**Chapter 524**
**Young Love and Quiet Nights**
**Dagon POV**
**Aboard the Gray Wolf – Private Office**
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my eyes after another long review of fleet logistics. The *Gray Wolf* was quiet, most of the crew either on rest cycle or performing routine maintenance. The girls had gone to our shared quarters to finally get some proper sleep after the whirlwind of the past few days.
A soft sound from the corridor caught my attention — muffled giggles and hushed whispers. I raised an eyebrow and reached out with the Force.
*Ah.*
I stood up and walked quietly toward the small supply closet just down the hall. The door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open gently.
Kass Tod and Mack Lotor froze mid-kiss, eyes wide like caught tooka cats. Kass's hands were tangled in Mack's hair, and Mack's arms were wrapped around her waist. Both Padawans looked mortified.
"Oh, get over yourselves," I said, shaking my head at their shocked expressions. "The only reason the rest of the Jedi aren't all over you two is the fact that most of those idiots wouldn't recognize love if it hit them over the head. If they weren't so busy pretending they have no emotions, you would have been found out a few days after falling for each other."
Mack Lotor had the good grace to look thoroughly embarrassed. Everything I told them was true. The signs had been obvious from the moment I saw them together — stolen glances, lingering touches, the way their Force presences seemed to brighten when near one another.
"Next thing you'll tell me is that you two have no plans for when the Jedi find out what you've been up to," I continued, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice. This was actually kind of fun.
The guilty looks they gave me were answer enough. Splendid.
"Is it really that obvious?" Kass Tod groaned once we were alone in my office, the door sealed behind us.
I smirked at them. "You could have made it a bit easier to see by paying for advertisements in rush hour on Coruscant and calling for a press conference to confirm it…" I trailed off. Seriously, how had the Jedi missed their relationship? It was obvious. I had a harem — it was clear the moment you saw those two together.
"You know, I've never thought about it in such a light," Mack said, looking at Kass with a fond expression. "I'd hate to be exiled or made to choose between my wi— ahem, Kass — and being a Jedi, but…" He gave her a soft smile. "If it comes to that, it is the easiest decision I've ever made."
Apparently that was the right thing to say, because he was engulfed in a rib-cracking embrace by Kass. The Zabrak had thrown all thoughts about appropriate behavior out the window and was busy sticking her tongue deep in Mack's throat.
"Ah. Young love," I smirked. "At least you still got all your clothes on. You might want to get yourselves a room."
Luckily, they stopped before they could go any further, both of them flushed and breathing heavily.
"Look," I said more seriously, leaning against my desk. "Officially, both of you are breaking the rules. But unlike you two, I have the power to stop Thought Bombs and save worlds, so yes — you are allowed a relationship. But I advise you to start small. Be a proper couple. You could share rooms if you want, but I strongly advise against getting her pregnant while you're both still seventeen."
Kass blushed furiously. Mack rubbed the back of his neck, looking equal parts embarrassed and relieved.
"Thank you, General," Mack said quietly. "We… we didn't know who to talk to about this."
I waved it off. "Just be smart. The war is hard enough without adding unnecessary complications. And if anyone gives you trouble, come to me first."
The two Padawans left my office looking much lighter, holding hands as they disappeared down the corridor.
**Scene 2**
I returned to my office, the weight of command settling back on my shoulders. At least those two wouldn't have to hide in fear anymore. The *Gray Wolf* was a safe space — the officers and clones here didn't care about Jedi politics as long as the job got done.
I headed toward the shared quarters, looking forward to collapsing into the massive bed with the girls. But when I opened the door, I found them all already asleep in one giant, adorable cuddle pile. Ahsoka was curled against Shin's back, Zule had her head on Kayla's stomach, Flare and Stella were tangled together, and Erictia was using Visenya as a pillow. Aayla was on the edge, one arm draped over the group.
I smiled softly. They looked peaceful. Content.
I didn't want to disturb them.
*Oh well,* I thought. *Good thing my office has a bed — well, a couch. The best Earth design I remembered to request from Sienar. Strange that no one else invented it yet.*
I grabbed a spare blanket, dimmed the lights, and settled onto the wide, comfortable couch. As I closed my eyes, I felt the gentle warmth of the bonds connecting me to all of them — even in sleep.
Tomorrow we would return to Lantilles. Prepare the fleet. Face whatever came next in this endless war.
But tonight, I let myself rest.