Work Text:
Girls night in was a concept Ahsoka had never fully understood as a youngling. Exposure to information had been minimal, with her only knowledge coming from the few late night holo dramas that some of the older padawans snuck in.
And those mostly contained girls who would gossip, paint their nails bright colours and giggle over the one who had a crush on the lead boy. A boy who was often the leader of the local sports team no less. Ahsoka had huffed and promised to herself that she would never do something so girly and fall in love with the leader of anything.
The texts at the temple were no help at all, which meant that Ahokas confusion would continue to linger as the years went by until she became friends with not only Senator Amidala but also Senator Chuchi.
The two older women had taken her under their wing and while their time together in person was little, thanks to the war raging on, they had still managed to squeeze in some time to meet up.
But then Ahsoka had left and their meetups had stopped for over a year. Upon her return, Padme and Riyo had immediately accosted Ahsoka and squeezed out every single detail from her.
Including her crush on Rex.
Ahsoka had been teased good naturedly for it nearly every time and it wasn’t until after the three women had met up for the fourth time that Ahsoka had realised the similarities between her situation and the holo dramas she had seen many years ago.
She had also learned that denying her crush was as useless as giving Hardcase a detonator and telling him not to press the button.
Teasing aside, the evenings that Ahsoka had spent with her two friends were… nice. Ahsoka came to understand that they were a way to decompress, to reinforce bonds between friends and more importantly, to have fun.
Whatever they did, varied. Sometimes it was discussing the latest juicy gossip in the senate, or watching Coruscant's latest five star holodrama.
Or other times, it was to arrange a plan of attack for some scheme of theirs.
The gentle clinking of a spoon being tapped against a cup brought Ahsoka out of her daze and she turned her focus back towards Padme and Riyo.
“So,” Padme began, before pausing to take a sip of her tea. “How is everything going for you ladies? Any plans for valentines?”
“Stone managed to convince Fox into taking the evening off,” Riyo said, her voice saturated with happiness. “I have no idea how he managed it. But I'll have to make sure I thank him.”
Padme beamed at Riyo, “That’s wonderful Riyo.”
“And what about you Padme,” Ahsoka asked. “Got anything planned?”
Padme smiled before dropping her gaze down, where her hand hovered over her still flat belly. “I think I have just the thing,” she murmurs.
The three women shared a knowing look. Padme had disclosed her pregnancy to the two not even an hour ago. The news was big and Padme had wanted to plan the moment when she told Anakin so that it would be special. Ahsoka and Riyo had understood and promised that their lips were sealed.
This left Ahsoka as the only one without plans.
As if sensing this, Padme and Riyo turned to Ahsoka.
“Both of you know that I'm not seeing anyone,” she huffs out, scowling at the two.
“Yet,” Riyo interjected coyly, before hiding her smile behind the rim of her cup when Ahsoka glared at her.
Ahsoka sunk back into the cushions in dismay. “Not this again,” she groaned. “It’s just a silly crush. Rex is not interested in me like that.”
Padme smoothly placed her cup to the side and reached over to rest a hand on Ahsoka's knee. “That’s what we’re here for Ahsoka.”
Ahsoka arched a brow marking and glances between the two senators in confusion.
“You’re talking to two of the most accomplished women when it comes to… clueless men.”
Riyo nods emphatically as she also places her cup aside. “And with me being in a relationship with Fox, I'd wager that increases our chances of creating a successful plan.”
Ahsoka lets out a sigh. “I appreciate it, I really do but-”
“But nothing,” Padme interjected. “I don’t believe for one second that Captain Rex does not have feelings for you. We just need to figure out what you can do to get him to realise that you like him the same way that he likes you.”
Ahsoka chewed at her lip, uncertain until movement from Riyo caught her attention. “What are you doing?”
“Asking Fox for a favour,” the Pantoran murmurs as her fingers tap out a message before hitting send.
