"Alright, everything's ready," Obi-Wan told Anakin while consulting his list of things to do. "Are you absolutely sure that Ahsoka's gift is good to go?"

"Yes, Master," the younger man huffed in irritation. "You've asked ten times this past hour!"

"I simply needed to make sure."

"Pfft. You're getting old, Obi-Wan," Anakin quipped. "Admit it."

"Anakin!" Now it was Kenobi's turn to groan in annoyance.

"Fine, I'll stay focused. Yes, everything is ready and we've practiced the element of surprise. All that's left now is for Ahsoka to find her outfit. Pad- Senator Amidala had it all planned out and the dress hidden in our quarters."

"For once in your life, you've actually spoken about things that needed to be discussed for more than five seconds."

Anakin glared. "Nevertheless," he continued, "I will go get it ready. Can you pick Ahsoka up? She's in the mess hall."

"Why is she in the- never mind. I don't want to know," Obi-Wan muttered. "Sure, I'll go get her. You best be ready by the time she gets back."

***

Nearing the mess hall, Obi-Wan was sure the sight that was about to meet his eyes was not what he wanted to see. I already can sense the chaos. As the double doors slid open, he nearly did a triple-take.

"What the-? Ahsoka?"

The Togrutan Padawan turned around, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. "Hello, Master Kenobi," she greeted respectfully with a slight bow.

"May I ask what exactly happened here?" Obi-Wan asked, glancing around the large room. "It looks as if a Rathtar has been running laps on ice."

"The boys had a surprise planned for me."

"And the surprise being?"

"... a prank war."

Obi-Wan had suspected as much. His Grand-Padawan had a reputation of being the biggest prankster in the entire history of the GAR — second to only Anakin, of course. So, he contented himself with a simple "Ah." Only then did he realize how dirty she was. Apparently, there had been more than just glitter involved.

"Ahsoka, we have to go. Remember what day it is today?"

"What about cleaning up?" She asked innocently. "It's the responsible thing to do!" Yeah, no, he thought. That was far too innocent, far too angelic for the secretly devilish Ahsoka Tano. For all he knew, the moment he turned his back, another full-out war would break out and he'd never hear the end of it.

"We got it, Commander," Rex stepped forward. "Hello, General Kenobi."

"Greetings, Captain," Obi-Wan returned. "Thank you in advance for cleaning up Ahsoka's mess, we really must be going if she wants to make it on time for her party."

"With all due respect, General," Rex replied, "it was our mess, we created it just as much as the Commander did. One less pair of hands won't be a problem in the long run."

The Jedi Master nodded. "Thanks again, Captain. I'll see you around," he added with a smirk, which the former returned.

"Likewise, sir."

***

"Alright, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan said. "Anakin wants you to go back to your quarters to to get ready for tonight."

"Will do, Master!" the teenage Togruta replied excitedly, her bubbly personality resurfacing once again for her Grandmaster to see.

***

As Ahsoka neared she and Anakin's shared quarters, she was very nearly overwhelmed with the amount of excitement, joy, and pride she could sense from inside.

Anakin, no doubt.

The doors slid open and her Master appeared, a radiant smile stretched across his face. "Hey, Snips," he greeted her casually, failing to hide his excitement. "You ready for the party tonight?"

"More than ready, Master," the Padawan replied, equally as eagerly.

"In that case, go and clean yourself up. After you shower, I've got a surprise for you," he finished with a smirk.

Anakin had seen Ahsoka run. During missions, she often sprinted long distances quickly without a problem and she was quite fast. But the speed she ran on the short way to their shared bathroom was unlike anything he'd ever seen. He swore she'd traveled through some sort of hyperspace and come back within a second. How did she- oh well.

***

Anakin heard the showerhead squeak to a stop and sent a message to Ahsoka through their Force bond. When you open your door, don't look. Close your eyes and make your way towards me.

But how will I get to you without tripping? Oh wait- I'm Force-sensitive.

Skywalker shook his head before replying. Yes, Ahsoka, you are indeed a Force-sensitive being. Don't forget that.

I won't!

