Finally got this one done! I've been meaning to do a Rex centric fic for a long time and I got it done! Good job Bread Thief! Good job!
Summary: Rex takes the time to face his loss and makes sure Ezra knows he's not to blame.
He lost her a second time.
Rex didn't need Ezra's words when he got off the Phantom to know that Ahsoka was gone. The pain etched in the poor child's face was more than enough.
That was the last time he really saw Ezra. He caught glimpses of him from time to time, but Ezra would always vanish before Rex could talk to him.
It was almost two months after Malachor when Rex was finally able to corner Ezra. They had to talk and Rex had waited long enough.
When Ezra noticed that Rex was in the general vicinity, he turned and began to disappear like always. Rex usually would leave him alone. Not this time. When he caught up to Ezra, he laid a hand on his shoulder. Ezra flinched, which made Rex's heart cringe. "We need to talk." Rex led Ezra to his makeshift quarters on the base. Ezra began trembling like a leaf and his eyes were wide and misty with fear.
"What happened to him?" Rex thought solemnly as they approached the quarters. "He used to be so full of life! What did that sleemo Maul do to him?"
Rex had met the former Sith on Mandalore the last time he saw Ahsoka before Order 66. It wasn't a happy meeting. Considering how cruel Maul could be, he wasn't the least surprised to hear that he was the one who blinded Kanan and rendered Ezra a shell of a person, afraid of his own shadow. Rex squeezed Ezra's shoulder in reassurance and sat him down on a crate upon reaching the makeshift room.
Ezra was silent, suddenly finding his boots interesting.
Rex didn't know how to start what would surely be a one sided conversation, so he asked the only thing he could think of. "How have you been?"
Ezra looked at him, the expression on his face a mix of bewilderment and fear. Rex mentally kicked himself the second those words left his mouth. What kind of question was that?
He hadn't gotten a good look at Ezra in two months. He had gotten taller, making Rex believe he was starting to have a growth spurt. However, he had gotten thinner from lack of eating. His hair had gotten longer, and it now reached his shoulders. Sooner or later, he would have to pull it back or cut it. His bright blue eyes, once so full of life, were now dull and bloodshot from lack of sleep. His skin was pale and there were bags under his eyes. He looked dead.
Then again, Ahsoka wasn't the only one who died on Malachor. Rex looked down sadly and Ezra flinched as if reading his thoughts.
"Ezra," Rex began, "I know you're probably tired of hearing this, but no one blames you for what happened. Kanan told me everything, and he told what had happened to you. The last thing you need to do is keep blaming yourself. You look like you haven't been sleeping or eating. Everyone here is worried sick."
Ezra looked up at Rex, tears in his eyes. Rex continued. "I served with Ahsoka during the Clone Wars and we both knew the risks of fighting a war. Unlike now, neither of us had a choice. This time we did. Ahsoka chose to fight the Empire, and I did as well. Ahsoka chose to die in order to save you and Kanan. She wouldn't want to see you like this. Kanan told me about your condition and how this whole thing tore you up mentally. People are starting to worry. You can't give up now when so many people care about you."
Rex had no idea what to expect, but he was rather shocked when Ezra launched himself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I miss her too Ezra," Rex said softly, eyes watering. "I miss her too."
Later, Rex walked an emotionally exhausted Ezra back to the Ghost.
Hera stood on the ramp, and after taking Ezra, thanked him. Ezra leaned against her as she walked him inside.
"I think Kanan wants to practice meditation," Hera replied after giving Ezra a side hug. "Why don't you go find him?"
Ezra nodded and left the cargo hold.
Hera narrowed her eyes for a moment in thought.
She might have been imagining things, but Ezra's eyes seemed slightly brighter.
Rex sighed as he stared up at the Otollon sunset.
Once again he was left behind.
Anakin, Ahsoka, his brothers, gone.
He would mourn, but he would eventually move on. There were others there for him in the darkest moments and people he refused to let feel the same pain he did. He would never leave anyone behind nor would he be left behind again.
It was his duty as a soldier to protect the ones he cared about and he would accomplish that goal no matter what.
Sorry it was so short but it has been a tiring two weeks. AP testing is finally over and I had Band Banquet Saturday Night, which was a blast. I am taking this week to rest since the craziness starts up again next week.
Anyway, the recovery of Ezra Bridger has begun!
Don't forget to leave some love in the reviews! Suggestions are needed! I've gotten quite a few already, and I will add them where they fit! Don't forget to vote in my poll and hang in there! Summer is almost here! (Or already here for some of you... Lucky...)
Until Next Time!