Amidala-Skywalker

Part 4

"Good morning, Miss Tano."

Ahsoka cracked open her eyes to find Nova at her bedside, gently shaking her awake. "Good morning, Miss Keanu... Have I been adopted yet?" The caseworker smiled, standing up beside the bed. "Actually, your adoptive parents wanted to see you first before they officially sign off." Nova made her way to the door, still grinning at the teenager over her pink shoulder. "They've brought you some fresh clothes and toiletries in the 'fresher so you can clean up first. We're just down the hall in the corner sitting area whenever you're ready..." She silently shut the door behind her.

Ahsoka slowly pulled herself out of the comfortable blankets, grateful she'd gotten to sleep in an actual bed the prior night. She quickly hopped into the shower, scrubbing down and washing her face. After drying off, the Togrutan found a pair of black leggings, a loose white cropped tee-shirt, and a crimson flannel to tie around her waist. Once her teeth were brushed and she'd gotten a chance to give herself a once over in the mirror, Ahsoka confidently her way down to the sitting area.

First, her cyan eyes found Padmé looking out a window. She looked so different that Ahsoka almost hadn't recognized her. Her brown curls were styled half-up-half-down rather than the senator's usual high bun. She wasn't wearing any makeup that the teen could really tell; it wasn't like the gorgeous Nubian really needed it though. Instead of the customary senatorial dress she usually adorned, Padmé had on a flowing white dress and gladiator sandals that tied around her calves that vaguely reminded Ahsoka of the Grecian myths from the core worlds. "Wow, you look beautiful."

Padmé hurried over to meet her in an embrace, relieved to see the Togrutan once again. "I missed you so much..." Ahsoka relaxed, also relieved to be hugging her soon-to-be mother once again. "I missed you too. Did you find someone to sign?"

"That would be me." Anakin stood up from the sofa he'd been sitting on; she hadn't seen him whenever she first walked up. Ahsoka turned to look him over, comforted by the familiar sight of his Jedi robes. "Skyguy?" She whispered, her eyes suddenly burning with unshed tears. "Y-You're adopting me too?"

"If you'll have me, I'd love to..." He mumbled, cautiously coming a little closer. Anakin felt her crash into his chest before he saw it; he instantly hugged his former padawan tight. "It's okay, Snips. We're gonna take care of you..." He soothed, hearing her whimper softly. "I'm sorry I left you... I wish I hadn't." She sniffled, pulling away to look up at him. With a soft smile on his face, her former master bent low enough they were at eye level - a hand on each shoulder. "Well, in a few minutes, I think you won't be able to do it again." He caught Padmé's loving gaze as he continued. "Plus, as your soon-to-be father, I think you've learned your lesson from being alone for a few days. I don't think we need to punish her beyond what she's gone through, do we, Mé?"

"I think she knows not to leave us again." Padmé joined them, wiping away the fallen tears on Ahsoka's cheeks. "Don't cry, Soka, this is supposed to be a happy moment." Ahsoka only nodded, crying against her shoulder. "I can't thank you both enough... Wait a second." She pulled away, her eyes landing on Anakin who now towered over them as usual. "What about the Jedi? There's no way that they're okay with this."

"Your mother stood up to the likes of Mace Windu and the rest of the council yesterday... soon-to-be mother." He corrected himself, feeling his wife lean against his side. "When they told me I had to have a father sign for you, I couldn't imagine it being anyone other than Anakin. I went to the Temple because he'd left the apartment while I was out with you yesterday. Right after dusk, I found myself in the council's chambers. I reminded them that he was his own man and while they might not care about you anymore, they couldn't keep us from doing everything we can for you." Padmé bit the corner of her lip, shyly glancing up at her favorite Jedi Knight. "They asked about why I wanted Anakin to adopt with me and they were worried that we might have to be married to do it. I asked them why they were so afraid of a piece of paper then sassed my way out of there." They shared a small laugh, Ahsoka smiling admirably between them. "I can't believe you'd do this - all of this - for me... I don't understand why but I can't thank you enough."