"Identification Card."

Placing my ID card on the stainless steel bench, I take a half step back and watch the Temple Guard grab the badge.

"Empty your pockets before stepping into the scanner."

I nod in compliance, then toss my wallet, car keys, lightsaber and phone on the table before stepping into the circular scanner. I slightly raise my arms then watch the scanner's cylindrical bars rotate around me to map my body before a red light turns green.

Clear.

One of the Temple Guards has a hold of my phone before sticking something into the port on the bottom before I hear a sarcastic voice.

"For somebody who claims to hate seeing the Council, I'm surprised you asked them to speak with you."

Cayle.

I smile as my personal items are whisked out of sight. "I only asked to speak to a few members of the Council. When they had time."

Three days later, here we are.

"That's not how they took it." Cayle replies.

I shake my head as I reach him. "At least his move at my apartment makes sense now."

Master Dooku believed I had a right to know the truth of his mission and what he found.

"You think. This entire endeavor is being kept off the record."

Makes sense. There is enough buzz around the Jedi Council and my presence in the press already.

A senator from South Carolina went on a TV network yesterday morning as I was eating breakfast in one of the dining halls.

"How are you feeling?" Cayle diverts the conversation.

I shrug without looking over. "Fine."

"Let's grab a drink then. The Council wouldn't begrudge you a beverage after a long day of work."

"You know, I'm starting to think that my contract won't be renewed." I tell him as he starts down to the kitchens.

"Really? Why?"

"They don't need me. I come in an hour after the other two student workers and by the time I'm settled in, students are already being helped with their course loads. I'm only there if the volume is too much for them to handle."

I'm just doing paper work and getting sent home early.

Like I did today.

"Is that why you're an hour early?"

I nod. "Got sent home."

"Will that affect your check?"

"It has the last two." I confirm, only for Cayle to spin on his heels.

"Ezra! Why didn't you say anything?"

"I'm fine."

My investments are still doing quite well, and it's not affecting my bank account.

The amount of food I'm ordering out is doing that more than my lack of hours.

"You know how Master Mundi is on financial matters. He has access to your bank records."

"I imagine it'll come up during the Winter Meeting that's scheduled." I concede as we approach the main doors for the mess hall and kitchens.

Whole Council will be there. We'll go over my final semester grades, the plan for the next six months, if I am to continue my schooling, etc.

Cayle gives me a weary look before pushing open the door for us, allowing the clamor and din to reach us. I stick close to him as we hug the far wall while Padawans of all ages mingle and socialize.

Not too much different than the dining halls at USC. Huh.

Interesting.

"What do you want?" Cayle turns to me as we reach the main door to the kitchens.

"Water or an energy drink would be fine."

Cayle gives me another annoyed look. "Have you eaten yet?"

"I'll eat later." I wave away his concern. "But a cup of trail mix would be nice."

"I'm on it." He smiles, then disappears beyond the door.

I think I'll stay out here.

Turning away from the door, I walk a few feet to the nearest table and sit down, feet away from the nearest group of Padawans.

Wish I had my phone. Or some sort of distraction. Guess I'll just have to focus on the Force.

Deliberately, I set my hands into my hap and inhale deeply, then attempt to clear my mind.

There is nothing to fear. This very likely could be the least contentious meeting between the Council and I that we've ever had.

I've always steered clear of causing them any trouble, and never bothered them. This is the first time I've requested to see them since my early days after my conversion, when I was having difficulties keeping Vader—

"Hey!" A harsh voice demands.

Down.

I let out another breath, then turn and rise to meet the voice with a smile. "Hello."

"I'm surprised you came back to darken the doors." Padawan Braluc Monehen spits out at me.

I deliberately keep my smile before answering. "Just passing through. I won't be here for long."

Four to five other Padawans begin to slowly approach, all teenaged and glowering at me.

"Good." The Padawan replies, still sounding angry. "We don't like your kind mucking up the place. We'll have to mop up behind you."

Yeah yeah…

"That won't be necessary." I assure him evenly before the door behind me swings open.

