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Ezra was doing his best not to grin too widely at how red the back of Kanan’s neck was. He’d nearly walked in on him and Hera having their weekly “I don’t wanna join the Rebellion '' argument, and his Master wasn't taking his routine scolding at all well. Ahsoka had sent them off on a mission they'd handled easily enough, now it was time for debrief- which was what had set Kanan off.
“It’s a waste of time,” Kana had griped, “It’s not like there's paperwork to be filed like when we were in a real war against the Separatists. And even then! It happened, we did our job. Can we please just skip this part?”
“This is a real war, you know that as well as I do. The people in charge just wanna make sure we did it all by the book. It won’t take long.”
“What book?”
A sigh, “Ahsoka also mentioned she had something to show you.”
“Is it another map for a mission? Because the outdated one we got for this run almost got Zeb captured, I’m not so sure I’m in the mood to rely on her right now.”
“That’s all she said, Kanan. That it wasn't for the crew, just for you.”
“Oh great.”
The doors slid open and Hera raised a hand to get her attention. Ahsoka stood facing them as she spoke to a shorter figure. When she caught sight of Hera’s gesture she didn't wave back, and Ezra frowned. Kanan had gone unnaturally quiet beside him. Ahsoka’s eyes slid back to the person, whom she gave an encouraging nod, then looked back at them.
“I’m glad you’re all alright. Especially you, Zeb. Thank you for your work for the Rebellion.”
Ezra’s frown deepened at the lack of snide comments coming from his immediate right.
“Sorry I’m late.” Hands came up to tug away the scarf wrapped around dark eyes.
Ahsoka was smiling, and actually bumped her hip against the newcomer. “Better late than never.” He’d never actually seen Ahsoka be so casual with anyone.
She was human. Ezra knew from experience he wasn’t great at guessing ages, so he knew better than to try. Or ask. But she was definitely close to, if not older than Ahsoka. Her eyes were glued to Kanan.
His Master made a choking noise, “That’s her whole thing, being late. Late." Kanan stepped forward, “Unwanted, and now unnecessary.” The last word was spat through his teeth.
The woman's jaw ticked, and the curved birthmark under her eye moved as she tried another smile. It was a sliver of discolored skin that was darker than the rest of her face.
“Caleb please. I wanted to-”
“Are you armed?”
She looked stunned, “Excuse me?”
Kanan’s voice sounded like it did when they were pinned down in a fight and Hera wasn't there for a quick getaway. Strained.
“Do you have weapons on you?”
“Kanan,” Ahsoka shifted as if to step between them. There were hushed whispers exchanged- Ahsoka stepped back.
“Yes,” there was a resigned defeat to the words. “I have two blasters, my knives, and…” Her face was relaxed, but her dark eyes were ready. “Cay, please don’t start something I’ll have to finish.”
It was impressive how quickly Kanan’s lightsaber jumped into his hand. As soon as it was raised, Ezra reached for his own, but a hand on his shoulder halted his movement. Hera.
Her bright eyes were confused, completely focused on not Kanan but Ahsoka. They hadn't known her long, but it didn't feel that way. Hera trusted her. She was a Jedi, well- not a Jedi. She was on their side. Ezra dropped his hand as Sabine leaned in to whisper,
“Old girlfriend?” Zeb snorted.
The woman took an almost lazy step to the side. Irritated, not scared. Ahsoka crossed her arms tightly.
“Ok’sana, if you want me to-”
“I’m fine,” Ok’sana said, not even out of breath as Kanan spun on his heel and swung for her again. She seemed to be talking as she continued to dance out of reach. The whole crew leaned forward to catch as much as they could. “Caleb, really? Is this how you treat your oldest friend?”
“Don't call me that. It's not Caleb anymore.” He cut upwards, “Not that you would know anything about me anymore after you abandoned me.”
“I looked for you.”
“You’re lying. You gave up too easily.”
“The things I did to try and find you tore me apart little one.” She pivoted, “I realized I wasn't in a fit state to take care of you, but I never stopped looking.”
“Excuses,” Kanan panted, “All you have for me are empty excuses?”
“Would anything satisfy you? I was mourning, and when I finally got to a place where I thought I could have everything- have a safe home I could bring you into.. A family…” Ok’sana looked nauseous, “I lost everything all over again.”
“I could've taken care of us both. I always knew you thought I was weak.”
This time Kanan seemed to have caught her off guard. Broken from her reverie, Ok’sana blurred for a moment. Two lights flashed across Ezra’s vision so quickly he flinched. Then they were all still again.
