Hey yallz!
Here's chapter 3 of the fic!
Also sorry for those who read my Chapter 2 update, only to see a repost of Chapter 1. Anyways, I fixed it now, so I hope you guys can read the second part.
Hope you enjoy! Concrit is always welcome!
Imagine a day like no other. Warm skies, a peaceful setting, and a slow blowing breeze. Now imagine that scenery with an Imperial base smack dab in the middle. Does it make sense? Of course not. Imperial bases and peaceful sceneries do not match up, especially during such times of turmoil in the galaxy. But picture that scenery with an explosion caused by a pair of infamous rebels? Now that, that makes sense.
The foundations of the Imperial base shook as its doors suddenly blew apart. Chunks of metal flew outwards as a young woman burst through, her pink armour stained by the billowing smoke. She quickly rolled to the floor, tossing another detonator back through the door she came from as she leapt away as far as she could.
A short barrage of blaster bolts followed as soon as Sabine landed, which was very quickly silenced by a second explosion coming from her detonator. Sabine groaned to herself as she pushed herself up, carefully watching for any signs of approaching danger.
"Over there!" A Stormtrooper shouted as he fired her way.
The bolt scorched the dirt right next to Sabine's feet, causing her to once again leap away and duck behind some cover.
Another barrage of bolts hammered against the crates Sabine hid behind, causing them to chip away dangerously. It was clear to her that she wasn't going to be able to hide behind cover for much longer, and she needed to come up with something if she didn't want to end up riddled with holes.
Reaching into her pockets, Sabine pulled out yet another detonator, chucking it over her head.
"Grenade!" One of them shouted. But it was too late. The explosion flung them the same way Sabine was thrown as she was escaping. She peeked her head over what remained of the crates, checking to see if there was anyone left alive. A single blaster bolt whizzing past her head was all the answer she needed.
"Don't let her escape!" Another battalion rushed towards her, and Sabine was forced to duck back down behind the already disintegrating crates.
"Ezra!" Sabine hissed into her comms. "Where are you? I could really use some of your help here!"
No response.
"Ezra!" Sabine nearly shouted.
"Hang on Sabine, help is on the way," Ezra's calm voice called back to her.
And not a moment longer, help arrived. A large shadow suddenly flew overhead, causing Sabine to lift her head and turn her attention towards the flying figure. Her eyes widened as her vision was filled with thick white fur.
"You brought Loth Wolves?" Sabine exclaimed in surprise. The wolves tore the entire battalion apart, showing no mercy to the unfortunate Stormtroopers.
"Told you I had a plan," Ezra's voice came from behind her. "Impressed?"
Sabine turned back to look at him, a smile slowly creeping up on her face as she saw the proud look he had. "You take after Kanan way too much,"
The pride on Ezra's face gave room for a small pout. "The plan's not that bad," Ezra argued, bounding up towards her. "So, did you get it?" He asked eagerly.
Sabine fished a small data chip from her pocket, flashing him a victorious smirk. "Oh you know I did. Told you I didn't need help to break in here,"
Ezra let out a snort. "Sure, you didn't need my help distracting them, guiding you through the area, finding the location of the data chip…" He started but was interrupted with a firm slap of his arm.
"Yea yea, alright. You did help a little bit," Sabine eventually admitted. "Come on, let's get out of here before your friends decide they want something besides Stormtrooper armour for lunch,"
The streets of Lothal were bustling with activity. Despite the obvious heavy Imperial presence on the planet, the local denizens pretty much lived their lives as if the Empire wasn't there. Rows and rows of stalls lined each passage of the street, making the marketplace come alive with its various interesting aspects.
"So, what do you think is on that disc?" Ezra asked.
"Probably just the usual," Sabine replied as she squeezed through the crowd. "Imperial plans, ship patrols and the convenient file which tells us how to disrupt all of it,"
Ezra let out a short chuckle. "It's funny how the Empire always groups their plans with the files that have all the details we need on how to ruin said plan," He remarked, scooching closer to Sabine as a set of kids unintentionally bumped into him.
