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daimyosprincess · 7 months

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SOME REX AND RELAXATION

—PAIRING: Rebels!Captain Rex x F!Reader

—SUMMARY: After a hard week, Rex makes it his mission to see that you forget all about it.

—WORD COUNT: 3.3k

—RATING: Explicit, 18+ only — MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

—TAGS & WARNINGS: second person narration, no use of y/n, lil bit of Mando'a used (translations at the end), explicit sexual content, unspecified age-gap with an older man (reader is obvs an adult), dom/sub vibes, Daddy kink (bc I can’t help myself), nipple play, oral sex (fem receiving), fingering

Please let me know if I missed anything!

—AUTHOR'S NOTES: I miss Rex so this is getting posted today!!! After a rough week a bit ago, I started writing this as a comfort fic to make myself feel better and boy howdy, by the the end of it I was feeling way better 😈 Also: Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor deserve to live in comfy cottages in pastoral peace for the rest of their beautiful days. And I've decided that the clones age normally after the age of 25 so they have nice long lives ahead of them :)

This is my first ever Rex fic and I want to give a big shout out to my resident Rexpert @rexxdjarin for betaing this fic, I hope I did our captain justice 💙 Also thank you to @cloned-eyes for letting me use their amazing Rex art in my header!! That fresh out the shower Rex was some delicious inspo for this fic 🫠

Read on AO3 — Masterlist — Taglist

The only thing worse than the day you’ve had was this week as a whole. Nothing had gone right with the New Republic school going up in town, and somehow the solution to several of those problems was what you’d said a week ago… but only when that bureaucratic sop from Coruscant said it. Not to mention the pipes burst in your apartment, you slipped down some stairs in front of a street full of people (with the worst bruise of your entire life to prove it), and to top it all off, you dropped your overpriced caf all over your shoes this morning.

Not a great week.

At this point, you’re only one minor inconvenience away from snapping—the fact that it’s the end of the work week is the only thing keeping you together. And, of course, your perfect, wonderful captain of a boyfriend, Rex. You’ve been staying at his farmhouse while repairs are made to the water lines that caused the damage at your place.

He and his brothers, Gregor and Wolffe, had come to your quiet little agricultural planet a couple years ago and fixed up a few of the old houses at the edge town to live in. They mostly keep to themselves, but are always willing to lend a helping hand when it’s needed, whether it’s making repairs after the annual monsoon, donating fresh produce for school meals, or digging out flooded irrigation ditches. They are good men and the town accepts them as part of their own, even if Wolffe is a little grumpy and Gregor turns all the local women into giggling messes when he’s around.

The three of them are mending a fence on the far side of the property when you arrive at the farmstead. Usually you would have taken your speeder over for a chat, but you don’t think you have it in you after today. All you want to do is take off your bra and flop face-down on Rex’s couch to wait for the world to stop sucking—which is exactly how Rex finds you when he comes inside a few minutes later.

“Another great day then, mesh’la?” he teases with the mirth of a man who already knows his question’s answer. His work boots make a thud on the stone tiles as he pulls them off.

Without looking up, you grunt a “no” into the cushions and shake your head.

“Do you want to come shower with me or do you need some alone time?”

“Alone time,” your muffled voice answers, “then Rex time. Lots and lots of Rex time.”

His warm chuckle and beard graze delightfully over the back of your neck as he bends to press a kiss to your hair. “Alright then, pretty girl. Just relax and I’ll be back to give you all the time in the world, okay?” You give him another muffled affirmative and he squeezes your calf affectionately before heading to the ‘fresher.

Maker, he’s good to you.

A year ago you would have never thought you’d find yourself in a long-term relationship with an ex-clone trooper who’s old enough to be your father, or that you would be calling said ex-clone trooper Daddy while he makes you see stars. The Force works in mysterious ways, you suppose… not that you’re complaining. Far from it.

Your relationship with Rex might have come as a surprise but you’ve never been happier: things with him are as close to perfect as they can get. He cares for you, makes you feel so safe and loved and warm that you could melt into a puddle at his feet, and you adore him. He’s kind, strong, and compassionate, a good leader through and through. The galaxy has never made a finer man, and not to mention, a finer lover.

Eventually, you muster the strength to roll yourself off the couch and ditch your work clothes for your much more comfortable loungewear, deciding to forgo panties as a nice little surprise for your boyfriend. Snuggling under his covers that smell of him, you flip onto your stomach to scroll through your datapad. Efficient as always, Rex doesn’t make you wait long, the ‘fresher door sliding open a few minutes later. The comforting, woody smell of his soap fills your nose as you take in his broad frame glistening from his shower.

Kark, he looks good. All broad shoulders and bronze skin, thick and perfect. How has no one made a statue of this man?

Noticing your interested stare, he winks as he hangs his towel on its hook. “Feeling better, mesh’la?”

You hum your delight and click off your tablet to give him your full attention. “Yeah, could be better, though,” you add with a sneaky smile.

“Oh yeah? How?” Flicking off the ‘fresher light, he starts towards you. The mischievous glint in your boyfriend’s eye is more than enough to get your blood pumping, especially combined with his shirtless upper half.

You flip up the covers next to you, grinning up at him. “Well for starters, you could get in the bed with me, handsome.” His brown eyes sparkle when he returns the expression, the corners of his eyes crinkling fondly. “And then you can hold me and make me forget all about this entire kriffing week.”

Your captain is quite good at making you forget things, whether it be a bad day or your own name.

Obliging as always, Rex slides in behind you and loops an arm around your waist to pull you flush against his bare chest. Your body reacts immediately to his touch, the tension in your muscles slacking. He nuzzles into your neck, making you giggle from the way his beard tickles the sensitive skin there, and starts kissing every bit of you his lips can reach. When you try to squirm away from him and his beard, squealing and panting from your laughter, he just locks his big arms around you and keeps going.

“Eeee! Rex! S-stop, you’re tickling me-you’re tickling me!”

In between smacking kisses, he chuckles into your ear. “I thought you said you want me to make you forget about this week, mesh’la.” His hold loosens enough for you to wriggle around to face him, wrapping your arms around his neck and admiring how handsome he is up close.

You brush your lips over his, gently running your nails down the back of his neck and savoring the way he shivers at your soft touches; knowing you have such an effect on him makes your skin hot. “Well Captain,” you drawl with syrupy sweetness, “I was thinking something more along the lines of… this.” You roll your hips against his, sighing at the pleasant sensation.

Rex groans his rumbling approval and drops his large hands to your ass to grind you harder against his center. “Anything you want, baby, just tell me and it’s yours.”

You know what you want: to be taken care of after this shit-show of a week, to be kissed and loved and cherished like only he can, doted on and held safe in his arms. You want to completely let go and surrender—no more thoughts, no more worries, just him. Just Rex. Your perfect, perfect Rex.

Capturing his lips in an indulgent kiss, you whine your desire into his mouth when you break for air, not caring how needy you sound.

He shushes you with gentle sounds, stroking over your hair. “Of course, sweetheart,” he coos in a sinfully sweet voice, cradling your face between his palms, “you’ve had a hard week… yeah, I know, I know. You need Daddy to make it all better, don’t you?” He pulls you crushingly tight against the strong line of his body, just how he knows you like, holding all your pieces together so you don’t have to.

“Please,” you gasp, burrowing deeper into him, “Don’t wanna… don’t wanna be anymore. Just wanna be yours.” The ache of existence in your chest is already beginning to melt underneath his weight, replaced by the tender warmth of his devoted attention. The edges of your mind go liquid as you let him pour you into his mold.

“Daddy’s going to take care of you, all you have to do is listen and let him make you feel good, okay, babygirl?” You bob your head in a nod, your eyes starry and wide as you await his next instruction. Rubbing the back of your neck, Rex places an affectionate kiss on your forehead for your obedience. “Good girl. Now turn over, face out and back to me… lift your arms… yeah, just like that,” he murmurs as he slides your top off, planting wet kisses on the new skin exposed to him.

His battle-worn hands skim up the swell of your tummy to take in breasts. You’re already buzzing in eager anticipation. You push into his touch, pressing your chest out in an offer of more, and you’re to be quickly rewarded with a low groan and his fingers rolling your sensitive nipples deliciously slow. Wanting heat rises through you like a flame catching to dry tender while little mewls of pleasure fall from your lips.

“So beautiful, so warm, my sweet cyar’ika,” he purrs between more lush kisses, “I know this makes you feel good… I’m going to give those perfect tits the attention they deserve.” He gives your peaked tips a gentle pinch and you moan, the electric sensation shooting straight to swollen clit. Smiling at your vocal pleasure, Rex begins an erotic rhythm that has you bucking your hips as his fingers alternate between pinching and rolling.

“Ooohhh, y-you feel so… you feel s-so good,” you whine, writhing against his ministrations. With the way his breathing has gone hot and ragged in your ear, you swear it could be enough to make you come untouched.

“That’s it, pretty girl, just feel the pleasure… just concentrate on how good you feel, nothing else,” he instructs, his deep voice like golden honey to your ears. “Daddy’s got you now, he’s gonna take care of everything. He doesn’t like seeing his baby so stressed and unhappy.” Rex latches onto your pulse point, sucking your heated flesh into his mouth and sending waves of pleasure throbbing through your nerves.

“Nev-never unhappy with you,” you pant, reaching your hand back to push him deeper into your neck. Rex is your shining sun who banishes all of life’s many darknesses, and the match which lights the fire of your loins. He’s everything to you, and right now, he’s all you can feel and see and smell. It’s utterly divine.

“Mmm, that makes me so happy to hear, you know why? Making you happy, taking care of my beautiful babygirl… it makes me happy. Daddy loves being there for his cyar’ika and he’d do anything to put a smile on her face, you know that?” Cupping your jaw, he tilts your head back to steal the little gasps of delight dripping sugary-thick from your lips. As hot and heavy as things have become, Rex doesn’t rush. He takes his time licking into your mouth and nibbling on your slicked bottom lip, all the while kneading and rolling your breasts, ever the man to keep his word.

Molten heat rushes through your veins as his words pour over your skin, spurring you onto new heights under his generous hands—the deep swell of his voice loosens the taunt aggravation of the week still stowed in your muscles. You’re like lavish wax under his care, worked pliable by him then molded into a work of weightless art, your very existence something to be admired.

His calloused fingertips sweep over the plushness of your lower belly, the shimmering heat of your arousal converging at his touch. When he dips below the fabric of your waistband, he sucks in a breath. “No panties, pretty girl? Now you’re the one spoiling me,” he groans, his cock twitching against the cage of your back.

You let out a delighted, breathy giggle at his body’s reaction to the discovery. “I thought you might like that,” you breathe out fond and pleased, “I did it just for you.”

He brushes lower, his middle finger tracing over the damp seam of your folds and a whimper sneaks through your smile at the feathery sensation. It’s these light, almost subatomic touches that make you come loose at the seams—and he knows it. Inside the year that you’ve been together, Rex has learned your body intimately, its history and inner workings revealed in the hours you spent in his arms.

“I love to hear your sweet little laugh, and I love to know that you’re smiling,” he murmurs affectionately, cupping your slick mound, “I’m so proud of you for letting me take some of the weight off you after this difficult week.” He takes a moment to plant kisses in the soft crook of your neck and up to your ear before continuing. “Now, just lie back, let me make you feel all warm and sweet. I want to watch you melt for me… melt and leave me with all your sweet honey to lick up.”

Each word shaped by his rich rasp further unmoors you from your senses. That sensual tingling feeling of submission bubbles pleasantly across your mind, your bones softening to downey cotton as you lose yourself to the sound of Rex’s voice. You can’t tell where the vibration of your own sounds of pleasure end and his begin, but it doesn’t matter. You’re safe, so, so safe and happy here in the glowing space between his arms. If only you could have him inside, too…

“C-can I have more, please? Want more of you, baby,” you pant, grinding into his palm between your thighs.

“Of course, mesh’la, you can have whatever you like. Anything and everything, all you have to do is ask.” Pressing into your lower lips, he spreads you apart. Your teeth immediately catch your lip when his trigger finger begins languidly sliding over your buzzing clit; the delicious friction fans the flames of your desire, heating you from the inside out. A rumble of satisfaction rolls up his chest when your head falls back against his shoulder with a contented sigh.

Rex takes advantage of the new access you allowed him, dragging his hot lips over your collarbone to nip and suck little marks onto your heated skin. “Mmm, I love touching you, I love feeling you,” he hums, thick and heady, “I want you to feel how much I care about you…” He scrapes his teeth up your tender throat to capture your mouth with his own.

Stars-Maker-kriff does he kiss like a god. A king amongst men, really, who- “Oh!”

Your eyes fly open as your captain easily flips you under him like a ragdoll, pulling your pants down and flinging them over his shoulder in one fluid motion that has you gushing.

“That’s better,” he mutters between hot mouthed-kisses down your sternum and over your tummy. The way his beard scrapes over your skin has chillbumps flowering all over. “It fills me up with so much happiness when I get to love on my sweet cyar’ika and take care of her. Makes everything else go away for me, too, sweetheart. I get to just focus on you.”

His large hands skate down your ribs then down the curve of your hips to massage the fullness of your thighs. “I’ve been waiting to worship this perfect pussy, pull all those pretty sounds out of you while you come over and over… just like you deserve.”

You’re nothing more than a warm soup of sparkling sensation, swirling around the ache building in your core. Rex isn’t usually one to tease you, but it feels like he’s taking an eternity to make it between your-

“Ohhhh, Reeeex!”

Wrapping his thick arms around your thighs, he literally lifts you up to his mouth, moaning like a man tasting some paradisic fruit after months in the desert. “Fuck, babygirl, your little pussy… I could feel hot and needy it was when you were rubbing up against me, how wet and messy you were… but this? Kark. I’m so lucky to be able to kiss all over this beautiful cunt. So lucky to have this pussy, this ass,” he gives an appreciative squeeze to your behind, “and this sweet little girl all to myself.”

The air is suctioned from your lungs by the gravity of his pleasure; it’s unrelenting and all-consuming, it’s all you can comprehend. Squeezing your eyes shut in focus, you manage a reply. “S-so l-lucky to have you, Rex. You’re s-so good to me… love you… love you so much.” You cut off with a shuddering cry when he sucks your bud between his lips, not caring that you’re swiftly losing a battle you don’t want to win.

“I love you so much, my mesh’la,” he pants into your heat. “My sweet, precious girl, I’m going to give you my fingers, okay? Gonna give you just what you need so you can come all over my face.” He slips two of his fingers in his mouth, sucking and releasing them with pop before easing into your soaked entrance. The twin sounds of your satisfaction fill the room, the stout stretch of his fingers making you moan while the clutch of your cunt has your captain grunting praises against your clit.

“Kark, you’re so tight and wet, so perfect… clenching around me,” he crooks his fingers as much as he can in the restrictive walls, “Don’t hold back, beautiful, let me hear you. Let me hear how good you feel.”

His words scorch your nerves to ash with a molten magma of pleasure that erupts from your core. Your spine bows up, making Rex find the soul-shattering spot that makes you scream in ecstasy. The world around you snaps into sharp focus, bright and loud before exploding in a shower of stars and lambent energy. You’re unmade, unwound down to your most basal form of hot-blooded, carnal need where time and worldly matters no longer reign in your existence. Primal satisfaction and the thrill of euphoria rule you instead for several effervescent moments.

When the flood of electricity flowing from every cell and synapse begins to ebb to jolting aftershocks, the sweet praise of your lover floats over you in warm waves. “So beautiful like this… keep going mesh’la, take what you need… I love you so much… love making you feel good, love feeling your perfect pussy on my fingers…”

Reverent kisses are bestowed like offerings to the divinity of your pleasure as you materialize back into reality one pounding heartbeat at a time. Joy radiates from every molecule in your body, the stress of the mortal coil dissolved and washed far away, leaving you light, free, and happy. You want nothing more than to revel in this glorious sensation with the love of your life, and you call out to your captain with a breezy sigh, “Rex…”

“Cyare…”

“Want you close, my love, want you to hold me.”

You barely register his movement in your hazy after-glow, but soon your chest is pressed against a familiar wall of muscle and there’s a blanket wrapped around your shoulders. Snuggling into his open warmth, you nuzzle into his neck and inhale Rex’s timber-fresh scent.

Safe… happy… love. Him. Forever.

Your hazy thoughts drift across the clear sky of your mind, eventually coalescing into a nebulous sentiment your lips can form around. “Rex… love you so much… thank you, baby.”

Curling around you tighter, Rex’s beard brushes over your shoulder as he leans in to kiss your temple. “Anything for you, my sweet, perfect girl,” he smiles into your hair, “You are everything to me, the light of an old soldier’s life. I will always take care of you, my mesh’la, no matter what.”

And with the certainty only love can bring, you know him to be true.

MANDO'A TRANSLATIONS

cyare - beloved, love

cyar’ika - sweetheart, darling, (a diminutive of cyare)

mesh'la - beautiful

#once again i will think i am clever with these titles lmao #zwei writes #captain rex #captain rex x reader #captain rex x f!reader #captain rex x you #captain rex fanfic #captain rex fanfiction #captain rex smut #star wars fanfic #star wars fanfiction #fanfic #some rex and relaxation fic

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madameminor · 1 year

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In More Ways Than One, Special Ch. - Rex x F!Reader - Birthday

Summary: It's your birthday on Coruscant, and the Bad Batch gave you the best present ever.

Tags: Smutty mcsmutterson. 18+. NSFW. "Basically, all the good stuff."

Warnings: Oral (f receiving), p in v, unprotected, mentions of polyamory

Notes: So today is myyy birthday!! I've had this idea for quite awhile, and last week realized I wanted it to be my bday present to all of you. I wrote in the time I had, probably not as packed full of juice as I wanted it to, but I like it the way it is :) Enjoy, fellow clone hos. @dumfanting, @kaminocasey, as always, thank you for reading and ramping me up!

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Its your birthday and you’re

LEAVE!!!!

IT'S AMAZING!!!!! Its rare and unheard of and a one in a MILLION chance, but somehow the stars have aligned so that you get to celebrate your birthday on solid ground, away from the war.

Your parents, friends, extended family - everyone has been so happy that you’re alive to see another year, they pooled their credits and got you a luxury suite at one of the upper level hotels in Coruscant for the night. Oh, you feel like the Queen you are in here - a real bed, with SILKY sheets, a sitting area, a walk in shower, a massive bathtub- uh. Its EVERYTHING.

And as much as you love your boys - its a night WITHOUT THEM!!!

You had been very clear - you cared about them all very much, and they were NOT coming with you to this nice place. Tech would have made a mess everywhere, Echo would have felt uncomfortable in the lavish apartments, Wrecker would break everything and smell up the place, Crosshair would find some way to put a dampner on it, and Hunter would probably be affected by all of the scents and soap bubbles you planned to have in the air. So, while that meant you were sans snuggle buddy on your birthday, that was OK for the trade.

Some of the boys in the 501st wouldn’t be this way. One in particular was used to the finery, would respect it, would enjoy it… what if he was here with you?

Mmm, but no. That ship had launched long ago. And you had your men. You were happy, and this one occasion wasn’t ruined just because you were alone.

You starfish on the mattress and take a deep breath. Ooooo sleep was going to be so good. Strange, since you would be alone, but soooooo goooood. You order room service and start up the bath. Oh my, this oil scent was called “Goddess”...

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Collectively, Clone Force 99 has several strengths - charisma, uniqueness, nerve, talent, power, courage, tenacity, the list went on.

Buying gifts was not one of them.

“OOOOO!" Wrecker lightly hits their table by their favorite noodle stand. "Wha’ about flowers? Women like those, right?”

Tech keeps looking down at the table, chin in one hand as he thinks. “Potentially. But which are her favorites? And where would she put them? They would not last long in the Marauder with our lifestyle.”

Wrecker rubs the back of his neck. “Well then, what about, like, a necklace? Something real fancy she can wear for us?”

Crosshair rolls his eyes. “Oh yes, and with what credits would we buy her something like that?”

“UH…then, a book?”

Echo shakes his head. “For her birthday? We get those for her anyway. This needs to be special.”

“Maybe one of those, uh… special toys? Like the one Crosshair got?”

They’re all quiet, thinking about it, glancing at Tech.

“It is possible… though I would need time to plan, gain measurements and components - perhaps if I’d started a week ago-”

“Discussing work during shore leave, huh?” Commander Cody chuckles as they all glance to where he's standing just behind Tech. “Can’t say I blame you. Hard to get away from the war anywhere.”

“Commander." Hunter indicates a vacant spot for him to join them. "Didn’t know you were on Coruscant.”

"The Generals were called back for something important, so I’ve got a night or two in town." He says, sitting himself down. "Figured it was a good night to get out to 79s, loosen up, have a bit of fun." He glances around, making eye contact with everyone in greeting. "No Queen of yours tonight?"

"No. Today is her birthday, and her friends and family have gifted her some peace and quiet. Something we do not seem able to match."

Cody chuckles. "Ah, I'll have to send her a com. Pity though. Rex always brightens up a bit when she’s around- he could use a bit of happiness right now."

Echo glanced at his brothers, then back to the commander. "Is something wrong with Captain Rex?"

Cody sighs, shaking his head. "Nothing uncommon. The war is… its getting to him. Hasn’t had much to look forward to, I think. Since the Commander left, they’ve all been uneasy. And he hasn’t ever really sought out... female company before besides your medic. Wish he had someone planet side he could blow off some steam with, but... just not his thing, i guess."

Echo puts his hand on Cody's shoulder. "He’ll be alright, Commander. If there’s anything I, anything WE can do, just say the word."

Cody grins. "Thanks, Ech, I’ll do that. Ah," he looks towards the main thoroughfare "there he is." He stands, tucking his bucket under his arm. "How about you boys join us? Perhaps he just needs a night of 99’s brand of trouble.” He heads off with a nod, making for the Captain of the 501st.

As soon as he's out of ear shot, Hunter turns back to his squad with a grin. Tech nods with a small smile. Realization dawns in Echo's eyes, and he nods carefully. They all look to Crosshair, his arms crossed, mouth pursed in a terse line.

"No."

Echo runs his hand down his face. "Come on Crosshair-"

"No." Cross hisses. "No regs."

"I'M a reg-"

Tech cocks his head to the side. "Are you resistant because he has punched you in the face before?"

Echo's eyebrows shoot up as he looks to the sullen sniper. "He punched you in the face? Why? What did you do?!"

"………" Crosshair glares at Echo out of the side of his eyes, then leans forward, elbows sitting on the table, glaring at Hunter.

"Alright. One night." He glowers.

Hunter nods, barely hiding his amusement. "We’re agreed then? Her Majesty’s birthday present?"

“Yeah!" Wrecker says, punching his fist in the air before pausing to look at his brothers. "Wait, what’s happening?”

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Rex must be crazy. He must be CRAZY. What the hell was he doing, walking up these steps to this hotel, heading to the elevator, making for the door that SHE waited behind. The woman he’d dreamed of since she’d signed on with Kix. Fuck, was this really happening? They’d told him it was ok, that this was what she wanted, but she- did she really? Were they playing a prank on him? If it was, it was in poor kriffing taste and he would court marshall the fucking lot of them for getting his hopes up like this.

He has to talk himself into walking up to the door several times. Twice he starts and then backs off again. Blast, he can head into uncharted enemy territory with a deep breath and a gun, but into a…a potential romantic encounter?

He steels himself and knocks on the door before he can think about it.

Your voice, low and relaxed, comes from within. "Just a moment please." He feels his anxiety mount- and then the door opens before him.

You're standing there in a white silk bathrobe, tied loosely, and you are most definitely naked under it. His heart starts racing, his cock jumping to attention, pushing against his cod piece. He can see your curves through fabric outline, your cleavage glistening from the oil you're covered yourself with. The smell from your room is clean, perfumed, enticing, like a pleasure den inviting him in. He swallows a groan. A kriffing angel. Just WAITING for him. Deep breath. One step at a time.

"Captain!" You smile. You seem to realize what you're (not) wearing and cross your arms over your chest. Your smile turns bashful, but remains joyful. "What- how did you know- to what do I owe the pleasure?"

He swallows. Don't kriff this up, Rex. "U-Um. Good evening, your majesty. And Happy Birthday. I uh, well," he holds up a small bag, "I brought you some dessert, and a, uh… a note. From your squad." He hands both to you. You smile a thank you and place the bag on the table beside the door.

You look at him, amused and suspicious, as you take the note and start to read it over. He watches your eyes go wide as they dart across the page, your hand jumping to cover your mouth in surprise. You glance up at him bashfully, voice hushed. "Do you...um... know what this says?"

"Yes." His own voice is barely audible, searching for your answer in your eyes, in your body language. He'll leave in an instant if he sees any hesitance- but instead you step to the side, granting him entry, though reading the note again.

He steps inside - and he loses. He finally loses the long battle with himself about your role in his life. His eyes find yours as he closes the door, pushing you up against it, his arm leaning on the steel over your head.

One last chance. "Tell me if this isn’t what you want, a-and I’ll walk away-"

He doesn’t get to finish, you’ve pulled him into a kiss that lights his veins on fire. You both groan, tongues entwining, impatient to make up for lost time. You jump up and he catches you, legs wrapping around his waist. Blessed stars, they were right. You moan against his lips as his cod piece presses against your core, giving him the perfect chance to bury his face in your neck, kissing and biting at the exposed skin.

"Reeeex."

His hips rock at his name on your lips. How many times had he dreamed of you moaning for him? Too many. Far too many.

"If this is a dream, please don’t let me wake up." He murmurs into your neck, completely caught in your scent, in your feel. He rocks against you again, your arms encircling around his neck as you whisper in his ear.

"Rex… I can’t wait, i’ve waited so long already, please don't make me wait."

Kriff, you'd been needing him too. "Here?"

"Yes. "

He reaches under your thigh to undo his codpiece, lips finding yours again, tongue slipping in to ravage you in his turn on. Karking hell, up against the door, so needy for him, his little medic, wanting him so badly-

He lines himself up and pushes in, and oh your MOAN. He can feel you stretching around him, but you’re rocking your hips, taking him further than he intended. You’re so wet that he slides in like he belonged there, bottoming out like you’d already been fucking for hours.

"Kriff, like you’ve been waiting for me."

He can’t be away from your lips for long. He can’t stop himself from biting your lower lip, his hips gyrating feverishly to fill you up. But its not the angle he wants- its hard to focus here, vertical.

He picks you up off the wall, still sheathed inside you, walks you over to the bed to lay you down. There. Much better. He’s still mostly in his armor, but he can’t stop for a second to take it off, not when you’re right here, when you feel so good. He’s back to your lips, kisses bruising as you pull him closer.

"Yes, Rex, yes."

His moans into your kiss, his thrusts starting slow, but deep. You’re clutching at the back of his armor, doing everything you can to bring him closer in your frenzy, and hes losing his composure. Fuck, he wants more. His groans and thrusts are out of his control, simply needing to reach that ultimate moment of release. He can’t stop now, he’s lost himself to how DEEP you are, how well you take his cock. You’re ruining him for any other woman, he knows it, and he loves it.

He feels you cum, you’re so TIGHT he can feel you coming around him. He groans as your walls squeeze him, sending him closer to his own release.

"Mesh’la- kriff- I’m going to cum. Where-"

Surrendered, hungry. Lost like he is. "Inside me, Rex, please. As deep as you can." You look up to find his eyes, the connection you've both had gleaming through.

"Kiss me, Rex."

He finishes with a groan, his lips tangled with yours, tasting your tongue in his mouth as he spills as far in as he goes. He can feel your cervix as he empties himself, and something feral in him feels satisfied.

He stills, but his lips can’t stop exploring yours, wanting to hold onto the moment as long as they can. His face eventually falls to your collar bone, panting with the effort your frenzied love making demanded as its toll.

He hears a small laugh ringing from above him. He pulls himself up to look curiously down at you.

Your hand cups the side of his face as you playfully squeeze around his softening cock.

“Its good to see you too, Captain.”

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So you’re with all of them? Its not a rumor.”

You look up at him from your slice of cake, eyes tracing up over his armor-less form. You’d demanded that it was your birthday, and while you ate cake, HE was going to undress and give you a little show. Which he had. With a maddening little smirk. Now, he sits down next to you, shirtless, with only his compression pants keeping things…calm.

You hum with pleasure as his warm hand settles on your knee, your legs tucked up underneath you as you lean against the back of the couch, your elbow perched atop. You take a bite of cake with a flirty smile. He watches your lips with a slight intake of breath, eyes glancing down. You’re still wearing your white silk robe, albeit a bit…looser.

“It started as a rumor, but we… liked the sound of it.”

“And…you’re happy?”

You take the last bite, letting your grin speak for you.

He shakes his head with a smile, still taking it in. “Well, that’s one way to show them.” He takes your plate and puts it on the coffee table. “Not sure I would have been able to think of that.”

You gracefully swing your leg over to straddle him, hands tracing along his collar bone. “Blame Hunter. His senses and I have a love hate relationship”

He chuckles at that. “I forget how much he picks up. Though in this case, looks like it worked to your advantage.”

“This time.”

He chuckles again. Its good to see. The more he’s here, the more seems to melt off of him. It warms you to know you have that affect on him- it means you’re special to him. He’s always been important to you, and here… you’re becoming closer in a different way. It’s all out in the open. He meets your eyes- he must see something there, because his smile fades. He doesn’t look away.

“I wanted to say something, mesh’la.”

He looks down to where his hands rests on your hips.

“I did. I wanted to ever since you showed up ready for duty. You were everything I could have wanted in a woman. But I… I couldn’t. I just…” He struggles with his words for a moment. “...The war. My brothers, my general, it all has to come first. And I didn’t…want you to resent me for it. I couldn’t bear that.” His hands clench around you slightly. “I’m sorry if I wasn’t enough for you. I’m sorry if I let you down.”

“Rex.”

He looks back to you. With a smile you bring your hand up to his neck. He leans into you, eyes closing for a moment before meeting yours again, waiting for what you have to say.

“I know.” You say softly. “That's one reason I like you so much- I know who you are. If you were any different, you wouldn’t be one of my favorite people in the galaxy. You could never let me down.” Your hand traces from his forehead back through his hair, gently massaging the scalp, eyes glancing back to his. “Its best this way, and I’ve always known it. I’m not your responsibility, Rex. I’m your respite. And if that’s how I can contribute to your happiness, that’s enough for me.”

He chuckles, nuzzling your chin. “I think we’ve found another way you’ve ‘contributed to my happiness’.”

You put on an exaggeratedly offended voice "Oh, Captain. You ain’t see nothin’ yet."

You move to slide down between his legs-but his hands on your hips keep you in place.

"Ah ah, mesh’la." Ooo, mischevious looks good on him. "You’ve had your dessert. Now I get mine."

His hands trace up your thighs and over your ass cheeks, massaging, pulling you further into his lap. You feel his thickening length trace against the outside of your lower lips.

He lifts you up with him (just how strong IS this man? You swoon a bit more.) placing you on the table. He kisses down your neck, along your collarbone, down to your breasts. You expect him to bite, to leave his mark, but he doesn’t. It feels…respectful to your squad- a temporary visitor, not a claimant. Your heart soars even higher.

He nuzzles between your breasts. "Light, firm, or not at all?"

You giggle to yourself- the epitome of a gentleman. "Gentle, please."

"As you wish, mesh’la."

He traces along your breasts, slowly playing with your nipples, lightly tracing his tongue along them, living for the small sighs and purrs as you pet his hair. When they’ve pebbled enough to look almost painful, he nuzzles the tip and keeps kissing down. He looks up at you, eyes amused, excited.

Happy.

"Gentle?"

"Yes, please." You breathe, taking in his ministrations, savoring everything with a bliss that can only be found in the finite first time.

He licks a long strip from the bottom of your opening to the top, pulling a sharp, longing groan from your lips. "Oh, sweetheart, I can taste us both together."

So concentrated, so gentle, tracing your clit with his tongue, slowly… do you dare say lovingly?... sending shivers pulsing through you with every stroke.

"That’s right,” he hums into you, “let me taste you. Better than any cake I’ve ever had."

His tongue plays in earnest, no longer entrusting your clit to nuzzles and passing strokes. He WANTS it. It feels like he’s reaching for his pleasure instead of yours with the earnestness he eats you out. Your thighs involuntarily clamp around his head as he licks a particularly sensitive stop along the sensitive bud.

Before you can apologize, he groans. “Don’t hold back, mesh’la.”

You can feel him slide a finger inside you, your hips rocking to suck him in deeper- its not nearly enough for how much you need him right now.

"Rex. Another one, please. I want to be so full of you."

A groaning growl as he nips your thigh. “Be careful what you wish for, mesh’la.”

His mouth goes back to your clit, sucking, pulsing, teasing it out of its hood. You feel another finger slide in- quickly followed by a third. His thick fingers… fuck so many inside of you, filling you up so full, stretching you out.

"That enough for you, mesh’la? Kriff, you’re so sweet for me, aren’t you? Ready for me to take you, fill you up for the rest of the night."

Your breath catches, your pussy squeezing aroud his fingers. “Rex…” You look down to meet his eyes gleaming up from between your thighs. “Don’t leave my side until morning. Please?”

He pauses for a moment, meeting your eyes. "Mesh'la." His lips find yours, fingers withdrawing to pump his cock with your slick, lining up with your entrance. He pulls away, his forehead to yours, taking in this blessed moment of being here with you.

“Tonight? Dooku himself couldn’t drag me away.”

He slides into you, pulling you closer to him, his hands in your hair as he kisses you. Your combined moans are the most beautiful music that only the two of you can make.

—------------------

What a NIGHT.

You are amazingly sore the next morning, kissing Rex in a way that should last him several cycles before heading down to meet your squad at the shipyard. You both linger, but you know the score- and you're both satisfied in knowing you have someone out there who cares about you, who wants only the best for you, who is excited to see you again.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------

A giggling laugh draws Crosshair to the top of the Marauder’s ramp, looking down at the happy reunion below him - Hunter spins you in his arms in welcome, kissing you as he sets you back down. He and Echo are adding a bit of character to the outside of the marauder - something tasteful, Echo insisted - and were able to greet you. Echo waits his turn. As you turn to him, reaching for him, he takes one hand and spins you around before dipping you into a kiss.

Looks like they had completely different reactions to sharing you than he did. Great.

There you are, looking around for the rest of them, that’s probably Hunter telling you Tech and Wrecker were in the city. You glance up to see Crosshair waiting, leaning on the door frame of the ship. And Hunter’s saying something else to you. Something that makes your eyebrows pinch in worry before smoothing out. Great, now you know he’s been grumpy. Probably going to come up apologizing, making it worse.

You take the steps up to him, fingers hooking into his utility belt. Your eyes are… wait, a little TOO innocent… what-

“Good morning, Crossy. Did you miss me?”

Oh, you little BRAT.

His hand darts out and grabs your chin, making you gasp, but not in fear. He turns your head for him, looking along your neck at the faded bruises left by the batch.

“Did he mark you?”

“No,” you purr, amused eyes teasing him. “Mo marks, no bruises, nothing. He knows who I belong to.”

The same hand flips and grabs the collar of your armor, pulling you closer to him. Fuck he was so hard - knew you were daring him to tame you, knew that’s what he needed to make this whole thing better.

“Do you?”

Your eyes glint for a moment before you pretend to be thinking, looking up into space with a high pitched “Ummmm-”

His hand closes around your neck, lightly pressing against your breathy gasp. Your half lidded eyes look up into his sinister face. He takes his time removing his toothpick with the other hand and throwing it off the side of the marauder.

“You’re confined to my bunk for the next three days. No touching yourself, no cumming- I’ll know, or the others will tell me. I’m going to take whatever I want from you, and maybe if you beg me enough, please me enough- after those three days I’ll let your pretty pussy cum all over my cock.”

He can feel you shiver in antici-"Have I made myself clear?"

Your voice is soft, breathy. "As crystal."

“Good. Then go.”

He hesitates for a moment. He pulls you to his lips, kissing you far more tenderly than his hand on your throat would have you believe. He’s not grumpy anymore, not angry- he’s back in control. You knowingly gave him back the control. That deserves some sort of reward.

“Yes, Princess... I missed you. And I’m glad you’re back. Happy Birthday.”

Happy Unbirthday, tag list!

@nunanuggets @mywheezingisalertingtheguards @allhailkingboba @valiantlyminiaturecreature @ladykatakuri @ben-is-a-hoe @klay97 @kaitou2417 @dumfanting @kuromisheart @koifish08 @echo-is-worth-more-than-2000 @badbatch-simp24 @pointy-sharp @rainytears2 @gabile18 @nedxwynert @chopper-witch @nexxxxxxxxx @nightscissor @corona-one @babypandasugar22 @pumpkinkpatch @oohyesplease @princessclaire2 @just-a-shit-ton-of-trama @badbatch-simp24 @foreverhockeytrash @unholy-t-rin-ity @reeny26 @smurderous @xxeiraxx @discarded-beskar @just-an-anxious-ball-of-flesh @mybigfatspoonielife @whore4rex @andyoufollowyourheart @lokigirlszendaya @captain-splock-you @darkangel4121

@gluwu @stormweather99 @redpool @mysanityleaving @alwayssnivellus @chickentenderx @scioness-7 @moniicarlo @nekotaetae @snips-501, @cjoftheriver, @envyspinebender @ladykagewaki, @charlie-boo @echoisles99 @lhazybear

#in more ways than one #tbb in more ways than one #tbb smut #the bad batch smut #the bad batch x reader #the bad batch x you #the bad batch x f reader #madame writes #tbb crosshair x reader #bad batch eve #the bad batch #captain rex x reader #captain rex x f!reader #captain rex x you

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rexxdjarin · 1 year

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Captain's Log: Chapter 13

Renewal

Series Summary: The galaxy is in turmoil. The Republic has fallen, giving rise to the sinister reign of the totalitarian Empire, led by the insidious Emperor Palpatine. The millions of valiant clone troopers of the former Grand Army of the Republic are now blindly sworn, against their will, to protect a regime they once sought to destroy. After being saved from a terrible fate by his former-Jedi ally and close friend, Ahsoka Tano, seasoned veteran CT-7567 Clone Captain Rex remains loyal to the pillars of Democracy, freedom and truth that shaped the former Galactic Republic. We follow him now struggling to deal with the personal aftereffects of survival and finding his place in the galaxy alongside the only person he has left. You. The love of his life.

[previous] [next] part of Captain's Log series post on ao3 Pairing: Captain Rex x Fem!Reader (she/her pronouns used) Word Count: 13.7k im sorry but also its worth it 😏 Series Rating: Explicit (18+ only, Minors DO NOT INTERACT) Chapter Summary: With most of the galaxy against them and the odds not on their side, Rex and his crew must decide how far they will go for family. Batchmates resurface and assign a new mission. Readers first symptoms begin and she finds herself in desperate need of relief. Chapter Warnings: 18+ EXPLICIT, P in V sex, fingering, mirror sex, dirty talk, squirting if ya squint ;), Mature Themes, Language, Political References, References to Canon Plot, References to Canon Deaths, Angst, Anguish.

Darkness. It could describe so much of my life right now besides just the atmosphere around our bunk room. Pitch black, not even a single ounce of light streaming in. Every part of the ship that was not life support or the hyperdrive navigation was powered down to conserve fuel, so even the cabin lights and switches weren’t dotting the walls like landing platform markers. After the meeting we had, life kinda felt like the ship–flying blind without a destination or a purpose to guide us forward.

I couldn’t say I’d ever felt this much doubt, even during the worst of the battles I fought in during the war.

What was it all for?

Freedom? For who? I’d never really felt true freedom–I don’t think any of us did save for maybe Cut. But even he had to hide from the Republic in order to live the life he wanted.

Trillions of credits were spent on the lives of every single brother I knew, but now suddenly repayment for our service was too high a cost.

Fighting in this war was the right thing to do, no question. The things the 501st and I achieved were among the greatest honors of my life. But now, after everything, the galaxy would always see me as more than a droid but less than a person.

What’s the point of fighting anymore?

I tossed and turned in bed, throwing my forearm over my face and groaning uncomfortably. She didn’t even stir beside me, her exhaustion a by-product of her first pregnancy symptom finally showing. Nausea and intense vertigo had kept her up and made her woozy for nearly the entire rest of the night. At this point, it was best to just let her sleep even though I couldn’t.

I rolled over, slowly easing myself out of her arms wrapped around my torso, and sat up on the edge of the bunk. I sighed, resting my forehead in my hands and trying to take deep breaths. I had to talk to my brothers about this. The decision from the Alliance. The mission for Cham. Everything.

We had gotten in too late to discuss anything, and her not feeling well meant we headed straight to bed after I’d told Wolffe to get us to Ryloth. Now was as good a time as ever to talk to them, without worrying her or stressing her out any more than necessary. Besides, she’d done enough fighting for us already.

I hoisted myself up, grabbed my body glove, and slipped it on. The uniform felt oddly comforting and reminiscent of a time when things still made sense to me. Our bunk door slid open and I tiptoed away quietly, heading up the rungs of the ladder to the cockpit where I knew Wolffe and Gregor would be completely awake just like I was.

