Ch. 2 The same thing you just read, but from Ezra's perspective
ย Ezra Bridger was having the time of his life.
ย Lothal was safe, he hadn't needed to sacrifice himself to ensure it, and Sabine seemed to think it was pretty important that Ezra didn't sacrifice himself. She'd searched without rest for a plan to keep him from exiling himself to a galaxy far, far away, and somehow it had worked.
ย Now she stood at his side as he gave a speech to his peopleโ his free peopleโ and he couldn't help but notice the glances she was giving him, hoping he wouldn't come across as tongue-tied as he thought he did.
ย "I'm really thankful for everyone," Ezra said, "really, I'm thankful. I wish I could thank every one of you: old Joe, Jai, Ryder, that old lady I pickpocketed a week before joining the fight," he cleared his throat, loudly, "but, uh, most of all, I'd like to thank my family."
ย He looked over to where the rest of the crew stood, trying to ignore the lump in his throat at the empty space next to Hera.
ย ย "We wouldn't be free right now if it wasn't for the sacrifices along the way," he finally said, holding back tears, "and I know my parents and Kanan would be proud of us."
ย Then he turned back towards Hera.
ย "Hera, a long time ago you told me that if all I do is fight for myself, then my life is worth nothing," he half laughed, and shook his head, "thank you for showing me something worth fighting for."
ย "Zeb, you're the big brother I never wantedโ and still don't want," Ezra said, and before Zeb could pummel him, he followed with, "but always needed. Chopper, though, I could live without."
ย Chopper beeped in response, something Ezra thought must've been along the lines of "love you too, bro."
ย "Most of all," Ezra said, and the nervousness of public speaking must've canceled out the nervousness he always felt around Sabine, because he dared to look her in the eyes as he said, "my best friend, Sabine."