"Just typical Empire stuff I guess," Sabine said, trying to ignore how close Ezra was to her.
A comfortable silence lingered between the two as they continued to walk. The noise of vendors bartering and children laughing drifted between them as they kept on moving ahead of them.
"Do you ever think we're making a difference?" Sabine suddenly asked. "In the Rebellion, I mean. It feels like all we're doing is just causing minor trouble for the Empire,"
"Sometimes, I feel that way too," He replied rather quickly. "The Empire is so big and so powerful that that sometimes it feels like no matter how hard we hit them, they would just find a way to come back,"
"So maybe our fight is an impossible one?" Sabine asked as she glanced at him.
"No," Ezra replied as he shook his head. "I think it only seems impossible because we're looking at the entire situation as a whole. But if you were to break it down into small pieces, I think we're actually making more progress than we thought,"
"But are we though?" Sabine questioned with a hint of doubt. "Even this intel we're getting doesn't seem like it could help us that much. Like maybe everything we're doing is useless, that there's no purpose to it,"
Pausing for another moment, Ezra placed his arms on Sabine, turning her to face him. "You're worried about something else aren't you?" He asked, reading the emotions on her face.
Sabine quietly nodded.
"Is it your parents?" Ezra continued. "I know how much you're worried about them, especially since we're going to have to meet them soon,"
"I guess so," Sabine replied, going quiet once more.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ezra gently urged. No one knew better than him how closed off Sabine usually was. If she didn't want to speak about her problems, then she wasn't going to. And pushing her about it was the least helpful thing anyone could ever do about it.
"Do you think we'll always be together?" Sabine asked, surprising Ezra.
"Together?" He repeated, causing Sabine to blush a deep crimson.
"I mean working together," She quickly clarified.
"Ohhh, I mean yea. Why wouldn't we?"
Sabine bit her lip, trying to organise her thoughts. "What if… what if one of us has to leave? And not for just a few days, but for an extended period of time?"
"You mean like on a mission?" Ezra asked. "Because you know that if command sends either of us on a mission which takes that long, the other one will follow regardless of what they say right?"
"Of course," Sabine chuckled. "I would expect no less from either of us,"
"Then what's up?" Ezra placed his hands on the sides of her arms.
"It's… nothing," Sabine lied, closing herself off again.
But Ezra was feeling a little bit gutsy today, and so he pushed even harder. "Are you worried that your parents might not want to accept you after what you did?"
"That's part of it," She replied. "But… there's more,"
Sabine fell silent once again, and she found herself unconsciously closing the distance between her and Ezra.
And Ezra wasn't oblivious to her closeness to him. Two years ago, the action would have made him blush like a maniac. But now, more than anything, he just wanted her to feel like herself once again.
And so, without really thinking his own actions through, he pulled Sabine into his chest, engulfing her into a warm gentle hug.
"Ezra.." Sabine protested, trying to squirm away. He may be her best friend, but physical affection always made her feel embarrassed, especially if they were in public.
"Shhh," Ezra consoled his friend, slowly running his fingers through her hair. "You don't have to tell me if you don't feel like it. I just want you to know that whatever it is that's bothering you, whatever it is you're worried about, I'll always be here to help you through it. No matter what,"
"But that's the thing," Sabine said, her voice muffled in his chest. "What if.. What if you're not here?"
Ezra pulled her tighter into his chest. "Sabine, I'm not just going to leave you,"
"What if I'm the one who has to leave?" Sabine pulled away from the hug. "What if I have to choose between you, and my family?"
"Then you choose whatever feels right," Ezra said firmly.
Sabine swallowed. "And if that means leaving you guys behind and staying with my family?"
"Then you choose family,"
Sabine blinked, shocked by his answer. "And you'll be fine with me leaving? Even if it means you will never know when I might come back?" She asked, trying to restrain her anger.
"Sabine, I'm never fine with you leaving. Especially if I won't know when you'll be coming back," He replied, clutching her hand. "But it would be even worse to see you feeling miserable. If leaving the Rebellion and helping your family is what your heart is telling you to do, then I will support you all the way. Heck, I'll even fly you out there myself,"
"But.. but.. What if something happens to you? What if I'm not there to help out, and you guys…" Sabine's eyes fell to the floor.