I tapped on the cockpit door and entered, the two of them perking up immediately, probably eager to hear the news. However, the sight of me exhausted and almost defeated snuffed out any hint of their excitement. I plopped down in the passenger seat behind Gregor, avoiding their eyes.

Wolffe stood up from his spot in the pilot’s chair and scowled, “What happened, Rex?”

“Yeah, everything alright? You don’t look so good.” Gregor scooted forward, resting his hand on my forehead.

“The Alliance doesn’t want to help us. They think it's too much for them to tackle,” I sighed, watching the hope in Gregor’s face falter and the rage in Wolffe’s grow. “I don’t even want to tell you some of the things that were said.” I massaged my temples with the pads of my fingers as I tried to remove their words of disgust from my memory.

“Even with her and Bail speaking up for us?” Gregor inquired, sitting back and contemplating how things could’ve fallen off this quickly.

I thought about the fire in my beloved’s eyes as she had lambasted them with scolding words of moral righteousness, battling their every misguided fear with the soaring light of truth. She reminded me not of the senator she served under, but of my general–absolutely fearless in the face of certain death and loss. She stood unyielding where no one else dared. She spoke for me when others wouldn’t listen. She fought, kicked, and hit them where it hurt, just like he always did for me. “She gave it a hell of a fight. Wish you could’ve seen her up there. She was… incredible, but it didn’t matter.”

“So what? We don’t fucking need them. We’ll take care of our own, like we always have,” Wolffe spat, his disappointment usually presented as anger to hide his hurt. He had always been that way.

I glanced between my brothers, their own eyes now teaming with justified rage, and felt nothing but fear for both of them. They didn’t have to hear what even the galaxy’s best people thought of us, and I’d do everything in my power to make sure they wouldn’t for as long as I could. Because if good people couldn’t bring themselves to care, then what did we have left?

Maybe the time was approaching when it didn’t make sense to fight anymore. Maybe I was the only one who saw it. I felt guilty even thinking about it. It went against every principle I ever knew to give up, but that had become a possibility for the first time in my life.

“And where has that ever gotten us, Wolffe? Hurt, kidnapped, missing, killed… what’s the point? Of all of this? Aren’t you tired of only being what they used us for?” I asked quietly, trying desperately to hold back the anxious tears that had been brimming in my eyes since the start of that meeting.

Wolffe stopped, his anger breaking immediately, and he crouched down to my eye level. “Yeah, Rex. Always. Every day. Since the day I was put in this armor. Since the day they crushed my entire battalion and stuck me back out there the very next day. But you know what keeps me going? What gets me back out there every time? My brothers. My flesh and blood. If there’s still a chance we can help them, I want to try. The two of you helped me remember that.”

From the way his jaw twitched, I could tell he was still thinking about Fox, and maybe Cody as well.

“You risked your life to take me in, Rex. I wouldn’t be here without you,” Gregor said, offering up his canteen of water and patting my shoulder. “We may not be ready to take on the Empire, and I understand being tired of fighting, but I’m not going to give up on my brothers. We can still fight to try and save them, even if we have to do it alone.”

I sighed, closing my eyes and pressing the heels of my palms onto them. “I know, I know. You’re right. It’s just… hard not to let it get to you. Especially now after what I’ve heard. The whole galaxy thinks we were in on it. On all of it. It was… tough to just stand there and take.”

Wolffe grunted in annoyance, his disdain for politicians growing by the day. “And Bail? What did he say?”

“He was one of only three senators who voted to help us, along with Saw Gerrera and Cham Syndulla. Syndulla got us our next mission,” I mentioned, pointing to the navicomputer. It was blinking with the updated timing for our approach to Ryloth.

“Helping people who care is all we can do now. Let us make a difference where we can. We’ll find our own way,” Gregor reassured, reaching for the canteen in my hand and taking a few swigs of water for himself.

Wolffe resumed his seat, doing a quick systems check on the ship to keep his hands busy. “Ryloth, huh? Howzer was stationed there last I can recall. He picked up where Keeli left off.”

“Yeah. Guess my whole batch had to visit this planet once,” I remarked, fondly remembering my brother and eldest batchmate, Keeli, who died long before the galaxy changed. Howzer and I were probably the only two left of our batch now. “I lost contact with him a long time ago. What do you know about the situation there?”

“Well, I know he and his men were still stationed there. Though for the Empire, not the Republic. Things were just starting to get testy when I… when I got away,” Wolffe explained, scratching the growing beard on his jaw as he thought.

“Howzer and his boys must’ve rebelled and held the Empire off for a little while. Cham needs us to eliminate the rest of the special forces. He wants to hit them while they’re still down. We’ve got a small window in the next few rotations,” I explained, relaying the information Cham had given us when he approached us on Fest.

“And what’s in it for us?” Gregor inquired, sitting back in the co-pilot's chair and sighing. He looked tired–there were dark circles under his eyes and the familiar, cheerful light in them was noticeably absent. I wonder if he ever sleeps much anymore.

“Cham promised us supplies and weapons. Anything we need to start preparing for an uprising,” I replied, trying to mentally count the munitions we had in the hold downstairs. There wasn’t much that the pirates who owned this scrap heap left behind for us and our DC-17s weren’t going to cut it for the entire company’s worth of clones we planned on freeing.

“So, he’s committing to our freedom, huh?” Wolffe thought aloud, snorting to himself. “Guess he does live up to his name. Howzer must’ve done quite a bit to earn his trust. Cham was one of the Republic’s biggest headaches at times.”

“Howzer saved the Syndulla’s lives. He and his men are with them leading the fight against Imperial occupation now. Guess the Bad Batch helped him see reason. Cham’s fought his way back to the planet, and he wants us to help him eliminate the remnants of the Empire’s forces before they breach the city walls again.”

Gregor laughed, “Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I am itching for a fight against those Imperial dogs.” He whipped the chair around and took over the controls just as the nav signaled our drop out of hyperspace. “Where we off to, Cap?”

“Head toward these coordinates. Cham’s palace is on the outskirts of the capital, Lessu. We’re supposed to meet him there.” I reached up to the console and tapped the coordinates in, giving my brothers a flight path.

“She agreed to this?” Wolffe asked gruffly, pointing casually at where she slept downstairs.

“Before he even had the chance to ask,” she interrupted, climbing up into the cockpit. I rose and pressed a kiss into her hair as she came to stand beside me. The same fire she had during her speech was still burning in her dark eyes.

Wolffe smirked and shook his head. “She’s dangerous, Rex’ika. Be careful, darling, I might have to steal you from him.”

“Over my dead body, you grump,” she laughed, punching him in the bicep and resting her head on my shoulder. “We better get him some female attention soon. He’s not used to not being fawned over.”

Wolffe began to groan in protest, but the incoming holomessage from Cham interrupted him.

“Captain, I am glad you managed to persuade your men to join our cause. I must say your brothers here were relieved to hear of your collective survival,” Cham said, his serious stare hardened and cold enough to intimidate even through a hologram.

“Hey, we’re happy to be here, too,” I joked, though Cham didn’t crack. He apparently wasn’t known for his humor. “This here is Gregor, ex-commando. And this is Wolffe, formerly of the 104th attack battalion.”

He bowed his head graciously and turned to my cyar’ika. “And how are you? My men have heard your speech. They are interested in meeting you, to thank you for speaking up for them. It has meant a great deal. Many have joined my cause because of you.”

She smiled, the blaze of justice igniting in her eyes. “Doing well, General. Thank you. Tell your men we’re on our way.”

Syndulla gestured to a few people out of frame and nodded in understanding. “Our landing bay is an open-mouthed cave entrance on the left side of the palace. You will not be followed there. We’ll see you soon.” Wolffe guided the ship down through the tall plateaus and rocky terrain of this part of the planet just as the hologram disappeared.

“So speaking of female company…” Gregor smirked, “Ryloth is known for its performative, grand welcomes. Think you could put in a good word for me, gorgeous?” he turned over his shoulder to ask her.

She rolled her eyes. “It’s been that long for you, hmm?” I laughed at her obvious annoyance and kissed her forehead as her arms wrapped around me.

“Far too long,” Gregor replied, “and never with a Twi’lek.” He winked, glaring at the both of us. “Besides… I think you two owe me.”

Wolffe laughed for the first time in weeks, “Yeah, I second that.”

I could practically feel her blushing. “I’ll see what I can do,” she hummed softly. The normalcy of this request reminded me of all the times she wing-manned the Torrent boys back home at 79s. That was nothing more than fond memories now.

The ship flew through the shade cast by clouds of past explosions covering the surface, and I gulped at the craters left on the planet's surface by battles weeks old. It must’ve been a rough evac if this much debris had been left behind.

I could feel her wincing beside me and I seated us both down gently into the passenger's seat behind Gregor. She probably hadn’t seen battlefields to the extent we had throughout the war. It was hard to look at even for guys like us who had seen hundreds of worlds like this. From the looks of it, it was only getting worse under the Empire.

My soldier’s resolve was strengthening in my soul all over again. Seeing worlds like this, absolutely destroyed by evil, and knowing that people needed help was a reminder that I couldn’t give up. My other reminder rested under my palm as I rubbed slow strokes on her warm lower belly. Even if I wanted to, even if things were getting worse, even if the galaxy gave up on all of us clones, I didn’t have it in me to quit, because our ad’ika deserved to grow up in a safe galaxy.

She looked up at me, her hand coming to rest over mine, nodding once like she could read my thoughts. That was why she agreed to the mission. She knew I needed to be reminded of how much I could help people. No matter what the Alliance said, I was more than a human weapon. We all were. We were finally free to choose to help the people who needed it. And damn it, that’s what we’re going to do.

The Syndulla’s landing bay looked miraculously untouched for a planet occupied by the Empire. Located on the far side of the palace, the cave entrance was hidden by the large craggy rock face of the mountain range–too well disguised for the class of Imperial officers who were unfamiliar with the planet to recognize.

As Wolffe prepared the ship for landing, we noted the massive number of likely stolen ships that took up most of the space in the hangar. They all seemed to be in various states of disrepair, but nothing a few well-trained clones like ourselves couldn’t fix.

“Wonder why they don’t just use these to fight the Empire off,” she said aloud, counting the number of ships from her place on my lap.

“They don’t have the men, I’d suspect,” Gregor responded as he began shutting the ship’s engines down. “None of these are single-man fighters. Even if Howzer managed to recruit a small group of his old battalion members, that’s still not enough to go head-to-head with Imperial fighter squadrons.”

“Yeah, they wouldn’t stand a chance unless they had about six troopers manning some of these guns,” Wolffe explained, settling the ship into the hangar and stretching as he stood up. “Though the Wolfpack probably could’ve done it with less.”

I snorted, my brother’s overconfidence clouding his judgment. “I think all those craters in the surface say otherwise. They were probably lucky to escape with their lives,” I remarked, remembering the numerous times we had caused similar damage in pursuit of victory against the Separatists. The similarities made me more uncomfortable the longer I thought about it.

She narrowed her eyes, nibbling on her bottom lip as the wheels spun in her head. “It’s a good thing Twi’leks largely live underground here. That’s a huge advantage. The Empire would have to rely solely on ground assaults to make any headway,” she declared, fishing through her bag on the floor for her datapad to make notes for future briefings.

Wolffe and Gregor whipped around, their brows raised in surprise at her suggestion. They exchanged glances, and she huffed softly. She folded her arms in annoyance, her shirt pulling and exposing the tiny bulge of her belly just beginning to show signs of the life within. She was cute when she was mad, and nothing irked her more than being underestimated. “What? I pay attention in strategy meetings. I know things.”

“Alright, Commander,” Wolffe teased, gathering his pack and slinging it over his shoulder. “We’ll talk to Syndulla and see what we’re working with. You might be onto something.” Instead of countering him with another playful insult, she smiled and nodded, probably equally surprised at his acceptance of her idea.

Gregor clapped his hands together and stepped out from behind his seat, “Well, let’s go! I’m in the mood to see what kind of welcome is in store for us. Think they’ve got any nuna here?”

“I think you’ll be lucky if you get more than a few ration sticks, Gregor,” I remarked, slinging my arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple as we followed them out of the cockpit. “You feeling better, mesh’la?”

She leaned into my side more than normal and gripped at the fabric of my blacks with need. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was trying to pull me aside for something else. “I’m ok, baby. Still a little woozy. I just need some water and, honestly, anything warm to eat. Why’d you get up before me?” she whispered, pawing at my chest and blinking up at me. I could never hide a thing from that face.

“I couldn’t sleep. That business with the Alliance…” She hummed in regret as I trailed off, looking away from me as if it was her fault they said all those things. “Just needed a talk with the boys. The kind of thing only they’d understand.”

She stopped, fiddling with the hem of her shirt and running her palm along her bump. “I’m sorry you had to listen to that. I shouldn’t have made you come with me. That was too much.” I didn’t have to see her face to know she was upset by it, too. She sniffled, trying to wipe the tears off her cheeks before I saw.

Stepping in front of her, I grabbed both her hands and brought them to rest between us before tipping her chin up. “Hey… hey… none of that now. It’s alright. I know you don’t think like they do. That’s what matters.” The hurt in her eyes perfectly reflected how I felt inside–like she could feel the pain for me.

She balled her hands into fists then let them relax to curl her fingers into my sides, and I hugged her tight as she held onto me. “They’re wrong. You all deserved better than this. And I won’t stop reminding them of that. There’s always more I can do.”

I shook my head, shushing her quietly as I twirled a few strands of her hair around my finger. “You’re doing just fine, mesh’la. It means more to us than it ever will to anyone else. You heard what Cham said, you inspired other troopers to fight back. We may not have been able to reach the Alliance, but we are getting through to the ones who matter. Maybe now is the time we clones fight for ourselves.” I rested my chin on the top of her head, more to convince myself than her.

She pulled away, spreading her fingers on my chest and looking up at me fondly. “You know… if you keep giving speeches like that, you’re not going to need me to inspire them.” She leaned in and kissed me softly, one hand sliding up to rest on my flushed cheek. Her tongue slipped along my bottom lip and brushed delicately against mine. Though she tried to keep it brief, I could tell she wanted more as she broke away.

“If you’re looking for a reason why you survived when so many of your brothers did not… I think you’ve found it. You’re their leader. They’ll follow you anywhere. I know I will, too.” She gasped suddenly and her hands flew to her belly. “And someone else agrees,” she beamed, my hands reaching down to join hers to feel the tiny flutters of his kicks.

I knelt down in front of her, glancing up at her quickly for permission before pulling the bottom of her shirt up to speak directly to him. “Hey little bug, you think I can do it too, huh?”

I tried to imagine what it must be like to be so small but to experience life alongside both of your parents as you grow; to be along for the ride with them instead of growing alone and in silence in a sterile tube like my brothers and I had. While we would never know a bond like that, we had each other. Just like I would do anything for her and our little one, someone had to feel the same about my brothers and the birth of a new life they could have if we all just fought for it.

The little kicks under my palm solidified it. I would be the one who cared enough to free them. No matter the odds, no matter what it took. “Thanks for believing in your dad, Ad’ika. We got our family to save and we won’t let them down.” I smiled up at her, the real smile I only reserved for her, and rose again. “C’mon. We’ve gotta go, my love.”

After I’d changed into some civvies, we followed where Gregor and Wolffe had made their way down to the hold, her fingers laced reassuringly in mine. Syndulla would be out to greet us any second and hopefully reunite us with more of our renegade brothers.

I could only imagine what Howzer would say about meeting my pregnant girlfriend for the first time in the middle of a warzone. Though she’d be quick to point out that nothing would stop her from fighting alongside us.

Gregor and Wolffe waited by the open docking ramp, watching for signs of anyone coming to greet us. We pushed past them and made our way down into the hangar platform just as the blast doors opened up to reveal not Syndulla himself, but my little brother.

“Well if it ain't the quacta calling the stifling slimy…” Howzer folded his arms as his gaze bounced between us, halting just a few feet away.

Howzer’s armor needed a fresh coat of teal green paint, the chest plate and shoulder pauldrons more faded and cracked than he would ever allow under normal circumstances, but his signature hair was still perfect. While the rest of our batch and I had always shaved our hair down to nothing, Howzer had grown his out–somehow still managing to look the most put-together. He had always been the most creative of us, and even when we’d given him shit for it, he’d never allowed his armor to look dull or his hair to fall flat.

“Aren’t you supposed to be an Imperial now?” I joked darkly, mirroring his stance and narrowing my eyes.

Howzer scowled dramatically, pointing his finger at me and grumbling, “Aren’t you supposed to be dead?” He carefully studied my face now, taking in the state of me alive and well after all reports had me as good as dead. Before I could reply, he leapt forward and embraced me tightly, the relief melting the tension away. He had always been my most sensitive kih’vod and never liked to feel alone, even before we left the blank white halls of Kamino.

I wrapped my arms around him and held tight, communicating all the unspoken pain of trauma and loss during this war in one embrace. “I’m happy to see you too, Vod. Wish it was under better circumstances.” I pulled back, resting my hand on his shoulder and shaking him loose.

“I didn’t want to believe the reports. They couldn’t have gotten you. I’m glad my gut feeling was right, but why all the secrecy?” he asked, turning to look over my shoulder at the crew just behind me. “And how’d you manage to spring Commander Grouch from the Citadel?”

Wolffe growled, “I freed myself, thank you very much. Those bucket-head new troopers were no match for me. I never even made it to my cell.”

Gregor giggled, amused by Wolffe’s constant insults of the men he’d been forced to train. “Bucket-heads… that’s a good one, Wolffe. To be clear, he saved us and decided to tag along. I’m Gregor, by the way. Special Ops.”

Howzer shrugged, impressed at what we had managed to accomplish while still making it out in one piece. “So you snagged yourself a Commando, too. It’s just like you, blondie, to bring people together like this. Guess that’s why the general felt you were the man for the job.”

“Guess so. That and I’ve got a hell of a motivator here.” I cocked my head in her direction, Howzer’s eyes noticeably widening as he sized her up. “She’s the one whose message your men heard.” I beckoned for her to join me and she stepped beside us, holding her hand out to Howzer.

“I just told the truth, no need to thank me for advocating for all clones the way the galaxy should’ve done a long time ago. It also helps when you’ve been in love with one for nearly 4 years.” Her smile widened, eyes softening with the gentle fondness I’d come to know from her all this time.

I tucked her into me and felt her grip tighten on my side again. Needy. Just as I thought, but no one else would have noticed. She stood tall and confident, the same way she did when she spoke to the Alliance. I couldn’t have been more proud to have her lead beside me and hoped all my brothers loved her the way I did.

Howzer studied her and the way she held me more intently, “Wait–so you’re his…?” He connected the dots in his head, his eyes wild with realization. “Damn, Rex. No wonder it’s been so long. You’ve been busy.”

“You have no idea,” Gregor and Wolffe chortled in unison as she turned around to argue with them playfully.

“Well, I can’t say I blame him. You’re stunning,” Howzer complimented bluntly, arching a brow at me and smirking. “Probably too good-looking for him, cyar’ika,” he added, taking her free hand again and pressing a polite kiss to her knuckles.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes and looking over his shoulder at the door he’d come out of. “Alright, alright. Let’s get inside and you can all take turns clowning me later.”

“Erm… right. Well, the General’s probably just finishing his strategy meeting with his resistance leaders. Normally the Twi’leks like to throw banquets for guests, but there aren’t enough rations for anything extravagant right now. They are still planning to have you all meet everyone. The boys and I managed to scrounge up some leftover ration biscuits, the little green ones,” Howzer explained as he started toward the door, the rest of us falling into step behind him.

Gregor groaned loudly, the sound of his grumbling belly was loud enough to keep us all up at night. “I could crush about 20 of them right now. I’m starving.” We’d been running low enough on supplies that snacking mid-day was no longer an option, especially since she had to eat for two.

“How about fresh nerf stew and we save the rations for when we really need them?” a pleasant, accented voice called out from just down the hall. As we stepped past the blast door frame, a tall, elegant, green Twi’lek woman revealed herself, peeking out of a large room several doors away. She glanced at each of us briefly, likely taking stock of how much she could spare for each of us. “Howzer, dear, bring our guests into the hall with Cham and the others. We will bring everything out to you.”

“Yes, Eleni. Right away.” Howzer saluted her formally. Clearly, he respected her as equal to the general, so she must’ve been his wife. “The squad’s probably anxious to see you, too.” He herded us to the door just ahead of the one she’d peeked out of, and we disappeared into another hallway just as we heard her calling out in Twi’leki.

“How have your men been holding up since everything happened, Brother?” I asked, letting the other three take the lead down the long stone hallway.

“Not well, I’m afraid. There were no Jedi stationed on Ryloth, luckily, but we heard the chatter all over every comm channel. At first, we followed the Empire without question. What was the difference, you know?” He sighed deeply and mournfully as he recalled the time before the Free Ryloth movement had been able to gather enough force to push the Empire back. “Then things changed. Things stopped making sense. The chain of command stopped listening to us clones, started demanding we do things…” Howzer closed his eyes, shuddering and taking a deep breath.

“Things you knew weren’t right,” I finished, following his story to the same conclusion as all the rest now. “You had to make a decision for your men and the people you protected all these years.” I slung my arm over his shoulder, reassuring him the best way I could.

“Yeah, Rex. I did what I had to. I laid my weapons down and disobeyed orders because they went against the people I swore to protect. The Bad Batchers were here, too, and they helped us figure out what to do. Especially one of your old boys, Echo.” Howzer smiled, stopping in his tracks and looking up through a skylight in the cave ceiling. “A lot of my men defected that day and we’ve never looked back.”

I watched my little brother feeling the light hit him, maybe for the very first time. Though he’d been aged and weathered by the brewing storm of the constant battle for justice, he’d made the right choice. He saved his men, he saved his people, and he saved himself. We were all good men deep down and no mandated order would ever change that.

“I’m proud of you, Howzer. You did what many of our brothers could not. You saw a better way. That’s why we’re here now. We can do the same thing again for so many of our brothers who just need to see the way out. The chips forced us to act, but they cannot change who we are. My squad is planning on rescuing more clones if we can, but we’re going to need as much help as we can get. After this mission, are you in?” I asked gently, knowing that pulling him away from his duty to his people was a tall ask.

Howzer closed his eyes and bowed his head, running his fingers through his dark hair. When he opened them again the fire of determination that I saw in myself had sparked for him too. “I thought you’d never ask.” He reached out his hand and clasped it with mine tightly to signal a deal well struck. “I’m beside you always. My men will be on board, too.”

“We have to talk about removing their chips. It might be a little difficult here since things are so remote,” I thought aloud, moving to scratch at the healed scar along my hairline. “It’s the safest thing to do to make sure we can never be compromised like that again.”

Howzer moved to flank me, inspecting where the chip had been removed from me and wincing as he imagined having to cut through his hair to do it. “Yeah, I expected that. I’ll talk to the general and see what we can do. He’s got to know of a medical station somewhere around here. Twi’leks are a little more holistic than the Republic–they use healing herbs and careful doses of spice at times.”

We picked up our pace toward the banquet room, Howzer explaining more about what his men had been experiencing since the order happened. Nasty, brutal things. Some of his men reacted the usual way with blind fits of anger and lashing out at anyone not loyal to the Empire. Others experienced debilitating migraines or seizures from fighting so hard against the inhibitor chip to keep their consciousness. A few had even died, their brains having huge aneurysms from the overload of information the chip was programming into their minds.

I remembered not liking how it felt to have my mind taken over, but Ahsoka knocking me out and intervening likely saved me from enduring any of the after-effects that lots of clones seemed to be experiencing. Microdoses of spice and proper rest in a hangar locked away from Twi’leks or other brothers had allowed the more severe cases to run their course until the worst of it had died down.

Howzer didn’t know exactly why he had never suffered quite as intensely as the rest of his men, but the best he could figure is that older clones seemed to have stronger willpower to resist their chip’s effects. However, full removal remained the only surefire guarantee that the nightmare would end.

Upon our entry to the banquet hall, we found the entirety of Cham’s protected population sitting in a large circle along the walls of a massive vaulted cavern held up by stone pillars. Some of Howzer’s men mingled among the Twi’leks while others huddled in sequestered groups, but I could feel their curious eyes on us.

In the middle of the crowd, a group of Twi’lek men and women of every skin color imaginable performed an elaborate, lithe dance set to the thrumming rhythm of echoing steel drums. Not far from us, Cham sat with two of his advisors and a green Twi’lek child in a small alcove adorned with knit patterned tapestries and hand-painted drawings in bright pigments.

“Captain, welcome!” Cham called from his seat, beckoning our group forward. He raised his hands as he stood, and the dancing and drumming ceased. “My people! Tonight we welcome our new guests. They have come to help us retake our planet with their brothers. With their assistance, Ryloth will be free once again!”

The crowd erupted into cheers for a moment before the drums and dancing started up again, and somewhere in the chaos, my beloved was stolen away by Cham’s wife. Normally, I’d have been anxious to be parted from her, but the smile she tossed at me over her shoulder as she disappeared into the crowd put me at ease. Howzer and I took two of the remaining seat cushions beside Cham, while Gregor and Wolffe sat just behind us, cross-legged on plushy floor cushions.

No sooner had we sat down than we were served the nerf stew we had been promised. Gregor sipped his portion down as if he hadn’t eaten in a week, but Wolffe’s mismatched eyes were fixed on the twists and turns of the women performing. If I followed his gaze, I could guess that the lovely red-skinned Twi’lek woman making eyes in his direction had caught his attention. Their behavior felt more normal than either of them had been in a long time, and I smiled to myself as they both seemed to enjoy the celebration.

“This was more welcome than we needed, General. You didn’t have to do all this,” I explained humbly, taking a cup of some kind of juice from a blue Twi’lek woman adorned in knit fabric far too revealing to be practical.

“Nonsense. You are guests, and it is customary for us to greet you in this way. It brings my people joy to celebrate what makes us special during times of strife.” Cham closed his eyes solemnly and massaged his temple with his right hand.

I glanced around the hall at the tired faces somehow able to find happiness to lend to others, even if only briefly. It was inspiring that their resolve hadn’t been broken, even through insurmountable odds. They truly were proud, determined people, and fighting alongside them would be incredibly rewarding if we managed to make any headway. I could see why Howzer was so hellbent on refusing to hurt the culture that had so graciously accepted him as one of their own.

Still, it was hard for me to relax knowing what we needed to accomplish. I was used to diligent planning and hours-long strategy meetings to prepare for missions of this magnitude. I could feel my mind racing with battle maneuvers and military strategy as the rest of the crowd enjoyed themselves.

Gregor and Wolffe were talking amongst themselves, glancing every so often at a group of women who were making eye contact and giggling whenever the two clones looked their way. That same red Twi’lek that had been dancing was among them now, and she kept shooting cheeky grins at them. They had been surrounded by clones for years, but recent bias must’ve made the two brothers look irresistible. I rolled my eyes playfully, knowing where that was probably going, and trying to distract myself from thinking about what I wanted to do to my mesh’la if I was ever able to locate her.

I shook the enticing image of her wearing some of the clothes the performers had on from my mind and turned toward Cham again. “General, when will we meet to strategize with your leaders? I have some ideas and–”

“Rex… relax. We have arranged a strategy meeting for tomorrow morning. We can talk about battle then. For now, enjoy a moment’s respite. Your partner understands…” he laughed, motioning at the same group of women who had been drooling over my brothers and suddenly finding her at the center of them.

I didn’t know if it was the aura from the cavern's skylights or the reflection of candlelight glittering off jewels hanging from the walls, but I was overcome by the sight of her glowing and laughing among them. Seeing her enjoying herself as the party wore on made my battle-anxious mind relax. To me, she was the most beautiful person here, and I smiled softly to myself as she finally made eye contact with me.

Her smile was soft and reverent, making her look every bit as stoic, classy, and put-together as she always carried herself among colleagues. Yet, I recognized the fire and lust simmering in the depth of her gaze.

She’d been overly needy all day, pawing and pulling at me at every chance she got, and something about the way she looked at me signaled that she was feeling a deep, magnetic desire. Her libido had always been powerful since the very first day I met her, but this look was something entirely different–maddeningly desperate and practically begging for me to whisk her away to have my way with her. It was all but confirmed as her eyes darkened and her tongue slipped out to wet her lips.

My own lust prickled down my spine and settled in my core, exacerbated by the floating aroma of incense and spice hanging thickly in the air. It took everything in me not to leap from my position and drag her to a quiet, dark corner of the palace. Before I could move an inch, she got lost in the circle of Twi’lek girls again, and I choked down my fantasies until I could get her alone.

I turned to the little girl seated beside Cham and asked for a small bowl of stew to be passed my way. She smiled earnestly and brought it over to me quickly, including another cup of the tart juice they all seemed to enjoy.

“If you’re a Captain… does that mean you used to fly in big starships?” she asked eagerly, her little green head-tails twirling together in excitement.

She reminded me of another bright-eyed, inquisitive young girl who never stopped asking me questions. Though the memories of a small, orange Jedi padawan bursting with excitement and eagerness for battle experience seemed so long ago.

“Yeah, kid. I flew on Venators and Acclamators lots of times. They’re not as fun as personal starships, though. I was never really that great of a pilot,” I shrugged, laughing to myself as I remembered all the times General Skywalker pointed out ways I could improve my starfighter piloting skills. I had gently reminded him that some of us had spent a lot less time being ten years old than he had.

“Well, I’m going to be one someday. Howzer says I’m already pretty good, but I’ll be the best in the galaxy,” she rambled excitedly, pulling a pair of haphazardly constructed flight goggles from the pocket of her leather jacket.

“Hera, come. Leave the men in peace, your mother wants you in bed soon,” Cham ordered, apologizing silently as he whisked her away behind him. “Apologies. She’s still learning.”

“That’s alright. I’ve got a lot to learn too,” I replied, the second part muttered more to myself than anyone else. Cham stared at me quizzically as he tried to figure out what I meant when we were interrupted by a group of women approaching our alcove. Slowly, they parted and my bold cyar’ika guided three of them toward where Gregor and Wolffe sat, eyes glued to the girls instead of the performance.

“Boys, this is Noola, Ryloo, and Zeeta. Ladies, this is Wolffe and Gregor. You won’t find better men to keep you company. You can take my word for it.” She turned and winked at me suggestively, Cham looking at me and chuckling to himself. I felt my face get hot with embarrassment and I took a sip of my drink to calm my nerves.

The three women parted from the group and approached my brothers. Zeeta, the red Twi’lek whose bright green eyes had been on us all night, made her way over to Wolffe. She began running her fingers along his shoulder pauldron and whispering something in his ear that made his brows raise instantly. His hand shot out to grab her by the waist and pull her down on his thigh. They took turns exchanging words, and his hand settled at the exposed small of her back.

At the same time, the other two women–Noola, who was bright purple, and Ryloo, a soft green–joined Gregor on either side, kneeling beside him and curling their arms around his biceps. Gregor lit up like a supernova, his irresistible charm instantly pulling the girls into him like a magnet. They listened to him talk and giggled in unison at all his jokes, genuinely finding him as delightful as he claimed women always did.

My attention was turned toward my partner who had reached her hand down to pull me up to my feet. “See? I told them I’d work something out. They should be well taken care of until morning.”

Pulling her close, I ran my palm up her back, pressing her into me to both feel her and to possessively let the whole group know who I was with. I leaned down to whisper teasingly in her ear, “Does that mine I get you all to myself tonight?” Had we not been in such a public setting, I would’ve laved my tongue and lips along her neck, but that would have to be for later. “Can I take you away now?”

She moaned more than sighed, the lust overwhelming her and making her tremble in my grasp. “Please.” She rested both hands on my chest and stole a glance at my lips like she wanted to be consumed by the need building between us. “Please, Rex. I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

—

The guest quarters in Cham Syndulla’s family palace were nicer than anything I’d ever stayed in. The old sandstone structure was built to blend with a large network of massive caverns on Ryloth’s naturally rocky terrain. Cham was kind enough to give Rex and me the larger of the three rooms, while both Gregor and Wolffe seemed more than content with whatever room could accommodate their new company for tonight.

It was like a private villa. Our own living space with jewel-toned chaise lounges and a carved marble table that was etched with a retelling of Ryloth’s thousand-year history. Normally a large banquet-style feast would be held on a table like this, but given the circumstances, there wasn’t nearly enough food to constitute a feast. Nonetheless, Cham’s wife, Eleni, had been kind enough to bake fresh bread and leave a few pieces of fruit beside it on the center of the table.

It was customary for Twi’leks from Ryloth to give to their visitors as a friendly extension of their hospitality, but Eleni seemed to be offering this out of more than just custom. She had watched my movements the entire night, taking notice of the way I avoided any of the alcoholic refreshments at the celebration, and kept a firm, almost needy hold on Rex as we were welcomed into a strange place.

When Rex and I entered the bathroom off of the guest bedroom, I knew that Eleni had figured it out. On the shelves and counters of the natural hot spring bathroom were dozens of soothing oils, medicinal herbs, and healing serums specifically for expectant mothers. I turned to Rex in shock, in enough disbelief that he thought I may have been accusing him of spilling our secret.

He shook his head and chuckled, “I promise, I haven’t said a thing to her. Seems like she just knows. Mother’s intuition maybe. You know she and Cham have little ones,” he reassured me, his warm hand on my lower back instantly soothing a particular spot that had been bothering me now for a few days. I closed my eyes and sighed at the contact, Rex moving to massage the spot a little more. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make my already burning arousal ignite even more.

The last few days had seen the hormone levels in my body skyrocket out of control, which I knew would hit me eventually. Sometimes this resulted in anger or irritability that I had to do my best to tamp down around the guys. Other times it resulted in what I felt now–pure, unfiltered, and unbearable lust. Even just watching Rex’s broad shoulders rise and fall as he breathed would set me off now. The pool of heat that collected at my center would pound and throb until something was done to quell the desire; a side effect that Rex was more than enjoying.

In this moment, the muggy steam of the hot spring combined with Rex’s touch on my body made my toes curl. I felt my nipples bud and the space between my thighs dampen with an overwhelming need for him. I took in a deep breath, opening my eyes to let out a slow sigh, one with enough allure to get his attention. “Rex.” I whispered, turning my face to look up at him desperately. What started as an innocent reassuring of his presence had suddenly become so much more than that.

Rex perked up, his sly smirk curling his pretty, plush lips at the corners and his brow arching with intrigue. “Did I do something, mesh’la?” He asked, pretending he was blissfully unaware of my body’s reaction to him. “Because I know that sound… and I know what usually comes with it,” he teased, his arm slowly circling my side to pull him into me.

“You...” I gulped, his body heat beginning to join the long list of sensations I was feeling taking over me. “You did and are doing something to me. Did you seal the door to our bedroom?” I asked with shaky breaths as his familiar musky, woodsy, lived-in scent began to flood around me.

He chuckled deeply, and I felt the vibration heavily in my chest that was just painfully aching for touch. “Yes, I did. Not that, that was going to stop us, right?” he muttered, flicking off the lights and letting the skylight in the cavern ceiling illuminate the space now.

“Nothing is going to stop me right now,” I admitted through gritted teeth. I rested my hands on the counter and looked up at my reflection in the mirror, a dark shade of lust overtaking me as I watched Rex butt himself up behind me. He slotted his chin into the space just below my jaw, both his arms now wrapping around my waist.

He peppered small, intimate kisses on my skin, now coated in a sheen of humidity and sweat, and emitted a determined, raspy groan, “Sounds like a challenge, pretty girl. Think I can help?”

Suddenly, he licked a long stripe up the corded vein in my neck and I gasped, my blood pulsing faster as my heart raced with anticipation, overheating me with desire.

“Talk to me, cyar’ika. Need me to make you feel good?” Rex asked against the shell of my ear, beginning to work at the clothes keeping my bare skin from his.

“Please, gods yes, Rex. It’s unbearable… I feel like I’m on fire. Everywhere,” I whimpered, meeting his nimble fingers at the hem and helping him pull off my top in one gesture. My chest erupted from it, swollen breasts and pebbled nipples reacting dramatically to the change in temperature.

Rex let out a satisfied grunt, making eye contact with me in the mirror as his calloused hands moved to cup them. He kneaded them carefully, kissing my jaw and pressing them together to make me writhe at the contact.

“There… that a little better? You are fucking perfect… tits getting so big. You’re spoiling me. Just look at how pretty you are. Just when I thought you couldn’t be any more fucking beautiful… you just had to go and take hold of some of me,” he whimpered playfully, watching my eyes hood closed as he rolled one nipple between his fingers and spread his other hand over the growing swell of my bump.

“Yes… that’s good–oh fuck, Rex…” I mewled, melting into his touch as he caressed any part of my torso he could get his hands on. “Everything about you right now is driving me crazy.” I moved my hands to grip his arm, trying to spur him into going a little lower where the unrelenting pounding was taking root.

“Tell you what… how about I get all this off, we both get in that hot spring tub and I touch wherever you need me to. Sound good, my love?” he offered, his hands slipping past the waistband of my bottoms to begin tugging them down my thighs. He paused as he leaned down to help me step out of my pants and turned me to take one of my breasts in his calloused hand, his tongue flicking over the nipple and making me whine at the contact.

“Rex! Strip and get me in that spring before I faint. I’m–ah!–so sensitive right now… everything you’re doing feels so good it hurts,” I explained, my hand flying up to support the back of his head and tugging at his blonde curls gently. I smiled happily at the rush of pleasure racing to my core. With my pants and underwear around my ankles, he released my breast with a lewd pop and used this momentary break to step back and glance over me.

“Fuck–bend over,” he ordered, pulling his shirt off his back and tossing it into the pile of clothes on the floor.

I obliged, leaning onto the counter and pressing my enlarged breasts into the cool stone.. I shivered as his hands softly traced down the dips in my back, pulling both sides of my ass apart to get a good look at my center. He chuffed softly, running a fingertip up my inner thigh.

“You’re so wet it’s dripping down your thighs, mesh’la.” He collected it on his digits and popped a finger into his mouth, groaning in delight as he stepped out of his pants. “Get in there before I take you right fucking here,” he instructed with a playful slap to my right cheek.

I spun around to give him a once over and bit my lip at the sight of his growing length. “You know that’s why I’m like this… you’re sexy,” I giggled, my gaze flicking down to the part of him I knew better than anyone and smirking teasingly.

Rex shook his head and stepped forward, resting his hands on my hip bones as he walked us both over to the steaming hot pool. “And that mouth of yours is why I’m like this.” He laughed, lifting me up and helping me step in. The water wasn’t much of a relief, the simmering warmth wrapping around my already overheated body as I settled down in it.

Steam plumed upwards off the glimmering pool's surface, now broken as it swirled around my every curve. I sat back, dunking my shoulders under the warmth and relishing in the sensation of water rippling around me.

Rex followed behind, his large biceps caging me in as he dragged my body back into his broad chest. I tipped my head back to rest on his shoulder, grabbing his forearm curling around me protectively. His body brushing against mine in any facet was making me tremble with an excitement I hadn’t felt since the first time we slept together.

He reached up to hold my chin in his fingers, leaning over to press our lips together and roll his tongue along mine slowly. Every gasping inhale was like breathing in pure arousal, making me moan in his mouth as it dissolved into pleasure spreading throughout my body. I broke the kiss, my jaw slack and my chest heaving as more heat rolled down to drip into my core. He buried his face in the space behind my ear, brushing my hair aside and speaking filth in deep whispers. “Where do you need me, ner mesh’la? I’m here for you.”

“Everywhere. Anywhere. Just want to feel you on me. Know you’re there,” I gasped, feeling his laugh behind my back as he relished in my desperation for him. He ghosted his knuckles over my cheekbone affectionately to remind me what this was all for before he eased his palms down my shoulders.

“Always here. For both of you. I promise,” he muttered, his hands coming to rest on my belly. “You’re so fucking strong,” he breathed, bumping my jaw with his nose, kissing along my pulse point, and letting his touch travel back up to my breasts. “So resilient, bold, smart… carrying my little one and looking so beautiful. I am the luckiest man alive, and I am proud to call you mine.” He paused between words to suck at the soft skin on my neck, hard enough to break blood vessels and distract me from the tension in my core.

He wasn’t doing anything to break the tension, but his words were slowing the rhythm, allowing me to focus on something else besides the overwhelming need tearing my body apart. I blushed as if his words were more intimate and exposing than being laid bare before him. “Is this supposed to make me want to fuck you less? Because you’re not accomplishing that very well with flattery.”

“If you’re feeling sane enough to be bratty, then I’d say it’s working.” He nipped my collarbone softly, making me jump and slap his arm playfully. “Smart mouth. Let me catch up to you and then we’ll see how much you feel like talking.” His cock twitched against my back, his love of being in charge was always the fastest way to turn him on. I moved to rest my head on his shoulder, letting him look into my eyes as he touched me.

His firm grip on my breasts made my breath hitch in my chest, his devilish smirk and fire igniting in his doting gaze signaled that he knew exactly what he was doing trying to light me up again, but slowly this time. “I want to fuck these so bad… you’re a dream for a boobs guy like me, you know? Gonna let me do that someday soon, pretty girl?” He flicked my nipple with his index finger, the bud pebbling up and making static erupt beneath his touch.

