure to not to let her run away. Missions that usually required just Kanan and her were dwindling and she was sure at some point they would cease to exist entirely. Hera didn’t know how to feel about that, she loved what she did, and she loved seeing the outcome of these missions. They were on the precipice of something great, it made her stomach swoop in a way that reminded her of spiraling her ship through the clouds.
But Kanan and her? She had never been more sure of anything in her life.
Maybe that was why they spent their time on Canto Bight having fun and living as freely as they could. Their day and night had consisted of spending credits that weren’t theirs and eating the finest foods, sipping on the most luxurious drinks in the galaxy. It wasn’t typical behavior of them but Hera blamed the air in Canto Bight. Something about it was enticing. Seeing other happy couples strolling excitedly down streets, unashamed and unafraid, had melted down a few of Hera’s walls.
The two of them stumbled and slowed as they came to the end of the street, the large building at the end of it looming up at them. There were several groups snapping photos and taking holovids, some dressed in finery and others dressed in the clothes they arrived in. Other scattered couples and a few lone individuals made up the rest of the crowd, going on about their business with no regards to the other parties.
Hera looked down at her own outfit and pursed her lips. Fulcrum had lent her the clothes, how the spy had figured out her size or why remained a mystery but Hera was grateful that at least she wasn’t in her flightsuit. The deep navy, sleeveless dress fit snugly on her and complimented the sheer black tights she wore underneath. Hera smoothed down the front of the skirt and peeked a look at Kanan. He looked just as handsome in a more formal dark green shirt, a black leather jacket loosely held in his free hand. The pants he’d chosen fit him really well.
Like extremely well.
Hera swayed and leaned harder against Kanan. He pressed against her, untangling their fingers to wrap his arm around her waist.
He lowered his chin, his lips grazing across her forehead. “Last chance to back out.”
Hera scowled up at him. She swatted his middle, “I’m not backing out.” She raised a brow at him, “Are you backing out?” she asked.
Kanan grinned easily at her, “Not at all.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
Hera took a step forward, her ankles rolling slightly as she lost her balance. She grunted as Kanan steadied her, his own frame swaying as she righted herself. They may or may not have had a few more drinks then necessary for this mission. Hera tried to count how many she'd had and had to keep starting over when she hit four. Whatever, she thought to herself, it was the boots Fulcrum lent her. Boots should not have that tall of a heel.
They walked past the groups and couples and up the steps of the building, ornate granite and marble clinking under her. Her eyes widened as she took in the silver and gold veins that shot through the tiles, the doors large enough for even the tallest Wookie to pass through.
It was quieter inside the building, the hum of air conditioning running in the background meshed with the electronic swipes of credit access machines and clicks of computer terminals.
The lines weren’t very long and by the time Hera and Kanan reached a teller her mind had cleared considerably. The fuzziness of the night had faded but she still felt bubbly and light inside and her knees were still wobbly. Hera blinked up at Kanan, her partner’s calm expression not giving away anything of how he felt.
A bored looking, middle-aged, Pantoran greeted them lazily and took down their information, typing everything up quick and efficiently. Kanan’s hand found hers and squeezed it gently, bringing to his side to rest on his hip.
Hera carefully counted out the last of their credits, vaguely remembering they were supposed to have been used for something else entirely.
In a matter of minutes the woman passed them a datapad and handed them a piece of flimsi with a number on it.
“Courthouse 26 is down the right and on the left,” she said, jabbing her stylus in the direction of the hallway. “Fill out the datawork and hand it to the barrister when they call you in. You’re third in line.”
Kanan and Hera walked off and towards the hall the woman had pointed out.
“We’re actually doing this,” she murmured. She looked up at Kanan, wondering what she would find on his face.
She found only affection and excitement in the teal of his eyes, his lips pulled into a private smile just for her.
“Yeah,” he breathed out.
Hera grinned up at him as they came to a stop at the courthouse, two other couples waiting on the benches by the door. Kanan huffed out a quiet laugh and looked around. She had a thought as to what he was thinking, that out of the places in the galaxy what they were about to do would happen in Canto Bight. Without anyone from their crew, not a single witness except for the court appointed one.
She hoped Chopper wouldn’t be too upset with her.
Hera blinked and glasses of sparkling wine were being thrust into hers and Kanan's hands, a couple rushing out of the courthouse with beaming smiles on their faces. Kanan shrugged at her and tipped the glass back into his mouth. Hera followed him, letting the bubbly liquid slide down her throat.
