#monnk x reader

[vodika-vibes]

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Summary: After the war, Monnk decides to stop being a soldier and instead opens a Private Detective Agency on the lower levels of Coruscant. And, once he proved his worth to the people of Coruscant, he hired you.

Pairing: Commander Monnk x F!Reader

Word Count: 1476

Warnings: Mentions of human trafficking

A/N: So this feels like the start of a story, but I'm happy with it I think. I hope you all like it.

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It’s been two years since the end of the war.

Two years since Sheev Palpatine overextended his reach, and exposed himself as the Mastermind behind the entire war, as well as the creation of the clones.

Two years since Jedi Grandmaster Yoda died to defeat Palpatine, allowing the Jedi to step up and mediate peace between the two sides.

During those two years, the clones were granted freedom. And while some of them elected to remain with what they know, a large majority of them elected to walk away from the military life to try something new.

Former Commander Monnk, for example, opened a Private Detective Agency. Kraken Investigations, he named it. Named for the tattoo that covers the large majority of his body.

He hired you six months after his opened the doors.

And the pair of you make an excellent team. You cover his weaknesses and he covers yours.

You’re a good enough pair, in fact, that he recently asked you to be his wife. Something that you have been eagerly waiting for.

Of course, neither of you advertise that fact. The clients don’t need to know, after all.

You like to think that your relationship with Monnk has made your working relationship even better. And, seeing as you have a 95% closure rate, the numbers seem to agree with you.

Although, you aren’t happy with the case that just crossed Monnk’s desk. A missing college student, an incomplete police investigation, and a client who makes your skin crawl.

This case is not going to end well, you can feel it down to your bones.

You lean your hip against Monnk’s desk as you listen to the client weave their sob story for the man standing next to you. Your job is to take notes for Monnk, so he can focus his attention on the client itself.

Though, right now, you’re not sure why.

Every other word coming out of the client’s mouth is a lie.

And, based on Monnk’s tight smile, he’s come to the exact same conclusion.

You listen, absently, as Monnk offers comfort to the client, without promising anything, and you watch as he ushers the man out of the office the pair of you share.

You only straighten from your lazy slouch after the door is shut behind the client.

Monnk pulls his hair out of the neat tail he’s taken to wearing since the end of the war, and he combs his fingers through his curls, “So,” He says as he leans against the door, “What do you think?”

“I think he couldn’t say good morning without lying twice,” you reply with a wry smile, “That said, there were some truths in that fairy tale he just wove for us.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Mm. The young lady he was talking about has, in fact, disappeared.” You hold up your datapad, “I did a quick missing person’s search, and found a bunch of stories about it.”

Monnk straightens and walks over to you to peer over your shoulder, “Well, don’t leave me in suspense, darlin’. What’s it say?”

“Melliandra Dawson, 19, is a student of Law at Coruscant University.” You read off the datapad, “According to her roommate, she stayed late at school to study for her midterms, and never made it back home.”

“She could have just run off. Wouldn’t be the first time a college student cracked under the pressure of exams.” Monnk points out.

“True.” You admit, “Local police thought the same thing, so they only did a bare bones investigation. They spoke to the roommate and the employee at the library, but that was it.”

Monnk walks over to his desk and drops in to his seat as you talk, and then he tosses you a grin and rests his chin on the palm of his hand, “What’d the interviews say?”

“Those are police interviews. They’re not open to the public.” You reply with a sniff.

“Uh-huh. That’s never stopped you before. What’d they say?”

You pout at him, mostly for show, and then open a minimized page on your datapad, “The interview with the roommate is standard fare. Miss Dawson is quiet and a dedicated student. She doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink, doesn’t party. According to the roommate, Miss Dawson wakes up, goes to school, comes home and that’s it.”

“How’s she paying for rent?” Monnk asks, “Could there be something there?”

“Looks like mom and dad are paying for rent, food, and the like.”

“Does she show off her money?”

“Not according to the roommate. Looks like the only thing Miss Dawson splurges on is organic food.” You open to another page, “According to the roommate, she doesn’t even splurge for caf at the school cafeteria.”

“And what did the library employee say?”

“That Miss Dawson left at 10 pm, and mentioned that she was going to head straight home.” You glance at the first page, “And the roommate reported her missing first thing in the morning.”

“So, Miss Dawson is a creature of habit.”

“Apparently so. According to the roommate, she’s awake at 7 am. Starts breakfast at 7:20, is out the door no later than 7:35 so she can be early for her 8 am class. She’s in class from 8 until noon, and then she gets an hour for lunch, which she eats in the square every day. Her afternoon classes run from 1 until 6, and then she goes to the library from 6 until 10.”

“And she does that every day?”

“Every day but the weekends, it looks like.”

“She’s a kidnappers wet dream,” Monnk says dryly, “Alright, you said the police didn’t take it seriously at first?”

“That’s right. Looks like dad found out that his daughter was missing and made a fuss to the right people, so the police started looking even harder.”

“How long did that take?”

“A week.”

Monnk makes a face, and you don’t blame him. You both know the statistics, after all.

You walk over to him and sit on the edge of his desk, “So? What’s the play?”

He absently taps your knee, “Well, what can you tell me about our client.”

“Nada.”

He pauses and shoots you a look, “Come on, darlin’. You expect me to believe that?”

“No, but it’s the honest truth. I’ve got nothing. According to everything I’ve dug into since he contacted us, he doesn’t exist. Anywhere.” You absently trace a part of Monnk’s tattoo, the part the extends onto the top of his hand, “I’m thinking… trafficker?”

“Mm, maybe.” He flips his hand and catches yours, “Reach out to Fox, see what you can find out about traffickers on Coruscant.”

“He’s still mad at me about the O’Hara fiasco.”

“Well...say please.”

“Monnk!”

He grins at you, “Unless you’d rather the job of trying to get information out of the Jedi?”

“Ugh, it’d be more useful talking to a wall.”

“That’s the spirit!”

“You’re the worst!” You grumble as you squeeze his hand, “But, also, if this is traffickers, do you really think I should be gallivanting around on my own?”

Monnk freezes and then he shoots you a baleful look, “Why’d you go and put that thought in my head? Now I have to stay near you or I’ll worry about you nonstop.”

“You already worry about me nonstop.” You remind him.

“Yeah, well, the last time you took initiative you got shot, so you’ll just have to deal with it.” Monnk sighs and then tugs you off his desk so you’re sitting on his lap, “Give me your real opinion, darlin’. I don’t care if you don’t have the numbers to back it up.”

You’re quiet for a moment, taking your time to gather your thoughts as you twist a strand of his bleached hair around your fingers, “I think this case is bigger than either of us.” You finally admit.

Monnk presses his forehead against yours, “Alright. I think Wolffe isn’t super busy right now, I call in him and the Wolf pack.”

“You sure?”

“Your safety is more important to me than anything,” Monnk replies, “And I have the same feeling you do. There’s something wrong about this case. More eyes will be better for everyone.”

You scan his face for a moment, and then you sigh, “I love you, but if you think you’re going to shove me off on Commander Wolffe so you can investigate this alone—”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Monnk says quickly, leaning in to steal a kiss, “We’re partners, you go where I go.”

“Good.” You lean in to rest your head on his shoulder, “You reach out to Wolffe, I’m going to contact Miss Dawson’s parents and see what I can learn from them.”

“Deal.”

This case might be bigger than you and Monnk, but you’re not worried. When you’re together, nothing can hurt either of you.

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[clone-anon]

Hi Clone-Anon I would like to make a request. I have always been scared of deep water even though I can swim in a pool. Can I get something that's early relationship for a gender neutral reader with Commander Monnk? lie a day on the beach and he finds out you aren't sure about going in the water?

Absolutely! This is my first time writing Monnk so let's see what happens.

Commander Monnk x GN!Reader

Warnings: swimming in the ocean, reader does get in the ocean so if you want a version outside of the water let me know Anon, holding on to each other, hugs, kisses, this is the Clone Anon blog so you're getting fluff

"You coming," Monnk called, already far enough into the waves that he was chest-deep.

"Yeah," you replied, trying to smile back to him. You looked down at your feet as each wave covered your ankles and buried your toes a little deeper in the sand. You took a few steps forward and Monnk approached you. He didn't want to leave you behind. He didn't say anything but reached for your hand. You walked into the water with him and paused once you got to be waist-deep. The waves weren't rough, but you felt your heart pounding in your chest. It almost felt like you couldn't breathe.

"What is it," he asked.

Your attempted grin looked more like a grimace. This was date number four and you were still getting to know each other. You thought a day at the beach could be fun and while the picnic part was, you weren't completely sure about the swimming part.

"I'm scared of water," you replied.

"Water or the ocean," he asked, remembering when he met you, you'd been wading in a small pool at your friend's house.

"It's the deep water that worries me," you admitted. You felt him squeeze your hand a little.

"We can stay on the beach," he offered. "Or if you want to go further, you can hang on to me."

"Are you sure," you asked. "I don't want to ruin the fun."

He pulled you in for a hug and replied, "You're not ruining anything. I just want to spend time with you."

You decided to at least try to go further. He was a fantastic swimmer and if you were going to try to enjoy the deep ocean, you felt he was someone who would make sure you didn't get hurt. You took your time walking further into the ocean. He made sure you always were holding on to each other in some way. He was more than comfortable in the water, his strong legs kicking through the depths. You faced him, trying to tread water along with him and keeping your hands on his shoulders. You started to find a rhythm and had to admit that you even enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness.

When a fish swam up against your leg, you practically jumped on to him. He held you, treading water while keeping your head well above it.

"It's okay," he said reassuringly. "It's just a fish. We're not out deep enough for anything to get us. I promise."

You wrapped your arms around him and took a few calming breaths. After a little while, you started to relax again. You enjoyed his company and felt like you could get used to this. You started noticing some of what was in the water around you.

"Look at that shell," you said, trying to point to one that seemed to be a brighter color than the others that lay around it. Monnk swam you both closer to land so you could stand up, water not only up to your waist.

"Wait here," he said, diving back into the water and retrieving the shell. He handed it to you and kissed your cheek. You cupped his face and returned the kiss, getting lost in his eyes and thinking it might be nice to have another date on the beach soon.

[clonemommy]

Lucky me

Summary: On a night out, something between Wolffe and you changes.

Pairing: WolffexReader

Warnings: Drinking, Making-Out, Teasing

Words: 3.2k

Auhtors Note: Should I make a part two of this? Like something.. spicy? perhaps?

Oh and this is not proof read

--

It was one of those nights that will never be forgotten. It was ‘no clone stays dry’ night. Clone or Padawan - it doesn’t matter in the end; nobody stays dry. Nobody wants to stay dry. Where else is the fun? May the liver be with us.

The first different aromas fill my nose as I enter the bar, 79s, of course. Let’s be honest: no bar on Coruscant is better than this clone bar. In addition to the pervasive smell of alcohol, the countless suits of armour immediately caught my eye. White, orange, blue, green… Besides the bright, colourful lights that radiate from the bar, the different colours are challenging to determine. But one colour I’m very sure I can see is the grey next to me.

Why? Because I came here with them. Our Wolfpack is close to my heels as I approach the bar. My own personal pack of wolves who will chase away anything and anyone who gets too close. The biggest and the most dangerous - Wolffie. Oh, no, sorry - Wolffe. Wolffie is forbidden, much to my regret. However, I could swear he secretly likes it, at least with me.

Boost called him Wolffie once, and he’s not far from the barracks for the next few days after that. Master Plo had to reassure him that nothing would happen to him. In any case, I’m enjoying my Big Scary Dog privileges to the full today.

As soon as my big, dangerous wolves and I reach the bar, we are met by an all too familiar-sunshine. With a big, wide grin on his face. ‘Cody, I didn’t realise you even knew places like this.’ Wolffe, next to me, naturally heads straight for his brother. ‘I can’t always be the spoilsport.’ Cody replies, and the two give each other a quick brotherly hug.

‘Oh yeah, who is it today?’ ’Bly. He and General Secura have a meeting.’ Cody looks at his brother for a second too long before turning his gaze to me. ‘Y/N, I’m always happy to have you here.’

Cody comes up to me and hugs me in greeting.

‘Hey, Kotes. Nice to see you again.’ He hugs me and then lets go of me with a smile. Wolffe, who is standing silently next to us, turns to me. There’s something in his gaze that I can’t quite put my finger on. Just as he seems to be about to say something, Cody speaks to us, ‘You must want to sit at our table. The others are already drunk, you’re pretty behind on the drinking.’ His grin returns.

‘That sounds very tempting,’ I finally reply, fuelled by anticipation. When I turn back to Wolffe, I realise that the rest of the Wolfpack has long since left. Only Wolffe is still standing next to me.

Some of them even salute, but they don’t have to. They’re just too cute, aren’t they? Wolffe would now say that they are loyal, not sweet. Then I would say that it moves me that even when drunk, they give themselves to us. Then Wolffe would retort that they were raised - no - programmed to do this, and so it would continue.

‘What do you think?’ His gaze shifts from Cody to me. His eyes - or rather his one eye - no, actually, his two eyes - soften. ‘Yeah, sure, I’ll come with you.’ I smile at him, and Cody starts to move. We walk to the other end of the bar, weaving our way past brothers and brothers.

But not today. I want Wolffe to relax and put his stubborn head aside.

And when I see the table that Cody is leading us to, this might be easier than I thought. ‘Look who I’ve picked up.’ Cody proudly presents his haul as we step up to the table. I see Rex, Ahsoka, Gree, Monnk, and others like Waxer, Boil, Fives, and Jesse. Ahsoka stands up as soon as she sees me and hugs me tightly. A laugh escapes me immediately. ‘Ahsoka, how are you?’

’Oh, you know, saving the galaxy here, fighting droids there… it never gets boring.’ That’s the Skywalker talking. I’m thrilled to see my old friend again. ‘And how are things going with you and Master Plo?’ ’It’s going great. Master Plo would have loved to see you.’ She releases me from her tight grip and sits down again. I give the rest of the gang a quick wave, and Wolffe… well, Wolffe is Wolffe. I’m sure he’ll have somehow communicated with his brothers while I was busy with Ahsoka.

When we finally sit down, I end up next to Gree, who gives me another quick hug from the side, and Wolffe sits next to me on my right. He sits at the far end of the booth. Ahsoka sits opposite us at the other end of the Booth. The rest are spread out in the centre.

‘Cody, tell me, what happened to our drinks, eh?’ Monnk addresses Cody, who is still standing. He replies plumb: ‘Huh?’ ‘Yeah, really, you were going to get drinks,’ Gree joins in. ‘He probably drank them all by himself on the way here, typical.’ Rex points to Cody’s seat. With a pile of empty glasses.

‘Woah woah woah. Stop a minute. I brought you something much better - Y/N. Oh, and Wolffe too, that was more or less intentional.’ The table laughs; only Wolffe looks more or less amused. ‘It wasn’t my fault… always on the commander…’ Cody finally turns around mid-sentence and heads back towards the bar.

Giggling follows at the table. At that moment, Wolffe asks me, ‘What can I get you? I’ll get drinks for us.’ His willingness makes me happy and gives me a good feeling in my chest. His silent existence from a moment ago seems completely displaced when he turns to me. ‘Can you bring me something not quite so strong? I want to enjoy the evening more before I’m useless later.’

Wolffe smiles gently at me. ‘Sure thing. Anything else?’, “Not for now.”, ’Sure?’ I can’t help but smile. ‘I’ll let you know immediately if I need anything else, Wolffe.’ His grin grows as I grin knowingly at him myself. He finally gets up and goes after his brother. My eyes rest on his form as he walks away.

I can’t help but stare after him. And honestly, who can blame me? If there were ever a ranking of the best-looking clones in the army - Wolffe would be my number 1. Always. Although millions share his face, his is the most beautiful. By all means, the hottest. But just as my gaze is about to wander down his figure, I feel a presence behind me, close to my face.

It is green and decorated with two red stripes. Need I say more? The alien himself. ‘Gree?’ When I turn round, Gree is close to me, looking in the direction I was staring. His eyes are narrowed and strained. ‘Mh?’ ‘What are you doing?’ ‘Oh, I just wanted to find out what you were watching. Or rather - who you’re watching.’

He leans back again and looks at me mischievously. He raises an eyebrow and looks at me expectantly. In response, I raise my eyebrow, too, trying to appear as clueless as possible. Gree now raises his second as well. - ‘Okay, you look stupid.’ I can’t help but not laugh at Gree.

He laughs, too, of course, after relaxing his eyebrows again. ‘Oh, no, do that again; I must take a picture!’ ‘Hell no.’ ‘Yes, you do; I’ll add that to my backgrounds on my holo pad!’ He looks at me suspiciously. ‘What if we do it in pairs? As a selfie?’ He thinks for a moment. ‘All right, but quickly.’ I can’t believe he’s agreed to this.

Gree takes out his helmet and holds it out in front of us. ‘Okay, Y/N, on three…’ ‘One’ “Two” ’Three.’ On three, we raise our eyebrows simultaneously and look into the helmet’s visor together. Gree pulls the trigger and lowers the helmet again a little later. But before he puts it down again, he quickly puts it on. A few seconds later, he laughs out loud. ‘Come on, let’s see it!’ ‘Yes, just a moment…’

And just as Gree predicted, my holo pad flashes a moment later, and a picture is displayed. We look divine. I can’t stifle my laughter. We both look modest. It’s so stupid that this is already one of my favourite pictures. ‘This will end up as my background.’ I smile so wide that the corners of my mouth hurt. But it’s precisely because of moments like this that these nights are so special.

The boys are special precisely because of moments like these. They are friends - brothers, not soldiers and followers of orders. My heart blossoms in moments like these. But that’s not the only reason my heart blossomed; a new presence appeared next to me, this time on my other side. And in the same breath, a drink is placed before me. I look over and spot Wolffe, who has just sat beside me again. Denser than before.

‘Wolffe!’ My smile is now even wider than before. ‘Hey.’ He greets me quietly with a gentle smile, which is typical of him and reserved for me. We are interrupted from the side as: ‘Wolffe can smile… Woah, did that apply to me, or…?’ Gree. Who else. ‘Shut up, Gree.’ He raises his hands in defence and turns away from us.

Cody, who has returned with Wolffe, hands out the drinks and squeezes through to return to his seat. ‘So… what did we miss?’ As the others briefly update the well-coiffed Commander, they don’t seem to have noticed anything about Grees and my embarrassing photo. At least that’s what I thought until…

‘Why were you and the alien next to you laughing like that just now?’ Wolffe next to me looks at me quizzically. He seems quite interested in the reason, but he’s wearing an impenetrable, hard expression. ‘We took a photo together, which turned out pretty trivial. Do you want to see it?’ He gives me a dodgy look and replies bluntly: ‘No, thanks.’ Oh. Good, then, no. That was pretty clear. If he knew that he was the reason the photo was taken…

Luckily, Gree didn't ask why I was staring after Wolffe like that. He would have always held that against me. Never mind. Change of subject. ‘What kind of drink do you have?’ Wolffe turns his gaze to his glass. ‘Beer.’ ’Beer was never really mine… it tastes horrible.’ The table instantly goes quiet. Oh boy. ‘Would you like to repeat that, Y/N?’

Monnk is the first to break the tense silence. ‘Beer tastes terrible?’ My voice is visibly - no, audibly - restrained. ‘Out’ The next moment, Rex raises his arm and points to the exit. ‘Out. Now.’ Ahsoka, next to him, giggles. ‘Wolffe, you must not have raised your Padawan properly.’ Cody joins in the discussion.

The one just named also looks at me sceptically. ‘I had just as little idea, Kotes.’ ‘Even Ahsoka drinks beer!’ Rex nods vigorously at her statement. ‘It’s not bad at all after a few glasses.’ I’m not convinced. ‘I’ve tried it so many times, but it still tastes just as bad every time!’ I can already tell that my defence is poor. ‘You’re not supposed to drink it several times on different evenings, but several times in one evening! Wolffe, your Padawan is lost.’

Monnk throws his hands in the air. The others loudly agree with him. ‘I don’t know…’ ‘Hey.’ Wolffe touches my side. When I turn to him, he looks at me gently. ‘It’s all right. You’ve got something to drink, and that’s good.’ My gaze wanders to his beer ‘Wolffe…. Do you like beer?’ ‘Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t have ordered any.’ Of course. Stupid question. ‘Would you like a taste?’

The question is meant seriously. He looks at me calmly. Which is unusual because he never looks calm. It’s more like he’s about to bark at any moment. Just like Wolffe. ‘If I may.’ And there it is again, his gentle smile, which he only gives me. He lifts the glass and hands it to me. An idea occurs to me. ‘Here.’ I give him my drink in exchange. He looks at me in surprise.

‘I’d like to clink glasses with you. Go on, have one.’ Reluctantly, but still willingly, he accepts my glass, and we clink glasses. As the first bitter drops of beer touch my tongue, my face contorts, and a shiver runs down my spine. It’s worse than I remember. Have they changed suppliers here? Disgusting.

A soft laugh sounds next to me. Wolffe looks at me with amusement and carefully takes the beer from my hand, which I’m already holding out to him. ‘Not good?’ ‘Not good.’ He looks at me. ‘How can you drink that?’ ‘Probably a man thing.’ ‘Yeah, you can keep it. Women deserve better.’ ‘I know, they do.’

He’s still looking at me gently. His gaze stays with me most of the time. And that makes me happy, quite frankly. The moment is interrupted when the voices next to us get louder again.

