Day 22- Pseudo-Adoption AU: Rex + Ahsoka

Rex always paid attention to where he was going. He always paid attention to what was going on around him and who was around him. Always.

Few details escaped him. So one can only imagine his surprise when a girl crashed right into him.

"Kriffing-" he nearly shouted. "Are you alright?"

The girl, staring at him, didn't say anything.

"Hello?" Rex said. "Are you okay?"

The girl closed her eyes and shook her head. "Um, yeah…" she said slowly.

"You sure?" Rex asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where are you going in such a rush?"

She shrugged. "Anywhere. I don't know."

She looked around and then slumped against the building.

Rex sighed and -against what perhaps was his better judgement- he joined her. She was reluctant to talk (which was understandable considering he was a complete stranger). But he behavior indicated there was something more. And the backpack she carried was stuffed to the point of bursting.

The whole situation reminded him of something he'd experienced himself (done himself) when he was younger.

"What's up, kid?" Rex asked. "Going through something tough?"

She look down at her shoes and played with the laces. "You could say that."

Rex sighed. The answer was yes. It was an indirect yes, but he recognized it from patterns of speech he used himself. A need to lie, bit unable to actually do so. It was somewhat of a chronic issue, and certainly not something he was proud of. And from what he could see, the girl wasn't either.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Rex said. "I've been in a number of tough situations myself. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I dunno," she shrugged. "Can you do anything about fights at home?"

"Not specifically," Rex replied slowly. "But I do have some…experience with that. What's the issue?"

"My brother and dad," she sighed. "As soon as they're in a room together, it's shouting within a minute."

"That's sounds familiar," Rex half chuckled, the laugh fading into a sigh. "I'm sorry. That is hard. What's your name, kid?"

"Ahsoka," she replied slowly and quietly. "Why?"

"Well, I know these sorts of situations can get out of hand, and I'm wondering if you have a safe place to go."

Ahsoka shook her head.

"So, where were you going?" Rex asked.

Ahsoka's gaze shifted from him and examined the surrounding area.

She hadn't had anything in mind. That much was evident from her silence and lack of eye contact.

"Look, running away won't solve the issue," Rex said gently. "I know. I tried. But temporary escape is often a method used. That being said, if you do need a safe space, I'm here. I live with my brother, he's a police officer. If things get too out of hand, he can help. I can too. Understand, Ahsoka?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"Good." Rex reached into his back and pulled out a notebook and pencil. He scrawled out his number and address. Ripping out the paper, he gave it to her.

"Call if you need something. Or just show up at the door. I'll let my brother know. And, I'm Rex, by the way."

Ahsoka took the paper. "Thanks. Good to meet you, Rex."

Silence came and they sat in it. The streets weren't busy, but the activity was still hard to miss.

Rex wondered what the breaking point for her leaving was. He knew there must have been something. For him it had been the insults layered upon insult. Disrespect flying left and right. And the fact that he couldn't choose a side to take.

"I should probably head back," Ahsoka sighed. "Things have probably calmed down anyway."

"Yeah, you just take care, okay?" Rex said.

Ahsoka nodded. "I'll try. And, thank you, again."

Rex stood up and helped her up too. "Of course, kid."