We're Different Than the Rest

Chapter Eight: Are You Okay?

22 BBY
7 Months After Geonosis

.oOo.

Bly's eyes fluttered open. Geez it's bright. I must be in medbay. He turned his head to see Aayla sleeping in a chair with her head on his bed. His eyes followed Aayla's arm to his hand, which was holding hers. He smiled. I'll let you sleep... for now.

.oOo.

"Commander, you're awake!" Sid practically yelled when he walked into Bly's room in the large medbay.

"Shhh! She's sleeping." Bly whispered.

"Kriffing finally. I practically had to stun her to get her to sleep. She's been awake since before..." Sid paused. "Before the battle." He finished.

"How long ago was that?"

"Five days, Commander." Bly nodded. "Anyways, Commander. Your injuries." Bly nodded again. 

"You have a broken shoulder, the shot shattered the right side of your collarbone. The bacta tank helped, but you'll need sufficient amounts of physical therapy. As for your other injury, thankfully it, the shot I mean, missed any vital organs, but not by much. The bacta almost entirely healed it, but you will have a scar. From both wounds."

"Thanks, Sid." 

"Of course, Commander. You can leave when you're ready, but I expect to see you here for your daily check-ups."

"Thank you again, Sid. I'll leave once Aay- the General gets up." Sid smiled and walked out of the room.

.oOo.

By the time Aayla woke up in the medbay chair, Bly had fallen asleep again. She decided to stay until he woke up, then she could go eat. 

"No... no... Caro... stay... with..."

"Bly, wake up." 

"Caro..." Bly cried in his sleep.

"Wake up. Come on." Bly was shaking. "Bly." Aayla ran her hand through his short hair. "Bly."

Bly's head shot up. His eyes were red and held fear. "Where's Caro?" 

"Bly, Caro didn't make it." 

"But, I was right next to him. He-" a sob came out of Bly. 

"I know. He died knowing he was safe, next to you." 

"I- I couldn't protect him. If I wasn't hurt, I could have-" 

"Bly, it's not your fault." 

"But-" Tears were streaming down Bly's face. 

Aayla sat on the edge of Bly's bed, and gently reached up to brush his tears away. "I know that nothing can make up for Caro, but your vod are here to support you, and I'm here too." 

"Can I- never mind." 

"Hug?" Aayla asked, sensing Bly's question. "Of course." 

Bly slumped forward into Aayla's embrace, letting himself be comforted. 

.oOo. 

"Are you okay?" Aayla asked once Bly's cries had stopped. 

He rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be crying."

"We've all cried. Nothing wrong with it. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah. I'm good."

"C'mon. You got permission from Sid to leave."
Bly stood up but almost fell.