From then on, the topics of the evening changed several more times. About missions, tactics, Jedi and the latest dramas that Fox had to tell. However, Wolffe’s uninterrupted gaze on me hasn’t changed.

But wait - one thing has changed. It’s Wolffe’s arm, which has quietly and secretly crept around my shoulder. And which holds me tightly. After a few more drinks, the atmosphere has become very relaxed. And so has Wolffe. He sits comfortably next to me and has pulled me to his side. The beer is in one hand, and me is in the other.

Is it crazy to say that it’s getting me fucked up? But in a good way. In a perfect way. With every drink, I snuggle more into his arms, which doesn’t bother him. On the contrary. He starts to draw gentle circles on my shoulder with his hand. And just as the others are conversing, I turn slightly towards him.

‘Hey…’ My voice is quieter than intended but still audible next to the loud music. His gaze immediately rests on me. ‘Hey. Are you all right?’ Of course, he’s worried. ‘Yeah.’ My voice remains a whisper, and he adjusts his voice, too. Thanks to our closeness, we understand each other very well. ‘Yes, of course. I’m with you.’ He returns my answer with a smile.

- Just by the way, I should keep a tally; the number of times he has smiled today, no, tonight alone, is a record. -

‘Everything all right with you?’ His smile lingers on his lips. ‘Of course, Méshla.’

There it is: Méshla. I know exactly what it means. And Wolffe knows it, too. I turn towards him, and his hand falls from my shoulder to my back. He holds me by the waist. ‘You weren’t in a good mood earlier, were you?’ I can’t help but look at him, a little worried. He looks at me questioningly.

‘When we arrived, I mean. You didn’t seem well.’

‘Oh, Méshla, don’t worry about it. You’re here, that’ll lift my spirits.’ I don’t quite believe him.

'Really'.

He puts his free hand on my chin and slightly lifts my head.

‘I promise.’

A small smile finally rises to my lips. My eyes look deep into his until they finally dart to his lips. And up again. And down again. I can’t make up my mind.

‘Hey.’ Wolffe puts his hand on my cheek. My eyes decide in favour of his eyes. He slowly comes closer to me. Which is hardly possible, as we were already very close before. Alcohol - I blame it all on the alcohol. But when I think about it, I can’t stay angry with it for long. Because the next feeling of Wolffe’s surprisingly soft lips on mine makes me forget everything.

At first, he’s gentle, but then he gets bolder. Our lips move faster, more intensely. A kiss like in any little girl’s dream. Or perhaps any teenager. Little girls certainly don’t dream of kisses like this. Not yet.

But the kiss is perfect in every way. Wolffe is perfect. To put it bluntly. But I think that was already known beforehand.

The kiss deepens, and my insides tingle as I feel his tongue on my lips, asking for entrance. I grant it to him, of course.

Suddenly, there is a synchronised clearing of throats. When we let go of each other, and I looked around, everyone else looked blankly at us. ‘Damn. Wolffe’s got it going on.’ Cody starts to grin.

When our tongues meet, the tingling turns into fireworks. It must be similar for Wolffe as he continues to rise in front of me. He takes me in completely.

The kiss is the epitome of hot. Demanding and passionate. I would never have expected to spend the night like this. And neither did the others.

‘Wolffe?! Y/N’s got it!’ Ahsoka cheers and looks at me excitedly. ‘That, kiddos, is how you kiss right.’ Monnk addresses the younger clones among us, grinning, some of which avoid Wolffe’s and my direction.

‘Jealous, Kotes?’ Wolffe surprisingly speaks up.

My first thought is that it feels surprisingly good. Not the armour, of course, but his presence under me, next to me, on me. And I want to stay like this forever. The others marvel at Wolffe’s directness but strangely say nothing about it. Probably because they know that they are not to be trifled with by Wolffe’s prey. A little hint: that’s me.

Cody looks surprised but grins mischievously, ‘Maybe.’ I’m surprised by his answer. Wolffe puts his arm around me again and pulls me close.

But in the next moment, ‘Y/N, can you get up for a minute?’ Slightly confused by his request, I do as he asks. Wolffe grabs my waist and pulls me straight onto his lap as I stand. Am I surprised? Yes. But then again, no.

Ahsoka gives me a meaningful and encouraging look before she brings up a new topic. I’m very grateful to her for that. ‘Hey.’ Wolffe draws my attention back to him. ‘You’re so quiet.’ He gives me a reserved look. ‘Sorry… I’m still trying to understand the situation. Despite the alcohol.’ I giggle, and a smile appears on his face. ‘Shall I explain it to you?’ I nod at him expectantly.

My Wolffe. My Wolffie. Mine.

‘You, Méshla, and I won’t just be Commander and Commander from now on.’ I giggle again. ‘We’re going to be more. Not to the others, of course. But I want you to make me yours. ‘Wolffie’ and all that stuff included.’ He kisses my neck. ‘In return, I want you to be mine. ‘Méshla' and all that included.’

He kisses the other side of my neck. ‘I can call you Wolffie?’ My eyes light up. ‘You already did it anyway. Now officially.’ He has a grin on his face. ‘Are you going to be mine?’

‘Only if you’re going to be mine.’

‘Méshla, that’s all I wanted to hear.’ Before I can react, Wolffe pulls me into another kiss.

Who would have thought that this night would progress like this? Lucky me.

[hardcasey]

A Drop in the Ocean

Won’t Fade into the Background - Part 8

Pairing: Monnk x F!Reader

Summary: Your a marine biologist working at an animal sanctuary when one morning an injured clone trooper washes up on the shore.

Word Count: 11.2k (please don't look at me)

Ratings/Warnings: T, contains a few graphic descriptions of injuries

A/N: Can you tell this got away from me? 🙃 Originally this was just supposed to be a fun mermaid-rescued-by-human AU inspired thing, and it ended much more plot-heavy than I expected. Ah, well. I hope you still enjoy it 💕

This fic ended up taking the most amount of research of any SW fic I've written. I tried to keep the CPR as close to reality as possible by taking my info from the Red Cross, but I'm not trained in CPR so please don't use this as medical advice.

“Commander!” a voice called, barely audible over the winds whipping past his ears. The dark grey waves churned beneath the floating platform Commander Monnk currently stood on, and he had to grab a nearby railing to keep from slipping on the slick surface as he turned to see who had called him. And he thought he’d earned his sea legs after all that time on Kamino - ha!

He immediately knew something was wrong as soon as he saw his General wasn’t wearing his trademark smile. Kit Fisto was nothing if not cool under pressure, always one to crack a joke to alleviate the mood, even in some of the most dire situations, so the stern expression he wore couldn’t mean anything but bad news.

“Sir?” Monnk stood at attention as the Nautolan jogged towards him.

“Change of plans, Commander.” Fisto held a holopad out to him. Monnk scanned the screen as Fisto continued, “Scanners have picked up a squadron of CIS ships headed our way. I want you to lead the evacuation while I-”

Fisto’s words were cut off by the roaring of an engine and the two men looked up just as a group of vulture droids broke through the clouds. One of them fired on a LAAT that had just taken off after dropping off fresh troops and supplies. The unprepared pilots could do nothing as one of the wings broke off, sending the ship spiraling down towards the platform.

The last thing Monnk saw was his General’s hand reaching out to grab him as he tumbled into the ocean amongst flaming pieces of metal.

~~~

“Oi! It’s your turn to feed the aiwha.” Your coworker-slash-bunkmate told you with a nudge to the shoulder.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m getting up,” you mumbled, rubbing sleep from your eyes as you rolled out of your bunk. You normally didn’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn to feed the aiwha, but today you were not feeling it. It probably had to do with the grey clouds that hung low in the sky, casting everything in a dreary mood that made you want to sleep forever.

Still, you knew the animals needed to be fed no matter what, so you quickly tossed some clothes on and started preparing their breakfast. You prepared two buckets of fish, your nose scrunching up in disgust as you caught a whiff of their smell. It didn’t matter how long you’d worked here, you were sure you’d never really get used to it.

With a yawn, you grabbed a bucket in each hand and lugged them all the way out to the little cove where the aiwha gathered during feeding time. You were surprised when you found it empty. The aiwha knew when feeding time was and usually gathered by the water’s edge, making a whole lot of racket no matter what time of day.

You were starting to get worried when an aiwha, a young female you and your coworkers had nicknamed Ceti, popped up out of the water. She clicked at you frantically and jumped onto the ledge where you were standing, clicked at you some more, and jumped back in. She didn’t go very far, looping back around in the water to look back at you. She repeated this a few more times before you realized she was trying to get you to follow her.

You brought your comm up to your mouth. “Hey, Ceti seems agitated about something and wants me to follow her. I’ll keep you guys updated.”

“Roger. Just be careful, it rained last night and the rocks are slippery.” One of your coworkers responded, though you didn’t pause to figure out who, already jumping down onto the jetty and racing across the rocks. You’d climbed around on the jetty enough times to know exactly where to step, quickly following after Ceti, who looked back periodically to make sure if you were still following her.

You hopped down from the rocks onto the beach, ignoring the sand getting into your shoes as you turned a corner that led to the place the aiwha usually slept. Unsurprisingly, the rest of Ceti’s pod were there, all of them barking and squeaking nervously. As you got closer, you noticed that they were surrounding something that had washed up against the rocks. Some debris maybe? With the war raging so close to your little island sanctuary it wasn’t out of the ordinary. Pieces of scrap metal washed up along the beaches all the time now, though the aiwha normally didn’t get so agitated when that happened.

You jogged up to the pod, the members parting around you to reveal a body, face down and clad in white armor. That kicked you into overdrive, all the sleepiness now gone from your body raced over and knelt in the damp sand next to the body.

Please don’t be dead. Please, please don’t be dead. You repeated over and over in your mind and you scrambled to find a pulse. You sighed in relief when you finally found it, though it was terrifyingly weak.

With shaky hands, you clicked the button on your comm. “Uh, we’ve got a body here guys. Still alive but he’ll need medical attention. Can one of you bring the boat out to the aiwha sleeping grounds?”

There was a flurry of chatter on the comms, but you ignored everything after you had confirmation the boat was coming. Instead, you focused on the man in front of you, a GAR soldier by the look of his armor, though it looked slightly different than the standard armor you’d seen on the holonet.

The first thing to do was remove his helmet to check if he was still breathing. It looked like there had been a breathing apparatus attached to it at some point, but now the hoses that led to what was probably an oxygen tank were torn to shreds. You searched for an unlocking mechanism on the helmet and once you found it you gingerly pulled it off his head, using one hand to brace his neck in case he’d sustained any spinal injuries.

The first thing that struck you was how young he was. For some reason you’d been expecting a grizzled old war veteran, not a fresh-faced twenty-something. There were scars and worry lines etched into his brown skin, yes, but he still had that youthful look about him, even unconscious.

A piece of seaweed had gotten stuck under his helmet and you brushed it away from his cheek before leaning down to check his breathing. You felt puffs of air on your cheek, but each breath he took seemed like more of a gasp to you, so you laid him flat on his back and started chest compressions.

1… 2… 3…

The aiwha shuffled nervously around you, smart enough to give you space to work but still braying nervously. After counting to thirty, you lifted his chin up with and tilted his head back to open up his airway, before pinching his nose with one hand and delivering two rescue breaths.

After repeating this process for a third time, he finally sputtered to life, coughing up lungfuls of brackish water all over you. You rolled him onto his side, tucking his arms under his head to support it and pulling the leg closer to you out so his hip and knee made a ninety degree angle. You rubbed gentle circles on his back as he took huge, gasping breaths, greedily sucking in fresh oxygen.

“It’s gonna be okay. You’re okay,” you soothed, your voice barely above a whisper. “I can see the boat now, they’re almost here.”

You’d never felt so relieved as when the boat came into view. The captain - your boss - expertly pulled it up close to the rocks while two of your coworkers who were trained medics hopped out and rushed over. You moved aside to give them room, quickly filling them in on everything you knew.

The next hour or so was a blur, the boat ride back blending into the rush to the med bay, all around you voices shouting things, asking you questions you didn’t have the answer to. You weren’t a doctor, you’d just taken a CPR class in your spare time and happened to be at the right place at the right time. That still didn’t stop your coworkers from bombarding you with questions, and you weren’t sure how many times you repeated the story until your boss finally stepped in and told them to give you space. It wasn’t until you were sitting silently outside the medbay, slumped in an uncomfortable metal chair, that you realized you’d been clutching his helmet to your chest the whole time.

A storm must have rolled in at some point because a crack of thunder made you jump out of your seat, startling you out of whatever stupor you’d been in for Maker knew how many hours. You were exhausted and you wanted nothing more than to go to bed (even if you suspected it was still the middle of the day) but your mind couldn’t rest until you knew for sure that he was alright.

You watched with bleary eyes as sheets of rain fell against the windowpane, watching the churning grey sky as you tried to piece together your thoughts. You’d never actually had to rescue anyone before. The closest you’d been to an actual dire situation was when a lifeguard had to rescue a little girl who’d gotten caught in a rip tide at a beach back home. It was so different when you were the one who held someone else’s life in your hands. His lips had been so cold, his breathing so weak. He surely had hypothermia or something... that’s why it was taking so long for them to treat him, right?

Your eyes flickered to the double doors that led to the medbay and you stared hard, as if you could will them to open, bringing news of his full recovery. You wondered if you could just poke your head in to see what was going on, but you decided against it. Your boss had told you to stay outside to give the medics room to work and the last thing you wanted to do was to compromise the soldier’s recovery just because you were getting impatient.

You turned your gaze down towards the helmet in your lap, tracing the designs on it with your thumb. It was mainly white, with the sides painted an olive-brown color. Painted in the center of it was the face of what looked like a dragon or some kind of sea serpent. You idly wondered if he’d painted it by hand or used a stencil. Did the markings signify rank or was it just a design he thought looked cool?

Your musings were interrupted as your boss came through the double doors and you jumped to your feet, unable to sit any longer. He was an older twi’lek man, his blue lekku swinging behind him as he walked over to you.

“Is he okay?” you blurted out before he could so much as open his mouth.

Your boss placed a comforting hand on your shoulder before answering. “Yes, he just woke up. I thought you’d want to talk to him. He’s still weak and pretty confused, so be gentle and don’t go asking too many questions.” You’d worked for him long enough and he knew you quite well. You did have about a million questions ready to go, but you made a mental note to keep them to a minimum. There’d be time for questions later.

“Aye, aye, sir.” You responded, mustering up enough energy to even throw in a little salute.

Hand still on your shoulder, your boss started leading you through the medbay doors as he continued, “I’m gonna take some of the staff out to scout the area in case there are any more castaways. Before I go, I just wanted to tell you that you did good out there, kid. I know it was a stressful situation but you handled it exactly how you are supposed to. I’m proud of you. Feel free to take the rest of the day off.” He gave your shoulder a squeeze and patted you on the back before disappearing back through the double doors.

~~~

Monnk focus was broken from the medic filling him in on his injuries as someone stepped into the medbay, escorted by the twi’lek man who’d greeted him when he’d woken up. You stood quietly by the doors as you waited for the medic to finish, shuffling your feet as you tried to get a good look at him with bodies blocking your view. His eyes met yours and you froze for a second before ducking back out of view, your cheeks coloring ever so slightly.

“...Well let us know if you need anything. For now, you’ll need a lot of bed rest so your body can warm up and recover. If you're up for it, there’s someone who wants to talk to you. She’s the one who found you unconscious on the rocks and I think she wants to see if you’re doing okay.” The medic finished up his speech and stepped aside, gesturing for you to come closer before he and his companion cleared out of the room.

“Hi,” you greeted him with a small wave, the sleeve of your oversized sweatshirt covering your fingers. You quickly rolled it up and settled in a nearby chair, bringing your knees up and tucking them inside your sweatshirt. Monnk realized it was the same as the ones the medics had been wearing, and the twi’lek too. It was a simple red pullover emblazoned with letters that spelled out ‘M.A.R.F.’ above a stylized logo of some ocean waves.

“Hi,” Monnk responded, feeling bad that he couldn’t really sit up to talk to you. He was buried under a veritable mountain of blankets and his body was too weak to really move right now. “Thanks for the rescue, uh …” he trailed off, hoping you’d give him your name, which you did.

“They call me Monnk, nice to meet you,” he introduced himself with a smile he’d picked up from his general.

“How are you doing, Monnk?” you asked, and he was momentarily thrown by the genuine concern he saw in your eyes. He wondered what his brothers would think if they saw him now. They’d often spoken of how nice it would be to be fretted over by a pretty girl instead of dealing with the cold and uncaring medical droids they were usually stuck with.

“I’ve been better, to be honest. I’m exhausted and everything hurts, but I’d take that over being dead. How are you?” You had dark circles under your eyes and your hair was wild, strands sticking out every which way. He doubted he looked any better, but you looked like you’d been through the wringer.

“Me? I’m okay, just tired. I’ve, uh, never actually had to rescue someone before… it’s a lot more stressful than they make it out to be in the classes.”

Monnk offered a wry smile at that. He could relate. He’d trained his whole life for battle, but actually experiencing one for the first time was something completely different. He could still remember the confusion as he jumped out of the gunship at Geonosis, blaster bolts whizzing by him, people who he’d known his entire life, who he’d grown up with, gunned down next to him. The memory of it would stick with him forever.

“Do you mind filling me in on what happened? I’ve been able to piece some things together, but they didn’t tell me much.” Monnk asked. He still wasn’t sure exactly where he was other than it was some place near the ocean. How far away was he from General Fisto and the rest of his men?

You spent the next few minutes describing the events of this morning in detail. Monnk hadn’t realized just how close to death he’d really been. He was lucky he’d already put on his oxygen tank before the separatists attacked. Without it, likely would have drowned long before he washed up against the rocks.

“The aiwha found me?” He questioned once you’d finished. He was familiar with the animals, having encountered them many times in the waters below Tipoca City while he was still training to be a SCUBA trooper. Never up close - the Kaminoans kept them on too tight a leash to interact with any wildlife outside of what was strictly necessary for training - but he’d always admired the graceful way they would glide through the water. What was shocking to him though was the knowledge there were aiwha somewhere other than Kamino and he told you as much.

“Oh! Well the word ‘aiwha’ is used to describe a few different species of flying cetaceans across the galaxy. The word we use in Basic is actually a shortening of ‘air whale’, which is the direct translation of the Kaminoan word for them. The species we have here are a little different from the ones you’re probably familiar with from Kamino. They’re a little smaller and can’t really ‘fly’, it’s more like they skip across the surface of the water. There is actually some really cool research happening with a different species of aiwha on Manaan right now that-” You suddenly stopped yourself, pausing long enough to take the first breath since you started your explanation.

Monnk had been riveted by you as you spoke, the way your eyes twinkled and how your words carried such fondness for the creatures. His favorite part of his SCUBA training was when they got to learn about the various sea creatures they might encounter out in the field. He remembered the first time he’d learned of the Opee Sea Killer’s native to Naboo’s oceans. He’d been hungry to learn more that he’d stayed up all night with his brother Gree pouring over everything they could find in the archives. He’d even wanted to take on the name ‘Opee’ in honor of them, but someone had already beaten him to the punch. Listening to you talk about the aiwha so passionately brought him back to that time, where he was able to indulge in frivolous topics. Before the war had become the only thing he knew.

You rubbed the back of your neck and didn’t look at him as you apologized. “Sorry for droning on like that. I’m sure the last thing you want right now is to be lectured. It’s just that I spend most of my time around other people who are also into that kinda stuff, so I forget not everyone cares as much as we do.”

