Here we are! The finale of this fic after so many years! If you made it this far, thanks for joining me on this chaotic and unpredictable ride. I hope reading this chapter gives you as much closure as it does for me posting it hah! May the force be with you, always!

-Superherotiger

…

Ezra's POV

My mind slurred within an ocean of darkness, and senses that had once been numb were ripped from the hands of unconsciousness.

Light faded into view ever so slowly, heat radiating onto my aching muscles as a fiery, itching sensation swelled in my throat. The discomfort was enough to finally drag me from slumber, the darkness parting as my eyelids cracked open. I was immediately greeted with a sharp, sterile light, wincing and turning my face away from the source.

It took me a few moments, but I eventually adjusted to the glaring beams above. I widened my crusty eyes further as my brain began to switch on again. And eventually, I grew to recognise my surroundings. From the corner of my eye, I could see the white walls of the medbay, a painting of two loth-cats imprinted on the door.

Next, my gaze flickered to the plastic object covering my mouth. It had taken me a while to realise, but alarms rung through my skull as I identified the breathing mask held to my face and connected to some kind of machine. It was still filtering and pumping somewhat, and I could feel it pushing and pulling the air from my lungs that were now fully functional. But besides that and a strange discomfort in my throat, it didn't seem to be doing any harm.

Finally, my murky orbs focused on my hand. I flexed my fingers out, thrilled with the sensation of control as I watched my hand move to my will.

Memories of the past seemed to have slipped my mind.

The last thing I remembered seeing was the starry expanse of space, Zeb positioned at my side in a docile manner. After that everything was a blur. I remembered some sounds, and voices, and maybe a bit of pain but besides that… it was blank.

But I was aware of the helplessness I had experienced. The terror felt when your arms or legs no longer responded to your commands was a terrifying situation to be in, your mind saying one thing but your body pinned to the bed, unresponsive. As if your soul continued to linger over a form that had already died.

A shiver ran up my spine.

But this action caused something strange to happen.

Whatever I was propped up against, whatever I seemed to be clinging to, was moving. And to be more precise, breathing.

Only now did I realise its gentle exhales and calming warmth that surrounded me, a steady, secure heartbeat drumming into my ear. I cautiously raised my head, further inflaming my neck as I lifted my gaze to the figure holding me. And then, in a flash of recognition, I felt my eyes widened.

Kanan sat still, his breathing gentle, and his arms wrapped around me in a calm and firm embrace.

The heat from his touch suddenly multiplied, searing my skin as I nervously tensed up, biting back a sharp gasp of shock. We… we never hugged anymore. The idea was just foreign. I couldn't remember the last time we had even had a side hug, let alone a full on embrace. And it had been years since he used to take me into the turret, watching the stars that shimmered outside in the inky expanse. We just… didn't do that anymore…

No attachments, that's what he'd said. Attachments were bad. Those emotions could make you do horrible things. Could lead you to the dark side. Could-

Suddenly, the male stirred and his arms began to coil, pulling me deeper into his sleepy grip.

My eyes shot open further, and I felt my jaw tighten as I waited in fearful anticipation. But he didn't wake. And slowly, with the beat of his heart, and his light exhales, I felt my muscles loosen. His signature was pulsing strong through the force, completely unguarded with his mental shields down. And as I reached out, I was engulfed with a familiar sense. A sense of security. Of safety.

How many years had it been since I last felt that?

So then, I allowed my own guard to fall, leaning into his chest and sliding my eyes partially shut. Maybe it had just been so long since we'd connected that I'd forgotten he still cared. Forgotten the warmth that used to protect me every day of my childhood. It seemed I'd gotten used to the absence of his signature, but only now did I realise his warmth wasn't something to fear. I had felt it so little lately it had become unfamiliar, strange compared to the cold, the void that now occupied its place.

But resting in his touch, our presences in sync, I felt unusually at peace.

I laid there calmly for a while, just listening to the small sounds of the medbay. And when I pushed further out through the force, I realised three other signatures in stasis around me. All familiar. All tired. But all strangely serene.

My attention was captured by a small movement in the corner of my blurry vision, and drowsily, I shifted my position to better see the figure, relieved when Kanan didn't wake.