"Die?" Ezra finished for him. Sabine nodded. Placing his hands on her cheeks, Ezra pulled Sabine's gaze right back to him. "Sabine, we're not going to die because you're not here," A small smile curled up his lips. "I'm pretty sure I'm a better shot than you are, alright?"
"Ezra!" Sabine slapped his hand. "I'm not kidding here!"
"What, you don't think I can protect myself?" Ezra continued. "You think I'm not a strong enough Jedi?" He flexed his arms ridiculously.
"Ezra! Stop playing around!" But she was smiling throughout his ordeal.
"Well then maybe you should stop too! Because if I remember correctly, I was the one who won our last duel. So maybe you should try and convince me to come with you if you're going to try and rebuild your family. I think you might need the extra firepower,"
Sabine glared at him, but her eyes eventually softened into one of lighthearted amusement.
"Hey, you and me? We're unstoppable together. But that doesn't mean that we're useless when we're alone. You're the strongest person I've ever met, Sabine. You make bombs into works of art, turn even the most competent of bucketheads into useless puppets," He squeezed her shoulder. "And I'm a Loth rat who became a Jedi. So I think on our own, we're pretty much a force to be reckoned with,"
Sabine melted into his eyes, and found herself pulling Ezra into a hug this time.
"You'll always be there for me, no matter what?" She asked.
"A hundred percent,"
"Even if you'll have to be without me for years?"
"Ehhh maybe ninety five,"
Sabine chuckled, and slapped him fondly. With such a weight off her back, it was only then did she realise how close she was to him. But she was too in the moment to feel embarrassed about it. She just felt… warm. And she didn't want to let him go, not for even a second.
"Mommy look! Those two are acting the same way you and daddy do when he comes back from work!"
Sabine and Ezra quickly jumped apart. It was the voice of a naive kid which ended their sweet moment. The mother quickly hushed her child, casting a knowing smile to the couple before hastily walking away from them.
"So…" Ezra began, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.
"Shall we go back?" Sabine pretended to dust off her clothes, trying to act as normal as she could be.
"Before that, do you wanna hang out a little bit? Before we head back?" Ezra proposed.
Sabine's eyes immediately darted up towards him. "With you?" She mindlessly asked.
"Uh- yea, I mean who else?"
"Of course, of course," Sabine coughed, quickly composing herself as an impish smile made it to her face. "Are you asking me on a date, Ezra?"
Now it was his turn to be skittish, not that he wasn't already. "It doesn't have to be one," He replied, blushing. "Unless you want it to be,"
His voice was soft, as if he didn't want it to be heard. But Sabine heard it, and it made her feel extremely giddy. "Well then what are we waiting for?" She said as she locked her arms around his, dragging him off excitedly.
Taking some time to explore the streets of Lothal, the pair eventually found and settled in at a nearby cafe. It wasn't the nicest of places to hang out, and it was definitely not what Sabine was imagining for such an occasion. But, despite its tackiness, neither couldn't find it in themselves to cease their enjoyment.
Sitting at a table in the corner, the two of them ordered their drinks and spent the rest of their time chatting about the simple nothingness of their lives.
Ezra mostly talked about his training, griping about how Kanan was relentless with pushing him to be the best Jedi he could ever be.
While Sabine mostly talked about her paintings, specifically focusing on one which had been lingering in her mind for so long, but she was yet able to find the perfect canvas for.
"By the way, I have been meaning to ask, what happened to Ketsu?" Ezra asked once their drinks arrived.
Sabine nearly spat her drink back into her cup. "Ketsu? Why are you asking about her?" She asked, trying to hide her shock.
"Oh no, it's not me who's asking," Ezra explained. "It's Wedge, he's been pestering me about her ever since she came by that day,"
"Wedge?" Sabine asked, furrowing her brows. "Why would she ask about Wedge?"
"Did you really forget?" Ezra asked "Didn't you set the two of them up?"