I swallowed hard, my hips bucking in response and my backside rubbing against his cock gently. “Fuck–mmmmm… mhmm. Can do whatever you want to me. You know that,” I groaned in frustration, wishing he would sink himself as deep inside me as I craved. The water encircling us both rippled and swirled around with our every movement, the blistering heat adding just another layer of pleasure to my already overwhelmed body.

“I do,” He muttered softly. “I’ve got a whole list of things I know you like. Using binders, riding my cock, being edged… oh, you love that, don't you?” His listing every profane memory we had together was making the pressure in my core throb even more, and he knew it. The longer he worked me up, the better and more satisfying the result would be later on. Rex was more than a pro at this by now.

“Aren’t those all things you like?” I shot back, reaching to grip his muscular sides and dig my nails into his flesh. I could feel his heart beating into my back, racing to keep up with the desire rushing through his veins.

He dipped down, his lips pressed to my collarbone softly trailing along the length of it carefully while his fingers pulled and tugged at both nipples. “‘Course. Especially with you,” he smirked against my skin. “Now are you going to tell me what you need? What feels good?” he whispered, his stubble tickling me as his jaw worked to place kisses following his every word.

I huffed impatiently, whimpering as he slid out from behind me, warm water swirling in to take his place. “Rex… you know what I want. You know where I need you.” I inhaled sharply as he interrupted my complaints with his lips wrapped around my nipple, his tongue swirling across the node. He hummed in a mix of pleasure and amusement, his expertise when it came to me enough to make him a little bit cocky.

“I know, mesh’la. But now you’ve got me all riled up, too, and you look far too pretty like this for me to give in this easily.” He looked up, guiding himself back up my body and tipping my chin up between his fingers. “I want to run my fingers through you, taste you, and fuck that pretty pussy until that ache goes away. I’ll do anything for my perfect girl.”

I couldn’t contain the wide smile that spread across my face. “I love you.” I leaned in to capture his lips with mine, passionately entwining us as the pressure became too much for me not to act on. I rocked into him and he sat back again, spreading my legs as I eased onto the width of his thigh.

His gaze trailed up my body, watching the delight on my face as I began chasing my pleasure by grinding against him. He huffed softly, his palm resting on the small of my back to maneuver me gently. “Feels good, huh?” His opposite hand smoothed up the curve of my side and messaged my breast. “You look so beautiful. Even when you’re being such a fucking tease.”

I smiled, both as a playfully bold response to his words and because the slowly building friction on my clit was finally starting to slightly soothe the ache. I glanced down at where his cock throbbed against my thigh, and I wrapped my hand lightly around him. “Oh please, you clearly love being teased, Captain.”

He hissed softly, his fingertips tracing up my spine as he tucked me further into his torso. “Then tease, mesh’la. Overwhelm me,” he whispered seductively, following it with a throaty moan that made my head spin.

The sticky skin-to-skin contact had us both entranced in the simmering tension. When I moved my hips against his thigh, I brushed his cock gently. Every movement from one affected the other until we were so wound tight with pleasure teetering on the edge between us that we couldn’t take it anymore.

Rex’s kisses slid hot and wet against my steam-covered skin and every buck of my hips sent him slipping over to some untouched part of me. Pleasure pricked every exposed inch of my skin, and his soft moans and words of encouragement spurred things faster. All we did was rub, touch, and writhe until both of us were whipped into a tantalizing frenzy. His weighted palms traveled up my back, into my hair, down my sides, and on top of my thighs, and I gripped his biceps to hold myself steady against him.

I was far too impatient to keep up this pace with the powerful rush of imbalanced hormones fueling me, so I dug into his shoulder and relaxed into his lap, easing over to center myself on top of him. “Take me, Rex. Now… right now,” I begged, resting my hands on either side of his face and forcing his eyes up to meet mine.

A filthy, devilish smirk split his lips and we were in the air in one swift motion. He supported me in one hand and splashed us out of the hot spring. Making his way over to a tall mirrored wall, he reached over to the counter and grabbed one of the natural oils that had been left for us to use. He set me on my feet in front of my reflection and laid a few towels below to cushion us before sitting down. “C’mere mesh’la.”

I followed, seating myself between his thighs and tipping my head back to watch his beautiful eyes. With one hand he screwed the top off the slightly spicy-scented oil and tipped it into his palm. He guided his other hand to gently wrap around my neck and swallowed my whispered moan of his name in a kiss.

My reflection in the mirror was a sight; my hair was a tousled mess from where he’d gripped it earlier, my eyes blown out with maddening lust so powerful it made my vision blurry, and my lips swollen from passionate kisses. His deep, mesmerizing brown gaze was fixed on me in the mirror, and my naked, dripping body was now shining in oil and covered in slight purple bruises–ones he always smoothed over with a roll of his tongue.

“Look at me. I want you to watch what I do to you.” One of his oil-covered hands turned my face to look into the mirror while the other traveled down my belly, over my hip, and turned inward as he grazed my thigh. “Do you like being so filthy for me?” he groaned softly in my ear as I writhed in his slippery grip, cocking an eyebrow and prompting me for an answer.

I dipped my head down and suckled his thumb into my mouth, not caring about the slick sensation of the tasteless oil on my tongue. I felt him shudder behind me as he watched the plush of my lips encircle his thick digit, but before I had a chance to tease him with my tongue, he pried my mouth open and held me there.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes.’”

“Mhmm. I love to watch you work me up, to feel your hands on me and your cock ready for me, Captain. You can’t resist me when I’m bold,” I giggled, and he rewarded my response with another laving warm pass of his tongue in the space beneath my ear. “I want your fingers,” I whined as his hands pushed my thighs apart painfully slowly.

“I know you do. I can feel how much you want me, mesh’la. You impatient little minx… you want my fingers in the heat of your gorgeous pussy,” he muttered, his index finger tracing the most deliberate and agonizingly slow circle on my clit. I tipped my head back as a moan ripped through me, my breasts rising and falling as I tried to catch my breath to keep up with his pace. “Fuuuck… you’re wet.” A wry, suggestive smirk reached his eyes, smoldering with passion while he watched my hypersensitive body react.

“It’s torture. B-but it feels… feels so good. More, baby. More. Want you inside. Rex, I want–” A truly indecent thought came to mind as my hormone-fueled lust overtook my sanity. I brought my knees higher, angling my center for a perfect view in the mirror and watching myself unfold illicitly. Rex’s cock throbbed into my back at the sight of me presenting myself so willingly and obscenely for his taking. He whimpered quietly, his mind probably running three steps ahead in his fantasy, knowing he’d be the only one to ever see me this way.

“What do you want, my pretty girl? Hmm? What can I do to make you mine all over again?” he asked with renewed desperation. Even he was beginning to lose self-control in this compromised position.

“Hold me open. Make me watch myself come on your fingers, Rex, please,” I begged, my hole contracting involuntarily as my arousal took on a life of its own. I watched his eyes roll back in delight, his circling touch on my clit inching ever closer to my aching core. “Now. Please!” I begged again, curling my fingers around his wrist settled between my legs.

“Oh, fuck–mesh’la… like this?” His lips latched onto my neck, his eyes glued to where he let his thumb and middle finger hold my slick folds open.

My breathing stuttered as a rush of cool air blew chills through my heat and made my entrance flex. More slick dripped down to glisten in my slit, making Rex let out an audible and sinful moan.

“Look at you… look how much your pretty pussy needs it. You need my cock so fucking bad.”

I could do nothing but hold onto his wrist with one hand and hold myself upright in position with the other. Rex’s fingertips rubbed through the wetness coating me from his drawn-out torture, and the two thickest digits on his opposite hand slipped through my soaked opening with ease. I cried out, a high-pitched, melodic whine filling the cavernous refresher room, and it made Rex emit a low grunt to harmonize with mine beautifully. “Rex, oh yes… that’s it.”

“Yeah? Does that help, ner mesh’la? You’re wound tight, but you’re doing so well for me.” He gently pressed his fingers within me to the knuckle and flexed them against my wet, collapsing walls. With his chest pressed against my back and biceps wrapped around me, he trapped me in the perfect comfort of his grasp. Slowly, he hooked his ankles over mine, holding my legs in place to prevent me from squirming while he worked my insides into a frenzy.

I could barely form words as the molten heat inside me boiled over into his hands. Each curl of his fingertips into the plush of my core made desire sear hotter in my lower belly, and the recoil was so strong it made me arch my back and buck my hips into him for more. I bit my lip to hold back screams that would only carry the sound of his name into the echoing cavern. “Rex, yes. Yes, that helps. F-fuck it's so good, baby. Deeper. Mmmf, you’re so… so good with your hands.”

A cocky smirk drew against my jaw as he padded up against the front of my walls, and I let out a strangled yelp. “I know,” he cooed, nuzzling my cheek with the bridge of his nose to urge me to keep my eyes on the mirror. “Watch, mesh’la. Gonna make you cum just like this. Then I’ll let you lick it off my fingers while I take you apart with my cock. How’s that sound?”

He slid his fingers out painfully slowly, the wet shlicking sound making him groan. A thin trail of my wetness connected me to the space between his fingers. His hot exhales fanned my cheek as he rested his temple against mine, leaning in every so often to dot sloppy kisses along my sweat-slick skin.

“Yes, Rex. That’s p-perfect. Exactly what I need. You always know. Know me so well, my love.”

I reached behind to dig my fingers into his lengthening blonde curls, leaning him into a weighted, desperate kiss. Saliva slid sticky and sweet between our twisting tongues, and I moaned into his mouth as he curled two fingers back inside me. He relentlessly pressed up on that delightfully sensitive spongy spot at the shallow front of my walls and flicked at my clit with the pad of his thumb. I broke the kiss to inhale sharply, gazing back at my reflection in the mirror while the squelching sounds of him finger fucking me got louder and more obscene.

He sucked at the juncture of my neck and jaw and swore incoherently as I began to spasm around him. “You’re so close. Can feel it, almost there. Little more. You can do it. Cum for me… all over me. C’mon, ner mesh’la,” he encouraged, maneuvering his wrist faster and increasing the unbearable pressure to a level I could no longer take.

“Rex! I’m gonna–REX!” Heat drained down my body and released at my core, the ensnaring warmth having nowhere to go but out as my walls collapsed around his thick fingers.

“There you go… oh, yes, fuck–look at that. That’s my good girl,” he rasped, his palm, wrist, and forearm drenched in my release. I trembled as the pleasure burst through me, desperate high-pitched moans swallowed by his all-consuming kisses. The pleasure was like an endless wave rolling through me, taking its time ripping through the agonizing carnal desire that had been plaguing me all day.

Rex’s powerful legs against mine held me open as I watched my opening ripple obscenely. He whispered tender words of adoration as the tension wracking my frame finally started to recede. “My girl… so gorgeous when she cums for me. Let it all out just for me. I know how to make you feel so good, don’t I? Is that what my love does to you? Made this pretty little pussy all mine already.”

I panted and muttered soft agreements, letting my body collapse back into his and feeling his arms wrap protectively around me. “How… did you do… that?” I gasped, giggling as he kissed tears of ecstasy off my cheeks. My fingers laced with his on my belly, and I rubbed up against his cock, wet precum definitely smearing along the small of my back.

“I’m good with my hands, remember?” he teased, walking his fingers up my torso until they were enticingly dangling in front of my lips.

I tipped my head back on his shoulder and laughed as I tried to catch my breath. My eyes followed his gaze in the mirror, seductively admiring the sight of me naked, sweaty, and writhing against him.

“Now clean up this mess you made before I split you apart this time.” He offered his fingers, brushing them against my lower lip and coating it with my own slick.

I swirled my tongue around his middle digit and suckled it inside the wet cavern of my mouth. I swallowed the sweet tang of my release and wrapped my lips around him tightly, mimicking what I’d do to his cock if it wasn’t inconveniently positioned behind me. He was way too far gone already to last that kind of torture by now anyways. I could feel him slotted between my cheeks, pounding and anxiously waiting for his turn to feel bliss.

Slowly, I sat forward, lifting my hips and teasing him with either side of my ass. He grunted, tipping his head down to watch himself slide slickly between me. I popped off his fingers lewdly and his hand immediately captured my hip bone, starting to maneuver my center to his liking. “Want me to ride you, Captain? Just like this? Now that I’m all soaked and ready for your cock?” I teased devilishly, dragging my nails up his thighs and grinning wickedly at him in the mirror.

“Oh yeah, I do. Mesh’la, I want to fuck you so bad and watch you bounce on me… so fucking hot,” Rex rasped, his gravelly tone dropping harshly as his lust overtook him. Deep moans spread through his chest as his hands explored what he could only see through our reflections. He pressed my tits together roughly, kneading them in both his strong hands as I twisted my bottom half against his rock-hard cock.

“You want this pussy, Captain?” I mocked, lifting my hips up just enough to slide his cock between my drenched lips explicitly. He moaned my name in confirmation and his hands gripped at the plush of my hips to move me faster. “Then come and take what’s already yours, Rex,” I offered, slowing my rolling hips as his tip neared my entrance. “Show me why you own me.”

In seconds, Rex thrust himself inside, pushing my swollen walls apart again with a loud shout. I threw my head back and my jaw dropped, the width of his throbbing cock beating against the aching knot in my core with deliciously painful satisfaction. He could reach exactly where the burning desire took root every single time, without fail. I flailed wildly for something to hold onto and found purchase again on the tops of his muscular thighs. We sat pressed together for what felt like forever, neither one of us strong enough to begin any semblance of a rhythm when being sealed together so tightly already felt this good.

Rex rolled his hips up first, his cock bottoming out easily inside the space that was quickly becoming too small to contain him. Every bump of his tip against my deepest spot made me squeal in pleasure. He snickered tauntingly, knowing full well how easy it was for him to bring me to another high just by pressing himself into me this deeply. “That’s the spot, mesh’la, I know it is. Just fucked you apart once and you’re still so fucking tight. You needed my cock. Is that it? I can reach where no one else can. That’s why you’re all mine.”

“Yes, Rex. You’re right there, right where I want you. Where it hurts. Where I need you to fuck until it feels better. Please,” I begged, lifting my hips and rotating them as I started grinding down on him desperately. “Your cock… it's all I ever want. Rex!” I could feel his fingers starting to circle my clit again, still sensitive from being played with so mercilessly once already. Pressure mounted in between my thighs and heat swelled through every part of my body all over again.

Rex helped guide my hips on him at the speed he liked, and he watched himself disappear inside me in the mirror with every bounce on his cock. “I could fuck you like this forever. Till the end of my fucking days. I want to watch you drain my fucking cock, mesh’la. Look so good taking all of me… feel s-so good. I want to fill you full of me. Bouncing this perfect ass on me while you take every inch of me…” He leaned back and rested on his forearms to get a better look, slapping my right cheek roughly every time I slid up to the tip.

“Whenever you want, Captain. You can have all of me. Always. Fuck… Rex… fuck me. I want to cum again on your cock,” I pleaded, tossing my hair behind me and feeling him twirl it into the grip of his left hand. I rode him faster, the length of him spearing into my spot in a blinding hot mix of pleasure and pain. I moaned loudly, the echoes of his name filling the cavern and rippling the calm surface of the hot spring. Skin slapping skin lewdly filled my ears and Rex’s low moans of pleasure spurred me on faster.

His breathing became harsher and harsher, his sworn words of pleasure hitching in his throat as higher-pitched whines took their place. I didn’t relent, feeling his circles on my clit speed up as the tingling of my nerves blended with the tightly wound knot simmering in my belly.

His cock jumped and he sat up on instinct, clutching me to him and seating me firmly into his lap as he felt white hot pleasure bubbling up within him. “Oh fuck–mesh’la… I’m gonna cum. I want to fill you so deep and watch it spill out… leak out that pretty pussy. Make a mess of my perfect dirty girl. Fuck... fuck cum on my cock… cum with me, my love… fuuuck–” he rambled, kissing up my neck and groaning deeply in my ear, the reflection of his dark eyes meeting mine.

His twisting circles on my clit sped up tenfold to catch me up, and I gasped feeling the pleasure ignite inside my core. I reached behind me to grip him by the hair and pulled tightly as he rocketed my nerves over the edge into overstimulation. I could do nothing but bite my lip to hold back the scream as my second orgasm exploded into stardust that radiated through my body. My walls pulsed around him at the same time he sent ropes of wet heat erupting into the deepest depths of my belly. I gripped his throbbing cock in the vice of my walls and held on tight as we both writhed in unison.

“Rex… Rex… Rex… Reeex–” I sputtered as pleasure seemed to take turns making its way through both of our bodies. His cock throbbed over and over, pass after pass filling up the emptiness inside more than there could ever be space to contain. My grip on him wouldn’t lessen as the fantastic high swirled through the blood in my veins, finally extinguishing the torturous hormone-crazed lust in my core.

He panted in my ear, doing his best to keep it going as we both toppled down from an overwhelming high. “I’m here, mesh’la. Fuck… I’ve got you.” He relaxed and dropped his thighs open, releasing the bind they had on mine and letting me fall open in front of him. I groaned as his cock slid out and the swirling streams of his release spilled out like a slow leak from my still-spasming hole. It dripped to the floor below and made his eyes roll back in his head as he watched it continue to coat the inside of my folds.

“See? That’s… all yours… baby. Always yours to fill like this whenever you want,” I whimpered through my blissed-out haze, feeling it spill onto my inner thighs.

“You’re so fucking… filthy. Gods, I fucking love you. I love you,” he said incredulously, kissing up my neck, along my jaw, and across my cheeks until he reached my lips. “You’ve gotta feel better now, darling, because… clearly… I’m spent… you milked me dry, gorgeous.”

I hummed happily, melting into his grasp and holding his hands now wrapping around my waist. “I’m better now. So much better.” I tipped my head back to rest on his shoulder and nuzzled my face into his neck. He tenderly spread his fingers on the swell of my little bump, perhaps trying to feel for any more flutters. “Maybe now I can finally sleep.”

Before I knew it, I was being cleaned with a washcloth and scooped into his arms while I faded on the edge of consciousness. For the first time in ages, my body felt calm and boneless, my every nerve ending satisfied. He relaxed me the best way he knew how, and I was so at ease I could finally close my eyes and settle beside him in bed.

The sheets were soft and cool compared to the muggy spa room, and the smell of Rex’s clean, woodsy scent flooded my nose. He curled me into his side, both his arms hugging me into him protectively.

It felt like all of us could finally rest for the first time in weeks, knowing we were in a safe place surrounded by more free brothers than Rex and I had seen in a long time. We were all on the same side–all of us committing to fighting for something better for the clones, for Ryloth, and for family.

I spent the next few minutes relishing in the sweet, peaceful sounds of nature of Ryloth’s night. Plants rustled in the breeze just outside a window-shaped opening in the cavern walls and nocturnal creatures sang to each other as they thrived when the rest of the planet slept. Rex’s breathing soon steadied beneath my cheek, and I drifted off shortly after, falling impossibly deeper in love with him to the sound of his breathing.

Notes: hi there :) it's been awhile. the last few chapters have been tough and emotional, even on me to write. so i figured what better way to give us all a break than to let our faves get some. ps that includes some bonus works coming soon for both wolffe and gregor's sexcapades during this chapter ;) a big massive wonderful special thank you to erin for being the best beta reader and friend ever

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clone-anon · 11 months

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Hey! I’ve been away from the internet for a while (life always has to throw a curve ball) and I ended up dying my hair (again) because sometimes a girl just has to dye her hair when life happens! 😩😤 It ended up being a ton of shades of blue, including 501st blue 💙 Can I request a fluffy, cutesy little request with Rex (or Fives, I can’t choose!) and if he would like my hair? Romantic, not platonic please? 🫶 I love your writing! 💙

Sometimes you have to dye your hair. In my case one time I chopped most of it off and then dyed it.

You put on a blue hoodie on your way out the door to meet Rex. You figured the blue in the hoodie would hide your hair and it would be a fun surprise. You made your way to your usual meeting place near the barracks. He trotted up to you with a smile on his face.

"I missed you," he said as he pulled you in for a hug.

You smiled up at him and replied, "I missed you too."

Rex reached his hand under your hood and around your neck, gently pulling you forward for a kiss. His lips softly brushed yours before he let loose a sense of urgency. You grabbed onto to his shirt, finally feeling his strong body against yours.

As he pulled away, your hood fell down and he saw his hands laced with blue hair. He looked stunned for a moment before a smile crept up his face.

"Blue?" He ran his hands through your hair a few times, looking at the change and smiling the whole time.

"Yeah," you said softly.

"I love it," he replied, placing tender kiss on your forehead. "Wow. Beautiful as always."

#captain rex x reader #captain rex x f!reader #captain rex #rex anon #captain rex fanfiction #tcw fanfiction #captain rex fluff #reader insert

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neon-junkie · 1 year

Text

Captain Rex x f!Reader - Dirty Talking

A 600 word drabble where your partner, Rex, is out with you at 79′s, and can’t keep his hands (or his thoughts) to himself.

"You're looking lovely tonight," Rex compliments yet again, but you don't need a verbal comment to know just how much he's into you. As soon as you stepped foot into 79's, you could feel Rex's eyes on you, watching in awe as you made your way over. His hand instantly found your waist after kissing you hello, and he seems clingier than usual, ensuring that you're staying close.

Perhaps it's because he knows his brothers also have eyes for you, and they haven't held back on their flirty compliments, not that you mind. Like they say, Rex is a lucky man to have you.

And it seems that you're going to be in for some luck later tonight. "So beautiful," Rex coos as he plants a kiss on your neck, not being subtle about it. Jesse makes a comment, and Fives gives you a look from the other side of the booth, but the rest of the boys don't pay any attention. Their captain deserves to enjoy himself, although they'd prefer it if you two do things elsewhere!

"You're spoiling me, Rex," you say with a soft laugh, turning to face him.

"Am I?" he replies with a smile, the corners of his eyes wrinkling as his face lights up. "You're the one who is spoiling me, with all... this," he gestures to you, before placing his hand on your upper thigh. Calloused fingertips find their way beneath the hemline of your dress, and you send him a look, silently reminding him that there are others present.

"Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to do anything here," Rex shakes his head, and somehow manages to pin his body even closer to yours. His lips hover against your ear, and Rex keeps his voice low and husk, "but when we get back to your apartment? That's when the real fun begins."

"Rex?!" you mutter, not seeing this side of him before - or at least, not outside the bedroom. Rex has a reputation to uphold, and Maker forbid that he ever lets it slip!

"Or Captain, whatever you like," Rex says with a grin. "That is, if you want me to be in charge. Unless if you'd like to be my General for tonight?"

You blush, and your hand begins fanning your heated cheeks, all whilst keeping your eyes off your lover in fear that you might break, but you can feel his gaze on you. He's grinning, and looking far more relaxed than you, knowing that he has the upper hand, both in this moment, and for the rest of the night.

"That expression tells me all that I need to know," Rex chuckles as you meet his gaze.

"And what would that be?" you question with a raised brow.

Rex manages to lean closer, and keeps his voice down, just audible above the booming music. "That you need some private training from your Captain. Isn't that right, my little Jedi?"

With that, your feet find the floor, and you scurry out of the booth. Several pairs of alerted eyes are on you, but they soften out as you grab Rex, yanking him up. "We need to leave," you mutter under your breath, and Rex lets out a soft laugh, his eyes flicking between your expression, and the grasp you have on his (formerly ironed) shirt.

Peering over Rex's shoulder, you send the remaining Troopers a wave. "We'll see you tomorrow!" you rush, and with that, you're heading for the exit, Rex in tow. There's a grin on his lips, a rising tent in his pants, and his mind is swarmed with visions of tonight - visions that you're sending him, soon to be fulfilled the second that you reach your apartment...

#swwriting #tcw #the clone wars #captain rex #captain rex x reader #star wars #the clone wars fanfic #captain rex x f!reader #f!reader

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dindadjarin · 11 months

Text

Declaration - Chapter 4

CAPTAIN REX KNIGHT AU

pairing: knight!captain Rex x princess!reader

summary: After setting off to the relief mission and the attack to your campsite, you finally arrive to Greymoon where you gather all the supplies you need to finally help the village of Liana. There’s one permanent thought in your mind though, your captain, how is he doing? Is he safe? Only time will tell, for now you need to help those in need.

AN: I KNOW THIS HAS TAKEN SOOOO LONG TO UPDATE! I want to thank the few people who like and still read this story, thank you thank you thank you it means so much that you read it. I hope you enjoy this chapter as the princess gets more depth to her character, and like us can’t stop thinking about Rex. (I had so much fun world building as I wrote this so let me know if you liked the chapter!) 💕

Masterlist

Previous Chapter

✧☆★✧☆★

CHAPTER 4

The last trek towards Greymoon is completed in silence, injured soldiers clutching their shoulders and minor wounds, while others stay on high alert. The 99th legion leads the way at the front and flanks your back in case there’s another ambush. Though it is an unlikely event, according to Sergeant Hunter; him and Hardcase scouted the area ahead minutes ago and made sure there were no threats waiting for you. After forty tense minutes in the woods, Greymoon finally comes to view, and everyone lets out a collective breath of relief. You made it, not as a peacefully as you hoped, but you made it nonetheless, and the people of Liana are one step closer to receiving aid.

Greymoon is a picturesque village surrounded by flowers and quaint houses left and right –something one wouldn’t think of when hearing the villages’ name. You can see a big building in the middle of the village; it has a dome-like ceiling in the middle and two towers on each side resembling a chapel. In the distance, alongside the main cobblestone road leading up to the chapel you catch a glimpse of a school, a street market, and an eatery, each with a different paint colour covering their building and front door. There are pines and bushes with orange and red leaves around the main gates, dandelions and green grass growing between the stones of pillars that support the gates. The sun is starting to rise in the distance, making the flowers bloom, as if welcoming all of you to town after your long journey. It makes the village look even more comforting for all of you.

“It's so colourful,” You mention with a smile, the various plants by the gates reminding you of your garden back home.

“It is only called Greymoon because of the way the moon looks in the winter. The fog and cold makes it look grey, not white.” The knight walking next to your horse speaks up suddenly after catching your words. It’s Tech from the 99th legion. “It’s a common question among visitors.”

“Well, that is good to know. Thank you, Sir Tech.” You chuckle; when the knight offers you a nod, you decide to ask him another question. “How long have the four of you been here in Greymoon?”

“1830 days, your Highness.” He tells you, removing his helmet and staring ahead in concentration. “Therefore around 5 years since we volunteered to be protectors.”

“Oh, then it’s like the 412th legion and the 5–” You begin until Tech turns and nods his head in agreement.

“The 501st, yes.” Tech says, meeting your eyes for the first time. He wears glasses and behind them are a pair of brown eyes that gaze away from you after a second in favour of looking ahead. “Led by captain Rex, your protector.”

Your breath catches in your throat, and you sputter out a response, words tumbling over each other. You hear Nathalia giggling next to you. “M-my protec- protector?”

“Why yes.” The knight asserts, “The 501st is the princess’ legion, is it not? For your protection. Thus, the captain is your protector.”

You let out a deep breath discreetly and nod your head calmly. “Certainly. I trust him with my life.”

You’re about to speak up again when another voice does so first. “Your highness, welcome to Greymoon! We are so happy you’re here.”

Right at the gates there’s a short, white-haired man; he’s dressed in beige pants, white collared shirt, and a brown pinstripe vest. He smiles widely as he sees you and the 501st arrive, opening his arms as he says Welcome! to the soldiers surrounding your horse. Sir Hardcase gets off his horse and offers his hand to you so you can dismount yours; he does the same with Nathalia who, along with Lieutenant Echo, joins you by your side as you approach the Major.

“Mister Major.” You say with a smile, and hold out your hand in greeting. The Major shakes it enthusiastically and inclines his head as he says hello. “Thank you for sending the 99th legion to our aid.”

“Please call me Mr. Hugh.” He smiles back, the wrinkles by his eyes becoming more prominent as his mouth pushes his cheeks upwards. “No need to thank me, your Highness, it’s us that should apologize for not scouting the river prior to your arrival.”

You shake your head. “That’s alright, Mr. Hugh. Allow me to introduce Lieutenant Echo, and Miss Nathalia.”

The three of them exchange greetings, and you introduce the rest of the 501st accompanying you before the voices of several children interrupt you. Princess! Princess! Young boys and girls exclaim as they run towards the gates, many of them still in their sleep garments. You kneel closer to the ground, holding out your hand to greet each one of them.

“Good morning.” You smile, chuckling as they scramble to curtesy and incline their head in greeting.

Their words jumble together as they talk over each other, their eyes shining with excitement, and their toothy grins melting your heart. You’re so pretty! Your horse is amazing! What’s his name! Your dress is so beautiful! You have a sword! I didn’t know princesses could have swords. You smile bashfully at their words, heart doubling its size inside your chest as you do. You’re certain you look closer to a mess than beautiful after the fight with the pirates, but their kind words feel much like a warm hug. You try to answer their questions as best as you can before their parents call them back to their side and you rise to your feet.

“Now,” Major Hugh speaks up as soon as the children leave, clapping his hands in front of him. “The knights you sent ahead mentioned you need supplies, your Highness. Am I correct in assuming they are for the people of Liana?”

“You’re correct.” You tell him with a nod. “We have a list of things we’d like to purchase from you. We leave for Liana tomorrow morning.”

“Very well,” Hugh agrees. “Though, I must reject your gold, Princess. Think of our supplies as a donation to our neighbours in need. I’ve already spread the word around Greymoon and everyone is already gathering donations of their own for Liana.”

The smile that comes to your face hurts your cheeks; Khalmians are so generous. “That is very kind of you Mr. Hugh. Thank you.”

“It is very kind, thank you Mr. Major.” Sir Echo nods his head in thanks, then motions towards you with his hand. “If it’s alright with you, might we have an hour to get settled down and tend to our wounded? Her Highness included.”

“Of course!” The Major hurries to say, looking distraught as gazes towards the bloodied bandage on your hand. “I’ll show you to the Inn where you’ll be staying; we can meet again at the dining hall for breakfast and continue our conversation then.”

“Perfect.” You smile at him; just then, your hand starts to ache again as a reminder that you need to rest no matter how short the time.

“We’ll be ready when you need us, your Highness.” Sergeant Hunter speaks up from where he’s settled by one of your carriages. “Wrecker here can help the 501st load the carriages.” He gives his fellow knight a pat on the back.

“That’d be much appreciated. Thank you, Sergeant.” You nod your head before Sir Echo does so as well, offering his own thanks.

Nathalia grabs your uninjured hand and all but drags you behind her as she follows the Major to the Inn and your assigned room. Sir Hardcase and Sir Kix trail behind both of you with your luggage and medical supplies respectively. The Inn is a tall building with 5 floors; its wooden structure is made from oak that’s been stained dark enough to look almost black. Though its interior is as dark as the outside and illuminated only by certain oil lamps hanging from the ceiling, it manages to be welcoming. There are enough windows to provide clarity, and both the hallways and staircases are covered by a long turquoise rug that provides a much-needed pop of colour. Your assigned room ends up being on the 5th floor, a large suite with two beds –one for you and one for Nathalia– an adjacent bathing chamber and a large window with white curtains that match the embroidered bedding. The Major points to the room from the end of the hallway and bids all of you farewell until breakfast in an hour. You thank him before Nathalia urges you into the room to sit down on the bed.

The next ten minutes are a blur. Nathalia helps you out of your chainmail and boots as soon as you sit down, while Sir Kix brings a small bowl with water from the bathing chamber to clean and tend to your newest cut. Pushing your sleeve upwards until it settles on your elbow, you offer your hand to Sir Kix. He is quick to apologize, as he always does, before he takes off the bandage you’d been wearing. He cleans your wound with a wet gauze and a stinging clear liquid that makes you hiss in pain.

“The good thing, is that you don’t need stitches.” He tells you once the pain fades and he begins to cover the wound with a healing ointment and a new bandage. “That would have been more painful.”

You hear Sir Hardcase chuckle as he waits by the closed door. “The good thing is she still has her hand, Kix.”

Nathalia grimaces and shakes her head. “Not a nice picture, Hardcase.”

The knight laughs and moves away from the door as Sir Kix packs up his supplies in a hurry, anxious to help his fellow soldiers who also sustained injuries.

“Thank you, Sir Kix. Thank you too, Sir Hardcase.” You smile gratefully at them. “I’ll see you in an hour in the dining hall.”

“No need to thank us, your Highness. Always happy to help.” Sir Kix shakes his head before inclining it in farewell.

“See you later, Princess. You too, Miss Nathalia.” Sir Hardcase follows the medic after he waves his hand goodbye at the two of you.

“Here, your Highness.” Nathalia says, shoving a bowl full of seasonal fruit in your hands as soon as the door is closed and locked. “Eat something while I sort out this mess.”

She points to your hair with a shake of her head, and it makes a laugh escape you. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

“Oh no, it’s a disaster.” Your friend tells you in all seriousness.

You shrug and pick a delicious looking apricot from the bowl before setting the rest aside. The fruit is juicy and sweet, and you feel better by the third bite. Its sweetness comforting you enough to not feel at the brink of exhaustion anymore. Nathalia works on your hair silently, undoing braids and pushing all your hair up in a ponytail. She then proceeds to braid different strands of hair and wrap them around intricately into a bun. When she’s done, she moves towards the closet and takes out a new dress —a beautiful one in a light blue color with silver, gold and pale pink rhinestones embroidered along the neckline, sleeves, and hem— that is surprisingly free of wrinkles. She must have unpacked it while Sir Kix cleaned your cut.

You open your mouth to ask her how that’s even possible after it being in your luggage for a day, but she smiles proudly and cuts you off. “It’s a secret, your Highness.”

You laugh and shake your head, standing up and walking towards the bathing chamber where Nathalia helps you out of your dress and into a new one. The bathing chamber is vastly different from the main room as its floors and walls are covered in white marble; the white stone has gold and brown veins running along it, matching the porcelain bathtub in the middle of the room. Nathalia ties the back of your dress, cinching it at the waist and securing the ribbon with a final knot at the top, between your shoulder blades. With no chainmail to hide your dress this time, you run your hands over the bodice and feel the small rhinestones that decorate it. It seems silly in your mind, but the dress brings you much needed comfort after the turbulent journey you’ve had so far; it reminds you of who you are, the person you’ve grown to become. Not a princess, no, but a capable woman who's taking the reins of the Kingdom for this one time –hopefully it’s not the last. Turning around and stepping towards the mirror, you look at your reflection and smile when you catch Nathalia’s eyes.

“Thank you, Nat.” You smile softly at her. “You were right, I was a disaster.”

“If I’d known you would hurt yourself again, I would have packed a long-sleeved dress to hide that bandage.” She chuckles, pointing at your hand. “But you’re welcome, your Highness.”

“You should change too, Nat.” You tell her as you step away from the bathing chamber and towards the bedroom. “That way, you can rest for a while. I sense we have a long day ahead of us.”

Nathalia nods and closes the door dividing the room and the bathing chamber for privacy; you make your way towards the bed. You can’t help the sigh that leaves you when you lie down, your head hitting the soft pillow and body settling on the comfortable mattress. Not a moment later you fall asleep, then proceed to wake up what feels like two seconds later to someone knocking on the door.

“What?!” Nathalia sits up with a gasp, having fallen asleep on the other bed beside yours.

You laugh as you sit up to go open the door, “Just a moment please!”

Nathalia, however, rushes to the door before you can, stopping short when she opens it. “Sir Echo, h-hello.” She greets him, flustered?

Why would Nathalia be flustered? You wonder, before shrugging it off as Sir Echo speaks up and you walk towards the door.

“Miss Nathalia, your Highness.” The lieutenant nods at each of you then motions towards the hall. “I was making sure the two of you were ready to meet with the Major again.”

“Oh no, what time is it?” You ask worried, hurrying to slip on your boots again; you have no time to look for your other shoes. Besides, your dress is long enough to cover them well so no one will be able to see them.

“We have ten minutes until the agreed time.” Sir Echo says and when Nathalia sighs with relief he chuckles. “No rush, the dining hall is right here at the Inn.”

You shake your head and look at Nathalia, “You’re ready to go? I can’t believe we fell asleep.”

“Lead the way your highness.” She smiles, following you after she closes and locks the bedroom door.

Three pair of footsteps can be heard faintly on the dark carpet before Nathalia breaks the silence with a question. “Sir Echo, might I ask you something?”

“Of course.” He glances her way as the three of you begin to descend the staircase towards the first floor.

“What do you make of the 99th legion?” Nathalia asks, curiosity in her hushed tone. You don’t miss the glance she sends your way.

“I have heard of them but never met them.” Sir Echo says after mulling over your friend’s words. “I talked to them shortly after arriving and they seem like cunning warriors. Honorable too. Everyone in town feels safe with them here.”

“Just like we feel safe with the 501st, Echo.” You add with a smile as Sir Echo motions for both of you to lead the way to the dining hall.

“I’m very glad, your Highness.” The lieutenant offers you a nod, the three of you turning a corner on the first floor.

“Do you still have the list of supplies we’re going to need?” You ask him over your shoulder.

“I do,” Sir Echo opens a small pouch on his belt and takes out a folded piece of paper that he hands to you. “I’m sure the Major will make sure we find every item on the list.”

You’re about to speak up again when the three of you make it to the main entrance of the dining hall; it’s a big space with walls and floors made from black stained oak like the rest of the Inn. There’s a big round table in the middle, and two long tables with various foods on display to the sides of the room. Boiled eggs, three kinds of bread, an assortment of pastries and many fruits are presented in silver platters to choose from. There are also cheeses and cold cuts of meat next to some grilled vegetables, ale, tea and coffee. You walk through the door with your two friends in tow and feel your face burn when everyone rises from their seats despite your protest.

“Please, it’s fine. No need to stand.” You assure the knights and the Major with a smile, holding both of your hands in front of you.

The Major shakes his head and laughs. “Nonsense! We were expecting you. Please grab some breakfast and join us, there’s plenty for everyone.”

You nod your head in thanks and approach him to shake his hand. “Mr. Hugh thank you for your hospitality and generosity. You’ve offered a very comfortable room, and I’m sure the 501st is more than happy with the food you’ve provided.”

“There are no thanks needed, your Highness.” He dismisses your words with another wave of his hand. “Now please, help yourselves before we begin. I imagine you and your crew need a good meal after the tumultuous trip you’ve had.”

The pace of the day picks up after breakfast, when you’re shown around town while gathering the supplies Liana is in need for. Right outside of the Inn, the road splits into two smaller walkways. They round the chapel and meet towards the back of it, snaking around the village until it reaches the villagers’ cottages and farms. Major Hugh leads the way followed by Nathalia and yourself. Behind you, Sir Echo talks to Sergeant Hunter as him and the rest of his legion accompany you on your journey across the village.

You can’t help your smile as you walk around Greymoon’s streets; their village is a colourful wonder of pastel storefronts and hand-painted murals. Everywhere you go, you get yet further proof of the village’s hospitality and easygoing nature. There are lovely stores, some displaying clothes, others displaying antiques and you can’t help yourself from stopping by each one. Not to get anything for yourself though, you merely peruse their beautiful goods and compliment the owners on their job. Maybe one day, in the future, you’ll come back to the dressmaker’s shop and indulge her into making the dress she tried to convince you to get. You come across a lovely small street market that’s been set up by a bookshop with a yellow front door. There are several stands selling various goods –jewelry, paintings, accessories, and pastries are on display for anyone who passes by to see. You greet the vendors, who are more than happy to show you the goods of their own making.

“Made all of these myself!” A dark-haired woman named Laura tells you proudly; she owns a knitwear stand. “Please, your Highness, take whichever scarf you’d like. Winter’s coming and any of these would look lovely on you.”

Her eyes shine with excitement, and you can see how proud she is of her handiwork. Thus, not wanting to insult her by refusing her kind offer, you nod your head and smile at her. “Alright, Laura. If you insist, I’ll take whichever one you like best.”

She laughs in delight and nods her head enthusiastically. “Of course, Princess. This one would look lovely on you.”

Laura hands you a deep burgundy scarf, it has with pink and gold details resembling a bed of roses. Flowers, perfect. You smile and clutch the scarf to your chest. “I love it and shall wear it all through winter.”

“I’m honoured, your Highness.” She offers you her hand which you shake. “Thank you for stopping by.”

“Thank you, Laura.” You say as you let go of her hand, knowing you need to keep going towards your next stop. “Have a lovely day.”

The next stop turns into another, and another, until sunset comes, and you’ve crossed out all the items on the list. Both carriages you brought from the palace are loaded with the help of the 501st and Sir Wrecker from the 99th legion and put in one of Greymoon’s stables. Sir Echo then stations five of his men to keep guard of the supplies despite the Major and Sergeant Hunter’s reassurances to him that it’s not necessary. Echo became lieutenant under Rex’s tutelage though, so just like your captain, he’s not one to leave anything to chance. The thought brings a wave of emotion straight towards your chest that you push away until later –there is not time to deal with it right now. Crosshair from the 99th legion stays behind as well, his bow and arrows ready should he need them. You hope it won’t come to that though, the first part of your journey was arduous enough, the last thing you need is an ambush or more trouble.

