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Shifting on his feet, Kanan waited for Ezra to permiss him forward. He fiddled with his gift behind his back. Even after Ezra nodded, Kanan still found himself frozen. Knowing that he was running out of time nudged him forward.
"I promise I'll be back before midnight, I won't go anywhere else, and I'll keep my comm active the whole time," Ezra said.
A faint smile graced Kanan's face. "Good. But that's not why I'm here."
"Then... why?"
The smile dissapeared behind a cloud of uncertainty. "I wanted to give you something." He could feel Ezra's curiosity throwing sparks. The boy had noticed his hands, tucked behind his back. Another moment lost, another nudge, and Kanan unfurled the black folds. A sleek, shiny jacket with buttons trailing down the front and rattling chains dancing at the hem. The collar, whip-sharp, fell back over the shoulders. Lined for comfort, the interior was a soft long-faded jade. Practical as it was handsome. Ezra's eyes widened at the gift. He had never seen it before. Or much else like it.
"Wow... Kanan, it's..."
"I know it's not much," Kanan said quickly. "I had to get it cleaned. And it's probably too big for you. I just thought..."
"No, it's great!" Ezra gingerly took the jacket from Kanan. Stiffly, as if moving too fast would tear it. "Wow. Where did you get this?"
Kanan's glassy eyes found a spot to the side. "I've had it for years. It's, um... This is what I was wearing when I met Hera."
Ezra's eyes stared awe-struck holes into Kanan's.
"It has some sentimental value," Kanan shrugged. "I don't wear it anymore, though."
"Why are you giving this to me?" Ezra blurted. "I'm sorry, but... are you sure? I mean, if it means so much to you, why give it away?"
"Because, Ezra," Kanan sighed. Slowly, he kneeled so Ezra wouldn't have to look up. Kanan helped Ezra slip it on, idly adjusting the intricate pieces with careful hands. "This date means a lot to you. I'm sorry I haven't been as supportive as the both of us would have liked. I was just... It's my job as your master to look out for you. And to teach you everything I know so that, when you go out into the world one day, you won't be as lost as I was." His hands moved to feel for the length of the sleeves. As he feared, he had to roll them back for Ezra to use his hands.
"I'll be honest with you, kid. I'm terrified. The galaxy is still a dangerous place. I was hoping it would be a little better by the time you were grown up. But here we are. You're not a kid anymore. The galaxy is still dangerous...
"But I can't keep you here forever. I shouldn't. You need to be free to decide your own fate. I just had to be reminded of that. You might not be a kid anymore but..." Kanan's hands found Ezra's. "...you're my kid. I'm always going to worry about you, no matter what, but that shouldn't keep you from living your life. Because as much as I worry for you... I want you to be happy. If going on a date with this boy will make you happy, then you should go."
"Really?" Ezra breathed.
"Yes." Kanan rose back to his feet, releasing Ezra. Still, Kanan couldn't resist smoothing out his collar. "You better hurry. I'm sure Luke won't mind waiting, but still. It's impolite."
Suddenly Ezra was deathly aware of the time. "Oh! Right! I have to go!" The coat swished as he whirled to run. He had only taken a step before he stopped, thinking. As if he'd forgotten something.
Ezra ran back and didn't stop. He barreled into Kanan. His long arms wrapped all the way around Kanan's torso and his head rested above Kanan's heart. Kanan's mind was suddenly thrown two years in the past, when he had to crouch to hug the kid properly. His kid. This little boy, too small to survive in a galaxy so cruel and twisted. He was no boy anymore, and it hurt Kanan's heart. Not in a bad way. The clenching in his chest was out of pride. Adoration. Grief and fear, sure. But ultimately a pain borne of love.
"Thank you," Ezra breathed. "For everything."
Kanan rested his chin on Ezra's head. A small mercy, that he was still short enough for that. "Thank you."
"What are you thanking me for?"
Kanan sighed. "Nothing. Nothing. You should go. Don't let me stop you."
"Wasn't planning on it!" Ezra peeled away running. There was no more hesitation in his stride. Even as he called back, he ran full speed, aiming somewhere far, far away. "Bye, Kanan!"
"Bye, kid!" Kanan stood and listened for a minute longer. Even after Ezra was gone, Kanan stood. His legs were rooted right there. In the moment his son became a man. Someday, his boy would leave him. Someday he would stand and watch his little boy find his own home. His own place in the world. That was alright, Kanan figured. He would stand there until Ezra needed him again. With the whistling of the night wind, Kanan's whisper was given away to the stars.
"Thank you for choosing me."