"Here we are." Cayle announces himself before appearing at my side, holding an energy drink in one hand and a cup of trail mix in the other. "Braluc, Rosi." He smiles at the two closest Padawans. "Good to see you."

"Cayle." Rosi, the female Padawan replies.

Maybe a year or two younger than I. Attached to Master Karena.

Cayle bows his head in thanks before silently returning to the kitchens for his own snack.

I grab a lone pretzel piece out of the cup before Rosi spits out "You don't deserve that."

"Why not?" I ask, then pop the pretzel piece into my mouth.

"Because you shouldn't be here." Braluc scowls at me.

"Your presence is unwelcome and your attire is sloppy and shameful." Rosi adds helpfully.

They're getting right to it today.

"Sorry." I apologize. "I came here straight from work. If my attire is not acceptable, I imagine I'll hear about it."

I'm in a casual black polo and jeans with nice athletic shoes while they're in their day to day Jedi robes.

"Work." Another one of the Padawans, one whom I don't recognize rolls their eyes before I move to grab another bite of trail—

The cup is suddenly knocked out of my hand and onto the floor, sending the contents spilling out over the floor.

That wasn't necessary…

"Keep your thoughts silent, you dirty Sith bas—" Braluc begins virulently before he's cut off by an authoritative voice.

"What's going on over here?" The voice says in a heavy, almost Russian sounding accent.

I move my eyes to spot the woman as she marches directly over to us. "Master Stella." One of the Padawans says.

The rest of the Padawans do the same as I crouch down and begin to clean up the mess that one of them made. "Why are you all gathered here? You are supposed to be eating, socializing or going to your studies."

"Apologies Master. I had just accosted the young Sith here. I believe he was just about to leave."

Yeah, but not in that manner.

"The young Sith?" The woman spits out as I continue scooping up the ruined trail mix.

"Yes Master."

I grab the last of it, then rise to my full height and smile. "Hi, I don't believe we've—"

My head snaps to the right before a stinging sensation flare up on the lower part of my cheek.

Had the pleasure to meet.

"Do not speak until you are spoken to." The woman orders me. I nod once, then bow my head in respect.

"I am Jedi Master Ivanova Stella. On the Moscow Council of Elders and the European High Council. I know who you are."

"An honor to meet you, Master Stella." I say humbly, keeping my head down and my hands behind me.

Master Stella gives me a revolted look, then grabs the cup out of my hand and throws it directly into the garbage. "I know who you are. Your presence in these halls are most unwelcome."

"Understood Master. I will not stay longer than I am required." I report before I hear the door open back up.

"Alright, I'm—whoa." Cayle's tone shifts rapidly. "What's going on Master Stella?"

"I am accosting the Young Sith here. I believe he was about to leave." She says, taking a step closer to me while glaring pointedly at me.

Cayle easily steps in between the two of us, and I take the opportunity to take a step further back. "He is here at the request of the Council. And he is currently a guest."

"At the request of the Council?" Padawan Rosi asks, sounding dismissive.

"Yes." Cayle says forcefully.

"On what grounds?" She demands.

"You can take that up with Master Tano. I don't believe I am at liberty to discuss the matter." Cayle informs her before eying me. "What happened to him?"

Master Stella only gives off a silent shrug before Cayle repeats himself. "Master, I asked you a question. He came in here unarmed, with no intent other than acquiring sustenance. Which is now gone, replaced by an injury and a meek manner."

Stay silent.

Silence lingers before Cayle looks from Master, to the various apprentices. "Fine. I'll investigate myself. Good day to you all." He says, then pushes me back towards the main atrium.

Silence.

For a Master, she sure seems vengeful and angry.

"What happened?" Cayle demands the moment we are out of the mess hall.

"The usual." I shrug. "Padawans don't trust me."

Or like me. Or tolerate me, really.

"What'd she do?" Cayle prods me.

"Slapped me." I report. "I spoke to her without being spoken to."

Physical violence between any Master and an apprentice, especially an apprentice not your own is usually very frowned upon.

It's not the Jedi Way.

Cayle lets out a heavy breath before eying my cheek. "You've got a scratch on your cheek."

"I know." I nod. "I think she had a ring on."

