SIDETRACKED II A LUXSOKA STORY

4

Ahsoka awoke to what felt like rocks pressing against her back. Groaning quietly from the pain, she rolled onto her stomach in hopes that it would alleviate the stress, but she only felt mere seconds of sweet relief before the soreness pulsated inside of her tight muscles all over again.

Opening her eyes in defeat, she sat up, squinting into the darkness. From what she could see, it was almost dawn. She could hold out until then, right?

"Of course I can! I'm a Jedi, afterall." Ahsoka replied to the mental question, her brow furrowing with determination. "We'll switch rooms tomorrow, that way I won't have to put up with this nonsense." She assured herself happily before laying back down. But the second her back touched the stiff surface, a sharp stab of pain trailed down her brittle spine, making her let out a muffled wince as she quickly shot back up into a seated position.

"Ahsoka?" Lux intoned suddenly, lifting his head from the pillow as his body shifted to face her. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah," Ahsoka breathed, rubbing her tired eyes. "I'm just a little sore, that's all."

"Oh, Ahsoka-"

"It's nothing, Lux." Ahsoka waved him away, panicking as he began to get up. "Really, I'm okay..."

"Nonsense." Lux quipped, swinging his legs over the edge. "I've been listening to you toss and turn all night, you're clearly uncomfortable."

"Even if I am, it's almost daybreak." Ahsoka shrugged, although immediately regretting it. The tiniest of movements made her shoulder blades pinch and back ripple with pain. 

"Which means...you can still get a few more hours of comfortable rest." Lux pressed, folding down the covers so that Ahsoka could take his place. "C'mon, Ahsoka, you look terrible." And it was true, dark circles had formed under her eyes from the restless night, and she was hunched over in such a way that it was clear that whatever it was, was paining her deeply.

"I'm not about to let Senator Lux Bonteri sleep on a dirty floor just because my back is sore." Ahsoka pouted, narrowing her gaze. "...I'm not that desperate," She added in an undertone, although her body language deceived her, and Lux watched as her dull eyes trailed hopelessly to the soft blankets and pillows that were perched ever so heavenly on top of the airy mattress.

Lux simply groaned, running a hand messily through his hair. Ahsoka was never one to accept help when she needed it, and always preferred to work things out on her own...But he wasn't going to allow some annoying muscle soreness get the best of his favorite girl. "That's right. My friendly, favorite girl."

"Well, if the only way for you to get a good sleep is if I get a good sleep, then we're both going to get a good sleep." Lux concluded firmly, crossing his arms a matter-of-factly, holding back a laugh as Ahsoka shot him a confused look.

"C'mon," He coaxed, climbing back into the bed, shuffling over so that there was room for another person. "It's just for one night," Lux added in a comforting tone, noticing Ahsoka's sudden unease. "We'll find another room tomorrow. That way, I won't get murdered, and you won't blow out your back sleeping on the floor!"

Ahsoka nodded agreeably, smiling at his playful demeanor before slowly picking herself up. "He's just being nice." She convinced herself as she padded over, gently lowering herself beneath the covers. "It's not like he has special feelings for me, or anything." She added as she comfortably lay on her stomach with her arms supporting her head from underneath the cool pillow. It took all that she had inside of her not to turn and snuggle deep into his arms...even if that seemed like the best thing imaginable for a sore back.

But it seemed like Lux was thinking along the same lines, and as the minutes went by, Ahsoka could feel his arm inching closer to her waist. As much as she wanted it to happen, she was terribly scared of it, as well. What did this mean for them? Were they going to take things seriously? What if the Jedi found out? What-

Ahsoka's thoughts were then interrupted as she felt Lux's gentle hand touch the exposed part of her back where the shirt had folded over itself, showing off minimal skin...She felt her body stop working as his fingers prodded at the sore muscle, slowly working out the countless knots and tight spaces that lined the space along her spine. 

And as he continued to softly massage the soreness away, Ahsoka felt her heart rate simmer down to it's normal pace and her breathing become easier. She began to feel calm and content, as if Lux's touch melted all her worries away, ridding them just as he rid of the pain in her back.

"I could get used to this." Ahsoka thought peacefully, smiling a little into the soft pillow. "That is, if life were different..." She added solemnly, the smile faintly fading from her face. "...Oh, how I wish things were different!"