My face lit up when I realised who it was, sliding my free hand away and reaching out as I whispered hoarsely "Chopper…"

The droid perked up almost immediately, releasing a sharp 'Whr?!'. And then, in what I could only assume was joy, he scurried forward across the scattered wires to my side, resting his cold, metal dome into the palm of my hand. I smiled at the contact, gently running my fingers across the edge of his head. "How's… it going, buddy?" I breathed, my throat burning with every word.

The astromech rumbled in a soft purr, extending his claws and clamping onto my fragile hand tightly. "You're alive! You're… alive…" he beeped softly, his power cell obviously strained.

Smiling weakly, I stroked his metal head in gentle motions. I knew he couldn't feel it. But even if it couldn't comfort him, it sure did comfort me. Just reuniting with my friend pulled me back into the realm of reality after everything that had occurred. Most of which was a just a blur in my mind.

After a few minutes of content silence, I cleared my throat and slurred "Hey Chop…?"

"Yeah?" he replied curiously.

Gesturing to the Jedi embracing me, I asked timidly "Care to… explain how, this happened?"

The droid shifted his gaze from Kanan, then back to me, bristling for a moment anxiously before answering "It's… a long story…"

Smirking, I whispered "I didn't… saying anything… embarrassing, did I?"

He snickered a low, mournful laugh, before explaining solemnly "It's in my databanks…The audio didn't save, as I was on low power, but… it wasn't something I really wished to save anyway."

The warmth drained from my expression slightly, replaced with an unsettled curiosity. "Can you… show me it?" I asked meekly.

Chopper perked up in surprise, before warning "It's not nice."

"Please," I murmured, my muscles still aching. "Let me see?"

The loyal droid hesitated, his head turning a full circuit before he sighed in defeat and activated a hologram.

The blue-tinged image flickered and wavered momentarily, before focusing on the bed, and my still, weakened form on top. I inwardly scowled at the sight. I looked like a wreck, and it was strange seeing it from the perspective of the crew.

Sabine was scrambling to tend the medical machines, while Zeb began panicking and arguing with the mandalorian as she spoke inaudible words. But my gaze lingered on Hera and Kanan, who stood by my poisoned body with concerned expressions. Kanan held my hand tightly, the four talking to each other in pure fear and concern. There was a mixture of emotions in each of their faces, but they all turned to horror when my body seemed to lurch. I could only imagine I was screaming, but everything seemed to happen at once as I slipped off the medical bed, quickly caught by Kanan's grasp and held close to his chest as he collapsed to the floor.

My eyes widened at the image, watching intently as he cradled my twitching form in his arms, his mouth speaking but his voice muted.

I couldn't even imagine what he was saying. I was far too busy trying to wrap my head over the sight, as my master, a man I seemed to drift away from so often held me tightly, with a protectiveness I hadn't witnessed in years. It was a strange, out-of-body experience, and my eyes focused on the flickering image as the four began to talk to each other, and then, one by one, they each sat down, and closed their eyes. Chopper joined last, and with one final glance at me, encircled in Kanan's embrace and under Hera's guard, the hologram wavered and switched off.

I blinked a few times, as if to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

"You… okay?" Chopper probed nervously.

"He… he looked so scared…" I murmured, my mouth dry.

The droid rolled forward, and extending my arm, he resided in my touch again. "Of course he was. He… we thought we were going to lose you, Ezra…" Chopper explained drearily. "Kanan… he would have traded anything to save you."

My brows furrowed slightly in concentration, and I pried "But why?"

"Well why wouldn't he?" Chopper replied.

I hesitated. "He doesn't… I… I d-didn't know he cared about me anymore…"

"What are you talking about?" Chopper said fiercely. "The nut went to a frozen planet and tracked down monstrous, jedi-killing beasts to get a venom that could save you! The guy cares about you more than anything!"

Though initially confused, I smiled sheepishly at his comment, and shifted my gaze up to Kanan's resting expression. His presence was still unguarded, but inside I knew, as soon as he awoke, everything would go back to normal. His shields would go back up… and the cold would fill his place again.

My joy faded at this realisation.

