clone-anon-after-dark

[clone-anon-after-dark]

First Time

AroAspec Crosshair x Ace Reader

A/N: This is a first serious relationship for Crosshair. This takes place after Crosshair loses his hand and starts to settle into some kind of life on Pabu. Includes hesitant Crosshair and Reader. Protective Crosshair and Soft Crosshair show up too. Crosshair is somewhere on the aroace specturm and reader is ace and somewhere on the aro spectrum. No pronouns given for Reader. This is a Tech Lives fic, but only mentions that Tech has returned to Pabu some time after the events of Tantiss.

Warnings: Some kissing (no tongue), bed sharing, cuddling, hand holding, discussion of sex and boundaries. Mention of Crosshair's trauma. Reader has had previous dating/relationships where he/she/they were pressured to have sex, but never did. Reader briefly describes escaping one such bad situation.

Word Count: 2905

You sat on the shore and watched the birds dive into the ocean for an evening meal. It was peaceful, but you knew you were being watched. Crosshair often came to the rocks overlooking the beach at this time of day. He meditated with Omega beside him. Sometimes he stayed to watch the stars with Batcher at his side long after Omega wandered off. Sometimes you joined him. You glanced up in his direction and noticed him noticing you before turning again to watch the sunset and pretending not to care.

You lived on Pabu for several years at this point and while you had some family out there somewhere in the galaxy, it wasn’t like you were close. The Empire led to a lot of family breakdowns with some people choosing the side they felt brought security. You had a few people on the island that you would call “friend,” but were cautious with throwing that word around. The consistency of island life appealed to you, though. Minus one obvious outlier. There was the day the Empire showed up and took Omega, but things had settled down again not long after that. That day shook up everyone, but the community rallied around the clones like they did all who came here for a better life. Getting to know the boys and their little sister was something of an adventure. At first you were easily drawn to Wrecker, Omega, and Echo. Not in any particular way, but they were personable and easy to talk to. It took time to get to know Hunter and Tech and getting to know Crosshair felt like pulling teeth until you realized that you could learn a lot just by watching him and you didn’t have to stress about finding the right words. Your instincts were good. It was possible to have a conversation with him without uttering a word; which was a relief in many ways. You didn’t have to filter your expressions and he always noticed when you had something to say, but were a little awkward in a group conversation. He often rescued you from those scenarios; tilting his head to the side and inviting you to step away with him for some shared silence. Now when conversation happened, it always got deep. You were the first to open up and in doing so, invited him to share. He carried a lot of guilt, but was working through it now that his family was whole again. Neither of you had made a move toward anything more and you weren’t entirely sure how he felt.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the sound of him coming down the path toward you. You knew his stride and besides that, Batcher’s bark was a giveaway. You looked up at him with a smile when he sat down next to you.

“Good meditation?” you asked.

“Mm hmm,” he replied.

“Brain all fixed now?” you asked with a cheeky grin.

He huffed out a little laugh.

You sat in silence for a moment before asking, “You’re going with Echo tomorrow, aren’t you?”

He nodded. “I have to.”

“You don’t,” you countered, “but I understand.”

Crosshair didn’t always join Echo and Rex, but sometimes it was clear a sniper’s eye was needed and while his new hand wasn’t as quick, he was very skilled left-handed.

“Wrecker’s coming too,” he added.

You nodded; glad another brother would be with him.

“So, explosions are expected?” you asked.

“We intend to blow up another base,” he confirmed. “Shouldn’t take long, but I need to do my part.”

You knew better than to argue. Crosshair was never just going to save his sister, lose a hand, get his brother back, and settle down. His mind wouldn’t let him. He needed to feel like he was making amends and being helpful. They all did in their own ways. You understood how impossible it was to flip the switch from feeling like you always had to be useful to giving yourself permission to rest. It was also something you worked on.

“You don’t have to wait up for me,” he added.

“I will anyway.”

He leaned toward you and studied your face. A love unlike one you’d never known gripped your heart and wouldn’t let go. A crash of realization engulfed you and you wanted nothing more than to be close to him. He leaned toward you, eyes asking for permission and you nodded. Although tentative, you trusted that he wouldn’t hurt or force anything. He paused as if deciding what move to make and then softly kissed your temple. He allowed his lips to linger before mild worry hit him.

“I….” he pulled away; looking for any sign he’d done the wrong thing.

“That’s okay,” you said gently. You hoped he didn’t scare himself.

“I’ve never done that,” he admitted as heat swelled in his cheeks.

Such a simple gesture, but you wondered if he’d wanted to do that for a long time or if he was hit with the same sudden need to express that you weren’t just friends anymore. You reached for his hand and held it just firmly enough for him to ground you both in that moment and keep him from running away in an unnecessary panic.

“I don’t have much experience in this area,” you admitted. “I don’t usually let anyone get this close, if I’m honest.”

You’d already gathered that of all his brothers, Tech was the first one to have a partner and that wasn’t until Phee showed up in his life. Hunter had the hots for a local artist and book collector and Echo certainly had strong feelings about a particular senator, but Wrecker was happy on his fishing boat these days and Crosshair spent most his free time with you. Maybe there was even more there than you admitted.

“So, I’m special then?” Crosshair let out in an attempt to shake off his itching uncertainly.

You nodded. “What are we looking to do here?” you asked. “Where are we going with this? Not to scare you away, but I’ve had plenty of people up and leave when they realize I can’t give them what they want.”

He studied your face with intensity.

“They sound stupid,” he replied. “Maybe this is exactly what I want.”

You let out barely a whisper of, “People say that and then expect more.”

He shook his head. “How about you walk me home and when I get back we can talk about what we want to do?”

You smirked. “Oh, I walk you home?”

A smile tugged on his mouth as he stood and pulled you up with him.

“Yes, you can walk me home.”

“I get to walk the big soldier home,” you playfully scoffed.

“You’re welcome.”

Since this was a time for firsts, you decided to reach for his hand. He gave yours a light squeeze and held it on the walk back with Batcher in tow and the stars now blanketing the sky above. Since you were walking him home, you headed toward the home he shared with his siblings near where the Remora was parked, but he stopped you and looked toward the path leading to your home. You knew you’d be up all night worrying about him and making sure you were there to wish him well the next day, so it came as a bit of a relief that he’d rather spend the night with you.

“I can comm Echo and Wrecker,” he said; himself hopeful not to go separate ways just yet. “I’ll tell them I’ll meet them in the morning.”

You nodded and he made the call. He rolled his eyes at Echo’s “just be there on time” before heading toward your home. He’d been inside before, but Batcher hadn’t and she didn’t waste any time sniffing everything and politely asking to get on the couch. You gestured to give her permission to jump up and she sat there and watched you.

“Does she need anything?” you asked.

“Water probably,” he replied. You grabbed the biggest dish you owned so her snout would fit and filled it. She hopped off the couch and drank happily.

“Just sleeping tonight,” you said, setting a boundary as both in a tone that was both a question and statement.

He nodded. You took a deep breath and walked him to the refresher where you grabbed a new toothbrush from your cabinet and a bath towel for him. You took turns brushing your teeth and getting ready. He came out wearing your favorite oversized shirt and pajama shorts. It was almost big enough to fit Wrecker, but the shorts had sturdy elastic along the waist and Omega was probably the only one too small for it.

Crosshair smiled softly at you as he walked toward the bed. You scooted over to make room for him and Batcher laid on a blanket you’d placed next to the bed. You lay next to each other just getting used to another presence in your sacred space.

“Are you a back, side, or front sleeper?” you asked.

“Side, mostly. Sometimes I end up on my back, but it doesn’t go well.”

“What do you mean?”

His eyes got lost for a moment, but he was brought back to the present at the feeling of your hand on his shoulder.

He swallowed and said, “On Tantiss. I was strapped down and on my back. I used to sleep on my back all the time, but now…”

“It’s okay,” you said, laying on your back and encouraging him to cuddle against you. “This okay?”

He nodded with his head on your shoulder. You felt secure with his arm around your middle. It wasn’t long before sleep found its way to both of you.

You woke up to birds singing outside with the sun starting to rise. Normally you wouldn’t be up this early, but you were still thinking about him leaving and you willed your eyes open just so you could enjoy some more moments with Crosshair before he had to go. You were met by him still lying against you, and very relaxed. He was already awake and just watching you, his mind deep in thought.

“You okay?” you asked.

He nodded, took in a deep breath, and kissed your cheek. “And you?”

“Yeah.”

Laying together felt like something you could do forever, but practical matters demanded attention. You slowly got out of bed and made some breakfast while he took Batcher out. You kept it simple, but he still ate like it was a feast.

“Clones really weren’t fed well,” you thought to yourself.

Batcher ran ahead to Omega as the two of you walked to meet up with Echo and Wrecker.

“Did ya have a nice sleepover?” Wrecker asked with a huge grin.

“Shut it,” Crosshair replied.

“We did,” you answered with a smile.

Crosshair seemed to want a hug, lingering the way he sometimes did when he joked about Echo never hugging him, so you went for it and whispered, “Let’s figure things out when you come back.”

He nodded and gave you an extra squeeze before joining the boys. You, Omega, and Batcher watched them leave.

Omega broke the silence with, “He really likes you.”

“I really like him too.”

You waited up for him every night for the next five rotations. It seemed like forever and you knew that he couldn’t comm while he was away if things got hectic. It came as a relief when your comm finally went off and his voice was on the other end. The mission ended up becoming several, but everyone was safe and everything successful and they would be home before dinner time. Knowing how poorly they tended to eat while away, you, Phee, and Hunter started organizing a meal. Shep was more than happy to provide another lesson in sushi preparation for his excited daughter and her friend while Batcher looked on hoping something would fall. The kitchen was a bit of chaos with you making herbed biscuits, Hunter chopping fruit, and Phee and Tech comparing efficient table setting methods.

The timing was perfect. Just as preparations were finishing up, the boys landed.

“Okay if we all grab a shower real quick?” Echo asked. “These two stink.”

“Hey!” Wrecker objected.

Crosshair walked up to you and wanted to hold you, but kept himself a step away.

“What is it?” you asked.

He rolled his eyes. “In fairness to Echo, we have smelled better.”

“I don’t care. You okay though?” you asked as you closed the gap between you, reached for his hand, and wrapped your pinky around his.

He nodded.

“Okay then,” you said. “You got time before Shep and the girls are all done with the sushi if you want to freshen up.”