When she opened her eyes again the datawork had been completed and their names were being called into the courthouse.
Everything after that was lost to time.
* ~ *
Hera groaned as she dragged herself to the commstation. The low light of the closet was a blessed relief on her eyes. The pounding in her head hadn’t quite stopped and she was sure Chopper was warbling at her at top volume as revenge for being left behind on the Ghost.
The beeping from the commstation was irritating enough to pour wax over her earcones. Its high pitched beeping made her swear up and down to rebuke anyone who dared to call her at—Hera checked her chrono—14:00 hours. She blanched, her stomach rumbling in protest. It reminded her that she couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten a proper meal.
She hit the answer button and watched through squinted eyes as the image of Fulcrum appeared. The spy’s face was hidden by a large cloak, none of their features visible in the slightest.
Hera sighed silently, wondering why Fulcrum was contacting her now.
“Spectre,” the modulated voice said. Hera forced herself to pay attention to Fulcrum. The sweet escape of her bunk and favorite tea would have to come after this mission debrief.
“Hera,” Fulcrum amended and that got Hera’s attention. The spy hardly ever used her real name with her even though they were on a secure channel.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Fulcrum said, voice warm despite the modulations.
“Congratulations?” Hera repeated.
Fulcrum chuckled the sounds not as grating as she thought it would be. The agent’s arms came to cross over their chest, their head tilting to side.
“On yours and Jarrus’ nuptials.”
Hera felt her jaw drop and her stomach fall out from her bottom. She blinked several times, wondering if she had heard the hologram right. She slapped one hand over her mouth, trying to wrap her head around that piece of information. Surely, Hera thought, she would remember if she married Kanan.
She closed her eyes, racking her mind for the memories.
“However, I will not be sending you two back to Canto Bight anytime soon,” Fulcrum finished. “Take a few days off, enjoy this. Or get it annulled if you want, I won’t judge.”
Fulcrum signed off, the hologram fading out of existence.
Hera shook herself. She opened her eyes to slightly fuzzy and disoriented memories of running through the streets of Canto Bight towards its courthouse. She couldn’t remember if the drinking had come before or after the short ceremony. Knowing them, it had been both.
Hera frowned and brought up her left hand in front of her face.
There wrapped around her ring finger was a thin band of leather.
Hera gasped, several emotions slamming into her at once.
The only thought that coherently made it out of her mouth as she stormed out of the closet was,
“Kanan Jarrus, you did not marry me with your hairtie!”
~ * ~
6ABY
Chandrila
Chancellor Mothma’s Private Residence
Chancellor Mothma’s serene country estate had been transformed into a glittering paradise. The expansive garden had been re-imagined from a zen and aesthetically pleasing walk to one filled with tents, tables, and shimmering lights. Most people strolled around in couples or in small groups, the event of the evening calling for intimacy and quiet laughter.
Hera walked down one shrub and flower lined pathway, letting her fingers snag on branches and blooms. She ignored the well wishes of passersby and craned her neck in the search for someone. A small someone who liked to disappear from her sights.
The sound of her sandals on the stone pavement drowned out her worry.
She turned a corner sharply almost colliding into a small group.
“And that’s why Ezra ‘n I can’t fly the Phantom ‘nymore.”
Laughter erupted from the two women standing in front of Hera. Mon Mothma’s was a quiet, bell like laugh. Leia Organa’s was more boisterous, a loud bark of laughter that smoothed out. Hera exhaled, all her worry melting away. She put both hands on her hips and cleared her throat.
Both women looked over their shoulders and relaxed. Leia grinned sharply at her and turned to face her, one hand firmly holding onto the child’s.
Her child’s.
“Jacen Syndulla, what did I say about running off like that?” Hera chastised. She held one hand out for him and watched as he hurried over to her, molding himself to her side. He tilted his face up, scrunching his nose in the process as he squinted at her.
“Not to?”
“And yet,” she murmured. Hera shook her head and pushed locks of green hair back from her son’s forehead. He made a face, the green stripes over his cheeks and ears darkening. Hera smiled and flicked her gaze back up to the two women. She mouthed a thank you to them, in which both women’s smiles deepened.
"Its no trouble at all watching Jacen," Mon said. Hera swallowed down a retort, choosing instead to smile thankfully at her. Mon leaned forward, gripping Hera's free hand in hers.
"Congratulations, I'm glad we finally get to do this."
Hera laughed and jerked her chin towards the pavilion. "I'm grateful, Chancellor, but how did you find out?"