All I wanted was to stay encircled in his warmth, and feel connected to the man I once looked up to as a father. I didn't want his touch to be foreign, or for his presence to be unfamiliar. I didn't want the sterile relationship between master and Padawan anymore… I wanted a father…

But releasing a strained breath, my expression softened into one of sorrow as I accepted the fact that maybe the Jedi didn't want to be that role. Maybe… a teacher was all he'd ever be to me…

"Ezra?" Chopper spoke cautiously, snapping me from my deep thoughts.

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, before shooting a soft smirk and replying, "I'm alright, buddy… just, thinking…"

He scoffed lightly, retorting "You literally just woke up from a death-defying coma, and you're thinking?"

I snickered weakly, my chest constricting, before I ran my hand across the rim of his dome. Smiling warmly, I soothed "What did I do… to deserve a friend… like you…?"

Grasping onto my palm with his cold, metal claws, he bowed his head solemnly, saying "I was about to say the same for you…"

My soul glowed with a familiar heat, and I held his hands between my weary grip. We stayed like that for a few, peaceful moments, taking relief from the touch of the other. Chopper, acting as my anchor to reality. And me, easing the droid's fear of forever losing his friend. It was such a nice moment, and I hoped it would be one I would remember years into the future. A time where all of us were together, and united, and a family once more…

But the silence was broken when Kanan began to stir.

My gaze snapped forward as a small groan escaped his lips, his muscles going stiff as I awaited the moment he realised my presence. Slowly, his eyelids began to flutter, revealing those disoriented teal orbs, wincing at the light of the medbay. The Jedi groggily rubbed his head and tried to regain his senses as I shot Chopper an anxious glance.

But the droid had cautiously moved away, allowing some space for Kanan to wake up.

There was a tense silence as the man pulled his hand away and gazed off vacantly across the room, his conscience aloof. He hadn't seemed to notice me. In fact, I wasn't completely sure he was even awake at this stage. But the tension was almost unbearable as I stared up at him with wide, petrified eyes, my mind racing through every possible way he would react. Would he be mad? Would he be disgusted? I didn't know, but the sheer thought of his inevitable recoil made the heat drain from my core. And in fear, I shifted.

But the movement caught his attention, and suddenly, his eyes flickered down at me, our gazes locking.

And then, it was as if a lightbulb had gone off in his head as his face beamed with realisation.

"EZRA!" he cried in a might roar, his voice snapping the rest of the crew from their slumber.

And in the moment where I had expected him to push me away and reinforce his shields, he instead took me by the shoulders and dragged me into an even fiercer embrace, his chest lurching in weak sobs of joy. In one swift motion the oxygen had been ripped from my lungs, and my muscles coiled around the bone in fearful anticipation for Kanan's next move. But what he said next made my eyes sting with fresh tears.

"You're alive…! Y-You're really… alive…" he wept, his hand clutching onto a fistful of my hair as if it were the only thing holding us together. "I-I thought… I thought I l-lost you… Ezra…"

My vision blurred at his words, and connecting to his fiery, reassuring signature, I rested my head into the crook of the man's neck, tears leaking down my face. But Kanan didn't care. He just held me close. Closer than ever before. And I knew he meant it, because even through the force his shields were unarmed, our bond stronger than ever. Relief was all I could sense in the medbay, as the sound of Sabine and Zeb's voices celebrated in the distance of my mind.

But their calls were soft compared to the presence that had engulfed my own, and for a few moments, I felt completely weightless, the fire in my throat ceasing. The feeling was surreal, the gentle thud of his heartbeat being the only thing tying me to reality. And it was only when Kanan pulled me back that I was dragged from that dazed, peaceful state, blinking away the wetness in my eyes to see the man clearly.

My vision now focused, I gazed up at the Jedi, his expression one of triumph and relief as a grin laced his lips. He ran his quivering fingers through my hair and breathed a sharp, course laugh. "Y-You're alive," he grinned, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You… you survived..."

I winced when tilting my head up, the base of my throat burning fiercely. But regardless, I bit back the pain and shot Kanan a weak, reassuring smile. "You always did say… I was f-fiercer… than a Lothcat," I murmured jokingly.

He chuckled, his voice ruff and scratchy as he replied wearily "And with just as many lives, it would seem."