He nodded again and walked off.

Dinner was a fantastic relief. It tasted better than anything you’d had in a long time. Everyone took their time devouring the abundance covering the table. As night fell and people started thinking about tucking in, Crosshair turned to you. He grabbed some items, told Batcher to take care of Omega for the night, and headed down the path with you towards home.

You both got ready in relative silence and it wasn’t until you were in bed that he spoke.

“You worry you won’t be enough, but what if I’m not?” he asked.

You shook your head and replied, “I see myself with you. Even in the thickest silence surrounded by loud people, you hear me. I want to be with you, wake up with you, share time and space with you, take care of each other. That’s all.”

“Mm,” he nodded.

“If that’s what I want too, then why are you worried?” he asked.

You took a deep breath. “Because most men expect sex.”

“But I don’t,” he said.

You didn’t quite trust that and pulled away, your eyes warning him that this better not be a trap.

“I’m serious!” he insisted.  His eyes pleaded with you to tell him why you felt this way and to not pull away without giving him a reason. You searched his expression.

“I haven’t been with many people,” you said, “but the expectation always appears. Even when they say they can live without sex, they’d rather have it and then because I won’t give in, they get angry. I feel like I have to.”

“Has anyone ever…” his voice trailed off like he couldn’t bear to think of it.

“I’ve always found a way out. Walked out on one and another time I talked my way out of being cornered by saying we could just so he would step toward the bedroom and I could make a run for it.”

“I want names,” he replied with a snarl. You knew it wasn’t for you, but it made you shiver and pull away nonetheless. Crosshair quickly softened his expression, shifted in bed, and lifted his arm to offer you a place to cozy up to him. It felt safe again. Like a garu-bear reminding its mate that it would kill anyone who gave you the wrong look.

“I’m sorry. I just want to talk to them,” he said.

“And tell them what?” you asked. “They’re long gone anyway. One was on Coruscant last I heard.”

“So, no one on the island?” he asked.

“No one on the island. I don’t think I could live here if they were here.”

“Just making sure,” he replied. He held you like he was afraid to lose you. “You know I could never do that to you? Not in my right mind.”

You knew about the chips and that he had plenty of experience doing things he regretted.

“I couldn’t live with myself if I ever scared or hurt you,” he said. You realized how much mental gymnastics must have gone into that kiss on the beach and how much he didn’t want to ruin things.

After a long pause he added, “I’m not sure how some of these nat born relationships work, but I don’t know that I want to have sex either. I don’t know. It’s not something that we think of as important. War was supposed to be important. Not procreation.”

“I hear some people find it fun,” you said.

He shrugged and you felt more relief.

“Maybe other clones are different. One thing that made me a good soldier was that I could easily put that urge aside and focus. Maybe I never had it to begin with.”

“Or you don’t feel it in the same way other people do,” you offered. “For a long time I didn’t feel romance was for me. I don’t even know what we’re doing, if it counts as romance, but I love you.”

“I love you,” was barely a whisper from his lips, but it was there like he was still afraid of rejection even though you said it first.

“Will you be my person?” you asked.

He nodded. “If you will be mine.”

“Yes,” you said with a smile. You kissed his cheek and cuddled against him again, curling into his chest while he rubbed your back and kissed the top of your head.

“I think I need to get Batcher a proper dog bed for when she comes over now,” you added.

He let out a light chuckle and a, “Mhm. The hound is part of the deal.”

[clone-anon-after-dark]

🥰 Thank you!

Authors

🔞- Mature Content (may contain smut, alcohol or drug use, violence, suggestive language, etc) - reader discretion advised

🍄 - Safe For All Reading

Updated: 03/02/25

🍄 - Rebel - @523rdrebel

🍄 🔞 - Amber - @eclec-tech

🍄 🔞 - Starry - @starrylothcat

🍄 🔞 - Archie - @dickarchivist

🍄 🔞 - Clone-anon - @clone-anon | @clone-anon-after-dark

[clone-anon-after-dark]

hi, previous anon here! i would love something smutty if possible, maybe with a bit of bratty bottom cross? i imagine he would pretend to be confident and in charge but quickly gets flustered by his jedi :)

Across the Room

Crosshair x Male Jedi Reader

Word count: 761

Warnings: NSFW, no minors, this is smut plain and simple, bratty bottom Crosshair and dom reader, handjob, oral, face fucking, unprotected PiA, use of the word "slut", praise ("good boy")

A/N: This is my first time trying to write something with this dynamic so I hope I did an okay job. Established relationship, you basically fuck Crosshair and a table is involved, small mention of aftercare because I'm still a sucker for some softness

You already had Crosshair naked against the wall and trying not to whimper. He didn't want to give you the satisfaction, practically snarling while you took your robe off slowly. He didn't dare move. You'd reached out and force pushed him so he could watch but not touch. He knew from experience that moving only meant you'd lift a finger and push him back into place.

You stood in front of him in all your glory and reached out through the force. Crosshair let out a "kriff" under his breath as he felt a sensation around his cock. He was already half hard, but feeling you wrap your hand around him from a distance always did something to him. It lacked the warmth of your actual body against his, but you loved the power. It was only a few strokes of you pumping him before he smirked.

"That all you want to do? Lazy."

You paused and approached him.

"You want to play?" you replied. "Knees."

"Thinking I'm some common slut," he sassed while complying.

"Open," you commanded. "Use your mouth for something useful."

He rolled his eyes and jutted his jaw out, briefly refusing to open up. You cupped his face and tapped his cheek with your thumb, enticing him to part his lips. Crosshair did so, just barely. You ran one of your balls along his lips and his tongue stretched out enough to glide across it.

"You can never resist the chance to taste me," you said with a knowing smile.

He tutted but opened up and started sucking and licking. He reached down and stroked himself in rhythm to his head bobbing up along your cock. His tongue pushing forward, his mouth opened further, allowing you to push yourself all the way to the back of his throat.

"That's good," you huffed. "Such a good boy."

He whined before he could stop himself and quickly growled around your length.

"Now hold still," you ordered.

He did so and was losing focus on himself, but proudly stood at attention while you stuffed yourself in his face at a leisurely pace. You reached out through the force again and put his hands behind his back. He didn't resist. He was well versed at this game.

You backed away before you got too close to finishing.

"Up," you declared, nodding your head toward the table. "Over the table. Just how you like it."

He stepped toward you.

"Not until you suck me off," he countered with a snarky grin, trying to appear confident.

"You will bend over the table or lay on the table and you will take it. Those are your choices."

He tilted his head and kissed your cheek, heat forming on his face before leaning over the table, ass out. You knew what the kiss meant though. He wanted to finish while watching you.

You instead lubed up and entered him. He hissed in response to your "good boy;" seemingly enjoying it and want to hate the compliment. Your hips clapped against his thin but strong form, Crosshair taking you fully. You reached around and cupped his balls while you fucked him, causing him to moan. He was so close. You both were. Then you stopped.

"Karking hell!" he griped.

"On your back. Legs up," you insisted.

He didn't argue, his body filled with ache for you. You reached for the lube and squirted a healthy amount in your hand. Once his tall form laid out on the table, hip just over the edge, you entered his puckering hole again. His body greedily welcomed yours. Your lubed hand caressed the head of his cock, causing a hiss to leave his gritted teeth. You pumped his length while you fucked him. He was quickly losing control despite trying to hang on and make you finish first.

"You can come," you said. "I know you like this."

You barely finished your sentence. Hot streams coated your hand and covered his chest. Seeing him and feeling him clench around your length was more than enough to send you over the edge. A few short thrusts deep inside him left a smirk on his face at the thought of you filling him up. You moaned at the sensation of your body twitching and releasing.

You looked up and softly smiled. He looked almost desperate for you. For closeness. You helped him up and captured his lips with your own. As much as your intimacy bordered on bickering, you knew you loved each other. A hot shower together would be perfect tonight.

[clone-anon-after-dark]

I'm so happy you liked it! Protective Crosshair always.

The Time It Takes

(A Crosshair x Reader fic in 3 parts)

Written for @lightwise

Word Count: 2,513

Warnings: Some discussion of sex, but nothing explicit

A/N: Reader’s appearance is not described. This fic contains some soft and hesitant Crosshair and early relationship stuff. Also Tech Lives and is on Pabu and he is in this fic so deal.

Part 1

Only a few days into a new rotation and you were already wondering what the year had in store. A hectic holiday season followed by some difficult conversations with someone who would never be yours. You’d known this for a while, but sometimes discussions still needed to be had. While he lived on the other side of Pabu, you didn’t see him as often as you’d think given the size of the island. That seemed to be both a blessing and a curse for while you longed for that connection, it would never be as fulfilling as you needed. You stood by the dock as you watched his shuttle leave for another trip; thoughts only disturbed by a single “hmph” behind you. Internally rolling your eyes, you knew exactly where that came from.

You turned to find Crosshair sitting next to Batcher on a bench along the dock. She was ready for a nap after no doubt spending the morning chasing fish while he went for his morning swim. He often swam further away from the busy side of the island and along a quieter part of the beach. You weren’t sure what brought him over here on his walk home.

“Problem?” you asked him.

He raised an eyebrow at hearing the single-word question he so often posed to others.

“No,” he replied. “You?”

“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” you answered.

You were immediately distracted from your melancholy and somehow drawn into him. The man who often stood away from everyone and observed everything always managed to pull you in. You weren’t sure what it was about him that made you a little bit giddy. For his part, Crosshair pretended to be aloof, but it was increasingly hard for him to avoid you. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find a path through the community that would exclude you entirely. It was more that without planning and without thinking, he wanted to see you. His feet simply took him there.

You stood next to him while Batcher lightly snored. Crosshair petted her back until finally deciding to break the silence.

“Do you….” He uncharacteristically scratched the back of his head. His brothers did that when they were unsure, but like Tech, Crosshair rarely behaved this way. He always seemed so sure of himself.

“Do I what?”

“We should get lunch,” he said.  Internally, he was screaming at himself. He wasn’t a romantic, but this was probably not how it was done.

“I’d like that,” you replied. “In fact, I’m hungry now.”

Crosshair got up and Batcher followed. You meandered up to a small restaurant that always served the same things, but it didn’t matter because the food was always good and because she was on her best behavior, even Batcher was welcome. It took a little time to get into a groove of talking and eating, but Crosshair made a good effort. He wasn’t usually one to beat around the bush, so he came out and asked.