Monnk wanted to tell you that he could have listened to you talk about aiwha for hours, that the cadence of your voice had distracted him from every ache in his body, that the zeal with which you talked was actually kind of a turn on. But he didn’t, unable to find the right words to express those feelings to you. So instead he just nodded his head like a dumbass and said “It’s okay.”

~~~

You felt your ears get hot as the two of you sat in uncomfortable silence. Why’d you think it was a good idea to ramble on and on about aiwha to this soldier who had just had a near death experience? Maker, you were a dumbass.

You coughed uncomfortably to break the silence before hurriedly saying, “Well you’re probably tired, I’ll let you get some rest. Do you need anything before I go?” You stood, ready to race out of the medbay. You just need to get out of here, away from his steely gaze, his brown eyes holding an unspoken intelligence that didn’t quite match with his boyish face.

“No, I’m all good. But…” He trailed off, his eyes flicking down towards your chest like he had done when you first sat down. Was...was he staring at your tits? Something about that made you irrationally angry, adding to your already twisted up emotions. You were about to say something you would regret when he continued, “Um, what does MARF mean?” raising his finger to point down at your sweatshirt.

It took your mind a second to process the abrupt change in mood, and you blinked dumbly down at your sweatshirt, all of your anger dissipating, leaving you feeling like a deflated balloon. Oh, he just wanted to know what your shirt meant.

He must have mistaken your pause for annoyance because he quickly stuttered, “It-it’s just that everyone I’ve met is wearing the same thing and I-” Now it was his turn to be embarrassed, his cheeks flushing red.

You took pity on him and said, “It’s the name of this place - the organization I mean.” You gestured around broadly with your arms as if that would clarify. “The Maritime Animal Rescue Foundation, aka MARF. Apparently the word sounds much better in Ryl, at least according to our boss.”

“Oh,” Monnk said before barking out a laugh, the corners of his eyes wrinkling adorably. “I was scared I’d been picked up by a cult or something.”

Now it was your turn to laugh. “A cult?!” you asked incredulously.

“Now don’t look at me like that!” He quipped back, “I’ve heard of stranger things happening. A commando I know lost his memory after a battle and ended up working as a dishwasher in a restaurant until someone found him.”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh.” Monnk flashed you a dazzling smile that almost knocked you off your feet, the kind that lit up his whole face.

“Is he...okay now?” You hoped you wouldn’t regret the question.

“Yeah he’s still kicking. Commandos are made of tough stuff.” There was a twinge of pride in the way he spoke that piqued your interest.

“Are you a commando?” You asked, leaning your hip against a nearby counter.

“No, but I’m a commander. Though I’ve worked with commandos in the past, since we’re both part of such highly specialized units.” He clarified.

“What do you mean? Sorry I don’t know anything about the military and how it works.” You confessed. The war had been a far off, nebulous thing to you until very recently and you hadn’t educated yourself on anything about it, other than the sort of things one could glean from the holonet.

“No worries. Specialized units are ones that have jobs that require specific training, like rocket troopers or jet troopers.”

“Like a bomb squad?” You asked, trying to follow along. If he had to listen to you ramble, you could at least do the same for him.

“Exactly. Clones set to serve in the bomb squad for example would get extra training to learn how to detect and disarm bombs, hence why they are considered a specialized unit.”

You took a moment to absorb everything he was telling you. “Wait, you said clones are set to serve in specific units. Does that mean you are trained for that job from birth or do you get to choose?”

“Kinda. I don’t know exactly how the Kaminoans select what trooper will do what. It’s not like they knew I’d be a SCUBA trooper as soon as they decanted me, but early on they must have recognized something in me that they thought would be a good fit for the job and I started special training along with my regular training.”

“...Decanted?” you asked hesitantly, unsure if you really wanted to know the answer.

Monnk barked out a laugh at your question. “Yeah, they grow us in little tubes. It’s called decanting when they take us out.”

“Do you celebrate a decant day instead of a birthday?” You questioned, half trying to make a joke and half genuinely curious.

“Not really. They don’t tell us exactly which day we were ‘born’ so it’s hard to celebrate, though I’m sure they keep records somewhere even if none of us could access them. Instead of birthdays, the closest thing we have is the day we graduate and deploy from Kamino, since it's the first time we really get access to the outside world and, y’know, calendars.”

“Hmmm, that’s interesting.” You didn’t really mean for it to sound so dismissive, but you didn’t know what else to say to that. Honestly, you had never given a second thought to the idea that the GAR was made up entirely of clones, never considered what that really meant. Millions of babies grown from tubes, trained to be soldiers and nothing more, never allowed to be their own person despite having their own personalities. It was… disturbing, to say the least, and you felt guilty for being so dismissive of it all in the past.

The conversation seemed to have fizzled out at that point, so you decided now would be the best time to leave and let him get some rest. “Well, I’m sure you’re tired. I’ll get out of your hair so you can get some sleep and let your body heal.”

“Yeah, uh, thanks. It was nice talking to you. And thanks again for saving me.”

“Anytime,” you added with a wry chuckle, but your joke fell flat, making you cringe inwardly. It was time for you to get some rest, too.

You left the med bay without another word and trudged towards your room, flopping down on the bunk with a deep sigh. Your roommate poked her head over the edge of her bunk, wanting to check in on you, but one look at your haggard face and she could tell you were in no mood to talk.

Laying down in your bunk, you wanted nothing more than to fall asleep, but your thoughts swirled around in your head like the storm raging outside. You didn’t know how to feel about this soldier you had rescued. He was making you reconsider things you didn’t even want to think about in the first place. You’d never considered the war outside of how it affected you, your immediate circle of friends, and the animals you worked with, but now there was this unexpectedly dark moral component to it that was weighing on you. Should you go out and start protesting the treatment of the clones in the same way you’d gone and protested against the war’s destruction of the ecosystem? Did the clones even see themselves like that, in need of saving from the war machine? You weren’t sure, not that it kept you from asking those questions over and over again.

Not only that, but you felt like things could have gone better with him personally. There were times where your conversation had been good, but also times where it was awkward and stilted. You’d assumed the worst of him when he was just trying to read your sweatshirt. What was wrong with you? Maybe the two of you could start over tomorrow once you had a good night’s sleep. Yeah, you were just exhausted and sleep deprived, that’s why you made such a bad impression, but you could start over tomorrow.

~~~

You woke up from a fitful sleep, feeling refreshed but not as much as you wanted to be. Still, you pushed yourself out of bed and went to go search for some breakfast, only to catch the sound of a heated conversation coming from the med bay.

Your mind was filled with thoughts of worst case scenarios as you rushed towards the double doors. He had gotten worse in his sleep and was on death’s door again or he had developed an infection or something. By the time you made it into the med bay proper your heart was pounding in your chest, and you were relieved to see Monnk alert and sitting up in bed. No, he was trying to get out of the bed, and your boss and some of the medics were trying to keep him from standing up.

“We can’t even send a message to the troops on planet, what with this storm outside. It’s screwing with our comms and we can’t get a signal in or out.” Your boss tried to explain to the trooper struggling in his grasp, though his words seemed to fall on deaf ears. “You’ll just have to stay put for now, which is good because you’re still healing anyway.”

“Just let me try to call them, please. I need to get back to my men!” Monnk remained obstinate, wriggling around to try and free himself, though he wasn’t making much progress.

“Even if we get a message out to them, what then? You said they were preparing for a battle, right? So how could they spare a ship to come pick you up, especially with this storm?” Your boss attempted to convince Monnk, who was still not swayed. He twisted his torso to try and wrench free of their grasp, only to wince and clutch at his side.

“I warned you that if you moved around too much you’d open up your wounds again,” one of the medics scolded him as they fussed with his bandages, peeling them away to reveal a fresh trail of red dripping down his side from a cut covered in an old bacta patch. The medic replaced that one with a new one and promptly covered it with fresh bandages and you didn’t miss the way their mouth curved into a scowl as soon as they turned away.

Without a beat, Monnk started right back where he left off. “You could bring me to them on your boat, then! It isn’t-” His words were cut off as your boss balked at him, his head flinching backwards with a scoff.

“I’m going to stop you right there. We’ve shown you tremendous hospitality already, saving your life, feeding you. Even treating you with our last few bacta patches despite how ungrateful and careless you seem to be about them. I will not put the lives of myself or my workers in danger for you or your kriffing military.” Your boss turned on his heel and stomped out of the med bay, the two medics following close on his heels, leaving you and him alone.

The shock written on Monnk’s face mirrored how you felt. You’d never seen your boss get so angry before. He was always a kind and soft spoken man and not quick to anger, so his outburst surprised you, though you couldn’t pretend you didn’t know where he was coming from.

Monnk stared at the med bay doors, eyes wide and lips parted slightly. You weren’t sure he knew you were even there, so you cleared your throat quietly and his eyes snapped over to you.

“Hey, uh, are you hungry? We can go get some breakfast together or something.” You didn’t really know what to say to him - a feeling that was becoming all too familiar - so you just decided to change the subject. That was always easier.

“Sure,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair and making it stick up every which way.

You helped him hop down from the bed and found him a shirt to wear before leading him into the kitchen and poured two bowls of cereal. You handed one to him and the two of you ate in silence, leaning against the counter side by side, so close that his arm hairs tickled your skin whenever he brought the spoon up to his mouth. Instead of moving away, you peeked at him from the corner of your eye and found him staring pensively down into his bowl, his eyes faraway. Once you were both done he helped you clean the dishes, drying each with a hand towel as you handed them to him.

“Want to help me feed the aiwha?” You asked as you handed him the last spoon.

At his agreement, you guided him out of the building and towards the cove where the aiwha had gathered for feeding time, all of them barking playfully and splashing about as soon as they caught sight of you. You led him into the nearby shed where the fish was stored, giving him one bucket filled with fish before gathering one for yourself.

“Okay, so we're gonna give each of them about six or seven fish. Sound good?” you looked over to him to see his eyes sparkling with excitement, which made your lips turn up into a small smile.

“Yes! Is there a specific way to feed them?”

“Just grab the fish by its tail and drop them in their mouths. They have teeth, and even if they aren’t super sharp, just be careful and keep your fingers away from them. Sometimes they can get excitable during feeding time.”

The two of you lugged your bucket of fish towards the edge of the water where ten hungry aiwha waited impatiently, slapping the water with their fins and creating little waves. “Okay, grab one fish at a time and feed it to this girl here,” you pointed to the oldest female of the pod, who also happened to be the biggest out of all of them. “She’s the matriarch of the pod and gets grumpy if she isn’t fed first.”

Monnk fed her four fish, laughing each time she gobbled them up. Once she had eaten her fill she dived back down into the water, resurfacing a ways away to watch the proceedings from afar. The two of you spend the next half hour like that, taking turns feeding the aiwha as you shared details about each one’s personality. One liked to splash you when you got into the water with him. Another just had a baby a few weeks ago. After each member was fed, they moved back out to deeper waters to go play with one another until there was only one left.

“And this one is Ceti. She’s the one who led me to you yesterday. She’s a very good girl, yes she is” you cooed as you gave her a kiss on her snout.

Monnk chuckled as he watched you interact with your favorite aiwha. “She seems like it. Thank you for helping me, Ceti.” Monnk leaned towards her to give her a pat on the head, but Ceti had different ideas, using her fins to propel herself out of the water enough so she could bump her nose against his cheek.

“Awe, she gave you a little kiss,” you giggled as his hand flew up to the wet spot on his cheek. He blinked in surprise for a moment before his face broke out into that award winning smile you’d seen briefly yesterday.

Ceti barked and clicked at the both of you a few times before joining the rest of her family in their frolicking. The two of you settled down by the edge of the water, rolling your pants up and sticking your feet in the water.

~~~

“So this is your job? You feed aiwha?” Monnk asked after a moment of silence as the two of you watched the aiwha play.

“Uh-huh,” you nodded at him, “I’m mainly in charge of the aiwha, though sometimes I take care of other animals here too. There are some inside the building that we keep in tanks, but the aiwha are too big for that. My main job is feeding them twice a day - which usually takes twice as long without help - but I also train them to follow certain commands. I’ve actually gotten close enough with Ceti that she’s let me ride on her back,” you beamed, and Monnk could tell how much that meant to you.

“Why do you need to take care of them? Are they sick or something?” He asked.

You gave him a funny look for a second before answering. “They’re not sick, but we had to rescue them and relocate them here when their habitat was destroyed. All of the battles from the war really took their toll. Pollutants in the water as well as large scale wreckage basically killed the ecosystem in the part of the ocean they lived in. We were getting a lot of dead aiwha washed up on our beaches, most due to starvation since the fish they eat have largely been killed or have moved away. My boss made the decision to bring this pod to our sanctuary about a year ago. We’re not sure yet if we’ll be able to release them back in the wild since they’re so used to interacting with people now, but hopefully by the end of the war we’ll either be bringing them or their babies back into the wild so their numbers start increasing again.”

“Oh,” was all Monnk could say as she absorbed what you were telling him. Tears welled in his eyes and he felt a pit form in his stomach as the realization that that the Republic, that they, were at least partially to blame for the destruction of the environment and for killing much of the planet’s wildlife. “I-I didn’t know,” he said pathetically, his voice barely above a whisper.

He felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t know. I doubt that military command is really keeping their soldiers informed of the ecological damage the war has caused. Don’t blame yourself,” you finished, rubbing small circles into his skin with your thumb.

“Still… I can’t help but feel responsible,” he sighed, hanging his head to look at his hands as he fiddled them in his lap. “I guess it puts this morning into perspective. I feel awful about that. I didn’t mean to seem ungrateful for anything. I mean you all saved my life, of course I’m grateful for that.”

“Well, honestly, I think my boss went too far saying that to you. He was taking his anger at the Republic out on you, which isn’t fair. You’re not the one responsible for the bacta shortage either.” Monnk must have given you a confused look because you clarified, “The Republic has been commandeering a large portion of the bacta supply for the war effort and it’s been harder and harder to restock our supplies whenever we go back to the mainland. It’s been a big stressor for him - for all of us really- considering how isolated we are. If anyone were to get hurt here it would take at least an hour to get medical attention on the mainland, so having a large stock of medical supplies is something that helps us sleep better at night. But again, it’s not your fault supplies are scarce and it’s not your fault you were hurt. It wasn’t right of him to pin that blame on you.”

“I feel like such a fool right now. I’ve never thought about where the GAR’s medical supplies come from before. I’ve just been thankful it was there whenever one of my men got hurt. And I never thought about what happens to the wreckage after a battle or what the fighting does to the environment, even though it is so obvious now.” He clenched his fist so hard he felt his nails dig into his palm. He felt a hot tear slip down his cheek and he was thankful it was on the opposite side to you so he brush it away with his shoulder without you seeing.

You didn’t say anything for a moment. “Can I be honest with you, Monnk? Yesterday, when you were telling me about how you and your brothers were made, I felt the same way. I’d never considered what it really meant when they called you clones, where you came from, how you were raised, any of it. And I feel awful for being so ignorant, for thinking you were barely different from droids instead of considering you all as living, breathing humans each with your own personalities. I’m not exactly sure why I’m telling you this, but I guess I want you to know that we’re in the same boat, so to speak.”

Despite the emotions churning inside of him, your confession managed to make him crack a small smile. He leaned against you and you scooted closer to get into a better position, tucking his head under your cheek as his hand found yours, your fingers intertwining. He wasn’t sure why he did it, but the feeling of your breath against his temple was soothing and maybe that was enough for now. At least the tightness in his chest had loosened somewhat.

Neither of you said anything for a while, instead just sitting next to each other with your eyes closed, lost in your own thoughts as you listened to the sky rumbling and the aiwha splashing around in the water. Eventually you broke the silence to ask, “Why are you in such a rush to get back?”

“It’s my duty as a commander to be there for my men. Last I left them we were preparing for a large scale invasion of a Separatist factory that manufactures hydroid medusas - these awful cyborg creatures that are incredibly hard to kill. I couldn’t handle if they were out there dying while I’m here lazing about in bed. And they always taught us on Kamino that you should do everything in your power to get back to your unit if you're separated from them. That’s why I asked about the boat, though I see now that I was asking for way too much.”

You pulled your head away to look at him. “Monnk, you almost died yesterday. You need rest in order to heal, it’s not being lazy. Okay?” You waited for him to nod at you before continuing, “However… if it’s really that important for you to get back to your men, then I have an idea of how to get you there, but we have to wait until the night to do it. And you have to promise me you’ll stay in bed all day and get your rest. I can keep you company if you want.”

~~~

It was half past midnight and you laid awake in your bunk, staring into the darkness as you waited for the sound of your roommate’s snores. You’d given up trying to get some shut-eye long ago, too wired to even think about sleep. Besides, you had gotten in a good nap earlier in the day as you sat by Monnk’s bedside and kept him company. He’d tried grilling you for more information about your plan, but all you’d told him was you’d come get him and fill him in after everyone went to bed.

When you were sure your roommate was asleep, you stealthily slipped out of bed and out into the hallway, an empty glass in your hand so you could say you were getting some water in case you ran into anyone. Luckily for you, the halls were empty and you hurried into the medbay.

Monnk was already up and starting to pull on his gear when you snuck through the doors, making you sigh before rushing over to help him into his wetsuit. He tried to protest but you cut him off. “You’re going to hurt yourself if you try to do it by yourself. You’ll need to save all your strength for later tonight.” You smoothed away the curly hairs at the nape of his neck to make sure they didn’t get caught in the zipper. “I’ll try to get you as close to your people as possible, but that may be difficult if the fighting has started. You may need to swim or climb a little bit.”

Monnk turned around to face you and there was a pregnant pause as both of you realized just how close you were to each other, your chests millimeters away from touching. He swallowed hard and quickly turned to grab a piece of his armor and tugged it on. You helped him as needed, only offering your assistance with pieces you knew he would struggle with.

“How are we getting there? We stealing your boss’s boat?” Monnk asked as he fastened one of his pauldrons in place.

“No, he keeps the keys in his room when he sleeps ever since one of his employees tried going on a drunken joy ride. We’re gonna use the aiwha.”

He paused what he was doing to give you a skeptical look. “Seriously?”

“Yes! They’re faster than boats, and stealthier too, since they can go underwater.”

“How long ago did you say one of them let you ride her?” he asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.

“It was five months ago, but Ceti is very smart and I trust her. And you’re gonna have to trust me because you don’t have any better options.”

“Fine,” he sighed before tugging on his helmet. “You’ll need a wetsuit too, right?”

“Yeah, the closet where we keep them is right around the corner. Can you keep watch while I change into it?” You asked him as the two of you crept towards the door, pressing your ear to the side to listen for any movement. When you heard none, you took the lead and ushered him down the hallway, making sure to avoid any squeaky floorboards as you tiptoed to the closet. Monnk was surprisingly agile and stealthy despite the clunky armor he wore.

You ducked into the closet while Monnk stood posted outside and quickly stripped off your clothes, balling them up and haphazardly shoving them into a cabinet. If you were lucky you’d be back to collect them before anyone was any the wiser. You hadn’t been able to sneak on your bathing suit so you were stuck with just your regular bra and panties underneath it, not ideal but it would have to do. You had pulled the wetsuit up to your waist when the door suddenly opened and Monnk stepped in, pressing a finger to your lips and indicating you should stand still.

You tried not to think of the fact you were only clad in your bra from the waist up, or the fact that you were basically pressed up against him due to the cramped space of the storage closet. It took a few seconds for you to calm down enough to hear the footsteps making their way down the hallway over the beating of your heart. The sound of door with a squeaky hinge told you whoever was outside had just stepped into the bathroom, and the two of you waited in perfect silence for the sounds of the toilet flushing and the faucet running. For his part, Monnk was trying to look anywhere else but straight down, his eyes flickering around wildly in the dim light. It was only when you were both sure the person outside was long gone that you both allowed yourselves to breathe, and you barely had time to blink before Monnk was running back outside. As you tugged the rest of the wetsuit on, you wondered if he’d ever seen a woman naked before, or if the soldiers weren’t allowed the free time that was usually required for those sorts of activities.

Once you were ready to go, you made your way to the cove where you had fed the aiwha earlier today. None of them were around, but you’d expected that and brought the whistle you used to train them up to your lips. The sound it made was too high for human ears, but aiwha could hear it just fine and it only took a couple minutes before Ceti was splashing up to you.

You waded into the water next to her and gave her a few pats before saying, “Hi there, girl. I’m gonna need you to give me and my friend here a ride. Can you do that? There’s fish in it for you when we get back.”

Ceti didn’t have to think twice and gave you a little chirp of affirmation before moving to shallower water so both you and Monnk could climb on her back. You sat in front while Monnk wrapped his arms around you, and as Ceti swam out into the open ocean, you tried not to think of how nice it felt to be held in his arms.

No! Now was not the time for romantic flights of fancy, it was time for a clandestine operation into the middle of a warzone. Still, as you were pelted by cold rain and ocean spray, the warmth against your back felt nice, even through the plastoid armor he wore.

Ceti raced across the waves, with you guiding her as Monnk gave you directions, his helmet pressed up against your ear so you could hear him over the sound of the storm and the churning ocean. He had surprisingly good navigational skills, somehow able to determine which way was north despite no obvious signs that you knew of. When you shouted over your shoulder to ask him about it, his only explanation was that he’d studied maps of the planet extensively when preparing for the invasion. It still didn’t explain how he could tell what direction you were going without any visible stars, but you didn’t question it, chalking it up to his super soldier training.

It felt like you travelled for hours, with waves crashing over you and wind whipping across your face, but you eventually caught a glimpse of a large platform in the water a ways away from you, the lights of ships and military vehicles twinkling in the distance. As you got closer you also were able to hear the telltale sounds of battle: the roar of starship engines and shots of blaster fire rang in your ears. You had no idea it would be so loud, and you were still nowhere near the center of the fighting.

You indicated for Ceti to slow down while you tried to come up with the best way to approach without getting yourself exploded. You tensed as two starships zipped past you overhead, engaged in a dogfight as one tried to keep the other away from the platform, the plasma bolts they fired that missed their targets careening into the dark waters a few meters away from you.

Monnk squeezed your shoulder. “Are you okay? I know it can be a lot experiencing your first battle in person.”

You tried not to think of the deeper meaning in his words, tried not to think of an even younger Monnk running headfirst into his first real battle, and instead reassured him you were fine. You could tell he didn’t really believe you but he thankfully dropped it. You wondered how many times he’d had this same conversation before, with other new clones getting their first taste of war.

“We should probably go underwater from here. There is probably some fighting going on down there, too, but most of it should be concentrated in the direction facing the factory.” He pointed to the left of the platform to indicate where he was talking about. “If we come in from the side we should be fine, but be prepared for anything.”

You gritted your teeth and steeled your nerves before saying, “Aye, aye, Commander.”

His hand found your shoulder again and turned you so that you were looking at him. “You know you don’t have to do this, right? I can swim to the platform or we can just turn back. It’s not worth risking your life. Or Ceti’s.”

“I can do this. We’ve already come this far. I at least want to get you closer to the platform. I’m not letting you swim that far when you're injured.”

“Okay. And thank you again, for everything.” He said, pressing his forehead to yours for a moment. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath before nodding at him that you were ready and pulling your oxygen mask and goggles on.