You’re just finishing talking to the knights who are staying at the stables, letting them know you’ll send dinner their way in a moment when someone clears their throat behind you.

“Your Highness.” Sergeant Hunter inclines his head briefly in greeting. “If you’d like more protection in your journey to Liana, my squad would be more than happy to join the 501st.”

“That is very kind of you.” You smile, moved by his offering. However, you know that taking him and his squad away from Greymoon would be a mistake. So you tell him them the same thing you told Rex before the mission. “But they need you here, Sergeant. With the way things are, it is important that the people of Greymoon are well protected.”

The Sergeant nods, looking back at his team that continues to talk animatedly with the knights from the palace. “I guess you’re right.” He says after a pause, his eyes going back to yours. “We’ll be here if you need us though, your Highness. You can count on us.”

“I’m sure I can, Sergeant.” You nod.

You feel someone tap your shoulder and turn to find Nathalia waiting to speak to you. “The Major is expecting us in the meeting hall, your Highness, they’ve served dinner already.”

“Here, I’ll show you to the meeting hall.” The Sergeant speaks up before leading the way, his back towards both of you. “It’s not far.”

The walk towards the meeting hall is relatively short, only a couple of blocks from the stables and next to the chapel in the middle of the village. It is a two-story building made from concrete, with floor-to-ceiling wooden doors that are already open when you arrive. Inside, there are three long wooden tables in the middle of the room with various dishes displayed in silverware; the people of Greymoon talk animatedly across each table, waiting for the moment they can start feasting on the food. Towards the back of the room there’s a big chimney where a large fire has been lit to warm up the room in the cold night. Major Hugh sits in the middle table and stands when he spots you, Nathalia, his own legion, and the 501st arrive. Everyone follows his lead and stands too, smiling and greeting you again as you pass by.

“We’ve prepared a delicious feast for you and your knights, your Highness.” Mr. Hugh tells you, gesturing towards the food that’s been placed on each table. “Help yourselves, please.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hugh.” You smile, full of gratefulness. “Might we have some of it sent to the knights who stayed behind in the stables?”

“Why of course.” He reassures you quickly, motioning towards two men to approach the table. They greet you when they step closer, smiling amiably. “Joseph, Michael, would you mind taking some food to the men guarding the stables? Some ale as well.”

“Certainly Mr. Hugh.” One of the men, Joseph, nods before he leaves with his friend towards the table next to yours; they gather plates, utensils and food with the help of another gentleman before they make their way out of the hall.

“Now, your Highness.” The Major says, settling down on his seat. “It’s been a long day, you should sit and enjoy dinner.”

Nathalia smiles at the Major. “I must say I agree with you Mr. Hugh.”

You hold back an eye-roll –a fond one– towards Nathalia and nod. You know her care, and that of Sir Echo, during this trip has doubled in its intensity most likely as a result of Rex’s emphasis on it. You wonder when he spoke to them both; you’ll have to ask him when you’re able. Who knows when that’ll be. With a shake of your head, you wipe off the frown that wants to settle on your face and sit down, looking at Greymoon’s local food with a newly opened appetite.

There are three kinds of roasted meats in front of you, and various side dishes and finger foods. Some of them you recognize from the palace, being Khalmian staples for every meal, but others are intricate savory pastries. There are small pockets of fried dough, that after cutting them in half you discovered have either cheese or a mixture of spices and vegetables inside. There’s a green leaves salad with edible flowers, walnuts and a dark but sweet dressing. Next there’s a big bowl of rice that’s been mixed with sweet corn and cheese, giving it a soft and almost creamy texture. Lastly, there’s a long silver tray full of miniature desserts of which Nathalia takes about three of each. There are bite-sized chocolate cakes, fruit tarts, pistachio and chocolate madeleines, and apricot ice cream that everyone grabs a helping of despite the chilly weather of the night.

The copious amount of food disappears after an hour with lively conversation and laughter in between bites. Your heart soars at the sight of all the knights enjoying themselves despite their bandages and cuts they brandish on their faces and hands. It’s a merry sight, one you haven’t seen often as it is only the third time you’ve shared a meal with so many of the 501st. The Queen will certainly object, but nevertheless you’ll invite them to dine with you when you’re back at the palace. Rex will be ecstatic when he hears your idea. As the food disappears and conversations are had, the loud chatter of the meeting hall slowly turns into a low hum. The satisfying meal makes way for drowsiness to kick in, and you find yourself pressing your lips together to hold back a yawn.

Thus, knowing your fellow companions must be all the more tired than yourself, you thank the Major and bid him goodnight. After all, everyone has a big day ahead of them in the morning.

“It was a lovely day, and an even lovelier evening, Mr. Hugh.” You smile warmly at him as everyone rises from the tables and begin to walk out of the meeting hall.

“I’m glad it was to your liking, your Highness.” The Major presses a hand to his chest. “It truly means the world to us that you’ve visited us.”

“Then I hope you’re okay with me returning in the future.” You tell him with a hand on his shoulder. “Have a good night.”

“Your Highness.” The Major inclines his head once more before leaving the hall as well.

Sir Echo and Nathalia are back by your side a moment later. “We will reach Liana by early afternoon, tomorrow.” The Lieutenant says.

You nod, pleased that things are going just as planned. “Right on schedule then. You should get some rest Sir Echo; you’ve worked very hard today.”

“You need some sleep too, your Highness.” Nathalia says as she links her arm with yours. She smiles at Sir Echo so briefly you almost miss it, though the red tint to her cheeks remains as evidence that the smile did in fact happen. “Goodnight, Lieutenant. We’ll see you in the morning.”

“Until morning then.” Sir Echo tells you, though you don’t get to say anything in return as Nathalia whisks you off towards the Inn with hurried steps.

✧☆★✧☆★

“You’ve made all the village fall in love with you.” Nathalia says happily, helping you loosen your braids and ponytail after you’re done taking a short bath. Refreshed and comfortable in your sleeping gown, you can feel the exhaustion of the day makes an appearance with a heaviness to your body.

You chuckle softly and shake your head. “That’s not true, Nat. Everyone was just happy to help Liana, and I was getting to know them.”

“And that is my point, your Highness.” Nathalia insists, brushing your hair with a wide-tooth comb and twisting it into a simple braid for you to sleep in. “Not many people get to know the villages in their kingdom, but you did. You cared because you are kind and gentle with everyone and it is that what won their hearts.”

You look away and shrug your shoulder, it seems like such a simple thing to you, and it causes a subdued sort of pain to surface on your chest. The bare minimum shouldn’t be surprising or ground-breaking to this village, but sadly it is and the only thing you can do is begin to break this habit the moment you’re back at the palace. For now, your priority is Liana and finishing the mission. “Of course, I care about them. I hope I can get to visit and know all the villages around us when the war with the pirates is over.”

“And we can’t forget to mention your beauty, your Highness, yet another reason for them to fall in love.” Nathalia smiles as she ties up the braid with a ribbon at the bottom. “I saw Sergeant Hunter’s eyes never leaving you.”

Despite Nathalia mentioning the Sergeant, your mind goes to Rex. It makes a smile appear on your face as you look down at your lap. Flashes of all the instances you’ve caught him looking at you from afar come to mind; he’d been so flustered at the beginning. But now his demeanour is entirely different. Now he looks at you openly when it’s just the two of you, not a bit of bashfulness in sight. “The Sergeant wasn’t looking at me.” You shake your head, sending a look at Nathalia in the mirror. “If he did, then it was only because he doesn’t know my heart’s already spoken for.”

“I’m sure Sir Echo will tell him something along those lines without giving you and captain Rex away.” Nathalia chuckles and steps away from your chair, moving to blow out some of the candles lit around the room. There’s a full moon outside, and its white glow is enough to keep the room illuminated.

You smile as you stand; Nathalia just handed you the perfect opportunity to tease her right back. “Speaking of Lieutenant Echo…”

Nathalia pauses her steps towards the candelabra by the window and glances at you over her shoulder. You wiggle your eyebrows at her and smile teasingly as she turns a deep shade of red. “I saw that smile earlier tonight, and you’re so flustered around him. I don’t know how I’ve never noticed how smitten you’re with him!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about your Highness.” Nathalia looks away with a shrug, then looks back at you out of the corner of her eye. She knows you’re not fooled by her dismissal.

You merely raise an eyebrow, a knowing smile on your face. She teased you so much when you were falling for Rex. Thus, now as her best friend, it is only fair that you do the same.

“Alright, I like Sir Echo.” She confesses, fighting back a smile. “A lot. More than a lot.”

“So, a lot-a lot.” You smile widely at her, sitting on your bed as delight shoves whatever sleepiness you were feeling away for a moment. Your heart feels like it’s bursting as you observe Nat looking so bashful, so happy. “Have you talked to him? Casual conversation? Anything?”

She frowns. “No, I get too nervous.”

You smile, maybe you’ll talk to Sir Echo….

“You should! Sir Echo is very approachable, so you have nothing to be worried about.” You reassure her, hoping she’ll take the leap. Perhaps this is the beginning of her own fairy-tale, the thought alone makes your smile widen.

Nathalia is quick to shake her head, and you frown. “He’s one to follow rules your Highness. I doubt talking to me about his day is part of protocol.”

“Nathalia.” You raise your eyebrow at her again. “There’s no one stricter about protocol than Rex and he kissed me like he couldn’t bear not to, 2 days ago!”

When your friend remains looking unsure, you continue. “Sir Echo isn’t even that strict to begin with. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to talk to you.”

“You really think so?” She whispers, hopefulness slowly beginning to shine in her eyes.

“Of course! You’re a ray of sunshine and a delight to be around Nat.”

Nathalia flushes again then looks away shyly. “I guess you’re right. I will try to tomorrow, while we head to Liana.”

“He’ll appreciate your conversation.” You nod your head before you move towards the center of the bed to lie down. “But right now, we need some rest.”

Nathalia nods and remains deep in thought even as she gets on the other bed beside yours. “Thank you, your Highness.”

“That’s what friends are for, Nat” You tell her, getting comfortable on the bed before blowing out the candles on your bedside table. “Sleep well.”

✧☆★✧☆★

The next day you wake up bright and early to get ready. A deep burgundy dress that you picked out the night before is your attire for the day. It has pale blue and gold details embroidered on the fabric, though most of them get lost under the chainmail blouse that you wear over your dress. Your boots and a pair of black pants hidden underneath your dress complete your look, and soon you’re helping Nathalia and Sir Dogma carry the luggage downstairs and towards the main road where the rest of the 501st awaits. The four carriages stocked full of supplies the night before have been attached to two horses each, with one soldier taking the reins and another flanking the back. As you approach you notice Sir Echo taking inventory of the supplies and counting his men before he lets everyone know you’re ready to leave. Fifteen minutes later, after you’ve said goodbye to the Major, the villagers, and the 99th legion, you put on your helmet and get on your horse.

Greymoon’s gates close as you leave; the colourful village stays behind while your carriages head south, ready to deliver some much-needed aid.

Most of the day is spent on horseback, with only a short break for a meal, for everyone is set on arriving to Liana before sundown to avoid another ambush, if any. This time though, there is no worry or nervous anticipation, not like upon your arrival to Greymoon a day ago. As you did the day before, two riders are sent ahead of you once more to let the Major of Liana know you’re on your way; they were also instructed to scout the area. An unnecessary precaution, but one Sir Echo insisted on despite the terrain you’ll be traversing through. They don’t give you much to worry about this time around, as most of the eastern road towards Liana –the one you’ve selected for the journey– crosses through hills and plains and nothing more. There are no forests or rivers, for attackers to hide in. If an attack were to occur, you’d see it coming in the distance, giving you enough time to react.

Thus, you decide to the enjoy the beautiful journey and take in the breathtaking landscape to your left and right. Midnight trots steadily next to Sir Kix’s horse as you ask him about his medical studies, to give Nathalia the necessary push to converse with the Lieutenant. They talk amiably behind you as Sir Kix recalls anecdotes from his early days as a medic –I wasn’t good under pressure at the beginning, your Highness, he says, it has taken years of practice. You nod and ask him yet another question, and the conversation keeps going for a couple of hours. Then, when the sun slowly begins to advance west, a comforting calmness settles over the group. You’re bordering two mountains that stand next to Green Lake, a majestic body of water –with water so deep-a-blue that it looks a dark green colour. The silence is almost reverent as everyone stares in awe at the nature that surrounds you; the tall mountains, the expansive lake, and the hills full of lavender up ahead. You cross the latter, surrounded by the lilac flowers, until at long last you see the Khalmian sea in the distance and the village you’re on your way to aid, both bathed in orange light.

Liana stands beautifully at the bottom of a hill next to the sea, it’s topography vastly different from the village you just visited. Where Greymoon had its chapel and meeting hall in the middle of their village, Liana –despite being small– has its chapel at the very top of the hill. Its streets and many other buildings expand downhill towards the sea, its streets connected by staircases. In the distance you can see the slender pine trees surrounding the village, as well as bushes and more lavender around its perimeter. Most of the buildings are made of gold-yellow stone and clay, with terracotta roofs and white shutters on their windows. It looks rustic but elegant at the same time, and you’re sure the three colours must stand out beautifully next to the sea when it’s not time for the sun to set. Now, however, in the orange light of the fading afternoon the Khalmian sea looks like it’s turned a shade close to red while Liana looks like it’s burning with the sun –warm, beautiful, and welcoming.

The village greets you with a small celebration as you arrive. There are villagers lining the streets, waving and cheering as you pass, and you take off your helmet to smile at all of them in return. You continue down the main road until you reach the village’s courtyard, where the Major is waiting for you. She’s a woman in her mid-forties with gorgeous brown skin and chestnut coloured hair that’s been pulled up in an intricate updo. The wrinkles around the woman’s eyes deepen as she smiles, and the details of the green dress she wears shines in the orange light of the setting sun. There are tears in her eyes that she dries gently as you get off your horse and approach her.

“Madame Major.” You smile, offering her your hand.

“Thank you, your Highness, for your kind heart.” She pulls you into a hug shortly after shaking your it, her words whispered by your shoulder. The emotion in her voice as she continues to speak makes your throat tighten and your eyes sting with unshed tears. “Thank you for helping us; we are overjoyed and overwhelmed with gratefulness.”

You shake your head and dab at your eyes as you step back and look at her. These lovely people have been through so much; their possessions stolen, many of them injured from attempting to defend what’s theirs. All resulting from the selfishness and cruelty of the pirates who want things the easy way. Those who think these people’s sacrifice and hard work is worth nothing and inconsiderately steal from them. “Don’t thank me, this is the least I could do for all of you. I’m sorry we took this long.”

“The important thing is you’re here your Highness.” She grabs both of your hands in hers and smiles widely, it lights up her face. “Come, the town has been looking forward to your arrival all day.”

The smile you give back is just as big as you nod. “We’ve been excited to arrive and meet all of you.”

“Everyone is impatient to meet you.” She lets one of your hands go as she begins to walk towards the people who line the streets. “And with these supplies we can make a lovely dinner to welcome you.”

You look back a Nathalia who smiles at you and takes the hand you offer as the Major leads you further into the village. The sun sets as you walk around the streets, happily greeting the people of Liana even as your heart feels like it’ll burst from the overwhelming emotion you feel when you see the gratefulness in their eyes. Music begins playing from the meeting hall then, as blue hour strikes and lavender blue haze falls over the joyous town.

At one point a cheerful old lady leads you to the back of the meeting hall, where a large communal kitchen’s been set up and shows you and Nathalia the many goods they’re beginning to prepare for the night. The soldiers from the 501st helping around to place the vegetables and grains you’ve brought from Greymoon inside the pantry. You smile and wave at them as they pass and they smile back, elated with the energy around the town. The soldiers leave after a moment, content with the promise of a delicious meal prepared by the local cooks in the next hour. The same old lady who grabbed your hand earlier gestures for you to join them at a big wooden table.

There are various types of doughs and fillings, as well as breads and vegetables, all ready to be part of the local dishes they wish to show you how to make. So, after washing your hands, you learn how to make local finger food with Nathalia by your side. Most of the dishes are straight forward: rolled dough closed around a feeling and set aside to fry later. The women around the table are more skilled than you though, and you can’t help but laugh at the time it takes you to make a simple snack while they’ve already made close to ten. Still, you relax and listen carefully to their instructions and funny stories from when they started to cook. A sense of warmth and calmness settles over you, and a glance to your right shows you Nathalia is feeling the same way. The two of you smile and continue to work.

Once dinner arrives, the bustling crowd, music and chatter threaten to drown every conversation you begin to have but your smile never falters, you merely raise your voice and lean closer to the person you’re speaking to –the Major in this case. The finger food you helped prepare is passed around as everyone serves some of the dinner into plates and settles on any table to eat. The 501st talk and laugh animatedly with the town and Nathalia engages in easy conversation with Sir Echo next to you.

“The Princess and I made these!” Nathalia’s eyes light up as she spots a platter with the fried dough you struggled with earlier. “Lieutenant you’ve got to try them.”

“Everyone is so cheerful.” You tell the Major as you look around. “And your village is so beautiful, Madame. I’m speechless.”

The Major smiles and takes a sip from her goblet of wine. “They’re people with a strong spirit. Despite everything that happened, they managed to stay uplifted.”

You hum and look around, seeing the sparkle in the eyes of every villager. “That’s beautiful.”

“It’s not an easy thing to do.” The Major continues. “It is so easy to let ourselves be beaten down after something terrible that happens, but sometimes looking at what’s gone right is all it takes to change one’s mood.”

“Well, I certainly need to learn from them.” You chuckle and sip from your own goblet before a little girl approaches your table.

“H–Hi Princess.” She smiles shyly at you, and you instantly smile back.

“Hey baby girl, what’s your name?”

“Anna.” Her cheeks flush as she looks down at her hands. “Would you like to play with us?”

Your heart squeezes, and a quick glance behind her back shows you there are about a dozen children waiting for your answer. “Why, of course I’d love to!”

Anna’s face lights up, her shyness forgotten at your welcoming tone. She quickly grabs your hand. “Let’s go! You can invite your friends if you’d like.”

You laugh softly and rise from the table, calling out to Nathalia and the 501st as you do. “If anyone would like to join us for a game outside, feel free to come!”

Nathalia stands up and follows you, an excited skip to her step, before Hardcase, Echo, Dogma, Mixer, Kix, and Fox follow her lead. Outside, the kids have set up two goal posts and proceed to divide everyone into two teams. The goal? Kick the ball and score a point, the team who scores 5 goals wins. Little Anna ends up in your team and her contagious laugh trails everyone in your team as she follows you while you try to evade your rivals to reach the other goal post. Laughter, screaming and wrestling ensues –though you don’t participate in the latter, instead letting Hardcase and Fox engage in friendly roughhousing every time the other wins– until Sir Echo’s team wins and the kids are called to bed.

Madame Major, amused by the game she just witnessed and reading the exhaustion on both yours and Nathalia’s faces, leads you to the cottage you’ll be staying at. It is a lovely white house with climbing pink hydrangeas on the front. The house itself is two stories tall; it has two bedrooms upstairs and a living room and kitchen on the ground floor. Sir Echo stations three soldiers to protect you and they make themselves comfortable in the living room, lounging on the couch and taking off some of their heavy armour. Your luggage is carried to your room as well as Nathalia’s on the other side of the hallway. There’s an adjacent bathing chamber in each bedroom, with its private door and closet to place your clothes in, as well as a mirror and a small furnace for hot water supply. You thank the knights who carried your luggage upstairs before taking in the room.

It is a rustic chamber with contrasting delicate decorations. There are pale blue curtains framing the floor-to-ceiling window, and floral embroidered blankets and throw pillows on the bed. The bed itself is tall with four posters and a soft mattress, and to its left stands a small balcony overlooking the Khalmian sea illuminated by moonlight. It’s cozy, private, and the prospect of resting after the events of the evening makes you rush to open your luggage and look for your clothes.

You move towards the bathroom after picking out your clothes for the night; the chamber’s colour is the same as the one in the bedroom with golden yellow walls and light blue decorations. A moment later, once you make sure the furnace is working, you fill up the porcelain tub and undress not before taking off the bandage covering your injury. The cold evening air makes your naked body shiver for a few seconds before you step on the tub and sink into the water. A sigh escapes you as your muscles begin to relax and your achy feet thank you for the warm water. Heaven, you think.

Closing your eyes, you lean your head back and begin washing your hair —hissing at the pain in your hand— as you think about the events of the day. There’s deep regret in your heart at not visiting Liana before the attack happened and missing out on all its beautiful and welcoming people. It isn’t something you’re going to miss out on anymore, you decide; you’re more than sure other villages in the kingdom that haven’t been visited by your father in a while either. Though you always look after their best interests you’ve never been to many of them, now you’re determined to travel around Khalmia and listen to the people to provide whatever aid they may need that’s been lost in paperwork or mail. After the war is over, you’ll ask Rex to accompany you so both of you can visit and know more about Khalmia together. You’re certain he’ll be more than happy to and that he will love Liana most of all. Bringing your thoughts back to the village you’re, you feel a smile appear on your face again at the memory of the warm welcome you received. Not to mention the beautiful view of the sea and the delicious food you’d tried. Wouldn’t this village profit from more visitors; you know they had an Inn before the attack and given what you saw today you can only assume the boardwalk was beautiful as well. You haven’t seen the destruction the pirates left behind, but once you do you will ask the Major why Liana hasn’t been a holiday site for the Kingdom.

Wrapping a towel around your hair and drying your body once the soapy water has gone from hot to lukewarm, you get dressed in your night gown, followed by a purple dressing gown you tie around your waist. You brush your teeth in front of the mirror before going back to the bedroom where Nathalia’s already waiting for you in her own nightgown and robe. She looks refreshed and happy.

“You were wonderful with the children, your Highness.” Nat smiles at your reflection once you sit down at the vanity in front of the bed. Your friend helps you dry your hair with your towel before combing through it.

You look down in embarrassment, grabbing some of your nightly pomade and applying it to your face that burns at her words. “They were very amiable don’t you think? There are barely any children in the family, or in the Estates we visit sometimes. It was nice to have that kind of genuine happiness around don’t you think?”

“Yes, it was. Even though we lost to the opposing team –the knights won’t let us forget it.” Nathalia agrees, grabbing her mixture of coconut and argan oil to apply to your hair while you wrap a new bandage around the cut in your hand. “I also think you and Rex will be the best parents when you have children of your own. You are perfect for each other, a good team.”

“We need to get our relationship approved first, Nat.” You smile at her enthusiasm and look away as you go over Natalia’s words.

It’s not something you’ve discussed with Rex, as your relationship doesn’t have any approval yet to make such kinds of plans. But you wonder if your father will share Nathalia’s sentiments towards the two of you. Will he see you as a good team as well, or will he object? You see truth to Nathalia’s words yourself; you and Rex provide each other a perfect kind of balance. He, a man of duty and protocol and strength, and you, an equally strong but more emotional counterpart. He teaches you what you need to face the tough world you live in while you teach him to slow down and enjoy the little things and fleeting moments that will mean so much in the future.

Nathalia’s yawn brings you back to the present and you chuckle at the sleepy look on her face. “It’s been a long day, Nat. Why don’t you go rest? I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Are you sure you don’t need anything else, your Highness?” She asks after wrapping your hair in a cotton cloth for it to dry overnight.

With a shake of your head, you reassure her that you’re okay and she smiles before bidding you goodnight. After standing from your seat, you walk over to the small balcony in your room and look across towards the Khalmian sea, allowing the breeze to soothe a wave of anxiety that floods your chest. You wonder how your father is right now, how Rex is too. Have the pirates attacked yet? Did the other kingdoms arrive in time with their aid?

They are okay, you decide. Rex is okay. There’s no reason to believe otherwise, you don’t need to send such negativity his way. No, he’ll be fine, he’s a great warrior, the most cunning one you know. Brave and strong, fearless, and smart. You’ve seen him train for years, first from afar when he wasn’t looking and later front and center in the courtyard when it was useless to hide your affection for him; he’d read it all in your letters. He’s trained his men just as fiercely, even when there was no danger to prepare for.

We need to be ready to defend you and the palace, my lady, no time to lose, He’d said when you asked him why they trained every day; you’d passed him a glass of water and tried very hard not to look at the open collar of his shirt that day. Every knight in the 501st is trained to do their best and think of the best strategy for success, so you have nothing to worry about. Your father, Rex, and your friends fighting in the Turquoise Sea will be more than alright.

A strong breeze makes you shiver, and a wave of homesickness seems to make its way to you from the sea. On the one hand, it’s good that you’ve been too tired and too busy lately to be alone with your thoughts. But on the other hand, you’ve only delayed the inevitable. It isn’t the first time you’ve been away from home, and you’ve never been alone –Nat is always by your side– but for the first time, there is too much uncertainty upon your return. The palace will be mostly empty, the King will be away, your captain too. Most of the anxiety you felt days ago had more to do with being apart from each other than the danger you could potentially face in the journey. You’ve never been apart for so long and now your heart is begging for you to acknowledge your feelings. You miss Rex. You miss him so much that you’d rather stay busy than let yourself think about his absence and be overwhelmed by sadness.

He’s been your constant for years; the one person that even from across the room, can bring you comfort like no other. His eyes know you, understand you, they bring you home. A home that’s him. Which makes thinking about going back to the palace –without Rex– sad and not comforting at all. No, the homesickness you’re feeling is tied more to the one you love than to a specific place, not even the garden would soothe it. There’s really nothing you want more –and it’s foolish to even think about it– than to have Rex wrap his arms around you and hold you while your tired body falls asleep.

Soon. Not the falling asleep next to him, but knowing his presence is near you. The war will be over one way or another, and you trust your captain to come back to you unharmed. You’ll have your strolls around the garden, he’ll join you for tea and any affairs you might have to attend to. You’ll engage in deep conversation, you’ll laugh, you’ll be happy. He’d told you he would come back, and Rex is a man of his word. Thus, with that peace of mind, you close and lock the balcony’s door before moving to lie on the bed; the soft mattress and duvet welcome you as you sigh in relief. Sleep takes you hostage almost immediately, bringing you to a blurry dream of a white gown, a garden and a familiar face smiling at you.

The next day, after everyone has breakfast, the major shows you to the site where all the destruction happened. Most of the damage took place along the boardwalk, which was set on fire that night, and the adjacent houses and buildings. Just like Commander Cody had reported during the King’s meeting, two houses, the barn, and the bank suffered terrible damage. Your mind supplies the memory of the kids you played with the night before, and an overwhelming sense of relief goes through you at once. At least no one was gravely hurt or killed. At least the kids weren’t around.

It tears your heart in half, looking the scorch marks left by the fire, the ashes lying on the floor where the barn used to stand, the empty space where the boardwalk should be. All the pirates’ targets where buildings made from wood, unlike the rest of the village that’s made from cobblestone. How can there be people so vile? So cruel as to plan something that would make this village’s efforts disappear in an instant? You wonder as you brush away your tears, eyebrows meeting in the middle as anger threatens to take over you. Why are there people so evil in this world that harm innocents out of mere spite? Your thoughts are bitter, you can’t deny it, but looking at the destruction first-hand lights up a flame of protectiveness in your heart.

A protectiveness that quickly upsets you, until you spot the people of Liana who are still cleaning up the ashes and debris of the boardwalk. Further up the road there are three locksmiths setting up a workshop in front of the bank to make a new door for the vault. It soothes your incensed emotions until slowly the crease between your eyebrows disappears. The anger you felt fades, and though your heartache stays, you feel more hopeful than a few moments ago. People can be cruel but there are also good, kind-hearted, and generous people. People who like to help. Those who balance out the world. With a deep breath, you bring yourself back to the present moment, and voice the question you asked to yourself the night before.

“If I may ask,” you begin with a glance to the Major who walks alongside you and Nathalia. She smiles and urges you to continue. “Why isn’t Liana a main village visitors go to in Khalmia? Your village is absolutely beautiful, the Khalmian sea is right in front of you. Your people and your gastronomy are wonderful. Yet it’s not a village most people visit.”

The Major sighs and points to the western side of the village. “That’s the road you took to the village yesterday. It is the longest, and it’s not often used. There is another one on the eastern side, and visitors used to like it because you don’t have to camp on the way, and it has direct access to the main road between the kingdoms. However… it hasn’t been safe for a while. There are bandits who like to scout the area and rob anyone who would like to visit; they think the visitors will have wealthy possessions because they’re on holiday.”

At your frown she shrugs her shoulders. “The road has been neglected for a long time because of this, and everyone is afraid to go and fix it.”

You sigh, shake your head; out of the corner of your eye you see Nathalia do the same next to you. It is no wonder Greymoon is frequented more often, they have the 99th legion who protect the roads and the people from instances like this one. The memory of the five knights is all you need to come up with a plan of action.

“When I go back and the captains and commanders are back from the war, I will ask them to create a legion of knights for Liana, just like the one they have in Greymoon.” You tell the Major, pausing your walk to reassure her. “It can include palace knights as well as any men who would like to be a knight for your village. Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?”

The Majors eyes light up as she nods. “That sound like a wonderful idea, your Highness. I’m certain that with more protection, things would be much different here for us. Especially the children.”

“You will have the safety you need; I promise.” You offer your hand for her to shake. “And those bandits will be taken care of.”

It’ll be your first order of business when you get back home, King’s approval or not, the bandits will be the first to be stopped. Afterwards, once Captain Rex is back, you’ll tell him about your idea for a Legion to protect Liana. You’re sure he’ll be more than happy to help you.

The three of you continue walking in silence, greeting the people and the knights who are helping to clean up the debris before you turn to the Major again. “What would you like to see in your village to make it more comfortable for visitors?”

“I think the Inn is what needs the most adjustments.” She tells you, pointing up at the street above to show you the three-story stone building. It’s been painted white with turquoise and yellow details, but the paint is chipping, the windows aren’t in good condition and a part of the roof looks like it’s seen better days.

“It’s expensive to maintain,” The Major explains, “But with more visitors it wouldn’t be. As you can see, it needs repairs and some refurbishments to the bedrooms and bathing chambers.”

You nod and turn, looking back at the boardwalk. “I imagine the boardwalk too, as it needs to be completely redone.”

“Maybe we’ll build it in cobblestone this time, like the rest of the village.” The Major smiles.

“It’ll definitely be fireproof then.” Nathalia pitches in, making both of you laugh.

“I think stone is a good idea,” You nod.

“If you think it’ll attract visitors when the road is patrolled.” The Major replies. “With the gold you’ve brought for the bank, I’m sure we can get it done.”

“It will most definitely attract visitors; I’ll make sure of it!” You tell her with enthusiasm, with the gossiping going around many of the events you attend it is only a matter of time before this village increases its popularity. That and… “I’m also planning on coming back.”

When the Major sees the honestly in your smile, her eyes light up. “Really, your Highness?”

“Of course.” You nod. “Nathalia, you’d love to come back here, right?”

“Absolutely, your Highness.” Nathalia sighs looking around. “I don’t even want to leave.”

You chuckle as you continue along Main Street and see the jolly mood everyone is in. Happiness makes its way to your heart at the thought that with the supplies you’ve brought for them, the Major will be able to undo the harm the pirates did to them. You don’t tell her though, that you’ll send a team to renovate the Inn, the boardwalk, and the barn as soon as possible. But you will. They were caught in a crossfire between the Kingdom and the pirates; they didn’t deserve this. So you’ll fix whatever needs to, and make this right. You also know you must visit the other villages in the Kingdom. It is imperative that you know what issues and safety concerns aren’t being seen –what your father might have neglected. Though your mother criticizes your emotions and how they sometimes drive your decisions, you don’t feel any shame about it. You need love and empathy when looking at certain things, especially if you want to be of any help.

“Might I see your chapel?” You ask before you can think twice, love taking the reins of your decisions for a split second. Nathalia gasps behind you, shooting you a look of barely contained excitement that makes you laugh.

“Why of course,” The Major smiles. “Right this way. Although I must warn you, we must climb many stairs to get there.”

You laugh at Nathalia’s frown and link your arm with hers. “We can manage that with no problem.”

✧☆★✧☆★

“Okay, I’ll admit this view is worth the climb.” Nathalia says, wiping some sweat from her forehead, and trying to catch her breath.

The early afternoon sun is high in the sky, bathing everything in sunlight, and making the clear water of the Khalmian sea shimmer below. From where you stand, right at the doorstep of the chapel, you have an unobstructed view at the city below, red roofed buildings with their black iron balconies and ceramic pots on windowsills. Pine trees so big the very top is right below the balcony you stand on. You run your hand over the stone; flowers and vines have been carved delicately into it, and there are empty spaces between them that allow light to sneak through. It makes the flowers’ pattern paint the cobblestones with light underneath your shoes. You smile then turn towards the chapel, it’s yellow and orange stone exterior shining with the sun and slowly becoming the home of deep green vines that snake their way from the ground up, halfway to the very top of the building. You’re sure that when spring comes, these vines will be covered in flowers; the thought cements your determination to return to Liana after winter comes and goes.

“Oh.”

Your words are followed by another gasp coming from Nathalia behind you, and you nod in agreement. The cobblestone floor outside, transitions into white polished marble with brown and ochre veining that makes your footsteps echo as you walk. The pillars have golden detailing, intricate vines, flowers, and leaves weaving together under light blue painted stone. The golden detailing settles at the top of each column from which the coved ceiling expands upwards. The dome-like structure above has cherubs, gardens, the Khalmian sea, and the sun all depicted in a breathtaking mural; being biased towards gardens, you decide this mural is more beautiful than the one in your father’s wing back at the palace. Everyone is silent as you take in the rest of the room, the white benches, the light blue carpet extending towards the center of the room and the golden detailing of the altar and big windows on the eastern and western walls –perfect for a sunrise and a sunset. You let your mind wander, putting white carnations, blue delphiums and hydrangeas in around the place, lighting up the candelabra by the walls and in the altar, white and light blue lace decorating the sides of the benches and a long veil with embroidered white flowers dragging along the carpet. A shuddering breath leaves you and you shake those thoughts out of your head –there’s no point in thinking about it. Not when you haven’t talked to your father yet.

So you clear your throat and smile at the Major. “It’s beautiful.”

She nods when she turns to you. “We’re very proud of it. It’s been kept this way for one hundred years.”

“Yet another reason for Liana to have more visitors.” You tell her with a nod. “Don’t you think, Nat?”

“Yes, your Highness.” Your friend smiles at you, a knowing look in her eyes that you ignore for the sake of your heart. “I imagine once people visit Liana, they’re sure to want to get married here.”

You smile and shoot her an amused look before shaking your head; like you said before, those thoughts have no room in your mind right now –you shouldn’t have entertained the idea to begin with. The mission isn’t over yet, and that’s where you must settle your focus on. “Shall we return to the boardwalk, Madame Mayor? Your people need all the help they can get.”

“Of course,” She motions with her hand for you and Nathalia to go ahead. “The journey down is much easier.”

The rest of the day is spent looking at some of the reparations being made, then you go to the store where the farmers usually bought their supplies –before they were looted by the pirates– and begin distributing the seeds to re-plant the crops ruined by the pirates and farming supplies they will need to tend to them until the next harvest. About half of the supplies have been distributed when your heart is moved to tears by a particular farmer, Peter, who brings a small basket with a couple of apples to you, tears in his eyes as he gives you his thanks.

“The only ones left in a lonely tree.” He says wiping his eyes. “They stayed there for you, I’m sure, Princess; to thank you for your kindness to us today.”

You shake your head and give the farmer a hug after taking the basket from him. “There are no thanks needed, this is the least I can do for all of you.”

You let him go and hand him knapsack with supplies, like you’ve done to everyone else in the queue. Tears sting your eyes, but you blink them back, putting a smile on your face instead. “I hope the next harvest is even better than the one you’ve lost.”

With a smile of his own and a nod, Peter says goodbye and walks out the door holding the knapsack to his chest. Next to you Nathalia tries to dry her eyes discreetly with the back of her hand before a white handkerchief is handed to her. You don’t overlook the gentle look on Sir Echo’s face when Nathalia thanks him quietly, or the way her eyes shine as she looks up at him. The display next to you warms your heart even as you look away promptly and pretend you’ve not noticed anything. A discreet smile makes its way to your face though; you’ll have to ask Rex if he’s noticed any feelings the Lieutenant might have towards Nat. You certainly haven’t seen Nat blush in front of Sir Echo before these last couple of days.

What happened that’s made their feelings surface? Perhaps you and your captain will play cupid once he’s back, to see if your friends’ feelings are requited or not. Once he’s back, you tell yourself with a shake your head. With a deep breath and one last glance at Nathalia, you bring your focus back to the matter at hand and the distribution of the necessary supplies to the farmers still queuing in front of you. There’s still much to do until your departure in the morning, you have no time to waste.

✧☆★✧☆★

After almost 30 days at sea, the war with the pirates finally has an end in sight and Rex is thankful. It has a been a brutal fight —the still aching wound on his side a painful reminder— but thanks to Khalmia’s strategy and carefully planned attacks, most of the casualties were on the enemies’ side. The help received by the Kingdoms of Mezeron, Amarant and Chelsia became of utmost importance and allowed Khalmia to turn the tide in their favour, bringing the pirates to their knees. Literally, as the pirates on the ships they are currently surrounding kneel and raise their hands in surrender. All of them abandoning the fight and leaving their leader –pirate captain Thorne– defenseless for the arrival of commander Cody, Wolffe and Rex himself to ambush his ship. Fives, Jesse and 10 more soldiers who accompany Rex are quick to climb aboard the enemy ship and arrest what little remaining crew Thorne has left. The crew fights through their arrest but Rex can tell their heart is not in it, they have given up.

Glancing away from them, Rex looks at the Turquoise sea that extends left and right. He also spots the King’s ship anchored close to the shore, where he awaits the pirate captain for his sentence. Rex knows it won’t be a light one, as the life of the princess was endangered by the pirate’s plan. Give him hell, your Majesty, Rex thinks to himself, no one hurts the princess. My princess. Cody and Wolffe raise their blades the moment the pirate steps out of his study, bringing Rex back to the present. Captain Thorne is a short man with a strong build and a balding spot in the middle his head. Like the other pirates, there are two braids on his beard, each of them showing off a tooth that Rex still isn’t if they’re his own. The pirate dresses in all black –except for his red vest and matching utility belt– the clothes made from a leathery material and covered in steel studs. Thorne’s face, which is sunburnt and flaking– remains calm and confident despite the situation he’s in, and for some reason it makes Rex and his two friends bristle with anger.

“On your knees.” Rex orders, his voice almost a growl as his hatred towards the man in front of him comes to the forefront of his mind. “We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Your choice.”

Thorne chuckles and unsheathes his blade, charging at the three of them without a moment of thought. Rex takes his own two blades out and readies his stance as the two commanders intercept the pirate before him The sound of blades clashing together –metal colliding with metal– floods the deck. Thorne strikes high and low at Wolffe, then turns and blocks Cody’s blade just in time. A moment later he ducks to dodge Wolffe’s blade and kicks Cody’s legs from under him. In an instant, Rex steps in to block his strikes, having the advantage of being trained with two blades, something Thorne doesn’t know what to do with. Rex should have known that the pirate would choose to go the hard way; what pirates lack in morals and virtue they make up on ego. Thorne recovers quick enough to turn and block every strike sent his way –fighting even though he is a lost cause– but Rex, Wolffe and Cody have fought beside each other for so long that their fight ends very shortly after it starts. The pirate’s sword is knocked out of his hand before the wind gets knocked out of him by Cody’s fist and he’s shoved to his knees by Wolffe’s strength.

Rex cuffs Thorne’s hands in front of him, tight enough that they’re uncomfortable, before he rises and looks down at the pirate through the gap in his helmet. “You’re under arrest for pillaging, assault, treason to the Kingdom, attempted kidnapping, looting, and murder. The King will decide your sentence.”

“So, you’re captain Rex, of the 501st legion.” The pirate chuckles and tilts his head to the right, unfazed by all the charges and what they mean for him. For his life. “You’re the one who thwarted my plan of abducting the princess.”

“The princess thwarted your plans herself.” Rex tells him curtly, sheathing one of his swords and tightening the grip on the other one. He remembers your sprained wrist, the cut in your arm, your bruised hand and your body shaking out of fear; his frown deepens. You’d been so hurt and so afraid, and the man in front of Rex is the one responsible for it.

“But you trained her.” Thorne narrows his eyes at him, searching for something, before shrugging and looking away. “It’s a shame though, she would’ve been a real asset.”

Rex feels his blood boil at the word asset. To everyone else I’m the King’s fortune and land in a pretty dress, you said to him one day at the garden. It had upset him beyond words despite your request to ignore other people’s thoughts. To hear this pirate, have the same thoughts you’ve had to grow comfortable with, fans a flame of anger inside Rex’s chest before he can help it. He raises his sword and places the sharp blade under Thorne’s chin.