“What’s with you and that man? He’s married, isn’t he? Are you a trio with room for a fourth?”

You nearly spat out your food. His attempt at humor and honesty left you speechless for a moment, but you tried answering as embarrassed heat set on his cheeks.

“No, umm, well, yes, he’s married, but we’re not polyamorous and,” you sighed, “He was something I wanted or thought I did, but I’m not the person he can commit to. He’s with someone else. We’re still friends, but I guess I wonder what-if since he’s the closest thing I’ve had to a life partner.”

Crosshair wasn’t sure what to say. He had never been in a position to think about a partner. Tech’s survival and later reappearance on Pabu meant that he and Phee were together, but the concept of something like marriage was never introduced to the clones. They were made for a war that was over. They hadn’t even been taught about the basics of sex and anatomy until as a cadet, Tech managed to dig up information on the first data pad he’d made. The thought of being with someone felt like a cruel joke and yet in your presence and now that the Empire was behind him, he felt like maybe it wasn’t a joke after all.

“What about you?” you asked. “I thought you had a thing for one of the fishers.”

“Just because I lifted crates for her once doesn’t meant anything. I was being nice, if you can believe it.”

“Ah.”

Crosshair ate another bite from his noodle bowl and then ventured another question.

“What does partnership mean to you?”

You looked at him with surprise and answered after some contemplation. It was having an equal. Someone to help and be helped by. Sharing struggles. Lifting each other up. Fixing the house. Doing chores. Staying in bed late whenever work could wait. Listening to the rain together. You wanted stability. You wanted to not be alone. You wanted to be loved and to love and you weren’t going to settle for someone who couldn’t do their part.

“And getting laid now and again wouldn’t hurt either,” you added.

He grinned at that.

“And what about you?” you asked, returning to seriousness.

“I only recently started thinking about it,” he answered. “It sounds like something I never thought I’d have.”  He took a sip of his drink and then added, “But I would like to try.”

Part 2

Crosshair loved to steal kisses. The single peck you left on his cheek after your second date gave him all kinds of flutters. Maybe it was the sniper in him, but he loved pulling you away into the shadows even just to kiss the crown of your head. He was used to being out of sight. It’s where he felt safest and so it stood to reason that he felt safest having you all to himself and tucked away in a corner, on a balcony, or - at one point - up a tree. It wasn’t surprising that he was good with his mouth. His oral fixation was not limited to the toothpicks he routinely rolled between his lips.

For his part, Crosshair loved having someone he could make smile and laugh. He was still his dry, snarky self, but he smiled much more often, sometimes picking you up when he’d visit after a day’s work, just so he could hold you as close as possible. He could feel your heartbeat. He could feel you breathing. He could feel your happiness and it fueled his own.

Then one morning some weeks later you just happened to be ready to walk to the beach.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I thought I would come swim with you.”

“I swim alone,” he answered, guard coming back up.

“No, you don’t. Batcher is always with you,” you retorted; feeling brave and a nervousness at the fear you had overstepped.

“She’s different,” he countered.

“Can I join you anyway?” you asked, now more unsure.

“Just today.”

You walked together in silence, but the curtain that had almost drawn between you started to lift. He was cautious and you were trying to figure this out. Once on the beach, he put a towel down and – with his back to you - took off his cybernetic hand. He swallowed harder than he wanted to and it was clear that was the source of his insecurity in this moment. Tech had made him that cybernetic, but losing his hand and now gaining a different one had changed him. He still had to take it off whenever possible before getting in the water to avoid salt affecting its functionality. Taking it off and putting it on was a reminder and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be seen like this by you.

Crosshair took a breath, walked to the edge of the water, and looked back at you just as waves splashed his ankles. You looked at him, then his stump, and then back up at him and smiled. You realized you loved him. Walking into the water next to each other, you both started swimming until you reached a spot that was familiar to him. He closed his eyes, face to the sun, and took some deep breaths while treading water. You laid back and started floating, waves moving you in a comforting lull. He kept close, still treading softly while meditating on his own thoughts; somehow able to reflect and find calm despite Batcher doggie paddling close by and trying to snag a fish. Every so often he reached out to you to keep you from drifting too far. You sat up in the water, fingers tracing down his right arm before coming to the end of his stump and kissing it. He pressed a kiss to your lips like his life depended on it.

After about an hour, you both had enough and made your way back to shore. You dried off and he put his hand back on, this time not hiding. Taking a step toward him, your fingers interlaced with his - both biological and cybernetic.  He leaned down to kiss you, briefly pulling you into his chest before Batcher charged up the beach trying to bark with a large fish half hanging out of her teeth.

He walked you home hand-in-hand.

Things progressed to the point that he was spending the night. It was a lot quieter than staying with his siblings. Although they were nice, Wrecker was always there to elbow him and make it awkward. Crosshair would rather come to your house and snuggle on the couch.

He never pushed for more than you were ready for since he preferred to take his time anyway. He was nervous to be intimate with you and was scared shitless to tell you that, but somehow your gentle spirit made it okay for him to say something when the time came. You brought up sex and he avoided eye contact for several moments until you caressed his cheek.

“It’s okay,” you said, kissing his temple. “There’s no hurry. We can take the time it takes.”

“I don’t want to ruin this,” he whispered. “I can’t mess this up.”

“Then we talk,” you replied. “Communicate. We can do whatever we both want.”

You wanted him left in no doubt as to how you felt. He was vulnerable and you knew it. Crosshair liked being competent. He liked control and knowing what he was doing. With this, he was so far away from experienced that he couldn’t even pretend.

“Tell me what you like,” you implored.

“I don’t know what all I like.” He managed to look into your curious eyes and relaxed a bit. “In war, there’s no time. I would simply get the job done as fast as possible and get back to work.”

“Well that’s no good here,” you answered. “We can take our time.”

“Maybe you show me something you like and we can start there,” he suggested.

As much as it was a challenge for him to let go of control, he trusted you and that night he discovered a lot more about himself.

Crosshair was game for helping you in more constructive ways too. While he’d never fixed a sink, Tech gave him some pointers and he spent the better part a day on yours. He got down and dirty and made sure the job was done right while you tried catching up on work for the job you were actually paid for. It wasn’t a fun day, but it was more help than you’d had in a long time. Maybe ever. The citizens of Pabu helped each other, but it was hard to ask for help after being hyper-independent for so long. Crosshair started taking note about things around the house that could use some attention before they got worse.  The more time you worked together, the more you found your strengths complimented each other and you fell into a familiar routine.

Part 3

It was another sunny day on Pabu and you were grateful for a day off work without anything looming in the distance. You enjoyed lunch with Crosshair at what was now your usual spot while Batcher sat at his feet and gobbled up the occasional snack offered by him. You sat next to each other and shared a smile as you finished your meal. Just out of the corner of your eye, your ex appeared.

“Hey,” he said, walking up to you and trying to analyze the situation. “You weren’t there when I landed.”

Crosshair’s arm instinctively wrapped around you as a sudden jolt shook your chest. The man in front of you represented the past. The man next to you was your future.

“I assumed you were fine,” you answered. “You said it was going well when we talked last.”

“I’m just used to seeing you right when I get in,” your ex said with a hint of disappointment.

“You’re seeing me now,” came your reply. “You know Crosshair?”

“I’m familiar,” your ex replied with a nod in your boyfriend’s direction. “Maybe we can get dinner. All of us, if you prefer. Catch up.”

You nodded and he left.

Crosshair pulled you closer and left a firm kiss on your temple.

“I don’t like him,” he growled while leaving money to cover the tab.

“Why?” You sipped the rest of your drink.  “He’s actually nice. He was just surprised to not see me.”

“I don’t like the thought of you waiting around for him and being heart broken. I don’t like you not getting what you need.”

You looked up at him and only found sincerity and concern on his face. Maybe some frustration, although you knew it wasn’t directed toward you.

“I’m not broken-hearted anymore,” you reassured. “I just want you.”

Crosshair stood up and pulled you up with him. You walked home and waited until you were alone to bring up the subject again. Crosshair was interested, but as he preferred not to be pushed for information, he also didn’t push you.

He lay back on the sofa and you curled up against him. The skies darkened outside as he traced circles on your back. The story of your past relationship came out of your mouth in a stream of consciousness. Crosshair listened and held you a little closer as you got more emotional. You described your hopes and wishes, the ways your life was different, how things fell apart, what happened since. You went quiet and a peaceful chorus of soft rain fell on the window above you. It was a relief to let go of the past.

After some time, Crosshair broke the silence.

“I want to give you what you need.”

“You do.” You looked up at him and kissed the back of his hand. “I love you and I want to give you what you need. And what you want.”

“I love you too,” he replied. He pulled you into a fiery kiss and mumbled something about being more comfortable in bed with you.

[clone-anon-after-dark]

The Time It Takes

(A Crosshair x Reader fic in 3 parts)

Written for @lightwise

Word Count: 2,513

Warnings: Some discussion of sex, but nothing explicit

A/N: Reader’s appearance is not described. This fic contains some soft and hesitant Crosshair and early relationship stuff. Also Tech Lives and is on Pabu and he is in this fic so deal.

Part 1

Only a few days into a new rotation and you were already wondering what the year had in store. A hectic holiday season followed by some difficult conversations with someone who would never be yours. You’d known this for a while, but sometimes discussions still needed to be had. While he lived on the other side of Pabu, you didn’t see him as often as you’d think given the size of the island. That seemed to be both a blessing and a curse for while you longed for that connection, it would never be as fulfilling as you needed. You stood by the dock as you watched his shuttle leave for another trip; thoughts only disturbed by a single “hmph” behind you. Internally rolling your eyes, you knew exactly where that came from.

You turned to find Crosshair sitting next to Batcher on a bench along the dock. She was ready for a nap after no doubt spending the morning chasing fish while he went for his morning swim. He often swam further away from the busy side of the island and along a quieter part of the beach. You weren’t sure what brought him over here on his walk home.

“Problem?” you asked him.

He raised an eyebrow at hearing the single-word question he so often posed to others.

“No,” he replied. “You?”

“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” you answered.

You were immediately distracted from your melancholy and somehow drawn into him. The man who often stood away from everyone and observed everything always managed to pull you in. You weren’t sure what it was about him that made you a little bit giddy. For his part, Crosshair pretended to be aloof, but it was increasingly hard for him to avoid you. It wasn’t that he couldn’t find a path through the community that would exclude you entirely. It was more that without planning and without thinking, he wanted to see you. His feet simply took him there.

