"You've decided to keep the boy?"
It was a simple question, asked with innocent curiosity and no sign of criticism in his tone, but Ahsoka couldn't help but feel a little defensive. Standing a little taller and allowing her hood to fall back a bit to show her face, she faced Bale through the holo. Putting as much conviction as she could into her voice, she replied with a steady, "Yes."
Smiling as if she were delivering news of the Empire's end, Bale nodded his head in approval. "I am glad you did, my friend. Although I warn you, a child is no easy matter. Take it from one who holds years of experience."
Relaxing a bit at Bales obvious approval of Ezra, she couldn't help but sigh in resignation as she remembered how many times Ezra has been anything but easy. "I know. I have already experience how….. difficult children can be. Make no mistake, Ezra is a wonderful child but he is still capable of much destruction."
Laughing a bit at Ahsoka's predicament, Bale responded happily, "My Leia has never been one for physical destruction, but make no mistake, she can demolish any grown man with a few sharp words."
Remembering Ezra's own moments of wit, she couldn't help but smile in amusement, "It seems that is a talent she and Ezra might share. How old is Leia now?"
Carrying the same tone of pride every parent holds when speaking of their child, Bale replied, "Right now she is 8 but will be turning 9 soon."
Humming a bit in contemplation, Ahsoka tried to recall Ezra's own age. "I believe Ezra might be around the same age, but I cannot say for certain."
Tilting his head in confusion, Bale questioned, "Haven't you asked the boy?"
"No, I didn't think it would be important and Ezra never seemed inclined to tell me."
A bit puzzled at this information, Bale wondered if the boy even knew his age, knowing most homeless children, especially ones with a past like Ezra's, didn't keep track of simple things like that. "Have you tried asking him? Or tried to find out anything about his past?"
"I- No. I have not."
"Why not?"
Frowning in thought, Ahsoka contemplated her answer for a moment. While it is true that she never felt the need to ask Ezra of his past, his entire demeanor made he clear he did not wish to speak of it. "I do not know much of his past, but he has told me enough to know that it is painful. I understand more than anyone how painful memories can be and I will not force him to relive it if it isn't necessary. He is a good kid Bale. I trust that he will come to me when he needs me, but for now, he needs time."
"I understand his need for time Ahsoka, but know that the past has a strange way of confronting us when we do not wish it, and it comes in many ways."
Recognizing the warning for what it was, Ahsoka nodded her head in understanding. "I know, and I assure you he will not face it alone."
Watching her carefully, Bale did not miss the tone of affection she held when she spoke of the boy or the pure conviction she had towards him. A bit amazed at the difference a few months with the boy had done to the togruta he couldn't help but wonder what had changed. "Tell me Ahsoka, what is so special about this child?"
Tensing a little at the loaded question, she couldn't help but feel guarded. "What do you mean?"
Not missing how she tensed at his question, Bale spoke carefully, sensing this may be a bit uncomfortable for the togruta. "You know exactly what I mean, old friend. You have found countless of children throughout your travels, and each time you helped them relocate. What makes this boy different from the rest?"
"He is not exactly a normal child Bale. He is …. special."
Knowing what the implication meant, Bale still frowned a bit at the obvious dodge, "You have met many special children before Ahsoka. What makes Ezra any different?"
Ahsoka hesitated. She knew the answer to his question, but it was an answer she didn't want to admit to. There were many times she had considered relocating Ezra in order to help him find a home, a new family, and to ensure his safety from the empire. But every time she considered it, there was always something stopping her.
Leaning against the holo table, she let herself show the fatigue that had been haunting her for years. "I was tired for so long Bale," Ahsoka responded quietly, confessing what she herself could not always accept. "Tired of the same routine, the same battles, and always the same outcome. The continuous success of the Empire and the fails of our own cells left me in a very bleak and lonely state." Feeling a bit vulnerable at her admission she couldn't help but turn away in shame. She knew Bale would not judge, but she was still not use to confessing her own fears or weaknesses.
"But right when I was beginning to give up, I found him."
Remembering how she first found Ezra, she couldn't help but smile at the memory. "The force called to me and when I found him, Bale, it was like….. It was like I was meant to find him. I don't know why the force lead me to him, or why it seems so interested in him, but I know that I can not let him go. He gave me hope again Bale, and I hadn't even realized I'd lost it until he came into my life." Looking up, Ahsoka admitted quietly, "I need him, Bale, just as much as he needs me."
Saddening a bit at Ahsoka's admission, Bale couldn't help but relate. Even he found himself feeling helpless against the Empire at times, feeling as if all their efforts were for nothing. He didn't know what he'd do without Leia and his wife since they are the ones who keep him fighting even when he loses hope. It was for this reason why Bale was pleased when Ahsoka told him she had decided to keep the child. Hope was something Ahsoka desperately needed, and now something she had.
"Then I am glad you found him, Ahsoka."
Looking at Bale and seeing nothing but sincerity, Ahsoka smiled softly. "So am I."
Authors Note:
Thank you for your patience! Something to know about this piece; I actually wanted to add this one a little earlier but I never finished it until now. Also, if you follow my other fic '5 Stages of Grief' I am so sorry but I have been in a bit of a wwriter'sblock for a while. I will try to get in the next chapter soon! Again thank you for your reviews and all your love! I really appreciate it!
Guest: This chapter was incredible like always! These two should seriously sleep with each other during the night once (like Ezra has a nightmare, tthings float, Ahsoka comes in and comforts him)
Thank you! You might actually be pleased to know that I have two chapters planned called 'Nightmare' and 'Illness' Both will include many comforting moments and one will show a loss of control of the force. *Gasps dramatically*
I will try to finish them as fast as I can but life gets in the way sometimes so I do not know when I will be able to.
Guest : WHOAAA! *dies from the PURE ADORABLENESS* I, honestly, was simply scrolling through the SWR fics looking for something new... And I found THIS diamond! I love how you've written them and actually breathed life into them, where your not just simply READING a story... But EXPERIENCING and SEEING it with your minds eye. Great job! ...Now for my question...: What will trigger Ezra into using the dark side of the force? Or the force, period? To save Asoka maybe? Or perhaps Mira?
~Loving every chapter, Hawkfeather
Thank you so much for your review! It makes me so happy knowing people actually like my story! I try to put as much attention to detail (emotional detail) as I can, mostly because it is the beginning of the relationship with Ahsoka and Ezra and I wanted to thoroughly explore that. I'm glad somebody noticed it!
To answer you question, yes. There will be a trigger for Ezra in which he taps into the dark side. I don't want to reveal too much, but know it will (somewhat) mirror the way the show presented it.