Sabine's eyes went wide as she finally recalled the event. "Oh Kark!" She exclaimed. "Wedge is still going on about her? After all this time?"
"He never stopped," Ezra replied, befuddled. "She's been the only thing on his mind ever since the day she came by. Seriously, what did you do to both of them?"
"Nothing! I swear!" Sabine insisted. "Ketsu said she wanted to have a one night stand with someone on the base! At first she suggested someone from the Spectres, but I thought that would be way too gross and awkward. So I introduced her to Wedge," She explained. "What exactly did the two of them do?"
"Apparently, more than sleeping with each other," Ezra replied, slightly disgusted at the topic. "They… cuddled,"
Now Sabine actually spat her drink back into her cup.
"Then they talked about their feelings with each other,"
Sabine had to hold back a gag.
"And they even made out after that. And not like the way people do in one night stands, but the way married couples do. The way newlyweds do,"
"Stop! Stop!" Sabine begged, her face visibly disgusted. "Maybe introducing them to each other was not my best idea,"
"Tell me about it," Ezra said, taking a sip of his drink. "He's been coming to me nonstop, asking me to ask you to pass her a message,"
"Ugh, what did his message say?"
"I couldn't even get past the first line. It went something like 'My love for you flows like the rivers on Endor'," Ezra let out a disgusted groan. "Like, does Endor even have rivers?"
Sabine laughed so loud that it looked like she went crazy.
"Now I kinda want to see how Ketsu would react to that,"
"I really would not," Ezra chuckled.
Before Sabine could come up with her own response, the two of them were distracted by some loud shouting happening at the opposite end of the cafe.
From what they could see, it looked as if a young girl was being threatened by a large Trandoshan. But despite her being much smaller than him, she showed no signs of fear.
"Looks like we need to show those goons a thing or two about picking on someone their own size," Sabine smirked. "Wanna try and teach them a lesson?" She asked.
But Ezra seemed to be transfixed at the sight before him. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the unfortunate girl who was being ganged up upon.
"Ezra?" Sabine asked again.
"I think… I think I know that girl," He replied, quickly standing up and running towards her.
"You're going to pay for what you did girl," The Trandoshan said, harshly jabbing his finger at her. "These clothes cost a fortune, and they're going to cost even more to clean up thanks to the gunk you spilled on it,"
"I'm not paying you kriffs a single credit," The girl spat back. "And I didn't spill anything on you. You were the ones who didn't watch where you were going,"
"You calling me a liar girl?" The Trandoshan hissed.
"I'm calling you a filthy hack. A slimy rat that preys on others just because you can," She bit back.
The Trandoshan screamed in rage, pushing everyone aside and bringing his large hand around the girl. "Why you little," He lifted her up with ease, his strength more than enough to deal with her squirming.
"Let me go!" She protested, kicking her feet.
"It's kids like you that need to know who to respect. And the only way to teach them that is by giving the appropriate punishment," He brought his face closer to her. "Maybe if I cut out that tongue of yours, you will know how to show more respect,"
For the first time, a look of fear actually crossed over her face, and she doubled her efforts to get out of his grasp.
But just before things could get out of hand, a glass was suddenly flung towards the Trandoshan's head.
"What the-" He released the girl, dropping her to the ground in a daze. "Who did that?" He demanded, looking around. But no one answered him. Because no one knew the answer.
Another mug was then thrown again towards him, causing him to whip his head in anger as he searched for the perpetrator.
But once again, he found no one.
Suddenly, the Trandoshan was pushed to the ground, face planted directly onto the cafe floor. And if that wasn't enough, a bowl of food was thrown his way, spilling its contents over his head and staining his clothes in some ridiculous colour.
The surrounding patrons couldn't help but snicker at not only how comical he looked, but at how the situation itself developed.
"What are you laughing at!" He shouted. But another bowl was then flung his way, this time staying stuck right at the top of his head.
The rainbow coloured reptilian lost all the fear he had initially gripped the room with. Completely riddled with shame, he turned to growl at the girl one last time, cursing her with the usual "I'll remember you for this!" Before quickly darting out of the cafe.