“What did you ask him,” Ahsoka squawked, alarmed and more than a little embarrassed at the idea that the surly Commander could now be privy to her romantic feelings towards one of his closest brothers. Although, it could be worse, it could have been Padme asking Anakin. Ahsoka was certain that she’d never get over the embarrassment if Anakin knew that she was trying to woo Rex.
“I just asked him if he knows anything that Rex happens to be partial to,” Riyo replied.
“But I know what he likes,” Ahsoka grouched.
Both women leaned towards Ahsoka, their eyes pinned on hers. “Do share with the room.”
“Well,” Ahsoka began. “He likes his blasters. They’re specially modified though, so I was thinking that perhaps I could buy him a knife?”
Silence followed. “What? He spent a long time modifying his weapons. So the next best thing would be a blade of sorts right?”
“Ahsoka..” Padme sighed.
“While I do believe that your idea holds merit Ahsoka,” Riyo interjected smoothly. “I believe this sort of occasion calls for something.. Different.”
Ahsoka dropped her face into her hands, “Different how?”
Before either Senator could answer her, Riyos comm chimed with an incoming message which Riyo immediately began to read. A satisfied smile spread across the Pantorans face as she typed out one last reply before setting her comm down.
“I do believe Fox just gave us a potential option.”
“What did he say?” Ahsoka asked, momentarily forgetting her mortification over the fact that Riyo had dragged the Commander into their love scheme.
“He said Rex has always been partial to chocolate. Which is perfect for a valentine's gift if you ask me.”
Padme lit up as she looked between Riyo and Ahsoka. “There’s a brand new business specialising in the most delectable chocolate that’s just opened up in the Uscru district. From what I've heard, what they sell is to die for.”
“Do you two really think this will work?” Ahsoka asked sceptically.
“I’m sure of it, we’ll just need to iron out the plan and go from there.” Padme declared.
“And if this idea doesn’t work, we’ll just have to think of another plan,” Riyo added in, radiating determination, earning a firm nod from Padme.
Ahsoka couldn’t help but feel like whatever plan wouldn’t go as smoothly as Padme and Riyo would have her believe. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
Ahsoka stared down at the frankly, absurdly large box of chocolates that sat on the counter as the elderly nikto worked on tying a bright red bow around it. The box itself was stuffed to the brim with chocolates, half of which was filled with something that Ahsoka hadn’t even realised could go inside a chocolate.
The plan had been for Padme and Riyo to join her, the three would then enter the establishment and proceed to make a purchase. Unfortunately, matters came up that meant that neither Padme or Riyo could join Ahsoka in person, which left her alone.
But Padme had apparently put in a good word for her because no sooner had Ahsoka entered the building, she had been immediately accosted by the shop owner, who was more than happy to help. Ahsoka had initially panicked upon seeing the price of the chocolate, she had money, but she definitely didn’t have enough to afford much.
But the Nikto had waved away her concerns, before informing her that Senator Amidala had paid for the deluxe valentines package. This included the largest sized box that the shop sold, as well as a complimentary card which currently sat on top of the box.
“I’m Sweet On You.”
Ahsoka could feel herself flush a little at the idea of watching Rex reading the card. Force, it was corny, but Rex always did love a joke that would have everyone else groaning.
Ahsoka turned away from the shopkeeper to look out the window. A Rodian strolled by, carrying a bouquet of flowers, courtesy of the flower shop that was located right next door.
The sight brought a wistful smile to her face. Ahsoka had never received flowers before but the idea of it felt oddly romantic. Perhaps one day…
“There you are miss.“
The shopkeeper's voice made Ahsoka jump and she whirled around to face the Nikto who was watching her with a kind smile. “Everything is all packed for you. And may your intended respond favourably.”
“Thankyou,” Ahsoka replied with a slight bow of her head. “I’ll be sure to tell Senator Amidala of your quality service.”
The Nikto thanked her and with that, Ahsoka made her way out of the building, cradling the huge box in between her arms. She weaved through the crowd, taking care to avoid bumping into anyone for fear that she would drop the precious cargo in her arms.