"Ridiculous." Cayle huffs out a breath as we make our way to the lift. "The High Council informed everyone that you were to be treated just like everyone else."

"Since when has that ever been a thing?" I remind him.

Never.

When I was at my other Temples, I spent most of my time in the library. I got my food to go and ate in my room or in a meditation room.

Cayle's one of the few to be kind to me.

Cayle lets out another heavy breath. "Let me tell the Council."

"Okay." I nod.

The lift to the Council's chamber arrives in silence, and our ride up is met with the same.

"Relax. Please." He turns and smiles as we rise.

"I am trying."

He knows. This is why I avoid the communal areas when I can.

The lift door opens, revealing that the hall, which usually has a master waiting for me, along with guards, only has the ceremonial guards by the door instead.

Weird.

"C'mon." Cayle waves me forward, before the doors open to reveal the full Council.

Oh no.

I only asked for a few masters to discuss Master Dooku's findings.

I definitely did not ask for the entire Council.

Masters Yoda, Windu, Mundi, Koon, Kenobi, Skywalker, Tano, Jinn, Dooku, Unduli, Shaak Ti, Yaddle, Jarrus and Billaba.

"Masters." Cayle leads the way, stepping into the center of the room.

"Jedi Knight Cayle. Young Bridger." Master Windu nods in my direction as I stand off to the side. "Welcome."

"Thank you, Master Windu." Cayle bows respectfully.

"What can we do for you, young one?" Master Plo Koon asks him.

"Two quick things, my Masters. The first of which, is that I'd like permission to sit in on the session. Off to the side, and silent of course."

The tension in the room quickly skyrockets, and multiple Masters cast skeptical looks to one another. "And the other, hmm?" Master Yoda asks.

Cayle turns to give Master Yoda his full attention. "I'd like to report Master Stella."

"On what grounds?" Windu asks briskly.

"Assault." Cayle replies easily. "Ezra and I were just in the mess hall before we came up here to grab food and drink, and there was an incident."

"Is that why his cheek is bleeding?" Kanan speaks up, causing me to turn to my right and see that he's already looking at me.

"Yes Master."

"Do you know what happened?" Ahsoka asks him.

"Not entirely, Master." Cayle confesses. "Instead of reliving the incident, I believe the security cameras in the area would tell the entire story."

The chamber falls silent for a moment before Windu looks to Yoda. "Alright. Your motion is recognized, young Cayle. We'll table your investigation for now."

Cayle nods once, then moves to stand by me.

I'm up.

Letting out my tensions into the Force, I step forward into the center of the Council and nod in respect. "Welcome, young Bridger." Master Yoda speaks up. "Help you, how can this Council?"

"Thank you Master. I appreciate you all coming on such short notice. I wish to speak on Master Dooku's report."

"Figured as much, did we." Master Yoda adds, before letting out his signature laugh.

"I confess that I only asked for a select few. I did not intend to call upon the full Council." I tell the room.

Master Jinn replies. "The matter at hand is of the utmost importance, young one."

"Indeed." Master Kenobi follows his lead. "Tell us, did you complete the entire report?"

"Yes, Master." I nod.

"I take it then, that you have multiple things to say." Master Billaba states.

I nod once more, then wait for her to continue.

"By all means then." Master Windu instead says before settling into his chair. "Begin."

"Thank you, Master." I let out a breath. "First off, I would like to apologize. Five years ago, when I surrendered myself to you, I told you what I believed to be true. And Master Dooku's report throws multiple aspects of what I told you into question."

"Such as?" Master Shaak Ti encourages me.

"I told you that my father told my brother and I that he 'created' us. Our enhancements, our unusual abilities and aptitudes with the Force. It would appear that I was wrong."

"Wrong, perhaps." Master Dooku speaks for the first time, causing me to turn to face him. "But you spoke honestly, telling us what you believed to be the truth. That does not go unnoticed."

Thank you.

I nod in thanks, then turn back to the rest of the Council. "I am very concerned with the implications this report has."

"Go on." Master Windu says after a moment.