“You will not talk about her Highness in such a way.” Rex growls, “You’re lucky we’re bringing you to the King alive.” He turns and begins walking ahead without another word, as Cody and Wolffe manhandle the pirate into a standing position and follow.

“Ah yes, the King of Khalmia. He would have done my bidding if I managed to get my hands on his daughter.” The pirate chuckles, then clicks his tongue. His tone is calculated when he speaks again. “The Princess would have done my bidding too if you know what I mean.”

“He’s baiting you, Rex.” Cody notices the way Rex is gripping his sword and warns him. “Don’t react.”

“Shut it.” Wolffe hits Thorne on his side with the hilt of his sword, making the pirate huff out a pained breath.

Still Thorne pays Wolffe no mind as he continues, raising his voice for Rex to hear him loud and clear. “If she’s as beautiful as everyone say she is, I wouldn’t have helped myself. I would have made sure to have my fun.”

Rex shakes his head. He tries not to engage, he really does, but no one talks about you like that. No one. He turns around in an instant, one of his swords ready in his hand to threaten the pirate back into silence. But Thorne, clearly having planned for this, uses Cody’s and Wolffe’s distracted state to steal Wolffe’s sword and charge at Rex. However, he underestimates the captain of the 501st, who had his whole focus set on him from the moment he turned around; he saw him steal the sword just in time. Rex blocks the blow, having more mobility than Thorne who’s handcuffed, and with one calculated move, he disarms and pierces the pirate’s flesh. The wound lies on the left side of his torso, not lethal but painful, nonetheless.

“I trained her on doing this too.” Rex seethes, his hand on Thorne’s shoulder as he looks down at him. “She would have done more than this, I can assure you that. But she’s safe at home so this is in her name.”

“She’s not safe.” The pirate looks up at Rex and a chill goes down his back at the bloody smile sent his way. “She’s dead. She’s been dead for weeks.”

Rex forces himself not to have a reaction and remains silent, but as he takes his sword out of the pirate –who curses loudly in pain– and sheathes it once more, his hands start to shake. No, Thorne is taunting you, the princess is well protected. But he can’t be sure. He’s been so wrapped in the battle, in defeating the enemy as quick as he can to get home to you, that he hasn’t had time to check if any mail had arrived for him. If something happened –it couldn’t have– Echo would be the first to send word to him. The King would have heard the news too, but so far nothing has been said in land or at sea. Still, despite trying to reassure himself this way, Rex feels panic rise inside his chest and the sounds around him turn into white noise.

“Let’s bring him to the King.” Rex tells his fellow soldiers after clearing his throat. “His majesty will give him the punishment he deserves.”

Cody and Wolffe nod their heads and follow Rex’s lead, while his mind reels with worse case scenarios as vast as the sea stretching around him. He must check his mail, it’s the only way he’ll know for sure. If his friends notice his hurry on the way back to their ship, they don’t mention it. Instead, they share a worried glance and pick up their pace as well.

To be continued

✧☆★✧☆★

Taglist: @queenquazar @random-rex-shit @bispecsual @captainabsolo @literallydontlook

#captain rex #captain rex imagine #captain rex x reader #captain rex x female reader #captain rex fluff #captain rex x princess reader #captain rex tcw #captain rex x f!reader #captain rex fic #tcw fic #knight au #knight and princess #tbb fic

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inkstainedhandswithrings · 1 year

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hiya yall! my mental health's been kinda taking a dip, so if you don't mind reblogging with your fav Capt. Rex fics, I'd appreciate it. Anything hurt/comfort or fluff. Preferably xf!reader. thanks🤍

#If you're wondering why my writing requests is going slow... it's the mental health stuff😅#will be reblogging everything I read bc writers support writers #ENGAGEMENT!!!#star wars #the clone wars #star wars the clone wars #clone wars #clones #captain rex #captain rex x reader #captain rex x f!reader

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vodika-vibes · 20 days

Note

Vod‘ika, congrats on reaching 500 followers and thank you for your follower celebration! <3 I really love your writing style so I’d like to participate. Hope you didn‘t already receive a similar request but I‘d like to request emerald with Rex during blue hour/or evening? Thank you so much!

I Can Wait

Summary: Rex has a tendency to run late for your dates, luckily you’re a patient person.

Pairing: Captain Rex x F!Reader

Word Count: 597

Prompt: Emerald - Patient Love

Warnings: Reader is described as carrying a purse

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: Thank you for your request! I love writing Rex, even though I don't often get the chance to. I hope this works for you!

You lean back on the stone barrier, casting your gaze skyward. It’s a shame that there’s so much light pollution on Coruscant, you’d love to be able to watch the stars while waiting for Rex to show up.

Though, you suppose, watching the lights of the ships leaving the atmosphere is pretty close to watching falling stars.

Beauty, even in the mundane.

You watch the lights moving across the sky for a moment, before you pull your comm out of your purse, to check for any messages.

The last message, received half an hour ago, was from Rex. An apology because he was running late, a promise that he’ll definitely show up, and a plea for you to not leave.

Silly man.

As if you would.

Still, you do suppose that most people aren’t quite as patient as you are.

But you’d wait an eternity for Rex. To you, he’s worth it.

You stow your comm back in your back and tilt your head back to look back at the sky, kicking your feet against the concrete under you. You have plenty to keep yourself occupied, afterall.

Fifteen minutes later, or maybe longer, it’s not as though you were keeping track, you hear heavy steps stop in front of you, and you pull your gaze away from a particularly slow moving freighter to favor the blond man standing before you fondly.

He looks guilty and anxious, and you’d fight Count Dooku with your bare hands to wipe that look off his face.

“I’m so sorry that I’m late,” Rex says quickly, “I…uh…I was worried that you’d leave.”

You hop off of the wall and step into his space, a bright smile on your face, “Well, that would be silly of me.”

“Someday you’re going to get tired of waiting for me.” Rex says quietly.

“Not so. I’ll wait forever if I have to. I know you’ll always find your way to me.”

Something soft and warm slides across his face, something so painfully affectionate that you have to avert your eyes before you do something foolish, like ask him to marry you.

He laughs softly, his hand coming up to press against your cheek, “After all this time, I can still fluster you with just a smile.”

“You’re just so handsome, I have to avert my gaze or I’ll start swooning.”

“So swoon, I’ll always be there to catch you.”

You laugh, and press your hand over his, before you turn your head to kiss the palm of his gloved hand, “You’re such a romantic, Rex.”

“I think you’ll find that none of my brothers think I’m charming at all.”

“I find you plenty charming.”

His smile broadens, as he pulls your hand to his lips and he presses a kiss to your knuckles, “I’m afraid we missed our reservation.”

“That’s okay, I like cooking.”

“This was supposed to be a break for you. Not more work.”

You giggle, “Rex,” You stand on your toes and he leans in to brush his lips against yours, “When will you understand that doing this for you, it’s not work. Not to me.”

He kisses you properly this time, “I think I could love you.”

“Only think? I know I love you.” He blinks at you in surprise, and you smile kindly, “That’s okay, I can wait.” You kiss his cheek, “You’ll get there eventually.”

“You really are wonderful.”

You just beam at him and take his hand in your own, “Come on, we need to stop at the store if I’m going to cook for us.”

“As you wish.”

#star wars #tcw #vodika-vibes 500 follower celebration #captain rex x reader #rex x reader #star wars fanfiction #x reader fanfiction #f!reader fic #answered asks

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happy-beeeps · 1 year

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Body Shots

Pairing: Rex x socialite!reader

Summary: Rex gets absolutely sloshed drunk with the help of the 501st, this is like partly crack partly fluff partly hysterics

WC: 2.3k

Warnings: language, alcohol, nothing explicit but there's some references to NSFW content so minors plz stay away ty, also I lifted like 4 sentences from an episode of Parks and Rec because it just made sense

You weren’t sure what you were expecting when you came to 79’s tonight, but it certainly wasn’t this.

You’re in an impossibly tiny two piece set, nearly dripping in glitter and diamonds, catching the eyes of almost everyone in the bar. You never mind the attention you get here, but especially not here, amongst so many people you’d consider friends. Sure, some of the Shinies might not know who you are yet, aside from what they see on the holomags, but for the most part, it’s all smiles and waves before you find the booth your boys have occupied. Today, though, it’s a different scene than normal. “Come quick,” the message from Kix had said, “The Captain is in rare form tonight.”

Rex is sitting in the center of the bench with a few empty glasses directly in front of him. The boys are smushed in beside him, and you realize you couldn’t even sit if you tried. “Hi boys!” You shout and they whoop and shout your name in response. Rex looks up at you from his glass and his eyes widen, he goes slack jawed.

“Kriff, you look incredible,” he swoons, eyes threatening to bug out of his head as he brings his fist up to his mouth. “‘M the luckiest guy in this bar.” He mumbles, and he’s fighting a losing battle trying to keep his eyes from floating down your chest to the miniscule collection of diamonds that you’re wearing as a top. Ah. Rex is getting drunk. You smile at your Captain and blow him a kiss, before leaning down and dipping your head over to Tup, seated at your left.

“How’d this happen?”

“We got lucky on sabacc, thought we oughtta treat our captain after that last trip off system.” He grins and pumps his hand in the air, and the rest of the boys lift up their glasses of beer in response. “He’s still got a ways to go, but when the captain finally does cut loose, he cuts loose.”

You smile, and look back at Rex, who's fallen into conversation with Jesse as he nurses a drink that from the looks of it is definitely not beer. He sees you look at him and cuts Jesse off mid sentence to address you, smiling the whole time, “I told them it was ok, I mean, I didn’t think. We don’t have anything tomorrow do we? I can stop right now.” He sputters, and you find it so very endearing.

Reaching across the table, you go to cup his cheek and he leans into your touch. Not normally one for PDA, he’s like a loth cat now practically melting into your hand. “Honey, the only thing you and I have planned for tomorrow is going to be some very greasy breakfast delivery.”

You realize now that you’ve never seen Rex drunk. Buzzed? Sure. But it’s normally you he’s hauling over his shoulder and pulling into a cab before you wrangle him to bed. He deserves this time with you and this time with his brothers, to just relax and enjoy leave. You haven’t gotten to talk to him about their last mission, but from what he said, it didn’t sound great.

You’re simmering with excitement as you back away from the table, make a show of walking over to the bar, swaying your hips and nearly skipping the whole. You approach and get the attention of the server, a sweet Togruta woman you’ve gotten to know well. “Those boys over there?” you point to the booth the 501st is occupying, “tonight, they’re drinking on me.” You slap the heavy metal card on the table, as well as a fair amount of credits for the woman who will be inevitably dealing with more than just your drunk clones. She grins and starts pouring a round of shots, before handing you the drink you ordered, a sparkling mint green in a glass with a long stem. She follows you back to the table and Fives and Kix move out and make room for you to sit next to Rex, his hand making a beeline to rest on your thigh. You set the drink down in front of you and look at them, “drinks are on me tonight, consider it a thank you for getting this one to loosen up.” You wink, and the air is suddenly filled with the sound of clinking glasses, cheersing, and expletives.

“I’m the luckiest Captain in this whole karking bar!”

“This is a nice touch,” Rex says, fiddling with the dark blue bracelets you have stacked on your wrist.

“Just like these boys to know where my loyalty lies, Captain.”

He throws his head back and chuckles, before it rolls back around to rest on his shoulder. The rest of the boys have made their way to the dance floor or the bar, leaving you and Rex alone. This mission wasn’t nearly as long as others, maybe a week, but you both seem so needy for each other right now, it’s taking every fiber of your being to not climb into his lap. Rex is feeling it too, you can tell, his longing stares and wandering hands are proof of that. You’ve both drank a fair bit since you got here, and you’re beginning to wonder how you both are getting home. Rex is toying with the hem of your skirt under the table, mumbling under his breath about the fabric.

“What did you say?”

“I said it’s shiny,” he says, before shimmying up out of the booth and stretching an arm out to you. “Would you like to dance?” He asks, and nearly jumps at how fast you shoot out of your seat.

“With you? Always.”

Rex isn’t shy. He’s tall and proud and has a laugh that sounds like a canon if you can get him going. He likes to order extra hot sauce at Dex’s (you think he likes the attention) and no one can tell you that scratching hash marks into his armor for the number of battles he’s won isn’t asking for a little pomp and circumstance. Still, he doesn’t usually indulge in PDA aside from a hand on the small of your back or grasping your hand under a table. Once, after a really rough mission he met you in a room off the landing pad, placing kisses all around your face, and someone might have walked by. That’s about as much as you get, but you’re okay with it, because the second the doors shut you know you have his complete undivided attention. Now, on the floor of 79’s, he’s different, like he’s been stuck in Jakku with no water and you’re an oasis. His hands are roaming your body, pulling you close to his chest as he presses warm kisses down your throat before landing at your jaw. “Eager today, aren’t we?” You laugh as you turn from him, taking a step back to shimmy your body and lift your arms in the air. He sighs and stumbles back a step, clasping a hand over his heart before reaching for you again, to which you happily oblige.

“I missed you, you know.” He murmurs, hands grabbing at the exposed skin of your lower back.

“I know, I missed you too,” you sigh as you press against his plastoid covered chest.

“Need to be better. About telling you how much you mean to me.”

“Rex, you already tell me plenty-”

“Nah, I don’t,” He takes a hand of yours and lifts it up, giving you just the right momentum to spin in place before he stops you, catching you in his arms. “Girl like you should be reminded of it every day.”

There’s a small movement to respond on your part, a slight opening of your lips that he takes an invitation, catching your jaw in his gloved hand and pulling you into him, his lips crashing on to yours. You move together like two stars drawn together in orbit, the familiar feeling of his mouth against yours the brightest beacon to home you’ll ever need. He pulls back, leaving your lips swollen and red, before placing his forehead to yours, searching your eyes for the words he’s saying in his head. I love you.

Forget seeing Rex drunk, you’re now seeing Rex plastered. Or are you? You stopped counting your own drinks when Jesse came back from the fresher claiming a stomach ache and promised he’d make sure the two of you got home. You’ve both drank more, you beat Fives at a drinking game so complicated you were convinced he made it up on the spot. Kix has already cried into your shoulder about how pretty he finds the stunningly violet Twi’lek standing at the bar, and you’ve already stumbled over to them and dragged them to a table with Kix, “You’ve gotta meet me friend, ‘s so sweet.” Fives and Rex are back at it, playing a drinking game that involves a tossed credit and a bunch of dares. You’re sure you’ll never forget the image of Rex singing Sy Snootles’ newest song to the whole bar, and Fives is sitting with one of your large, dangly earrings on his ear, fished out from the purse you left at the booth. Funnily enough, you don’t remember him having any piercings. You walk over just as the two of them have flipped the credit and watch as it lands face up, a sight that makes Rex’s skin pale and brings a sparkle so bright to Fives’ eyes you barely even hear what you’re agreeing to.

So that’s how you found yourself here, surrounded by the Republic's finest, laying on a grimey table in the middle of 79’s while the 501st hollers as Rex holds the shot glass next to you. You’re tingling, and you can’t help but giggle as you look at Rex’s face, his drunken lopsided grin as he holds it up to you. “We’re gonna regret this in the morning.” He slurs and you shake your head, or the whole top half of your body, your fine motor skills aren’t what they were two hours ago. There’s one or two civvies mixed in with your crowd, an absolutely towering Zabrak woman and the Twi’lek from earlier is standing with Kix. With a nod from you, the captain pours the liquor into your naval and deftly brings his mouth to your stomach to slurp it out. You don’t miss the kiss he presses to the side of your stomach afterwards, and you roll your eyes as he puts his arms in the air.

“THE 501ST ARE BACK BABY!” One of the troopers shouts, and Rex pulls you off the table before carrying your bridal style in his arms towards the door. Jesse runs to follow you out the door, grabbing your card, purse, and Rex’s helmet in his hands. He flags down the first cab he sees and deposits you both in it, before handing the driver a bunch of credits and reminding him to “hose down the backseat.”

* * *

“Are we dead? I think we’re dead.”

“I feel okay actually, I went and finished a mission report this morning and went on a run with General Skywalker.”

“Really?”

“No. I threw up in the bushes outside your building last night.”

You open your eyes and carefully roll over to face Rex, who’s running his hands across his face.

“Anyway, good morning princess,” he breaths, stretching his arms and then motioning for you to move in. You happily oblige, finding a home in the crook of his arm and leaning your head on his chest, soaking up the warmth and the sound of his heartbeat. “What did we drink last night?”

“What didn’t we, remind me to murder Tup” you scoff, and push yourself up to swing your legs over the bed, reeling a bit as you do. You stand slowly, finding your way into the kitchen and not stopping until you’ve found two glasses of water and CeeDee. “Please order us every breakfast item on the menu at Dex’s for immediate delivery,” you say to your droid, and before she can respond you speak again, “CeeDee. I mean everything.”

This is how you find yourself less than an hour later sitting perched between Rex’s legs in bed, slicing away at flatcakes and eggs, pieces of bacon and warm toast with saltberry jam, and greasy starch fries. There’s caf too, and you’re both clinging to each other and the cups like your lives depend on them.

“I’m getting too old for this.” Rex groans, leaning back to rest his back on your headboard.

“Please, when you get to be my age,” you joke, following his lead and leaning back on his chest. He rolls his eyes and laughs before taking the caf out of both his and your hands, closing his arms around your shoulders. He puts his head on your chin and you shimmy a little to press a kiss to his cheek. “I like waking up with you.” you sigh, and relax a bit.

“Me too,” he squeezes you tighter, “like going to sleep with you too.” He smirks, and memories of the night come back to you in flashes. Wandering hands on the dance floor, a kiss in the backseat of the cab, the disappearance of your sparkly top on your bedroom floor.

You both stay like this for a while, just enjoying the early morning sounds and the quiet company of your lover. You reach your arms out to scratch an itch on your chest when you feel it, the stick of the shirt you’ve stolen from Rex on your stomach. You reach your hand underneath and tap the offending area, and realize that your stomach reeks of liquor.

“Rex… why does my stomach smell like a liquor cabinet?”

He’s silent for a beat, as if wracking his brain to remember spilling on you when he freezes around you, the memory of the game, the credit, you lying (very elegantly, he’ll tell you later) across the table.

“I’m gonna kill Fives.”

#captain rex x f!reader #captain rex x reader #captain rex #rex x reader #clone trooper rex #commander rex #rex #tcw fic #sw fic #i prommy i'm gonna stay active hehehe

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anxiouspineapple99 · 9 months

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Himbo Noodle Soup for the Soul

Pairing: squint and you can see potential hints of 501st x f!reader; - aka if someone wanted to make it smutty they def could. 🩷 …I’d totally read that too

Summary: Your sleazy boyfriend cheats on you and dumps you. But your favorite 501st himbos are coming to the rescue!

HELP IS ON THE WAY DEAR! HELP IS ON THE WAY!

But the boys can’t agree on a gift. So they all get you something different!

Warnings: FLUFF. It’s all fluff. Don’t come for me. I will not be accepting dental bills for tooth rot thx 😜Some talk of sexual transmitted infections, self loathing, self depreciation

Word Count: 2.8k

A/N: This fic absolutely DOES NOT take itself seriously lol. I honestly had no idea it would garner the support it has and frankly I had fun writing it. I love sappy fluff. It fuels my soul. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it.

This fic was inspired by THIS post! 🩷💖

How could that sleemo do this? Not only did he cheat on you but then he broke up with you via hologram while you were working. A hologram, mind you, that said you should get tested for some STI he picked up from the slag he cheated with. You launched the handheld holoprojector across the supply closet, rage and heartbreak simultaneously fighting for dominance within your stomach. You had an implant that prevented pregnancy and diseases but that inconsiderate, two-timing, laserbrained, e chu ta didn’t know that. How could you be so stupid? You thought he was going to propose. You told everyone as much. This was humiliating. They’ll never let you live this down. They are still taking the piss out of Jesse for that girl from 79s. Obviously you were the problem. He wouldn’t have cheated if you were prettier, smarter, funnier…was it that weird sex thing he wanted to do that you weren’t comfortable with? Bet she did that with him. She was everything you weren’t apparently.

***********

You’d been skulking around the medbay for days now and the boys of the 501st had noticed. Kix realized your usual bubbly greetings you had for him when he entered the medbay had been replaced with a blank stare. You’d been distracted and making mistakes, very unlike you. Fives and Jesse saw the dark circles carved under your puffy red eyes as they passed you in the hallways. You’d stopped laughing at Hardcase’s jokes, now only staring off or giving a halfhearted hum in response. Tup and Dogma found you crying in a supply closet. When you finally stopped joining them for meals in the mess, they decided they needed answers.

“Did we do something? She won’t even look at us,” Fives moved his food back and forth sadly. “Yesterday Dogma and I accidentally bumped into her and she immediately turned and ran crying in the opposite direction. We didn’t even get to apologize,” Tup mumbled as Dogma rested his chin in his hand.

“She doesn’t even laugh at my jokes anymore,” Hardcase whined as he poked the pathetic excuse for breakfast on his tray.

“If you’re talking about who I think you’re talking about, she’s been practically catatonic in the medbay for the last week,” Kix hummed as he and Jesse squeezed in at the table with their brothers.

Rex, who had been silently listening as he worked on reports spoke up, “Her sleemo boyfriend cheated on her and then dumped her over hologram. And told her she needed to get tested for an STI.”

“Kriff…” Fives and Tup mumbled in unison wide eyed in disbelief.

“Hold on, the same guy who called us her…what was it…her ‘work himbos’?” Tup scrunched his nose irritably.

“Maker, what a shabuir. I always thought she deserved better, but this is a whole new low. He can say what he wants about us, I’ll be a work himbo. But he hurt our girl,” Fives growled as he clenched his fist around his fork.

Hardcase slammed his fist on the table, “Where is he? I’ll personally pay him a visit! I’ll show him what this himbo can do!”

“How did you find that out,” Kix leaned into Rex, “I work with her directly and she never confided any of that with me. Last thing she told me she thought he was going to propose.”

“I pulled rank. Told her I was worried about her. She crumbled into a blubbering mess and dumped it all on me and General Skywalker,” Rex shrugged and took a large swig of his caf.

“Cap! Permission to hunt the nerf herder down and put the fear of the 501st in ‘im!” Hardcase was already on his feet. He was itching for a fight and he was ready to show that worthless womprat that no one messed with one of his own.

“Stand down, Hardcase. I don’t need you getting locked up for some scummy nat-born,” Rex sighed, “Besides I may have already offered to put the fear of the Force in him with an unexpected visit and she was adamant that I let it go.”

“Well what can we do? We should help cheer her up,” Tup mused, swirling his cup of caf mindlessly. “Women like Hyellian musical noodles, right? Maybe we can do something with that?” Hardcase mumbled between chewing mouthfuls of food.

“Hardcase that’s the stupidest idea-” Jesse began but Fives interjected holding up his hand, “No. No, he has a point.”

Jesse whipped his head toward Fives, “What point? Fives, no!”

“Fives, yes!” Fives jumped to his feet with chaos twinkling in his eyes.

“Hardcase, yes!” Hardcase followed suit with unbridled elation scrawled into his expression.

“Shut up!” Resounded a synchronized admonishment from Jesse and Kix.

“Jesse is right, ‘Sorry your boyfriend cheated on you and might have given you some weird disease, here are some noodles?’ That is stupid. Women like flowers. She always complained that sleemo never bought her flowers anyway. Flowers say ‘He was a creep but you have us. And we buy your favorite flowers, unlike that walking STI.”

“Flowers? Boring and cliche, much like you my beloved vod.” Fives slung an affectionate arm around Kix who immediately shoved him off with a gruff, “Kriff off Fives. Not boring. Considerate. It shows that I listen to her. And women like being listened to more than Hardcase’s noodles, di’kut.”

“Nah, we should get wine. She loves wine,” Jesse kicked his feet up on the table eliciting a glare from Rex. “Remember a while back when I got totally wasted at 79s and she took me back to her place and took care of me? Once I’d thrown up everything in my stomach and then some, we got to talking and she told me about her favorite wines.”

“Jesse. Boots. Table.”

“Sorry, Captain.”

“Fine. She can drink the wine with the noodles we are getting her, right boys?” Hardcase was not giving up on the idea of noodles no matter what his brothers said. He knew the way to your heart was through your stomach.

“Wait. Isn’t this fraternizing? That’s completely against regulations!” Dogma pressed. A collective groan peppered with “Kriffing Dogma” and “You just had to say something” erupted from the table as all the men turned to look at Rex.

“I already got her something, so you won’t be hearing a word from me,” Rex never looked up from the reports he was poring over.

“Great! That’s settled then, wait… What did you get her, sir?” Fives narrowed his eyes at Rex and drummed his fingers on the table. “Now I can’t tell you that. It would take all the fun out of me watching you all fumble over each other trying to figure out what to get our sweet girl,” a mischievous smile crossed Rex’s lips as he stood up. “But I’ll be giving it to her tomorrow at 1700 hours. So you lot better get a move on. Good luck, gentlemen!” The boys heard Rex chuckling to himself as he walked away. “Good luck, indeed.” Fives’ eyes remained fixed on Rex until he was out of sight.

He sure as hell wasn’t going to let his CO best him at this, “We meet at her apartment tomorrow at 1700 sharp. We’ll see who the best gift giver is then!” After another round of bickering over who was going to find the best gift, the group dispersed. Fives and Tup opted to work with Hardcase, pooling their credits to buy the expensive noodles. Kix, Jesse, and Dogma opted to select their gifts independently.

**********

You were wrist deep in your second tub of ice cream of the evening as you binged holodramas and wallowed in your own self pity on your sofa when someone knocked on the door. You swore under your breath and wrapped your blanket tightly around you as you shuffled to answer.

The door slid open and there were your 501st lads bickering and shoving each other, each one toting an armful of gifts. They froze wide eyed and grinned sheepishly.

“Hey mesh’la! We are here to brighten your spirits!” Fives beamed proudly with an extraordinarily large takeout container and some flowers he had clearly picked from one of the garden boxes outside your apartment building in his hands. You were speechless looking from face to face positively bewildered. Suddenly you were self conscious about what a mess you were, eyes red and puffy, nose runny, hair untamed, potentially chocolate ice cream on your face and you were wearing someone’s blacks, though you couldn’t recall whose. “Hey! I was wondering where those blacks went!” Jesse chortled, “they look better on you cyar’ika.” Okay so they were Jesse’s.

“Boys, w-what is this?” You hugged yourself, an unconscious self soothing habit you’d acquired.

“We heard what happened. With uh…I guess he’s your ex now. We wanted to help you feel better,” Hardcase joyfully ripped the takeout box from Fives’ hands and thrust it toward you. “The noodles were my idea mesh’la! I heard the ladies love Hyellian musical noodles from that restaurant near the Senate! So we had to get you those! Fives, Tup, and I went in on them together for you! Also I got your favorite cookies.” His brilliant smile shining from his eyes even more brightly than his lips as he proudly placed the small bag on the takeout box. For the first time in a week your smile met your eyes, “Hardcase you’re too sweet! I do love noodles and I’ve been meaning to try these for a while now.” Hardcase gave Kix a playful shove, “Told you so, vod!”

Kix rolled his eyes before he held out an exquisite bouquet to you. “Kix, these are…these are my favorite flowers.” His warm smile met his shining amber eyes with a radiance that was unsurpassed even by the twin suns of Tatooine, “Yes, mesh’la. You mentioned once you’d always wanted flowers and that piece of bantha poodoo refused to buy them. But you’re worth all the flowers in the galaxy.”

You sniffed back tears as Jesse stepped toward you with your favorite wine, “Jesse how did you know…” He winked and gave his most charming smile, “You told me that night I stayed here. You know, the one where I got so smashed at 79s and you had to take care of me?” Your eyes widened, “You remembered that?” His only response was a soft kiss to your hand.

Tup leaned around him and handed you a small box the string it was tied with was intricately hand braided. “Tup this looks like the string bracelet I made you,” you tenderly toyed with it, smiling as the soft fibers tickled your fingertips. “I remembered when you showed me how to do it. You said you’d tried to teach that cockalorum once but he told you it was silly. Now we match. I always have mine with me. And those,” he gently tapped the box, “are just some of your favorite candy.”

Dogma shyly slipped you a folded sheet of flimsi. You placed the boxes, flowers, and wine on your end table by the door so you could unfold it. You gasped when you found it was a beautiful sketch of a beach sunset. Dogma flushed as he cleared his throat, “You said once you want to move to a planet with a quiet beach. I just,” his shy smile was one of the most endearing attributes and you loved seeing it now, “I hope this will suffice until you can do that.” “Dogma, it’s exquisite! You drew this? I can’t even imagine how much work this was.” You reached out and squeezed his hand, “I…you went through all that effort just for me?” He shrugged, squeezing you back before bashfully stepping aside.

Fives swaggered up, elbowing past his brothers holding out a messily wrapped package and the freshly plucked flowers. You couldn’t fight the urge to giggle at the sight, “Fives, are these the flowers from the planters outside? This one still has its roots attached.”

“Ahhh maybe? Just open the gift.” Your breath hitched in your throat at the holophoto inside. It was from the most recent deployment, in the medbay on the Resolute; Tup was in the hospital bed, still smiling regardless of his head being freshly wrapped from an injury. Kix was stoically fighting a smile in typical fashion. Hardcase donned his signature beaming grin as he flashed a thumbs up. Dogma was seated next to the bed and there you were. You were atop Fives’ shoulders as Jesse stood next to him, their faces pressed to your thighs. It was a moment you’d wanted to commit to memory forever. A brief glimpse of joy in a seemingly endless war. “These di’kut think I don’t listen, but I do. You were so happy there. I heard you say you wished you could stay like that with us forever. Now you can.” His honeyed voice dropped to a whisper, “You’re special to all of us, sweetheart.” The soft kiss he placed on your nose, a wordless promise that you’d always have a place with them.

Rex, who had been quietly observing, finally stepped through the huddled mass of clones crowded around you. He handed you a small box with a handwritten note. He placed his elbow against your door frame and propped his head on his fist, his gaze soft and affectionate as you read it.

Something to keep with you to remember how loved you are.

Always, Rex.

PS your work himbos never liked him anyway.

You opened the tiny box to see a pair of delicate earrings with little gems that were 501st blue. “Rex, these are incredible. But…these are…I mean. This is so much. I really don’t deserve these. Or any of this really,” your voice was soft, shaking in disbelief at your current situation.

“No? I’d disagree, cyare. In fact every single trooper standing here would disagree with that, wouldn’t you boys?” A chorus of “That’s right, Cap!” and “He’s right cyar’ika!” echoed through the empty hallway. “Besides,” Rex continued, “the ones you’re wearing now are from that scrawny little tit. Correct?” Your nod was barely visible as you stared in awe at the troopers before you. He reached out to tuck a lock of hair behind your ear. “Thought I’d replace those unsightly things with something that reminds you of the real men in your life who actually care about you every time you look in the mirror.”

Your lip trembled looking at the overwhelming display of love you’d received from the boys. Your boys. It was then the dam broke and you could no longer hold back the tsunami of emotions and tears that had been pounding at you all week. “I…you…thank…” you couldn’t form words between the heavy hiccuping sobs. Rex moved in for an embrace. It felt as safe and warm as it had when you’d first confided in him. You pulled back and wiped your face on your sleeve. You inhaled deeply and though your breath was shaking still you were smiling when you looked at the anxious faces quietly watching you, “I can’t possibly eat all of these noodles AND the takeout I already ordered. You boys get in here and we can watch a holofilm while we dig into all the food.”

**********

You and your boys piled on and in front of your sofa until it was just a mess of limbs and laughter and poking and teasing. Once settled you had every trooper touching you in some form, even if it was just a hand resting on your arm, or leg. Rex claimed the spot to your right, his arm lazily resting along the back of the sofa. Kix squeezed in on your left, hands immediately beginning a soothing dance through your hair. Jesse squeezed in behind you, insisting on sharing the middle cushion with you. He positioned you snugly between his thighs. You stopped wiggling when he began drawing soft lazy shapes along your arms, shoulders, and neck with the pads of his fingers, gooseflesh prickled over you followed by a shiver running down your spine. Hardcase and Tup rested their elbows on your thighs and stroked the insides of your legs while ignoring Jesse’s protests of not wanting them hanging on him too. Fives scooted up to you as he sat on the floor, lifting your knees over his shoulders and resting his back against the couch. Dogma laid on the floor, head resting on a pillow between Tup and Fives. His hand reached behind him absently massaging your leg.

For the first time in a week you felt better. You felt loved. You were home. The food, wine, and holofilms lasted late into the night and one by one the clones who’d come to cheer you up had fallen asleep on and near you. Armor had been piled everywhere in your tiny apartment. The flowers were in vases and Dogma’s sketch was already framed. And when you made to switch out your earrings, Rex insisted on doing it for you. You reiterated you could do it, but he was so persistent you let him. “Much better,” he had crooned giving you a tender tap on the chin when he’d finished and chucked the old pair in the garbage.

Hardcase’s snoring was cutting through the silence like the Z-6 rotary blaster cannon he loved to use. Your legs had fallen asleep but you were unwilling to move and disturb any of them. Kix and Rex had made themselves comfortable on your lap, their feet kicked up on the arms of the sofa. Jesse shifted, wrapping his arms around you with a tender squeeze and a mumble that sounded a little like “darling little cyar’ika.” You nuzzled closer and allowed the warmth of their bodies affectionately piled around you to lull you to sleep.

Turns out that loser dumping you was the best thing to have ever happened to you because now you could have as many evenings like this as you wanted. You definitely could get used to himbo slumber parties.

Tag list babes 💕(plus everyone who was interested in this): @dystopicjumpsuit @deejadabbles @sunshinesdaydream @starrylothcat @wings-and-beskar @littlemissmanga

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stardust-kenobi · 1 year

Text

Wildest Fantasies

Rex x F!Reader x Hunter

Summary: A game of truth or dare reveals your deepest desires that Hunter and Rex are happy to indulge in.

Word count: 3.9k

Warnings: SMUT, 18+ minors DNI, mfm threesome (no clonecest!!), rex and hunter being gentlemen, ALOT of dirty talk, piv, oral, fingering, LOTS of praise, squirting, just absolutely wonderful filth <3

A/N: being praised and filled by both of them at the same time would absolutely kill me...this fic is self-indulgent...please enjoy

not my gifs, sorry I cannot find the original creators :(

Your job was boring, but it was steady work. It kept you busy on a very isolated planet, but as the months went by, the duties became mundane and the hours grew longer. Regardless, working for the Kaminoans as a management assistant did, in fact, have its perks. The best one? Spending time with your favorite guys, the Bad Batch and Rex. They had come to be your closest friends, who made your endless days at work tolerable.

You’d befriended a lot of clones on a casual level, many from the 501st. Often you’d catch a hint of flirting from them in daily conversation or lingering glances at your body as you’d pass them in the halls. It makes sense, you thought, of course, they’re all likely to have similar tastes in women. Your bosses didn't particularly like that you were so friendly with them, but never directly ordered you not to socialize with them, so you took advantage of the interactions in order to keep yourself sane on a daily basis.

Regardless, you found yourself around Hunter and Rex most frequently. Whether it be because your specific duties put you with them or just because they went out of your way to be near you, you happily welcomed it.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime of the boys being gone on countless missions and assignments, they’d returned to Kamino. You joined them for a relaxing evening in their shared common room for your usual game night. Crosshair, Wrecker, Echo, and Tech had gone to bed in their separate rooms for the night, leaving you alone to play a very interesting game with Rex and Hunter. You had to admit that you were happy the night ended with just the three of you. The soft spot you had for them begged for their individual attention.

The game was truth or dare, which is usually a very dangerous game. But tonight, it proved to be mild and mostly innocent. The questions and dares were pre-written on cards. The rules said you had to randomly select a card to ask or dare the other players. You were happy to do anything if it meant hanging out with them.

Rex’s fingers landed on a card that presented the next question in your game. It was your turn, which is why Rex’s face subtly lit up when he read the question.

“What’s your wildest fantasy?”

Maker.

Why did THAT have to be the question for your turn? All the other questions had been innocent or funny. Just your luck.

“Like sexually?” You were taken aback. Perhaps you misinterpreted the question.

“Obviously” Rex scoffed with a chuckle, “I mean, unless that makes you uncomfortable”, he clarified, his eyes growing wide. The last thing he wanted was to make you feel uncomfortable in any way.

“I…don’t have one” You lied, knowing damn good and well your wildest fantasies were sitting right in front of you.

“I don’t believe that” Rex laughs, fiddling the card around in his fingers. Hunter stared at you with intent. He was reading you. Thank the stars he was only perceptive, and couldn’t read minds. If he could, you’d be caught in a second.

“It’s true!” You insisted.

“She’s lying” Hunter crossed his arms with a smirk on his adorable face.

“Fine, why don’t you guys share your wildest fantasies?” You rebutted with a playful tone.

They both shared a hesitant glance.

“No, that’s not how this works sweetheart” Hunter shook his head as Rex tossed the card to you.

“Give us a hint at least” Hunter persisted.

“Fine. Men” You said. That was vague enough, right?

“Men…like more than one?” Rex smirked, raising an eyebrow to you.

Oh, stars. Maybe you did give away too much.

“No…like…y’know just men” you stumbled over your words, “I like men”

“Hm” Rex looked at you as if he was still trying to figure it out.

“She got nervous when you said that” Hunter turned to Rex, before mischievous looks appeared on their faces.

“Okay, I see. So a threesome?” Rex assumed.

“I guess” You shyly confirmed. It was true, just not the whole truth. You omitted the detail regarding who you wanted a threesome with.

“I think there’s more to it” Hunter suggested.

“What do you mean?” You cut your gaze at him, wondering where he was going with this.

“Your fantasy gets a little more specific, doesn’t it?” Hunter sat up in his chair, his voice growing rough and quiet.

“Rex, I think she wants a threesome…with us” Hunter said, his eyes now full of lust and arousal. Gods, he was right. You weren’t sure how he knew, or if it was just a lucky guess, but you weren’t able to hide the look on your face when he said it.

“Interesting” Rex leaned back, bringing his hand to rub his chin in consideration. He was secretly excited and certainly on board with the idea.

“Okay fine!” You shouted at a whisper, your cheeks glowing a rosy shade of red, “Yes, I do. Happy?”. Covering your face, you feared how they’d react.

Hunter erupted in an adorable laugh that quickly faded as they both turned their attention to you without another word spoken. As you looked up, their hungry gazes scanned you.

"Alright, Hunter, your turn" You interjected the silence, seemingly changing the subject, but neither of them pressed any further. Hunter and Rex were too considerate to keep that conversation going if they thought you didn’t want to discuss it anymore. That didn’t mean they weren’t obsessing over the thought, which made it hard to keep the bulge in their pants from growing as they imagined it. They knew the thought of fucking you wouldn’t leave their minds. Not even if they stroked themselves later pretending it was you. Nothing was going to cure this craving, but their imaginations would have to be enough.

"Dare" He stated quickly. Hunter thought maybe this dare could lead you all back to another topic to tighten the sexual tension in the room.

You enthusiastically leaned forward to pull the next card from the "dare" deck. No words could've described the convenient timing of the card you pulled.

"Do whatever the person holding the card says to do" You smirked seductively as the words left your lips, "You know what, I think I'll bend the rules here a little bit. This one applies to both of you"

"Hit us with it, sweetheart" Rex eagerly accepted.

The arousal forming within you at even the thought of what you were about to suggest greatly excited you, fueling your confidence to boldly say it.

"I dare you…to fuck me"

It was obvious that Hunter suddenly became flustered, shifting in his seat, feeling himself becoming worked up hearing you say something so dirty. Rex swallowed hard and sat up straight, also seemingly feeling the sexual frustration within him begin to ache.

“So?” You threw up your hands, impatient from the silence and eager to possibly live out your fantasy after all. Rex's precious expression of excitement couldn't be hidden by the stoic front he tried to present as he looked to Hunter. Their wordless agreeance with one another translated to you instantly.

"Is that really what you want?" Rex questioned, needing your reassurance before going any further.

“More than anything” You purred.

“Come on, then” Hunter gestured with his head to the hallway where his room was located.

Adrenaline pumped vigorously through your veins, eliminating any pesky feeling of nervousness or timid behavior. It was all happening so fast, but felt so invigorating as you imagined the heaven you were about to experience in his room alone with both of them.

They both stood to their feet first before Rex walked to you, holding out his hand for you to help yourself up.

What a gentleman, you thought.

The walk down the hallway was intimidating, knowing the other boys were fast asleep behind each of their doors. Thankfully for you all, the walls were thick, and hopefully soundproof. As you found yourself in Hunter's room, you admired how spacious it was, and wondered how he was lucky enough to have such a large bed, plenty big enough for you three to indulge yourselves.

"On the bed, princess" Hunter commanded while he and Rex worked to remove their outer layer of armor, leaving themselves only in their black under-layers as you laid back comfortably, anxiously awaiting the feeling of their wandering hands on your body.

It was as if they rehearsed it, with the way they towered over you together, Rex pulled away at your top, while Hunter worked to remove your pants. Within seconds your bare skin was exposed to the chilled air of the room, sending goosebumps across your body.