Mon winked at her, the sly look on her face all the answer Hera needed. She had stopped trying to wrestle answers out of the party goers a while ago. It only led to more questions than she had answers for.
Mon drifted away from them, heading towards a senator she knew. Leia lingered, taking a step closer to Hera. She kept her hands clasped in front of her, showing off silver Alderaanian jewelry. The young general looked frayed around the edges but otherwise in good health. Last Hera had seen her had been a little after the battle of Endor.
“Sorry about that,” Hera said. She kept one hand on Jacen’s shoulder and reached out with her other to grasp Leia. “I swear Sabine and Ezra are good child minders.” She didn't add when they remembered, knowing Leia would most likely berate Ezra all night.
Leia waved her off with a scoff and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry, if Ben turns out half as well-mannered as this little one I’ll never have to worry about anything again.”
Jacen beamed up at her with a self-satisfied grin. Hera stuck her tongue out at him, earning a giggle.
They stood there in silence for a passing moment before Leia cleared her throat. Hera stopped fussing with Jacen’s tunic collar and looked at her. The woman was fiddling with one of her bracelets, the gesture odd on such a usually confident woman.
“Congratulations,” Leia said quietly. She spread out her arms and gestured around them. “On everything, your promotions, finding Ezra. Your anniversary.”
Hera felt a pang in her chest as Leia’s brows knitted together.
“I can’t believe how long you and Kanan have been married.”
Hera laughed, shrugging off Leia’s words. “Well no one was ever supposed to know,” Hera leaned in closer to Leia, her voice taking on a playful tone, “Kanan and I didn’t even know until the certificate popped up in our datapad.”
Leia tossed her head back and laughed.
“Please,” Leia said around a inhale, “everyone knew you two were together. Even my parents knew! And Dad didn’t even figure out my biological mother was pregnant until I was born.”
Hera shook her head, her lekku swaying forcefully behind her. They brushed against her bare shoulders reminding her that she needed to find her cloak before it got cold. Leia looked between her and Jacen, her smile taking on a sad hint to it, “My parents so badly wanted to be the ones to throw your anniversary party. Mom was ready for an excuse to throw a ball that didn’t require inviting any Moffs or dignitaries.”
Hera didn’t know quite what to say to that. She hummed, stroking her fingers through Jacen’s hair and untangling the knots that had formed.
Leia sighed and lifted her chin higher. “No worries it was a big castle, I’m sure you and Kanan would’ve gotten lost in one of the many bedrooms in it.” The twinkle in her was dangerous and Hera found her self snorting even as she playfully covered Jacen’s ears with her hands.
“Senator Organa,” she teased, “the scandal.”
Leia waved her off, “Please its about time Jacen got a sibling. Ben wants someone closer his age to play with.”
“He’s one, Leia,” Hera deadpanned.
Leia nodded seriously. “Exactly.”
Jacen tugged at her skirt repeatedly, whispering mom, mom, mom over and over again.
“Yes, love?”
“I see dad!”
“Okay, okay, lets head over to him.”
Hera made an apologetic face at Leia and wrapped her hand around Jacen’s. Leia huffed and shooed them away, promising to catch up with her later.
“I gotta find Han and Chewie anyways,” she said as they took off in different directions. “I’m sure they’ve managed to set up a sabacc table somewhere with Lando.”
“If Zeb’s there remind him that betting Chopper or the Ghost is off limits!”
Hera and Jacen trudged onward, her eyes set on the back of Kanan. As they walked, guests slowed them down to wish Hera a happy anniversary and say hello to Jacen. Hera thanked them gratefully and pushed forward, the day slipping into evening as they navigated the gardens. The Chandrila sky darkened from pale blue to a dusty orange and pink, making the lanterns and sparkling lights vibrant from where they hung on branches and poles.
Hera really had to thank Mon again for the party. It was more than she could have ever drummed up. While throwing such an extravagant party wasn’t what first came into mind for hers and Kanan’s anniversary, Hera had to admit that it was nice getting everyone she had served with in the Rebellion back together. With the New Republic taking over in more official capacities many had left to start their lives, they had settled down or had taken jobs on various Republic held planets that needed leaders, builders, and every position in between.
As a general in the New Republic Navy Hera was busier than ever as well. Most of her time was spent away from her family. Only Kanan and Jacen joined her on missions now. This celebration had been the perfect excuse to take time off and slow down. Eventually, maybe, in the future Hera would retire completely and settle down on Lothal with the rest of her family. But the galaxy still needed her and she didn’t want to leave the final part of her personal mission unfinished.