"I was born over thirty years after the conclusion of the Vietnam War, Masters. If my father contacted these Kaminoans thirty years ago, then I fear that we do not know the entire scope of his actions or intentions."

"Indeed." Master Jinn nods in assent, leaning forward in his seat. "At the time your father was still in the employ of his Master, to the best of your knowledge."

"Yes." I nod.

"Darth Plagueis was rumored to be studying the origins of the Force for many years." Master Mundi speaks up. "Did your father ever mention this?"

"No." I shake my head. "He spoke very little of his Master. When he did speak of him, it was often in a dismissive, sarcastic tone."

"Such as?" Master Windu encourages me.

I bite my lip, then take a breath to settle myself.

Easy. They're just questions.

"The most memorable story he told us was a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith so powerful he could use the Force to influence life. He had such a knowledge of the Dark Side, he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying." I explain, then notice the intense focus of the Council on my mind. "My father then added in a point about how Wise he was before revealing the irony that all his efforts could not save himself from death."

"An ability like that would be very unnatural." Master Kenobi states bluntly.

"Did he mention how he died?" Master Skywalker follows up.

I shake my head. "No, Master."

"I sense much nerves from you, young Bridger." Master Billaba calls out to me.

"Relax." Kanan instructs me. "Take a deep breath."

"We know these are difficult memories for you to recall." Master Windu adds, sounding almost sympathetic.

"Thank you, Master." I say, then let out a breath and try to release my tensions out into the Force.

"Do you have a course of action thought out to fill in the gaps for us?" Master Dooku diverts us.

I nod. "I do."

"Go on." Master Kenobi encourages me, before the Council relents, and the Force around me eases noticeably.

Thank you.

"I'd like for Alexandre to be given full access to my father's computers and servers. I know there were many files we could not access. Perhaps he can succeed where I have failed."

Not just me. Master Skywalker is quite skilled with slicing and hacking, along with the NSA. And nobody could get past his firewalls and protective measures.

A moment of silence passes before Master Tano comments "That seems like a possibility."

"He has proven himself on nearly every task we have assigned to him." Master Kenobi adds.

"We'll take that under advisement and discuss it later. What else, young Bridger?" Master Windu looks to me.

"I fear that my father's gift for foresight might be working against us here." I say, before the Council tenses up again.

"How?" Master Kenobi says, almost breathlessly.

I let out a breath to steady myself, then say "I've been thinking about it, and my father never wasted a moment that he could use to combat the Order or advance his own goals." I begin. "I fear this could be part of his plan."

"I'm afraid I don't understand." Master Mundi says.

"If my father had been planning my creation, along with my brother's for far longer than anybody had considered, than the same could be said for the future. Starting with my…confession."

My conversion to the light side of the Force and surrender.

"You believe that he could have seen your redemption?" Master Windu asks me.

"Yes, Master." I nod. "If I may be so bold, I'd like to request a full investigation into Kamino so as to discover his actions. His mission there could still be active."

"I asked, your father did not have any further projects with the Kaminoans following the birth of your brother." Master Dooku informs me.

The report said as much.

"In any event." I politely disagree. "I feel as if the Council should follow this new information as if it is a hot lead and act accordingly."

Master Windu leans forward, as multiple other Masters shift in their seats. "Investigate the matter, we will." Master Yoda tells me.

"Thank you Master. All of you, for hearing my concerns. Thank you." I say, then bow my head in thanks.

I feel a lot better now that all that is off my chest.

"Indeed. However, this Council has one more question for you. Stay." Master Windu instructs me as I take a half step back to Cayle.

I stop dead in my tracks and turn back to the Council. "Yes, Master?"

"The night you contacted Master Jarrus about meeting with a few Masters to discuss this matter, we went back to look at the footage from your apartment that night."

Alright.

I nod for him to continue before I feel multiple Master begin to focus in on me once again.

"The Wren girl. Your relationship with her seems to be deepening. Young Cayle reported to us the events of the Halloween party. Did he tell you of what happened?"

"No, not really." I reply.

"He said that she seems to care quite a bit for you." Master Tano interjects. "More than previously. When asked about your relationship, she said that you two are 'only friends'."