You stood next to him while Batcher lightly snored. Crosshair petted her back until finally deciding to break the silence.

“Do you….” He uncharacteristically scratched the back of his head. His brothers did that when they were unsure, but like Tech, Crosshair rarely behaved this way. He always seemed so sure of himself.

“Do I what?”

“We should get lunch,” he said.  Internally, he was screaming at himself. He wasn’t a romantic, but this was probably not how it was done.

“I’d like that,” you replied. “In fact, I’m hungry now.”

Crosshair got up and Batcher followed. You meandered up to a small restaurant that always served the same things, but it didn’t matter because the food was always good and because she was on her best behavior, even Batcher was welcome. It took a little time to get into a groove of talking and eating, but Crosshair made a good effort. He wasn’t usually one to beat around the bush, so he came out and asked.

“What’s with you and that man? He’s married, isn’t he? Are you a trio with room for a fourth?”

You nearly spat out your food. His attempt at humor and honesty left you speechless for a moment, but you tried answering as embarrassed heat set on his cheeks.

“No, umm, well, yes, he’s married, but we’re not polyamorous and,” you sighed, “He was something I wanted or thought I did, but I’m not the person he can commit to. He’s with someone else. We’re still friends, but I guess I wonder what-if since he’s the closest thing I’ve had to a life partner.”

Crosshair wasn’t sure what to say. He had never been in a position to think about a partner. Tech’s survival and later reappearance on Pabu meant that he and Phee were together, but the concept of something like marriage was never introduced to the clones. They were made for a war that was over. They hadn’t even been taught about the basics of sex and anatomy until as a cadet, Tech managed to dig up information on the first data pad he’d made. The thought of being with someone felt like a cruel joke and yet in your presence and now that the Empire was behind him, he felt like maybe it wasn’t a joke after all.

“What about you?” you asked. “I thought you had a thing for one of the fishers.”

“Just because I lifted crates for her once doesn’t meant anything. I was being nice, if you can believe it.”

“Ah.”

Crosshair ate another bite from his noodle bowl and then ventured another question.

“What does partnership mean to you?”

You looked at him with surprise and answered after some contemplation. It was having an equal. Someone to help and be helped by. Sharing struggles. Lifting each other up. Fixing the house. Doing chores. Staying in bed late whenever work could wait. Listening to the rain together. You wanted stability. You wanted to not be alone. You wanted to be loved and to love and you weren’t going to settle for someone who couldn’t do their part.

“And getting laid now and again wouldn’t hurt either,” you added.

He grinned at that.

“And what about you?” you asked, returning to seriousness.

“I only recently started thinking about it,” he answered. “It sounds like something I never thought I’d have.”  He took a sip of his drink and then added, “But I would like to try.”

Part 2

Crosshair loved to steal kisses. The single peck you left on his cheek after your second date gave him all kinds of flutters. Maybe it was the sniper in him, but he loved pulling you away into the shadows even just to kiss the crown of your head. He was used to being out of sight. It’s where he felt safest and so it stood to reason that he felt safest having you all to himself and tucked away in a corner, on a balcony, or - at one point - up a tree. It wasn’t surprising that he was good with his mouth. His oral fixation was not limited to the toothpicks he routinely rolled between his lips.

For his part, Crosshair loved having someone he could make smile and laugh. He was still his dry, snarky self, but he smiled much more often, sometimes picking you up when he’d visit after a day’s work, just so he could hold you as close as possible. He could feel your heartbeat. He could feel you breathing. He could feel your happiness and it fueled his own.

Then one morning some weeks later you just happened to be ready to walk to the beach.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I thought I would come swim with you.”

“I swim alone,” he answered, guard coming back up.

“No, you don’t. Batcher is always with you,” you retorted; feeling brave and a nervousness at the fear you had overstepped.

“She’s different,” he countered.

“Can I join you anyway?” you asked, now more unsure.

“Just today.”

You walked together in silence, but the curtain that had almost drawn between you started to lift. He was cautious and you were trying to figure this out. Once on the beach, he put a towel down and – with his back to you - took off his cybernetic hand. He swallowed harder than he wanted to and it was clear that was the source of his insecurity in this moment. Tech had made him that cybernetic, but losing his hand and now gaining a different one had changed him. He still had to take it off whenever possible before getting in the water to avoid salt affecting its functionality. Taking it off and putting it on was a reminder and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be seen like this by you.

Crosshair took a breath, walked to the edge of the water, and looked back at you just as waves splashed his ankles. You looked at him, then his stump, and then back up at him and smiled. You realized you loved him. Walking into the water next to each other, you both started swimming until you reached a spot that was familiar to him. He closed his eyes, face to the sun, and took some deep breaths while treading water. You laid back and started floating, waves moving you in a comforting lull. He kept close, still treading softly while meditating on his own thoughts; somehow able to reflect and find calm despite Batcher doggie paddling close by and trying to snag a fish. Every so often he reached out to you to keep you from drifting too far. You sat up in the water, fingers tracing down his right arm before coming to the end of his stump and kissing it. He pressed a kiss to your lips like his life depended on it.

After about an hour, you both had enough and made your way back to shore. You dried off and he put his hand back on, this time not hiding. Taking a step toward him, your fingers interlaced with his - both biological and cybernetic.  He leaned down to kiss you, briefly pulling you into his chest before Batcher charged up the beach trying to bark with a large fish half hanging out of her teeth.

He walked you home hand-in-hand.

Things progressed to the point that he was spending the night. It was a lot quieter than staying with his siblings. Although they were nice, Wrecker was always there to elbow him and make it awkward. Crosshair would rather come to your house and snuggle on the couch.

He never pushed for more than you were ready for since he preferred to take his time anyway. He was nervous to be intimate with you and was scared shitless to tell you that, but somehow your gentle spirit made it okay for him to say something when the time came. You brought up sex and he avoided eye contact for several moments until you caressed his cheek.

“It’s okay,” you said, kissing his temple. “There’s no hurry. We can take the time it takes.”

“I don’t want to ruin this,” he whispered. “I can’t mess this up.”

“Then we talk,” you replied. “Communicate. We can do whatever we both want.”

You wanted him left in no doubt as to how you felt. He was vulnerable and you knew it. Crosshair liked being competent. He liked control and knowing what he was doing. With this, he was so far away from experienced that he couldn’t even pretend.

“Tell me what you like,” you implored.

“I don’t know what all I like.” He managed to look into your curious eyes and relaxed a bit. “In war, there’s no time. I would simply get the job done as fast as possible and get back to work.”

“Well that’s no good here,” you answered. “We can take our time.”

“Maybe you show me something you like and we can start there,” he suggested.

As much as it was a challenge for him to let go of control, he trusted you and that night he discovered a lot more about himself.

Crosshair was game for helping you in more constructive ways too. While he’d never fixed a sink, Tech gave him some pointers and he spent the better part a day on yours. He got down and dirty and made sure the job was done right while you tried catching up on work for the job you were actually paid for. It wasn’t a fun day, but it was more help than you’d had in a long time. Maybe ever. The citizens of Pabu helped each other, but it was hard to ask for help after being hyper-independent for so long. Crosshair started taking note about things around the house that could use some attention before they got worse.  The more time you worked together, the more you found your strengths complimented each other and you fell into a familiar routine.

Part 3

It was another sunny day on Pabu and you were grateful for a day off work without anything looming in the distance. You enjoyed lunch with Crosshair at what was now your usual spot while Batcher sat at his feet and gobbled up the occasional snack offered by him. You sat next to each other and shared a smile as you finished your meal. Just out of the corner of your eye, your ex appeared.

“Hey,” he said, walking up to you and trying to analyze the situation. “You weren’t there when I landed.”

Crosshair’s arm instinctively wrapped around you as a sudden jolt shook your chest. The man in front of you represented the past. The man next to you was your future.

“I assumed you were fine,” you answered. “You said it was going well when we talked last.”

“I’m just used to seeing you right when I get in,” your ex said with a hint of disappointment.

“You’re seeing me now,” came your reply. “You know Crosshair?”

“I’m familiar,” your ex replied with a nod in your boyfriend’s direction. “Maybe we can get dinner. All of us, if you prefer. Catch up.”

You nodded and he left.

Crosshair pulled you closer and left a firm kiss on your temple.

“I don’t like him,” he growled while leaving money to cover the tab.

“Why?” You sipped the rest of your drink.  “He’s actually nice. He was just surprised to not see me.”

“I don’t like the thought of you waiting around for him and being heart broken. I don’t like you not getting what you need.”

You looked up at him and only found sincerity and concern on his face. Maybe some frustration, although you knew it wasn’t directed toward you.

“I’m not broken-hearted anymore,” you reassured. “I just want you.”

Crosshair stood up and pulled you up with him. You walked home and waited until you were alone to bring up the subject again. Crosshair was interested, but as he preferred not to be pushed for information, he also didn’t push you.

He lay back on the sofa and you curled up against him. The skies darkened outside as he traced circles on your back. The story of your past relationship came out of your mouth in a stream of consciousness. Crosshair listened and held you a little closer as you got more emotional. You described your hopes and wishes, the ways your life was different, how things fell apart, what happened since. You went quiet and a peaceful chorus of soft rain fell on the window above you. It was a relief to let go of the past.

After some time, Crosshair broke the silence.

“I want to give you what you need.”

“You do.” You looked up at him and kissed the back of his hand. “I love you and I want to give you what you need. And what you want.”

“I love you too,” he replied. He pulled you into a fiery kiss and mumbled something about being more comfortable in bed with you.

[clone-anon-after-dark]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Healing

ARC Trooper Fives x Nymph Reader

Fives Lives AU with Prompt "Waking Up in a Dark Forest and Remembering Nothing"

Warnings: mention of Fives' death and the GAR's treatment of clones as disposable, mention of blaster wound, bed sharing, cuddling, hand holding, new relationship, some angst with hope

A/N: I have not been able to write much for months now, but wanted to make an effort for this prompt

Word Count: 1,330

Submitted as part of @pinahallowsevecloneparty

You moved through the forest with ease. It was midday and usually very quiet. Your clothing brushed against familiar tree bark as you climbed branches and quietly moved from limb to limb. You paused and silently watched as several officers dumped a carbonite capsule and at least a dozen broken ship parts. The war was over, supposedly at least. What was the new Empire doing just dumping all this in the middle of Endor? And was that a person frozen in time?