If you can forget that you're a Jedi, who says you won't forget how to walk? Anakin teased.

Master! Ahsoka groaned. What the hell!

Said Master chose to ignore that comment, making sure her outfit was ready. Okay, you can come out now!

True to her word, the Togrutan Padawan had her eyes closed and was sensing her way around the room, not that she didn't already know what it looked like. Just for the sake of fun, though, Anakin often sent common household items flying at her feet while she wasn't paying attention, tripping her. Therefore, she was extra careful not to spring any of his traps this time.

Ahsoka knew her Master would be standing next to whatever surprise he had in store for her, as per usual, so as soon as she sensed his Force signature near her, she came to a stop.

"You can open your eyes now," Anakin told her, excitement shining through clearly in his voice.

As her eyes opened, she saw a flash of red - a gorgeous, brilliant red with her peripheral vision. Looking down, she could only gasp.

***

Ahsoka was at a loss for words. She was staring at the most dazzling dress she had ever seen before, and it was something she would gladly wear. Mind you, she'd downright refuse wearing anything else other than her Jedi outfit and robes, much less a dress she could barely move in. However, whoever designed this clearly knew her well. The sleeveless v-neck bodice gracefully outlined her curves, showing off her perfect form as a result of years' worth of intense Jedi training. The elegant ballroom-red bodice was attached to a floor-length ruffled skirt, soft silky material tumbling down in gorgeous waves.

"This is-" Ahsoka tried to convey her delight, but words failed her once more. After a few minutes of trying, she was finally able to regain some of her composure and utter "Perfect."

Anakin instinctively moved forward to embrace his best friend. "I'm really glad you like it, Snips," he said, "but that's not all."

"Not- not all?!" she stuttered, still unable to wrap her mind around the situation. This was unreal. Anakin had gifted her dream gown, what else was left?

"A dress by itself will always be an incomplete outfit," he replied as if reading her mind. "Only with accessories can it be deemed an outfit."

The young Togruta stared. Where in Mace Windu's hair did he get that?

"Padmé told me so, Snips," he responded as a faint blush began to appear on his handsome features. "All of her senate meetings require formal attire, and believe it or not, there was an actual handbook on appropriate outfits."

"That sounds ridiculous," Ahsoka scoffed.

"It is," Anakin confirmed, "but she's told me that exact quote so many times it was impossible not to have memorized it."

"Sure, Skyguy," she quipped, with a roll of her sapphire eyes. "Now, where were we?" She asked, a gentle prod back in the direction that they came.

"Ah, yes, the accessories! There are a few parts to the set, I believe you'll like it."

From a bag slung on his shoulder that went previously unnoticed by Ahsoka, Anakin retrieved a piece of shaped cardboard and handed it to her.

Turning the piece of cardboard around, Ahsoka was rendered speechless yet again for the second time that evening. It was the equivalent of a human's tiara. And it wasn't just any tiara, the Togrutan Padawan recognized some similarities between this headdress and the one the Togrutan Queen wore on Shili. Gold ochre beads, much like her Padawan beads hanging down her lekku in shape, size and weight were for the most part the decoration. However, three large circle-shaped rubies that matched the shade of her dress were located right in the center with the golden ochre material surrounding the perimeter.

"Master- thank you, it's amazing," she told Anakin, whose radiant smile was once again featured. "Not only is this beautiful, but it represents me, my culture, and my people. It was very thoughtful of you."

"No worries. Although, it should be Padmé you're thanking, not me. She did all the research and design work."

"Skyguy the Sidekick, as usual."

"Hey!"

Ahsoka smirked in response. Anakin rolled his eyes at her, cursing her and her witty comeback. As he handed her the three final pieces of cardboard, his imagination sprang to life as an image of Ahsoka gracefully gliding towards them in this outfit anchored itself in his mind. She'd be dazzling. Not one soul in the room would be able to take their eyes off of her and he knew it. His Snips has grown so much... she was-

"...aster! Anakin!" A shout interrupted his daydream, whisking him off of his personal cloud nine and onto their shared one.

