𝗔𝗵𝘀𝗼𝗸𝗮 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗼

Chapter Five

Ahsoka squinted slightly as her eyes adjusted to the bright fluorescent lights of the kitchen, and she and the Paladuvan exited the refresher.

Her nose felt raw from the rough cloth that she had used to scrub the grease off of it, and her hands cold from the drying water meeting the cool air.

She felt much better and much more in control now that she had been able to put her mind and skills to something that was able to be fixed. The food and drink, as well as getting cleaned up helped too, but from her years as a Jedi, she knew that it wasn't always the physical things that calmed the conscience — her focus on a task had definitely been the main factor in her ability to center herself.

She found now that she didn't have to force her calm and collected look anymore. The panic and distress had taken the backseat and Ahsoka was now able to focus her mind.

Her eyes flickered upward to the chrono on the wall.

23:09 standard time.

She had been there for two hours? It hadn't felt that long. Ahsoka shook her head, clearing her thoughts. It's not like I have anything else to do.

If she had thought that statement an hour earlier, she might have wanted to cry. Now, though, she had to suppress the urge to laugh. I'm going crazy, she decided.

But she also decided that it meant she was starting to move on from her decision. She was now focusing more on the future than the past. Either that or the exhaustion was finally getting to her — she decided it was a mix of both.

The Paladuvan gave her a half-smile before picking up her spatula and getting back to work. Ahsoka returned it with a nod of her head in thanks.

"Thank you again."

The rough but kind voice of the Besalisk sounded from her right, and she turned to him, bowing her head slightly in response.

"Of course. Thank you for your help as well," she replied. Her voice had finally lost its rasp as her throat recovered.

"Anytime, kid. There's a spare room in the back if you wanted to crash here for the night." Dex offered, studying her — but less with pity this time. More of a mutual friend just offering to help, but not because he had an obligation to do so. Ahsoka appreciated it, but she found herself unable to give an affirmative nod of her head.

Ahsoka hesitated. She was grateful for Dex's help — she really was — but at the same time, she felt like she had already overstayed her welcome.

Not only that, but she needed to learn to survive on her own if she would ever recover to lead a life on her own. She had always been relatively independent, and she knew she wasn't completely helpless by herself.

"Thank you," she said carefully after a moment. "But I think I'll take my chances out there. You've already done more than enough." She assured him, meeting his eyes. He looked slightly taken aback, confused — but not exactly offended.

Dex furrowed his brow. "Kid, you don't want to be out on the streets this time of night, trust me." he told her with a shake of his head.

Ahsoka studied his face for a moment. "I believe you, Dex, but I can't stay here. Not on the upper levels." she told him softly with a slight shake of her head, and from the look in his eyes, she knew he understood.

"Are you sure you don't want to wait until morning to make this decision? Trust me, kid, it's not pretty down there — especially at night." He searched her face, but there was something hedging in his eyes — like he knew he wouldn't be changing her mind this time.