"What do we do with him?" one man asked.

"Pretty sure he's dead," another replied.

"Then why is he on ice? He was an ARC. Look at the pauldrons. You'd think his brothers would care."

The officer shrugged in response. What they didn't know was that this man was thought dead before being frozen and stored away with a pile of junk. The Emperor made sure he remained in cold silence; incapable of being examined by anyone wanting to investigate his brain now missing its chip.

You stayed perched above the scene and watched until the imperials left. They were starting to take over this part of the forest and you didn't like it. They would come to this area and dump things, but not even in any kind of coordinated pile. It was like tossing trash off the side of a speeder, but on a larger scale. Your home was not a place to leave unwanted scraps and certainly not a person. You took a breath and closed your eyes. You sensed the faintest bit of life coming from the frozen casket. Curious, you climbed down to investigate further as the stars began shining through the canopy. There wasn't much to do besides release him and see if you could help.

You pushed the carbonite chamber so it hovered over a bed of large leaves. It was better than landing on machine parts. You punched a few buttons and the carbonite immediately started melting away. The solidified face reemerged from its tomb and you couldn't help but smile when his nose crinkled right before the man fell bum first into the pile of leaves.

You knelt down next to him as he started coughing. He was practically begging for breath. He had sustained a near-mortal injury which was now clearly visible. You closed your eyes and instinctively rubbed his back. You felt like he might slip away, and so you reached inside yourself to drag out any bit of life you could give him. He gripped his chest, but you could feel the wound healing. He finally opened his eyes and searched yours.

"I-" he gasped again. "Who-"

"Don't be afraid," you replied softly. "You're safe here."

"My chest... it-" He struggled to find words.

"Does it feel any better?" you asked. He simply nodded and tried to get his breathing under control. You sat with him as he got his bearings.

"What's your name?" you asked.

"I'm not sure," he answered. "I'm not sure what happened."

"Come with me then." You stood and held out your hand. The man took it and followed you.

You were used to getting around through the tree tops and moving light as a feather. This trip home took over twice the usual amount of time, but you didn't mind. You felt this man had been wronged in more ways than one and needed someone.

"What's the last thing you remember?" you asked in an attempt to make some kind of conversation.

"I don't know. I don't know my name and never mind anything else."

After several minutes he took in a sharp breath with his first memory.

"My friend is gone. My brothers are gone. I wish I could remember," was all he could muster. "It feels so hazy." After a few more minutes he asked, "Did I die?"

"I'm not sure," you replied. "It seems someone wanted you dead. Based on what the imperials said it seems someone very powerful wanted you gone and wanted your body hidden."

The man's face twisted in a mess of pain and confusion. Imperials? What did that mean?

You stopped and looked at him under the glow of the stars. You gave him your name. He simply smiled at you, still trying to figure it all out.

"I'm a nymph." You just came out and said it. You could feel he was trying to figure out why his wound had mostly healed. "I can heal people. Some call it the Force, but we don't really use that word among my kind. I sensed you and found you. That's all I know right now."

"How many of you are there?" he asked.

"Fewer now. We tend to hide."

You pulled back a nearly impossible-to-find curtain of branches and let him inside your home. He took off his armor and was grateful for the opportunity to clean up and eat something. He insisted on taking the couch, but you didn't sleep well. He was out for over half a day. A serious rest was exactly what he needed.

Over the course of the next few months he started to remember more. One look in the mirror at his tattoo and he was reminded of his name. Then the names of his brothers. Then how he had so many brothers. It wasn't long before you told him about the fall of the Republic. Fives felt frozen. What about Rex? Did Rex know he was alive? Surely Rex wouldn't abandon him. You could see the gears turning in his head as he tried to figure out what he was missing.

"Fives?"

"Hmm?"

You nodded toward the door and headed outside. Whenever his memory gaps frustrated him, you went for a walk. Fives loved seeing you care for the creatures of the forest and at times could have sworn he heard other voices giggling from above; other nymphs out of sight but keeping a watch on their friend and the stranger who was starting to make himself at home.

As you made your way back, Fives reached for your hand. It felt small in his own, but he held yours with a gentle strength. You smiled up at him and gave his hand a little squeeze.

"Don't stay on the couch tonight," you said. His grin turned into a big smile and he followed you back to the bedroom. He knew something was there, but he'd never experienced this feeling to this degree. Fives never wanted to push things and certainly not when he was trying to figure out his past, his life, his purpose, but maybe this was part of his purpose. You were part of his life and the reason he survived.

The bedroom wasn't large, but it was enough to be comfortable. He held you close to his chest and sighed almost comically.

"Now this is healing," he said, making you giggle. He nuzzled his face against yours and sighed, peacefully this time.

"Fives?"

"Mh?"

"You need to find him, don't you?"

"Who?"

"You know who. Rex. You've been thinking about Rex."

"I don't even know if he's still alive, cyar'ika."

"Exactly. Finding him or figuring out what happened to him would be a good place to start," you replied. "And I could go with you."

Fives pulled back and searched your face. "But you've never left this forest."

You shrugged. "The galaxy is changing, I was meant to be here for when you came, but now it's time for something new. Fives, I've lived here for over a century. I'm getting older and it's time."

"You don't look old," he tried to joke.

"Nymphs don't age like clones," you countered with a hint of sass. "We've been over this."

He smiled in contemplation. "What if I'm the last clone?" he asked.

"You're not," you said, shaking your head and caressing his face. "I can sense it. Somewhere out there are your brothers."

"Then I should find them."

And you would. Both of you. Together.

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Healing

ARC Trooper Fives x Nymph Reader

Fives Lives AU with Prompt "Waking Up in a Dark Forest and Remembering Nothing"

Warnings: mention of Fives' death and the GAR's treatment of clones as disposable, mention of blaster wound, bed sharing, cuddling, hand holding, new relationship, some angst with hope

A/N: I have not been able to write much for months now, but wanted to make an effort for this prompt

Word Count: 1,330

Submitted as part of @pinahallowsevecloneparty

You moved through the forest with ease. It was midday and usually very quiet. Your clothing brushed against familiar tree bark as you climbed branches and quietly moved from limb to limb. You paused and silently watched as several officers dumped a carbonite capsule and at least a dozen broken ship parts. The war was over, supposedly at least. What was the new Empire doing just dumping all this in the middle of Endor? And was that a person frozen in time?

"What do we do with him?" one man asked.

"Pretty sure he's dead," another replied.

"Then why is he on ice? He was an ARC. Look at the pauldrons. You'd think his brothers would care."

The officer shrugged in response. What they didn't know was that this man was thought dead before being frozen and stored away with a pile of junk. The Emperor made sure he remained in cold silence; incapable of being examined by anyone wanting to investigate his brain now missing its chip.

You stayed perched above the scene and watched until the imperials left. They were starting to take over this part of the forest and you didn't like it. They would come to this area and dump things, but not even in any kind of coordinated pile. It was like tossing trash off the side of a speeder, but on a larger scale. Your home was not a place to leave unwanted scraps and certainly not a person. You took a breath and closed your eyes. You sensed the faintest bit of life coming from the frozen casket. Curious, you climbed down to investigate further as the stars began shining through the canopy. There wasn't much to do besides release him and see if you could help.

You pushed the carbonite chamber so it hovered over a bed of large leaves. It was better than landing on machine parts. You punched a few buttons and the carbonite immediately started melting away. The solidified face reemerged from its tomb and you couldn't help but smile when his nose crinkled right before the man fell bum first into the pile of leaves.

You knelt down next to him as he started coughing. He was practically begging for breath. He had sustained a near-mortal injury which was now clearly visible. You closed your eyes and instinctively rubbed his back. You felt like he might slip away, and so you reached inside yourself to drag out any bit of life you could give him. He gripped his chest, but you could feel the wound healing. He finally opened his eyes and searched yours.

"I-" he gasped again. "Who-"

"Don't be afraid," you replied softly. "You're safe here."

"My chest... it-" He struggled to find words.

"Does it feel any better?" you asked. He simply nodded and tried to get his breathing under control. You sat with him as he got his bearings.

"What's your name?" you asked.

"I'm not sure," he answered. "I'm not sure what happened."

"Come with me then." You stood and held out your hand. The man took it and followed you.

You were used to getting around through the tree tops and moving light as a feather. This trip home took over twice the usual amount of time, but you didn't mind. You felt this man had been wronged in more ways than one and needed someone.

"What's the last thing you remember?" you asked in an attempt to make some kind of conversation.

"I don't know. I don't know my name and never mind anything else."

After several minutes he took in a sharp breath with his first memory.

"My friend is gone. My brothers are gone. I wish I could remember," was all he could muster. "It feels so hazy." After a few more minutes he asked, "Did I die?"

"I'm not sure," you replied. "It seems someone wanted you dead. Based on what the imperials said it seems someone very powerful wanted you gone and wanted your body hidden."

The man's face twisted in a mess of pain and confusion. Imperials? What did that mean?

You stopped and looked at him under the glow of the stars. You gave him your name. He simply smiled at you, still trying to figure it all out.

"I'm a nymph." You just came out and said it. You could feel he was trying to figure out why his wound had mostly healed. "I can heal people. Some call it the Force, but we don't really use that word among my kind. I sensed you and found you. That's all I know right now."

"How many of you are there?" he asked.

"Fewer now. We tend to hide."

You pulled back a nearly impossible-to-find curtain of branches and let him inside your home. He took off his armor and was grateful for the opportunity to clean up and eat something. He insisted on taking the couch, but you didn't sleep well. He was out for over half a day. A serious rest was exactly what he needed.

Over the course of the next few months he started to remember more. One look in the mirror at his tattoo and he was reminded of his name. Then the names of his brothers. Then how he had so many brothers. It wasn't long before you told him about the fall of the Republic. Fives felt frozen. What about Rex? Did Rex know he was alive? Surely Rex wouldn't abandon him. You could see the gears turning in his head as he tried to figure out what he was missing.

"Fives?"

"Hmm?"

You nodded toward the door and headed outside. Whenever his memory gaps frustrated him, you went for a walk. Fives loved seeing you care for the creatures of the forest and at times could have sworn he heard other voices giggling from above; other nymphs out of sight but keeping a watch on their friend and the stranger who was starting to make himself at home.