I smiled warmly at the man, swaying slightly when I felt the energy slip from my control. But he held me by the shoulders and kept me still, gazing upon me with a gentle expression as his signature erupted in a hurricane of relief and joy. My eyelids fluttered for a moment as spots danced across my vision, until, my sight focused on something strange, my eyebrows falling to a concerned frown.

"What's wrong?" Kanan asked anxiously, his grip tightening on my shoulders.

I squinted, before reaching forward with a wavering hand and gently hovering my fingertips over three, distinct wounds embedded in the man's right cheek. "Kanan," I murmured, my tone one of deep seeded worry. "W-What happened… to your face…?"

He paused, but only for a moment before his chest jerked in a ragged chuckle, his laughter uncontrollable as he wheezed lightly "A story… A s-story I'll get to t-tell you… now that you're back…"

I was a little bit confused, my mind unable to piece together why three scars on his face was possibly funny in any way, but I shrugged it off, putting it down to the fact my head was still frazzled after the experience. But we were quickly cut off as a warm, familiar voice cried out "Ezra!"

I hadn't even had a chance to register her words when I was suddenly jerked from Kanan's grasp into Hera's, proceeding to be tightly squeezed in her strong embrace. "Thank the force you're alive!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking as she cradled the back of my head as if I were a child.

But the fierce movement had caused my lungs to heave, a fire exploding throughout my chest and neck. I opened my mouth to protest, until, I heard the woman's next words.

"When you stopped moving I thought… I t-thought…" Her words faded into the crisp air, a thick tension filling the space around us, before she sniffed back a sob and whispered warmly "But that doesn't matter… you're here now, and you're safe…"

At the waver in her voice, I felt my expression soften. And calmly, I loosened the stiffness in my muscles and allowed myself to be immersed in Hera's motherly warmth. She was crying. Softly, but I could still feel the lurches in her chest at every silent sob. They weren't cries of sadness though, but ones of pure happiness as she held me tightly in her grip, unwilling to let go.

And I didn't mind that, because I didn't want to let go either.

I watched through blurry vision as Sabine and Zeb fell to Hera's side, trying to get a look at me as their faces beamed with light. The Lasat's ears fluttered as he exclaimed fiercely "Karabast kid! You scared the living force out of us!"

"Yeah!" the teen beside him added. "Do you have any idea how worried we were?!"

I smiled weakly, keeping my gaze fixed on Sabine as she stated in both an irritated and overjoyed tone "Damnit Ezra Bridger! If you ever kriffin' do that to us again I'll throw you off the ship without a spacesuit!"

I smirked, the mask fogging up with moisture as I teased lightly "Aw… Y-You do care…."

"Of course I care you dummy!" she snapped, punching me in the shoulder, though much softer than usual. "It's a miracle you're even alive!"

Dramatically, Zeb clutched onto his chest, exclaiming "The real miracle is how I didn't have a heart attack during this whole thing!"

My expression softened into a weary smile as I asked hoarsely "Was it… really that bad…?"

The two both sighed a deep breath, their faces ones of exhaustion as Sabine replied meekly "It… uh… it was anything but good, let's say…"

"Did I…" I trailed off for a moment, before prying nervously "How close was I to… you know?"

Zeb and Sabine exchanged a mournful glance, their eyes showing an unspoken debate as they mentally argued over how to answer my obviously heavy question.

"Close."

Everyone perked up when realising the voice hadn't been Zeb's or Sabine's.

Pulling back, I gazed up into Hera's shimmering crystal eyes as she repeated softly "Very close. We thought…" She paused, raising her hand to my face and gently guiding the stray strands away from my eyes. Mustering her will, she continued "We thought we might have lost you today, Ezra… forever."

In the corner of my eye I could see the Lasat and Mandalorian nod their heads in agreement, before Zeb piped up, adding bashfully "Yeah, we… we thought you might have been a goner kid…"

My brows furrowed, causing a slight pressure in my skull, but not enough to be painful.

From the way everyone was acting, I could tell it had definitely been close. Minutes, maybe even seconds away from my appending doom, before being graced a second chance by the will of the force. The thought that I could have died like that, without even a proper goodbye to Hera, or Kanan, sent my nerves on edge. But then I remembered the hologram Chopper had presented, watching as both Jedi and pilot stood by my side, unwavering.