"Huh?"

"Get your head out of the clouds, Master. I was gonna say thank you, but it doesn't look like you want it. So, I'll be-"

"Ahsoka, don't you dare!"

"Gotcha. The armbands and golden rings are lovely. I'll go change, be right back."

More than lovely, she thought on her way to the bathroom. The golden silka bead ringlets to be worn on her biceps were tinted with a faint red, acting as the harmony to the melody that was her dress, and the blood-red ruby accentuated the decoration even more. The golden bracelets glinted under the light, adding a small yet unique touch of sparkle to her outfit. Finally, her rings she'd wear on her left fingers would complete the outfit; mirroring the bangle bracelets with a final sense of symmetry.

(Credits to vohveLintu on DeviantArt!)

***

As he heard the lock in the bathroom door click shut, Anakin scrambled to find a piece of parchment and pen. He had to leave early to get the party surprise factor set up, so he scrawled a note to his Padawan.

Snips,

I'm sorry but I had to go and run some errands. Put your entire outfit on. A pilot from the 212th will be on standby to bring you to the place, he'll know where to go. Also a note- I advise you to wear a cloak so your outfit isn't revealed early or ruined. I wish I could've been there to see the final result, but this was urgent. I'll see you at the party!

- Anakin

Anakin left it on the table and swept out of their quarters.

***

Ahsoka was ready. If reality hadn't hit her with a bucket of rocks befors, it sure did now. In less than a year's time, she would become a fully-fledged Knight, serving the Galactic Army of the Republic to end this war.

She had expected to see Anakin when she left the bathroom. Instead, she came face-to-face with a note.

"Hey, Snips..."

A wave of disappointment settled over her like sediment in a stream. Anakin had gone to such lengths to prepare this amazing outfit for her, just to run errands when she was almost ready.

He missed the final look, she thought to herself sadly. Yet, she pushed down her disappointment and did as told. With that, she took the note, turned off the lights, and exited the quarters.

***

Ahsoka walked towards the hangar reserved for the 212th Attack Batalion, where she knew one of their pilots would bring her to the party. But where? And who? Just then, a voice shouted to her. "Excuse me, are you Padawan Tano?" There stood a clone in the signature yellow of the 212th.

"Yes, I am," she replied, smiling softly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. My name's Commander Thorn. General Kenobi assigned me to bring you to the party. If you would hop aboard this ship," Thorn gestured to the sleek and shiny ship behind him, "then we'll get going straight away."

***

After a good ten minutes of searching, Ahsoka finally found Padmé's apartment. Why can't I sense anyone behind the door?"

Meanwhile...

"Look, Obi-Wan! There's Ahsoka!"

"What is she saying?"

"...Why can't I sense anyone behind the door?"

"Our technique worked! I'm going to let her in."

***

"I still can't sense anyone behind this door. Maybe the Force would provide me with some answers?" Tapping into the Force, the Togruta let her thoughts flow; be at ease. Something tugged on her mind. "Go inside? It's telling me to go inside... Worth a shot," she mused, not knowing someone was manipulating her thoughts.

With a gentle flick of her wrist, Padmé's door slid open -- only to see a pitch-black room. "What the kriff?" Walk a few steps forwards, young one. She did as told. As her right foot landed on the floor, she was surprised to hear a gentle click of a lever. The darkness of the room faded as the lights gradually turned on.

Suddenly, shouts of "HAPPY 2ND ANNIVERSARY AHSOKA!" rang around the room. Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise as all of her friends appeared from different areas. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padmé, Barriss, and the entire 501st Legion, all with matching smiles on their faces.

"Hey, Snips." Anakin approached her first. "So now I guess you know what 'errands' I had to go run," he said with a small smirk.

Pursing her lips, she responded, "Oh, yes. That was not a good excuse, Master." Before said Master could respond, however, Obi-Wan beat him to it.

"I told him as much, but he was set on doing it. You know how stubborn he is when he decides on something."

"You have no idea, Master Kenobi." Both Grandmaster and Padawan smirked at Anakin, who at that moment decided to interrupt.