Her thoughts were racing as she approached the air taxis. She had her gift, now she just had to head to the barracks in order to give them to Rex. Force she hoped she didn’t run into any of the boys, they’d never let her live it down.
Especially Jesse. As soon as he caught on to the feelings that Ahsoka was harbouring towards his brother, the clone had been relentless in his teasing and poorly hatched plans to get Rex and Ahsoka to admit their feelings for one another.
Perhaps it was the noise of the speeders passing by or if she had become lost in her anxious thoughts that made her miss the sound of footsteps coming to a stop behind her.
“Ahsoka?”
The unexpected, but very familiar voice speaking up from behind her had Ahsoka's heart explode as she practically jumped six feet into the air.
“Rex,” she squealed as she spun around, only to be stopped short by the sight before her.
It was indeed Rex. However, to her surprise, he was carrying a rather large bouquet of flowers which he was peering over to look at her.
No more words escaped her, she could only stand there waiting for her heart to calm down while praying to the force that the ground would open up and swallow her whole.
Rex’s face creased in concern at her lack of response. “Are you alright ‘Soka? What are you doing out here?”
“What are you doing here?” she asked instead, fighting the urge to cringe at the high pitched tone her voice had gone. She could see enough of Rex to tell that he was in his dress greys, but that didn’t really answer why he was in the Uscru district, let alone why he was carrying a bouquet of flowers.
Rex shifted his weight from foot to foot, nervousness replacing his earlier concern. “Uhrm, well.. It's a long story.”
His right arm twitched in what Ahsoka knew was an aborted movement to reach up and rub at the back of his neck, a sure sign he was growing nervous or uneasy.
“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to Rex,” she reassured him. “I was just curious, that's all.”
Rex flashed her that smile of his that never failed to have her heart threaten to break through her ribcage. “I guess that's fair. I can’t say that I'm not curious about what you’re doing here either.”
Ahsoka faltered, “Uh, well…”
Kark kark kark kark kark. Sure the box of chocolates were for Rex and yeah, she was going to give them to him. But she thought she was going to have the speeder ride back to the barracks to hype herself up.
Force, why did he have to be stupidly handsome? And kind and sweet and force be damned, kissable.
Ahsoka could feel not only her blue stripes darken, but her face now felt suspiciously warm.
Rex’s brow furrowed in confusion when she clammed up tighter than a Hutt in a life pod. His eyes darted over her, trying to find the cause of her silence.
Ahsoka watched as his mouth opened to say something, only to be cut off by the blare of a speeder horn.
“HEY! You’re holding up the queue. Are you two wanting a ride or what?” came the irate voice of the pilot.
Ahsoka looked over her shoulder to scowl at the Dug who was half leaning out of the window. “Coming!”
The Dug muttered something under his breath but Ahsoka just rolled her eyes and turned back towards Rex. “Want to share? I’m assuming you’re heading back to the barracks and that’s where I'm heading anyway.”
“To give these to you.” Her traitorous thoughts helpfully added in.
Rex stared at her for a second before he visibly swallowed. “I- if you’re sure, I uh… don’t want to impose.”
Ahsoka cocked her head at the uncharacteristic stutter. It wasn’t like Rex to be nervous, it wasn’t like they hadn’t been in close proximity together in transports before.
Although now Ahsoka had thought about it, she had never shared a transport with her crush while she was actively carrying a gift that was going to be used to declare her feelings to said crush.
That reminder was enough to get her nerves on high alert again. Oh kriff, she had just offered to share a small space with Rex while she was carrying his valentines gift. Ahsoka eyed the card as she turned around and blew out a quiet sigh of relief, it was thankfully face down.
She looked over her shoulder at Rex, who was watching her from his spot that he had yet to move from. “It’s not an imposition, honest.” Ahsoka gestured with her head towards the speeder when Rex remained where he was. “Hurry up, before someone else takes our speeder.”