The crowd surrounding the girl eventually dissipated, leaving her to wonder what it was that just happened. "That was strange," She remarked, looking around the room with the same curiosity as the Trandoshan before her.
"Ezra!" She heard someone angrily hiss. Her head immediately darted towards the sound, and she found herself immediately drawn to a familiar blue head.
"What do you think you're doing?" The same voice scolded.
"I'm sorry Sabine, it's just… I know her," The aforementioned blue head turned to face her, giving her a small smile. And it was only then did the girl realise who it was.
"Ezra?" She asked. "Ezra Bridger?"
"The one and only," Ezra smiled.
Not a moment after he had said that, the girl suddenly flung her arms around Ezra.
"Moreena, I can't- breathe," Ezra choked, but still hugged back nonetheless.
"It really is you!" She exclaimed excitedly, ignoring his pleas as she hugged him tighter. "Wait, what are you doing here? Did you never leave? Don't you tell me that you've been on Lothal ever since I left?" She hit him with a barrage of questions as she let him go.
"I left ages ago actually," Ezra explained. "I joined a small group when they visited Lothal. The only reason why I'm back here is because I have a mission to complete,"
"Mission? What are you, like Rebels or something?"
"Uh.. did I say mission? Haha, what I meant was-" Ezra stammered.
"Way to be inconspicuous, buckethead," Sabine pushed past him, smacking the back of his head. "We don't usually tell people what it is we're doing," She said, casting a glare at Ezra. "Mainly because most people wouldn't hesitate to turn us in for it,"
"Ahh, gotcha," Moreena whispered, understanding. "So you two are workmates? Coming together on a mission?" She made sure to be extra quiet for that last part.
"We're in the same squad," Sabine started. "I mean, we're friends," She quickly corrected. "I'm Sabine, Sabine Wren,"
"Ah Sabine!" Moreena replied, wrapping her arms around an already uncomfortable Sabine. "I'm Moreena, Moreena Krai. I knew Ezra from way back. We used to play together until his parents-" She trailed off, probably remembering Ezra's sad history.
"Sorry," She apologised, looking at Ezra. "I didn't mean to bring them up,"
"Hey, it's ok Mo," Ezra comforted, placing a hand on her shoulder. "My parents may be gone, but I've found people to help me through it," He replied, glancing at Sabine.
Moreena smiled, pulling Ezra into yet another hug. "We should catch up sometime! Are you free now? Let's hang out, you and your friend. I'd love to know what you've been up to so far!"
"Actually, it'd probably be best if we got going," Sabine interjected, turning to look at Ezra. "Hera wouldn't like it if we stayed out for too long,"
"I'm sure Hera wouldn't be that mad if we stayed out a little longer," Ezra insisted. "C'mon, an hour should be just fine,"
Sabine wanted to protest further, but by then Ezra had already made his way back to their table with Mo.
"You know damn well that Hera would not like this one bit," Sabine whispered to herself before begrudgingly following behind.
It was a weird thing that Sabine was feeling. She was currently on her third glass of some blueish liquid. Sipping on the remaining flecks stuck on the ice cubes. She made loud slurping noises as she watched Ezra and Mo happily chat the day away. She wasn't jealous, or at least that was what she told herself. But honestly at this point, who even cared what she felt.
"There's no way you did something so cool!" Moreena gushed at Ezra as she smacked his arm. "You used to be so lanky, but look at you now!"
"Hey, I guess puberty was very nice to me," Ezra flashed a confident smirk.
The frown on Sabine's face only deepened as she witnessed the scene unfold before her. He had basically told her everything. From training to be a Jedi, fighting the Sith, to even being a member of the Rebellion. In short, he had no tact around her. And Sabine was getting a bit annoyed at that.
Raising her hand, Sabine ordered yet another glass of that mysterious blue drink. She was going to slurp the entire cafe down at this rate if Ezra chatted her up any longer.
"So, what are you even doing here?" Ezra asked Moreena, clearly oblivious to his silently fuming friend. "Was Alderaan too fancy for your tastes?"
