Five minutes were up sooner than Echo had hoped. The two clones had scrambled to get clothes on, once they realized that what had meant to be one minute had become two or three… or four.

For once in his life, General Skywalker was prompt. Although this time, he knocked.

"Come in," Echo said.

"Well," Anakin said, laughing as he stepped in the room, taking a seat one one of the metal chairs, "that'll teach me to knock before I just saunter right on in."

Both clones turned a bright shade of red. "I guess it will, sir," Fives piped up boldly. Echo was trying his absolute hardest to disappear.

"Echo, we could use that commitment to stealth on the battlefield," Anakin teased him, as Echo turned an even darker shade of red, if that was even possible.

"What happens now, sir?" Echo squeaked. "I assumed we're to be arrested. Then dismissed from the legion. Finally, sent back to Kamino to be executed. It was a stupid question."

"Actually, none of that," Anakin interrupted the distraught clone before he could dissolve into a panic attack. Echo looked up, shock and hope written all over his face. "You're both good soldiers, the 501st need you, we couldn't win this war without you both. And neither of you have ever given me a reason to doubt your loyalty. Either to me or each other."

"So does this mean we're allowed to stay?" Echo asked, bewildered.

"No, it means I'm asking you to stay. If you would rather be elsewhere I understand, but I need you here."

"No offense sir," Fives said, "but why are you doing this? You have no reason to protect us, we're easily replaceable."

"Why would you break the laws, risk yourself, for us?" Echo added. Two pairs of eyes fixed on the Jedi.

"Because I understand what it's like to be you," Anakin sighed. "The whole secret relationship thing… I've been there."

"Are you saying what you think I'm saying General?" Echo asked, eyes wide as new information poured in. More than his brain could handle in a few minutes.

"Is it Ahsoka, sir?" Fives asked.

Anakin gave him a quick backhand to the face, only slightly harder than playful, and not nearly as hard as Fives deserved for that comment.

"I would kindly ask you not to say such things about my Padawan and myself," he grumbled. "And just to be sure I've made myself clear, no it is not Ahsoka, nor will it ever be Ahsoka."

"Message understood General," Fives said, rubbing his cheek. "Though if you don't mind sir, who is it?"

"Who is it who has won the heart, body, mind and soul of the galaxy's greatest Jedi?"

"I'm married to Senator Amidala."

"You gave it up for a senator!?" Fives again.

"I would remind you that I have nothing to lose from telling you this. You on the other hand, have plenty to lose if I change my mind. So play your cards carefully, soldier."

"I was hoping it would at least be Obi-Wan," he mumbled.

Anakin just sighed, resting his forehead on the palm of his hand. "I hope you didn't get that idea from another clone."

"I won't name names, sir, but it's been going around. Kenobi, Ahsoka, even Rex got a moment in the spotlight with you sir."

"This is not the conversation I expected to have today," Anakin said, looking up from his palm. Seeing the two clones snickering at their general's misfortune, he burst out laughing. "But thank you. This is just another reason why I need to keep you two around."

"We promise to be good, Master Jedi, husband of the senator," Echo said.

"I don't expect you to," the Jedi laughed. "Force knows I haven't been."

"Won't you tell us all the dirty details?" Five teased.

"I might, but I don't want you two spreading any more rumours about me."

"Fair point General, you know we could never swear to that!"

"Goodnight Fives, Echo," Anakin said, standing up. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow I expect?"

"Don't count on it," Fives smirked, glancing over at Echo.

Anakin winked at the clone, then stepped out of the room, the door sliding shut behind him.

"You know," said Echo, "I think the general might be okay after all."

Hey guys! Basically this was based on a dream that I had, and my brain wouldn't let me rest until I wrote it. Mostly this was for me, but I figured I might as well put it on here in case someone else wanted to read it. Thanks for reading, I hope you liked it.