That got Rex moving and after a moment of both of them insisting that the other go inside the transport first, the two were seated inside the speeder, which shot off as soon as Ahsoka gave their destination to the Dug.
The sudden change in movement nearly had Ahsoka drop her box. Giving the back of the Dugs head a glare, she carefully placed it on the floor between her feet for safekeeping. Her predicament brought forth a snort of amusement from her companion and Ahsoka looked over at Rex to find him watching her with amusement, with his bouquet remaining firmly in his grasp.
She couldn’t help but let her eyes linger on the bouquet.The packaging obscured the bulk of the flowers, but enough of them peeked out of the top for Ahsoka to see a striking variety of colour. Now they were in an enclosed space, Ahsoka could smell the sweet fragrance that came from the flowers.
Ahsoka could only wonder why he had them. Dragging her eyes away from the bouquet. “So, flowers huh?” she said, keeping her tone light and teasing.
That wiped the amusement off Rex's face, much to her confusion.
That adorable red tinge re-appeared on Rexs cheeks. “Yeah, um-” Rex pauses to clear his throat. “General Skywalker told me that ladies like getting flowers, so uh- that’s why I have these,” he explains, giving the bouquet a wave for emphasis.
The movement brought her attention back towards the flowers and she leaned forwards to get a better look. “They’re gorgeous,” she murmurs as she takes in the different colours. Red featured the most prominently in the collection. Peach, blue and purple flowers were mixed in, creating a stunning display of creativity and beauty.
“Did you pick them out yourself?”
“Sort of. The florist told me that different colours have different meanings. So uh, she told me what they meant and then I picked what felt right.”
“That’s really sweet Rex,” Ahsoka commented after he finished explaining. Rex’s cheeks went a darker hue at her praise and Ahsoka fought against the fond smile at the sight. He smiled shyly at her, making her stomach flutter.
Force, she had it bad for him. His smile, his laugh, the way his blonde hair became gold or the way his eyes turned honey brown when the sun shone on them just right. Everything about him was special, even his scent was uniquely him.
Trying to distract herself from how she was becoming hyper aware of his presence, Ahsoka bumped her shoulder against his. “So, what do they mean?”
His eyes jumped from her, to the flowers and back to her, his indecision clear until he lowered the hand that was holding the bouquet so that she could see better.
“These ones,” he murmured, pointing at a blue flower. “Means peace and tranquility.” Entranced, Ahsoka watched as his finger moved to the next one. “Purple stands for admiration.”
“These peach ones represent gratitude.”
Rex paused as his fingers hovered over the final colour, before moving to run his fingertip along the red petals.
“What do those ones mean?” Ahsoka whispered, leaning forward in her seat in anticipation.
“Desire,” he responded. “The red ones symbolise my desire, passion…”
Rex tore his eyes away from the flowers and locked onto hers. “And love.”
“Rex, that's-” Ahsoka replied, her voice no more than a whisper as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. “Beautiful.”
The sudden realisation that Rex had bought these for someone hit her like a brick. The possibility that he held such love and affection for someone that wasn’t her felt like someone had torn her heart out and dumped a bucket of cold water over her all at once.
The flowers being tilted towards her brought Ahsoka out of her spiralling thoughts just as fast as she had sunk into them.
“Here,” Rex said, gesturing his head towards the flowers.
Ahsoka gaped for several seconds before she finally regained her ability to speak. “What? But Rex I couldn’t possibly take these, you bought these for someone.”
Rex shifted in his seat, but didn’t withdraw his arm. “Yeah I uh- I bought them for you.”
His earlier nervousness suddenly made a lot more sense. Ahsoka had been so consumed in her own panic at being caught carrying a gift for Rex that she had stopped to think about why he was suddenly acting nervous around her.
Her eyes dropped down to the box that sat between her feet. The giggle Ahsoka let out was unexpected. Here they were, crammed into a speeder, each of them having gone to great lengths to procure romantic gifts for one another.