It made me wonder how much of my memory had been lost during the traumatic event, and had there been anything important that I'd missed? Had I been awake at some stages and just forgotten it? What had happened to cause a ventilator to be necessary? Did I say anything to Kanan or Hera after all?

But I quickly shook the idea from my mind. For all I knew I'd been unconscious from the moment I dozed off in the Phantom to now. No need to speculate on something so ridiculous anyway. And besides, I got the feeling everyone else had been through just as much, or possibly even more stress and turmoil than I had for the past however long. So for their sakes I wouldn't dwell much longer on the topic…

But first, I had to ask the one question weighing on my mind.

Raising my gaze to Hera's, I stared into her electric, loving eyes and spoke sheepishly "So… f-forgive me for… asking but… H-How exactly… did I survive…?"

The Twi'lek's expression beamed with pride as she raised her hands to my face and gently detached the mask with a pressurised hiss, allowing me to take my first independent breath since waking up. The relief was immense as I pressed my hand against my swollen throat, my lungs kicking back into gear as I took short, rapid breaths, before eventually levelling out to a steady, even pace. I smiled warmly, glancing back up at Hera and pointing out with a weary smirk "You didn't… answer my question…"

She merely arched a brow, her emerald orbs gleaming with compassion. "Maybe it's best to save that story for later," she finally spoke after a few more moments of hesitation. "After all, it's been an exhausting 48 hours, for everyone."

"But I just… I just wanna… know how…" I replied timidly, my thoughts still trying to catch up to my body. If it had really been as close as they claimed it to be, then I wanted to know what could have possibly turned the odds in my favour. What had caused my inevitable death to be halted in its tracks?

But shooting me a sympathetic gaze, the Twi'lek cupped her hands over my face and spoke warmly "Later. You need rest dear."

"But Hera-"

"Ah, ah, no arguing, just sleep," she smirked, cutting me off mid protest.

"But I just… woke up…" I sighed deeply while still adjusting to the tingling sensations in my chest from breathing. My throat felt strained and irritated, and with each word that passed over my tongue I felt my chest constricting further. Maybe Hera was onto something with the whole resting thing, but I had only just awoken from a near-death experience and I wanted a chance to spend with the crew.

Hera seemed to understand this though, gazing upon me with calming, gentle eyes and murmuring softly "None of us are going anywhere, there will be plenty of time to catch up. I promise."

I felt my fingers curl into the fabric of her sleeves as I desperately tried to keep my balance from a fresh wave of nausea. My vision spun for a second or two, before refocusing on Hera's concerned expression. "Dear," she said again in a subdued tone, gently running her hand over my course locks. "I am so, so glad that you are alive. I couldn't feel more relieved than I do now, knowing that you're still with us."

I pulled my lips into a weary smile, murmuring "Me too…"

"So please, put all our minds at ease now by resting," she finished warmly.

I hesitated slightly, about to retort once more before biting back the instinct. Noticing the lines across her green skin it seemed I finally realised the Twi'lek's exhaustion, tired and drained from 48 hours of stress and concern. In fact with a glance out of the corner of my eye I saw that everyone looked frazzled and unruly, especially Kanan. The man had taken on a subdue presence, his eyes hazy and unclear, but unable to hide the weariness lining his eyelids or the cuts and bruises on his figure.

They were as exhausted and drained as I was, so fighting the urge to object I figured the one thing I could give them was peace of mind.

I nodded slowly, clearing my throat before murmuring "Okay… I will…"

Hera's expression softened once more as she ran her fingers through my hair in soothing motions. "Good boy," she cooed, relief flooding her expression once more as she pulled me into a gentle embrace. "I'm so glad you're safe…" she whispered into my hair, her heartbeat steady and strong in my ear.

I leant into her touch and allowed her presence through the force to surround me, wrapping around my cold frame like a soft blanket. "Thank you…" I mumbled into the collar of her jumpsuit.

"For what?" she hummed.

"For sa… saving me…" I wheezed, wincing at the sharp pain in the side of my neck.