"Oh, Y/N, you are so beautiful" Rex praised sweetly as they stood back to get a better view of your bare body on display for them. They couldn't believe this was happening, and truly they felt like the luckiest men in the galaxy knowing they were about to have you moaning and melting beneath them.

"Fuck, look at her. So perfect" Hunter whispered, his jaw tightening.

"Rex, come here" You instructed, holding your hand out for him to grab, pulling him gently to the bed. He wanted you so bad he couldn't stand it, which is all the more reason for him to be a little nervous, and you could tell. As he hovered above you, your fingers found the bottom hem of his shirt and pulled it above his head. The chiseled, slightly scarred body in front of you was a dream to look at, and you admired every inch of it.

Hunter, showing more confidence than Rex in this situation, had removed his shirt, too, and sat next to you on the edge of the bed while Rex found his confidence in attacking your lips, wrapping you into a passionate kiss. The electrifying feeling of his touch with the sudden caress of Hunter's fingers traveling slowly up your thigh was already so deliciously overwhelming.

Rex's lips moved down to your neck, allowing Hunter to sweep in to place his eager lips upon yours. His hand rested hesitantly in the crease of your thigh, unsure if you were ready or not. Arousal was already pooled in between your legs.

"Touch me...Maker, do whatever you want to me...both of you" You begged breathlessly, needing them to handle you in every way they ever dreamed about.

"Well, you heard her, Hunter" Rex smiled, teasing intermittently between the sweet pecks upon your neck.

With your back now pressed firmly into the mattress, they began overtaking your body as you'd asked. Rex peppered more kisses slowly down to your breasts before taking your sensitive nipple into his mouth sucking gently, earning a light whimper from your lips. Hunter held his face close to you, barely leaving any space at all between your lips and his, watching your expression as his fingers found their way to your already wet entrance.

"Kriff...Rex, she's soaked already" He teased, looking down at the desperate look on your face.

"Good girl" Rex praised how turned on you were, his hands wandering every square inch of your body.

"Very good girl" Hunter reiterated. He wanted to watch you when he finally touched you where you needed him. Fingers trailed up your slit, finally finding rhythm on the bud of your clit. Your body twitched subtly at the contact with the release of a soft moan that was music to their ears.

"We've barely gotten started with you, sweetheart, are you sure you can handle this?" Hunter playfully asked, applying more pressure to his motions.

Nodding with a smile, you pulled at Rex's pants, not able to form the words you needed right now. You had to be dreaming, you thought, this was everything you'd ever wanted.

"Oh, you want this?" Rex teased as he pulled his aching cock from the restraint of his pants. With an affirmative nod, you moaned so desperately at the sight.

"Turn over" Hunter instructed. You did as he asked, and positioned yourself on your hands and knees. Rex, also on his knees, lined the tip of his length up to your open mouth, while Hunter moved behind you, trailing his hand up the back of your thighs before sliding two fingers into your pussy.

You whimpered at the feeling at the same moment that Rex's cock filled your mouth completely. The sweet sound of his expressive pleasure filled the air with your own. Hearing Rex enjoying the sensation of your mouth sent a flash of heat through your veins. His hands rested gently on your head while you began to suck him off.

Fingers pumped in and out of you with perfect rhythm as Hunter curled his digits with every motion. The angle at that he fucked you with his fingers added even more of an overwhelming feeling as he brushed your g-spot so effortlessly. Your moans were muffled from your occupied mouth, but Hunter still heard how good he made you feel.

"Yeah, you like that, princess?" He growled, leaning down to whisper into your ear, "just wait until you feel my cock inside you"

You swirled your tongue around Rex's cock with the bobbing of your head. It was a struggle to focus on your motions when Hunter was working so fervently to bring you to your climax. They both deserved your full attention, and you were going to give it to them.

"She feels amazing, Sergeant, ah- fuck, so good" Rex stumbled on his words as he focused on his pleasure.

"Oh yeah? I think I'll have to feel her for myself" Hunter chuckled softly and sadistically, so eager to be inside you he could hardly stand it anymore.

"I can feel you tighten around my fingers, sweetheart, go on. Come for me"

The tightening coil in your lower belly was begging to burst open, and with just two more glides of his hand, it washed over you so suddenly. You moaned loudly, pulling off of Rex’s cock to properly breathe as your body was overtaken by euphoria.

“There you go, Y/N” Hunter encouraged you, keeping his pace as you clenched around him.

“Just like that, baby, you sound so pretty when you come” Rex praised you, running his hand through your hair while he stroked himself next to your face, allowing you to enjoy your orgasm without worrying about him for a moment.

Their approving moans graced your ear while the tingling pleasure fizzled slowly. They were completely enamored with you, watching your every single move and reaction to the effect of their touch.

“I’m gonna fuck you now, sweetheart, okay?” Hunter warned you now, and even the words made you clench around the emptiness left from where he removed his fingers.

“Please, yes. I need your cock” You begged with a tiny whimper, your hips instinctively backing up against Hunter.

“Such a filthy mouth, I think you need it filled again” Hunter chuckled, grabbing a handful of your ass.

Rex nodded to him with a precious smirk, pressing the tip of his length against your swollen lips again. The sudden sensation of Hunter's cock pressed against your cunt earned an eager moan from your throat, sending vibrations over Rex as you continued to suck him off.

The fullness overwhelmed your senses as Hunter fully sunk himself into your wetness. He choked on a strangled moan, finally able to feel what he'd dreamed of for so long as he bottomed out. Rex and Hunter found sync and rhythm together as they thrust in and out of you from their opposite ends. It was more intoxicating to you than you'd ever felt in bed before. Nothing compared to being absolutely worshipped by these men who wanted nothing more than to focus on your own pleasure.

You melted at the sounds they made, so sweet and arousing, as they found satisfaction in what you provided to them. You'd hoped that what you assumed before was true about the sounds not escaping the walls around you, because if the adjoining rooms had any clue of what was happening in this room, your relentless cries would've been the dead giveaway.

You loved looking up at Rex with his cock in your mouth, but you wanted to see Hunter while he fucked you, too. As you pulled away from sucking Rex, Hunter took note of how you tried to watch behind you.

"You want to watch, sweetheart?" Hunter purred. Hearing him speaking softly in such a naughty context sent chills down your spine.

"Yes, I want to watch, please” You pleaded, moaning through your words before returning to lick all of Rex's length.

"I think its Rex's turn to feel this sweet cunt of yours, yeah?"

The motions of Rex's thrusts into your mouth faltered only at the sound of his suggestion. He wanted to feel your pussy, but was so patient to wait his turn.

"She's ready for you, Rex” Hunter groaned as he removed himself from you and Rex did the same. You were empty...so painfully empty. You wanted...no...you needed to be filled again.

They both used their strength to turn you over onto your back again. Hunter moved swiftly as he sat next to your face, propping your head on his thigh, putting your eye level with his length, and giving you the view you wanted. Rex wasted no time, sinking suddenly into your wetness. An animalistic, desperate moan escaped him.

“You gonna watch me fuck you, princess?” Rex smiled so sweetly before his mouth fell open and his brows furrowed together.

Using your moisture that still coated Hunter’s length and the pre-cum that leaked from his tip, you began to stroke him firmly. He twitched at the contact, but groaned deeply as the pleasurable sensation kicked in again.

As Rex fucked you hard, his thighs slapping firmly against yours, Hunter cupped one of your breasts into his hand, gently caressing your nipple. The other hand traveled slowly down to your aching clit that begged to be touched again.

"You're being such a good girl for us, letting us fuck you like this" Hunter praised sweetly, watching you writhe and squirm with the motions of his fingers. Once again, they both found a rhythm in what they were doing, pushing you so close to the edge. As you continued stroking Hunter, he subtly thrust his hips into your fist.

"Fuck, I-...I'm so close" You whimpered.

"Come on his cock" Hunter whispered to you, keeping consistent motions on your clit, “you’re doing so good”

An unfamiliar sensation built deep inside you with the approach of your second orgasm. The growing pleasure that centered itself in between your legs exploded, radiating out through your veins, overwhelming you so wonderfully. As you came, that unfamiliar pressure released itself, coating Rex's thighs and Hunter's hand as you cried out incoherent profanities.

"Oh, maker" Rex relished in how arousing it was watching you squirt on him. Hunter deeply moaned as he watched it, too, the look on his face showing pure pride for what they'd made you do.

You held your mouth open in shock, knowing you'd never done that before, but it felt so good.

"That's never...stars, that has never happened before" You breathed heavily as you came down from the most intense orgasm you'd ever felt. You hardly noticed you were trembling.

"Give us another one" Hunter commanded, returning to rubbing your clit once more.

"I can't, fuck, it's too much" You whined as your overstimulated body twitched and squirmed with Rex’s cock still deep inside you. Hunter smirked, laying his arm across your chest to hold you down. He knew you needed more, and they were going to give it to you.

"Yes, you can princess. You can take it" Rex encouraged you as he started to move his hips again.

You were so sensitive but still truly wanted to feel that again. The craving to experience another release outweighed any hesitation. Leaning up, propping yourself on your elbows, you took Hunter into your mouth and let him fuck your face while he still worked make you come again.

“I won’t last much longer, Y/N, Kriff you feel so good” Hunter praised, using your skilled tongue to get himself off.

“Me either. She’s so tight” a soft whimper trailed the end of Rex’s words.

The sensation crept up to you again, quicker than before. The brushing of Rex’s cock against your g-spot, the firm pressure against your clit, and the way Hunter used your face for his own pleasure pushed you closer and closer to the edge.

“Right there, yes, don’t stop” You begged so desperately, pulling off Hunter’s length to breathe. Quickly he pulled you back onto him.

Before you could even prepare for it, your third orgasm washed over you like a graceful wave, the pressure unleashing itself as you came for them again. You soaked them both again, earning approving grunts and moans from them as they watched in awe of you. You were a mess of whimpering that was muffled by Hunter’s cock that nearly choked you as he made you take all of him at once.

“That’s our good girl, fuck, you’re soaking us” Rex praised, his thrusts growing harder as he chased his own high. You were slowly coming down the rush of your orgasm and felt your legs grow weak as they trembled.

Their pleasurable expressions filled the room as they both grew louder, knowing that know that you were taken care of, they could use you as they pleased to reach their own release.

With a couple more thrusts, you were suddenly filled with cum on both ends of your body as they spilled themselves inside of you simultaneously. A tear trickled down your cheek from how much Hunter had filled your mouth, his tip pressing at the back of your throat. They both removed themselves so slowly, and as you swallowed all that he gave you, Hunter softly wiped your cheek before kissing you gently on your red and swollen lips. Rex’s cum began slowly dripping out of you, and you loved the feeling.

Rex and Hunter both collapsed on either side of you in bed as you all floated back down from your intense highs.

“That was…” Rex started, breathless and speechless.

“Fucking amazing” You finished for him.

“I’ll say” Hunter chuckled.

Your wonderfully aching body fell tired so suddenly. They both looked over, admiring you.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, yeah?” Hunter suggested, standing to help you to your feet. They showered you with the gentle attention you needed in your exhaustion and helped you bathe before laying you down tenderly in bed.

——

Taglist: @wanderer-six @ilovestarwarsmen725

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rexxdjarin · 1 year

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Captain’s Log: Chapter 12

Demoralize

[previous] [next] part of Captain's Log series post on ao3

Pairing: Captain Rex x Fem!Reader (she/her pronouns used) Word Count: 9.8k Series Rating: Explicit (18+ only, Minors DO NOT INTERACT) Chapter Summary: Everything is revealed when the stakes are highest. Our crew at long last realizes that deciding how to counter an unspeakable evil determines who they are in a galaxy where inaction is often easier than being a hero. Chapter Warnings: 18+ as usual but SFW, No Smut this time, Mature Themes, Language, Political References, References to Canon Plot, References to Canon Deaths, Angst, Anguish, Political Infighting, References to genocide

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The low steady siren rang as it alerted us to our drop out of hyperspace. Senator Organa’s private cruiser was far too luxurious to be suspected by anyone of holding three renegade clones and an exiled Coruscanti senator’s aide on board.

You’ve now arrived in the Atrivis Sector.

Bail’s remote navigator announced over the ship’s comm’s. Rex shifted under my head, the soft plush of his unarmored chest an unfamiliar yet not unwelcome feeling. We’d all changed into clean and unassuming clothes for the trip. The less we raised suspicion the better. They cleaned up so nicely. Such stoic and handsome men looked too good for civilian rags.

Gregor stuck to his usual yellow, a favorite of his. He chose a leather quilted jacket and deep brown cargos with rugged boots which he’d carefully propped up on the end of the table. Wolffe, to no one’s surprise, opted for a gray bomber over all an black top and bottom. Since they were to stay behind on our ship, being stowed away in a small cargo hold hidden on board the massive luxury liner, they didn’t need anything formal.

Rex and I, on the other hand, were decked out in the nicest options Bail and Breha had to offer. Rex fitted himself in a navy blue sport coat and dark tailored pants that fit him like a glove. He was lucky enough to find something that looked like it was made for him. He looked incredibly dashing, there was no denying that. Though, he was anything but comfortable. I could tell he felt exposed. Not only was his actual clone face way too visible, so was his signature blonde hair. He’d definitely put up more of a fuss than I was expecting.

I managed to find a glittering blue dress that matched Rex, the color coordination not going unnoticed. That was, of course, intentional. He had to look like a date to a high class event, which the secret meeting was headlined as, in order to subdue any suspicions from the Empire. The delicate straps glazed over my shoulders and the fabric was busy enough to distract from the growing bump just starting to appear underneath my clothes.

Needless to say Rex’s eyes popped out of his head when I exited the fitting room where Breha herself made the alterations to the gown. The other boys hadn’t been able to stop staring as we all sat in the ship's passenger lounge awaiting arrival.

“You sure you won’t be cold in this, mesh’la?” Rex finally spoke, his bare knuckle grazing down the curve of my shoulder. “You can have my coat whenever you need.” He muttered, his tired gaze taking a quick peek down the top of my dress.

I sighed, looking up at him and readjusting my position to cuddle into him tighter. “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much.” My hand traced the exceedingly tempting line of muscle on his chest under the fabric of his undershirt. “You look…so unbelievably handsome, Captain. If I wasn’t already months along, I’d be worried…” I chuckled.

His lips quirked into an amused half grin. “Me? Don’t think I’m the one everyone’s going to have their eyes on tonight, my beloved.”

I blushed and bumped his shoulder with my own. “Mmm, maybe that’s for the best. If they focus more on me, they might not immediately notice you. Even if I think you look so good that they should.”

“Yeah..yeah..would feel a lot more comfortable if they at least let me carry my helmet or something. What am I supposed to do with my hands?” He chuckled, lifting one up to stare at it like he didn’t recognize it without the black glove to cover it.

“You can start by holding my hand.” I slipped my fingers between his, the weight of his palm dropping our joined hands between our laps. “I’ll have to lead you through the crowd like my date once you put on this ridiculous thing.” I laughed, tipping my chin toward a far too formal hat sitting on the table in front of us.

Rex groaned loudly, “Ugh don’t remind me. Thing’s hideous.” He leaned forward, picking the hat up in his hand and looking it over like it was the most foreign object he’d ever seen. “Will never understand civvie clothes. How does anyone pay attention to the things that come out of your mouth while you’re wearing this?”

“Sometimes it’s that you don’t want them to pay attention to what you’re saying. At least as far as the Senate used to go, sometimes…” I sighed remembering the first time I took a look at Padmé’s expansive wardrobe. It seemed unfathomable to a girl like me who had little more than the clothes on her back. “Sometimes it’s about putting on such a performance that they don’t notice what’s going on behind the scenes.”

“Hmmm…I suppose that makes sense. A fake out if you will.” He thought aloud, his dark eyes searching the inner workings of the ship above our heads like he was constructing a map of it himself. “That seemed to be his plan all along.” He muttered, sighing and looking down at our joined hands. “Some of them might say…that’s what I- we- were doing too, you know?”

“I know.” I replied solemnly, “but you are the proof it wasn’t. You wouldn’t be bold enough to come before all of them unless it was to tell the truth.” I shifted, pulling my arms up to clutch my shoulders as if to stave off chills creeping along my exposed skin. “If I believe you, if Bail believes you, why shouldn’t they?”

Rex closed his eyes and reopened them, nervously glancing at both his brothers snoozing with their heads resting on each other’s shoulders. “For their sake…I hope they do.” His fingertips ghosted along my collar bone as he pulled me into his side. “Have you planned what you’re going to say?” He asked, the far away haze in his brown eyes hinting at just how much his mind had raced through his own hasty explanation of his survival.

“Well, I figured I’d start with some kind of acknowledgement that a rebellion like this is what Padmé had always been a fierce supporter of. And that it’s in her honor that I stand before them today as a survivor of a purge designed to destroy the independent thinkers and freedom fighters of our galaxy. The clones included.” I swallowed thickly, knowing that discussing the involuntary aspect of the clones’ hand in what happened was probably going to be a tough sell at the start.

“You’re definitely going to need me to chime in on that. Talk about the chips, show ‘em my scar. We’ve got more than enough holo scans and proof that the chips had some hand in how things went down. The removal part is where I’m getting stumped…” He drifted off, addressing the obvious bantha in the room.

Ahsoka.

“Ahsoka?” I asked him gently, the continued radio silence from his closest friend worrying him more than he’d ever let on.

“Mhm.” He responded solemnly, “I don’t know how we explain it. I did tell Fox that Maul killed her. I’m sure I could work that into a believable explanation. Say I buried her with my brothers that day. Sometimes in a way it feels like I did.” His eyes were welling up with tears and I took a deep breath to hold back my own. I cupped his cheek in my palm and wiped them away before they had the chance to fall.

“Oh Rex,” I cooed, allowing him the space to be vulnerable and breathe while bolstering the strength he needed to get through tonight. “She’s alright. I know it. She’s probably doing exactly what we are right now, trying to help out in what little ways she can.”

“Yeah, yeah…you’re right, I know. I’m okay. It’s just going to feel weird giving a briefing without a jedi beside me. Doesn’t feel right. They were always better with the words and convincing stuff than we clones. Leading a fight isn’t the same without her.”

“Well, Rex, maybe that’s the next mission. Looking for Ahsoka. We do whatever we can for your brothers, then us…and our son…we go find her. She’s going to want to meet her little nephew.”

He grinned, the existential dread that crept in on him from time to time faded back into obscurity as the smile grew on his face. “You’re sure it’s a boy huh.”

I rested my hand on my belly and his followed, lacing his fingers into the spaces between mine. “I know it is. Like everyday I know him a little more. Everyday he’s more and more restless. He’s got all his Daddy’s fight in him, that’s for sure.”

Rex beamed, his cheeks flushing as he let the praise soak in. “Does it feel…weird? Like, do you feel him in there? I…grew in a test tube. This is all foreign to me.”

I laughed out loud, both Gregor and Wolffe perking up immediately at the sound. “He hasn’t kicked or anything…yet. But it’s like I can feel his feelings…his presence, it’s like he’s already right in front of me. I’ve never felt anything like it.”

“So he’s dramatic and intense…wonder where he gets that from.” Rex teased, nuzzling into my neck and kissing so delicately it sent shivers down my spine. He pulled back to meet my playful little pout and chuckled, “See what I mean?”

Wolffe let out a deep sigh of mild annoyance as he stretched to shake the sleepiness off. Gregor turned back over to tuck in for at least five more minutes of sleep. I wondered just how much they’d ever been taught about little ones or how to prepare for them. They probably wouldn’t be getting much sleep in just a few months' time. Especially if he does turn out to be what I am starting to suspect he is.

“I think we should start coming up with names, Rex. Maybe it’ll help us pass the time until we land.” I offered, realizing my own apprehension for the upcoming meeting.

“Don’t need to think too hard. I’ve already got one I like, mesh’la.” He reached over and pulled me into his lap, letting my head rest on his shoulder. “Wanna hear it?” I looped my arms around his neck and cuddled into him tighter, careful not to destroy all I’d done to dress myself up for later.

“Yes, of course I do. Tell me what you’re thinking, baby.”

His bicep curled around my back to support me and he slid one of the straps that had fallen off my shoulder back into place. “I’ve thought about this one a lot. I…I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a name any of my brothers had. At least not in the 501st. And I tested it out so it sounds good with our names. Your last name too…since I don’t really have one.”

“Rex…you’re rambling again…” I scolded playfully, giggling at how serious he was taking all of this. He really was an overachiever at everything. No surprise that he’d want to excel at fatherhood too.

“Uh..right. Mesh’la…my love, what do you think about Kai?”

Kai.

Instantly, I felt the tiniest thump in my belly. Barely a slight tickle or a flutter. A very early little kick that was just present enough to be noticed and meaningful.

I gasped, sitting up and grabbing Rex’s hand to rest in the same spot I’d felt it before.

“What?” He asked with way too much concern in his sweet, deep voice.

“Say it again…the name…” I exclaimed, Gregor and Wolffe now sitting up and making their way over to check things out.

“Kai.” Rex said, the pride radiating off him in waves now.

The feeling came again, this time a bit more enthusiastic than before.

Rex turned to me immediately, the excited twinkle in his eye lighting up his whole face. He turned to his brothers, as giddy as a bright eyed cadet and kissed my forehead. “He kicked.” He explained to his puzzled brothers, now squatting on the ship floor in front of us.

“Really? You can feel that? It’s sorta early, no?” Wolffe wondered aloud, his hand hovering above ours and looking at me with hesitation before I nodded my approval. He and Gregor both let their palms spread over the same spot Rex and I felt before.

“Not for him. He’s special…our little Kai.” I said, resting my forehead on Rex’s, the subtle kicks coming again in response to the name he clearly liked. Gregor and Wolffe’s gleefully surprised expressions matched their brother’s as they felt it now too.

Rex kept his eyes on me, a haze of relief now flooding over him. “Guess he likes it, huh?” He chuckled. I nodded, tipping my chin up to kiss Rex softly and repeating the name under my breath until it felt fully etched into my heart.

“Yeah. Yeah, I think he does. Nice to meet you, Kai.” Gregor whispered, trying his best to rein in his excitable nature during such a tender moment.

Wolffe looked between the group of us, the faintest hint of a smile on his usually stern, serious face. “Welcome to the crew, little bug.”

–

Fest feels like one giant endless mountain. The entire landscape was snow capped peaks with ancient ornate temples carefully constructed around the craggy rock faces. Quick research on my datapad stated that many of these were once monasteries and meditation centers for jedi of a bygone era. They now served as little more than monuments and attractions for wayfaring tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner rim.

Our ship circled into a modest spaceport at the center of an old, quaint city settled in a valley of hills between the planet’s snowy peaks. Though the place looked old, the people who greeted us were anything but. There was Bail, looking sophisticated and expensive like usual. The other people at the admittance gate to the next transport looked even more ornate and opulent than Bail did. It was like every person on this planet had moved here specifically to fit into a culture of glamor and vacationing. As if there wasn’t galaxy wide terror going on outside of here.

It was a strange place to have a meeting about rebellion efforts. Though, maybe not an obvious one, which was probably why it was chosen. It could all be explained as a simple retreat for hardworking planetary leaders. The Empire could dismiss any suspicions if it just seemed like they were all headed to a known getaway planet for a few rotations.

There was also a lack of any security forces around, which felt more off-putting than it did safe. At least to Rex and I, who clearly knew better than to trust any planet that arrogantly thinks it doesn’t need to protect itself from anything. The entire transport ride to the conference center and spa in the high hills was spent crowding into each other due to lack of trust of any of the people around us.

The “conference” was being held at the Fest Oasis Spa & Retreat, an exorbitant grand temple converted into a hotel meant for only the wealthiest of the galaxy. The sprawling stone building was clearly well kept and equipped with tall towers and balconies to overlook both the ancient city below and the towering mountains above. The most awe-inducing sight of all was the meadow of bright, bursting orange flowers dotting the entire hillside where the old building was set and one gigantic, spiraling tree that must’ve been growing there for millenia.

It was not entirely dissimilar from the one that was supposedly at the old Jedi temple that now sat decimated and in cinders back home on Coruscant. That meant that this place was likely once used by Jedi. Although the Empire had already done plenty to try to wipe them from recorded history all over the galaxy, there were some places where the evidence of them would always be present if you knew what to look for.

In the late afternoon sun, the large stone patio entryway was bathed in golden amber light that mimicked the rich color of the flowers in the meadow it overlooked. The Senators and leaders were all invited to attend a large banquet at an elegant dining hall that Rex and I wanted absolutely no part of. We were probably not invited anyway.

Instead, we opted to take a walk around the grounds. Might as well make it look like a date even though we were in for one of the most important meetings of our lives in just a few hours. We stopped by a toppled ruin of what was once a tall stone tower and laid down beside each other in our fancy clothes.

The soft green grass swayed in the warm breeze. Sunshine bled through every blade, washing over us in waves. Around us on all sides was the beautiful meadow, with the mountains off in the distance and the lone tree offering us the promise of shade if we wanted it. He breathed softly under my cheek, his chest a more grounding comfort than the earth beneath my back. His hand slowly dragged up my spine just over the dress, making cold chills raise goosebumps on my warm skin.

I was too preoccupied with the view and the dreamy peace it provided to notice that he was staring at me. My eyes sparkling as I took in the landscape around me, my face lighting up in a soft, satisfying smile every time the breeze lifted my done-up hair just so, my heart beating faster with each touch of his fingertips along my back. This place could be my peace, my dream and my safety. But his peace, his dream, his safety was with me.

I could feel that now, though I had always known. He had told me more times than I could count. Slowly, I pulled myself up to rest on top of him. My head leaned on my crossed arms on his chest and blinked up at him in a daze, hoping he could read the intense swell of emotion I felt for him just in the bat of my lashes. His hand smoothed through my hair, staring into my eyes as I watched a smile spread across his face.

We didn’t have to talk. He didn’t speak. I didn’t either. We just looked at each other, comfortable in this brief moment of rest that by some miracle we’d been afforded. The adoration and devotion between us both was as prevalent and as sure as the sun shining on my open back. I was almost positive I could hear the grass itself singing to me and the wind whispering his name through the rustling branches of the only tree around.

He tilted his head at me, remarking all the ways my face showed beauty he swore could have only been made for him. He leaned down to brush the pad of his thumb along my blushing cheek and smiled. “Come here. Can’t wait any longer to kiss you.” He rasped.

I slid up to rest my forehead on his, “you never have to ask.” I whispered , letting our lips brush with each word I formed. I held his face in my hands and kissed him slowly, allowing us to lose ourselves in this dream place where nothing else existed but he and I. Just for now, in this moment it was us. Me and Rex, our future growing rapidly inside me. The rest of our family at home waiting for our return. Hopefully, it would always be this way. Somehow.

We watched the sun sink down over the mountain peaks on the other side of the valley and cuddled each other closer as the bitter chill of the evening breeze swept through the tall grass. As the hours ticked by, we sat in silence, mentally and emotionally preparing ourselves to lay it all on the line. The future of Rex’s brothers all hinged on the decision the rebellion made tonight.

Rex would fight to free them, with or without anyone else’s help if he had to. But it would certainly help things to have the underground resources available to back us up.

The commlink on Rex’s wrist lit up, signaling that they were ready for the actual purpose of this meeting to begin. He tapped the button to respond his receipt of the request and then sighed deeply.

“You ready?” I whispered, sitting up and brushing the wrinkles off the fabric of my dress.

“As I’ll ever be…” He remarked, standing up and offering his hand to guide me with him. “Senator Organa said the meeting is in the far monastery building at the base of the mountain. They’re taking the interior hallway entrance from inside. We’ll enter through the tunnels. He left us with a way to escape, if we need it. Guess he knows I always like to have an exit plan.”

I chuckled, resting my head on his bicep as we traveled toward the meeting point. “Yeah, imagine where he might’ve learned that.”

Rex hummed his understanding and looked down at the bag carrying his helmet rustling between us. “Why did you need me to bring this, again?”

“For effect. To make them visually understand what you’ve been through. Helps it really hit home for them. Lot of these people haven’t seen the war from a clone's perspective. We have to try to change that.” I kicked a few tiny pebbles down the trodden dirt pathway, the stone rimmed opening to a passageway inside appearing in view.

“Hmm couple that with my report…all our evidence. They’ll see. You’ve got the puck with Rampart’s recording too, right?” Rex asked, a scowl beginning to form as he remembered what that message contained.

I reached into the bag and turned the small holodisc in my hand a few times, nodding in confirmation. “I’m sure all of these leaders have come into contact with Imperial officers like Rampart or Tarkin often. It’s not like they’ll think of them favorably or anything. Guys like them have destroyed the way of life on many of their planets. Even before the war ended.”

“Do we know who’s going to be there?” Rex asked tentatively, like he was looking for a certain response to the question.

“No…but if you’re asking if the rebellion includes former separatists…I think the answer is probably yes. From what I’ve been reading on the holonet, your buddy Saw has been a bit of a nuisance to everyone. Imperial and otherwise. Think he’ll be there.”

Rex laughed and rolled his eyes, “trust me, I’d expect nothing less from him. He’s had the spirit of a rebel since the day I met him. He’s admittedly…tough to rationalize with at times, but his heart’s in the right place.”

“Well, we’ll find out who’s at this meeting soon enough.” I said, as we approached the entry to the tunnels and stepped inside to find it was already pre-lit for our arrival. Torched flames dotted the wall every couple feet and it was easy to find our way around since only the paths we needed were lit.

“Hey, mesh’la?” He stopped, pulling me back into his arms.

I rested both my hands on his chest and smiled up at him, “yes, Captain?”

He grabbed my face in both his hands, kissing passionately and urgently, like everything he’d ever needed the courage to do depended on this to give it life. He pulled away hesitantly, like he didn’t want to stop, and pressed his cheek to mine. “Thank you. For being here with me. For being there for all of us.”

“It’s what every good soldier would do for their men, right? I may not have been able to fight alongside you during the war. But I can fight to protect you all now. I’d do anything to make this right.”

Rex held me against his chest tightly, like if we stayed here nothing would change. Like the fate of his brothers wouldn’t have to be determined by what we say to a group of people that had enough power amongst them to once again choose what happens to millions of clones.

I breathed in the deep musky scent of him, the faint undertones of the flowers from the meadow still present all over the blue jacket he wore. I could practically feel my heart jumping through my chest to calm his. “No matter what they decide, Rex, I won’t stop.”

“I know.” He muttered, pulling back and holding my hand to lead us to the door at the end of the tunnel. “You’re going to make me proud in there.”

“I could say the same, you know. And if they don’t show you the respect you deserve, I’ll have something to say about it, Captain.” I laughed, watching him straighten up and snap right back into military mode like he’d been taught to do his entire life.

He shook his head and laughed to himself, looking straight ahead as he tapped on the tunnel exit three times to signal our arrival.

“Hey, you know something?” He asked softly as someone entered the passkey into the blast doors on the other side.

“Hmmm, what?” I whispered, the doors beginning to open as I stared at him quizzically.

“I love you.”

“I know.”

–

For a supposedly small uprising against the Empire, there sure were a lot more well-known and easily recognizable faces than we thought. Representatives from planets all over the galaxy sat around a large holotable, a star map in the center serving as placeholders to guide everyone where to sit. Rex and I had two obvious empty seats directly beside Bail.

From just a small glance around the table, I recognized a few people immediately. Senator Mothma of Chandrila, a close friend and ally to both Padmé and Bail over the years, sat across from us. Beside her were several Rodians, who were serving in place of Senator Farr who I knew quite well before his untimely murder by one of his own. Humans from several planets who I recognized by face more than name filled the chairs between her and someone I knew would show up.

Saw Gerrera leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest and sporting bacta patches over what must have been a nasty blow to his left eye. He was accompanied by a young, well-dressed and clean cut man, probably about my age. I’d never seen him before, but he looked about as comfortable standing around this table as Rex and I were.

Our hosts, rebels from Fest sat nearest to Bail and were in control of the swirling and ever changing holo in front of us. Beautiful blue Pantoran women led by Senator Chuchi were cautiously talking amongst themselves as they tried hard to avoid their neighbor.

Cham Syndulla, his wife and several of his famed Freedom Fighters glared at the group of leaders around the table. To my memory, they were a proud people who were not quick to forget just how little they were helped by the Republic brass during and after the war. They all had less respect for these leaders than they did their own representative, which was saying something considering they were led by Senator Taa.

“This is a group of people I didn’t think I’d ever see in one room together.” Rex joked sarcastically under his breath, holding my hand and keeping his head down as we took our place just within the protection of Bail’s shadow.

“Everyone seems restless. On edge. Gods…who knows what's been going on on their planets since the Empire took over. I don’t blame them for being desperate enough to work alongside people they didn’t like.” I commented, keeping a watchful eye on the people around us. I didn’t need them to notice us before we were ready, get startled and do something rash.

Luckily, three chimes signaled the beginning of the meeting before we could worry about that happening. All the lights in the room, except the spotlights around the table, dimmed down to near nothingness. Bail’s focused and determined face illuminated and the remaining voices quieted instantly.

“Good evening everyone. I trust you all have been wondering what calls this urgent meeting to Fest. I wished it was under more optimal circumstances, but such is the way of war. All of you have been gathered here in secret today for a special briefing, one that discloses information privy to the Empire’s continued growth and occupation of more and more worlds. Many of you had once known the loyal protection of the members of the Grand Army of the Republic. Several of you would not be standing here today without their valiant efforts. Tonight’s briefing is with great concern for the status of the lives of the millions of clone troopers scattered across our galaxy.” Bail exclaimed, his voice firm, but calm and his hands resting with ease on the edge of the holo table.

“What about them? We know what they’ve done. Why should any of us feign concern for such betrayal?” One voice hissed.

“Are they not the enemy? The very thing we are fighting against!?” Another voice cried out. I gripped Rex’s hand tightly, hoping this wouldn’t get to him the way it was me. More and more angry voices filled the room before Bail raised his hands.

“That is what we are here to discuss. We have very important intel that has been delivered to us by two individuals who both risked their lives to report this information to support our efforts. They,” he turned his body toward us both, the spotlight following and illuminating our faces now and motioned with his hands, “would very much like to provide us with vital insight that could help us make more sense of all that has happened.”

Audible gasps filled the room as Rex removed his hat and revealed his face. He stood at stern and serious attention, the familiar focused scowl of a determined clone reappearing in a snap. He hadn’t gone into duty mode in so long, yet it was still so perfectly second nature to him. His hand still held mine beside him as he waited for our introductions from Bail. Finally, he spoke, proud and confident, like always.

“My name is Captain Rex. My designated birth number is CT-7567. I was commanding officer of the 501st clone battalion led by Jedi General Anakin Skywalker. I am here today, risking my life, to reveal a sinister truth. That the decimation of the jedi order by my…my brothers was a plot orchestrated into our genetic code by the Chancellor years ago. That none of what the men you all knew did was done willingly. My coming forward today is living proof that betrayal did not happen by choice, but instead was manipulated within the minds of every clone by force through use of an organic inhibitor chip placed in our brains during our embryonic stages.” He stopped and looked at me, opening up the datapad with all the brain scans we had gotten our hands on.

“I know that what the Captain says sounds…beyond the realm of possibility. Certifiably insane. But I have seen the chips with my own eyes, witnessed the effects of their activation first hand. In front of you are the brain scans of five separate clone troopers. The organic chips were present in the same location in all specimens. These chips were implemented into every clone by the very same person who coordinated their creation and who programmed them with demands that rendered them useless to resist whatever order he desired. The Chancellor…the Emperor himself.” I explained, swiping through the brain scans of Rex, Hunter, Wrecker, Tech and Fives to prove that each contained the identical growth in the same spot. I looked around the room to gauge the level of understanding and every face seemed equally as entranced by our findings as they were horrified.

“So what did this supposed chip make them do? What was it like?” Senator Chuchi spoke timidly, staring up at the holoscans with ever increasing worry.

Rex cleared his throat and closed his eyes. “It felt like my mind snapped. We all received a transmission from the Emperor. The trigger words were spoken and…our independence, our very will was just…gone. Stolen from us. I couldn’t fight it. It was like who I’d grown into, the man I’d chosen to be, was shut off in an instant. I became blindly led by one mission. To destroy all the jedi and anyone who supported them. I nearly killed the one I served. So long as this chip remains inside, we are powerless to be anything but a human killing machine.”

“How did you survive this?” Mon Mothma’s lofty and languid voice inquired, her hands folded to support her chin as she watched deep in thought.

Rex turned and pointed to the scar on his scalp. “I had it removed. As did all the brothers whose brain scans you saw today. With them removed, we are instantly back to the men you knew. The men we are. We cannot take back what we were made to do. We will all have to live with the loss of the Generals we loved as our own Fathers, Mothers, Sisters and Brothers. But unless we all are given the opportunity for chip removal, we are doomed to live in involuntary enslavement to the Empire or worse…” He nodded to signal the next part of our explanation, the holorecording we had smuggled out of the prison that day.

“Rex and I have obtained intel from within Imperial command that the clones inhibitor chips were also programmed to act as remote kill switches. Unless their unwavering commitment to the Empire can be proven better than that of volunteers, they will be destroyed.” The holorecording of both Rampart and Tarkin discussing their plans played for the entire alliance to hear and when it finished they sat absorbing the information in near silence for a long time.

“What is it that you are asking of this group?” A Rodian asked skeptically, her large eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“For your help in making this right. Many of you know me. You know my dedication to the Republic, to the Senate,” I paused, closing my eyes and letting out a deep sigh of sorrow escape me, “to Senator Amidala, my most beloved mentor. She trusted the clones and fought for their rights and equal treatment as much as I have these many years. These men are gifted, brilliant soldiers and leaders, and intensely loyal friends. Millions of them deserve the chance to be free from a life of unwilling service to the Empire. An Empire that treats them like spare parts instead of men. Living, breathing men with hopes, dreams and loved ones. Haven’t we all seen enough senseless and unnecessary death? One mass extinction is one too many for our lifetimes. Help us ensure that there will not be another one.” I stood at the helm of the table now, all eyes jumping between myself and Rex.

“We don’t deserve to die for a choice we never made.” Rex said firmly, with more passion and emotion breaking through his proper, by the book exterior than he’d ever permitted before. His deep brown eyes reflected the same spark of light, the same spirit of rebellion that we felt watching the sunset beside Padmé’s tomb. This was his moment, this was his purpose. To demand that his life, all their lives, were more important than duty. Each clone deserved to know that and Rex’s mission for the rest of his life was to find a way to make that dream possible.

Senator Mothma closed her bright blue eyes and let a single solemn tear slip down the rosy porcelain curve of her cheek. She was always an ethereal being with a quiet air of sadness haunting her every move like it hurt her to watch injustice poison her almost heavenly existence. She let a broken, sorrowful smile widen her pale lips before the stoic wall of a gracious, expressionless stare reappeared. “Be that as it may, we simply do not have the numbers or the credits to spare to support such a lofty effort as a liberation of this magnitude. I’m afraid there is no course of action we can take that would delude suspicion. We are a small, but growing effort. I cannot risk exposure for such a fringe conspiracy, my dear.”

Saw Gerrera’s booming laugh broke through the silence from the far side of the conference table. “Risk. HA. Senator Mon Mothma…from her purist ivory tower in the clouds. Watching planets…hell- entire systems suffocate under the Empire’s rule while you waste time arguing with what’s left of a broken senate. A senate that never worked for all even at its peak. While I lost my planet, my sister, where were you? When my freedom fighters die for the truth, where are you? Risk. What do you know of risk?”

Mothma’s head swiveled in his direction and I could practically feel the steam rising as her anger did. “Don’t speak to me as if I have done nothing to contribute. All I donate, all I speak out about to hide my work, all I give up at great personal cost…I risk everything I have to bring an end to this tyranny.”

“The blood my people have spilled for liberation is worth more to me than every credit you’ve ever touched, Senator. Not until the body who stands before the red blades and blaster bolts of the Empire is your own will I hear you speak about what giving up everything means.” Cham Syndulla’s temper flared, his pointed teeth bared in disgust as the infighting continued.

Bail raised his hands to silence the room. “That’s enough. This infighting will get us nowhere. The matter still stands, the Captain brings us insight and truth at a cost higher than any of us could ever know. We have all lost family to the Empire. That is what is at risk for this man. For all of them. We cannot sit idly by and allow mass extermination to happen again.”

“We don’t have the numbers.” A Rodian man I didn’t recognize argued, the worry beginning to cloud the complex nebula of his eyes.

“How would we ever determine which of these clones is worthy of having his life saved?”

“What if they killed one of the great Jedi Generals? We cannot excuse this behavior and reward them with freedom. They should be executed for their crimes!”

More and more voices cried out in fear around the table and more and more I could feel it demoralizing Rex to his very core. The fists by his sides that were once curled in determination unfurled as his shoulders sagged in a sign of defeat that I hoped was only obvious to me.