"We are only friends, Master Tano." I reply.

We are.

"She seems to care about you more than just another friend." Master Kenobi points out. "To be honest, it reminds me of Anakin and Senator Amidala when she was a junior Senator."

Master Skywalker whips around to glare at him. "For the record, I protest that comment."

"I don't know enough to speak on that." I confess to Master Kenobi. "I have suspicions, but nothing firm."

"Reveal to us, your confessions." Master Yoda instructs me.

I feel their focus on me intensify before I answer "Recently, she has been more affectionate and physical. Hugs mostly, other gestures. Nothing that seemed romantic to me, just affectionate."

"And?" Master Kenobi jumps in.

So that's him I feel.

"I suspect that there is more to her story on the romantic front. On Halloween night, she requested that I stick with her, and prior to that, she seemed to mention a name."

"A name?" Master Billaba urges.

"I didn't get the name. She was drunk at the time and slurred it out. I haven't pressed on the matter."

"And you haven't used your abilities to coerce the name out of her?" Master Kenobi inquires.

I quickly shake my head. "I've never used the Force on Sabine."

Master Mundi almost laughs incredulously. "Really?"

"Yes." I turn to him. "Really. Doing so would be an invasion of her privacy, and I respect her too much to do that to her. If she wants to tell me, then she'll tell me."

"Drunk, or sober." Master Billaba needles me.

"Like I said, Master Billaba. I haven't really pressed or thought about it." I reply, turning to eye her.

"It certainly would appear that Ms. Wren does have an interest in you Ezra." Master Dooku informs me, causing me to turn back to the Council at large.

"Surveillance footage shows an intimate conversation in your car on Halloween night. Explain what happened." Master Windu instructs me.

I nod in understanding. "We had been talking about Jacen's Halloween trick or treating, and his haul of candy that he got." I pause and look to the Council.

I'd prefer that this part not leave the chamber.

"You have our discretion, young Bridger." Master Jinn says after a moment.

"The reason she wanted me to stick with her is that she's been going home with people at nearly every party this semester. Not just the night of my incident, but others. To my knowledge, five others."

"Five others?" Master Tano repeats after me.

"Well she's certainly been busy." Master Billaba comments.

"To be clear, you believe that she's been going home with these other people. Implying…other men. And sleeping with them." Master Windu asks.

"Yes."

"Who told you this?" Windu continues.

"Nobody in particular. Word of mouth just spreads. Her friend, Jaicey mostly. As I'm sure you know, I've gone to hang out with them at various houses on some weeknights. As Sabine goes to get a drink, she'll drop a comment or two."

"Others as well?" Master Kenobi asks.

I nod. "Through the grapevine, so to speak."

"I take it that these comments are hardly kind." Master Tano infers, and I nod.

"Yes, very unkind."

Sabine's not a slut. She can do whatever she wants, it's not anybody's business but her own.

"It seems to me that she is compensating for something." Master Skywalker speaks up. "Perhaps the individual she mentioned drunkenly to you."

"That is my conclusion as well, Master."

It would certainly explain why she went halfway across the country to go to college.

She might be running from somebody.

"If she is compensating for something, maybe young Bridger is yet another piece to that." Master Jinn hypothesizes.

Ow.

"Hurt by that idea, you are." Master Yoda states.

I nod. "Yes, Master. She is my best friend there."

"You don't like the idea that Sabine Wren is using you." Master Billaba needles me.

"No. I don't." I reply.

Sabine wouldn't do that.

Thankfully, Kanan jumps in. "I don't believe that she's using Ezra. I agree with Master Skywalker, that there is more than she's stated going on here."

"What about the conclusion to Halloween night?" Windu gets us back on track. "Cayle reported that after you retired to your room to sleep, she later joined you."

"Yes." I nod.

"Anything you would like to tell us, young Bridger?" he asks pointedly.

"My answer remains the same Master Windu." I raise my eyes to meet his. "I did not sleep with Sabine in that manner."

"But you did sleep with her." Master Kenobi points out.

"We shared my bed, yes. But nothing occurred."

Master Mundi adds. "To your knowledge."