"Alright, alright, let's get going."

It was the first time since arrival that Ahsoka had had a chance to properly look at the decorated room. Streamers of all shades of red were delicately hung around the room, with matching balloons, lights winking down at all the partygoers, and to top it off, a magnificent birthday banner hung on the fireplace. A delicious-looking buffet-style banquet sat on the kitchen island, different aromas wafting into her nostrils. "This... this is amazing, thank you, guys!" She beamed, happy tears piquing her eyes.

"You're welcome, Ahsoka," Padmé spoke up. "I believe you deserve every bit of this."

"As do I," Barriss smiled, hugging her best friend. "Happy 2nd anniversary, you're going to be a great Jedi Knight in the future."

"Thank you, Barriss, Padmé. I really appreciate everything you've done for me."

Compliments were briefly exchanged until Anakin faced her. "If you think that's all, I'm afraid you are quite mistaken, my young Padawan. We all have one more gift for you."

Her friends lined up, all of them with a package in their hands. Obi-Wan went first. "Ahsoka. I've watched you grow since day one and you have no idea how proud I am of you. Your confidence, leadership, and skills have increased so much these past few years, I've never been more proud to be able to call you my Grand-Padawan. Thus, I present you this."

The Togrutan Padawan ripped open the wrapping and opened the box, revealing a smooth, silky chocolate brown material.

"The cloaks the Order gives you are quite scratchy, irritating, and use minimum material. This one provides much more protection, is not irritating when coming upon contact with skin, and has a heating device built-in," Obi-Wan told her. "I hope you enjoy it."

"Thank you, Master, I will for sure. I'll agree with you about the Order's cloaks. Never liked them, never will." Ahsoka replied, grinning. Her Grandmaster waited near the end of the line, watching as she received her other gifts. Senator Amidala went next.

"There's no need to keep your cloak on, Ahsoka," she said. Understanding the hidden implication, the Togrutan Padawan shrugged off said cloak, revealing her outfit in its full glory. As Anakin had foreseen, every pair of eyes in the room settled on her, gaping in  astonishment. "That looks gorgeous on you, Ahsoka," Padmé complimented.

"Thank you, Senator, but I do believe I must thank you for creating this. It's dazzling, but also integrates my people's history. I love it."

"I'm glad you like it. You will need more than one outfit since you will most likely be attending more than one formal event. So on that note, I gift you this."

Padmé handed a metallic silver gift bag over to her Force-sensitive friend, who reached inside to feel what it was. "Padmé, you did not!" Ahsoka gasped.

"Oh, but yes I did," the Nabooian Senator smirked. "Hve a look."

(Original image)

(Edited image. The edited one is the gift Ahsoka received, not the gray one. Credits go where credit's due!)

"This -- Padmé, I don't know what to say," Ahsoka muttered, still stunned that she had designed not one, but two gorgeous outfits for her.

"You don't need to say anything, Sokka," the Senator replied affectionately, wrapping her friend in a hug, which the former gratefully returned.

Ahsoka would've recognized that armor anywhere. A mixture of a dazzling cerulean blue and white with two tiny horns painted on his helmet. Captain Rex from the 501st Legion. "Hey little'un," he said gently, "you're not that little anymore. What I'm about to say is coming from the entire legion. We met you at the very beginning of this war as a moody youngling-"

"Hey!"

Rex chuckled. "Still moody, but I digress. You've matured exponentially in every possible aspect — leadership, confidence, strategical thinking, planning and execution, and overall skills as a Jedi. You're the best commander anyone could've asked for; someone who can take a joke, make jokes, and genuinely cares for us clones. You risk yourself for us on the battlefield every day, and for that, we will be eternally grateful. Thank you, Commander Tano. From the entirety of the 501st, we give you this."

A rather... questionably shaped package was handed over to Ahsoka.

"Ah, sorry about that," Rex said, "don't mind the wrapping. Echo did it."

"Hey," the embarrassed trooper whined. "Way to point me out!"

"It's okay, Echo, really," the Togrutan Padawan said in earnest. "I appreciate the thoughtful gesture."

