𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙃𝙔𝘽𝙍𝙄𝘿, clone wars ²

Moonlight Tryst

In the end, Obi-Wan and I succeeded in our quest to find Papodida's daughters. They were being held captive aboard a Trade Federation ship—an all too familiar scenario in these turbulent times. 

Yet, despite the grim circumstances, relief washed over me like a warm tide. The girls were safe, and that was all that mattered.

Now, as I lay in my chamber, the weight of the galaxy pressing down on my shoulders, a soft knock broke the silence.

 I sighed deeply, the sound echoing my weariness. People just never can let me be, can they? I mused, staring up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

The flickering lights above cast shadows that danced across the walls, mirroring the turmoil in my mind. Each encounter, each mission, seemed to pull me further from the peace I sought. But deep down, I knew that as long as there were lives to protect and battles to fight, my journey was far from over. 

The voices beyond my door grew clearer, their hushed tones barely audible through the metal barrier. With a weary sigh, I flicked my wrist, using the Force to grant them entry. 

The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing Fives and Echo, their armor gleaming in the dim light of my chamber.

"Umm, hello, Nyx. We don't mean to disturb you, but..." Echo's voice trailed off, his usual confidence faltering as he took in the scene before him.

I turned my head on the pillow, regarding them with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Their discomfort was palpable, and I couldn't help but wonder if Obi-Wan had neglected to inform them of my... current state. The thin sheet draped over my form left little to the imagination, and I knew they must be flustered to find me in such a vulnerable position.

"Well, gentlemen," I drawled, a hint of mischief in my tone, "I hope this is important enough to warrant interrupting my rest."

The clones shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting around the room, desperately seeking a safe place to land. I suppressed a chuckle, deciding to take pity on them. "Perhaps you'd like to wait outside while I make myself more... presentable?"

As they hastily retreated, I couldn't help but reflect on the absurdity of it all. Even in moments of supposed peace, the galaxy seemed determined to keep me on my toes. With a rueful shake of my head, I rose to face whatever new challenge awaited me beyond my chamber doors.

I opted for a simple outfit that day, though I still wore the padding Obi-Wan had insisted upon. The light clone armor on my forearms felt unnecessary, but in my human form, I was vulnerable. Better to be prepared, I reasoned. A netted short and a few singlets underneath were all I needed to feel comfortable.

As I fluffed my hair, preparing to face whatever the day might bring, I stepped outside my chamber. Fives and Echo stood nearby, their heads bent close in hushed conversation. They hadn't noticed me yet, but with my sharp hearing, their words reached me clearly.

"We just have to ask her. It went well last time," Fives was saying, his tone encouraging.

Echo, ever the more cautious of the pair, blushed visibly. "Yeah, because General Skywalker was with us then, remember? He asked for us," he retorted, jabbing his brother-in-arms with an elbow.

I couldn't help but smile at their exchange, curiosity piqued. Whatever they needed to ask me, it seemed to have them both on edge. As I approached, I cleared my throat softly, causing both clones to snap to attention.

"Good morning, gentlemen," I said, my voice light but tinged with amusement. "I couldn't help but overhear. Is there something you'd like to discuss with me?"

Their eyes widened, and I could practically see the gears turning in their minds as they scrambled for a response. It was moments like these that reminded me of the delicate balance we all walked—Jedi, clones, and those of us who fell somewhere in between. Each of us navigating a galaxy at war, trying to find our place and purpose.

"Well," I prompted gently, "shall we talk over some caf? I have a feeling this might be an interesting conversation."

Echo nudged Fives, and he reluctantly agreed with a cough, "Y-yeah, sure." A snort escaped me, and I led them toward the mess hall. The clones fell silent as we entered, and I gestured toward an empty table. "Go on and sit, boys. I'll bring the caf to us," I said, then left before they could protest. I could feel numerous eyes upon me, a sensation I had grown accustomed to ever since joining the Republic.

After my disastrous encounter with Obi-Wan and Anakin, and my unfortunate slaying of a few clones, I had become somewhat of a curiosity among the ranks. They seemed unsure whether to fear me or revere me. Anakin, however, had already made his adoration clear, though that wasn't the point.

A shiver ran through me as I recalled my fourth week as a Jedi Padawan. I had spent an unforgettable night with the 501st and Anakin himself—a night I never thought I would experience again. Yet, Anakin had hinted at a desire to recreate that night, and now it appeared that both Fives and Echo were eager to do the same.

The clone tending the bar greeted me with a warm smile. "Ah, Commander Nyx! Three mugs of caf for you today. Are you planning to drink it all yourself or sharing?"

I chuckled at the thought. "If I drank this much, I'd be more caf than soldier, but no. I'm sharing it with Fives and Echo. Perhaps one day, my friend, we can share a drink as well." I bowed my head respectfully, collected the mugs, and left the blushing clone to his duties.

As I approached the table, Fives and Echo were engaged in hushed conversation, their voices dropping even lower upon my arrival. Setting down the mugs, I slid into a seat across from them, observing the knowing smirks they exchanged.

"So, Commander," Echo began, his tone laced with a hint of mischief. "We were discussing that night a few weeks ago..."

I arched an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh? And what exactly were you two reminiscing about?"

Fives cleared his throat, glancing furtively around before continuing. "We were thinking about how much we enjoyed ourselves that night. And, well..."

"Spit it out, Fives," I encouraged with a smirk.

"We were wondering if you'd be up for a repeat performance," Echo finished, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

Nearly spitting out my caf, I tried to hide my surprise. Though I shouldn't have been shocked—the boys had clearly enjoyed the first encounter, so it was only natural they'd desire a repeat performance. However, I had assumed there were no feelings involved, but that assumption seemed increasingly incorrect. Anakin had grown more demonstrative in his affection, and even Obi-Wan had been hinting at something.

I sighed. "I don't know, men... Perhaps..." Biting my lower lip between my fangs, I allowed a soft laugh to escape. "Well, if it's just the three of us, then fine. I... don't think I can handle so many soldiers again. I was sore for weeks afterward."

Fives and Echo exchanged triumphant grins, as if they had just won some unspoken bet. "You won't regret this, Commander," Echo assured me, his hand briefly grazing my thigh under the table.

I shivered, anticipation and trepidation warring within me. "Very well. Where and when do you propose we meet?"

Fives tapped his chin thoughtfully, "How about we do it somewhere where the others won't see us, so they don't grow jealous?" he offered.

I hummed in agreement. "There are beaches on Coruscant, aren't there?" I asked, glancing between Fives and Echo.

Echo nodded, "I think so."

I smiled, "Very well then." Extending my hand, I shook theirs, sealing our pact. "We can do it any night you guys want."

Fives grinned, "How about tomorrow night? You don't have any training or missions then, do you?"

Shaking my head, I replied, "No, Obi-Wan has cleared my schedule for tomorrow. It's almost as if he knows I'm going to need it."

Both Fives and Echo chuckled, understanding the implication. "Then it's settled," Echo said, his voice filled with anticipation. "Tomorrow night it is."

A sense of excitement filled the air as we parted ways, the promise of our secret rendezvous lingering in our minds. It seemed that the Force was on our side, providing us with the perfect opportunity for a night of pleasure and exploration.