Unexpected

chapter thirty: truths

"Senator Amidala?" A knock on the door pulls Padmé and Anakin away from one another.

"Come in." Padmé calls, causing Anakin to groan.

The door slides open and Elara's eyes land on the pair who are at opposite ends of the room. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Padmé smiles. "Nonsense, how are you feeling?"

"How was the relief mission? Have you reconsidered the Council's offer?" Anakin asks.

"I'm quite fine, thank you m'lady." Elara smiles. "The mission went well, General Skywalker. Though I still believe my abilities will be more useful here with the Senator."

Anakin sighs. "Well, if you ever reconsider I'll always put in a good word for you." He nods. "At least I know that Padmé will be safe with you beside her."

"Thank you, General." She nods back. "Senator, I came to inform you that I'm going down to the market. Is there anything you require?"

"Oh! Perhaps a few fresh jogan fruits." Padmé smiles. "And if you happen upon any meilooruns, some of those."

"Of course, m'lady." Elara smiles and turns to exit the room.

"I'll inform Captain Rex to meet you in the lower hangar." Skywalker speaks up as she reaches the door.

She simply nods in response and steps out of the room, the door sliding closed behind her. After making a quick detour to change out of her elegant dress, she meets Rex in the lower hangar as planned by General Skywalker.

"Hey El." Rex smiles as he recognizes the girl. "We're not hunting bounties, are we?" He chuckles at the dark clothing the girl is wearing and the blaster holstered to her leg.

"Sh! They'll hear us." She laughs as she nudges the man.

The two climb onto a speeder and head to the lower levels of Coruscant, in the direction of the markets. Elara lands the bike on a small platform and the pair jump off before walking the rest of the way to the market.

"What exactly are we here for?" Rex asks, eyeing the suspicious characters around them.

"The Senator wants some fruit. I need some new clothes." Elara explains breifly. "I'm surprised you left your men to come shopping." She raises an eyebrow.

"Ah I'd never pass up some time with my best girl." Rex winks playfully, causing Elara to chuckle.

The day goes by quickly as they shop and before they know it, the sun is gone. Elara conceals the bags within the speeder as Rex comes to a stop outside of their next destination.

"You sure you wanna go here?" Elara asks. "It's not exactly the best place to get a relaxing drink with a friend."

Rex shrugs. "I don't get out much. It's the most comfortable for me."

Elara nods, completely understanding, and follows Rex into 79's. It's been a while since she was last here. Her eyes quickly find the familiar booth and she frowns to see that it's taken by unfamiliar clones in shiny white armor.

Rex returns from the bar and hands a glass of spotchka to Elara as he leads her to a small booth.

"So, what're we drinking to?" Elara asks.

"To friendship." Rex suggests.

When she first met Rex all those months ago, he'd quickly won her over and filled the void that her older brother left behind after defecting. Maybe others view their relationship as more than it is , but Rex has always been the older brother she wished she had.