"Something like that," Moreena replied with a sheepish look. "I kinda ran away from my parents,"
"You what?" Sabine basically jumped out of her seat. "Do they know that you're here?"
"They should. I left a letter behind telling them where I was going. But I don't think they'll find me so soon,"
"Maybe, but Stormtroopers may come by, and we don't want to be caught loitering around here when they show up," Sabine retorted a little too harshly.
"What Sabine's trying to say is that she's worried for our safety. I'm sure that any of the local Troopers will notice us in a heartbeat. She's just trying to keep a look out for us," Ezra chimed in.
"I understand. I guess having your job isn't the easiest thing in the Empire huh," Moreena replied, winking at Sabine.
"Why did you run away?" Sabine asked, letting her face soften.
Moreena lowered her head, going silent for a moment. "Honestly, I just missed Lothal," She eventually admitted. "When the Empire took away the farm, it was like watching my future disappear right in front of my eyes. All I ever wanted to do was grow up and take over for my parents after they retired. I was hoping that that dream could still come true, even though we're no longer living here. But when I went to take a look at where the farm used to be, all that remained were the factories they built on it. The only thing left of my childhood covered by pillars of smoke,"
"Have you talked to your parents about this?" Ezra asked with a soft look.
"They wouldn't understand," Moreena replied. "I don't know how they do it, but it's like they're happier there. It's like they prefer life on Alderaan, and are fine with the Empire taking what was ours in the first place,"
"It's what they do," Sabine said with a grim nod of her head. "It's why we fight, so that we can take back what they stole,"
"And that's why I'll always respect you for it," Moreena replied, turning to Sabine. "By the way, you seem to be enjoying those drinks a little too much," She pointed towards the stacks of glasses in front of Sabine.
"What?" Sabine replied confused, before realising how many glasses she had drunk already.
"Woah,I guess you've really taken a liking to this place. Now we have to come back here the next time we're on Lothal," Ezra said, chuckling.
"Wha-? I do not like them!" Sabine said with a firm glare.
"You say that but…" Ezra said, smirking as he pointed at the glasses again.
"Oh hush Ezra, stop bothering Sabine. Now go be a gentleman and pay for our drinks," Moreena said as she shooed him away.
"Wait, all of them?"
"All of them. Including my large purple slushie," Moreena replied again.
"Man, Hera's gonna kill us when she finds out how much we spent," Ezra said as he trudged on over to the counter.
Once he was a safe enough distance away, Moreena turned to Sabine. "So, how long have you two been a thing?"
"A thing? No no no. Never. We've never been together," Sabine replied, feeling a little surprised at her answer.
"Sure…" Moreena dragged out the word, looking at Sabine with sly eyes. "With the daggers you were glaring at him when we talked, I almost thought you two were married. Jealous much Sabine?"
"I am not jealous!" Sabine nearly screamed.
Moreena smiled mischievously back at Sabine, but decided to hold off of teasing her. "Alright, alright, but at least tell me when things changed between the two of you. From one foolish girl in love to another,"
Arching an eyebrow at her, Sabine didn't budge at her. "I think you're mistaking my apparent love for him with your own,"
"Maybe, but that doesn't mean that yours isn't any true," Moreena replied. "Besides, my feelings for Ezra are a thing of the past. I could never be with him the way you can,"
"What are you talking about? You're his childhood friend! I'm sure you know things about him that even I don't know,"
"I do, but the person he needs in his life today isn't me. It's you, and you know it," Moreena stared at Sabine with a serious look.
"Why… Why didn't you take him with you? Wasn't he your best friend?" Sabine asked. She tried to keep her tone level, but it sounded a bit accusatory. "When you left for Alderaan. Couldn't you convince your parents to at least care for him? Give him a chance at a normal life?"
A look of pain flashed across Moreena's face, but it quickly disappeared. "I wanted to Sabine, I really did. But he chose to stay here, he didn't want to leave his parents behind," Moreena replied. "Honestly, I'm surprised you managed to get him off Lothal,"
The memory of the cocky kid who tried flirting with her on their first meeting brought a small smile on Sabine's face. "I guess so. Maybe it was just the right time,"
"Or maybe it was because of a certain someone," Moreena playfully eyed Sabine.