The Twi'lek chuckled a half-laugh, squeezing me in her embrace briefly before replying "It wasn't me…"

At her words I pulled away, gazing up at her with confusion welling in my bloodshot eyes. But Hera being Hera, she didn't care elaborate on her elusive comment, instead turning to the others and saying "Zeb, do you mind getting a fresh set of clothes for Ezra please?"

"Of course," the Lasat replied without a moment's hesitation, pushing himself to his feet and walking towards the door. But just before he left the medbay, he glanced over his shoulder and shot me a comforting smile. "It's good to have ya back kid," he chuckled bashfully.

It took a few moments to register but I returned the smile, and with a weary laugh I replied "And thanks for letting me see the stars again…"

His lime green eyes shot open in surprise, obviously surprised that I had remembered our rebellious outing less than a day before. It was perhaps one of the last memories I had before I'd blacked out, sitting there with Zeb at my side as we watched the inky expanse of space. I knew he had gone against Hera's wishes when I'd begged him to let me see the dotted sky. I knew he had disobeyed the others and was most likely punished for it once the others had found out. But in my moment of fear, of loneliness, he didn't hesitate to stand with me and just watch the universe go by.

And that was something I would never forget…

Zeb's expression softened with a relieved sigh, his lip tilted in a small yet genuine smile as he replied with a simple nod and left the room. Then, Sabine pushed herself to her feet shakily, stretching her stiffened arms and shooting a distasteful glance to the medical equipment scattered across the medbay. "I'll clean this up," she offered, but Hera held up her hand abruptly.

"No," the Twi'lek replied firmly. "You're half dead yourself. Go get some rest Sabine, we'll handle it."

The Mandalorian stepped forward to argue, but a new voice chimed in, gruff and worn. "That's enough debating for today I think," Kanan spoke with a light-hearted chuckle. He cast a tired yet encouraging glance to the girl beside him, adding with pride "You did well Sabine… I can't thank you enough for everything you did for us... For Ezra."

"But I could-" she started, before Kanan interjected "You've earnt your own rest. If it weren't for you, Ezra wouldn't even be here."

At that Sabine grew sheepish, deliberating for a few moments before accepting Kanan and Hera's offer with a grateful nod of her head.

I blinked the haze from my eyes and tried to focus on the Mandalorian standing above me, struggling under the medbay's intense sterile light. I wanted to ask how she had done it, how she had saved me, but Sabine beat me to my questions, bending down and resting her hand on my shoulder softly. "Tomorrow," she smiled, seemingly understanding my whirlwind of confusion. "I'll be right here when you wake up again. I promise."

Part of me wanted to fight back her calm attitude, but I quickly realised I didn't have to energy to argue, instead nodding and sputtering hoarsely "I-I know… you will…"

Her weary expression softened, and with a brief squeeze of my shoulder she rose to her feet and left the room, the door with the two Lothcats imprinted onto it's steel sliding back into place behind her. A low mechanical whine sounded as Chopper rolled forward in jolts, the lights flickering beneath his robotic eyes. Panicked at the sight of my rapidly depleting friend I went to scramble towards him, rewarded with sharp fiery pains all along my arms and legs. Hera was quick to respond though, pulling me back and quickly settling me on the floor once more as she stood up to inspect the droid herself.

Chopper let out a desperate whistle, the start of my name being called before his dying energy caused his cry to fade midway through.

I went to move forward once more but Hera shot a disapproving glare in my direction. I had never let Chopper get this low on power, not enough so that he had ever run out. And even then, the thought crossed my mind that it may not just be power, but some form of malfunction. I was planning to do a tune up of his mechanics before my near-death experience had occurred, what if a circuit had overheated or his core had leaked? The mere thought of him being unresponsive made my stomach churn. But as Hera quickly looked over his wires and mechanics, she glanced up at me with a reassuring smile as she explained "Nothing wrong, he just ran out of power. I'll go put him on charge now, so he'll be ready when you wake up. Does that sound good?"

My muscles loosened with a scratchy sigh of relief, nodding with a small hum in the hopes that Hera would understand how much I appreciated her support.