“I knew it,” he whispered, half to himself and half to Sabine- who rolled her eyes. Ok’sana stood with her weight pressed forward on a bent knee, two lightsabers crossed with Kanan’s. One purple, one white. She spoke loudly from behind the three sizzling blades.
“I thought you were hiding from me, Kanan. I got it into my head that you didn't want to see me because I didn't jump after you that day on Kaller. All I have are excuses. Nothing will ever make me not finding you okay. But I came here to say I’m sorry.” Her voice shook, “I’m so, so sorry Cay.”
Kanan’s arms shook as they pressed forward, You don't get to call me that. You don't know me.``
Ok’sana managed to force him back a step. She put one foot behind him and smiled upwards sadly. Her eyes closed, and suddenly so did Kanan’s lightsaber. He let out a yelp as the momentum tipped him towards her weapons. But Ok’sana dropped her sabers and shoved against Kanan’s chest with open hands. The boot wedged behind his made it impossible for the younger Jedi to rebalance. Ezra did his best not to laugh when Kanan fell.
The woman knelt in front of Kanan as he leant back on his hands, still glaring. She bent forward and tugged both Kanan’s hands forward, pressing them together between her smaller ones. Either she was deceptively strong, or Kanan had given up fighting.
“I came for you, Cay.”
He sounded like a kid, “I don't need you anymore.”
“I know,” Ok’sana said, “You are every bit the Jedi I knew you would be when we met in the Creche. Soka told me everything you’ve done, everything you all have accomplished. Training Ezra and helping the less fortunate. Ever the hero.”
“You promised,” Kanan murmured, looking at their hands.”You said you were right behind me.”
“I will spend the rest of my existence hating myself for letting anything other than you be the most important thing to me in that moment.” Ok’sana took his face between two scarred hands, “I am so proud of what you have built, Kanan Jarrus.”
He was still scowling, but the gleam of tears was clearly visible. Her arms came up around Kanan’s shoulders to pull him into a hug. For a moment he struggled, then Ok’sana began speaking too softly for Ezra to hear. It was like watching street puppets' strings get cut. Kanan melted into the embrace, his face pressing down into the curls of Ok’sana’s loose hair. One arm reached up across her shoulders. It was muffled but Ezra thought Kanan said,
“I thought you didn't want me anymore.”
Ok’sana pushed him away, looking horrified.
“I wanted you to be safe. You were supposed to forget about me after all this time.”
“Forget?” Now Kanan looked wounded.
She sighed, “I didnt think you'd grow up to hate me so much.”
“I don't hate you,” Ok’sana stared, “Okay, maybe a little.” She smiled and sniffled, brushing away Kanan’s tears with her thumbs.
“Oh Cay.”
“I’m sorry,” Hera cleared her throat, “Could someone explain what is going on? Kanan?”
“Hera Syndulla.”
“Have we met?”
“Briefly, many many years ago. You really are the spitting image of your mother.”
Hera squinted,”Your voice sounds…” Chopper ran into her leg. Hard. His hands waved wildly between them, whirring excitedly. “Chop slow down! I don't-”
Zeb muttered, “I think he's got a loose wire.” Chopper ran over his foot and made a wide turn to avoid the swipe Zeb made.
There were more angry clicks as he zoomed over to Ok’sana. She placed a hand on his head.
“Good to see you too, Chop Chop.”
Hera gasped lightly, “Sana?”
“Guess I don't look as old as I thought.” Kanan scrambled tp help her to her feet. "I know all your names, so I’ll just introduce myself. I’m Ok’sana Rue.”
“A great Jedi,” Kanan added. He was clearly trying to sound more bolstered. The angry look he was giving Ezra reeked of “Don't say a word.”
Ok’sana smiled wistfully. “A survivor,” she corrected.
“You’re here to help us on a mission?” Sabine asked.
“We are.”
“We?” There was an almost girlish excitement in Hera’s voice. Ezra didn't think he’d ever heard it before.
The answering grin on Ok’sana’s face was blinding. However her response was cut off by a girl's voice coming out of the comm in her belt.
“Seriously?” The voice whined, “You’re just gonna make me sit onboard the whole time? Don’t you think I should be part of the briefing too? Sana??”
She held the device up to her lips, “Come on out Meg. Someone is here to see you.”
“Is she really?” Hera asked.
“Ok’sana,” Ahsoka looked confused, “I thought her father decided she was still too young to fight.”
There was a clang above their heads and running footsteps. They waited. Ezra’s nose itched.
"So... Can I have two lightsabers, Kanan?"
“Think you could handle it?” Ok’sana crossed her arms.
Sabine snorted, “Ezra can barely hold his right side up.”
“Hey!” The doors slid open.