Sabine glared at Moreena.
"Oh c'mon, you're telling me in the amount of time you two have spent together, you guys have never been more than friends?"
"Ok, he did flirt with me a couple of times when he first joined," Sabine admitted. "But it was annoying, and childish, not really something I fancied,"
"And what about now? Is he still annoying, childish, something you don't fancy?"
This time, Sabine had no reply. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"Listen, Sabine," Moreena continued. "Ezra's a good person. And he's an even better friend, and I'm sure that whatever he will become in your future, he will also be perfect for it. Maybe for now, you'd just like to be his friend. And that's fine, but if you ever want to be something more with him, you'd better make a move. I'm pretty sure even you have begun noticing how much attention he's drawing,"
Sabine wanted to deny Moreena's statement, but then she remembered how the past few weeks had been.
"I just want to spend some time with my best friend," Sabine moaned, placing her head in her hands. "Why does it have to be so complicated?"
"It really isn't," Moreena replied. "All you have to do is ask yourself, who do you want to be in his future?"
Sabine pondered the question in silence for a moment, only being interrupted when she heard Moreena standing up from her seat.
"You're leaving?" She asked. "Shouldn't you at least say goodbye to Ezra first?"
"I already did, a long time ago," Moreena smiled, a seemingly quiet sad look on her face. "I have no place in his life right now, but you do. You have to promise me Sabine. Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll protect him, and be someone that he can count on," She clasped Sabine's hands tightly.
"I- I don't know if I can-" Sabine began.
"Please, just… Promise me,"
Sabine blinked, before nodding firmly. "I promise I'll do whatever it takes,"
Smiling, Moreena eventually let go of Sabine's hands. "Maybe one day, when this is all over, you guys can come and visit Alderaan. And maybe you two will come as something more than friends,"
"Perhaps," Sabine smiled, before watching as Moreena turned to leave the cafe.
"Hey, where did Moreena go?" Ezra asked as he eventually came back.
"She said she had to go back to her parents, but she invited us to come to Alderaan after all this is over," Sabine replied as she finished sipping her drink.
"Aww, that sucks. I was hoping to at least say goodbye to her," Ezra pouted as he sat down besides Sabine. "So, do you actually like that drink?"
Sabine stared at the glass in her hand, wondering the exact same question herself. "You know, it's kind of growing on me,"
"Kinda like how Moreena is growing on you?" Ezra asked with a smirk. "I sensed the way you were glaring at me when I suggested we stay a bit longer,"
"Was I that obvious?" Sabine asked with a deadpan look.
"Not really. I only realised because I know you so well," Ezra replied honestly.
Sabine stared back at him for a moment, unsure of how to reply. "I guess you do," She said, smiling to herself. "C'mon, we should get going. If Hera asks why we're so late, I'm telling her you got lost,"
"Don't do that Sabine," Ezra pleaded as he plodded on behind her. "Especially after I paid for your four blue cafs. Hera's not going to give us any extra allowance once she finds out we blew our budget just for some colourful drinks,"
"Don't worry, whatever it is, I'm sure we can get through it together. Moreena asked me to take care of you after all,"
"Hey I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much," Ezra said with a huff. "What did the two of you even talk about anyways?"
Placing a finger to his lips, Sabine smiled cheekily at him. "You should never ask a woman her secrets," She replied slowly before walking off.
Ezra stood stunned at what Sabine just did. Shaking his head, he quickly ran after Sabine, heart pounding at her sudden touch to his lips. He spent the rest of the walk wondering what caused the sudden change in her personality, leading to him missing out on the wide smile plastered on Sabine's face.
And that's the story! This chapter not only marks the halfway point of this fanfic, but also the point where I start to use my OCs!
Some of you may not know, but Moreena Krai is actually a canon character!
She appeared in the Rebels book Ezra's gamble, and I decided to use her as I wanted an equal distribution of OCs and canon characters in this fic.
If I had to say, I did have quite a lot of fun writing this! But if I'm being honest, the next chapter is probably my favorite, so look forward to it!