I stood up slowly and grabbed his bicep in reassurance as I stepped past him. I slammed my fist on the table and quieted the room in an instant. “Listen to yourselves! Arguing and debating over the minute details of a decision that was never theirs to make. Punishing them for crimes they did not willingly commit. These are men. Good men. Men you once trusted with your lives. Who answered us when we needed help. And now that they need us you all could stand to close your eyes and turn your backs to another grand injustice? You would sit back and let the Empire wipe them out the same way they would every one of your planets? Your families? Your people? You seek to call yourselves a Rebellion. A Rebellion against a single being who oppresses all - every man, woman and child - who dares call out for their liberation. Who are all of you to place boundaries in the way of freedom? If you leave these men to suffer the consequences of a life stolen before its beginning, then this Republic was dead long before a clone ever picked up a blaster. Help us free these men from the binders we created or wear the scars of their loss on your very skin like the tallies on his armor.” I shouted, grabbing his helmet from the bag at our feet and tossing it in the middle of the holotable.

The people in the room gasped at the sheer brutality of it all etched into the plastoid. Each tally wasn’t for a republic victory like I once thought. Every tally stood for a brother's life lost from their battalion. Rex wore their loss on his outer skin so he’d never forget them. Pretty soon one tally stood for five men, for ten, for a hundred. So he didn’t run out of room. Plastoid was designed specifically to be light and wearable for extended periods of time. Yet, each etched memorial strike felt like the weight of a thousand brothers on each piece of armor. It wasn’t until he’d buried his brothers by hand outside the Tribunal did he realize how heavy a load survival truly was. How exhausted he was by the unbearably large loss of life he was surrounded by.

And now for the first time I truly felt it collapse down on top of me in the same way. I took in a deep breath to hold back the tears I wanted to cry and instead spoke again, my voice viciously serious and far more scornful than would’ve been permitted on the Senate floor. “I can’t bear to carry the weight of any more stolen lives. Can you?”

The representatives from planets all around the galaxy exchanged glances, silently absorbing the heavy tone in the omen of my words. Each and every person here stood for the lives of millions, just like Rex did. They had entire worlds to protect and their own interests to serve. They came together for a common goal. To destroy the evil that had taken root in the center of the galaxy we knew. Whether they liked it or not, that galaxy included the lives of clones.

Maybe they were never ready to address what was to come of them when the war was over. Maybe for the clones war would never be over. They would be re-conscripted and re-sold to fight in other wars, for other purposes. Maybe some planned to retire them. Let them choose to go free and live a life they should’ve been afforded all along. Maybe we would never know what their future would’ve been. Because this war wasn’t over. It had just begun and the forming rebellion now had the choice to deliberate on the very same issue they had more than five years ago. What to do with a clone army.

Senator Mothma let out a deep sigh and looked to where Rex and I stood beside Bail Organa. “Shall we put it to a vote? Senator Organa may record our conclusion.” The group of leaders audibly agreed in unison.

Rex turned to me with an expression of defeat I’d only seen on him once in our lives together. After the death of the way things were.

I leaned into his side and gripped his bare hand, his very real, very human, flesh and blood hand, in my own and did my best to comfort him. To brace him for whatever the possible result might be.

“Those in favor of exploring the liberation of the clones of the former Grand Army of the Republic and the removal of inhibitor chips say I.”

Three voices spoke.

An entire room full of decent people who I’d come to call friends of mine over the years, who had their lives, their entire planets saved time and again by clones throughout the war, who claimed numerous times to care about acting against injustice…

Nearly an entire room full of people fell silent. As the bystanders of oppression tend to do.

Of the dissenting voices, there was one whose accented tone stood out immediately. Cham Syndulla looked around the room in vehement disgust at the cowardice surrounding him. Clones had lived with his people since nearly the very beginning of the war and had become as much a part of their cause as anyone. There were even whispers on the holonet of an uprising on Ryloth that eliminated ISB forces from the planet for a rotation.

The second was Saw Gerrera, speaking in opposition of the young, yet timid and unsure former CIS Senator that accompanied him. It had been more than a year since Rex had helped train Saw and his rebels on his home planet of Onderon. But from what I could tell, Saw had aged quicker while fighting a war. Something that clearly made him identify with the clones' cause. Him being close enough to Rex to consider calling him a friend of sorts didn’t hurt either.

The last of the three voices, to no surprise, was Bail. Bail who believed without a shadow of a doubt that the clones were worthy of saving. Bail trusted my judgment and he trusted Rex because I did. Because Padmé always did. He had given us the shirt off his back and housed us all in secret when doing so could get him killed. Bail was with us.

But not even the tried and true, reliable and powerful voice of Senator Organa was enough to convince the group of utterly defeated leaders before us.

Palpatine didn’t just destroy the Jedi and the Republic as we knew it. He didn’t just take the will and independence right out of the bodies and minds of every clone. Palpatine destroyed the trust the people had in the men they owed everything to. The people no longer believed or felt safe with the group of them.

In many ways, it was like they were already dead in the eyes of the people. And pretending they weren’t anything worth saving was easier than coming to terms with the idea that they were individuals who deserved a life they were never going to be given. That the former Republic senators and leaders were signing death warrants for the second time since their creation.

Despite all that each and every clone fought and died to uphold for trillions of lifeforms across the galaxy, the people they saved didn’t care enough about them to return the favor. I broke inside as I watched Rex realize how devoid of meaning his life was to the people at the table. There was nothing I could do to ease that pain. To shield him from a cold reality he had given everything to try to prevent.

Bail made a solemn, apologetic glance over at me before he rested his hands on the table and spoke calmly, “It is decided then. The Alliance declines the motion.”

“Then this is no alliance.” Cham spat, “We do not abandon our own on Ryloth. The clones are as much family to my people as our own children. I will not stand beside people who treat them as anything otherwise.”

Saw let out a hearty laugh, contemptuous and paired with an arrogant, haughty smile. “You see, Mothma? See how your indecisive hand-wringing pushes away those who are willing to act? Your fear of consequences condemns them all to death. There will come a time where action is your only option. And I will not be waiting on anyone’s permission to fight.”

Their words were severe and fracturing. There was a clear lack of consistency within the levels of this newly formed Alliance. Mothma was all about decisive calculation, carefully orchestrated solutions without unnecessary loss. Syndulla and Saw, on the other hand, were from the school of thought that fighting and action were the only meaningful tools to battling an oppressive regime. Every loss made in the pursuit of freedom was not without purpose.

Rex usually agreed or at least understood this mentality. It’s the rule by which his brothers had lived for the last decade or so. Yet avoiding unnecessary loss was exactly what we both came to this meeting to do. Even though we looked forward to speaking the truth to people with the means and positions to actually do something, it felt like there was no right answer. That no one among them had any one right idea about how to fix things. We came here hoping for clarity and camaraderie. Now it just felt pointless.

Rex’s hand squeezed mine, turning to stare at me with the same vacant emotion that was filling my chest. This was not the outcome we wanted. This was not what we thought a rebellion would be. This was nothing short of demoralizing to everything we had worked toward. We both knew it.

Slowly, his fingers unfurled and he stepped back, letting the bickering at the table continue. He looked at me like all he wanted to do was run. I nodded and he faded into the back corner of the room, slipping out the door without so much as a word from any of the others in the room. I stood frozen in place, coming to the realization that whatever dream I’d once had of following in Senator Organa or Amidala’s footsteps was all a farce.

I would never allow myself to debate when people’s lives were at stake. That was never the person I was. I grew up in a criminal underworld and found my way through by crawling and scratching my way to survival. To do the right thing in a place surrounded by people who never did. Once, I thought that meant climbing up the sky scraping buildings to the light of the surface. To the place where liberty and fairness and political discussion could shape a better world for our people.

But now, knowing that everything was manipulated far before I was even born. That every single person in the Senate building was a pawn in one person’s lust for ultimate power. Through knowing Rex, and every clone I’d ever met, I knew that I wasn’t someone who spoke for others. I was someone who fought for others. It wasn’t until now, at this very meeting, that I realized what a difference there was between those two things.

Lost in my own numbing thoughts and realization of the death of a former dream, Bail nudged my shoulder delicately. I turned to him with more betrayal in my eyes than I’d ever looked at him with and let out a shaky breath just barely holding back my tears. He subtly nodded his understanding, his condolences for being outvoted, his deep, mournful sorrow at his inability to garner enough support for what he knew was the right thing. Even the greatest man I knew could fail sometimes.

“Go. He needs you.” Bail muttered below the crowd noise, “Your place is with them. I pray you find the solution they deserve. I’m sorry I couldn’t.”

I did my best to hide the scorned glint in my eyes, but the way he averted his gaze from me told me I hadn’t. “I know you’ve done all you could for us. We appreciate your help. But I expected more from the people I once knew. She would’ve been ashamed to have once stood amongst them.”

Bail sighed, “she understood sacrifice better than anyone. She would’ve understood our position.” He argued in the group's defense, though knowing he was on the losing side of our discussion. He could be too fair sometimes.

I thought about what Padmé would’ve done with millions of innocent lives on the line. I thought about the personal risk she would’ve taken to protect the rights of others. About all the things she’d do to protect me and the person I loved. Before I could realize what I was doing, I rested my hand on the bump I’d been hiding in plain sight.

“And she would’ve understood mine.” I bit back the tears brimming, as his eyes widened in realization. “They fought and died to protect your families. And since none of you find them worthy enough to return the favor, I’m going to do what you all won’t. Even if it kills me.”

I took off toward where Rex left the briefing room, Bail speechless and with little more to add that wouldn’t make this worse. The torch light of the tunnel we entered through led me back to the safety of the meadow. The tall grasses swaying in the haze of twilight felt like whips against my skin trying to hold me back. All the peace that we’d found here during the waning hours of daylight in late afternoon was replaced by the shaded gloom of night.

Running down the path left by his footprints, I followed his steps into the clearing of the open meadow. All the bright flowers of hope had closed as the light faded away. Not even the planet's three pale moons could be seen through the thickening clouds of fog rolling in. I could just make out his silhouette sitting beneath the knotted roots and limbs of the winding ancient tree, likely the closest he’d get to the jedi presence we all desperately needed right now.

I approached slowly, his jacket and pants sloughed off and in a heap on the ground behind him. He sat in the body glove he felt more comfortable in than real clothes and shivered slightly each time the wind picked up, brushing through curls he’d never worn this long before. With one knee pulled to his chest and the other dangling over the bended edge of the hilltop into nothingness, he stared off with his hands joined together in his lap.

My body collapsed down next to his, pulling him into a hug he was almost too numb to recognize immediately. He buried his face in my shoulder and tried calming his panicked breathing, coming in short heaving bursts or such faint inhales it felt at times like he wasn’t breathing at all. His mind was racing, but his body had surrendered, the control he’d maintained throughout the briefing completely cracking as reality set in.

My fingertips and palms took turns caressing circles and massages at the nape of his neck, totally failing to stop my tears from falling too. We could’ve been sitting there for hours, minutes, entire rotations and it still would’ve been impossible to tell. Such a brutal rejection in our darkest hour made time stand still while we tried to gather our thoughts.

After a long time he spoke, “I didn’t want to believe they don’t care. I-I hoped they’d find some humanity in us…in me.” He sniffled, sitting up and switching positions to let me lay my head on him now. “The simple fact is…we were always just numbers to most of them. All those battles, those men we lost, were just meaningless credits spent instead of lives lived. No one ever asked how it made us feel. It’s ironic that the ones we were forced to eliminate are the only ones who would’ve saved us.”

“I won’t give up, Rex. Whatever we can manage together…the five of us, we’ll help as many brothers as we can. I won’t abandon you all. We’ll find our own way.”

He slid me into his lap and kissed my forehead, “We’ll do all we can, until we can’t anymore. And when that time comes and we have to run, you listen to me. If we can’t save all my brothers, then we at least have to try to survive to live the lives they would’ve wanted.”

I nodded hesitantly, “it’s just…cruel. What kind of people create men who were only ever meant to die? How could I have wanted to be one of them?”

Rex tipped my chin up to look past the tears pooling in my eyes. “You’re not like them. You found me. When all the galaxy saw me - saw all of us - as weapons of war and destroyers of the Republic, you loved me. You love me.” He brushed away the streams of tears on my cheeks and let a bittersweet smile inch across his own stained face. “So maybe I was meant for that too.”

I let out a choked sob because his words, his feelings were selfless and beautiful when most people would be filled with nothing but despair. “Rex…it’s-it’s about more than that. You are meant to live. To be a survivor. So you can have the life that every one of you deserved to know. To grow old in.”

His eyes fell and he swallowed slowly, like it hurt him to absorb the idea that his own destiny might differ greatly from that of which his duty had always stated. “Living now means being with you. If I was always meant to survive to live a life I choose, then I was meant to spend it with you.” Our gaze into each other's eyes was an unspoken, unbreakable agreement to live in spite of the odds against us.

Life is about the pursuit of glorious purpose. Not to have it scripted to you or forced upon you at birth, but to find it for yourself. Rex found a reason to survive despite all the obstacles and though now that he knew his true purpose, he still felt he had a few more challenges to conquer.

“Pardon my interruption,” A smooth, accented voice whispered into the air behind us. “And my deepest apologies for what happened back there. I know many of them are not ready to experience, first hand, the harsh reality of war.”

Rex and I turned to find that Cham Syndulla and two of his younger advisors stood behind us under the cover of nightfall. We exchanged glances, before Rex stood up to meet him where he stood beside the twisted tree roots. “It’s alright, Cham, sir. Thank you for sticking up for us back there. We need all the support we can get now.”

“That…is why I am here. Your brother, Howzer, speaks of you with great regard.” Cham explained, sounding far more polite than he probably was on a battlefield. “We would like to present you, your partner and any other free clones with the means to support liberation. We have an opportunity for you, Captain Rex.”

Rex perked up, shaking off the effects that the meeting had on him the only way he ever knew how; diving right back into his duty. Knowing there was nothing else we could do to sway the larger rebellion in our favor, I squeezed Rex’s bicep to confirm my agreement. He reached for his helmet in the bag between us and slung it under his arm like he did thousands of times before when he meant business.

“...well, what’s the mission?”

Notes: I am sad :) also uhhhhh rebellions aren't easy, people don't always agree, political frustrations rampant as I think they would be during times like this. this fic has basically become an unnamed/physically undescribed oc...if you want to know more about her check here or send me an ask!

taglist (please let me know if you'd like to be added/removed):

@literallydontlook @sleepingsun501 @moonstrider9904 @thefact0rygirl @fett-djarin @starwarsmeninhelmets @zinzinina @kaminocasey @pinkiemme @queenquazar @galacticgraffiti @loversoncsilla @ashotofspotchka @rexandechosandwich @calkestiis @jocastaslibrary @twistedstitcher27 @wild-karrde @patchmates

#wip captains log #wip captains log chapter 12 #captain rex x reader #captain rex x f!reader #captain rex x you #captain rex x fem!reader #post order 66 #the clones fanfiction #captains log!reader

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clone-anon · 1 year

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Rex x f!reader dealing with miscarriage

I decided to make this one its own post so I can be sure the entirety of the details are under the cut. I know this is a very sensitive topic for many people, so please take care of yourselves.

TW: miscarriage

Before we get going I’ll say that this is something I’m familiar with. I’ve been through two, although in my case I wasn’t ready to be a mom and miscarriage brought both relief and guilt. I am able to write from that perspective as well, but it’s not the take I’m working with here. I was not sure which clone was preferred so I went with Rex. If you would like a ficlet like this or on another topic, please reach out.

You both were looking forward to being parents. Getting pregnant was a surprise and you’d never forget the look on Rex’s face when you told him. He’d seen some of his other brothers take on parental roles, but he was still stunned he was going to be a father. You started preparing almost immediately. It was adding a few things to the house here or there and dealing with your changing body as well as wrapping your head around adding a third person to the family.

That all changed one morning when you got out of the shower, into your clothes, and something wasn’t right. Something was very wrong. You screamed for Rex and he came running. It seemed like a blur, but you went from excited parents to medical emergency, to recovery, to emptiness. You and Rex both cried and he would not stop holding you.

You didn’t talk about it immediately, but one day he came home to find you sitting at the kitchen table in the same clothes you’d worn for two days, staring at the wall, hot caf gone cold hours ago. He came over and sat next to you, taking your hand in his and kissing it several times.

Tears streamed down your cheeks as you simpy said, “We never got to know them.”

Rex felt it in his heart. Of course he was sad by what was going on, but he also wanted to help you both through this.

“In my head I always called them ‘little soldier,’“ he admitted. “I figured it worked no matter their gender.”

You looked at him and tried smiling before he continued.

“I thought about who they would be. Strong, smart, brave, and wonderful like their mother, of course. What kind of hobbies do you think they would have?”

You thought about it, actually allowing yourself to embrace who this child was and through sniffles replied, “They would have done anything as long as it was with their dad. Playing in the woods. Pretend tea parties. And probably eventually learning to shoot a blaster.”

Rex smiled at that. “Yeah, but not too soon.”

“They would have loved all their uncles,” you added.

“And their uncles and us... we’ll always love them. Because no matter how short a time it was for, they are part of this family.”

He took a breath. “I know we have to grieve in our own ways. I know you’re beyond sad and I am too, but I’m not going to forget our little soldier and I don’t want you thinking you have to move on or whatever just because a certain amount of time has passed or they never got to be born.”

You started crying again, but this time it was out of relief that he understood. Tears streamed down his cheeks and he held you. After you let it out, he walked you to the fresher so you both could get cleaned up. He gently washed you, knowing how exhausted you’d become. He helped you get into clean clothes and started some laundry. You made some food, choosing something easy, but enough to keep you both going. That night you got into bed together, holding each other close, whispering and kissing your ‘I love yous,’ and in your hearts you said goodnight to your little soldier.

#tw miscarriage #miscarriage #lost pregnancy #loss of a child #tw: loss of a child #rex x reader #rex x f!reader #f!reader #captain rex #captain rex fanfiction #clone anon posts #rex anon #tw: miscarriage #captain rex x reader #captain rex x f!reader #pregnancy loss #tw: pregnancy loss #tw: pregnancy #reader insert

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neon-junkie · 1 month

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Private Affairs

Summary: Tasked with finding the General and the Captain, Dogma stumbles right into the midst of a private affair. To make things even worse, he rather enjoys the view… that is, until he's caught.

Word count: 4k

Tags: Established relationship, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Confrontation, Handjobs, Smut, Praise, Military ranks, Cuckolding, Virginity, First time, Dom/sub.

Pairing: Dogma x f!Reader x Rex

Curiosity killed the lothcat, but satisfaction brought it back - or so, that’s how the phrase goes. And as satisfying as this sight may be, he knows that curiosity will be the death of him.

He shouldn’t be watching. He should not be watching, let alone enjoying the view, palming his hard cock over his under armour, his codpiece abandoned long ago. It’s not like he can help it, seeing as the poor man is a virgin through and through. It’s been drilled into his mind by the Kaminoan’s that sexual activity is strictly forbidden, but if his General and Captain can go at it, then it doesn’t hurt to watch, right?

The he in question is Dogma - a straight edge, punctual, and obedient Trooper.

Poor little Dogma was given the order to find the General and Captain, and inform them about the next stage in their current mission. They weren’t in any of the tents, nor in the surrounding area. The gunships were clear, leaving the Captain’s ship as the only remaining option.

The door was open, a clear sign that somebody was aboard, only Dogma wasn’t expecting to find them tucked away in the cockpit, kriffing like their lives depended on it. Better yet, Dogma wasn’t expecting the cockpit’s door to be wide open, welcoming just about anybody to catch them in the act!

Maybe this was some weird fetish that Dogma had been unintentionally roped into, or maybe they were too horny to shut the damn door!

Still, Dogma was the poor soul who had found you and your Captain going at it. He should have turned, ran, and never spoke a word; instead, Dogma caught himself mindlessly gorming at the action, like a Cadet discovering holoporn for the first time.

Not that Dogma has ever watched holoporn…

Dogma refuses to dabble in anything sexual. He will, on an extremely rare occasion, have a drink or two, but always manages to resist the urge to get drunk! He doesn’t smoke, nor do drugs, and only swears during life or death circumstances. All in all, he’s a total virgin, which would explain why his eyes are prying to a whole new level.

And when he thought things couldn’t get any worse, he felt himself hardening, causing his codpiece to bulge uncomfortably. It took him a lot of convincing to remove the armour, seeing as it was causing him discomfort, just like it took even more convincing to let him finally touch himself.

“Just do it to help the pain… or until it goes down… or until they stop… or-” Dogma told himself, biting down hard on his lower lip to prevent himself from letting out a moan. How wonderful it felt, jerking off to the sight of his General being kriffed, all by Captain Rex, of course.

Everybody had a hunch that something was going on between those two, but nobody had ever caught them! How funny it is that Dogma is the one to discover the truth, and kriff, the truth is that they have some really intimate sex. Rex has you pushed face-down over the cockpit’s dashboard, taking you from behind. Your legs are spread, arms behind your back, with Rex’s hand firmly holding them in place. The ‘slap slap slap!’ sound of skin against skin is echoing around the ship - a warning for those with prying eyes, although that hasn’t stopped Dogma.

Throughout moans and groans, you’re mumbling away. “G-gotta hurry up, Rex. Someone’s going to come looking for us soon,” you pant, and you’re met with a shrug.

Dogma feels himself tense up at your comment - are you aware that he’s there, watching you two? Does the force work like that? Or is Dogma awful at being stealthy?

Still, if you two are aware of Dogma’s presence, it hasn’t changed anything. You’re still kriffing away, eager to let out some frustrations, and relieve yourselves before regaining your focus on the mission at hand. The last thing that the squad needs is a sexually frustrated General and Captain!

By now, your ass and the back of your thighs have turned red from Rex’s armour pounding against you. The sight only causes Dogma to stir even more, biting his knuckles as he feels himself getting closer. Sure, he’s touched himself here and there, but refuses to make a habit out of it. Plus, it’s difficult to get the time and privacy when you’re a soldier, but the others seem to make do.

Better yet, you and Rex seem to manage it. How did this all start? How long has this been going on for? Dogma would never dream of approaching his General with sexual intentions, unless you came onto Rex?

And if you came onto somebody else, how would that go? Dogma finds himself picturing what things would be like if you propositioned him instead - uneducated, timid, and total virgin. He wouldn’t even know where to start, let alone how to touch you. Although, Dogma knows you’re the type who would be eager to teach him. Could he ever kriff you like that? Pounding you deep and hard, making you cum untouched like Rex is right now?

With that, Rex lets out a long and deep groan, slamming his cock deep and spilling inside of you. Dogma firmly grasps the base of his cock to prevent himself from climaxing when Rex pulls out of you, revealing your used cunt, dripping with his load. How he longs to be in that position, filling his General up like it’s nobody’s business!

Now, the issues really begin to arise. You and Rex have finished your business, and now that you’re distracted cleaning each other up, Dogma has the perfect opportunity to sneak away. He needs to get his ass out of there now!

Pulling his under armour up and into place, Dogma begins searching for his codpiece. He could have sworn that he left it between his feet, yet it’s nowhere to be seen! It doesn’t help that the ship is dark, and somewhat cluttered with your personal belongings, but it was right there, wasn’t it?

Rummaging around, Dogma walks straight into his worst nightmare. He bends down to retrieve what he thought was his codpiece, but after realising that nope, that’s not it, he bangs his head on an overhead pipe.

DONG!

The sound is loud enough to be heard throughout the campsite, so undoubtedly, you and Rex overheard it! “Who’s there?” you question as you whip around, no longer sharing a few final kisses with Rex before exiting the ship to face your Troops. Instead, you’re darting across the cockpit to push a few buttons, lighting the ship’s hull within an instant.

And you’re met with an unbelievable sight…

One hand rubbing his bruising forehead, Dogma makes eye contact with you. The fear is apparent, given that all the colour has drained from his face, and he looks just about ready to collapse.

Rex speaks up before you can, simply questioning, “Dogma?”

No reply. He’s getting sweatier by the minute, so sweaty that his face tattoo might just melt away!

“Dogma?” you repeat his name. Before you can even finish your next sentence, Dogma begins begging for forgiveness. “What were you doin-”

“-I’m sorry!” He practically yells. “I didn’t mean to! I was sent to look for you two, and I just… it happened, alright?!”

Tears are threatening to spill from Dogma’s waterline. To him, this is the end of it all. No doubt, he’ll be blackmailed into keeping his mouth shut (not that it would open anyway,) then sent off for decommissioning.

“-Dogma, it’s alright!” you cut his apology short. “We’re not mad, okay?”

“I don’t believe you,” Dogma replies, firmly shaking his head.

“She means it,” Rex chimes in. “We’re not mad. Nothing is going to happen to you, understood, Trooper?”

Still as white as a ghost, Dogma sheepishly nods his head, begrudgingly accepting both of your reassurance. You might not decommission him, but you will certainly punish him, seeing as he was getting off to your little shenanigans.

Bridging the gap, you approach him. Dogma refuses to make eye contact, keeping his head down and arms at his side. He’s more than embarrassed - he feels like his soul has left his body, and you’re certainly not going to help him retrieve it. Or so, he thinks.

You look back at Rex, who remains in the cockpit, before turning back to Dogma. A hand comes up to gently cup his chin, forcing him to look forward, although his eyes remain down, refusing to look at you.

“Look at me, Dogma,” you order. It takes him a few seconds, followed by a large gulp of air, before Dogma can finally meet your gaze. His stomach is churning away, threatening to throw up his ration bars, all whilst his body begins shaking from pure fear.

“What were you doing?” you ask.

Dogma yanks his chin from your grasp, returning his gaze to the floor, yet he doesn’t run away. His body is failing him, glueing his feet to the floor, unable to escape this madness.

“Dogma,” you say his name, but with sternness. The Trooper in question ignores you, his fingertips fidgeting with each other as his nerves control his every movement.

After letting out a deep sigh, you fall back onto a method that you hate doing. Dogma is a soldier, and seeing as you’re his General, he has to follow your every order.

“Stand at attention,” you order. Automatically, Dogma snaps upright, his arms falling to his sides as his eyes look forwards, straight past you. It’s not eye contact, but it’s better than the whimpering state he was in before.

“To repeat myself, Trooper, you are not in trouble. No harm is going to come your way, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be questioned. Understood?”

“Understood, General,” Dogma agrees with a firm nod. There’s still fear deep within his eyes, although you notice that his breathing is beginning to relax. It’s not much, but it’s progress.

“And Captain,” Rex chimes in. He’s moved from the cockpit, taking his place beside you and Dogma. Rex is essentially in the background, but his presence is known.

“And Captain,” Dogma corrects himself.

Rex lets out a soft, “good,” before letting you continue.

After sending Rex a scolding look, you silently browse Dogma’s form before speaking up again. “I want to know what you were doing, Trooper. Don’t skip out on any details.”

Dogma gulps. He lets out an uneasy breath, and with much difficulty, begins his confession. “Like I said before, the other Troopers ordered me to go and find you both so that we could go over the next stages of the mission. When I boarded your ship, I was completely unaware of what I’d find. The cockpit door was wide open, and I… stumbled upon you two…”

“That would be my fault,” Rex chuckles. “I got a little carried away, forgot to secure the area before diving right in.”

“You have such a way with words,” you sigh, earning another chuckle from Rex. “Do continue, Trooper.”

Dogma pauses once more, only this time, he makes eye contact. There’s a silent plea deep within his gaze, but you don’t let up. After a few seconds of silence, and accepting his fate, Dogma continues.

“I… you two… It was so… out there in the open, and I couldn’t help but watch. I know I shouldn’t have! But… I don’t know what came over me, I was so engulfed in it…”

This time, you’re the silent one. You raise a brow, questioning Dogma’s words. You’re well aware how straight edge he is, sometimes being called uptight by the other Troopers. But to become that engulfed in seeing people have sex? Has this man ever seen it before?

Well, what if he hasn’t? There must be a reason why the other Troopers tease him, calling him a virgin, and every other innocent name under the sun. Maker, has Dogma even seen boobs before?!

“Are you…” your words fall flat, and you put thought into how to word this. “Dogma, I know you don’t… do that stuff, but you have seen people having sex before, right? Holoporn, or something like that?”

Dogma’s colour begins to fade again, and suddenly, you understand why Dogma became so engrossed. “I don’t… uh, Kamino doesn’t have access to such things. We’re discouraged when it comes to… intimacy. I know the other Troopers tend to watch it, but I…”

“Interesting,” you sigh. Crossing your arms across your chest, you playfully bounce on your heels before straightening your figure. All this prying is rather fascinating, and dare you admit it, but it’s giving you… ideas.

“Tell me,” you speak up again. “What were you doing whilst you were watching your superiors having sex?”

“Superiors,” Rex repeats the word under his breath. “You don’t need to be that mean to him.”

“A little reminder doesn’t hurt,” you shrug, enjoying the sight of Dogma squirming from embarrassment.

Dogma’s lips remain sealed, but after giving him a look, they finally open. “Please don’t make me talk about it,” he begs, clasping his hands together in front of his chest.

“We need those details, Trooper,” you smirk. Rex remains silent, but he’s well aware how much you’re enjoying this.

A pained groan slips from Dogma’s lips, followed by a frustrated huff. “If you must know…” his words trail into a sigh, and Dogma scrunches his eyes shut before continuing. “I was touching myself! I know I shouldn’t have, but everything was so… much, and I couldn’t watch and do nothing about it!” To your surprise, Rex speaks up before you can. “You could have turned around, and walked away. Not only did you stay and watch, but you also pleasured yourself to it.”

“I know I should have walked away! But like I said, I’ve never seen that before… and… and-”

“That’s enough,” you end his sputtering with a gentle wave of your hand. Dogma watches as you turn to Rex, and silently make your intentions clear. His eyes flicker between you two, somehow talking without using words. The conversation ends with Rex shrugging before giving you a small nod, agreeing to something.

You return your focus to Dogma, who doesn’t hide his panicked expression. His demeanour worsens as you take a step forward, bridging the already small gap between your bodies. You’re mere inches from him, close enough to feel his short and uneasy breaths on your cheeks, them only worsening as more time passes.

For once, Dogma doesn’t look away from your gaze. He allows your eyes to meet his, seeing through every layer of fear that possesses his body. When you finally speak, Dogma is just about ready to pass out, but adrenalin keeps him going.

“Did you enjoy watching your superiors have sex?”

Dogma remains silent, but you don’t need verbal confirmation to know the answer. “I mean, you were getting off to us,” you coo.

To everybody’s surprise, your hand moves forward, and a palm is introduced to Dogma’s crotch. He gasps, his head falling down to look at the sight - you’re palming his soft cock through his under armour, all whilst you’re teasing him in a rather alluring tone.

“I know you enjoyed it, Dogma. That much is clear,” you continue, causing Dogma to look at you once more. “But I can tell that you didn’t get to finish, you poor thing,” you say with a soft click of your tongue.

“General?” Dogma pants, questioning what the kriff is going on. A minute ago, his knees were ready to collapse, falling to his pit of doom. And now, you’re causing his cock to harden, twitching away under the thin layer of clothing.

“Don’t interrupt her, Trooper,” Rex chimes in. Kriff! Dogma had totally forgotten Rex was there. His hands are clasped behind his back, chest puffed out, with a stern expression on his face. Is Dogma really going to stand here and allow his General to toy with him whilst his Captain watches? Is this what they silently agreed to moments ago?

“Eyes on me,” you order, your free hand coming up to draw his face back to yours. “Rex is there to ensure you stay in line. You are one of his men, after all.”

For some reason, Dogma catches himself nodding in agreement. He’s enjoying this, far more than he’s willing to admit, but his fully erect cock is telling you all that you need to know.

“How about you show me what you were playing with, hm?” you suggest, giving Dogma the opportunity to back out, if he wants to.

Instead, Dogma slowly frees his cock, letting it spring from its confinement. He lets out an embarrassing whimper when you wrap your hand around it, one hand lunging forward to grasp your arm, almost as if he’s scared about what’s in store for him.

“At ease, Trooper,” you order. Dogma can’t help but follow it, parting his legs whilst his hands clasp together behind his back. His back straightens for all of three seconds, slumping over as soon as you begin slowly jerking him.

“You’re so good at following orders,” you praise. Such a compliment never fails to drive Dogma crazy, and your words flow straight down to his cock. “But I still want to know what you were thinking about whilst you were watching your Captain kriff me…”

Licking his lips, Dogma mustered up the courage to speak. “I was thinking about… being in his position…”

“Don’t forget Rex’s ranking, Trooper,” you correct him.

“Sorry. About being in the Captain’s position, General,” Dogma corrects his mistake, earning a pleasing movement from your hand. Once more, he whines; there’s no point in holding back, not now that he’s in this position.

“Finding yourself in that position would be… almost unattainable, but not completely impossible. Rex is the one who you need to ask, not me.”

Dogma sends a pathetic pleading expression Rex’s way, but he’s met with a stern look. “I’ll think about it,” Rex responds. “As for now, your primary objective is making the General happy.”

“Yes, Captain,” Dogma agrees with an eager nod. His breaths are becoming heavier the more you play with him, and you question how long he was going at it before you caught him. The poor man could have been edging himself the entire time, and whilst you and Rex were only having a quickie, that’s far too long for an inexperienced man.

“If Rex doesn’t agree, I’m sure I can convince him to let you watch,” you tease the idea, dangling it in front of his face like a forbidden fruit. “I know you’d enjoy that, seeing as you’ve already done it.”

“I wouldn’t mind having him watch,” Rex says with a shrug. “But I won’t be gentle with you,” he directs his words to you, filling your mind with the idea. How wonderful it would be to have your Captain pounding the life out of you, all whilst innocent Dogma watches, cock in hand, so desperate to get his fill. He’ll take whatever he can get, and right now, that consists of you jerking him off in the hull of your ship.

“I know you’re already excited about that idea,” you tease.

“I am,” Dogma eagerly nods, and swiftly adds, “General,” before he can be called out on his lack of respect.

You smile, and whilst maintaining eye contact, you send a trail of spit down onto Dogma’s cock. It hits the tip spot-on, slicking up the rest of his shaft as you continue pumping him. Dogma’s knees threaten to buckle yet again, but he somehow manages to maintain his composure, hands still clasped behind his back.

With a hungry gaze, Dogma watches you jerk him off, his wet cock shining in the hull’s lighting. He’s never seen himself like this before - desperate, pathetic, willing to do anything for release. Dare he admit it, but he loves it. Maybe this is what he’s needed all along - a gentle hand to guide him. If only the other Troopers could see him now… Dogma may be a virgin, but who’s the one being jerked off by the General?

“G-general?” Dogma sputters, failing to meet your gaze. It’s disrespectful, but given the state that he’s in, you decide to go easy on it.

“Speak,” you grant him.

“Please… if it isn’t any hassle… please may I…”

“You may,” you agree with a nod. Dogma just about explodes the second that he’s given permission, spilling all over your hand, a few rogue drops meeting the floor below.

Falling out of line, Dogma finds himself resting against you. His forehead meets your shoulder, although he manages to keep his hand behind his back. He’s trying to be a good soldier - your good soldier, but any Trooper would fail to stay at ease when being milked by their General, even Rex!

Rather than scolding him, you help him through it. “It’s alright. You did so good for me, Dogma. What a good soldier,” you coo, allowing him one final round of satisfaction.

When all the wind has been knocked from Dogma’s lungs, he straightens his back - or attempts to, seeing as he’s struggling to keep it together during his post orgasm haze. Your hand moves away from him, and using the force, you summon a towel to clean yourselves up with. “That was fun, wasn’t it?” you ask whilst drying Dogma’s length.

“Very fun, General,” Dogma agrees with a nod. Even Rex chimes in. “You did a good job at maintaining your composure, for a first timer,” he jabs.

“Appreciate it, Captain,” Dogma responds.

Once dry, he tucks himself away. “We’re serious about that offer, just so you know,” you inform him whilst retrieving his long-lost codpiece.

“Y-you are?” Dogma stutters, and struggles to fix the missing armour into place, soon requiring your assistance.

“Yes,” you confirm. Once more, Dogma looks as if he’s about to pass out. Not only did he manage to worm his way out of decommissioning, but he was rewarded for his curiosity too! Dogma can’t help but question if you knew about his prying eyes all along, giving you the opportunity to bring him into the mix.

“But I haven’t decided on anything else, yet,” Rex butts in, putting Dogma back down into his place. Dogma keeps his gaze on you, dreading the expression that Rex possibly holds.

“Still, you can watch the action. And remember, Rex is a Captain; his performance is far higher than any regular Trooper. Don’t let it get to you.”

After a wink, you leave Dogma to it. Rex follows suit, retrieving his helmet from a nearby crate, and holds it snug under his arm. To anybody outside, you’re two superiors casually exiting a ship, ready to rally the men and discuss your next series of attacks.

Before your feet meet the earth, you turn back to poor Dogma. “Come and join us once you’re ready,” you order, leaving him to stand there and process what’s just happened.

No longer in his superior’s line of sight, Dogma takes a seat on a nearby crate, narrowly avoiding that same pipe from earlier that he banged his head on. A series of heavy sighs flow from his lips, and his mind spins in a whirlwind of confusion.

What the kriff just happened?

#tcwwriting #swwriting #the clone wars #clone trooper dogma #dogma x reader #clone trooper dogma x reader #captain rex #captain rex x reader #smut #f!reader #tcw #sw #star wars #tcw fanfic #the clone wars fanfic #private affairs

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dindadjarin · 2 years

Text

Declaration – Chapter 3

KNIGHT AU

Previous chapter

Pairing: Captain Rex x Princess!Reader

Warnings: fluff, lots of kissing, angst, some violence

Summary: after the attack on the palace, the princess makes her case for her mission at the King’s meeting while battling with the ache in her heart from the imminent separation from Rex.

AN: I know this is long overdue but it’s a long chapter! And I wanted to make sure it’s perfect. I’m finally happy with how it turned out, and I hope you like it too! As always, feedback is always welcome!

Chapter 3

Early the next morning, you’re up and ready to crash the King’s meeting. You have Nathalia to thank for that. Despite the tumultuous events of the night before, you had slept so deeply and peacefully, and had it not been for your friend you wouldn’t have woken up on time. You worked together to get you ready for the day; the beautiful pale-yellow dress was paired with a half up do of intricate braids only Nathalia can manage. Then after a quick bite of some grapes you managed to grab from a fruit bowl, you made your way to the West wing’s meeting room.

You walk through the door, parchment in hand and a smile on your face at the surprised faces in the room. All save for the two that knew you would be attending, Rex and Fives. The knights all stand and bow their head at your entrance, and you offer a curtesy in return. “Good morning, gentlemen.”

“Your majesty.” Stopping by the end of the long table, you bow slightly in a curtesy to your surprised father before greeting him normally. “Good morning, papa. You shouldn’t be surprised to see me at these meetings anymore.”

Your father gives you a reproachful look before he sighs and smiles, kind and warm; it’s always like that with you. Where the Queen is icy and unyielding, the King is gentle and agreeable. You can see Rex from the corner of your eye, he sits to your father’s right, but you don’t dare meet his eyes. The memory from the night before is too fresh in your mind and you’d become a bashful mess for everyone to see.

“My dear, how are you?” The King asks, his hand takes yours. “Is this about last night’s incident?”

“Yes, I’m alright. This is about Liana.” You sigh, taking the other empty seat next to him and placing your parchments and map on the table. “I’m here to propose a mission of my own.”

Your father’s eyebrows raise so high on his forehead its almost comical, but you dare not laugh, you need to be on his good graces for your mission to be approved. “A mission?” There is surprise and cautious interest in his tone.

You smile, knowing your father has taken the bait, now it’s time for the intrigue. “Yes, your Majesty. But continue your meeting, we can talk about my proposal when you’re done.”

The King gives you another curious look and a hint of a smile before turning back to the knights gathered around the table. All of them are murmuring to themselves until the King clears his throat and they fall silent. “Commander Cody, captain Rex, would you tell the rest of the Legion and her Highness all the information gathered on the attack and your strategy for the counterattack.”

Rex stands up, and you look up at him when you see he’s not looking your way but at the King. “Certainly, your majesty.”

It takes everything in you not to smile at the determination in Rex’s eyes and voice. The captain has drawn a great plan with Sir Cody, and he knows it. So you sit back and listen intently as they talk about the attack in Liana, learning many details you previously didn’t have. The attackers had caused a fire that expanded over 3 houses and used the villagers’ panic to take almost every belonging in town. Those who tried to defend themselves were injured, but thankfully no one was killed. Most of the village was trying to stop the fire from growing any further when the pirates raided the village’s vault, using explosive powder to burst the hinges and take all the gold and silver stored inside.

Nothing more is said about Liana by the King, who as you had predicted, moves to talk instead of how they will deal with the pirates who have taken all their ships to the Turquoise Sea.

“I have word from the kingdoms of Mezeron, Amarant and Chelsia. As they are coastal kingdoms like us and are threatened by these pirates, they will join our fight and with their ships, we can stand a chance in battle.” The King says, standing up to have a better look at the map in the middle of the table. “Cody?” He prompts the knight commander.