"I feel like I would know." I reply, unable to keep my frustration out of my voice. "For the record, I did ask, under the guise of your questioning of her earlier on in the year."

"You objected to our questioning." Master Koon points out.

I nod before Master Tano says "And?"

"She said nothing happened. She only asked about what happened to my back."

Immediately, the Council shifts. "Your back?"

"The abuse and scars from your father." Kanan states.

"Yes." I nod. "I told her that it was a bike accident. Fell off a cliff, went to the emergency room. My parents damn near killed me."

"Your father did nearly kill you." Ahsoka points out.

He whipped me until my back ran with blood. Again and again.

Among other things.

"So for all intents and purposes, she seems to becoming closer with you. But your relationship status has not changed." Master Windu asks.

I nod in assent. "Yes."

"Is that because you have no feelings for her? Or that you refuse to allow yourself to consider the possibility?"

Master Dooku.

I hesitate, then force myself to answer honestly. "When I surrendered myself over to you, it was made very clear to me that attachment to a singular person was viewed as a bad thing. As far as I am concerned, that has not changed."

"So you refuse to consider it." Master Kenobi states.

"She doesn't like me." I point out. "I feel like I'd know if she did."

"She did ask about the Order's stance on love and attachment, despite only having a partial idea of your affiliations to us." Master Tano points out, before a strange sound emits from a pair of hidden speakers.

What was that?

"You should be aware, young Bridger." Master Windu says before pulling up a screen for all to see. "That this Council does have the capacity to make exceptions."

No.

I'm not even going to consider that.

That's a bunch of bullshit.

I let out a quiet breath before I hear the sound of a door opening.

That's…my apartment.

"Uhh." I blurt out, just before Sabine appears, walking thru the door, toting multiple bottles of paint and art supplies in her arms, along with her backpack which is clearly full to the brim.

"Ezra?! You home?" She calls out before dumping her stuff down on the floor near her customary spot. "Ezra?"

"Hello?"

I'm not home.

"Well then." Master Windu states. "I believe that is our cue to let you go, young Bridger."

"May the Force be with you." Master Yoda says reverently, lowering his head in my direction.

I bow in return. "Thank you, Masters. May the Force be with you."

Unbelievable.

Completely ridiculous.

I throw my car into park, pull my backpack to me and hop out.

Normally the Council is singularly focused.

Not today.

Locking up my car, I take the stairs two at a time up to my apartment.

Easy Ezra. She can't know how pissed you are.

Breathe.

Pretending like I don't know she's here, I stick my key into the top lock, turn it then open my door and walk in.

"You're back!" I hear Sabine call out to me.

"You're here early." I reply, closing the door behind me only to then turn and see Sabine fly into view, a massive smile on her face.

"Hi." She says before pulling me into a hug. "Where have you been?"

"Working."

Sabine however, doesn't seem to register my words, instead grabbing at my face. "What happened?"

"It's nothing."

"You got scratched, it looks like. By a ring. Did you get into another fight?"

"No." I attempt to laugh it off before moving to walk past her towards my bedroom.

"Ezra." She calls after me.

Dammit.

"It's nothing Sabine." I tell her while dropping my backpack onto my bed, then turning back around to see Sabine planted right behind me.

"Who scratched you? It doesn't even look like you've put any medicine on it." She states, moving to get a better look.

"Don't worry about it." I try to reassure her.

Sabine rolls her eyes before darting away. "Go to the living room."

"Why?"

"Because I said so!"

How about no?

"I'm fine Sabine, really." I try and tell her, before moving to dig into my backpack.

I have some readings that I really do need to do for class tomorrow.

"No! You've taken care of me while I was drunk, you need to let me take care of you." Sabine replies while sounding like she's got her head under my sink.

Oh come on now.

"It doesn't even really hurt." I tell her, my study materials in my arms as I walk by and see that she's got my first aid kit out. "How'd you find that?"

"I've known about this for forever! I was digging around, trying to find some tweezers and found it."

"When'd you need tweezers?" I call back, walking into my living room.

Somebody help me.

Wearily, I eye my TV just there, accusingly before Sabine marches back in. "No no. Put it down."

