Hi, everyone! It's the Fourth of July and I thought I'd write a story for it. So here it is.

Fourth of July

Ahsoka Tano cradled the helmet in her arms. A forlorn tear fell down her face and onto it, as she stroked the crest.

Captain Rex had promised he would return from battle three months before, but, soon after, she received word that he had been killed in battle. That day was a memory. A memory Ahsoka wished she could forget.

Her Master, Anakin Skywalker, had pulled strings for Ahsoka to end up with Rex's helmet. She still mourned for his death, even now on the fourth day of the seventh standard month. Today was a holiday, but Ahsoka refused to celebrate what it stood for, since many people had died then, too.

Anakin opened Ahsoka's quarters' door, and Ahsoka quickly placed the helmet beside her. She wiped away her tears, stood up strait, and sniffled.

"Did we get another mission?" Ahsoka asked hopefully.

Anakin gave her a look. "Ahsoka, it's holiday. You know that." He replied.

Tears began to well up in Ahsoka's eyes as she nodded. "I know." She said, her

voice cracking and sobs over coming her.

"Come here." Anakin opened his arms and motioned for her to come. Ahsoka burst into tears, ran into his awaiting arms, and covered her crying in his chest. "Shh, Ahsoka." Anakin soothed, as muffled sobs came from Ahsoka. "It's going to be okay." Anakin patted Ahsoka's head. "K'uur." He added gently in Mando'a.

Ahsoka looked up at him. Tear stains streaked her face, and her blue eyes were puffy and red. "Rex would sometimes speak Mando'a." Her voice came in a weak whisper.

"Today is a time to be joyful, Ahsoka." Anakin said, brushing away one of Ahsoka's new fallen tears. "Do it for Rex. Celebrate his memory."

"Do you really think that's what he would have wanted?" Ahsoka asked.

"I know it's what he would want." Anakin answered.

Ahsoka mustered up a smile.

The two walked out of the room.

They were met by Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Happy Fourth!" He exclaimed cheerily. "Nothing to worry about to day!"

Ahsoka bit her lip, begging herself not to cry.

"Yeah, you too Obi-Wan." Anakin said, walking away with Ahsoka.

Barriss Offee and Tyzen Xebec stopped them next.

"Happy Fourth!" They said together.

All Ahsoka could do to keep from bursting into tears, was look away.

"Yeah. You, too." She mumbled sadly.

Barriss and Tyzen knew it wasn't the time to ask, and left.

Later...

Ahsoka sat beside Anakin on the Jedi Temple roof, as the fireworks began bursting into different colors.

"What do you think, Snips, would Rex like these?" Anakin asked, smiling and looking at her.

"Master, Rex would love these." Ahsoka replied, not tearing her eyes from the lights.

Suddenly, Ahsoka sensed something. It sent a terrible chill down her spine, but she turned anyway, Anakin following her gaze.

"Rex!" Ahsoka cried, standing up and running to him.

Rex scooped her into a hug, then winced.

Ahsoka looked down at his leg. It was bandaged and apparently very sore.

"What happened to your leg?" She asked, concern and relief tinting her voice. "What happen to you?"

"It's nothing. Just got shot at." Rex replied.

Ahsoka smiled. "You never were a good liar."

Rex kissed Ahsoka. He released her, then said, "I'm so glad to see your mesh'la eyes."

Ahsoka grinned.

Anakin had been staring the entire time. "Good to have you back, Rex." He said, still in a state of shock.

"Good to be here, General." Rex replied.

The threesome sat down and finished watching the fireworks, Ahsoka never once letting go of Rex.

Hope you enjoyed my story! Review! Oh, and here are translations. Please let me know if I missed any words.
K'uur - hush
Mesh'la - beautiful

My the Fourth be with you!