“Dad!”
Jacen tugged free of her grip and shot forward, weaving through the crowd of people. Hera sighed, shooting more apologetic glances to old comrades and new faces as she worked her way to the center of the main patio. Her skirt dragged across the stone walkway, the light orange, pink and silver colored fabric catching the low lighting. The bangles on her wrist clinked lightly, announcing her arrival. A few water-pod lights caught the light of her wedding ring, the beskar and gold band glinting.
The last of the crowd parted and Hera let out a sigh of relief to see Jacen hanging off Kanan’s shoulders, Kanan’s hands wrapped firmly around the boy’s ankles. The two were talking to Ahsoka, the Togruta making a rare appearance. Ahsoka was laughing, pressing the heel of her palm to her chin.
Hera slid up to them, winding one arm around Kanan’s and letting her hand rest on his elbow.
Kanan turned his head, briefly kissing her temple.
“I’m sure Luke and Ezra starting their own school won’t result in anything awful at all,” Ahsoka said. She shook her head in amusement, turning her warm gaze onto Hera. The once spy and Jedi held out her arms and Hera stepped forward into the even rarer embrace.
“The woman of the hour,” Ahsoka said quietly. “Happy anniversary, Hera.”
“Thank you,” Hera replied. She pressed her cheek against Ahsoka for a moment, enjoying the woman’s affection.
“Speaking of Ezra and Luke,” Kanan interrupted. “Where are they?”
Ahsoka sighed and looked over her shoulder. “I saw them following Zeb to a tent near the rear. I’m guessing their setting up a games table.”
“Funny,” Hera said dryly. “Leia said the same thing, but with Solo and Chewbaca.”
The three of them groaned. Ahsoka went so far as to putting her head in her hand. Kanan grumbled that they better not bet their lightsabers for more money.
The three of them conversed, catching up with the going-ons of their lives. Ahsoka looked well despite spending most of her time wandering the outer edges of the galaxy. Her adventures took her to places Hera had only heard about from deep space pilots. Kanan and Ahsoka talked about Jedi training and the school Ezra and Luke were trying to build.
Hera knew at some point Kanan would be drawn to Ossus, the urge to see the old order resurrected was too strong. It was a worry for another day.
Jacen butted in, every so often. He was curious about the Force and even more so about his Aunt Ahsoka. Ahsoka happily answered Jacen’s questions and often indulged him in stories of her childhood.
Eventually the conversation returned to the party. The band was playing lively tunes in the distance and Hera couldn’t help but remember one of the few memories she had of Kanan and hers wedding. They had danced in one the streets, a ragtag band had played jubilant songs, enticing them both.
Ahsoka chuckled and smirked at them both, “I’m glad you two enjoyed yourself.” A shout caused her to crane her neck around and her eyes widened. “I see Rex and Hunter, I should go say hi.” She made to move past them.
“I’ve never asked,” Hera said, putting one hand to Ahsoka’s elbow. The Togruta stopped, looking at her with a question in her eyes. Hera shrugged, “How did you find out Kanan and I had eloped on Canto Bight?”
Ahsoka let out a sharp bark of laughter. Hera waited, putting one hand on her hip. Ahsoka sobered up and raised one brow back at her. “You’re serious?”
Hera felt her cheeks warm, “I—we—don’t exactly remember much of that night.”
Ahsoka’s expression softened, her eyes crinkling in the corners. “You told me, Hera. You called me the second you guys got back on the Ghost, excited and blabbering about how the two of you got married. You kept talking on and on until Kanan barged into the closet and told me ‘it was time his wonderful bride went to sleep.’”
Beside her Kanan choked on his drink, Jacen teetered dangerously on his shoulder. Her poor son looked mightily confused, his face scrunched up as he tried to process Ahsoka’s words. Hera knew there would be a discussion in the future and she’d probably have to explain weddings to him. Or she could let Zeb do that, she decided on. It seemed like more of an uncle’s job.
Hera looked to Kanan and then down to her left hand where her wedding ring shone. Kanan and her had gotten proper wedding bands for their fifth anniversary, the feel and need for something permanent to tie their relationship to stronger after the Liberation of Lothal. It had been a weird time for them all, Ezra had gone missing and she had thought Kanan had died saving them all. When Kanan had returned to her she had been heavily pregnant with Jacen and she could admit now that her emotional breakdown had influenced their decision.