"... anytime, Commander?"

Echo's response earned a laugh from everyone present but they quickly fell silent in anticipation for Ahsoka to open her gift. "Oh my..." she whispered. "New combat boots? I've been in need of a new pair; thank you all so much! And," the Padawan continued, "this is made from the finest leather I've seen in my life! I will put them on as soon as we get back to the Temple," she said, giving the clone captain a hug.

Rex joined the group of people who had already given the Togruta their gift. Only Anakin and Barriss remained, and the former stepped forward.

"Ahsoka, I've known you for almost my entire life. Since we were both young, we stuck together, through thick and thin. Whether it be a boring research assignment at the Temple or a joint mission together, you always manage to brighten up the day — even if we're on the verge of suffocation in an underground dungeon in Geonosis. You're my best friend, and always will be. Like I said before, you'll be a great Jedi Knight one day and I wish you all the best. Happy second anniversary." With that, the Mirialan gave her friend a black-colored flat cylindrical box, tied with an orange ribbon to reveal a brand-new akul headdress.

"I- I can't believe it. Did you actually go to Shili and slaughter an Akul beast just to get the teeth for this headdress?"

"Well, it's safe to say that I'm no hunter, but when I paid a visit to your queen and let her know that Ahsoka Tano's headdress was damaged, she wasted no time in ordering her best huntsmen to kill it. She also ordered her best craftsmen to make this headdress and asked me to pass along her regards. Having a Force-sensitive being trained by the Jedi is no small feat; every single person on Shili knows you and they're proud of you."

"That's amazing to hear, Barriss. It already feels great!" Ahsoka said, having already removed her old headdress and replaced it with the new one eagerly. "Thank you very much!"

Only her Master remained in the line, smiling softly at his Padawan. "Hey, Snips," he said softly, handing her a small rectangular box. "I'm not really sure how to say this, but here goes. I'll admit I wasn't too excited about getting an apprentice at first. I thought he or she would just slow me down. You then walked into my life and proved my assumptions completely wrong. From the very start, you quickly showed me that you were an eager learner; you understood the core concepts and rapidly made progress. From proper lightsaber stance to fighting skills, to giving pre-mission prep speeches, to the history of the Jedi Order. Looking back upon the first couple of days together up until today, it's incredible to see how far you've come. I couldn't be more proud to call you my Padawan, Ahsoka. On that note, I present you this, the next part of your Jedi training."

Ahsoka flipped open the lid of her master's gift, and her jaw found itself on the floor. An intricate, silvery metal cylinder lay in the box's velvety cushioning, glinting in the light. A lightsaber.
"Master... is this a lightsaber?"

"Yes, indeed," Anakin replied. "Try it out. You'll also want to bring out your main saber."

Moments later, Ahsoka had both lightsabers in her hand with the emitters facing up. Curious as to what color her new shoto would shine, she activated that one first -- and the room was filled with a bright yellow hue.

***

"Thank you all for your wonderful, heartfelt gifts! I love each and every one of them. Now, I'm starving -- and I know Anakin is as well, he's been prodding me to start the meal-"

"Shut up, Snips," the Jedi Knight muttered through clenched teeth. "-since I finished my gifts. So, without further ado, let's get this meal started!" Cheering echoed in the large apartment as the merry partygoers waited in anticipation.

"Ahsoka, wait," Barriss interrupted. "Shouldn't we save this memory somewhere, and not just in our heads?"

The Togrutan Padawan paused, considering the question for a brief moment. "Why didn't I think of that?" She asked no one in particular. "C'mon," said Ahsoka, pulling out her Holo-Pad. "Selfie time!" she yelled, forever sealing the deal by capturing one of the best moments in her life on camera.

The End.

A/N: omg i'm sorry this took forever to publish ;( i had limits on my laptop and phone so it took me a long time. also because this chapter is 4.2k words long. 4.2k!!

unfortunately for you guys, the happy part is over and we are going to see a sad one-shot next... hehe. but i'm out, i gotta go do hw :(

gd/gn and stay safe!

- Jazzy