Stepping forward, she lowered herself to her knee and gazed upon me with emerald eyes that overflowed with care and concern. The Twi'lek gently cupped the sides of my face in her palms, her eyes sharp as she took in every detail and feature. It was as if she hadn't seen me in months, a tired relief washing over her face and a smile curving her lips. Leaning forward she pressed her forehead against mine reassuringly, before murmuring softly "My little Tooka…"

Sliding my eyes shut, I leant into her comforting touch and thanked the force that my time hadn't come yet. I couldn't bare the thought of losing my crew, my family. To know that it could have all been taken so quickly was frightening, but I reminded myself that the only important thing was that I was here now. I was alive right now. And my crew were here now…

Finally pulling away, Hera gazed at me with a warm, motherly smile. No more words were needed. But then again, I didn't need her to speak to know how much she cared for me. I only hoped she knew the feeling was mutual.

Turning around Hera carefully took hold of Chopper by his leg struts, pushing him towards the door while carefully manoeuvring around the scattered wires and medical tubing. And just like Zeb and Sabine, the two were gone as the medbay door slid shut behind them, leaving the once overcrowded room cold and barren.

It was so quiet here that I'd almost forgotten Kanan's presence, the man eerily still as he sat leaning against the frame of the medical bed.

For a moment I went to speak and break the uncomfortable tension, but immediately the sharp air caught in my lungs and forced a vicious cough to break out. Each lurch raked my throat like talons as I gasped desperately for oxygen in the midst of the barrage, certain I might black out when a soft blanket wrapped around my frame accompanied by a familiar presence beside me.

"It's okay, it's okay, just breathe," Kanan cooed, patting my back in gentle motions.

Tears burnt in the back of my eyes as I tried to stifle the hoarse coughs, finding my balance unsteady as I leant against the man for support in my haze. And in response the Jedi rested his hand on my shoulder, a soothing touch that had become known as his go-to action for encouragement. His signature was patient and stable despite my panic that leaked into the force like an oil spill. Surely he must have sensed my pain and terror, and the thought that he might see weakness in his apprentice only sent my already frazzled nerves on end once more.

And then, as if hearing my very thoughts, Kanan's presence reached out and surrounded mine in a protective embrace, assuring gently "It's okay Ezra, you're safe. Just relax… I'm here…"

He continued to murmur encouragement until the coughing finally died down, enough so that I could exhale a shaky breath without a fiery explosion in my throat. The room had gone silent once more, but the tension had melted away, replaced only with a comforting harmony. I tugged the blanket over my chest and nuzzled into its soft fabric with a content sigh. My eyelids beginning to droop, I could imagine falling asleep right now…

"Don't get too comfortable," Kanan's voice cut through light-heartedly as he gave my shoulders a gentle shake.

Rubbing my weary eyes I glanced up at the Jedi and mumbled "S-Sorry…"

He only smiled, pushing himself to his feet and stretching his stiff limbs with a grunt. "Turns out the floor isn't as comfortable as it looks," he remarked with a chuckle.

"Was it… ever comfortable looking… in the first place?" I wheezed, a weak grin on my lips.

Kanan scoffed, "Fair enough."

Offering his hands, I took hold of them and was lifted to my feet slowly and cautiously, Kanan's teal eyes as focused as a mother Lothcat watching her kits. Once I was standing Kanan let go, though he hovered close by in case I might fall. A few seconds passed as I tested my weight on each foot, my head spinning a little but otherwise stable. My master seemed satisfied with my balance too as he placed his hand lightly on my back and led me towards the medical bed.

I climbed onto the sturdy frame with a grunt and practically collapsed onto the soft bedding, my rigid muscles melting into the cosy mattress. Kanan pulled the sheets up to my chest and reattached some of the discarded medical lines, the heart monitor buzzing back to life as the man connected them once more. He went back and forth in the room like a bee in summer, readjusting equipment or packing away the unnecessary machines. And when he finally seemed content with results from the monitors, he took a seat on the stool beside the bed, his eyes hazy and distant.

He held that look more and more often these days, mostly whenever he was talking to me… Sometimes I wondered what was going on in his mind. What was he thinking about? Why did he grow silent whenever he looked at me…?

