A/N: This chapter is dedicated most definitely to sachariah. Not only does he write some of the best Rexoka stories I've but, but his steady encouragement gave me the push I needed to continue this story slowly (very slowly) but surely. This chapter is going to be on the shorter side, just until I get back in the swing of things. I also wanted to say thanks to jadedsnowtiger, who introduced me to the Mando term Rex uses in this chapter. Sorry for any OOC behavior.

Ahsoka stared out at the lake again, caught in the reflection of Vril's mountains on the surface. This planet was small, barely the size of a moon actually, with plenty of thick forest to hide in. But it was also the home of a breathtaking mountain range which began just about two klicks from their current position. The mountains reflection in the water swayed, completely the opposite of its source. Ahsoka looked up at the mountains, wishing just for a moment that she could be as steady as they seemed. At least, with all the horror and chaos the galaxy was experiencing at the moment, some things would never change. Nothing could remove the mountains.

Ahsoka turned slowly, sensing Rex approaching from behind. A small smile crossing his face, he came to stand beside her. She smiled back wearily before turning her gaze back to the mountains. They stood in silence for a few minutes before Rex spoke. "It's beautiful," he murmured, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It is," Ahsoka agreed, placing her hand over his. She could sense his nervousness through the Force. He wanted to say something, but he didn't know if it would be welcome.

"What are you thinking?" he asked after a few moments, looking down at her.

"Nothing...at least, not much of anything," she hesitated.

"Anything you think up will be worth hearing," Rex chuckled. "You always have been the smarter of us."

"Rex, you know that's not true," Ahsoka laughed. "How often has your experience been the cause of our escape? How many times have you saved my life over the last three years?"

"Probably about as many as you've saved mine," Rex smiled.

"Then we're even," Ahsoka said, turning back to gaze at the mountain's reflections. They stood in awkward silence for a few more moments, enjoying the view and closeness. But as the moments passed, Rex's nervousness in the Force grew. Finally turning to him, Ahsoka stifled a laugh. "Rex, if you need to say something, feel free to."

Rex turned to face her, feet planted shoulder width apart and arms folded over his chest. Every bit still the captain. "Well, youngling, I just wanted to tell you that the ship's systems are repaired. I was going to tell you earlier, but we kinda got distracted," he smirked. Ahsoka blushed, her montrals turning a slightly darker shade of blue. Yeah, distracted was the right word. That distraction was why she still had the phantom feeling of his mouth on hers and his arms around her waist. But still, she could sense his nervousness. There was something more.

"Yeah, but that's not what you wanted to say, is it?" she guessed, grinning when he raised an eyebrow at her.

"No, actually," he said, uncrossing his arms and looking down. Ahsoka placed a hand on Rex's shoulder, waiting.

"What is it?" she asked. "Whatever you have to say, I'm not going to reject you. I thought we'd already established that."

"I know that….cyar'ika," he murmured, leaning down to kiss her gently.

Ahsoka shivered at the contact but pulled away quickly, curious. "Cyar'ika? What does that mean?"

"It's Mando. It has a few meanings, but the one I would think most appropriate here would be 'sweetheart.' If…if you don't want me to call you that, I won't. It's just, well, it's how I see you," Rex murmured.

"Cyar'ika," Ahsoka repeated, the word feeling strange on her tongue. "I like it."

Rex smiled before kissing her again. "I'd hoped you would," he whispered against her mouth.