A New Chance, A New Start (SWR)

Chapter 28: Censored

Ezra glanced around the room with an uneasy smile, the microphone still at his mouth. His eyes caught with Rex's who smiled and shrugged at the unasked question. Finding himself needing another opinion, he let his eyes wonder again before a teal hit him and he stared.

Kanan looked into the lost eyes and smiled softly. The blue was twinkling in the lights and he couldn't help but think what was going through his sons head. Obviously stress and fear but there was something else. Thinking he'll find out later with the rest of their knitted group, he got back to helping the seeking teen.

When he saw the slight smile and furrowed brows from his new father figured, a little tension leaked from his unnoticed tight back and sighed. Turning his orbs to the crowd, he saw the eager looks and couldn't help but not wanting to disappoint. He sighed quietly and rubbed the back of his neck, "Umm, I guess I could you a PG version but it's a little long. So short or long version?"
He already knew the answer but just wanted to ask for curtesy. He nodded, "Ok long version it is. Ummm, where do I start?"

Once again finding his apparent anchor, Kanan whispered something but reading his lips was thin lips was just as easy as listening to his voice. "The beginning I guess. Ok let's see. Well I guess to get the full point across let's start with my parents. My biological parents were Mira and Ephraim Bridger but I guess most of you know them as Voices of Freedom." Shocked looks ran throughout the crowd, older people looking sad and apologetic as they knew the most of the story.
"They spoke out against the Empire for those you don't know and one day, their location was leaked and they were killed at my house during my 7th birthday party. Since they wanted me out of there and away from the scene, an hour later I found myself standing in front of an ... orphanage with a trash bag half filled of my clothes."
He glanced up but regretted the decision, not wanting to see the faces of pity on the crowd. He didn't want that kind of emotion directed towards him. He didn't want it.
"I was there for about a good four months before I was going to my first foster home. Little kids generally go quick and I was just happy to get out of there. But what I didn't know was that home was not what I should be happy about. I was their for two months before someone recognized the signs and I was out of there. Another two months passed at the orphanage before I gained back the weight and the bruises faded."

Kanan, Hera, Sabine, and Zeb stood there looking at the teen who refused to look at everyone. His shirt suddenly looking too large and his shorts too baggy. His scars popping out like stars in a sky and his shining blue eyes held an old, haunted look. A deep promise sat over the family before he started talking again.

"Um, I was once again taken to another foster home but I was more hesitant lucky but apparently not enough." A soft chuckle ran out between his lips with a sarcastic smile upon his lips.
"The Empire just needed some time to find me but they could finish the job as I was hidden during the um... murder. I was taken to a house where I was for about 6 months. I had lost my leg, gained a collection of scars, and lost almost half my weight. I was in the hospital for two months on a feeding tube and with over 60 stitches in my body. I was then allowed to go to physical therapy which was excuse my French but a pain in my ass."
Chuckles ran throughout the crowd as most people could relate.
" I did all my physical therapy with Rex even when I was in the less than nice foster houses. I did that for four years before I stopped due to my school classes but I've always come back for this event. I got to pay respect where it's due."
He finally took the chance to glance up and the crowd of over 200. Most had tears dripping, some with reluctant smiles, and others with hardened eyes.
"Ah, I guess that was my story and hope I kept it PG enough. I know there's a lot of kids here. I also hope you enjoyed yourselves and have found someone you could relate too. It's nice to have someone in the middle of a storm. I want to see y'all next year so goodbye everyone!"
Everyone cheered at the top of their lungs and Ezra was obviously surprised at the loud cheers as he slowly walked off stage with wide eyes and tossed glances.

The family rushed backstage as fast as the could and quickly surrounded their source of urgency. A group hug soon enveloped Ezra and he quickly gathered his wits to absorb their warmth. As soon as everyone stepped away, Sabine announced, "Your performance was amazing! I can't wait till next year."
The midget chuckled, "I'm glad you enjoyed it but you know what's even better after going to this?"
She leaned forward in anticipation, "What?"
"A nice, long nap with Chopper taking up half the bed."
She quirked an eyebrow, "Really, Ez?"
A shrugged of hindered shoulders, guitar strapped over his person, "What? I'm honest to a fault."
Chuckles ran throughout the group as they finally started walking towards the back door. But as soon as Kanan reaches for the handle, Rex came running before stopping and leaning over with his hands on his knees.
"Why you running, Old Man?" Ezra inquired.
"I wanted to say good job but since you called me that..." He reached over and quickly head locked him. After giving him a good noogie, he released him but not before saying, "You did good kid. I'll talk to you later."

They left with slow steps after that, not finding any particular reason to rush getting to the car. After he got into the hot backseat, he leaned his guitar across seat before laying his head against the headrest with a slight tug of the lips. The group left the venue with silence and Ezra looked at each one of them and an unsaid word went throughout the car.
  'Thanks'

Knowing they got his message, he went upstairs to change into more comfy clothes and get into his made bed. He wasn't lying when he said a nap is even better after the event. He was only waiting on one thing. Hearing the patterned of claws on wood, he quickly scooted over and held the covers up. The orange bundle quickly dove under the sheets and cuddled up next to the human. Letting go of the sheets and instead wrapping it around his friend, he smiled with his fallen lids.
"I believe we found our family Chop."
A huff answered back before soft breathing filled the silence.

A few minutes before...

"Well I guess we were right," was the first thing said by the one and only Sabine. She got odd looks in return but a shrug was the returned gesture.
"Yeah, bu' don' talk abou' it so casually. That's rude."
Zeb rebutted with a mild glare that made her look away but not for long. She looked to her parental figures,"So what are we gonna do? Investigate or...?"
Kanan looked at her with dark furrowed brows before a light pawing was heard in the distance. Recognizing it immediately, Hera went into a slight jog from the kitchen to the living room and let their sons friend in. Chopper looked at her before trotting in and heading right to where he could find the bed. And Ezra.

Entering the space once again, she quickly kept up with the conversation while tying back her chocolate locks. "We aren't going to do anything with that information and that's final. It's happened and we can't do anything about it except help. If he or the family is threatened by the Empire then we do something. Don't go rushing in with out a plan, go it?" Kanan declared in what they call his 'leader' voice.
He didn't generally use it unless it was important and Sabine obviously saw that in the teal orbs and backed down. Not wanting to show her submission, she covered it with a yawn and stretched her arms above her head, "Well I guess that's finished. If there's nothing else, I'm going to take up Ez's suggestion and take a nap or something."
She left with a soft saunter and quickly turned the corner, no one having dismissed her. Kanan sighed as he placed his rough hands on the granite counter top, "Well I'm going grocery shopping as we haven't done that in ages. Want to go with me, Zeb?"
A shrug, "Sure"

Hello Peeps! I know I haven't been updating and I want to say sorry. I have been loosing inspiration with the story so I want to know want y'all want. It can continue with the battle theme where they'll fight with the Empire or I could do a fluffy family story. Send in or comment some suggestions and I'll try to update again soon. Bye bye!!😊😊

-Momo