Feeling a chill run down my spine, I turned my gaze away from Kanan and focused it on the roof above in the hopes to ignore my gnawing anxiety. But it didn't go away, and I couldn't stop thinking.

About Kanan.

About the crew.

About death…

There was only one person I knew who could make me feel calm again, so reaching out my hand from the cover of the sheets, I held my palm out in an offering, a plea.

For a moment I feared he wouldn't take it, but to my relief Kanan's hands curled around mine, encasing it in a reassuring hold as I continued to stare at the roof. I could feel the last of my energy beginning to fade, worn out by the ecstatic reunion of the crew. But I didn't mind. Now I knew I could sleep without the fear that I wouldn't wake up again. That I couldn't say goodbye…

"Ezra?"

The voice was so quiet and subdued that I almost missed it in my drowsy haze. But glancing over at the man who sat beside me, I replied hoarsely "Yeah…?"

He had adverted his gaze at first, unwilling to level my own as he hesitated sheepishly. Normally I would have made a sarcastic remark at his behaviour, but I could tell there was something on his mind, something deep and serious. So instead, I mustered what little energy I had left and briefly squeezed his hand as if to encourage him to continue. I knew it wasn't much, but it was the only support I could really offer in this state.

But it seemed to be enough for the Jedi, his teal eyes finally raising to meet mine as he murmured "Do… Do you remember, uh, anything you might have said… before you blacked out last…?"

My brows furrowed in concentration as I tried to recall my last memory. "Remember…?" I repeated in a slur.

"Yeah," he replied.

Worry prickling my skin I asked wearily "Am I… s-supposed to remember something?"

"Well… no, I was just wondering…" His voice trailed away. He hesitated for a moment as his brow knitted in thought, his signature growing still through the force. But finally, he glanced up hopefully and asked "Do you remember me… well… coming back?"

I closed my eyes while rummaging through my memories, before release a small grunt of disappointment. "I only remember… sitting with Zeb… in the Phantom," I replied weakly, fixing my eyes back on him as I asked "Why?"

His face fell in disappointment, and his presence retreated through the force, leaving me alone in the abyss again. Afraid I would be lost to the void I reached out for him again, but his signature was building up with defensive shields by the second, designed to block me out. Kanan went to pull his hands away from my own but by instinct I clutched onto them, my eyes pressed shut as I whispered "Don't…"

Though he didn't pull his hands away this time his presence still faltered, unwilling to open up to me once more. It was amazing how easily the tides had turned. One moment our connection was as strong as it had ever been, and then with a simple question, it had broken once more, showing how unstable we truly were…

"Please…" I murmured, unsure what I had said wrong but begging him not to leave me in the dark once more. "…Stay…"

The silence seemed to drag on for years, the tension swelling in the small medbay.

Until finally, Kanan's hands wrapped around mine once more, and the shields surrounding his presence fell. He was still guarded I noticed, but dared not question it out of fear of snapping the bond further. Instead I let out a deep sigh, feeling exhausted both physically and mentally and accepting that this was how things were… this was how they had become…

But drawing comfort from the sound of Kanan's steady breaths, I told myself that maybe it didn't always have to stay this way. Maybe there was still time to restore our bond…

"Thank you…" I spoke, my voice barely a whisper. "For everything…"

This time his presence embraced me fully, pushing the cold from my soul and wrapping around me like a protective shield. "I'll always be here…" Kanan murmured softly. "I promise…"

Ready to slip into the arms of unconsciousness, I smiled wearily and breathed "…I know…"

And as I finally let go and the noise faded from the medbay, a soothing tune wisped around me, familiar and sweet.

I'll be right here when you awake, safe and sound…

I'm always here no lie, no fake…

Safe…

And…

Sound…

Thanks again to everyone who has read and continued to read this fic after all these years. I'm glad I could finally give it the conclusion it deserved, and I hope you guys enjoyed it! I don't know if I'll ever finish my other SWR fics (though I certainly want to), but I'm very much still active on Tumblr and Ao3 under the same name, so if Marvel, X-Men, or especially Dadneto is something you're interested in, feel free to drop by!

On behalf of myself five years ago, it's been a pleasure writing for you all! And may the force be with you, always!

-Superherotiger