Without further ado, you told Ceti to dive and she was off, racing towards your destination beneath the waves. It was harder to see here, but flashes of light from both above and below lit your path. As you got closer, you could make out the shapes of people in the water as well as huge armored jellyfish looking creatures that floated up from the deep, firing massive cannons at the lines of what you assumed were clone troopers. Hydroid Medusas, Monnk had called them. It took you only a few seconds of watching them in action to understand why it was so important to destroy their production plant.

Monnk guided you through the water, using hand signals to indicate when you needed to turn or dive deeper. He did a good job avoiding blaster fire as it rained down from the sky and streaked past you under the waves. The last leg of the journey probably took a few minutes tops, but it felt like hours, everything around you serving to mess up your senses and fray your nerves. You weren’t sure when it happened but at some point Monnk’s hand had found yours and you were squeezing it as if it was your only lifeline, the only thing anchoring you amongst the chaos.

Ceti surfaced next to the pylon, which had a long ladder leading up to the top. Monnk maneuvered around you and grabbed onto the bottom rung, turning back to you to say, “When you head back, go in the direction opposite the fighting before looping back the way we came. Stay low in the water so you’ll have time to dodge any stray bolts from the gunships, though I didn’t see any in that direction.”

And with that, it seemed like your time with him was up as he grabbed hold of another rung and hoisted himself up. But it felt wrong to just leave it like that, and before you could think better of it you were saying, “Monnk, wait!”

He turned around to look at you and maybe it was because you probably wouldn’t see him again, but you did something reckless, something you wanted to do since the beginning. You grabbed a hold of his helmet and tugged it up enough to reveal his lips before crashing your against them.

The kiss was messy and wet, despite it being relatively chaste. He tasted like salt and water streamed down both of your faces and into your mouth, your nose mushing up awkwardly against the rim of his helmet. Not that you cared. His lips were soft and warm and felt right against yours - that’s all that mattered in the moment.

He eventually broke away from the kiss, but not before his hand cupped your cheek and his thumb traced along your nose tenderly. You pulled his bucket back over his chin and settled back down as you watched Monnk climb up the ladder. Rain pelted down against your face, but you didn’t look away until you were sure he made it to the top. As he disappeared over the edge of the platform, you hoped beyond all reason you would get to see him again.

~~~

Sunlight warmed your face and shoulders and you had your feet dipped in the water as you watched your coworkers train the aiwha. Your boss was more than a little angry at you for sneaking off and putting yourself or Ceti in danger and had benched you for at least two week, maybe more depending on how your therapy sessions went. Your impulsive actions were attributed to PTSD from Monnk’s rescue and a caveat for keeping your job was bi-weekly meetings with a therapist over holocall. Until then you weren’t allowed to interact with any of the animals as they hadn’t yet determined if you still posed a risk to them.

In all honesty, you felt the punishments were more than fair, all things considered. You’d prepared yourself on the ride back to be fired on the spot, and really the only reason you weren’t was because your boss was a kind man and you’d worked with him for a long time. Privately, he had told you that he understood why you’d done what you did and knew you were not a threat to the animals, but he didn’t want any of the younger staff getting any ideas. You were fine with being made an example of and you knew you’d make the same choice if given the chance.

You’d had quite a few discussions with your therapist about Monnk and about the clones in general. You still thought about him almost every day. Sometimes you would wonder what he was doing at that exact moment, if he was still on planet and looking up at the same clouds, breathing in the same balmy sea air. You just couldn’t seem to get over him, despite really only knowing him for a few days. Your therapist suggested you try and contact him and keep in touch, but you were hesitant to. He was a commander in the middle of a war, and you were some lovesick girl that couldn’t get over him. It was better for everyone if he just remained something that could have been, a fantasy you could indulge in on lonely nights, alone in your bunk and wishing for a companion to snuggle up to.

So it came as a surprise when you spotted a ship cresting over the waves towards your little island sanctuary, a Republic flag fluttering in the wind atop it’s mast. By the time it had docked, almost everyone had gathered around, your boss stepping to the front to greet the visitors.

A clone sporting armor similar to Monnk’s, though the serpent design was on his shoulder instead of his forehead, stepped out of the boat and introduced himself. “I’m Sargent Atoll of the 7th SCUBA Company.” His voice was so similar to Monnk’s that a pang of longing wedged itself in your chest, and you couldn’t help scanning through the other clones to see if he was there somewhere, though you came up empty. “I’m here to deliver some medical supplies to you, as a thank you from the Republic for helping return our commander to us.”

“Oh,” your boss looked around for a moment in disbelief, “that is very kind, thank you.”

The next ten minutes were spent looking on as the clones unloaded crates from the ship, refusing any offers for help and insisting they do it themselves. By the time they were finished, the med bay was full to the gills with everything a medic could want, bacta patches, bacta shots, bacta spray, and, most surprisingly, a medical droid. It was a smaller model, with long arms ending in articulated fingers and it had no legs, instead hovering in place with a pair of propulsors where it’s legs would be. It’s large, owl-ish eyes blinked to life and it introduced itself with a ridiculously long string of numbers. You’d have to come up with a nickname for it later.

Now, though, everyone thanked the clones, telling them to pass their regards onto their general and commander. Sergeant Atoll was just about to climb aboard, the boat’s engine already rumbling to life, when you suddenly shouted, ���Wait!”

All eyes were on you as you gracelessly yanked your MARF sweatshirt over your head and handed it to Atoll. “Can you give this to Commander Monnk? As something to remember me by?”

Atoll looked down at the fabric you’d shoved in his hands, then back up to you before saying, “Yes, ma’am,” and giving you a salute.

You wanted nothing more to go with them, just so you could see Monnk one last time. But they were soldiers heading back to a war, there was no place for you among them. So you sat down at the edge of the dock and you watched them leave, a feeling of longing bubbling up inside you as their boat shrunk into the horizon.

~~~

Epilogue: 18 BBY

Monnk stood by the docks, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He checked his comm again, making sure he had the time right. It told him it was 12pm sharp, meaning the MARF boat should be pulling up any minute now. Wednesdays were the days they made the long trip to the mainland to pick up supplies for the coming week. Even though he’d been told they’d meet him here, he was still nervous. Nervous he got the place or time wrong. Nervous something had happened on the trip over.

Nervous you wouldn’t want to see him again.

When General Fisto had first thrown out the idea of working for MARF after the war was over, he’d been skeptical. The war seemed like it was going to go on forever, until one day it ended with little fanfare or any particular reason. But he was still a soldier and just because hostilities ended didn’t mean his job war over, far from it. For the next year he worked aid missions to those who’d been affected by the fighting, fighting for clone citizenship, making sure his brothers were settling in to their new positions, whether they be in the military or in civilian jobs. But soon that work slowed down to a trickle, and he once again had to face the question of what he was going to do after the war. His skillset was so specialized and there weren’t many jobs looking for someone with extensive SCUBA experience, and the war had exhausted him so much and he just wanted to get away from military life for a while. He’d been throwing around the idea of going to school and getting an education in something more useful, a path many of his brothers had opted for, when General Fisto again brought up the idea of joining MARF.

The idea had been tempting to him. Not just because of you, but also because he had always dreamed of being a marine biologist and studying animals. But would they even consider him? He hadn’t exactly left on the best of terms, getting into a huge fight with the owner and running away in the middle of the night. Sure, the supplies they sent did some damage control, but how much? General Fisto had assured him that everything would be fine, made a few calls, and by that time next week was telling Monnk that a position was open if he wanted it. It had been an easy choice, but that still didn’t stop him from second guessing himself as he stood there on the docks, waiting.

A boat that he didn’t recognize pulled into the harbor and docked nearby. He was about to dismiss it and turn back to scanning the horizon when he caught a glimpse of blue lekku on the deck. The colors were more muted due to old age, but he recognized the owner of the sanctuary as he climbed out of the boat before turning around to help someone else out.

Monnk’s heart skipped a beat as he saw you haul yourself out of the boat. It had been years, but you still looked exactly the same. Same outfit, complete with a similar sweatshirt to the one tucked into the bottom of his bag. Same wild, windswept hair. Same smile as your boss cracked a joke and you elbowed him playfully. Part of Monnk had expected you to be radically different, expected the vision of you that he had clung to through this terrible war to be shattered in some way. He’d come out of the other end a radically different man, older, with more scars and age lines and a more cynical outlook on life. It was a small comfort to know the war hadn’t corrupted everything.

He caught snippets of your conversation as you made your way up the docks.

“Why exactly did I have to come here again?” you groused, folding your arms into the pocket in the front of your sweatshirt to protect them from the sharp wind blowing off the water.

“I need you to carry some of the things we’re picking up. I’m an old man now, doc says I can’t do any heavy lifting,” your boss said with a chuckle. “Besides, we’re also picking up a new crew member. Since you’ll be the one training him, I thought it would be nice if you helped me welcome him.” The twi’lek’s eyes scanned the crowd and landed directly on him. He flashed Monnk a smile before announcing, “Oh, there he is now. Let’s say hi.”

You turned in the direction your boss was pointing and froze in place, your eyes going wide and your mouth falling open in disbelief. Monnk stood up straighter as soon as your attention was on him, feeling as if he was in the middle of a random inspection and wanting to look his best.

“Hi,” he greeted you lamely, internally smacking himself for not saying something wittier. To make up for it he flashed you a dazzling smile, a skill he’d picked up after spending so much time with his general.

“Monnk?” you asked, disbelief painted all over your face. You looked at your boss for some sort of explanation. “Is this real? He’s coming to work for us?”

“Yup. He starts tomorrow. Comes with a pretty strong recommendation from an old friend, too.” Your boss turned to address Monnk, “Wish you told me you worked under Kit Fisto when we first met. He and I go way back.”

By now, you’d overcome your initial reaction of surprise and launched yourself at Monnk, nearly tackling him over as you wrapped your arms around him and pulled him into the biggest hug he’d ever had, squeezing him with all your might, as if he’d disappear if you didn’t hold on tight enough. Monnk squeezed you back before stepping away enough to look down at your face, your chin resting on his chest as you smiled up at him.

“I’m so happy to see you.”

“Me too,” he beamed down at you, tucking a strand of stray hair behind your ear.

“I have so much to tell you. So much has changed since I last saw you. The sanctuary has been remodeled. I got a promotion. And Ceti had babies!” you rattled off at him as he maneuvered you so that you were tucked under one arm and started walking, following behind your boss as he perused the market stalls. Monnk listened with rapt attention, filling you in on what he’d been up to these past years as well, the battles he’d been in, funny stories about him and his brothers.

“I can’t believe you're coming to work with us. It’ll be so fun. I’m sure you’ll do great and you’ll really like the work.” you told him as your trio headed back to the boat, now loaded with supplies.

“Yeah. I heard my new boss is a bit of a wildcard. Heard rumors that she stole an aiwha in the middle of the night and rode it into an active warzone,” he teased, bumping his hip against yours.

You rolled your eyes. “Oh yeah? What else did you hear?”

“I heard that she was a really good kisser, too.”

[murdertoothpick]

kinktober day 25

breathplay | commander monnk x fem!reader

warnings: choking, cunnilingus (oral, f receiving), sex safeguards(? stuff similar to safewords), 18+ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT | w/c: 528 | full kinktober masterlist

Monnk looks up at you from between your legs, releasing the pressure around your neck as soon as you give him the three quick warning taps on his shoulder. Your other hand, already in his, is squeezed in reply.

‘Hey,’ he calls your attention, voice completely tender despite the brutal assault of his tongue on your clit just seconds earlier, ‘Breathe.’

You squeeze his hand in return, taking deep breaths as instructed, maintaining eye contact to make sure he knows you’re okay.

‘Better?’

You nod.

‘Alright. Let’s go again,’ he directs, ‘Tap me when you want to stop.’

The pressure around your neck returns, and so too does his mouth on your cunt. He licks a long stripe up between your folds, his tongue burning hot against you while he buries his nose into your sopping heat. His hand remains unmoving around your throat, and while he is completely infatuated by your pussy and fixated on your pleasure, he remains wary of the amount of pressure he applies. You can still comfortably breathe in and out through your nose, but Monnk’s hand is there to ensure you actually try to hold your breath. As for the fact that he’s eating you out, Monnk is the best damn coach you could ever have, and it’s because of him that training your breath has proved to be a rewarding experience, you’ve deduced quickly.

Monnk continues lapping at your slickness until the inevitable tap on his shoulder arrives, signalling to him that you want to breath. Incredibly patient, his mouth leaves you again, and he repeats the care he showed earlier earlier: releasing your neck, squeezing your hand, and telling you to breathe.

You nod when you’re ready to go again, inhaling and bracing yourself against his ministrations and his grip. Just like before, Monnk reattaches his mouth to your cunt, working mercilessly between your folds without needing a break, his lung capacity undoubtedly much better than yours. He greedily devours your cunt, squeezing and unsqueezing his fingers around your neck in tune with every grind of your hips into his face. He breathes in your scent with fervour, appreciating the way that eating you out like this is a sensory experience for him as well—he is shamelessly intoxicated by the taste and smell of you.

And then Monnk thrusts his tongue into your cunt, and you gasp. He’s immediately retreating his hand and pulling away, ‘You okay?’ he’s quick to ask.

You choke out a moan, trying to come up with words but end up spluttering incoherently. You nod lazily, finding it in you to thread your fingers into his hair to playfully tug at his scalp, but then you’re trying to nudge him back down. Monnk raises an eyebrow at you, and his heart stutters when you smile down at him, seemingly forgetting that he was just nose deep in your pussy moments ago.

You rock your hips up against nothing, in search of a friction only he can provide and desperate for him to taste you again. ‘Wanna cum…’ you murmur, tugging at his hair, ‘Enough training for today,’ you reason.

Monnk dips his head to drag his nose up your cunt, just barely grazing the surface, yet the motion has you twitching before him. ‘You did good,’ he praises you, voice soft before a rougher timbre takes over, ‘But let me show you how long I can hold my breath.’

[wanderinginksplot]

Gar Cyare Chapter One

Continued adventures of Alpha-17 and fem!reader

Word Count: 4,000

Warnings: minor angst, nervous overthinking, frank conversations, discussions of Kaminoans being awful.

Next | Masterlist

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Ranov'la (Secret)

You had always held a secret, deep-seated love for holofilms, particularly of the sappily romantic variety. In your more introspective moments, you reflected that it was probably part of your need for stories to be wrapped up with a happy ending. There was enough sadness and suffering to be found in real life - you weren’t overly fond of your entertainment having more of the same.

But, despite your love of them, you were able to recognize that holofilms had very little resemblance to real life, especially where relationships were concerned.

Holofilms would have you convinced that the galaxy was full of tests and challenges that would batter a forming relationship until it was official, but then everything would be smooth and easy. Life didn’t work that way, and you were fully aware of that fact.

Even now that you and Alpha were dating, you knew there was no guarantee that things were going to work perfectly. Well, you were dating in not so many words, since you hadn’t felt brave enough to ask him directly. Also, calling Alpha something as seemingly insignificant as your ‘boyfriend’ had felt like a gross minimization of the feelings you had for him. You were together, and that seemed like the most valid way to describe your current state.

So, no, there was no guarantee that things were going to go smoothly for you from the start. That being said, given how intensely challenging your relationship had been up to this point, you had been hoping to stave off your first fight for longer than two days. That didn’t turn out to be the case.

It had started over, of all things, being affectionate in public.

You had been eating lunch in the cafeteria, having reclaimed your table together - though it was a lot more common for ARCs or even cadets to join you now. Alpha pretended to be irritated, but you noted every time someone said something that made him give his almost smile.

When Alpha had finished eating, you were only halfway through your meal. Since he was sitting comfortably on the side of your non-dominant hand, he reached down and took it, lacing his fingers through yours.

You were thrilled by the contact - especially contact that he had initiated. Your past relationships had been fairly one-sided where most casual touching was concerned. The fact that Alpha wanted to be in contact with you made you want to melt. You adored it, even if it was just his hand clasping yours.

Except you were in the middle of the cafeteria and your hands were on the table’s surface.

You pulled your hand away by reflex, hated yourself for a moment at the hurt look on Alpha’s face, but then rallied. You had a reason for pulling away - you hadn’t just done it on a whim or in some twisted bid to get the upper hand in your relationship with Alpha. 

“Sorry, just…” you trailed ineffectually, acutely aware of the way the ARCs were watching you and Alpha. “Can we talk about this later?”

He nodded, but didn’t say anything. And for the rest of the time it took him to eat - carefully sitting away from you so that no part of him would brush up against any part of you - he stayed silent. That was the worst part, watching him pull away just when you had been making progress in your new relationship.

You honestly thought he would have left when he had finished rather than come back to your office with you, but you were still using one crutch and your movements were slower than he deemed safe. So he came with you to your office, making the slow trek and scaring away the occasional cadet. He didn’t say anything outrageous, which was probably best - the odd atmosphere meant that you wouldn’t feel comfortable berating him the way you usually did, and Alpha could get a little out of control if someone wasn’t around to remind him there were limits.

You made it to your office without a word spoken between you, which wasn’t unusual in itself. Alpha wasn’t an overly chatty person, and you were often lost in your own thoughts. The only concerning thing had been that the quiet was tense instead of comfortable.

When your door had closed behind you and Alpha had ushered you into the chair behind your desk, you stared at each other, both waiting for the other to speak first.

You decided to cut the tension. “I think we need to keep our relationship a secret.”

“Sure.”

Your eyebrows lifted in surprise, both at how easily he had agreed and that he didn’t ask any more questions. “I’ve given this a lot of thought and I-”

“You don’t need to explain it,” Alpha interrupted. “If you want us to be a secret, we’ll be a secret.”

That certainly wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Did Alpha feel that he had no choice, no autonomy in your relationship? That was a bad thing, wildly so. “Alpha, that’s not what I meant. I mean, yes, we need to keep things under wraps, but not… I just want to tell you my reasons.”

“And I trust you,” Alpha countered. That would have warmed you, but he was avoiding your eyes. “I have to get back to the ARCs. We’re finishing up their training on battle tactics today and it’s going to be a long afternoon.”

“O- okay…” you agreed slowly. How could you really argue that? If he wanted to leave, you couldn’t keep him there. Even if you did feel like this needed a lot more conversation. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“Yeah. I’ll meet you in the mess hall.”

You frowned. Even when you were just friends, Alpha almost always met you at your office. He liked to tease that he couldn’t be sure you would show up unless he was there to force you to put away your work. Something really was wrong. You couldn’t let him leave with this hanging over both of you. 

Before you could stop him, though, he was gone.

You would have followed after him, weak leg be damned, but you caught sight of the chrono on your desk. You had a contract finalization meeting with Jaiss in ten minutes, and you couldn’t miss it unless you wanted to draw out negotiations even longer than they had been. 

With a deep sigh, you put your head down on your desk. No, nothing was easy all of the time, but it would have been nice if this relationship was the exception to that rule.

---

“Did she break up with him again?” Monnk asked, breathing slightly too quickly as he briefly came up beside Drift. 

Drift could sympathize. Like all of the troopers, the ARCs were in the best possible physical condition they could possibly be. The fancy armor they were issued would protect them, but it couldn’t help them if they couldn’t lift it. The ability to run long distances and lift large amounts of weight could easily be the difference between life and death for a trooper in the field, especially when that trooper was an ARC. 

Still, Alpha had pushed them to the ends of their abilities and further. They had been doing high-level interval training for hours… and he had told them this was just their warm-up. Monnk and Drift just happened to have caught up with each other during their sprints.

Doing his best to speak without looking like he was speaking, Drift muttered, “I don’t think so? I think he would be worse than this.”

Monnk grimaced. “Maybe, but he’s definitely pissed about something.”

“We need to find him a different outlet,” Drift said, only half joking. 

“Drift!” the captain snapped. “If you have enough air to chat, I apparently need to push things a little further.”

“Sorry, sir!” Drift called the apology, pushing his pace even faster. “I was just asking Monnk if he thought I could sneak a drink of water before my next set of push-ups.” 

Alpha didn’t immediately reply, but Drift wasn’t stupid enough to look at him. Let him think about it… think a little more… 

When Alpha gave a small sigh, keeping the triumphant grin from his face was Drift’s greatest challenge, but he managed. “Fine. Men, take a short break and hydrate. But keep it in check. Don’t think you’ll be excused if you throw up when we get started again.”

With a low, untraceable murmur of gratitude, the ARCs cut off their current exercises and went to the pile of their belongings to retrieve their canteens. Drift took a large mouthful of water from his canteen, mentally congratulating himself for thinking to attach his comlink to it before the exercises started. He sent a short written message to you. He would have called you directly, but he knew you were busy. He didn’t want to risk missing you. This way, the message would be there when you had the time to read it.

“That’s enough,” Alpha commanded. “Sprints, then sit-ups, then another set of sprints. When you’re done with that, pair off for sparring. Last one without a partner gets to spar with me.”

Drift considered himself to be a good vod. Back with the Rancor Battalion, he had taken more than one fall to set up one of his brothers for success. He was willing to go through a punishment if it meant someone else didn’t have to.

But today? Drift put his full abilities toward finishing fast enough to partner with anyone other than the captain. Someone else could take this particular fall.

---

You cut the holocall with Jaiss, internally thankful once again that Nora Czajak had contacted you… and that Alpha had forced you to respond to that comm call.