“Oh, hello.” The girl gave an awkward wave and then focused on the one familiar face. “Sana, I’m too old for the “Watch the ship” line to work on me anymore. I know I messed up taking the Marauder but I-”
“Omega?” The blonde girl looked up, her waving hands dropping to her sides.
“Hera?”
“Omega!” Hera darted between Zeb and Sabine, catching Omega up in a hug.
The girl was almost a whole head taller. She was fully decked out in gray and red armor, a helmet swinging from a strap on her fully loaded tool belt. Overloaded from what Ezra could see. There had to be three different types of spanners crammed in there. She had a blaster on each leg and a… crossbow? Wrapped across her body. Omega was beaming over Hera’s head, and they were both giggling now.
“Oh I'm so glad you're okay! That you're alive. We went back to Ryloth eventually but…”
“I wish I’d known! Where are your brothers? Are they all alright?”
Omega’s face dimmed a bit, her gaze darting to Ok’sana- who was now staring fixedly at a point on the floor. Kanan furrowed his brow and looked down at her, “Are you okay?”
She blinked and the look was gone. Her mouth quirked. The look she now gave Omega was full of fondness.
“Meg, did you want to finish that earlier thought?” Ok’sana said pointedly.
“Uhm,” her tanned cheeks turned even darker with embarrassment. She sighed, “I shouldn't have taken the ship.”
“Hunter was worried sick.”
“It’s my ship too!”
“Yes, it is. But you don't leave your squad behind without at least a note, Omega. Sneaking down to the pier I can let slide, but going off-world to fly our ship in some race?” Ok’sana’s voice rose, and Ezra winced in sync with Omega.
Hera still had one arm around Omega’s waist, “Tell me you won, at least?”
“Of course I did. By a lot too.”
“Yes yes and we’re all incredibly proud,” Ok’sana grumbled. “But she’s grounded.”
“Aren't you a little old for that?” Sabine asked. “No offense.”
“Grounded for Omega means no solo-piloting, unless it's an emergency. She also needs to be with a member of the family at all times.”
“Family?” Kanan looked at Ok’sana.
Omega tugged Hera back over to the rest, grinning all the while.
“We’re more than just a squad, and Sana is more than a friend. We’re a family.”
Ahsoka cleared her throat, “If Omega is joining us, she’ll have to take the oath.”
“I’m fine with that. Echo convinced everyone it should be my choice.”
“I’ve been saying that for years,” Ok’sana rolled her eyes to the ceiling. Whatever she was looking for, she didn't find it. “I was thinking Omega could copilot for you, Hera.” She looked at Kanan, “If that's not stepping on your toes.”
Kanan shrugged, “That's up to Hera, it's her ship.”
Omega was in awe, “You got your own ship? Guess all your dreams came true.” Hera grinned and tugged her gloved hand.
“I’ll give you a tour for old times sake.”
“We have tonight to prepare and brief,” Ahsoka said. “I’ll let you all catch up. I'll be in my quarters.”
“Oh no you don't,” Ok'sana protested, finally stepping away from Kanan. “I haven't seen you in ages, and you were gonna show me where Rex was staying.”
“I’m tired.”
“You’re a bad liar, Ahsoka Tano. Come on Soka, it's me. Just eat the awful food I’m sure we’re about to have and sit with us. Take a night off from your brooding.”
Ahsoka looked concerned, “I thought I was a good liar.”
“Who told you that?”
“Anakin.”
“He was an awful liar too.”
There were a million secrets behind Ahsoka’s eyes, and suddenly they all seemed to be weighing on her at once. Ok’sana drew herself up. She went and placed a firm hand on Omega’s shoulder, which was accompanied by a stern look.
“You all go ahead, I’ll catch up. I’m right behind you.”
Kanan laughed awkwardly, “I’ve heard that before.”
Ok’sana looked exasperated, “Can everyone stop being so doom and gloom for more than a minute? I’m going to go spend some time pestering my best friend. Go on!”
“Best friend?” Omega gave her… Something, a smirk. “If I tell Crosshair that when we get home..”
“Then I tell Bandana who really lit the kitchen on fire last month.”
“Fair.”
“Go on, the lot of you!”
As they followed Hera and Omega up to the hangar, Ezra heard Ahsoka speak again.
“Best friend?” She echoed, “I knew you missed me.”
“Tell anyone that and I’ll have to kill you.”
“There's a lot I could tell you, Sana. The knowledge is a heavy burden to bear, and I wouldn't wish it on you.”
“Your burdens are mine, old friend. Let me help you carry the weight of it.”
Then Ezra was too far to hear anything over Omega and Hera’s laughter.
END