She didn’t regret the rings. They were an added token of their love and commitment to one another. It had reminded Hera that Kanan was alive and well. That he would return to her. And he had, again, after spending nearly four years searching for Ezra with Sabine and Ahsoka in the Unknown Regions.
The two of them hadn’t left each other’s space in two years and Hera hoped to keep it that way now.
“Yeah, okay, that sounds like something I would’ve done.”
“Would still do,” Ahsoka corrected.
“You’re such a pain, ‘Soka,” Kanan moaned. Ahsoka grinned deeply, fake punching him in the arm. He swatted her hand away, though the two looked at ease with the other. She found the two's friendship endearing. Another testament on how time could never truly matter in the grand scheme of things.
“Payback for all the years you were a pain in mine.”
The music from the band began to dwindle, come to a slow stop until only a single string instrument was playing softly. There was a request from the lead singer for everyone to start gathering around. Ahsoka narrowed her eyes towards the center pavilion, her teeth gnawing on her bottom lip.
“It looks like Mon might be starting the toasts,” Ahsoka said carefully.
Hera and Kanan stiffened. While they both had accepted and were grateful for their anniversary party, the two of them were not necessarily excited about being the center of attention. She had the feeling that there would be a lot of toasts, from family and friends to Senators trying to look good in not only her eyes but Mon’s and Leia’s.
Kanan grimaced and shifted his weight from foot to foot.
Ahsoka snapped her fingers and held her hands out. “Give me Jacen.”
“Why?” they both asked together.
Ahsoka pointed down a path that was clear of people. It was lined by high hedges and held very little lighting. “If you take that path, you’ll come to a citrus grove. There’s a clearing on the other side of it that overlooks the countryside.” She winked at Hera. “Not many people know of it. Now, my future apprentice please.”
Jacen made an excited noise, scrambling to climb down his father. Kanan swung over his head, depositing him onto the ground. He took a couple steps towards Ahsoka and looked up at her.
Ahsoka bent forward to meet his eyes, “What do you say little guy want to spend some time with me?”
“Sure! But whatta bout momma and dad?” Jacen asked.
Ahsoka began steering him away, towards the outer edges of the crowd. “Your parents are going to play hooky and we’re going to make sure your uncles don’t do something dumb.”
“Whats hooky?”
“Ummm, I’ll explain that when you’re older.”
“When I’m your ‘prentice?”
Hera and Kanan laughed quietly as Ahsoka and Jacen quickly became lost to the crowd. Their hands found each other they quickly walked away from the pavilion. As they reached the fringes of the place, Hera picked up speed. She hiked her skirt up in one hand, lengthening her strides to fast walk. Kanan kept up with her easily, the two of them whispering and laughing to each other.
They flew down the stone path, the hedges covering up their mad dash. Her sandals slapped against the stone, and the wind flew through her lekku. She felt like her younger self once more. The version of herself that didn’t have as many burdens on her shoulders or the weight war in her heart. In this moment nothing else mattered to her then finding somewhere private with Kanan.
The moment her feet hit the dirt path she sped up, jogging into the citrus grove. Her hand remained tangled with Kanan as they ran along, her giggling coming out in sporadic takes as her lungs fought for air.
They breezed through the groove, leaves flying past them.
Kanan and Hera broke through the treeline just as the sun was setting, making the sky glow in shades of violet, red, and burgundy. Hera stopped at the top of the slope, awestruck. Kanan pressed up behind, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her to his chest. They both breathed in deeply.
Hera watched in amazement as the sun set, indigo night taking over the sky.
“I can’t believe its been twelve years,” Hera whispered.
“Fifteen,” Kanan said.
She turned in his arms, her brows knitting together. “Um, Kanan I looked at the certificate, we’ve been married twelve years.”
Kanan smiled down at her and kissed her between her brows, smoothing out the crease there.
“We have, but we’ve known each other for fifteen now.”
Hera turned back around slowly, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. She hadn’t realized so much time had passed since their first meeting on Gorse. Since her life changed in so many ways. Good, bad, horrible, and everything in between. Every inch of her life since then had been occupied by Kanan in some shape or form. Just the two of them against a galaxy that tried so hard to steal their happiness. Hera let out a shaky breath.
Kanan swiped his thumb under her eye, smearing away the tears.
“Huh,” she finally said, tipping her head backwards onto his shoulder. “Well, here’s to fifteen more.”
“To more and more,” Kanan murmured.