Nora had taken every complaint you had about the proposed contract and followed up on it, editing and resending the contract until you could live with all of the terms. She had even been willing to negotiate some of the things you considered whims rather than necessities.

Since you had already seen and approved of the final version of the contract, there wasn't anything more you needed to discuss with Nora or Jaiss. This meeting had been little more than a formality, but a necessary one. With those details smoothed out, you were free to start working on the report again.

You tossed the datapad onto your desk with a clatter that mirrored your frustration rather than alleviating it. You had finally received permission to keep writing the report, but all you could do was worry about Alpha. Over and over, your mind played the sight of his hurt face at your rejection. 

You had to make things right and you didn't want to wait for dinner… but would you make things better or worse if you just showed up at the ARC training area? The Kaminoans had made a big deal the first time you had gone to find Alpha while he was training, but that had been a long time ago. You were a much more common sight around there now. Maybe that would help you slip part without any suspicion? 

Before you knew it, you had passed most of the afternoon like that, worrying whether it was worse to go or stay, to push your explanation or wait for Alpha to ask questions. You were frozen in a huddle of horrified confusion, a state that only grew more intense when you received a text comm from Drift.

What's up with you and the captain? He's being a pain in everyone's shebs today. We can handle it for now, but it would make life a lot more pleasant if you'd give him a little sugar tonight. Di'kut needs it worse than anyone.

You shook your head any time you thought about the message. You had received it hours after it had been sent, but well within the time the ARCs would be exercising. Perhaps it made you a coward, but that message did play into your struggle about whether to go or stay. Did Alpha need space or was he frustrated by your silence?

You were frustrated by your silence, when it came down to it. You had thought you knew Alpha, knew him better than almost anyone. But now, when you needed that knowledge the most, you felt like there was far more you didn't know about him than what you did.

The minute your chronometer displayed the time Alpha usually finished with the ARCs for the day, you sent him a message of your own:

Hey, could we meet up before dinner? 

Your stomach was twisted in knots as soon as you sent it. To your mixed relief and concern, Alpha replied almost immediately. 

I’m coming to your office now.

You nodded once, as if affirming to yourself that it was going to be fine. You and Alpha needed to talk all of this over. It was the only way this relationship stood a chance of surviving. As things stood right now, it could end before it really had a chance to begin.

Alpha must have been well on his way from the ARC training area when he answered your message, because a heavy knock sounded on the door an incredibly short amount of time after you had known to expect him. You had been nervously pacing the space in front of the door, so you answered quickly as well, and then Alpha was in your office, eying you expectantly. 

“What did you need to tell me?” he asked, not quite making eye contact with you.

“What did you need to tell me?” you countered, watching in satisfaction when Alpha’s eyes flew to meet yours. That satisfaction faded slightly when he still didn’t speak. “Alpha, if this is going to work, we have to work together. A big part of that is communication. When something is bothering you, I need you to tell me what it is or I’ll just be trying to guess what you’re thinking, and we both know how bad I am at that.”

Alpha gave a reluctant, crooked smirk at that, clearly remembering all of the times you had misunderstood his thought process or motivations about something. The smirk disappeared entirely when he began to speak. “I… don’t like that you want to hide the fact that we’re together. You’re embarrassed of me, and- I thought I would do anything to be with you, but… I guess I have conditions. Ones I didn’t know about.”

“Good!” you insisted firmly when you could speak. Alpha’s brows shot up at that, but you weren’t done. “You should have conditions like that. A lot bigger than that, actually. You get to decide the kind of relationship you want. But I would like it if you let me explain my reasons.”

You could list on one hand the times you had seen Alpha looking uncomfortable, but this was one of them. “I don’t know if I want to listen to why you don’t want anyone knowing. It’s hard enough without hearing exactly-”

“Hearing that it’s for my job?” you interrupted, not liking the train of thought he was going down. “Alpha, it has literally nothing to do with me being ashamed of you or anything like that. Stars, of course I’m not! You’re amazing and I still don’t know how I’m lucky enough to be in a relationship with you.”

You bit your lip slightly at that last part. You were pretty sure you and Alpha were in a relationship - that was what this entire conversation was about, after all - but putting it into words was a frightening experience. What if you had misunderstood something along the line and Alpha was under the impression this was more casual than that?

“Neverd’ika,” Alpha rumbled, the name partnered with the low fondness in his voice soothing you immediately. “No matter how amazing you think I am, I know you’re more than that. I’m the lucky one. Now, tell me these reasons of yours. Though I won’t promise I won’t try to talk you out of them, especially if it’s the difference between being able to do things like this in front of my di’kutla vode.”

To be honest, you were expecting a kiss with that emphatic declaration, but you almost melted when Alpha reached out to take a gentle hold of your hand, wrapping it fully in his own. If he wanted to show his affection for you in such an innocent way, how could you say no?

With effort, you forced yourself to think back over your reasons, cutting directly to the most important one: “I’d lose my position.”

Alpha clearly hadn’t been expecting that, if you were to judge by the surprised tilt of his head. He took a moment to process that, thinking it over before carefully asking, “What do you mean?”

You sighed. “You know as well as I do that the Kaminoans don’t like me. No matter what the Republic’s findings were and the whole thing about the Kaminoan senator, they still want me gone. They will do anything to send me away from here. They’re just looking for a reason. If any of them find out that we’re dating, they would report it to the Republic, force them to send me away from here.”

His hand tightening around yours, Alpha shook his head. “No, they couldn’t. No one else wants this position, remember? Czajak and Jaiss both told us that.”

“I already thought of that,” you admitted with a sad smile. “But me dating you… Even if the Republic couldn’t find anyone else to complete the report, they still would have to take me out of here. My writing would be seen as biased, influenced by knowing and being around you. I mean, it already is, but they would be more concerned about the fact that I’m with you in a romantic capacity.”

Alpha frowned again at your hasty self-edit. “I make you biased?”

“Of course you do,” you told him with a laugh, swinging your clasped hands just a bit. “How could I be around you and your brothers for this long and not be influenced by seeing you all grow, learn, and interact?”

“But bias would imply that you’re seeing us differently than you otherwise would have,” Alpha pointed out, his sharp mind turning over all of the meanings of your question, overt and subtle alike. “That makes no sense. What is the Republic seeing that I'm not?"

You shrugged. You had hoped he wouldn’t pick up on that part, but there was little avoiding it now that he had pinpointed it and asked the question. ���The Republic wanted a report on you all like you were droids: specifications and abilities in a dry, thorough list. Neat, clean… soulless. Instead, they’re getting a report that shows that every trooper in this army is a person, with all of the messy things that includes. We’ve known they don’t like that.”

“You’re right,” Alpha admitted, voice heavy. “So what do you want to do? Should we stop- stop this?”

Laughing was the wrong response - you knew that even before Alpha shot a disbelieving look your way. But you couldn’t keep it in, not when he had asked something that seemed so counterintuitive to you. “I’m sorry, I just- no. No, we shouldn’t stop seeing each other. We just… We’ll have to keep it quiet. I know that hurts and I would change it if I could-”

“Would you?” Alpha asked, his dark eyes intent on your face.

“Of course,” you told him firmly, squeezing his hand to echo the decisiveness of your tone. “Alpha, I would like nothing more than to openly be together. It would mean everything to me. But it just isn’t possible. And if I have to choose between going back to Coruscant or seeing you every day and only being able to be ourselves when we’re alone, I know my choice. I’m too selfish to let you go based on that.”

Alpha didn’t reply, and a heavy pang hit your chest. For all of your determined ranting about troopers having rights and autonomy, you hadn’t given Alpha a chance to respond. There was a possibility that your offer wouldn’t be enough for him. He had set a hard limit, and it was up to him to decide if this was too close to that limit for his comfort.

With your heart rate increasing rapidly, you added, “But this choice isn’t mine alone. You have to decide whether you can live with those terms. If not, I won’t blame you.”

You were both relieved and terrified when Alpha didn’t answer immediately. He was taking the time to think over your offer - something you were glad to see even as you agonized over the possibility that his final decision would hurt.

“And you’re not embarrassed of me,” he repeated, raising an eyebrow at you. 

The shake of your head was so sudden and emphatic that something in your neck twinged unpleasantly. “Not in the slightest. I never could be.”

He nodded slowly. “Then I would still like to give this a try.”

“Yeah?” you breathed softly, unable to stop the slow grin spreading over your face.

Alpha nodded, an answering grin blooming across his face. “Yeah. But first-”

He cut himself off, but his body took up where his words had ended, slowly and gently reeling you in by the hand. He gave you time to fight against the pull toward him, but you didn’t. Instead, you went willingly enough into his arms, ending up cuddled beside his body. He was still wearing his armor, but the plastoid wasn’t piercingly cold, as it had been warmed from the inside-out. 

Alpha’s arms wrapped around you in a hug while your own reached ineffectively around his waist, stymied by his broad back. He held you for a moment before his grip tightened. He had dipped his head, murmuring into your hair. It was quiet in your office, but you struggled to hear what he was saying. Maybe the words were meant for himself rather than you.

At the end, he ducked his head even lower as he took a shaky breath, hands stroking over your back. “Don’t do that to me again, neverd’ika. I thought I had finally gotten everything I wanted, but it was… different. Wrong. I can’t- Don’t make me do that again.”

“Never, Alpha,” you reassured him, squeezing him with everything you had so he could feel your grip through the armor. “I want this just as badly as you do. Probably even more.”

“Impossible,” Alpha told you with a rumbling laugh. He pulled away just enough to slide his fingertips below the corners of your jaw, tilting your face up toward him. 

For the second time in your conversation, you expected him to kiss you, but for the second time, you had been wrong. Instead, Alpha closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to yours. You were startled, both by the unexpected gesture and by the sight of him so close, but your eyes drifted shut a moment later.

Kissing was synonymous with intimacy for you, a by-product of your upbringing in the galaxy at large. Most species kissed as a fulfillment of intimacy, attraction, love, or a thousand other feelings. No one was sure who had started the practice of kissing, especially since some species lacked lips or had other impediments that made kissing impractical. You had always vaguely felt sorry for those species, unable to imagine life without something as profound as sharing a kiss with someone you loved.

But standing there, your forehead pressed against Alpha’s as your breathing synchronized with his and his scent surrounded you, you started to alter your opinion.

---

A/N - We're back! Welcome to Gar Cyare! As I've been saying, this story is going to explore the relationship between Alpha and the reader. There will be plot eventually, but not until a little further in the story itself. Thanks for reading and please feel free to let me know what you thought!

You can find other works on my masterlist, or sign up for my taglist here!

Taglist: @rexs-wife @sugarpuffsstuff @stargazingthenightaway @just-some-girl-92 @kimageddon @ladysongmaster @carodealmeida @adriiibell @nomercyforthewarrior @boomtowngirl @bitchylittleredhead @blck-omen @hrk-fic-recs @lackofhonor @captxin-rex @literallydontlook @salaminus @mothmanbelievesinyou @archivedreading @lucyhelena @808tsuika @ladykatakuri @echos-gal @shawtyitsyou @butterbug14 @skyguy-snips @fan-fic-favs @frietiemeloen @tsedeshgishnii @buddee @justanothersadperson93 @leotatombs @mavendeb @rain-on-kamino @itsagrimm @dancingwiththeplanets @hummellchen @theclonesdeservebetter @wolffeswife @ladyemxo @maulslittlemeowmeow @murder-of-crows-1 @dsburnerblog @ollovaemisc @rosmariner @staycalmandhugaclone @marennial @fordo-kixed-rex

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[comorbidfascination]

Clone Wars Reader Inserts

full fic masterlist here

honestly I'm surprised there's only 6

Colt, the Buir

Wrecker, the Tank: 1, 2

Din, the Riduur

Thrawn, the Admirer

Monnk, the Faithful

Maul, the Spider

[dogmascutie]

Hi!! What about 1 and 30 for the fanfic ask game?

hi vicky!!!

1. What was the first fandom and/or pairing that you wrote fic for?

oh man, years and years ago, i wrote for harry potter. it was basically a self-insert oc who was dating sirius black. i am not proud, but then we all do cringey things when we’re 13

30. Tell us an idea for a longfic you want to write in the future.

alright other long fic idea! idk how long this would actually be, but it’s basically a kit fisto x reader x commander monnk threesome. the reader is an alderaanian noble during a crisis on alderaan, and goes to stay in the countryside under the protection of commander monnk’s troops. kit goes back and forth between the capital and the country, and both he and monnk get to know the reader well - then the reader gets intimate with monnk, and later kit joins in. there is absolutely water-based sex. i already have the beginning of that particular scene written...and nothing else lmfao

fanfic ask game

[vodika-vibes]

Your Monnk headcanons got me thinking about a modern au surfer!Monnk or diver!Monnk x reader fic 👀 so I will kindly be requesting that to add fuel to mine and your obsession 💖

When The Sun Goes Down

Summary: You’ve never been a beach girl. There’s always too much sun, too much sand, and too many people for you to consider the beach a good time, let alone a relaxing time. It's too bad that your friend group has a majority rules policy, so you’re dragged to the beach even though you hate it. A chance meeting with a surfer might just change your opinion, though.

Pairing: Commander Monnk x F!Reader

Word Count: 1667

Warnings: Implications adult activities, reader got ditched by her friends

A/N: So the premise of this story is "make bad decisions in your twenties that turns out to be not such a bad decision". Also, there might be some errors because I'm actually hurting right now but Monnk is worth it. Also, the reader is based on me, only I never had a meet cute at the beach.

Click HERE to be added to my taglist

You like to think that you’re a pretty chill person. Things don’t bother you, not really. Not in the way they bother your friends.

But you also think that you might hate the beach.

You’ve never enjoyed it, even when you were a kid. But somehow it has become even more intolerable now that you’re an adult. The sand gets everywhere, and it’s always packed with people.

Your friends say it’s time for a “hot-girl summer” and you’d rather be elsewhere. Literally, anywhere else would be preferable to where you are. You’d even take a volcano at this point.

A small frown crosses your face as you stretch your legs out in front of you. Your friends have long since ditched you to go swimming, well, except for the ones who ditched you to flirt with the group of surfers who arrived at the same time as you all did.

You suppose you could get up and go do something. It’s not like you have anything to watch. The only items that are on the beach are the blankets you brought to sit on, and the book you’re reading. Everything else was left in the car.

A group of old men inch closer to your blanket, and you heave out a deeply frustrated sigh. You’re done.

You hop to your feet, gather your book and blanket, and then walk down to the firmer sand near the water. There’s got to be someplace on this beach where you can sit without being ogled by old men, right?

So, you start walking.

And, eventually, you find yourself in a quieter part of the beach. Honestly, at first, you think you wandered onto a private beach as there are that few people nearby, though you quickly realize that this part of the beach is largely empty because there are no shops or public bathrooms in the area. 

You’re considering setting up your blanket here when you hear someone walking in the water. A man is walking in the water, holding a surfboard. At first blush, you think that he’s one of the men your friends were flirting with, but then realize that he doesn’t look anything like them.

He’s taller, for one, and broader. With bleached hair pulled into a messy bun at the base of his skull. Some of his hair is falling out of his bun, and you notice that there’s a hint of blue at the ends.

But his most obvious feature is the giant tattoo covering his body. An octopus of some kind, you think. But you’ve never been good at identifying sea animals. 

He glances at you, a wide grin on his face, “Great day for surfin’ isn’t it?”

“Oh! Well, I wouldn’t know. I don’t surf.” You reply sheepishly.

“No? It’s fun~” He offers temptingly.

“Maybe if you’re coordinated,” You joke, “I’m so clumsy I trip over air.”

“Wanna learn?” He asks, his eyes bright.

You’re surprised for a moment, and then a startled laugh falls from your lips, “Do you often offer to teach people you just met how to surf?”

His grin widens, “I do when they look like you.”

“Ah, so this is you trying to hit on me.”

“This is me succeeding in hitting on you.” He counters as he approaches you. He sets his board in the sand and offers you his hand, “Monnk.”

“Sorry?”

“My name. It’s Monnk.” You must shoot him an odd look, because he lets out a laugh, “I know, I know. It’s not a normal name, but at least I’m not named after an animal, my older twin brothers are named Wolffe and Fox.”

“That’s…interesting.” You offer sheepishly as you take his hand.

“It’s weird as fuck, you don’t have to lie for my sake.” His hands are warm and calloused, and he presses his free hand over the top of yours.

It’s weird, but even though you just met Monnk you feel comfortable around him. Even though he’s touching you more than would be considered appropriate. 

A tiny smile crosses your lips and you offer him your name.

Although you’re wearing a bikini (a tiny yellow one, at your best friend’s insistence) Monnk’s gaze never strays from your face. It’s kind of nice, being seen as a person rather than a pair of tits.

“So, what do you think, Lotus? Wanna learn how to surf?”

You want to question him about the strange nickname, but his second question takes all of your attention. Nervously, you bite your lower lips, and his gaze drops to your lips for a moment, and then back to your eyes.

“What if I fall?”

“Then you fall.”

“But, I’m wearing a bikini, if I fall then it might come loose—” You fret.

“There’s no one here but us, and I won’t tell anyone if you have a wardrobe malfunction,” Monnk replies, his voice earnest. You shoot him a look, and he laughs softly, “Or, you can wear my shirt.” He offers you a dark blue tee shirt.

“But it’s yours.”

“And now it’s yours. Because I’m a stellar person.” Monnk teases.

You’re running out of reasons to deny him. And, truthfully, you don’t want to deny him. You glance up at him and pull his shirt on. It hangs on you, he’s just that much bigger than you are, “I’m not the strongest swimmer.” You admit.

“I won’t let you get hurt.” And when Monnk says it, you can’t help but believe him. 

“Yeah, alright.”

He grins at you and tugs you toward the water, pausing only long enough to grab his board.

Several hours later, you’re soaked and a little sore. His shirt is clinging to you uncomfortably, and your hair is stuck to your face. But for the first time you can remember, you’re having a good time at the beach.

But now the sun is setting, and you aren’t ready for the day to end.

At the moment, you’re sitting on his board, while his arms are resting on your thighs and his chin resting on his folded arms. Now that you’re closer to him, you can tell that his tattoo isn’t an octopus. You think it might be a squid of some kind.

“You like it?” 

Your gaze drifted from his tattoo to his face, “Sorry?”

“My tattoo.” He clarifies, “Do you like it?”

“It’s a squid of some kind, right?”

“It’s the Kraken,” Monnk agrees, “It took ages to get done. Especially since it covers most of my body.”

“I bet it hurt.”

“Like a bitch, but it was worth it.” Monnk grins, “My General says that I should add a ship being destroyed by the Kraken, but I’m thinking I’ll add a mermaid instead.” One of his fingers glides across the outside of your thigh, “How about it, lotus? Wanna become my mermaid?”

“Do any of these lines work?” You ask, amused.

“Dunno, you’re the first person I’m using them on. So you tell me.”

Oh. You’re face burns with flustered embarrassment.

Then Monnk grins at you, “Yeah. It’s working.”

“You’re the worst, you know that?”

“And yet, you’re here. With me. Letting me touch you. So I guess I’m not that bad.”

You huff and splash him with some water, making him laugh and tug you off the board.

The sudden cold water makes you squeak in surprise, and you splash him again, “Mean!” Anything else you might have said to him is cut off when his arms slide around your waist and he pulls you flush against him. 

“Mm, you’re soft.” The wide grin has faded into something softer and you avert your gaze, embarrassed. He lightly bumps his forehead against yours, and your eyes find his again.

“You’re going to regret this, Monnk.” You whisper to him.

“I’ve never regretted anything a day in my life,” He counters, his voice quiet, “I’m not going to start now.”

You don’t know what to say to that, so you don’t say anything. Then it doesn’t matter, as his lips catch yours in a kiss that starts mild but quickly grows more and more passionate.

And when his hands slide under the long shirt that you’re wearing, you can’t help but sigh against his lips. How long has it been since someone touched you like this?

Monnk laughs against your lips and pulls you closer.

By the time the pair of you return to shore, the sun has long since set.

Monnk apologizes about taking so much of the day from you, though there’s no actual apology in his voice. He almost sounds smug about it. He does look smug about it.

Then you realize that your friends ditched you, with no way to call home.

“Ah, sorry lotus. That is my fault,” Monnk says as he drapes an arm over your shoulder.

“No, it’s fine,” You fold your arms, “They’re the ones who left me here, so it’s their fault.”

“You can crash with me,” Monnk offers, “My hotel room has room for two. Tomorrow I’ll buy you some clothes and give you a lift home.”

That would work, hotels offer shampoo and the like at no cost after all. “You don’t mind?”

“Do I mind having the gorgeous woman I just spent several hours getting to know sharing my bed? No, no I don’t.”

You shoot him an amused look, “I feel bad for messing up your vacation.”

“Don’t be, I have to return home tomorrow anyway.” Monnk grins at you, “This just means that I get to spend the whole night learning you properly before I return you home.”

“Pervert,” 

“I didn’t hear you complaining earlier.”

You steadfastly ignore the way your face is burning, “That’s not the point.”

Monnk laughs, “Come on, sweetheart. I’ll even be a good date and buy you dinner before taking you back to bed.”

“Back to bed implies that we used a bed, Monnk.”

He glances at you, his eyes dancing with laughter, “Well then, this will be a treat for us both.”