As you made your way back, Fives reached for your hand. It felt small in his own, but he held yours with a gentle strength. You smiled up at him and gave his hand a little squeeze.

"Don't stay on the couch tonight," you said. His grin turned into a big smile and he followed you back to the bedroom. He knew something was there, but he'd never experienced this feeling to this degree. Fives never wanted to push things and certainly not when he was trying to figure out his past, his life, his purpose, but maybe this was part of his purpose. You were part of his life and the reason he survived.

The bedroom wasn't large, but it was enough to be comfortable. He held you close to his chest and sighed almost comically.

"Now this is healing," he said, making you giggle. He nuzzled his face against yours and sighed, peacefully this time.

"Fives?"

"Mh?"

"You need to find him, don't you?"

"Who?"

"You know who. Rex. You've been thinking about Rex."

"I don't even know if he's still alive, cyar'ika."

"Exactly. Finding him or figuring out what happened to him would be a good place to start," you replied. "And I could go with you."

Fives pulled back and searched your face. "But you've never left this forest."

You shrugged. "The galaxy is changing, I was meant to be here for when you came, but now it's time for something new. Fives, I've lived here for over a century. I'm getting older and it's time."

"You don't look old," he tried to joke.

"Nymphs don't age like clones," you countered with a hint of sass. "We've been over this."

He smiled in contemplation. "What if I'm the last clone?" he asked.

"You're not," you said, shaking your head and caressing his face. "I can sense it. Somewhere out there are your brothers."

"Then I should find them."

And you would. Both of you. Together.

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Still one of my most favorite things to have written. I've been in a writing slump, but seeing this still appreciated feels incredibly good and humbling.

Just As You Are (Wolffe x GN!Asexual!Aromantic!Reader)

Word count: 2047

Warnings: I’ll say NSFW for mention of having sex to make past partners happy, mention of masturbation, minors DNI

A/N: This is my first time writing Reader who is strictly aroace so I hope I did it some kind of justice. I know not all aroace people express themselves in the same way, so this is just one version I had in my mind. I believe what I write is referred to as a queerplatonic relationship? No pronouns are used for Reader.  There is cuddling, bedsharing, and some sweetness, but not romance in the way a lot of people think about it. I think that touch is great and can be a wonderful way of communicating in all relationships, including platonic relationships, so there are some quick kisses, hugs, hand holding, etc.

Keep reading

[clone-anon-after-dark]

ANNOUNCEMENT!

After a shaky day on Tumblr, the 2024 Halloween party is STILL ON! If you were following this blog before you will need to refollow to get updates and reblogs of this year's submissions!

Reminder for creators: Share your work to your own blog, then tag with @pinahallowsevecloneparty, and it will be reblogged here!

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Time Away (Mayday x F!Reader)

Mayday x F!Reader

Word count: 1350

Warnings: some discussion of internal injuries and healing from them (Mayday lives after the snow crushes him), NSFW, minors DNI, oral sex (both receiving), PiV, fingering, doggie style, boobs getting attention, unprotected sex, praise, maybe slightly dom!Mayday

A/N: established relationship, two people in love fucking including aftercare

There are two versions of this fic.  The M!Reader version can be found here.

Keep reading

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Brunch (Demisexual Jesse x GN Asexual Reader)

Word Count: 3020

Warnings: NSFW, minors DNI, mention of attempted sexual assault, a punch to the jaw (reader not involved), implied masturbation, some fooling around just to make each other feel good, kissing (but no making out)

A/N: I wanted to write a story about someone who doesn’t experience sexual attraction, but is open to sex with the right person and has a sex drive, so here we are.  Also, Jesse lives through the war, obviously.

If you are looking for an ace reader story that doesn’t include sex, I’ve written one with Wolffe and I’m exploring the idea of writing another one as well.

Keep reading

[clone-anon-after-dark]

A Little Closer (Captain Rex x GN Asexual Aromantic Reader)

Word Count: 2722

Warnings: minors DNI, frank discussions of sex but nothing more, some chaste kissing, reader is sex-repulsed aroace, angst in regards to Order 66 (I'm sorry okay! This was getting long and I didn't know how to also make it an Everyone Lives AU also)

A/N: I wrote these headcanons for clones with ace partners and basically now I want to write at least one fic for each clone with a partner who is somewhere on the aroace spectrum.  (I’m taking requests if you have any.)  Ultimately the relationship in this one is going to be a queerplatonic partnership with I love yous. There is some reverse comfort. No use of reader's pronouns.

I would be remiss if I didn't say thank you @starrrgazingbunny! Your reblog and comments on those headcanons helped shape the relationship in this story.

You sat near 79’s and wanted to cry.  All you could think about were those many nights with the 501st boys, laughing, eating, dancing, and sharing stories.  You didn’t jump on the dance floor immediately, but it was hard to be shy when Hardcase, Fives, and Jesse all shuffled you toward the center of the room.  They had no shame in their dance moves and brought out more of your fun side.  You smiled to yourself as you thought of all the times you talked and took their mind off the war.  You remember the night someone had pulled the fire alarm and you were all kicked out. You invited the boys home to hang out for a little while.  Rex chuckled watching Tup, Dogma, Kix, Fives, Jesse, and Hardcase all try to sit on your couch followed by Hardcase insisting there was room for everyone as long as you, Rex, and Echo sat on their laps. There was not, in fact, any more room and your poor sofa creaked beneath them.  You just grinned and got some extra chairs out and moved the table so everyone could sit somewhere. No one seemed to mind it being a little crowded.

It was the same night that the boys were discussing their futures. Not so much about the war, but Hardcase had met a woman he loved and disappeared to her every day he could when they were on Coruscant.  Jesse was in the process of getting to know someone and Dogma had a date lined up.  They had never been prepared for social relationships outside of the GAR, nevermind romantic relationships. They quickly turned to you for advice, as a nat-born.  

“Sorry to disappoint,” you said. “I’m aroace and will never have sex.”  Each man tilted his head and knitted his eyebrows slightly, mulling over this statement. You took the time to explain the spectrum of sexual and romantic attraction and that, yes, you still liked people and platonic relationships.  You even thought about having a committed relationship sometimes, but hadn’t found the right person for that.  You carefully waded into the topic of lost loves and unspoken wishes when you knew a friend would only remain a friend. You told them you dreamed more about building a home and sharing a life with someone, but that didn’t have to include the things romantic movies seemed to covet.  

“Are those things not important regardless of how you feel about sex, or even romance?”  The question came from Rex, who up until now, had been practically silent. You looked into his eyes, and felt a spark of hope.  It was quickly interrupted by a well-meaning Hardcase.

“Yeah, I love more than sex. I feel a connection when I’m with my girlfriend. She understands me. We spend time doing more than making out and getting naked.”

“Thank you for that information,” Tup said, rolling his eyes.

You smiled, getting his meaning.  “I think that strong, long-lasting relationships are built on closeness and understanding.  There are some people out there who have no interest in getting close to someone on an emotional level and only want the physical, sure. I think it’s pretty normal to figure out what you want and seek that out.”

“People tend to want to be understood and care for each other,” Rex added quietly.  The men all nodded their heads and you couldn’t help but find a smile tugging on the corner of your mouth.

You didn’t tell the boys some things. Like how you were sometimes up front about being sex-repulsed because you knew it would weed out some people.  It felt like a shield against future pain.  You knew not everyone would understand and you didn’t want to waste your time, but that night you felt like they were doing their best to understand.

You now felt a pang thinking back to that night.  All those men figuring themselves out in the way that nat-borns normally had years to do.  They grew up too fast to fight a war, but they had the same basic needs and desires as anyone.  Now that the Empire was in power, so much had changed.  You didn’t know where they all were, but you missed each one of them.  You especially missed Rex.  That night had been one filled with hope for you.  Hope that someone would understand what you wanted in a relationship and not demand you sacrifice your body and wishes for their own needs.  Now you were really alone, trying to figure out how to function with so much changed.

Your old job with the GAR had been terminated and you were left to trade parts and barter your skills as a mechanic.  It was in the process of trading parts that you met the Martez sisters.  One night you found yourself on their platform, agreeing to help fix a ship for a friend of theirs while they were off on a job. You weren’t given a name or anything, just a description that included blonde hair and a more thorough description of the ship. They neglected to tell you that he was a clone.  The ship landed and you stepped toward it as the door opened to reveal a familiar face.

“Rex?” You dropped the tool in your hand and tears came to your eyes. He was dressed more like a civilian, but that face was unmistakable.

His breath was nearly knocked out of him as he quickly covered the short space between you and pulled you into his arms.

“It’s so, so good to see you,” he said, breathing a sigh of relief.  “I wanted to find you. Find someone. After everything I couldn’t come back to the barracks. I couldn’t…” His voice was barely a whisper and he pulled you in for another hug.

As you worked on his ship, he helped, handing you tools and filling you in on what happened.  You thought of Hardcase, Tup, and Fives gone. You mourned for them during the war.  Now Jesse. Rex didn’t know what happened to Dogma or Kix, but at least Echo was okay. He sat, staring forward, and tears streamed down his face.  You stopped your work and sat next to him, pulling him close while he cried into your shoulder.

As he quieted he apologized.  “I’m so sorry. I think of them every day.”

“You don’t have to be sorry, Rex. I miss them. I missed you. I never thought I’d see you again.”

That day changed your life.  You did everything you could to help Rex and the network of clones.  When more were rescued, you were ready with food and clean clothes.  You fixed ships and saved credits.  Eventually, you started going on missions that weren’t so much on the dangerous side as the practical side. Helping rescued clones start new lives in a handful of places that were as far away from the Empire as possible, expanding the network.  You helped Rex find several places to lay low and a few escape routes through the galaxy.  While you had offered to come on all the missions, he insisted he didn’t want you put in the way of more danger, but then one day, Rex and Gregor barely made it back.  You and Wolffe were waiting after a supply run and were both practically tearing your hair out.  

“What happened?!” You both shouted once the door to the shuttle opened.  Gregor explained that there had been some mechanical trouble, lost comms, and they had to jump around that part of the galaxy for a while to find someone to assist. 

“It was beyond our expertise,” Rex added.

You rolled your eyes. “If only you knew someone who was a mechanic,” you replied.

“It’s too dangerous,” Rex insisted.

