That night, Aces came to Eli in his dreams.

It had been a while since they'd spoken like this. So long, in fact, that looking at Aces felt like staring into a mirror. Eli sat down on the familiar, pockmarked bench and waited for his other half to speak.

"Sorry," Aces began after a long moment. "For going silent on you. I just... needed some time, yeah?"

Eli nodded. "Yeah," he echoed. "Understandable."

He had to wonder why Aces had chosen to close the bond for this. It was so much harder than simply sharing thoughts. Maybe he wanted to apologize in person, or as close to it as they could get.

Aces fidgeted with his hands. "Us clones, we aren't supposed to feel things like that," he said quietly. "That blinding anger, the desire for revenge. It could get you in trouble."

Eli's hands curled into fists. "Is that why you brought me here?" he challenged. "Just to scold me?"

"Of course not," Aces snapped, anger seeping into his voice. "But the Jedi can feel your emotions, and if they come to check on you..."

The irritation drained out of Eli, replaced with a cold feeling of deja vu. It reminded him of- oh. "Are you asking to take the reins for a bit?"

Aces nodded. "Just for a few days, until the hubbub dies down," he confirmed.

"Alright." Eli shrugged, looking around at the void surrounding them. "Can I make it a bit nicer in here? If this is what I'm gonna be seeing for the next few days-"

"No," Aces interrupted playfully, opening the bond between himself and Eli again. "Suffer with me."

"Well, screw you too." Eli poked the clone in the shoulder, giving him a lopsided grin.

Aces gestured at the sky, which was quickly growing lighter. "We'll have to wake up soon," he pointed out. "Anything else you wanna say?"

Eli didn't even have to think about it. He poured his appreciation into their bond, reaching out to hug Aces. "Thank you for keeping me alive," he whispered as the pair woke up.

It was odd, not being in control of his own body. He didn't think he'd ever get used to it. It was made worth it, though, by Aces burying his head in his hands and muttering, "You dramatic bastard."

Ahh, friendship.