@imabeautifulbutterfly

@n0vqni

@bad4amficideas

@justiceandwar98

@mira-loves-star-wars

@tiredbi-peach

@dukeoftheblackstar

@trixie2023

@kimiheartblade

@padawancat97

@falconfeather23435

@etod

@bb8-99

@kiss-anon

@continous-mistakes

@yoitsjay

@liz-stat

@cc--2224

@adriennelenoir

@cdblake1565

@sweater-sloot

@heidnspeak

@wax-birds

@silly-starfish

@lonewolflupe

@maniacalbooper

[clone-anon]

Hi Clone Anon! I saw you could write a version of you Monnk story where they don't go into the water. Could you please write that version too? I don't know if I could be brave enough to go in the ocean.

Of course!

Commander Monnk x GN!Reader

Summary: Based on the prompt from the first Monnk x Reader fic. Early relationship for Monnk and reader with a date on the beach.

Warnings: reader has thalassophobia, gets near the water but not in the water, kissing and cuddling

You were supposed to meet Monnk on the beach for your fourth date. You were a little nervous about the water, but didn't mind the sand. This particular beach had a very wide swath of sand and pebbles before you even got close to the water. The weather was perfect and the waves were calm. It was a beautiful day and you found a spot under some trees.

You looked around, searching for him. You were right on time, but didn't see him anywhere. Just then you noticed him waving from the water. He'd been swimming just past a sand bar. You stepped closer, but stayed on the sand and completely avoided the water. You waved back and smiled at him. He looked gorgeous as the sun lit up his face. He looked so comfortable out there.

Monnk quickly decided if you weren't coming in, then he would come out to join you. He swam to shore and jogged up to you.

"Hey," he said, reaching for your hand. "Want to come in? The water feels great."

You bit your lip and shook your head. He was the one who had suggested the beach, but you didn't have the heart to admit you were scared of the water. Now you couldn't ignore it.

"Something wrong," he asked, looking concerned.

"No," you said, squeezing his hand a little. "I'm happy to see you. I'm just deathly scared of the ocean."

"Oh, well then let's just sit on the beach together. That okay?"

You smiled and nodded, walking him to your blanket under the trees.

"You look so natural out there in the water," you said, sitting down together.

"Wasn't always that way," he replied. "Took a lot of getting used to." After a pause he added, "You okay to be on the beach? We could go somewhere else." He searched your eyes. You got lost in his and without thinking you leaned forward and kissed him. He was surprised, but kissed you back just as tenderly.

"I'm fine here right now," you said. "Actually, I brought this." You reached into your bag and pulled out a hammock. He beamed at you and helped you set it up between the trees. You laid in it together and watched the leaves above you blow in the gentle breeze. You spent the afternoon talking about everything and nothing, only leaving the hammock briefly to get some ice cream.

After you laid in the hammock again, you said, "Sorry about not getting in the water."

"He put an arm around you and kissed your cheek. "It's okay. I'd choose this with you over swimming any day."

[clonemommy]

His light

Summary: Monnk finds his light amidst the deep oceans.

Word Count: 422

Pairing: Commander Monnk x f!Reader

Authors Note: Actually wanted to take “Do the Mermaid” first but naahh.

-----

The sea was his home.

Commander Monnk knew nothing else. He was born to fight, disappear beneath the surface, and be invisible. The sea swallowed him as it swallowed all SCUBA troopers.

But she …

It began on Dac, the homeworld of the Mon Calamari.

She was light.

The Republic had allied with them, and Monnk was sent with a small unit to secure the waters. For him, it was a mission like any other.

Until he met her.

She was an explorer, a scientist who loved the ocean - just like him.

‘The currents here are fascinating,’ she had said when they first met.

Monnk had just nodded. He didn’t know how to talk to someone who wasn’t like him.

But she kept talking - about the water, the stars, the world out there.

For the first time, Monnk wondered whether life was more than orders and war.

And he listened.

Every time he came back from a mission, she was waiting on the jetty.

‘I bet you know every inch of this ocean,’ she said one evening, looking up at him.

‘Maybe,’ he admitted.

‘But have you ever just enjoyed it?’

He had just looked at her. Enjoy?

But when she took his hand and pulled him into the water as they swam between the waves, just the two of them and the light of the moons

He didn’t know how to do that.

The war called him back.

It felt like he had finally reached the surface.

The Clone Wars waited for no one.

They stood on the shore, the water lapping at their feet.

‘Will you come back?’ she asked.

He remained silent because he didn’t know.

Monnk raised a hand and let his fingertips glide over her cheek - one last moment, a silent promise.

‘I’ll wait,’ she whispered.

The war took a lot from him.

Then he dived into the water.

But he thought of her in every dark depth and cold ocean.

Of her smile. Of the feeling of freedom.

And he knew:

He would return one day.

Because his light was still waiting for him.

End ❤🌊

[hardcasey]

Fic Masterlist

all fics cross posted to my AO3 here

updated (2/19/2022)

all 18+/nsfw are marked

Won’t Fade into the Background 

A collection of stories focused on background clones

Soft Hands, Soft Hearts | Wooley x Reader | Rating: T

Sweet Tooth | Toast x Reader | Rating: T

Better than Watching Paint Dry | Blackout x Reader | Rating: T

Fools Rush In | Goji x Reader | Rating: T

Joy Ride | Hawk x Reader | Rating: E, 18+ only!!

Color Me Impressed | Sinker x Reader | Rating: T

Party Hardy | Boost x Reader | Rating: T

A Drop in the Ocean | Monnk x Reader | Rating: T

Home Front | Waxer x Reader | Rating: E, 18+ only!!

501st Legion

In Tune | Rex x Reader | Rating: T

Coruscant Guard

Tangled Sheets | Fox x Reader | Rating: E, 18+ only!!

After Hours | Fox x Reader | Rating: E, 18+ only!!

Delta Squad

Wedding Bell Blues | Boss x Reader | Rating: T

Fright Night | Sev x Reader | Rating: T

The Mandalorian/The Book of Boba Fett

Snowbound | Din Djarin x Reader | Rating: M, 18+ only!!!

Coming Out on Top | Boba Fett x Reader x Din Djarin | Rating: E, 18+ only!

Fandom Events

Snow Warning | Codywan | Rating: T (SW Secret Santa 2021)

[murdertoothpick]

main masterlist here | also on A03 -> 18+ MINORS DNI

full lineup under the cut! (based on this prompt list by @the-purity-pen)

1. anonymous sex w/ crosshair (fem!reader) 1.2k

2. threesome w/ fives and echo (gn!reader) 0.4k

3. exhibitionism w/ echo (fem!reader) 1.0k

4. spanking w/ wrecker (gn!reader) 0.4k

5. uniforms w/ frank castle (aka punisher) (fem!reader) 0.6k

6. food play w/ mand'alor maul (gn!reader) 0.4k

7. roleplay w/ rex (gn!reader) 0.8k

8. seduction w/ tech (gn!reader) 0.7k

9. hate/angry sex w/ wolffe (gn!reader) 0.8k

10. gagging w/ wrecker (gn!reader) 0.4k

11. being recorded w/ tech (fem!reader) 0.7k

12. body worship w/ rex (fem!reader) 0.5k

13. edging/orgasm denial w/ echo (fem!reader) 1.0k

14. bath/shower w/ tup (gn!reader) 0.8k

15. gun play w/ fox (gn!reader) 0.6k

16. massaging w/ tech and wrecker (gn!reader) 0.4k

17. breast worship w/ kix (fem!reader) 0.5k

18. cock worship w/ jesse (fem!reader) 0.9k

19. glove kink w/ din djarin (the mandalorian) (fem!reader) 0.7k

20. phone sex w/ crosshair (gn!reader) 1.2k

21. first ‘i love you’ w/ fives (fem!reader) 0.8k

22. breeding kink w/ darth maul (fem!reader) 0.5k

23. nylons/tights w/ matt murdock (aka daredevil) (gn!reader) 0.5k

24. window/balcony sex w/ fox (fem!reader) 1.7k

25. breathplay w/ commander monnk (fem!reader) 0.5k

26. latex/leather w/ din djarin (gn!reader) 1.3k

27. corruption/training w/ boba fett (fem!reader) 0.9k

28. almost getting caught w/ cody (gn!reader) 1.5k

29. period sex w/ hunter (fem!reader) 0.7k

30. temperature play w/hunter (fem!reader) 0.7k

31. secretly hooking up w/ wolffe (gn!reader) 0.5k

i really really want to thank EVERYBODY who has supported me through this month whether you just read my work, liked, reblogged, or even binged it (yes! i see y'all and i love y'all). i have so much appreciation for all of you and WISH i could show every one of you as much love as you’ve shown me this past month.

i also want to congratulate all my fellow writers whether or not you finished kinktober, or posted a few things here and there because no matter what, y'all should be prOUD OF YOURSELVES. this was hard and we all deserve a pat on the back!

[wanderinginksplot]

Gar Cyare Chapter Five

More Alpha-17/fem!reader fic! If you missed the last one, check your settings and make sure you can see adult material (marked for discussion of a makeout session and a brief mention of sexual arousal). Or if that makes you uncomfortable, message me and I can give you an overview of the important content.

Word Count: 8,900 😰

Warnings: mentions of parties, alcohol consumption, and hangovers.

Make sure to check out the author's note at the end of the chapter!

Previous | Next* | Masterlist

*The Next button will take the reader to the next SFW chapter. To access the NSFW chapter, follow the instructions at the end of this chapter.

---

Ba'balut (On Patrol)

There was no question that the ARCs-in-training knew how to throw a party. 

In contrast, there were many questions about how they had managed to pull it off, but that was another matter entirely. 

“I don’t understand,” Alpha vented to you, tucked away in a corner of the room. “How did they get this much food? It’s all contraband on Kamino. And the alcohol! I haven’t seen so much kriffin’ alcohol since the last time I went to 79’s.”

“What’s 79’s?” you asked, speaking loudly in a bid to be heard over the throbbing music.

Alpha had been right: the party was wildly beyond what you had thought of being possible for a handful of ARC trainees to manage. There was food everywhere - good food - and you had gleefully loaded up a plate in celebration of eating something other than nutrient mush. The alcohol was plentiful and the drinks were strong. The music was so loud that you vaguely wondered whether the stilt supporting this section of the city was going to shake itself loose and leave you toppling into the sea. And then you stopped wondering about that because you were starting your second drink of the evening and even the thought made you dizzy. 

Alpha acted like he hadn’t even heard you. “This is ridiculous. They’re supposed to be professionals, highly trained to handle any assignment the GAR can throw their way. And this is how they’re acting?” A scoff paired nicely with the irritated way Alpha shook his head. “How did they pull this off?”

“Alpha, seriously? Look around the room,” you instructed. “There are more instructors than I’ve ever seen in one place and all of them are drinking like they’re trying to drown. I think they probably helped the ARCs get what they needed for this.”

“How did they even afford it?” Alpha bit out. “Even if they convinced those utreekov bounty hunters to get them what they needed, no one is buying that much alcohol and footing the bill. Especially not them. They’d hunt down their own mothers if it meant an extra credit or two in their pocket.”

“You’re missing the biggest detail out of all of this,” you told him. “Frankly, it’s astonishing. You need to focus.”

With a deep frown in your direction, Alpha leaned closer. “What are you talking about? What am I missing?”

You took a burning sip of your drink and tilted your head to the side, smiling flirtily up at Alpha. “Even as we speak, you’re missing out on a chance to dance with me.”

Admittedly, you knew that had a remarkably low chance of working. You liked to dance and the room was full of proof that you weren’t the only one, but Alpha literally made a living by teaching tough men how to be tougher. He had admitted to being intense and he was always stern. None of those were traits that lent themselves well to dancing.

Or so you had thought.

The instant the invitation left you, Alpha took the cup from your hand, drank from it, and set it aside. You stared up at him in shock, but he was already motioning you onto the dance floor and you walked in front of him in a pleasant daze.

Alpha was a much better dancer than you would have given him credit for. Of course, your shock at the fact that he danced at all was an indication of your doubt where he was concerned, but you were still thrilled. While others may have started dancing a short distance away from you and gotten closer, Alpha stood confidently close from the start. You were in constant contact while the songs shifted. The music worked its way through genres and eras as you and Alpha worked your way around the room.

The time passed pleasantly until you were breathless and your cheeks hurt from smiling. You stopped and Alpha followed your lead, following as you walked around the periphery of people dancing. 

“What are you doing, neverd’ika?”

“Looking for my drink.”

“I don’t know why,” Alpha told you. “Even if you find it, we’re getting you a fresh one.”

You paused at that. It had always been standard procedure for you in public to get a new drink any time you had taken your eyes off of your current one… but you trusted these people. Didn’t Alpha trust his brothers, his vode?

As if he had read your mind, Alpha explained, “Too many people around here. We can’t be sure that your drink would be safe and I won’t take risks with you. Besides, what if someone sneezed on it?”

You huffed at him. Throw away your meal once because Neyo didn’t know how to cover his mouth and no one let you live it down. There was only so irritated you could be, though. Alpha made a good point… and when his eyes sparkled with good humor, how could you be expected to resist his charm?

Alpha insisted on getting drinks for you both while you chose some of your favorite foods to share with him. Drift appeared beside you before Alpha came back, and you watched in horror as he reached out to take a nuna leg directly from the table and eat it. 

“There are plates for a reason!” you reminded him loudly.

Drift grinned, wiping grease from his chin. “Yeah, the reason is because some people don’t eat fast enough.”

You laughed despite yourself. “Are you having fun?”

“Of course! Are you?”

The two of you chatted back and forth about the party for a while, but when Alpha returned, Drift said, “Looked like the two of you were having fun earlier. Enjoying the dance floor, Captain?”

“How did you pull this off, Drift?” Alpha asked, managing to turn a fairly curious question into something accusatory. “Why aren’t the Kamiini shutting it down? What do you have on them?”

“Why, Captain!” Drift exclaimed, pressing his hand to his chest. “Are you accusing me of doing something irresponsible?”

You snorted loudly enough that Drift heard it over the music and winked at you. Alpha was much less amused. “Do I need to remind you that lying to your commanding officer is generally considered a bad thing?”

“I’m not really lying…” Drift hedged. “Just avoiding the question.”

Alpha grunted at that, carefully picking at some of the food on your plate. He ate it deliberately, savoring it before he made intimidatingly direct eye contact with Drift. Nonchalantly, Alpha asked, “But will you be able to avoid the consequences?”

“Oh, you were asking about the party!” Drift said, chuckling nervously. “Sorry, Captain, must have misunderstood you. The Kaminoans aren’t stopping it because it’s their party.”

“Excuse me?” you asked. You had to express your disbelief somehow, and that seemed more polite than blatantly calling Drift a liar.

“Technically speaking, this is a party that the Kaminoans put on to celebrate the end of the repairs,” Drift told you and Alpha.

Alpha gave a slow nod. “I knew the final repairs had been made. Surprised they’re doing something as frivolous as throwing a party about it.”

“Apparently, they got the impression that someone wanted a party to bring everyone together and celebrate the work that has been put in on it.” Drift’s eyes flitted nervously to you as Alpha heaved a sigh and you glanced between them. “Someone sent by the Senate to write a report on the way we clones are treated.”

“Did you directly use her name?” Alpha asked, tone long-suffering.

“No, just hints and implications,” Drift admitted. “Nothing that could be traced.”

“Well, you learned that, at least.” Alpha shook his head. “Sorry, neverd’ika.”

“It’s fine with me,” you said, smiling when both men were surprised. “If I had thought about it, I would have suggested that the Kaminoans do something nice for you. I… probably wouldn’t have requested a party, but the men certainly seem happy.”

“They are!” Drift looked relieved that you weren’t angry. “I think I’m done here. Do you two need anything? Another drink? Some more ice?”

“No,” Alpha told him, voice so firm that Drift seemed to understand that he wasn’t talking about drinks or ice. “You’re not done explaining yet. Why would the Kamiini put so many resources into a party? There must be half the training budget in alcohol alone.”

“Well… maybe not everything came from the Kaminoans.” Drift guiltily shifted his feet. “They provided the basic funding and we… improvised.”

“Improvised,” Alpha repeated.

“Yeah, improvised. See, the Kaminoans didn’t specify what kind of food they wanted us to get. Or how much of the budget could be spent on food and how much could be diverted to… other things.”

Alpha stepped forward, hissing something into Drift’s ear. The room was too loud for you to hear the question itself, but Drift’s face paled as he rapidly shook his head. “Oh, no, nothing like that, sir! Just transport costs for the food and drinks. Of course, I also told some of the instructors about it and they were willing to chip in so they could get some… uh… specialty beverages ordered in. Not often Kamino gets enough of anything to be considered a bulk order.”

“That better be true,” Alpha warned, stepping back far enough that he didn’t hit Drift as he folded his arms across his broad chest.

“On my honor, Captain,” Drift said cheerfully.

Alpha’s snort was loud enough to drown out the music for a moment, and you started to laugh. Drift shook his head at both of you. “I know when I’m not wanted!”

“Wait,” you pleaded before Drift could take more than a few steps toward the crowd. “I still don’t get it. Why take such a risk to bolster this party in particular? Just because it was happening, or is there something special I’m missing?”

After giving that a moment of consideration, Drift explained, “Consider it a pre-party. Probably the closest we’re gonna get to having one of our own.”

“That doesn’t really answer the question, though,” you pointed out. “This is the closest who is going to get to having a party? And for what?”

Drift beamed at you, throwing his hands wide open as if offering the entire room a hug. “ARC graduation, of course! This is our gift to ourselves for surviving everything the captain inflicted on us.”

You were knocked speechless at that, and the lack of conversation threatened to stretch into something uncomfortable. Before it got to that point, Alpha clapped Drift on the shoulder. “And my gift to you is that I won’t take it easy on any of you men in training tomorrow morning. You haven’t graduated yet.”

“Yes, sir!” Drift agreed, offering a salute in Alpha’s direction. “I’ll be around if you need me. Enjoy the party!”

When he had melted into the mass of people eating and drinking, dancing and chatting, you were left standing with Alpha. Eventually, Alpha heaved a sigh and handed you the drink he had gotten you, long-forgotten in the wake of your conversation with Drift. 

“Let’s find somewhere quieter to sit down.”

That seemed like a good idea, so you followed Alpha through the crowd. He did most of the work, of course, his height and the breadth of his body carving a wide furrow through the party. All you had to do was trail behind him before the walls of people came back together like the waves behind a boat.

Alpha led you to a seating area tucked around the corner from where the majority of the party was taking place. You were far from alone, clusters of cadets dotting the area, but the noise level was far more manageable than it had been anywhere else.

You settled into your chair, sipping absently at the drink. With more than a little amusement, you noted that Alpha had mixed the drink to be far less strong than the ones you had been drinking before. Still, you set the cup down on the table before you had made a noticeable change in the level of liquid inside.

“Talk to me, neverd’ika,” Alpha rumbled abruptly.

You shook your head slightly - not as a refusal to do as he had requested, but as a lament for your own thoughts. “I don’t know why I’m so surprised to learn that the ARCs are going to graduate soon.”

Alpha shrugged. “They’re the first group you really knew. You wouldn’t have paid much attention to the typical ARC training cycle before them. Not that it would have done you much good.”

“What does that mean?” you asked, toying absently with the cup. 

“This… wasn’t a standard training cycle, not by any means.” Alpha scrubbed a hand over his head in a way you rarely saw him do. “This cycle was extended by a lot. Mostly because of the attack and the aftermath, but there were some other factors involved.”

You frowned at him, but before you could ask exactly what those factors were, Alpha cut you off. “Point is, normally the ARCs don’t take as long to train as this group did. The extra time we took made sense considering everything that happened, but orders came down. They say we need to get back on track.”

“Who says that?” you pressed. As far as you were concerned, the ARCs had already resumed their training far earlier than was wise. You would have considered it a good idea to have the ARCs continue their training on Kamino for at least a few more weeks.

“The higher-ups,” Alpha told you vaguely, sighing when you shot him a sharp look. “The GAR, the Kaminoans… even the Senate sent General Ti a message asking when the battalions could expect to get their men back.”

“They didn’t!” you gasped.

“It was phrased better than that, but all the karkin’ politeness in the universe won’t hide the impatience when a general wants their soldiers back under their own command.”

“ARCs aren’t under any one general’s command.”

In his driest tone, Alpha said, “Thank you for the education, civvie. You’re right, but the ARCs tend to be attached to a specific unit. Usually it’s the one where they started or where they were just before ARC training. They normally get sent all over the place, sure, but they can request to work with a specific unit or general if they want.”

“Normally?” you asked, picking up on his unexpected use of the word. “When wouldn’t an ARC go wherever they’re needed?”

“Only in certain circumstances,” Alpha told you thoughtfully. “One of them is if an ARC-trained trooper takes on a leadership role in a unit. In that case, the scenario flips. Most of the time, the ARC is with their own unit, but can be called into service elsewhere if needed. That’s what’s gonna happen with Drift when he goes back. He’s a captain now.”

“Drift got promoted?” you asked, trying to hide your own surprise. Those efforts disappeared entirely as you repeated, “Drift?”

“Yeah, I think he may be blackmailing someone,” Alpha grumbled, making you laugh.

Your laugh faded slowly and you took another sip of your drink while you tried to figure out how to phrase your next question. Unfortunately, even a weaker drink wasn’t enough to save your mental acuity, and your thoughts came out in a long-stretched strand. “How long..? What day- When is their graduation going to be?” 

Alpha lifted an eyebrow at you but didn’t make any comments about your current state. “Day after tomorrow.”

