Shadows of the Force [Captain Rex x F!OC]

Fragments of the Past

The echoes of laughter were still bouncing off the walls as we turned the corner, but just as the others began branching off toward the barracks, I felt a tug in the Force. A subtle nudge, almost like a quiet suggestion. My gaze shifted down the corridor, and I spotted Anakin leaning casually against the wall, watching me with a small smile.

"Catch you all later," I said, waving to the boys. They gave me curious looks. But after a few knowing smirks and an exaggerated wink from Fives, they continued on their way, still laughing as they disappeared down the hall.

Anakin straightened as I approached, arms crossed in that easy stance he always had after a mission. "You handled yourself well out there" he said with a hint of pride in his tone.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It's different from training, but I think I managed. And the squad didn't seem too disappointed to have a Padawan tagging along."

A glimmer of amusement sparked in his eyes. "Modest as ever. Trust me, Stella, if they didn't like you, you'd know. The fact that you're standing here relaxed says a lot. You've already earned their respect."

Warmth crept up my neck, his words sinking deeper than I expected. "I guess I'm starting to feel like I belong with them. Maybe it's because I'm... different."

He tilted his head, studying me. "Different isn't a bad thing. Sometimes, it's what makes you irreplaceable."

He looked out toward the stars streaking by. "The squad sees you as one of them, not just another Jedi passing through. That's rare, Stella. And it says a lot about you."

I could feel the warmth rise in my cheeks, not sure how to respond. "I mean, it's nice to be one of them. Or... as close to it as I can get."

I glanced down the hallway where the boys had disappeared, my words trailing off.

"I never thought I'd find a place like this out here, you know? Especially after... after losing everything I had back on Earth. I thought being here would make me feel more alone... With the Jedi, the clones, and... all the things I can't ever get back. But somehow, in the middle of a war, in the middle of all this chaos... it's starting to feel like I belong."

Anakin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You do belong, Stella. The boys might tease, but they see you as part of the team, not just a Padawan tagging along. And that's something even most Jedi don't get with the troopers."

I glanced down the hallway where the squad had disappeared. "Maybe it's because I'm not like other Jedi. I don't have their training or experience. It makes me feel closer to the men, I guess—like I understand them in a way the Council doesn't."

His gaze held mine, steady and empathetic. "That connection isn't a weakness. It's a strength. You see them as people, and they see you as more than just a commander. It's what makes you human."

He turned back to the stars, his voice quieter. "I've been where you are. Trying to find my place, walking the line between duty and personal loyalty. It's not easy."

I studied him, realizing how deeply he understood this struggle. "So how do you do it? How do you make it work?"

He was silent for a moment, his gaze distant. Then he looked back at me. "You keep your focus. You remind yourself that caring about them doesn't make you weak—it makes you stronger. And... you accept that sometimes, there are sacrifices. It's not always clean, but it's worth it."

I nodded, his words resonating more than I could admit. "I'll try to remember that."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Good. Just keep being yourself. The rest will fall into place."