Ahsoka immediately sobered when she caught uncertainty and a dash of hurt flickered in Rex’s eyes before he dropped his gaze.
“It’s not what you think,” she blurted out. “I just realised that both of us went out of our way to get gifts for each other, from buildings next to each other no less and we didn’t even realise it.”
She lunged forward to heft the box of chocolates into her lap. “These are for you.”
Rex looks so helplessly lost so Ahsoka gingerly slides the box into his lap and gestures at the box. “Have a look.”
Carefully, Rex hands the bouquet over to her before gently removing the card from beneath the bow and opening it. His eyes flick up to hers and Ahsoka could swear she saw his lips twitch when he closed the card and caught sight of the corny phrase on the front.
“You’re sweet on me?”
Ahsoka was tempted to smack him with her flowers when she realised Rex was teasing her, but settled with reaching out to flick his ear instead. “Shut up,” she grumbled with no real heat.
Rex let out a snort, but wisely didn’t say anything more about it.
“You really went all the way out here to get me these?” he asked after a pause, voice full of wonder.
Ahsoka nodded, “Padme and Riyo helped come up with the idea, but yeah.”
Rex reaches out to cup her cheek with his hand, “thankyou.” he breathes.
Ahsoka smiles and ducks her head, just for a moment. “What about yours? She whispers, trying and failing to not get distracted at how close his face is to hers, despite the fact that she was also leaning in. “Did you have help with your gift?”
Rex nodded and Ahsoka's breath caught in her throat when the motion caused his nose to brush against hers. “Was it Anakin?”
“And Fox,” he grumbled, which drew out a breathy laugh from her.
“So do I get to say thankyou for my gift?” she asked.
“I don’t need to be thanked ‘soka,” Rex responded, ever the humble man. But the way his eyes betrayed him by flicking down to her lips screamed that he was hoping otherwise.
She leans in just that little bit closer, pausing when a shiver rolled down her spine when she felt his exhale ghost across her mouth. “Are you sure?” she teases, her boldness returning to her tenfold when Rex let out the tiniest of groans.
“Not even if I really want to?” This time when she spoke, her lips brushed against Rexs. She could feel the fine tremor in the hand that still cradled her cheek, could hear the breath stutter in his chest. Or maybe it was her, it was hard to tell.
Even though the distance between their lips was so infinitesimal, it still felt like they were too far apart as every molecule of her being demanded she kiss him, to show Rex how truly thankful she was for his thoughtful and touching gift.
Their lips barely caressed however, when the pair were nearly thrown forwards out of their seats when the Dug piloting their speeder abruptly and quite violently came to a stop outside of the barracks.
It took everything in her to not choke the life out of the Dug, even if he was just doing his job. Master Obi-wan would be so proud of her self restraint as she calmly handed over the credits before climbing out of the speeder, Rex following immediately behind her, not that she ever planned to tell Obi-wan.
“Sleemo,” she muttered under her breath, once their transport sped off and had rejoined the lanes of Coruscanti traffic.
She turned back to Rex, who was watching her with a strange expression on his face. “What?”
“Nothing, it’s just… you look cute when you’re mad.”
“You- what- I don’t-” she sputtered out causing Rex to burst out laughing.
“Perhaps I don’t want to thank you anymore,” she sniffed haughtily, which honest to the force made Rex pout.
“I take it back, you’re mean when you’re mad.”
Ahsoka cackled, earning her that smile she adored so much from the man before her. “I’m sorry,” she cooed as she sauntered towards him. “Forgive me?”
“Perhaps,” Rex replied as he carefully placed his box of chocolates on the ground. “That is, if you finish what you started,” he finished, emphasising his request by tapping his mouth with his pointer finger.
Ahsoka grinned. She raised herself up onto the balls of her feet and mindful of the flowers that she still held, wrapped her arms around his neck. “I think I can do that.”
And then Ahsoka closed the gap and pressed her lips against his, their first kiss sealing a promise of many more to come.