“What? That’s so soon!” You lifted your cup for another drink of whatever mystery concoction the ARCs had thrown together, but Alpha gestured for you to pass it to him. When you did, he handed you his in return. Obligingly, you drank from his cup and felt your expression shift. “Water? Alpha, why are you drinking water at a party?”

He shrugged. “Never seen you at a party before. Thought you might get a little crazy. I figured I would keep things under control if you did.”

“Under control?” you asked suspiciously, drinking more water when Alpha pointedly glanced from the cup to your face. “How exactly would you have done that?”

“The usual,” he replied easily. “Scare cadets, threaten ARCs, distract Kaminii. Get you out of here if necessary.”

“You would talk to a Kaminoan to keep me out of trouble?” you asked, eyes prickling like you were going to start crying. Then you took another drink. You must be worse off than you thought if you were getting teary over something so minor… as much as you could call Alpha being willing to talk to a Kaminoan ‘minor’. 

“Yeah.”

You grinned at him. “I think that’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.”

Alpha smiled, the expression blooming slow and true across his face. “What do you think, cyare? Do you think you’ll be happy here with just me and Limit and the kids for company?”

“Of course,” you told him immediately, reaching across the table to lay your hand palm-up in the space between you. Alpha covered it with his own. “I’ll miss the ARCs, of course. They’ve done more for me - for us - than I can really thank them for. But I know they have different things they need to do, other places in the galaxy where they can do more good than they can here. But, in the end, you’re all I need.”

“Not need,” Alpha corrected, squeezing your hand gently. “Remember? You told me that just after you got your cast removed. You don’t need me around; you want me around.”

“Exactly,” you agreed. “And I’m gonna want you around for a long time.”

It was too dangerous to kiss him the way you wanted to in such a public location. Stars, it was a bad idea for the two of you to be holding hands as openly as you were. But you were tipsy enough and so lost in your own feelings that you convinced Alpha to round the table so you could lean against him and contemplate the galaxy for a few minutes.

---

There was no question that the ARCs-in-training knew how to throw a party. 

In contrast, you had many questions about your ability to survive the aftermath of that party, but that was another matter entirely.

“Neverd’ika.”

You frowned, eyes still tightly closed against the light in your room. Stars, why was it so bright? You always kept the lights turned down as low as possible. Had something gone wrong with the automatic shutters that kept the room dimmed despite the large window?

“Neverd’ika, I need you to sit up.”

The sound of Alpha’s low voice rumbling through you made you wince - any sound did - but your aching brain was soon absorbed in trying to unravel the mystery of the night before. You had gone to a party for the ARCs - no, for the end of the construction. The ARCs had just taken it over before anyone had the chance to realize what had happened.

A heavy sigh rang through the room and the mattress dipped slightly. 

You groaned and rolled the other way, pulling the sheets up to your chin and curling your body a little tighter, bracing yourself as if the pain were a physical attack you could ward off with the right defense.

“Neverd’ika, I’m serious.”

Alpha hadn’t stayed with you the night before. You couldn’t blame him overly much, especially considering how drunk you had been by the time you had left the party, but that hadn’t stopped you from being bitter about your empty bed that night. Well, in the thirty seconds it had taken you to fall asleep, anyway.

“I have caf and pain meds.”

That was enough to make you turn over, blearily opening your eyes. Alpha was indeed sitting on the edge of your bed, one hand holding a mug and the other cupped as he held something. You began to sit up and Alpha gave you a warning look.

“Easy and slow, guur’gal,” Alpha warned.

“Gurgle?” you asked, the dryness in your mouth hiding the horror you were feeling. “Why are you calling me gurgle? Did I throw up last night?”

“No, but you will if you sit up too fast,” he warned. “Take it slow and you’ll be okay.”

You sat up slowly, head pounding so hard that it made you feel unsteady and verging on miserable. Alpha was still sitting on the bed, so you slid over until you could use him to prop yourself upright. You reached for the caf, but your stomach lurched and you paused.

“There’s an order to these things,” Alpha told you, putting on his best instructor voice. “Water first. Drink it slowly.” 

He passed you a glass of water. It was lukewarm and somehow the best thing you had ever tasted. When you had gotten down about a third of it, he handed you two capsules. 

“Pain meds. Take ‘em one at a time or you could make yourself gag and there’s no stopping what will happen next.”

You did as he instructed, swallowing convulsively when the second capsule adhered to your tongue. It had been good advice and you went back to sipping the water.

“Now some caf,” he ordered, handing you the mug. The heat felt wonderful against your hands and you cautiously drank some. It didn’t have anything to cut the strong taste, but it was the perfect temperature and didn’t upset your system, hitting your stomach and spreading that delicious warmth through your entire body. 

Alpha took it back from you before you could start to drink it in earnest, passing the tepid water back to you. “Finish this off and lie back down.”

“What time-”

“I left you plenty of time to get ready,” he interrupted, having anticipated your concerns. “You can go back to sleep for about half an hour. I’ll wake you up and we’ll try out some food.”

You groaned, moving carefully back to a comfortable position. You let your hands fall somewhere above your head, wincing sharply when your comlink connected with your forehead. Alpha sighed and worked gently at the band until it slipped free of your wrist, leaving it bare and you far more comfortable than you had been.

Before you could slip back into sleep, you mumbled, “What’s gurgle mean?”

Alpha chuckled. “Not ‘gurgle’. Guur’gal. It’s Mando’a. Means someone who likes their alcohol.”

“That’s not me,” you assured him, keeping your eyes closed. Sleep was beginning to pull at you. “I’ve decided I don’t like alcohol at all. Not if this is what it does to me. I’m giving it up. Never again.”

Alpha hummed something that could have been anything from a skeptical agreement to a weather report. You were asleep before you could begin to process it.

“Neverd’ika.”

You groaned. “Give it up, Alpha. I feel awful, even with the painkillers. I think I’m just going to stay here today, sleep it off.”

When an answer didn’t come immediately, you thought you had won… but then Alpha’s softest voice said, “Today will be your last chance to watch the ARCs have a training session. This will be their last one. The ceremony is tomorrow morning, then they ship out.”

Sleep was lapping at the edges of your consciousness like the waves of Kamino did Tipoca City’s supports. It was rising higher every second, threatening to wash you away entirely. The soft temptation called to you, promising to ease your pain and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to say goodbye to the ARCs. 

It was an enticing prospect. You had never felt quite as bad as you did then…

But you had worked over the past few weeks for this. Well, not this, specifically. You hadn’t known that the ARC graduation would be approaching as quickly as it did. But you had realized through some hellish combination of overthinking and overplanning that it would be a good idea to work ahead slightly. You had done a little extra over the last few weeks - not an easy prospect considering that Alpha frowned upon you pulling long shifts - and gotten about a day’s worth of spare work done in case you needed to skip a shift for some reason.

And you couldn’t think of a better reason than spending the day with the group of soon-to-be ARC troopers who had saved your life and sanity on several different occasions.

You groaned again, deep and heartfelt, but it was accompanied by a struggle to shift your weight up and onto your hands as you levered yourself up off the bed. Through incredible willpower and stubbornness, you turned to plant yourself in a sitting position - ignoring the way the room seemed to spin from the motion - and tore the sheets away from you.

When you looked over at him, Alpha looked quietly amused, but didn’t say anything. Instead, he silently handed you a mug of caf made precisely the way you preferred it. You hummed in grateful pleasure at your first sip. 

To your shock, the unpleasant dryness faded from your mouth and you were left feeling oddly… okay. The dizziness had faded and your head no longer ached. “Wow.”

“Exactly,” Alpha said, satisfied with himself.

The lingering unhappiness from having to get out of bed threatened to spill out at him, but you smiled at him instead. “Thank you, Alpha. I don’t think I would have made it through that if you hadn’t helped.”

“Glad you’re feeling better, neverd’ika, but no need to thank me,” he brushed off uncomfortably. “Lots of trial and error went into that. Just glad I could share it with someone who needed it.”

“Have you been making trips to all of the future ARCs? Sharing your wisdom?” You took a sip of caf to hide the smile threatening to break out across your face.

“Kriff that. Those-” Alpha cut himself off, scowling even deeper when you gave a soft snort at his response. “First off, troopers have an enhanced metabolism and process alcohol faster than a nat-born. Secondly, if they did have hangovers, that’s their own problem, not mine.”

You smirked into your mug, sputtering slightly when Alpha deliberately jostled the bed as he stood up. “But it will be my problem if I’m late for their last day of training. Get to the ARC area when you can.”

By the time you dressed and got there, the ARCs were already deep in a training session. You slipped in the doors as quietly as possible, sitting by the wall so you wouldn’t distract anyone.

The first time you had come here, rushing to deliver a message from General Ti, it had seemed like there were ARCs everywhere. They had been doing everything from running to boxing, all of them unfamiliar to you. But the more you had spoken to them and gotten more comfortable in the previously intimidating section of Tipoca City, you had realized that there were only five troopers training for ARC status.

That seemed like a concerningly small group to you, but Alpha had given you an incredulous look when you brought it up to him. “How long have you been writing that report of yours, civvie? And you still haven’t gotten to ARCs? Classes are small, no more than five troopers - sometimes fewer. How many ARC troopers do you think there are in the galaxy? ‘Concerningly small group’. Tell you what: when you start writing about ARC training, come find me and I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

It was one of the first times Alpha had ever volunteered to spend more time with you, and the memory still made you smile.

“Hey, Captain said you might stop by,” Neyo said casually as he crossed in front of your seat. “Glad you survived the morning.”

You laughed. “Yeah, I heard your metabolism helps you avoid the hangover. Lucky.”

“Not entirely,” he hedged. “It hit Monnk pretty bad this morning, but he got through it.”

“Poor guy,” you mused, searching the room for Monnk. He was sparring with Bacara and holding his own. “He seems to have recovered okay, though. Alpha said something about not taking it easy on you guys today. I’m glad he wasn’t serious.”

“Oh, he was.” Neyo grabbed a pair of gloves and started back toward the group. “But Monnk was fine after he booted his breakfast.”

Neyo nodded at you and jogged back to the group, putting his gloves on, then began sparring with Drift. Faie was partnered up with Alpha. By this point, Alpha was shouting orders at them, encouraging the men or lamenting their skills in turn… keeping pace with Faie’s fists all the while.

There were times like these when the temptation to overthink rose sharply in you. You could feel it in the back of your mind: Alpha was so at home here, being harsh with these troopers. How could he be the same man who sat on the edge of your bed and coached you through a hangover that morning, only a few hours earlier? Could any one person have such different facets of their personality, or was he lying about one of them?

As you were pushing away those doubts, Alpha managed to turn in your direction, smile, and wink, all while blocking Faie’s punches and tossing a few of his own in return. Faie’s pace sped up, blows raining down against Alpha’s forearms and turned shoulders. Eventually, one of his hits slipped past Alpha’s guard and collided solidly with his face.

You gasped, leaning forward in your seat, but Alpha just shook his head sharply. “You can hit harder than that, Faie. Do we pull our punches here, men?”

“No!” the ARCs cried, the denial reverberating through the room.

Faie’s arms moved with such speed that it was fully impossible to anticipate where the hits would land. At least, it was impossible for you. Alpha seemed to be managing, blocking and dodging every one. The other two groups were the same: punches and occasional kicks blocked before being returned by the other person, none of them landing.

Until Faie snuck past Alpha’s block a second time.

The sound of his knuckles connecting with Alpha’s chest was loud in the quiet room - the men fighting in an eerie silence - and you could hear the slight shudder in Alpha’s breathing as he absorbed the hit.

You were standing before you could begin to track what had happened. “Alpha!”

All of the men turned to look at you… except Alpha himself. A split second later, Faie swore and whipped back around, only to find Alpha’s curled fist hovering just before his face. “How many times have I told you men? Never allow yourselves to be distracted, especially in the middle of a fight.”

Faie sighed so heavily that you could see his shoulders move beneath his workout clothes. “Did you deliberately let me hit you?”

“Yes,” Alpha confirmed. “I knew neverd’ika would say something and you would get distracted. Besides, it was a good way for me to find out whether you actually were punching with full-force, and you were. Good.”

“So we can let our opponents hit us?” Bacara asked, clearly skeptical.

“Well, since most of your opponents will be clankers, no,” Alpha instructed. “But occasionally, you’ll find it useful to show a little weakness. When the enemy moves in to exploit it, you have an opening to attack them. Maybe even ambush them, depending on how well you’ve planned it.”

Drift’s eyes were dancing. “A little weakness to hide your full strength. I like it.”

“But that’s getting close to psychological warfare,” Neyo argued. “We’re not allowed to do that. We’re supposed to work on battlefields, leave the psych stuff to the intelligence officers.”

Alpha’s expression hardened. “I’m training you men to stay alive, not to follow orders. And if you believe there’s no psychology on a battlefield, you haven’t been listening to what I’ve told you. Everything plays into the enemy’s strategy: weather conditions, geography, their army’s access to food or power sources. If you disrupt their supply lines, you stand a good chance at victory. If you ruin their morale, you’ve already won.”

The men glanced at each other, faces sharpening with eagerness and a fierce pride in themselves and each other. Alpha must have noted that change as well, because he gave a satisfied nod. “You men are going to be just fine.”

In the flurry of activity that made up the ARCs’ last day of training, you didn’t really get to speak with them until dinner that night. All of the ARCs were at the table in the mess hall with you and Alpha. The Bad Batch was attending a nighttime training, but Limit had been able to leave the medbay and join you.

“So how does this ceremony go tomorrow?” you asked, poking suspiciously at your food.

Alpha shrugged. “The General will make a speech, the men will salute, and they’ll be shipped off to their first assignments.”

That sounded… anticlimactic, but when you said so, you got a droll stare from almost everyone at the table.

“It’s the GAR,” Faie pointed out. “What did you expect?”

“I’m not sure,” you said with a shrug. “Something that shows how grateful the Republic is for your service and how we all want you to stay safe.”

Alpha’s snort was echoed by about six others and you found yourself ducking your head a little in embarrassment. “Not everyone has those ideas about us,” Monnk said kindly.

“No one has those ideas about us,” Drift muttered, grunting when Bacara threw an elbow into his ribs.

“We need to go,” Neyo announced, shoving a forkful of food into his mouth and standing up from the table. The others did the same, finishing the last of their meals before getting ready to leave.

“Where to?” you asked, befuddled. “I thought you were done training?”

“Not quite,” Alpha told you. “Go ahead, troopers. I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Wait, no-” you said, terror suddenly tightening your throat. If they left directly from the ceremony, you wouldn’t get another chance to see them. There was more you hadn’t said, hadn’t gotten the chance to…

“Udesii, neverd’ika,” Alpha told you. The word was unfamiliar, but soothing somehow, especially coupled with the calming tone that Alpha was using. “We have to go, but you’ll see them again. We’ll come get you and go to the graduation together.”

“What is- Where are you going?” 

“I can’t tell you anything specific,” Alpha admitted uncomfortably. “Let’s just say there are certain rituals we do the night before an ARC graduation. All of the future ARCs and their trainer have to participate.”

That didn’t make you feel better. “Rituals?”

Alpha made a frustrated sound. “That isn’t the right word. They’re more like… traditions. Superstitions. The men believe they keep the ARCs safe in the field. I have to go. Are you-?”

“I’m fine, Alpha,” you assured him. “Go. Have… fun? Just be safe.”

Alpha nodded, sneaking a kiss to your cheek as he ducked unnecessarily low to pick up his tray. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

When he had left, you turned to Limit. “ARC traditions?”

Limit shrugged. “I’m not e- even an official trooper. Let alone- let alone an ARC trooper.”

“What does that mean, not an ‘official trooper’?” you asked, not realizing how peevish your tone was until Limit shifted in his seat, clearly nervous.

“Y- yeah, you know- you know this already,” he said with a vague gesture. “Because I’m-”

“Limit, if you say ‘defective’, I’m going to get very cranky,” you warned.

Limit’s mouth slowly closed and you sighed, feeling guilty. “Come on, you and I are going to spend some time together. I’ve got a few holofilms I think you might enjoy.”

You didn’t sleep very well that night.

Alpha had said that he would come get you so you could say goodbye and attend the graduation ceremony, but you were terrified that you would somehow oversleep and miss everything.

When you heard a soft knock at your door, you paused your pacing and went to answer it. If Alpha was surprised to find you awake and already dressed, he didn’t say anything. The future ARCs were all standing in the hall behind him. Each one was wearing full armor and carrying a bag over one shoulder, helmets tucked under their other arm or dangling from their free hand. Despite the early hour, all of them looked alert and ready for anything.

“We’ll be the first ones in the hangar bay,” Alpha told you as the group started down the hall. “It’s usually a small ceremony. As soon as General Ti comes in, it starts. As soon as it ends, the ARCs leave. So if there’s anything you want to tell them, you need to do it before the general gets there.”

You nodded, glancing around at the troopers. “Are you all excited?”

“Ready to get back out there,” Monnk told you. “We’ve been away from our brothers for a long time.”

You just forced a smile and nodded at that. You suddenly realized that these troopers - the ones who had protected, supported, and befriended you - were going back to fighting in the war. A war with casualty rates that were disconcertingly high. Not only that, you realized, but these troopers were the ones who would take the riskiest assignments. They would be forced to think on their feet, outwit the most brilliant minds the CIS had planning their side of the war. Other than the commandos, perhaps, the ARC troopers were the ones who faced the most dire situations.

Your throat tightened with fear for these men, along with a terrible sense of powerlessness. You couldn’t do anything to protect them. In fact, if they were injured or worse on an assignment, you didn’t have GAR security clearance in the right segment to even learn about it. Every time the holonews reported on casualty numbers, you would wonder if one of these ARCs - one of your friends - was among the dead.

When you reached the hangar bay, the outer door was already open. With the incomprehensibly large gap in the seal that protected Kamino from the elements, the breeze from the sea was welcomed into the hangar. It danced around you with a pleasant salt smell, helping ground you. A lone transport ship was waiting in the open doorway, ready to whisk your friends to a nearby ship that would ferry them to their first assignments.

The men rested their bags in a pile near the bottom of the ship’s ramp, ready to be slung back over their shoulders as they left.

“We only have a few minutes, neverd’ika,” Alpha warned. 

You nodded, facing the future ARCs. All of them watched you with expressions ranging from pleasantly waiting to outright smiling. Even so-serious Faie was wearing a mildly affectionate look for you. 

And, of course, you didn’t know what to say to any of them anymore. While you and Limit were watching a holofilm the night before, your mind had been thoroughly occupied with this moment. The beginning of a dozen half-rehearsed speeches tumbled through your mind, but you couldn’t force any of it past your lips.

Instead, with all of them watching you, all you could muster was a broken, “Thank you.”

A warm weight against your back made you glance up. You found Alpha standing beside you, one hand resting comfortably between your shoulder blades.

With the solid reminder of everything you had gained here, you managed to expand a bit. “You helped me. You saved me. I’ll never forget that. I’ll always be grateful. If there’s anything I can do for you, anything… please contact me. I’ll do whatever I can to help. Thank you.”

You went down the line - Neyo, Faie, Monnk, Bacara, and Drift - offering every trooper a hug and a kiss on the cheek. You were careful not to overstep, knowing that physical affection wasn’t enjoyed by everyone, but each of them willingly wrapped you in their arms and accepted the kiss you pressed to their cheek.

When you had finished, you stepped back, offering them a watery smile. You had promised yourself that you wouldn’t cry, but you weren’t sure it was a promise you would be able to keep.

“If I had the choice, I would do all of it again,” Bacara told you, echoed closely by the others. 

“I would have figured out a way to throw a punch at that supervisor of yours, though,” Drift added, grinning broadly.

You laughed despite yourself, and Alpha’s thumb stroked back and forth across your skin. To Drift, he only grumbled, “You’d have to wait in line.”

“I’m glad things worked out,” Faie told you, jerking his chin at Alpha so you would be sure to catch his meaning. “You’re good for each other.”

That was surprising coming from Faie, but you hid your surprise with curiosity when Monnk stepped a little closer. Conspiratorially, he said, “Don’t let the captain get away with that kind of osik again. I’m worried he’ll get stupid without us around to keep him in line.”

“Don’t worry,” Neyo assured him. “I’ve already taught the kids a few things about what to do if he starts up again.”

“I’m still your commanding officer - for the next few minutes, anyway,” Alpha reminded him, scowling in a way that managed to lack its usual edge. “Do I need to remind you that you haven’t graduated yet?”

As if on cue, General Ti swept gracefully into the hangar. Commander Colt was following behind her, his distinctly painted helmet tucked under his arm. The ARCs stepped into a quick, neat line to the right side of the transport’s ramp, each one snapping a salute as soon as he was in place.

“At ease,” the general told them as she crossed the room.

General Ti moved opposite them, on the left side of the ramp. Alpha stayed beside you, Commander Colt coming to stand on his other side. To say you felt out of place was an understatement and you vaguely wondered if there was somewhere else you were supposed to be standing, but the general began to speak. 

“Gentlemen,” she started, her smooth voice flowing over your battered nerves and making your shoulders ease slightly. “It is no secret that you have not had a typical training cycle. What was intended to be a six-week course that trained you to become ARC troopers has stretched twice that length and you have learned so much more.”

“Typically, graduation ceremonies are a chance for me to advise ARC troopers on the challenges they will face in combat. You, however, have already experienced much of what is awaiting you in the galaxy. What is more, you have already proven yourselves capable.”

