Summary: Ahsoka is drawn back into the war, but the man she came back for is missing. Drabble and a half. TCW Season 7 AU.
A/N: Came up with this one a year ago, and it never occurred to me that it didn't have to be a whole big one-shot until I was in the shower tonight Lmao. Title is from Daniel Wilson's Near Me.
I'll Be Keeping You Near Me
"Loyalty means everything to the clones."
The door before them slides open with the all-too-familiar hiss, and Ahsoka's breath is taken away by the sight before her. Of the dozens of helmets painted in her markings- in her honor- that stare back at her. She would have collapsed in sheer awe of it if not for the unfamiliar set of armor at the head of the company.
She turns to Anakin. "Where's Rex?"
His piercing silence says everything.
"He's gone, Ahsoka. I'm so sorry." He swallows, holds up an arm. "This is Vaughn. He was promoted to Captain after-"
She wipes at her eyes as she passes back through the doorway.
"Ahsoka!"
Anakin says something to the men, and she hears his pursuing footsteps. "Give him a chance." He begs. "I know he's not Rex, but he's-"
"I came back here for Rex." She snaps, and that shuts him up.
A/N: Poor Vaughn. Underrated and didn't get enough screentime.