Different But The Same

Chapter 13

Lunch time had been and gone. It was finally time for the family of three to leave for Lothal; Ezra had hidden away in the training room all morning until now as he knew he would have to say goodbye. He didn't want to come across as a complete arrogant and rude teenager. He knew hiding away and saying he was training - although he was - probably came across as rude but he just couldn't bring himself to be near them for a long time...it was too hard. Everyone gathered around the front door to say their goodbyes "it was nice meeting you Ezra, I hope we meet again" Ephraim stated as he shook the teens hand "yeah...you too" he didn't know what else to say!! Once Mira, Ephraim and young Ezra had left for the docking bays, Padme left to drop the twins off at a friends house before hurrying to a meeting with work, Ezra sat on the sofa and took some deep breaths. Anakin, who was staying home for the day, sat on the other sofa "how you feeling kid??" he asked earning a sigh "I'm fine...it was just a shock more then anything, seeing them again when in my universe...they're gone and never coming back" Anakin really felt back for the boy. Something then popped into the Jedi's mind "why didn't you tell them??" Ezra had to think of how to word his explanation "because...they're not my parents" that just confused the man further "I'm not from this universe whilst they are....they have their Ezra so it'll confuse them and they don't need another one" he rubbed the back of his neck as Anakin spoke with a smile "that's quite the sacrifice Ezra". The teenager shrugged as he lent his elbows on his knees, leaning forward in his seat "I accepted my parents death long ago...besides, I've found a family now" that certainly earned a smile. Anakin didn't need to ask who either - it was obvious, right?? To change the subject, Ezra spoke again "so what did the council say about Maul??" he asked; the Master thought back to the meeting "they sent out some clones to find him" he exclaimed "but due to what Kanan told us, some of the Jedi council are also going out to look too". The two then decided to make their way to the training room and begin some more Jedi training.

At the temple, the crew were fine of course...other then they missed Ezra like crazy. Sabine missed her painting and miracle building buddy. Zeb missed 'fighting', teasing and playing holo-chest with his roommate. Hera missed having her nice hour long talks with her boy, as well as teaching him to fly a ship. And Kanan...let's just say the other's now believe their leader has a separation issue when it came to his Padawan; he certainly acted a little different. He missed training with the teen, teaching him new things and just spending time with him all together. So yeah, they all missed their little Ezra Bridger....he'd probably prank them for an entire month if he ever heard them call him 'their little Ezra Bridger' and none of them wanted the words "Ezra" and "pranks" to ever be in the same sentence.....ever!! They had all learnt what happens when you challenge Ezra Bridger to a prank war.....nothing good!! People become mentally scarred from his prank wars!! Anyway......where were we??....Oh yeah. The Ghost crew all missed their Ezra Bridger who would never ever know that they called him that, out loud or in their mind. Kanan and Master Depa were talking through the gardens as they spoke - they had been doing this quite a few times ever since Kanan and his crew had arrived. Of course, Ezra had become a subject like usual "the boy talks very highly of you, he treats you with a lot of love and respect" the woman stated with a fond smile; Kanan was take back by the statement, even though it was true and well known "oh...well I talk very highly of Ezra too" he smiled "he's brave, respectful....of those who deserve his respect, funny but knows when he needs to be serious" so many memories came to mind as he described the boy "Ezra really is a great so...Padawan".

Depa's eyes and smile widened as she realized what Kanan had just said....or nearly said "you....you were going to say son!!" she exclaimed "you were going to call Ezra son!!". Of course, the stubborn man denied it, earning an eye roll and smirk "Kanan, you were once my padawan and I knew when you lie or try to cover something up" she had a point. And the man knew it and.....didn't say another word as he averted his eyes away from the woman. Depa chuckled as she patted the younger Jedi's shoulder "well...you certainly talk as if you're Ezra's father" she stated before leaving to teach a younglings class; Kanan remained silent as he fell into a pool of deep thoughts - all based around Ezra of course. Did he speak of the boy as if he was his own?? Did he treat Ezra like he would a son?? This really confused the man so he decided to go to the one person he knew would some how make sense of his insane and crazy mind, as well as give him some sensible and good advise - the one and only Hera Syndulla!! The captain was found sat in the library, a book called...Fifty Shades of Grey?? Kanan raised a brow 'why is she looking at different shades of grey?? Is she planning on redecorating or something??'. 

Shaking his head, the Jedi sat down in front of his girlfriend who looked up from her book and smiled "hey love" she greeted; the smile was returned naturally "hey Hera....how do I talk about Ezra?? And act towards him??" he blurred out. It took the woman back for a moment before she thought on it "hmm...well you always talk proudly of him" she stated before adding "my I ask why??" she was curious. Kanan sighed as he rubbed his forehead "Master Depa starting saying I talk as if Ezra is my son...and I may or may not have nearly called him...son instead on Padawan" he explained hesitantly "and now I'm all confused and...uhh!!" being confused was extremely irritating. All of a sudden, the sound of a chuckle left Hera's mouth, a beautiful smile decorating her face like always "oh Kanan, even though you see things through the force, you are still so blind" she stated; this earned a raised brow from the man "blind?? What do you mean??" he asked, his confusion only becoming even more strong. The captain explained, an amused expression remaining on her face "Kanan" she sighed, as if what she was about to say was the most obvious thing ever....which she was!! "Everyone but yourself knows that you see Ezra as your son Kanan!!" she cheerfully exclaimed, but what she said next was what shocked Kanan the most "as well as how Ezra sees you as his father figure". 

The Jedi's eyes widened for a moment before he took a deep breath; Hera added one last thing "Sabine and Zeb even made a bet to see who would realize the first out of the two of you....looks like Sabine needs to collect her credits". The man couldn't believe what he was hearing "Ezra....sees e as his dad??" he mumbled, followed by "I see him as my son??" it was as if it had just dawned on the Jedi "I...I see Ezra as my son!!" he exclaimed but as a statement this time, his head turning towards the woman who still held her smile "yes Kanan....you do". Hera couldn't help but grin as she lifted her book up as if to continue to read "I really can't wait for Ezra to come back now". An idea suddenly hit the man, one he couldn't believe he had thought "...why don't we adopt him??" he asked, the captain froze for a moment before placing the book in her lap, eyes wide from shock "wh...what?!" did she hear him right?? Kanan spoke again, this time explaining himself better "why don't we adopt Ezra?? We both see him as our son, that's apparently no secret" he stated "and we are a couple so it would only make sense". Hera's confusion and shock soon turned to happiness and excitement after that "Kanan Jarris!!" she exclaimed, launching herself at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck "that might be the best idea you've ever had!!" they laughed with pure joy. "We'll ave to ask Ezra himself of course, once he returns" Kanan stated, knowing the boy had to agree for this to happen "I hope he says yes" Hera prayed, still in the tight embrace of her boyfriend "so do I Hera, so do I"