General Ti surveyed the men, a soft smile on her face. “You helped defend Kamino in our darkest hour. You repelled Separatist invaders who sought to destroy everything we have built. You protected Republic assets, particularly the ones that cannot be replaced.”

You shifted uncomfortably, somehow getting the feeling that the general was talking about you in that last part. Alpha’s hand - having dropped from your back when the general and commander walked in - found yours. Your joined hands were hidden in the folds of his kama, but you suspected no one in the room would begrudge you the contact even if you were open about it.

Ridiculously, it was only then that you realized no Kaminoans had bothered coming to the ceremony.

“In short, you men are the perfect embodiment of the values that we look for in an ARC trooper. We look forward to seeing what incredible things you do for the galaxy, but never forget the crucible of your training.” General Ti clasped her hands in front of herself. “You should be proud of the things you have already accomplished, just as we are proud of you for accomplishing them. Captain?”

Alpha released your hand, scooping up a small stack of neatly folded fabric from a nearby crate. He moved to the front of the line, General Ti and Commander Colt just beside him. 

He stopped in front of Neyo. “CC-8826, Neyo.”

“Neyo, your steadfast dependability is your strongest asset,” General Ti told him. “Mind that it does not influence your ability to improvise. The ability to adapt is imperative, and you are well able to do so.”

Neyo saluted, accepting the cloth from Alpha. Something about the way it moved made you realize that it was his kama. It was plain at the moment, but Alpha had explained to you that the men were free to paint or otherwise personalize their kamas just as they did with their armor.

Alpha moved slightly down the line. “CC-4317, Faie.”

“Faie, you are well known for your pragmatism.” General Ti tilted her head slightly, her long lekku swaying as she considered him. “Mind that your adherence to the rules does not supersede your own judgment. You are capable of making your own decisions, and encouraged to do so.”

As Faie saluted and accepted his kama, Alpha went to the next trooper. “CC–4792, Monnk.”

“Monnk, your loyalty shines bright in your every action.” Monnk smiled slightly at the general’s praise. “Mind that it does not lead you to follow someone unworthy of that devotion. Your instincts will tell you when someone returns your loyalty. It is your duty to listen to those instincts.”

Monnk saluted, taking his kama, and Alpha moved. “CC-1138, Bacara.”

“You have a creative mind, Bacara,” General Ti told him. “You can find a new solution to any problem you encounter. Mind that you do not waste time attempting to create a clever solution when a simple one will do. Your brilliance lies in helping your men, and you do that quite well.”

Bacara saluted, taking his kama with a reverence that made you smile even through the tears that you were fighting.

Alpha stopped in front of the last man in the line. “CT-6476, Drift.”

“Ah, Drift,” General Ti said with fond exasperation. The rest of the room gave a quietly understanding chuckle. “You have a great deal of spirit. You will be the soul of your men, inspiring them to go further and work harder than they would otherwise. Mind that it is because you are leading them, not striving to fill a role you no longer hold. Be an inspiration.”

Drift saluted, taking the kama from Alpha with a shadow of his typical grin.

“Men,” Commander Colt announced bracingly. The ARCs, already standing at full attention, somehow managed to straighten even further. “I charge you to serve the Grand Army of the Republic. I charge you to follow the orders you are given. I charge you to protect your brothers. You are officially… ARC troopers.”

All of the troopers saluted the commander, along with the general and the captain standing behind him. General Ti offered an elegant nod in return while Alpha and Colt saluted in return. 

“Dismissed!” Commander Colt said, dropping his salute at the same time Alpha did. A moment later, the new ARC troopers did the same before moving to collect their bags. 

Each of the ARCs managed a glance back at you. Faie gave you a half-salute, touching his fingertips briefly to his hairline. Bacara nodded at you while Neyo gave a small wave. Drift even blew a kiss in your direction. The most confusing, though, was Monnk. He tapped his finger on his wrist, cocking an eyebrow at the same time.

Despite the lingering befuddlement and the sheen of tears that were threatening to leak down your face, you beamed at all of them. “Be safe,” you murmured, counting on the fact that they would be able to read your lips.

And then they were gone.

You held it together while the transport took off, fading quickly into Kamino’s gray clouds. You held it together as Commander Colt nodded at you and General Ti thanked you for coming. When they had left and you were alone with Alpha, you started to cry in earnest. 

Before the first tear could roll over your jaw to drip onto your clothing, Alpha had wrapped you in his arms. For a man as tough and stern as Alpha tended toward being, he gave magnificent hugs. He was warm and safe, holding you just tightly enough while leaving you room to breathe. He hummed softly for you. If there was a tune to the humming, you couldn’t hear it, but the sound comforted you just the same.

Eventually, your tears slowed and Alpha shifted his grip to stroke a comforting hand up and down your back. “Are you all right, neverd’ika?”

“Yeah. I’ll miss them,” you admitted freely. Alpha nodded, giving your shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Why was Monnk pointing at his wrist?”

 Alpha’s brows furrowed for a moment, then his face cleared as he realized what you meant. “He was reminding you that you need to get your comlink back.”

“My comlink?” Your gaze automatically traveled down to your wrist, and you were startled to see that it was bare. Since you got the replacement after the Separatist attack, you hadn’t taken off the comlink for longer than it took you to shower. The sight of your bare wrist was unsettling, somehow. “What happened to my comlink?”

“Let’s make this a fun memory exercise,” Alpha said, making you smile. You had heard him do the same thing to his ARCs when they asked a question they already knew the answer to. “What did happen to your comlink?”

You grumbled a little despite your internal delight at Alpha’s teasing, just enough to keep up appearances. Alpha kept his gaze on you, steady with confidence that you would answer.

"I had it recently," you mused, trying to puzzle an epiphany from your own mind. "At the party for sure."

You distinctly remembered that you had thought about leaving the comlink behind since it looked out of place against your outfit, but had decided to bring it. After all, parties could be attacked just as easily as anything else.

"I think I was wearing it the next morning," you said, though the upward lilt of your voice made it partially a question. 

Alpha caught it. "You think or you know?" 

"I think," you admitted. "It's an educated guess, but I'm not certain."

"Good guess," Alpha told you eventually, cracking a small smile. "You had it yesterday morning. I took it when you hit yourself in the face with it."

That sounded vaguely familiar and you groaned. "Okay, that makes sense. What did you do with it?"

"Took it with me to training. The ARCs asked me to get it from you and the chance came."

You waited as patiently as you could, but Alpha seemed content to leave it as a half explanation.

"What did they want with it?"

"To give you a present." 

He handed the comlink back to you. You resisted the urge to ask if they had planned to give you back your own comlink as a present. Instead, you spent your time studying the communicator. You didn't see anything out of the ordinary. 

Until you looked at the list of known comlink frequencies. 

There were a few more frequencies than there had been the last time you went through it. Five more frequencies, in fact. They were neatly labeled Monnk, Neyo, Faie, Bacara, and ‘Favorite ARC’ (which you assumed was Drift). 

You didn’t realize you were beaming until you glanced up at Alpha and saw that he looked pleased as well. “They told me they wanted to give you a way to contact them. Those are their personal comlink frequencies, not tied to the GAR in any way. They told me to remind you that you can contact them if you ever need anything.”

“That’s so sweet of them! I’ll have to send a message thanking them.” You released a bittersweet sigh. “They’re good men.”

One of Alpha’s brows arched. “Just be sure the power doesn’t go to your head, neverd’ika. You have more dangerous people willing to help you than most people in the galaxy. Except maybe Skirata.”

“Who?”

“Doesn’t matter.” Alpha glanced at the door of the hangar bay. No one had come in yet, but it was only a question of time. You and Alpha reluctantly disentangled from each other. Alpha cleared his throat. “The kids wanted to see you after the graduation. Are you doing anything for the rest of the day?”

“No, it’s the weekend,” you explained pointlessly. Alpha smiled but didn’t tease you for telling him something he already knew. 

“Let’s go, then,” he suggested. You paused for a moment to put on the comlink before you left, but Alpha gently took it from your hands and looped it around your wrist himself. When he had fastened it, he glanced up at you. “Good?” 

“Perfect,” you told him with a smile as you left the hangar bay.

---

Author's Note - Okay, allow me a bit of housekeeping:

First, sorry this chapter is late! I tried to post it last night, but I forgot it's horrendously long.

Second, guur'gal is a Frankensteined term I made up by combining two other Mando'a words.

Third, Alpha's hangover method is completely made up. Please don't try it (but if you do, let me know if it works)!

Finally and MOST IMPORTANT, the next chapter will be NSFW and posted on my NSFW sideblog, @somedaylazysomeday. I will add a link from this chapter to that one, but remember it is 18+! Read at your own risk. There is virtually no character development and certainly no plot in it, so you won't be missing anything if you skip it.

Thanks for reading! You can find other works on my masterlist or sign up to be added to my taglist here!

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[vodika-vibes]

Maybe It's Meant To Be

A Companion Piece to: Two Heads Are Better Than One

Summary: Your first meeting with Commander Monnk was sheer happenstance. But you wouldn’t change anything about your life.

Pairing: Pre-Commander Monnk x F!Reader

Word Count: 1788

Warnings: Violence, reader gets shot

A/N: So I did say that this was going to be a miniseries, right? Well here's another part of it.

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Coruscant The Lower Levels 1 year before the disappearance of Melliandra Dawson

“Can you hear me?” Monnk’s voice is tinny in your ear, a side effect of the cheap earwigs he bought. You can make better ones, you have made better ones, but they’re expensive to make and the University was very clear that you’d be expelled if you borrowed anymore of their materials.

“I hear you,” You keep your voice quiet, little more than a whisper.

“Good.” Monnk is silent for a moment, and then he speaks again, “Alright. It looks like like camera is recording clearly. You’re good to go, darlin’.”

You release a shaky exhale and roll your shoulders.

You’re fine. This is fine.

Monnk is watching, and he has several squads of his brothers stationed around the warehouse to bail you out, if the meeting looks like it’s about to turn dangerous.

Of course, that’s all presuming that the camera and the earwig even register while you’re inside the warehouse. You really should have insisted that Monnk let you design the tech.

“Breathe, darlin’.” Monnk’s voice is soothing in your ear, “I’m right here. You’re going to be fine.”

“How did you talk me into this?” You ask as you wipe your hands on your jeans.

“You can always walk away. We can come up with another plan.”

The offer is tempting. Clary, the owner of the warehouse, is dangerous on the best of days. But his men have been getting arrested, and killed, for weeks now. And his already short temper has become a hair trigger.

You should walk away.

You should.

But, for all that you feel like you’re going to throw up, the idea of backing out makes you feel even worse.

“No.” You reply, your voice is shaky even to your own ears, “No, Clary was a friend, once upon a time. You’d never make it through the front door.”

You hear Monnk sigh in your ear, “Alright. If you’re sure. But the moment it looks bad, I’m sending in the troops.” He means it, you know. But then again, he has good reason to be worried.

After all, Clary killed his own twin sister and left her body in front of a local elementary school as a warning not that long ago.

Your old friendship won’t protect you if he shoulder decide that you’re a threat.

“I know.” You reply, “I’ll be careful.”

“Just get confirmation that he’s the head of Coruscant’s arm of the Crimson Dawn, and then get out.”

“I remember.” You take a deep breath and hold it for a moment, before exhaling slowly, “I’m going now.”

“Good luck, darlin’. I’ll be watching.”

You take one more deep breath, and then you step out of your speeder and pull out your comm, as though you’re looking for directions. You’re not surprised when you’re stopped by two massive men before you reach the warehouse.

“Who are you?” The shorter of the men demands.

“I was invited to see Clary,” You hold up your comm to show the message, “He said he wanted to see me.”

His gaze flickers to your comm, and he nods once. “You must be the friend. He told us you were coming. Follow me.” He motions for you to follow him around the warehouse to a side door, and then he leads you into a comfortable looking hallway and down into a large office, “Have a seat. Mister Clary will be along shortly.”

You settle on an overly plush couch, casting your gaze around the office. Massive paintings and tapestries cover the walls, and small trinkets decorate the desk. But you don’t see anything incriminating.

But then, you wouldn’t.

The door slides open, and Clary steps into the office.

Now, the last time you saw your old friend was before your father got a promotion and had to move the family to Coruscant. You had been 10 at the time, and while you hadn’t remained in contact with the twins, outside of letters a couple of times of year, you thought you knew what Clary looked like now.

You were wrong.

Clary is taller than Monnk, and looks like he’s been taking steroids for years based solely on how big he is. With the heavy scarring, tattoos, and the arrogant swagger he has as he enters the room, he looks and carries, himself like a thug.

You really hope Monnk is paying attention.

“Clary?”

He grins flashes his teeth at you in an expression that, probably, is supposed to be a smile, “It’s good to see you, girl. I didn’t know you still lived on Coruscant. I thought you went to school on Alderaan.”

“I transferred a year or so ago. There’s just no comparing to Coruscant’s Technical Universities.” You offer with a wry smile, “Plus, mom is here and she’s been struggling since the divorce.”

“I heard,” He settles in his desk chair, “Your dad ran off with some 20 year old kid? Heard he got married.”

“He did.” You lean back slightly, “I don’t talk to him anymore.”

“Don’t blame you. You’re older than his new wife. That’s skeevy as fuck.” He crosses his leg over his knee, “I was surprised to hear from you.”

“Well, your mom called my mom, and then my mom called me.” You shrug.

“Ah, the mom network is alive and well, it seems.�� Clary smirks, “I bet she called you after Mari died.”

“...yeah.”

“Figures.” He shrugs, “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I have a job for you, if you’re interested.”

“...a job? I have a job.”

“Yeah, but you’ll like this one. I need you to slice something for me.”

“I haven’t done any slicing since we were kids.” You lie easily.

“I’m told it’s like riding a bike.”

“I don’t know who told you that, but they lied. If slicing was that easy, everyone would do it.”

He stares at you, “So you can’t do it.” And then he sighs, “Unfortunate. I didn’t want to have to kill both of my sisters.”

“...wait—”

But you’re not able to continue your sentence as there’s a crack, and pain blooms across your chest.

“I do have a preference for slug throwers, hence the pain and the blood. But you don’t have to worry,” You slip off the couch, your hand clutching your chest, and he walks over to stand over you, “Your mother will be well taken care of.”

You fall to the ground, the world going dark around your, and you see him lift his gun and level it at your head.

The last thing you see, before you pass out, is the cruel smirk on his face.

Monnk sits in the waiting room of the surgical suite at the local hospital, impatiently tapping his finger against his knee.

His shirt, formerly a pristine white, is stained red with blood. He also has her blood on his jeans and boots. The only reason he doesn’t have her blood on his hands is because he was ordered to clean up in the fresher by a nurse.

They were too late.

Far, far too late.

By the time Monnk realized that she was in danger, she had already been shot. And, sure, Clary had been killed before he managed to pull the trigger a second time, but Monnk will never forget the way the gun sounded when it went off the first time.

Or the raspy way she gasped for breath as he tried to stop the bleeding. He was a soldier for long enough to know what a punctured lung sounds like.

He shifts in his seat and starts bouncing his foot, impatiently.

Monnk feels like he’s been sitting here for hours, and maybe it has been hours, because his brothers have long since left the waiting room, and he was joined by General Fisto, who is calmly sitting on the other side of the room meditating.

He kind of wants to scream at his old general for being so calm.

“She’s going to be fine, Monnk.” Kit says without opening his eyes.

“You can’t know that.”

“I think you’ll find that I can.” Kit points out, “They finished the surgery a little bit ago.”

“...How do you know?”

“I’m keeping an eye on your girl through the force.”

“She’s not—” He trails off, “It’s not like that.”

“Not yet. Fret not, Commander. She’s been good for you. We all see it.” Kit smiles as he finally opens his eyes, “Now, what’s really bothering you?”

Monnk scowls at him, “Civvies aren’t supposed to get shot. It’s not right.”

“No one should get shot, Commander.” Kit smiles and sets his hands on his knees, “All you can do is be more careful next time. That’s all anyone can do.”

Monnk opens his mouth to reply, but is cut off by a nurse stepping into the room, “Commander Monnk? She’s awake and asking for you.” The nurse smiles, “If you’ll follow me?”

He doesn’t even look at his old General before he’s on his feet and following the nurse through the double doors and into a small recovery room. The room is dimmed, likely because she’s just been in surgery, but Monnk can see, clear as day, that her eyes are open.

“Hey,” Slowly she turns her head, and a tired smile lifts her lips, “How are you feeling?”

“Like I was shot.”

“Well, you were.” Monnk sits in the open chair next to the bed and takes her hand in both of his, “I’m so sorry. I should have acted sooner.”

“You couldn’t have known,” Her voice is slightly raspy, from the breathing tube Monnk would guess, “There was no evidence that he was that tightly wound until he shot me.”

“I shouldn’t have sent you in there to begin with,”

“It was my choice.” She weakly squeezes his hands, “You don’t get to take the blame for that.”

“...Let me feel guilty in peace, damn you.”

“No.” Her eyes drift shut and she shifts with a pained grimace, “Monnk?”

“Yeah? What’s wrong, darlin?”

“Do I still have a job?”

A surprised laugh slips from him, and he carefully leans in to press a kiss to her knuckles, “Yeah, sweet girl, you still have a job. Where would I be without my assistant?”

“Good. This is the best job…”

“Baby, you got shot.”

Her smile widens, “Still better than doing paperwork.”

And Monnk has to admit, if only to himself, that maybe the General has a point. Maybe he does want her to be his girl. But he knows that she’s worth waiting for.

Or, well, he can at least wait until she’s not recovering from surgery before asking her on a date.

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[vodika-vibes]

Things Unsaid

Summary: You’re a lighthouse keeper. A job inherited from your father, who inherited it from his mother. In fact, your family has been tending to the lighthouse since the day it was built all those years ago. Your friends don’t understand why you’re so comfortable being so alone…and you’re not sure how to explain that you’ve never been alone a day in your life.

Pairing: Dragon! Commander Monnk x GN!Reader

Word Count: 767

Warnings: None

A/N: I said I wasn't going to write today, but I wanted to try and so this was born. It's not very long, or very good, and I hurt even more now than I did when I woke up.

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The storm rages outside your home beneath the lighthouse. The rain falls in sheets, and thunder rumbles across the cliffs every 3 minutes. Lightning lights up the sky every so often, sometimes accompanied with the bone rattling crack of lightning striking something.

You don’t mind the storm.

You’re safe in your home, and above you the lighthouse shines its beam of light over the ocean, marking the location of shore for any ship unlucky enough to still be out there.

You settle on the window seat, a warm mug of tea cradled between your hands, as you watch the rain pound against the window. 

It is hard to see anything outside, with how dark it is even with the lighthouse shining brightly above you, but if you look closely, you can see something large flying within the clouds. 

Of course, you can only see it when the lightning lights up the sky. 

You track the large creature in the clouds with each crack of lightning, and you set your mug of tea down on a side table as the large creature dives down into the ocean.

You’re only able to catch a minor glimpse of the creature, large and covered in dark blue and yellow scales, as it dives into the ocean, but a small smile lifts your lips as you stand and walk over to the bathroom to pull out some towels, which you then lay on a table next to the side door.

You unlatch the side door, and pull it open, before you step onto the porch, protected from the severe weather only because the porch is closed in. And you watch as the large creature emerges from the ocean and flies over to your home. 

The creature, a dragon, lands on the other side of your garden, and you lean against the door frame as the large dragon approaches your home, his form twisting in shifting, until a handsome man with long bleached hair is strolling down the cobblestone path.

“Did you have fun?” You ask, your voice light as he pulls open the door to the covered porch and accepts the towel you offer him.

“Always,” He tosses the towel over his hair and squeezes some of the water out, “The storm is going to last the rest of the night.” He adds as he pulls his hair into a low tail, and hangs the towel around his neck.

“That’s alright, we need the rain.”

Monnk, the man standing in front of you, is a dragon. Just like all of his people. He’s been here since the lighthouse was built, though he’s only shown his human form in the years that you’ve been in charge of the lighthouse. 

He says it’s because you’re the first lighthouse keeper he trusts, but you’re not stupid. You see the way he looks at you.

The same look he’s directing at you right now, in fact. Warm and soft, a look that you would call pining, if he weren’t an ancient dragon.

“I have food in the oven for you,” You say as you step closer to him, and you see the way his dark eyes drop to your lips, and the way his fingers twitch (you’ve always been so observant when it comes to him), “And there’s tea as well.”

The smile he directs at you is so adoring, that you have to avert your gaze, “What would I do without you?”

“Smell like rotten fish, probably.” You joke as you turn to head back inside, though you pause and toss him a warm smile over your shoulder, “Welcome home, Monnk.”

He trails behind you, a lopsided grin on his face, “Glad to be back,”

You know that you’re not deserving of his affection. You’re not very nice, you’re kind of petty, and you’re quick to anger when pushed. Not to mention, you’re something of a loner, and you’re genuinely happy living so far away from everyone.

But Monnk seems to find you perfect the way you are. 

As he presses a feather light kiss against the back of your neck once he’s out of the shower and wearing dry clothes, you can’t help but think that this isn’t such a bad way to live.

He hasn’t told you that he loves you. But then, he doesn’t have to. He tells you in every touch of his fingers against your skin, in every way that he looks at you, and in every touch of his lips against you.

But then, you haven’t told him that you loved him either. So you suppose it’s all fair.

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