“I chose this, Rex.”  You looked between him, Wolffe, and Gregor. “Now I know Gregor and Wolffe have told me that they would appreciate the help, but you keep saying ‘no.’ Why? I’m with you. I want to do this!”

Gregor and Wolffe froze in place and silently looked between each other and Rex.  Rex just rolled his eyes and sighed.

“I don’t want you getting hurt,” he admitted.

“Then help me with my blaster aim.”

He couldn’t help but grin at that.  Joining the boys consistently changed a lot of things.  You became better on your feet in sticky situations and since you weren’t a clone, you blended into certain scenarios much easier.  It was an advantage.  You also got to know the boys much better.  Knowing someone you worked with and becoming friends that way was one thing.  Living on a ship with them, sometimes for months at a time, was another.  While you had become closer to all three of them, you started to feel something for Rex that couldn’t quite be put into words. It was some form of love, but you didn’t know what to make of it.

One evening Gregor and Wolffe turned in early so they could get some sleep before their watch.  You stayed sitting by the campfire with Rex.  You felt some discomfort from him, but waited as he formed his thoughts.  Your heart dropped at the thought he might have noticed you acting a bit differently around him. Were you acting different? You couldn’t quite tell.  You tried to play it cool, but that didn’t always work out.  You were brought out of your thoughts when he cleared his throat.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “How do I put this?”  You waited until he continued. “Many rotations ago, a few cycles ago now, we were at your place with some of the boys talking about relationships and you said you don’t feel romantic love or want to be, umm, intimate.  Is that still true?”

“Wha?” The partially-formed word left your lips before you could stop it. You weren’t expecting him to be so forward. “Yeah. Yeah I still feel that way.”

Rex continued. “But you do feel love. I mean, you show us all love in some form. And I was just wondering if you… if it’s okay that I love you.”

“If it’s okay that you love me? Of course it’s okay,” you answered, much to his relief.

“I just don’t know how to go about some of these things,” he said, “But I feel such love for you. Love unlike any I’ve known. I don’t know what to call it and in many ways I don’t care.”

“I do love you,” you told him. “I am happiest with you, even on the worst days when everything breaks down. I am most content with you. My footing is solid when you’re with me.”

Rex scooted a little closer to you. “How can I show you how I feel? What do we call this?”

You shrugged at the last part. “Let’s figure it out together. Maybe we could start with this.” You held out your hand to take his and he gladly intertwined his fingers with yours.  He wanted to kiss you, but asked first.  You didn’t want to say no, but simply said, “Give me time.”  He nodded and instead rested his forehead on yours. That felt pretty perfect.

It took time to figure out what did and didn’t work for you.  You always enjoyed the idea of cuddling and started there.  You invited him into your bed, first for afternoon cuddles and then to sleep.  You were both asleep almost instantly once you found a comfortable position in each other's arms. You started spending time snuggling against each other and one day while sitting in the cockpit he gently started to pull you onto his lap.

“This okay,” he asked. 

You nodded and sat.  You rested your forehead to his and put an arm around his shoulders, whispering “I love you.”

When your ship was barely worth anything for scarp, you sold it, and were surprised to find Rex already knew what ship you’d get next.  It wasn’t new, but it was still in excellent condition.  When you moved your belongings inside you found that there were only three bunks, but he then showed you how a fourth extended out from the wall, giving the two of you more room in bed together.

“I love this,” you said. “Is that the only reason you picked this ship?”  

He grinned and scratched the back of his head. “Well, not the only reason. There’s also more storage space.”

You looked into his deep brown eyes. He had put so much thought into it just to make sure you were comfortable and not squished too badly between him and the wall.  You realized that this was the nicest bed he’d probably ever slept in and your heart danced thinking about how you’d be the one sharing it with him.

When it came time to turn in, you found Wolffe and Gregor laying in the bed, hands behind their heads, looking up at you.

“What are you two doing?”

“Who says you and Rex get this bed,” Gregor playfully asked.

“Maybe we’d like to stretch out a bit sometimes,” Wolffe added.

“Well, finish your stretching and get going because I need to snuggle with my partner.”

They both looked at you with raised eyebrows. You hadn’t put a name to the relationship before, but your heart sang at the word. Partner. Rex was your partner and that made you very happy.  When he came to bed, Rex found you laying under the covers reading a holonovel.  The lights were low and he felt calm as he got in next to you.

“Partner, eh,” he asked with a soft smile.  You nodded with a shy smile, not realizing he overheard.

“I like that,” he said. “Feels pretty perfect.” 

He laid down and opened his arms up for you. You smiled as he pulled you.  You buried your face in his neck and gave him a little squeeze.  

“I love you, Rex.”

“I love you too.”  You both fell asleep feeling at total peace.

Life would not always be easy. Certainly hiding from the Empire was hard enough, but then there was dealing with the psychological aftermath of the war.  On the eve of Empire Day, you woke up to Rex shaking in his sleep. His mumbles got louder and you shook him, whispering his name to wake him.  When he woke up, his eyes searched yours in a frenzy as tears streamed down his cheeks.  He looked lost and utterly devastated. You knew he was dreaming about his chip activation.  You don’t know what came over you, but you kissed his forehead and caressed his face, wiping his tears away.  You’d never kissed before, but it was the best way you could express that everything was okay now, you were here with him, you loved him, and he didn’t have to be afraid.  The emotions overwhelmed him and he sobbed for a little while as you cradled him in your arms.

“It’s okay now,” you said quietly. “You’re here with me and I’m not going anywhere.”

As he calmed down he looked into your eyes. “Can I kiss you too?”

“Yes,” you said.  “I’m sorry I took so long to come around to it.”

“No, no, don’t be sorry for knowing what you need,” he replied.

“Maybe not on the lips,” you asked.

“I know. How about your beautiful cheeks?”

You nodded.  Rex cupped your face and kissed each cheek.  He nuzzled his nose against yours ever so gently.  Your body felt a little stiff, taking in the new sensation, but it was wonderful and you soon melted into his arms again.

“I like that,” you admitted.

“So do I.”

The next morning you woke up before Rex and while usually you’d get up and ready for the day, you decided to stay in bed with him.  As if he could sense you making this decision, he held you a little closer.  You smiled to yourself.  When you both eventually got up, you found Wolffe and Gregor around a fire, making a late breakfast.  You joined them, you sat right next to Rex, arm against arm as you ate.  You leaned your head against his shoulder and he instinctively put his head on yours.  It was the best place in the galaxy and you wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Tagging: @dukeoftheblackstar @staycalmandhugaclone

[clone-anon-after-dark]

I am sure he will make more appearances. I have so many thoughts about him. 🥰💙

So, can I get a Fives with an ace reader, the theme is up to you

Here we go!

Campfire

Fives x Asexual GN Jedi Reader

Word Count: 1199

Warnings: None really. The start of a queer platonic relationship with just a little hand holding and closeness.

A/N: I really wanted to show the start of a new relationship that isn’t going to include the usual romantic tropes. Some discussion of relationships versus attachment. Originally I wrote this for a male reader, but then realized that it doesn’t indicate the reader’s gender anywhere.

You watched the moon brighten as night overtook the planet.  Fives looked through the supplies you’d brought with you for this little scouting mission. 

“Found an ax,” he said as he walked back out of the small ship.

“Want some help,” you asked.

“I can handle it, general.” He struck a bit of a pose to make you smile.  He looked pleased when you let out a bit of a laugh.

You got serious for another moment and replied, “I told you, Fives, you don’t have to call me that out here.” 

Fives gave you a grin, but didn’t say anything. Instead, he approached a fallen tree and started cutting off large branches for some firewood and kindling.  You pulled out a pot and a packet of dehydrated soup. It wasn’t the best food, but it was better than ration bars.  Fives made a fire and you heated the food. Dinner was quiet at first, but then you spoke up.

“I don’t think I’ll be a general in this war. I certainly don’t want to lead anyone into battle.”

“Why not? You’re a Jedi.”

“There are many ways to be a Jedi.  I’m better with jobs like this. Supporting civilians.”

“You’re good at it,” Fives replied. “You’re good with people.”

“So are you.”

You smiled at him as you finished your food. You liked helping people and you didn’t like war. You were grateful to have the ARC trooper with you. Rex had given him leave to help you after Anakin found out you’d be going alone. At first you thought this mission wasn’t going to need more than one person, but after seeing how complicated the situation had gotten, it helped to have Fives’ support. He was great with the little kids who were all still reeling from the recent attack on their community.  He spent a lot of time in the makeshift hospital. As soon as he saw the children, he went in to visit, telling them stories and reading to them from a small collection of books that had been donated.  Your heart warmed when one little girl crawled into his lap while he read.  Beyond this, he communicated needs with the 501st.  They were sending in more support and were to arrive the next day. The locals needed food, medical supplies, and support in clearing debris.  It wasn’t the first time you’d worked with Fives. You’d worked with other clones before and always admired them, but there was something about Fives.  He made you feel a way that no one else had.  You had a special place in your heart for him.

You cleaned up from dinner and Fives watched the sky.  It was clear he was deep in thought.

“What is it,” you asked.

He cleared his throat and said, “I was thinking about how I…” He took a breath and stared at his hands for a moment. You’d never seen him nervous quite like this.  “I was thinking about how I care about you, but I know you’re a Jedi. You can’t be in a relationship.”

“That’s not true,” you said.

“It’s not? But isn’t love and attachment forbidden?”

You shook your head and sat next to him, scooting a little closer.  

“There are many ways to have a relationship.  I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to exploring what that might mean.”  You paused and collected your thoughts before continuing.  “With a few exceptions, we aren’t supposed to get married. Ki-Adi Mundi has multiple wives, but that’s because his species has few males. He says he’s unattached to them, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about them either.”

“So you can love but you can’t get attached. How does that work?”  Fives mouth twisted in a bit of frustration. He knew how he felt and it seemed so simple. Putting all of this into so many words felt like it could easily trap someone in a complicated mess.  You held out your hand toward his.

“Don’t offer me that if you don’t feel the same,” he said cautiously. You didn’t push. 

“I’ve always known I was different,” you stated. “I don’t feel attraction in the way that a lot of people do. I see beauty in the force, in the universe, in people, but I have never wanted sexual intimacy or anything like that. I realize that’s what some people would want.  Maybe to me this seems simple because for me it is.”  You left your hand out toward him and added, “I care about your Fives. I feel great love for you. Not being attached means that if I know I can’t control you or the future. If you were, I’d be sad, but I would know that you’re now one with the force. The force is everywhere, so we will never be without each other. Being unattached means that we are free to do our duty. Don’t mistake my lack of attachment for a lack of caring or a lack of love. I love deeply even if I don’t act on it in the way most people would.”