"Sabine." I say, before she simply grabs all my stuff and sets it on the couch. In the blink of an eye, she's plopped herself down on my lap, first aid kit behind her before grabbing my face.

"Thank you." She says, voice barely above a whisper.

Whoa.

Nervously, I shift around in the recliner as Sabine digs around in the first aid kit, then turns back to me. With a cotton ball and a brown bottle.

"This is gonna sting. I'm sorry."

"Sabine you don't have—"

OWWWWW!

I wince, but try to keep my face still at the same time as Sabine gently starts cleaning the cut on my cheek. "Sorry."

She's not wearing any makeup today.

"Going to have to use another one. Whatever happened got you good." She says softly.

I laugh, more to myself than anything. "Maybe."

"Can you tell me what happened? You're all tense." Sabine observes while dipping the next cotton ball in antiseptic.

OWWWWWW!

"Sorry…" She apologizes. "But now it's clean. I've seen cuts like this that scar up and look nasty. Now I've just got to get an antibiotic on it. Then some sort of bandage. I'm glad it's not bigger otherwise we'd have to go to the pharmacy."

"I don't have to go to the pharmacy."

Sabine gives me a vicious look before pulling out a tube of antibiotic cream. "So?"

Fine…

I'll have to make something up.

"My dad. He pissed me off. It's not the cut. But that's why I'm tense. To use your word."

"You are tense. What happened?" She asks gently.

Too gently.

"He just…he doesn't think I know when he's lying to me. But I do. And he's hard to please."

Sabine doesn't stop applying the cream to my face, instead keeping her concentration. "Well, maybe you should do what I told you to. Just say "fuck it" and do what you want. Have you thought about that dance class? Registration starts next week."

"I can't just do that. They're paying for my school."

"Yeah you can. Tell them your friend really wants you to do it. Hell, name drop me, I don't care."

I laugh ,which gets Sabine to swat me in the stomach.

"Don't laugh."

"Sorry." I reply before Sabine grabs my face and pulls me close.

"Shh. Almost done…" I can't help but shiver a little bit before Sabine laughs again.

"Do I have to fight a bitch? Because if she slapped you, I will fight them."

I shake my head before Sabine grabs my head while getting a Band-Aid at the same time. "No. You don't have to fight them."

Sabine doesn't reply, instead gently applying the bandage to my cut before running her thumb over it to secure it. "There."

"Thanks." I smile at her before a thought pops into my head.

No Ezra.

"You're welcome." She says before moving and planting a gentle kiss on my cheek before curling up into a tight hug in my lap.

Against my better instincts, I let myself hug Sabine back and let her curl closer to me.

"Much better." She mumbles before I laugh and she pulls away.

Nope.

"What were you just thinking?"

"Nothing." I answer.

Sabine quickly tilts her head while looking up at me. "I know that look."

"What look?"

Sabine only shakes her head before curling back up to me. "I'll make you a deal."

"O…kay?" I reply nervously.

Don't think downward.

"Whatever it was that you were thinking. Do it. Just this once." Sabine says before staying in her spot.

I…

Okay.

I let out a breath, then gently kiss the top of Sabine's head. "Thank you Sabine."

"You're welcome."

After a moment, she gently separates herself from me, but remains in my lap. "You wanna order some food? Watch a movie?"

"I've got homework." I frown at her.

I do want to do that.

"But I'm about to leave for a week. The conference tournament is coming up." She points out.

I nod, and Sabine's face falls. "I know. I'm not looking forward to it."

Gonna be a long week. It's been nice having Sabine be around so much.

"I do want to order food though. How about that?" I turn it around on her, only for Sabine to nod.

"Yeah, let's do that."

(A/N: Chapter 22 was supposed to come out this past Monday, so I owed you a chapter today. My intention is to update the story bi-weekly, on Monday and Friday ideally. Thank you to everyone for the kind reviews, which powered me thru this chapter. After my hiatus, I was concerned if this story would be able to pick up traction, which it seems like it has. My eternal thanks to you for reading. Glad everybody is enjoying it. Much more to come.)