The two of them stayed like that, wrapped up in each other as the stars made themselves known.
* ~ *
Hera tucked her knees closer to herself, wrapping her arms around them. She rested her cheek against the tops of her knees and smiled at Kanan as he wrapped up a story about one adventure or another he’d gotten into with Ahsoka while they were searching for Ezra. The night breeze caused wisps of his hair the float around his face, the long strands laced with silver now.
Kanan cleared his throat to continue then paused, sitting up straighter.
A heartbeat later a low whistle spread around the slope, a familiar tune Hera had gotten used to over the years.
She looked over her shoulder and grinned.
Ezra was coming over the slope, cheery-eyed and holding two bottles of what looked light Chandrilan sparkling wine. He waved at them, shouting out a hello. His robe dragged across the grass, the maroon cloth dull in the night. Right behind him was Sabine, the young woman holding several glasses in her hands. The beskar combs in her hair matched the jumpsuit she wore, the shimmering fabric a wash of gold, orange, and deep violet. She was barefoot, her own heels long discarded if Hera knew the Mandalorian. Beside her was Jacen, a handful of roses and other wildflowers in his hands.
Rounding up the last of their group was Zeb, Chopper, Ahsoka, and Kallus. Zeb carried a basket of what Hera hoped was food in his hands, while Chopper surprisingly rolled next him in good sport. Her astromech seemed to be on his best behavior today which was suspicious in and of itself. She made a note to remind herself later to check the Ghost’s cargo hold for anything that didn’t belong to her or her family.
Kallus and Ahsoka walked a step behind Zeb, the two of them leaning on each other and laughing loudly. Both held fluted glasses in their hands, lavender colored liquid in them. Zeb’s fulcrum chain hung around his neck, the insignia a mirror of Ahsoka’s facial markings. The two intelligence agents gave her and Kanan salutes and plopped down onto the grass. Ahsoka fixed her own dress, the dark maroon fabric splaying out across the grass. The Togruta huffed and fixed her headpiece, the winding gold spirals and vines glinting in the moonlight.
The rest of her family sat themselves down in various forms of ease.
“What are you guys doing here?” Hera asked, taking them all in.
Sabine rolled her eyes, handing out glasses to everyone. “I’m sorry did we interrupt something private?”
“Not exactly but—”
“Senator Xiono started his speech,” Ezra said, speaking over Kanan. “We figure throwing those fancy mussels and cheese spread was rude.”
“You would be right,” Hera agreed. She didn’t like the man but she would never do anything so brash. At least not in such a public event.
“Why was Xiono giving a toast?” Kanan asked, holding out his glass as Ezra struggled with the bottles. Finally, the young man grunted in frustration and twisted his fingers above it. The cork of the bottle popped out, flying over their heads. Sabine gasped as foam spilled out of the bottle, pouring onto the grass beside her. She shoved Ezra, making his list to the side and onto his elbow.
“Who cares,” Zeb grumbled.
Ezra poured everyone drinks and they all murmured their thanks. Jacen crawled over to her, sitting in between her and Kanan. He had a small mug of juice in his hands and what looked to be a nut butter and jelly sandwich. Hera smiled gratefully at Sabine, the woman giving her two thumbs up in return.
“Besides,” Ezra continued. “This is where we belong. Not out there rubbing elbows with New Republic elites.”
A series of appreciative grunts and noises sounded off through everyone. Hera was pretty sure Kallus had even whispered ‘damn right’ under his breath. Clearly, all of them had been on Chandrila for far too long.
“This is our family,” Sabine added. “You two are the reason we’re all here today, celebrating something wonderful and this is all we’ll ever need.”
“To Kanan and Hera,” Kallus toasted, raising his glass in front of him. The rest of their group quickly followed suit, smiling wetly at Hera and Kanan. “The best of us.”
“May you enjoy many more years of happiness,” Ahsoka added.
Hera put a hand to her heat, unable to help the tears that spilled onto her cheeks.
“May the force be with you, always,” Ezra said quietly, a tear rolling down his cheek. “And—”
“Happy anniversary!”
Everyone knocked back their drinks and Hera looked up at the stars. One shot past her line of sight, tempting her into a wish. She hummed and looked down. Jacen was curled into her side, fighting sleep, and Kanan’s hand covered her own.
She didn’t need wishes from the heavens.
Everything she had ever dreamed of was sitting here with her, alive and happy. Laughing. They would be with her forever.
Now and until the stars faded.