Fives took in all that you said. He felt a comfort in how you put it. He wasn’t sure about all the details of the force, but he often felt like his fallen brothers were watching out for him. Maybe this was the feeling of someone being one with the force and always being there.  He liked that thought. It was comforting. He reached for your hand and interlaced his fingers with yours.  He closed his eyes and took some deep breaths.  He hadn’t felt this close to anyone.

Several minutes passed and you both felt a calm come over you.  You studied his face. Little muscles that were worried now relaxed. His beautiful brown eyes grew softer. The warm light of the campfire lit up his features. You could see every bit of wear on his armor. So many battles and so many stories and yet he was always ready to help and do his job. You admired him and felt your connection grow. You hoped he understood how you felt.  

Fives looked back at you. His kind smile was accompanied by some butterflies as he looked into your eyes.  He gently squeezed your hand.  You sensed his vulnerability and wanted to comfort him.

“I like spending time with you. I like you. Let’s just see where things go. That okay?”

He nodded.  “More than okay.”  Then, for the first time instead of calling you general, he whispered your name. 

You were both distracted from the moment when you heard a battle droid’s voice from the edge of town. You drew your lightsaber and he had his blaster out, each wanting to protect the other.  You walked around the ship, but put your weapons away with a sigh as it was revealed that the noise was simply a group of stray tookas play fighting on top of a pair of halved droids. You let out a sigh and returned to the fire together.

You sat shoulder to shoulder and he put an arm around you. You briefly rested your head on his shoulder before reaching for his hand and watching the stars.

Tagging: @dukeoftheblackstar @trixie2023 @staycalmandhugaclone

[clone-anon-after-dark]

I'm so happy!! I love writing Fives and giving him the love. 🥹 Of course I realize I forgot to fix the typos before submitting, but we're trying. 💙💙💙

So, can I get a Fives with an ace reader, the theme is up to you

Here we go!

Campfire

Fives x Asexual GN Jedi Reader

Word Count: 1199

Warnings: None really. The start of a queer platonic relationship with just a little hand holding and closeness.

A/N: I really wanted to show the start of a new relationship that isn’t going to include the usual romantic tropes. Some discussion of relationships versus attachment. Originally I wrote this for a male reader, but then realized that it doesn’t indicate the reader’s gender anywhere.

You watched the moon brighten as night overtook the planet.  Fives looked through the supplies you’d brought with you for this little scouting mission. 

“Found an ax,” he said as he walked back out of the small ship.

“Want some help,” you asked.

“I can handle it, general.” He struck a bit of a pose to make you smile.  He looked pleased when you let out a bit of a laugh.

You got serious for another moment and replied, “I told you, Fives, you don’t have to call me that out here.” 

Fives gave you a grin, but didn’t say anything. Instead, he approached a fallen tree and started cutting off large branches for some firewood and kindling.  You pulled out a pot and a packet of dehydrated soup. It wasn’t the best food, but it was better than ration bars.  Fives made a fire and you heated the food. Dinner was quiet at first, but then you spoke up.

“I don’t think I’ll be a general in this war. I certainly don’t want to lead anyone into battle.”

“Why not? You’re a Jedi.”

“There are many ways to be a Jedi.  I’m better with jobs like this. Supporting civilians.”

“You’re good at it,” Fives replied. “You’re good with people.”

“So are you.”

You smiled at him as you finished your food. You liked helping people and you didn’t like war. You were grateful to have the ARC trooper with you. Rex had given him leave to help you after Anakin found out you’d be going alone. At first you thought this mission wasn’t going to need more than one person, but after seeing how complicated the situation had gotten, it helped to have Fives’ support. He was great with the little kids who were all still reeling from the recent attack on their community.  He spent a lot of time in the makeshift hospital. As soon as he saw the children, he went in to visit, telling them stories and reading to them from a small collection of books that had been donated.  Your heart warmed when one little girl crawled into his lap while he read.  Beyond this, he communicated needs with the 501st.  They were sending in more support and were to arrive the next day. The locals needed food, medical supplies, and support in clearing debris.  It wasn’t the first time you’d worked with Fives. You’d worked with other clones before and always admired them, but there was something about Fives.  He made you feel a way that no one else had.  You had a special place in your heart for him.

You cleaned up from dinner and Fives watched the sky.  It was clear he was deep in thought.

“What is it,” you asked.

He cleared his throat and said, “I was thinking about how I…” He took a breath and stared at his hands for a moment. You’d never seen him nervous quite like this.  “I was thinking about how I care about you, but I know you’re a Jedi. You can’t be in a relationship.”

“That’s not true,” you said.

“It’s not? But isn’t love and attachment forbidden?”

You shook your head and sat next to him, scooting a little closer.  

“There are many ways to have a relationship.  I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to exploring what that might mean.”  You paused and collected your thoughts before continuing.  “With a few exceptions, we aren’t supposed to get married. Ki-Adi Mundi has multiple wives, but that’s because his species has few males. He says he’s unattached to them, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about them either.”

“So you can love but you can’t get attached. How does that work?”  Fives mouth twisted in a bit of frustration. He knew how he felt and it seemed so simple. Putting all of this into so many words felt like it could easily trap someone in a complicated mess.  You held out your hand toward his.

“Don’t offer me that if you don’t feel the same,” he said cautiously. You didn’t push. 

“I’ve always known I was different,” you stated. “I don’t feel attraction in the way that a lot of people do. I see beauty in the force, in the universe, in people, but I have never wanted sexual intimacy or anything like that. I realize that’s what some people would want.  Maybe to me this seems simple because for me it is.”  You left your hand out toward him and added, “I care about your Fives. I feel great love for you. Not being attached means that if I know I can’t control you or the future. If you were, I’d be sad, but I would know that you’re now one with the force. The force is everywhere, so we will never be without each other. Being unattached means that we are free to do our duty. Don’t mistake my lack of attachment for a lack of caring or a lack of love. I love deeply even if I don’t act on it in the way most people would.”

Fives took in all that you said. He felt a comfort in how you put it. He wasn’t sure about all the details of the force, but he often felt like his fallen brothers were watching out for him. Maybe this was the feeling of someone being one with the force and always being there.  He liked that thought. It was comforting. He reached for your hand and interlaced his fingers with yours.  He closed his eyes and took some deep breaths.  He hadn’t felt this close to anyone.

Several minutes passed and you both felt a calm come over you.  You studied his face. Little muscles that were worried now relaxed. His beautiful brown eyes grew softer. The warm light of the campfire lit up his features. You could see every bit of wear on his armor. So many battles and so many stories and yet he was always ready to help and do his job. You admired him and felt your connection grow. You hoped he understood how you felt.  

Fives looked back at you. His kind smile was accompanied by some butterflies as he looked into your eyes.  He gently squeezed your hand.  You sensed his vulnerability and wanted to comfort him.

“I like spending time with you. I like you. Let’s just see where things go. That okay?”

He nodded.  “More than okay.”  Then, for the first time instead of calling you general, he whispered your name. 

You were both distracted from the moment when you heard a battle droid’s voice from the edge of town. You drew your lightsaber and he had his blaster out, each wanting to protect the other.  You walked around the ship, but put your weapons away with a sigh as it was revealed that the noise was simply a group of stray tookas play fighting on top of a pair of halved droids. You let out a sigh and returned to the fire together.

You sat shoulder to shoulder and he put an arm around you. You briefly rested your head on his shoulder before reaching for his hand and watching the stars.

Tagging: @dukeoftheblackstar @trixie2023 @staycalmandhugaclone

[clone-anon-after-dark]

Memory Foam

TBB era Gregor x GN reader

Word count: 958

Warnings: NSFW, minors DNI, praise, oral (both receiving), penetration (reader receiving), unprotected sex

A/N: established relationship, this is my first time writing smut for smut’s sake, I really tried making sure this is gender neutral but if I missed something please let me know

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[clone-anon-after-dark]

Just As You Are (Wolffe x GN!Asexual!Aromantic!Reader)

Word count: 2047

Warnings: I’ll say NSFW for mention of having sex to make past partners happy, mention of masturbation, minors DNI

A/N: This is my first time writing Reader who is strictly aroace so I hope I did it some kind of justice. I know not all aroace people express themselves in the same way, so this is just one version I had in my mind. I believe what I write is referred to as a queerplatonic relationship? No pronouns are used for Reader.  There is cuddling, bedsharing, and some sweetness, but not romance in the way a lot of people think about it. I think that touch is great and can be a wonderful way of communicating in all relationships, including platonic relationships, so there are some quick kisses, hugs, hand holding, etc.

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[clone-anon-after-dark]

Clones with an Asexual / Acespec Partner Headcanons

I’ve never written headcanons on here before, but thought I’d give it a go.

Word Count: 2915

Warning and Author’s Note: Some discussion of sex.  Some asexuals have sex.  Also mention of sex-repulsion because some asexuals do not ever want to have sex and both are fine and good.  There are a lot of asexuals who are interested in partnership - romantic or not - so I thought I might write out some ideas about what that might look like with some clones

Included are Hunter, Tech, Echo, Wrecker, Crosshair, Mayday, Rex, Cody, Gregor, Wolffe, Fox, Kix, Hardcase, Fives, Jesse, Dogma, and Tup

Hunter

Hunter loves a partner who is passionate and wants to do the right thing.  He would never be with someone who doesn’t also have the Omega stamp of approval.  Domestic Hunter? Yes.  He loves the steps you’ve taken to have a home that is friendly to his senses.  No strong scents in the soaps or detergents. Blackout curtains. Towels, blankets, and sheets that are friendly to his sense of touch.  You showed your love by making your home friendly for him and he has never been more in love.  Hunter pays attention to other people and takes care of his family, so he was incredibly moved by someone caring about his needs in this way.  Hunter will do little things around the house to show you he cares about you.  You’ll come home to clean dishes, a tidied bedroom, or freshly cleaned clothes.  Sex might be too much for his senses and sometimes touch is too much in and of itself, so he strongly believes in communicating what you both need.  He’s always open to finding ways to express how much you care for each other and creating a stronger partnership.

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