The commander takes over, mentioning how, when it comes in manpower, the four kingdoms together have an advantage against the pirates, but no one knows the firepower the enemy possesses. They would be going in blind, save for the number of ships and approximate number of crew.

“It is no matter,” he then proceeds. “Because with the aid of the other three kingdoms there is a chance of surrounding the pirates and begin an attack from all fronts in the Turquoise Sea.

“But isn’t there be a chance that they will attack in land as well?” Sir Fives speaks up from where he’s sitting. “There should be an even distribution of men in the ships and men in the shore.”

“That’s right, Fives.” Rex agrees. “Which brings us to the next part of the strategy.”

The captain guides everyone in the meeting with the map, showing the path the legion will follow. One towards the coast where they will board Kalmhia’s ships, and the other to the border with Mezeron, the closest kingdom to the Turquoise Sea. There, the rest of the 501st and 412th legions will join forces with their troops both in land and at sea.

“We hope it’ll be a swift fight, but even if that is the case, we are looking at a minimum of 45 days in the Turquoise Sea.” Cody announces, setting his hands on the table by the map. “Logistics are already being planned out for rations and supplies to last longer than that, especially for the crew who will be at sea.”

45 days… You feel your heart constrict on your chest, and the ache there makes you steal a glance at Rex. He is looking at the map, his fingers tracing the distance between the palace here in Kalmhia and the coast to the Turquoise Sea. Miles, hours, and days will separate you. You shake your head, your feelings for the captain have no place at this table, other people are counting on both of you.

“Get ready men, we leave at noon tomorrow.” The King says, going back to his seat and motioning for you to take the word. “Now, dear, what is this mission you’re here to propose?”

You stand up and open your own map for the table to see, the path you are to take marked in red ink. Then you pass your parchment with all the necessary information to your father.

“Though the strategy you have all outlined is very advantageous for all kingdoms, I fear you’ve forgotten the distress the villagers of Liana have gone through.” You take a seat again but keep your posture straight and your voice even. Here it goes. “Thus, I’d like to lead a relief mission to Liana, so all those affected can receive immediate aid.”

You risk a glance towards your father and wince at the deep furrow in his brow. His words are exactly what you had expected.

“You want to travel to Liana? Absolutely not.”

“But your Majesty–” You try to argue but he cuts you off raising his index finger.

“Do you know why those pirates came to Kalmhia? To your Wing?” He shakes his head –clearly upset by the single piece of information you were wondering about the night before. “Those dirty pirates were sent here to kidnap you. Kidnap my only daughter to force me to do their bidding.”

You take a deep breath, that makes a lot more sense than stealing gold. Get the King of Kalmhia to do whatever they want and watch the rest of the kingdoms do the same. Though you’re not as big as the kingdom of Chelsia, your father is very influential, the pirates plan –though you hate to admit it– made sense. Looking over at Rex, you see he has his fists clenched on either side of him, upset by the information he got from the interrogation.

“You can’t go. What if they learn the princess has left the palace and try to abduct you again?” The King speaks up again.

You shake your head, refusing to cower under some pirates’ possible attack. You are no coward. You’re the bravest of us both, Rex always says and even if you’re not sure it is true, you will fake it you are until your father believes it.

“My King, the pirates took their food, harvest, and belongings. They’ve lost homes and are probably scared. The nights are getting colder and there are many children living there.” You motion to the map. “We can go Greymoon and purchase the needed supplies; then bring it with us to the affected village.

You open your own parchment again and read out the details you wrote down for the mission. “Greymoon is only a little more than a day away from here, if we camp, stay the next night there and go north to Liana in the morning, it is only two and a half days. Two nights in Liana to help them readjust and compose themselves plus two days on the way back. It is less than a week away from home, your Majesty.”

“There are closer villages to get the supplies from.” Is the only comment he offers when you’re done talking.

You sigh through your nose. “Look at the numbers I’ve drawn up, your Majesty. Though some villages are closer, they don’t have the same soil or agricultural practices as Liana. We need seeds and supplies that will help them start new crops and hopefully secure a new harvest before winter arrives. Greymoon has more than double the population of Liana, thus they will have excess supplies we can buy without affecting the village. The people of Liana need this, your Majesty.”

At the King’s silence, you look around the table where the knights sit and look at the King expectantly. Your eyes find Rex’s for the first time since the night before and it’s like a shock of static going through you – your heart races with both anxiety and love, and your eyes plead him to help you convince the King. He gives you a nod and with a deep breath you speak up.

“I wouldn’t be going alone, father. I’m sure Captain Rex can leave some of the 501st behind to accompany me.” You bring your hands behind your back to hide your fidgeting fingers.

“That would be no problem, your Highness. I can leave my best men to help you and I can take the rest of the 501st and the 412th with me and his Majesty.” Rex says still looking at you before his eyes shift to the King. “If his Majesty agrees.”

The King looks at Rex before looking at you. You and your father stare at each other but you don’t back down. You hold his gaze and try show all your determination in them.

Lifting your chin higher and keeping your voice even, you speak one last time. “Our job as leaders of Kalmhia isn’t to rule but to aid and protect those who need us. We need to protect our people and make sure they are alright, father.”

You think you hear some knights murmur in agreement, but you keep your focus on your father. Another minute passes and then –finally– he sighs and nods.

“Alright, but you must plan everything quickly. We’ll all depart tomorrow at noon. And,” He stresses, “you must wear chainmail. Now that everything is settled, you’re all dismissed.”

Around you all the knights stand up, smiles on their faces directed at you. Sir Fives and commander Cody offer you a thumbs up, while Rex smiles softly and heads towards the door with them. Your heart is drumming excitedly on your chest, just wait until Nathalia finds out. It is your father’s voice that takes your gaze away from the door.

“You know, your mother will not be pleased.” The King shakes his head, handing your parchments back to you. Your heart stalls for a second before you remember that he is talking about your mission, and not about you and Rex.

You shake your head and roll your eyes with a huff. “Yes, I know how my mother is…”

“But you have your father who loves you, and though it is wearily, supports you with this mission.” There is a small smile on his face, his eyes are warm with affection, and you step towards him for a heartfelt hug.

“Thank you, father. I will not disappoint you.” You keep your voice quiet, afraid that it will crack if you speak any louder. Your throat has tightened and your eyes have started to tear up. If only this could be his reaction when he learns of your mutual love with Rex. You really hope so.

“I don’t think you could ever disappoint me, my dear.”

After saying your goodbyes and walking out of the meeting room, you spot captain Rex waiting for you outside. The smile on your face at the sight of him hurts your cheeks, look at him, your heart seems to tell you, there he is.

“My lady.” Rex smiles as he greets you and starts to walk alongside you towards the East Wing.

“Captain.” You smile back, purposely brushing your hand against his while you walk. “Thank you for your help during the meeting.”

“No need to thank me, love.” He keeps his voice quiet as he steals a glance at you. Away from your garden it isn’t safe to be anything but formal with each other. “Lieutenant Echo will stay behind and lead the 501st men I am assigning to your mission. So will Kix in case anyone needs medical assistance. Which reminds me, how’s your hand, my lady?”

You hold your hand up in between the two of you for him to see, it is still bandaged, and your knuckles have turned a shade of red almost resembling wine. “It’s improved a lot overnight. I still need the bandage, but the swelling and pain are almost gone.” You reassure him. “Sir Kix sent a pomade with Nat last night and it’s helped a lot. So you have nothing to worry about, my captain.”

Rex lets out a soft breath of relief before he nods and smiles at you. “That’s a great plan you drew up for your mission. May I take a look?”

“Of course.” You pass him your parchment, and he focuses on the words you’ve written there as he walks. His eyes follow your words while yours can only focus on him. You want to make sure you treasure each second that passes, knowing you’ll be away from each other very soon.

“This is an excellent strategy you’ve come up with, cyar’ika.” Rex smiles at you before his gaze turns serious. “But it is important you plan every step and have a plan B in case things go south. I really hope it doesn’t come to that, but you need to be prepared for anything, my lady.”

You nod and try to give him a reassuring smile to put him at ease, knowing that he’s just as worried as you are. “I’ve learned from the best, so everything will be fine. Just like I know you’ll be fine in your own mission.”

“We’ll be alright.” Rex nods, mirroring your smile, though in his eyes you can see he is worried. “Anything I can help you with for your mission?”

“Oh, yes. Can you ask Sir Echo, and the team who will accompany me, to the library for a meeting please?” You stop walking as you reach hallway that leads towards the palace’s library.

Rex nods. “Right away my lady.” He then looks at your surroundings before taking your hand and kissing it briefly. “Anything for you.”

You feel your face warm up at his words. The thought of being away from each other keeps coming to mind once again but you push it away for now. There’s no time, not yet, for worry or sadness. You have a job to do. “Thank you, my love.” Though your voice is quiet, Rex hears you and the shy smile that comes to his lips makes your heart skip a bit.

✶----✶----✶

Hours later, you’re going over the maps and the routes you’re going to take with the 501st to Greymoon and then to Liana. You modified part of your original route to go through the forest, that way the trees and bushes can give you cover during the day, where anyone can spot you. After some discussion and relying on the knights’ expertise, you agreed on the location of the camp site where everyone will rest before covering the last few miles to Greymoon. It was your idea to try to cover most of the distance before setting camp, that way if your rest is cut short for whatever reason you will reach the village quickly. There was also a matter of escape routes and alternate plans that Rex had mentioned to you before. So, after careful consideration of the worst-case scenarios, you drew up two alternate plans that will still complete the mission and get the supplies to Liana –only that in those cases your aid would take longer to arrive. You are about to decide on the necessary escape routes when one of the knights approaches you.

“Your highness, the Queen is here to see you. She’s outside.”

“I will be right back.” You tell the room before you make your way to the door, where the Queen stands in the middle of the hallway.

You figure your mother has just returned from her visit to her friend and heard about the attack the night before. Her deep purple gown contrasts beautifully with the intricate gold designs of the marbled columns that line of the hall, and it distracts you from the deep frown of her face. You ignore it and offer a curtsey to her.

“Good afternoon, your majesty. How was your visit to your friend yesterday?”

“It doesn’t matter. Do you mind telling me why you’re going on this unnecessary mission to Liana?” Your mother doesn’t greet you, doesn’t say hello, but instead ops to let you know that she isn’t pleased at all. She rarely is anyways. “And what have you done to your hand? It looks terrible, you should be wearing gloves.”

Anger and disappointment prickles beneath your skin, threatening to rise to the surface. Of course, she’d be more displeased at the appearance of your hand than worried about what exactly happened the night before.

“Oh I got this defending myself from some pirates last night.” You tell her as nonchalantly as you can, the opposite of what you should do in this situation. Aloofness only makes your mother’s temper worse. “As for the mission, I’m going because it is my duty mother, my decision. I wouldn’t call it unnecessary.”

“Defending yourself,” She scoffs. “You should have waited for the knights. I’ve told you many times already, your duty is to stay here, in the castle, and manage things here like the decorations, the curtains, or anything really. Your duty is to find a suitable husband which is long overdue.” Her voice raises in volume with each word, it echoes in the hallway around you.

You let out a joyless laugh, resisting the urge to roll your eyes at the way your mother clearly underestimates you. “You really don’t know me at all, mother.” Your frustration is evident in your tone, you wish you didn’t disappoint her so much, but you can’t compromise who you are just to please her.

“I know you will do as I say. You are not going anywhere, and that’s final. I have many soirées planned for you to attend and you will not miss them.” She raises her voice, her eyebrows raise towards her hairline, and her eyes widen like they always do when she is furious. Months ago, that expression on her face would have frightened you, made you cower and nod your head yes to whatever she demanded of you. Now though, you know what is at stake, and feel surer of yourself than you felt before, so you can easily meet her angry gaze with one of your own. Where hers burns with irritation at your defiance, yours is calm and full of determination.

With one word you resist both her demand to keep you in the palace, and that of finding a husband based on wealth. Though she doesn’t know about the second part. Yet. “No.

“I’m not going to change myself to fit the version of a princess that you want me to be. I’m not an ornament, your Majesty.” You keep your voice leveled, not raising it so no one can eavesdrop on your conversation. Though your mother’s demands earlier were probably heard throughout the palace. “I want to help others, and since we live in position that allows me to, I will. Now if you’ll excuse me mother I need to get back and finish up the details of tomorrow’s mission.”

You curtsey and turn back to the library, leaving your mother standing in the hallway as you ask the knights by the library door to close it as you go in. You can’t make your way back to the table, where the knights wait for your return, in your current state so you motion Echo to give you a minute and walk towards one of the windows. With two deep breaths you try to keep your emotions in check, this is nothing you haven’t dealt with before and your mother’s anger should be familiar to you by now. Tears shouldn’t threaten to fall anymore. In your mind you know you won’t ever have her wholehearted approval on anything you decide –only if you comply to what she asks from you, will you make her proud.

It chips a tiny bit of your heart away every time, that to be your own person and to love the man your heart chose, you will be on different sides of a never-ending fight with your mother. And though you try not to, you so desperately seek to be someone she’s proud of. You dream of a different relationship with her, of enjoyable talks while having your afternoon tea, of talking to her about your feelings. Instead, you live a daily dance of avoiding any kind of talk or topic that would anger her and hiding your feelings behind a complying and passive mask is more exhausting than it is rewarding. Your mother’s anger and disapproval barely need a spark before it turns into a forest fire – a fire that has scorched your trust, your skin and everything in its path trying to get to your heart.

But the pain won’t make you give up who you are, it won’t take your happiness away, and it won’t make you forget your love just to make things easier. No, you’ll nurture the very essence of you, and let it grow in the scorched land each fight leaves on its wake. And if you must burn every time trying to protect it and your heart, so be it, you’re strong. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for and the support you have by your side will help you when that strength doesn’t prove to be enough.

“Is everything alright your Highness?” It is Sir Echo that has come to your side, his eyebrows furrowed as he looks at you. “We can take a break on the plan if you need some air.”

You take a deep breath and summon your strength to get over all the negative feelings that flood your mind. “I’m alright. There’s no need.” You smile. “Let’s get back to work.”

The Lieutenant nods, offers you small smile, and walks back to the table alongside you. The meeting resumes quickly, with all of you going over the last few tasks until dinner time. You ask the kitchen to bring dinner to the meeting and once the food arrives everyone helps themselves to the food –vegetable stew with rice and salad. The knights chatting animatedly all around you, and you enjoy their company and their stories as you normally eat dinner on your own. Echo and Kix sit beside you and they comment on how kind it was of you to keep the affected town in mind and ask for this mission. It’s something that is often forgotten, they say which makes you frown. “I won’t be forgotten from here on out.” You tell them with a smile.

After dinner and some last remarks on the plan from the battalion, you bid them good night and return to your room, your mapped route in hand. To your surprise Rex is waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs to the East Wing. The smile on your face threatens to hurt your face, and you can’t help the skip to your step as you move to his side.

“Hello, you.” You glance around before you take his hand and bring it to your lips for a kiss. His face of surprise makes you smile before letting your hands fall between the two of you.

Rex clears his throat. “Hello my lady. May I walk you to your door?”

“Yes, of course you can.” You nod, squeezing his hand before he leads you up the stairs. As you glance to your left, you see him already looking at you. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes like it always does and his eyes hold a storm of feelings –the same ones you know yours show as well. None of you try can deny that these are the last few hours you’ll have alone, the morning will be rushed with everyone going to where they’re called, ready for the action of war or the long way to Greymoon and Liana.

It’s hurting your heart, filling it with a sunken feeling of dread that goes all the way down to your stomach. You give Rex’s hand a hard squeeze to ground yourself to the present and try to soak in everything that is him. Like a sponge, you want to absorb the feeling of being near him, so it can last you until the day he returns. Your eyes begin to sting but you refuse to cry, not right now, not when you’ve got such little time with the man you love.

“Everything okay, my lady?” Rex asks you softly and you only nod, clinging to his hand. But the physical comfort only lasts for a second before you have let go once you turn to your hallway –Hardcase and Tup are standing guard a few feet away from the door. You debate letting Rex go, saying goodnight at your door and crying yourself to sleep after putting it off all day. But you refuse to deny each other the comfort of an embrace, of the reassurances only you can offer each other. So you make up your mind and decide that life’s just too short –too uncertain– to keep up appearances, especially with the men who are loyal to both Rex and you.

“Good evening, sirs.” You nod your head in greeting which they return. “Can I ask for a favour from you two. Please.”

“Sure, your Highness.” They nod in affirmation after greeting their captain.

“Can you give captain Rex and I a little privacy and then pretend I never requested this?” You keep your tone light and your hands still even though anxiety is cursing through your veins from being so bold. After keeping your feelings for Rex a secret for so long, your own body thinks you’re losing your mind.

Rex probably thinks so too for his head turns to you so fast you’re worried he hurt himself. You shrug at him before looking at the two knights in front of you again. Tup and Hardcase share a look before they speak again. “Captain. Permission to say something sir.”

Rex raises a quizzical eyebrow but nods anyways. “You may speak soldier.”

“With all due respect sir… we know sir.” Hardcase shifts his balance from one foot to the other under Rex’s scrutiny.

“Know what?” Rex prods, his tone curious.

“About you and the princess, sir.” Tup says, glancing towards you before looking back at the Captain. “It’s pretty obvious sir.” The knight adds.

You can’t help the giggle that leaves your lips as you look at Rex’s surprised expression. It seems you haven’t kept your feelings for your captain as subtle as you thought you were. At least the Queen doesn’t know.

“We won’t tell anyone of course. We’ll go stand watch by the stairs.” Hardcase rushes to say while you fight back the smile that wants to come to your face. “You’ve got our word, your Highness.”

“Thank you both, I really appreciate it.” You smile warmly.

“It’s no problem your, Highness. Captain.” With a short goodbye, the two of them leave towards the stairs, leaving you and Rex on your own.

“That… was an interesting turn of events.” Rex mutters, his right hand moving to rub the back of his head.

“And here I thought we were subtle.” You laugh as you open the door to your drawing room, Rex following closely behind doing the same. The evening candles have already been lit, bathing the room in a golden light and casting soft shadows all around. You hear Rex ask if you’d like to keep the door closed and you nod, realizing the first time Rex was here was the night before after the attack. It didn’t feel like a groundbreaking thing, not like it does now. Your drawing room is a sacred place for you, it’s been your refuge and a place of peaceful solitude for your hardest days. Every letter you’ve wrote to him in the past has been in this room. Every love confession and every dream brought to live in paper, right here. It’s as if you’ve conjured him up, somehow, or maybe luck is just on your side this time –it’s giving you a glimpse into a future where him being here with you is normal. You smile as you approach him again and take his hand. It’s warm, he’s always full of warmth.

“I’ve brought up the mapped routes for you to see.” You tell him as you guide both of you to the round table by the bookshelves. “I wanted to show you.”

When you reach the table, you open the map with the planed route plus the two alternates as Rex mentioned earlier. “Hmm, these are really good. Gives you a lot of cover, and easy access to escape routes.” He looks over them, talking more to himself that to you as he goes over every detail.

You walk to the bookshelves, your fingers going over the books’ spines as you read the titles. You decide to mention what happened in the afternoon, your encounter with your mother. “You probably heard about what happened with the Queen today.”

“I… yes, I did.” Rex says after hesitating for a second, his voice turning soft. “How are you feeling after that?”

You feel his eyes on you, but you keep your gaze fixed on the books in front of you. “I understand her, I do. But why can’t she realize she hurts me with her words whenever she gets angry like that? If I try to understand her, why can’t she do the same?”

Rex walks to you, and when you hear his footsteps approach you turn to face him at last. Rex’s arms hesitate by your sides until you nod, and they land on your waist in a gentle hold. “I’m sorry that happened cyare, I wish there was something I could do. I hate seeing you like this.”

Your forehead falls against his for a minute, taking a few deep breaths to push the memories of the fight away. When you pull back and meet his eyes, you find his earlier turmoil again. Like a storm behind the soft look that he gives you.

You hold his gaze with all the love you can give. “Hey,” you whisper, “it’s okay. I’m used to it. And I’ll be okay during the mission as well; I know it’s been worrying you.”

He sighs, “I know, but I would prefer it if I could protect you instead. I want to keep you safe, be there for you. Just like I am right now, because you shouldn’t be used to being hurt.” Rex’s last words are earnest, letting you know he has never been okay with the way your mother tends to treat you.

“The King needs your help and expertise, my love, it will all work out.” You shake your head. “You’ve given me very useful advice I might need and it will keep me safe.”

Rex’s hands that are on your waist bring you closer, your own arms going around him. Your captain rests his cheek on your shoulder and you can feel him breathing you in, soaking up the closeness between you two. The feelings inside both of you begin to surface – like the steam of a kettle going off– after being pushed away all day. Your heart is letting you know it’s time to address how you feel whether it hurts or not.

“The thought of leaving you, being apart from you, it makes me anxious. I have this feeling in my chest.” He confesses against your shoulder as you hold each other, your left hand moving to his hair and rubbing at his scalp soothingly. “Like lead pressing down, it makes it hard to breathe, it… makes me afraid.”

“I’m afraid too,” you whisper to him, “I’ve had this feeling in my chest too. Since we left the garden yesterday. I tried to ignore it, but I can’t hide my feelings from you, you’re the only one I trust with them.”

“Just as I trust you, cyare.” Rex holds you closer, his breath warm over your shoulder.

“Don’t say goodbye tomorrow. It will only make it worse.”

“I won’t, I don’t ever want to say goodbye to you. Ever.”

“Rex.” Your voice is barely a whisper, and when he moves his face from your shoulder to look at you, your eyes take in every feature of his face. You have each one of them memorized, but you still map them with your eyes as if it’s the first time.

“Yes, love?” His gaze meets yours with both love and sadness.

“Kiss me.” You move your hand from his hair to the back of his neck as you speak. Your voice is low just for him to hear you. “Please kiss me now, while we’re alone. I fear we won’t be able to for a long time.”

In an instant, his lips are on yours in an intense but still gentle kiss. His hands on your waist bring you closer while both of your arms go around his neck. You slowly walk back to the table near you, and Rex quick as he always is, moves his hands to your hips to help you sit on it. Pleased that your lips are finally on the same level, and that the strain on your neck from leaning up to him has eased, you can’t help but smile. Rex’s forehead leans against yours when he feels your smile against his lips, something that causes him to do so as well. Your love surfaces from your heart to your skin a matter of seconds. It buzzes with a tenderness, and a care for the man in front of you that is almost overwhelming. Words fail you, but your actions speak for you. A soft brush of your lips against his, a gentle nuzzle of your noses, a kiss to the corner of his mouth and his jaw. I don’t want to part from you, they say, and when Rex cradles your cheek with one of his hands you know he understands.

His lips move to your cheek, peppering soft saccharine kisses there, until they drift lower to the edge of your jaw. They hover over your skin just before reaching your neck, as he hesitates, not knowing if he can kiss your skin like he wishes to do. You give him a breathy yes before he asks, your fingers moving from his shoulders to his hair. Rex smiles and places slow kisses along your neck, and he hums when you sigh again, your hands in his hair tugging gently at the soft strands. Your skin is covered in goosebumps at the new feeling, and you only want to be closer to him, to let the moment last forever. You take one of his hands on your waist, the one that was fighting not to drift upwards, and move it to the front of your chest.

“You can touch me, it’s okay, I trust no one more than you.” You whisper.

Rex does, and the way you react to him gives him more confidence. His lips find yours again, unable to stay away for long. Your lips part when you feel his tongue against your bottom lip, immediately getting lost in each other yet again. Rex holds you tightly to him, and his lips leave your mouth to place small kisses all over you face. The action so careful, so gentle that your heart can’t bear to think about tomorrow. The painful reminder grips your heart tightly, making it ache as your eyes begin to sting with tears threatening to fall.

“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself, cyar’ika.” Rex begins to say before his lips catch the few tears that have started to fall. He pulls away from you far enough to meet your eyes but still keep you close. “Please my love, don’t cry.” His voice hoarse from lack of use, and the way it threatens to break is your undoing.

You shake your head, not able to hold back your emotions anymore. The sob that shakes your whole body tells you it’s time to talk about your feelings. “I’m going to miss you so much and I’m so scared, Rex. Even the flowers are going to wilt from sadness while you’re gone. It’s going to be one month minimum, and we’ve never been apart so long. I –”

What if your mother makes you choose a husband while it’s just the two of you in the palace. What if she forces you to marry someone else? No. You won’t allow it. You’d sooner go to war than go through that –you either marry Rex or never marry at all. It’s his voice softly saying your name that brings you out of your own hopeless thoughts. Like a single star in a dark sky, he guides you back to the present, back to him.

“I’m going to miss you too, and our garden. You’re not the only one feeling like this cyar’ika you’re not alone.” His lips brush against your cheek, kissing your tears away. His eyes begin to water and that’s enough to make another sob leave your lips. You lean forwards, your forehead falling to his shoulder and arms going around his waist to pull him as close as possible.

“There’s no place on earth they might send either of us where I won’t think of you. Where I won’t find you and come back to you, my lady. I’ll be back here as soon as I am able, and I’ll talk to the King with you so that I may court you until the day we marry.” Rex’s voice is a soft whisper near your ear, making your sobs subside to silent tears.

You heart jumps on your chest at his words, and you nod against his shoulder, so he knows you believe him –despite the tears that continue to fall down your cheeks. When you look up again, the tears that fall down his own cheeks break your heart in a million pieces. Your hands go to hold his face, thumbs trying to bring him comfort. You’ve never seen Rex afraid before. He’s always composed, brave, but even your brave captain has fears. And you want nothing more than to comfort him.

“You’re right, I’m yours, heart and soul. One day when I vow it to you, I’ll tie my heart to yours in every possible way.” You try to soothe that anxious feeling he spoke of before.

Your lips meet his again in a slow yet passionate press of lips, the multitude of feelings channeled into the sweetest and most perfect of creations. So, you kiss, and kiss, and kiss again, letting your lips speak for you. Your heartbeats race and synchronize again, half of yours in his and half of his in yours. Both of his hands hold your face gently, reverently, when the two of you part once again.

“Everything will go well.” Rex reassures you and himself, “You’re strong and brave, and I know I don’t need to tell you this because you already know it. The relief operation will be a success but bring your sword with you in case there’s trouble.”

You nod with a smile. You had known he was going to ask you to bring your sword with you, and after the incident the previous night, you’re more than certain you can defend yourself should you need to.

“I will.” You whisper, your fingertips tracing his face softly. The slope of his nose, the curve of his bottom lip that was thoroughly kissed, the dark circles that had made an appearance under his kind brown eyes this morning. “You take care as well, Rex, and come back to me in one piece.”

“I always do.” Rex nods, his confident gaze making an appearance again. “Look at who’s going to be waiting here for me.”

His words make you smile, and you see his own smile come to his face as well. Placing a hand on his cheek you whisper three words reverently, like a secret between the two of you. “I love you.”

Rex’s eyes hold a flurry of emotion as he swallows hard, and whispers back. “I love you…so much.”

Your captain helps you off the table with a bashful look. The two of you look at each other shyly, as if you didn’t just kiss like the other would disappear. You grab Rex’s hand and hold onto it tightly until you reach the door leading out to the hallway. Trying to delay his departure as much as possible you hug him once more. You hold each other like that –breathing the other in– for what feels like hours but in reality, it’s probably one minute. The only thing that gets you to part from him is the knowledge that you both need to pack for the days ahead and get some rest before morning comes. So, with a small smile from Rex and a teary one from you, you open the door and part until the next day.

Tomorrow, you set off to do your duty and Rex will leave to do his. You feel your heart constrict inside your chest at the idea once more, but you ignore it. There are very important matters at hand, people are counting on both of you, and the promise of coming back to your little piece of heaven will encourage you two to hurry back, though you know Rex’s return could be much later than yours.

✶----✶----✶

The morning is a rush of events, just as you had anticipated. It’s a frenzy of finishing packing, eating breakfast, and letting Nathalia help you with your chainmail. As your father had ordered, the armory sent over a piece of chainmail for you to wear, but it was sent back by Nathalia for some “important alterations”. Now, you can’t help but admire her keen eye for picking out your garments even if they’re covered in metal armour.

You wear a delicate chainmail blouse on top of the bodice of your deep blue dress –its silver and white embroidery matching the silver metal beautifully. The best part, however, are the black trousers Nathalia found for you to wear underneath your dress. Goodbye side saddle, and hello comfortable horseback riding. Your eyes meet Nathalia’s through the mirror as you stare at your reflection.

“It’s perfect Nat,” You smile widely as she hands you a belt for your sword. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“No need to thank me, your Highness.” Nat smiles, “Now, please sit down so I can braid your hair.

Once everything is settled in your room and taken downstairs you make it a point to pass by the Queen’s study, where she’s sure to be having a cup of tea. You stop just outside the door and peek into the study, to find her sitting on the sofa with a book in her hand and a steaming cup of tea on the side table. With a deep breath, you straighten up and walk into the room.

Your mother looks up from her book, gives you a once over when you curtsey, and continues her reading. Not a word comes from her lips, so you decide to speak up first. “I’m leaving soon mother. I’ve come to say goodbye.”

She remains stoic focusing on the book in her hands, the only acknowledgement that she heard you is a low hum. “Why come say goodbye when you’re going against my orders.” She asks calmly, her eyes not meeting yours. Her next words are as cold as ice, and they sink into your veins as a shiver goes down your spine. “Just leave, I don’t care.”

A breath leaves your lips at her words. They hurt like punch in the stomach, leaving you speechless for a moment before you shake your head trying to rationalize where her anger is coming from. You’re not going to cry, not anymore.

“I know why you’re upset mother.” You whisper with a sad smile, approaching the sofa where she sits. “I’m your shining jewel that you can show off. But I am more than that, your Majesty. I’m my own person, I make my own decisions and accept all consequences that come from it. I wish you understood that.”

With that you place a kiss on her cheek, curtesy, and leave towards the courtyard where everyone is getting ready to leave. The courtyard looks like a battlefield already. Knights are going back and forth from the armoury to their horses and carriages, yelling orders and getting everything ready for departure. Somewhere to the right you manage to spot your father talking to commander Cody. He is nodding along to what the commander is saying until he sees you and excuses himself from the conversation.

“Father, I wanted to see you before I left.” You smile, offering a courtesy before he pulls you in for a hug. “Please take care, I’m going to miss you so much.”

“As will I, my dear.” Your father squeezes you tightly, before stepping back and kissing your forehead. “Take very good care of yourself. You’re my only daughter, I wouldn’t be able to bear losing you.”

“Thank you for the opportunity, father, I know you were hesitant to let me go to Liana.” You chuckle, still finding some of that hesitation in his eyes. “But I thank you for trusting me.”

“I do, I trust you and your decisions. That’s why I allowed it.” The King then shakes his head, “You gave me another perspective on this conflict, one I had overlooked.”

Someone calls for you father in the distance and he sighs, hugging you once more. “I will see you soon, my dear.”

“I’ll be here when you’re back.” You nod, holding back tears as he turns around and leaves to talk to part of his battalion. Where your mother is ice, your father is a warm hug in a cold day. If he it wasn’t for him and if he doesn’t return to the palace, you’re not sure how you’ll bear a life with the Queen’s frigid personality. With a deep breath you calm down the flurry of emotions that want to take over you again, but as you’ve told yourself countless times: There is no time for that now, people are counting on you.

You look around once more and spot the men of the 501st who will be accompanying you, they are getting your horse ready for departure. Your eyes keep looking for Rex, knowing he must be around making sure everything is on track for your mission, or at least that’s what you think. Just as you think about him, one of the knights moves a carriage away and there he is, looking down at a piece of parchment eyebrows furrowed in concentration. You start to make you way over, and then as if feeling your eyes on him he looks up. There’s a small smile that settles on his face as he approaches you, the two of you meeting each other halfway.

“And here I was, thinking it wasn’t possible for you to look more beautiful, cyare.” Rex is wearing his full armour except for the helmet, and you are thankful to see the way his smile crinkles the corner of his eyes –once last time. They are bright and don’t hide both the affection and attraction he feels. You can’t help but to be happy that he’s allowing himself to be more open with such emotions, it warms your body from head to toe.

You hold back a smirk, turning into a sensible smile as you look at him. “The chainmail looks that good hm?”

He chuckles and glances down to the floor briefly. “There is something you are missing, my lady.” He motions you to follow him where your horse awaits you before he gives you a helmet.

When you raise your eyebrows in surprise, Rex offers you a shrug. “Orders from the King.”

“Alright.” You sigh but nod anyways, stepping forward so he can put it on you. Your eyes meet his through the gap in the helmet as secures it and you can’t help the smile that comes to your lips at the focused look on his face. “Thank you.” You whisper when Rex is done and steps back.

Rex nods and points towards your horse. “Midnight is ready for you as well.”

Your horse is tall, with black with silky fur and long black mane. Midnight seemed like the perfect name for him. He leans close to you when you stroke his mane softly. “Hey buddy, ready for a new journey?” You offer him a small smile before Rex holds his hand out to help you hop on the saddle –knowing your injured hand doesn’t need the additional pressure of getting onto a horse.

“Thank you, captain.” You say, hoping he can hear the smile on your face even though its forced. It’s better than him figuring out you would be holding back tears if you let yourself speak more. There’s a big chance you won’t see him again, something that you don’t let yourself dwell on or else you’ll force your way into his mission. You must ignore it and try to put your captain at ease, even when you’re not feeling at ease yourself. The people of Liana need help, so like Rex, duty must come first. “I will see you back here once our missions are over.”

“You will. Take care, your highness.” Rex nods, clearing his throat before looking into your eyes –they shine just like yours– then in a whisper he speaks once more. “Please.”

“You too, Rex.” You try to keep the conversation casual even if nerves and dread are slowly settling in your gut. Above all, you must not say goodbye, that would make things worse, it would make things final.

Rex only nods once more, his eyes showing a thousand words he doesn’t dare speak in front of others; he already voiced them to the only person he allows to see any vulnerability from him, you.

It is Echo, who comes up next to you on his own horse, that leaves no room for any more worrying. His words are confident and get all three of you into action, your feelings tucked in a corner of your heart for later. “Ready when you are your highness.” He says.

“Take care of her, Echo, and take care of yourself.” Rex’s voice is firm, a captain giving an order, but it is laced with concern for yourself and his friend. You know the lieutenant will be able to pick up on it, knowing that Rex’s protectiveness is creating an inner turmoil in his mind and heart.

“Of course, captain.” Echo salutes Rex one last time–the captain stands at attention and does the same. “Good luck on your mission.”

“Let’s go.” With a nod to your captain, you ride with some of the 501st to the main gates and head West; knowing the other half of your heart will soon ride towards the east to meet the enemy. Though you have high hopes that your mission will go well, it’s hard to put aside the nerves for the other team, the one who will soon fight a hard battle at sea. You shake your head and chuckle with no real joy behind it, to think a little over 24 hours ago all you were nervous of was your pending meeting with the King.

Nathalia joins your side on her own horse as you make your way to the gate. There are knights surrounding you, their formation leaving you in the middle of the battalion for protection. Four empty carriages are being pulled by two horses each, ready to be loaded with supplies for the people of Liana who desperately need them. As time goes by the palace is left behind and replaced by a beautiful scenery of green on green, flowers and trees blooming in the last weeks of summer for the foliage before fall paints it orange and red.

Lieutenant Echo and Sir Dogma clear their throats as they approach to your right. “Your Highness.”

“We sent 4 men to Greymoon early this morning, as planned. They will wait for us there and tell the village we are on our way.” Dogma informs you. “Everything will be ready for your arrival.”

“Thank you, Sir.” You say, glad that your plan is already underway.

“Another thing, your Highness.” Echo tells you. “Orders from the King are to get you back to the palace the second things go south. No alternate route, just the escape route. The rest of the men will carry out the mission.”

“That’s not what we agreed upon yesterday.” You remind him, hoping to ignore your father’s orders. Of course he’ll tell them and not tell you. The only reason why you’re hearing about this now is because Echo is your eyes and ears for all matters in the castle, just like his twin Fives is. “We go the alternate route, I’m not leaving without a fight.”

“But your Highness.” Sir Dogma tries to say but you shake your head.

“I’m sure nothing will happen, and if it does, my father knows I’m stubborn enough not to follow his orders to the letter.” You shrug, then sigh, knowing they have their orders. “But alright, we’ll follow the King’s orders. Only if it’s absolutely necessary though, like if I’m about to die, then you take me back to the palace.”

Echo chuckles, “Alright your Highness, only during a dire situation then.”

“Mhm.” You nod, then light up as you spot an open field in the distance. The sun is shining on it, making the blooming flowers look every more beautiful as the tall grass dances from side to side. “Permission to leave formation.”

“What?” Nathalia says on your left, until she follows your line of vision. “Oh. In that case, can I leave formation too?”

“Alright.” Echo nods reluctantly. “Dogma, stay close to them.”

You hear Sir Dogma agree before you break formation and set off to the open field. “Come on Nat!” You say, a laugh escaping your lips as Midnight picks up his pace.

The breeze is cool, though your helmet prevents you from feeling it on your face. The tall grass bends as you gallop through and the wildflowers are even brighter up close. The blue sky seems endless in front of you, like you could gallop towards the horizon forever, until the sun sets and rises again. It gives you a sense of freedom you rarely have, and when a pack of butterflies fly from the grass and to the sky, you get a warm feeling on your chest. Happiness, pure happiness after two tense days, is enough to make your eyes tear up involuntarily while your smile only grows.

As Nathalia laughs by your side, you have a feelings that things are truly going to go well. Like this is a good omen being sent to you and your mission.

It is almost midnight when you reach the designated place where you are to set camp. The Knights are quick to unpack the needed supplies for a quick dinner and some sleeping cots for those who aren’t on lookout. You thank them kindly when they set up a tent for you a Nathalia and laugh heartedly at the fun anecdotes they tell by the small fire. The small meal is consumed in animated yet quiet conversation before everyone who needs to rest is urged to go to sleep.

“We’ll leave in a few hours and we’ll be in Greymoon in the morning.” Echo reminds everyone. “Get some rest, we all need it.”

With that, Nathalia takes the lead towards your small tent. Knights sit a few feet away from it, keeping guard and making sure the two of you are safe while you rest. You smile at them as you pass, thanking them for their help and their effort.

“I’m so tired, my butt is already asleep.” Nathalia says through a yawn, not even bothering to take off her boots before climbing into her cot.

“Get some rest, dear Nat.” You smile, “You’ve had a very long day.”

“So have you, you need rest too.” She yawns again, already drifting off.

“And I intend to do so.” You nod, pulling the blankets back and getting into bed –boots and all. Making sure your sword is next to your cot in case you need it, you let yourself close your eyes hoping that your father and your captain are having a good start of their mission as well.

✶----✶----✶

It feels like you were asleep for only a minute before the sound of yelling wakes you up. Defensive positions! you hear, along with Pirates! and even more yelling. It gets you up from your small cot in an instant, and makes you reach for your sword.

“Nathalia, stay close to me.” You say the minute you spot her frightened face looking at you with wide eyes. She is sitting on the edge of the cot –her face is pale and her knuckles white as they grip the blanket. “I’m going to take a look.”

The chaos outside freezes you to your spot as soon as you step out to the open. It isn’t dawn yet, and the dark sky is bathing all of you in darkness, a disadvantage for both the enemy and your battalion. There are at least 40 pirates, all armed, battling with the 501st. The 25 men who accompany you in the mission, outnumbered by the brutal attacks from the pirates, but from what you can see, there haven’t been any casualties yet. You’re so focused on the safety of those fighting to protect you that you barely have time to see the danger that’s approaching you.

A pirate charges at you at the same time Nathalia comes out of the tent and stands behind you, her scared almost-scream is enough to spring you into action. You know your hand is still healing and would certainly injure itself more –or break– if you punch any more pirates, but you can steal wield your sword without much pain. Sword it is. You take it in both hands and strike upwards towards the pirate, who’s immediately tackled to the ground by Hardcase. You use the moment to walk further away from the fight, you need to keep Nathalia safe.

“Get away from here, now!” You hear Hardcase grunt from the ground and you nod. You quickly scan your surroundings and force your body to move despite the fear that tries very hard to keep your feet frozen to the ground.

“Stay behind me Nat.” You tell her over your shoulder, grab her hand and start running to your left, only for three pirates to spot you and come after you, the knights they were fighting forgotten.

You plant your feet to the ground and swing your sword once more, a grunt leaving you from the pain the movement brings to your hand. No more defensive strikes, you’re going to strike first. Thankfully, only one of them makes it towards you as the other two pirates are brought down to the ground by the knights. The air is filled by insults thrown out by the pirates and the knights’ clanking armor, but you focus on your attacker Your sword knocks out his knife but he’s quick to brandish a sword that was strapped to his back. Like the night of the attack at the palace, you block every strike with your sword before growing more confident and attacking first while still shielding Nat. The pirate chooses a foul move then and uses his sword to cut your already injured hand, right above the wrist. Nathalia screams out your name, worry coating her words. The cut goes through your bandage and to your skin which makes you drop the sword as a response to the pain, but before the pirate can strike again you grab your sword again with your left hand. Blocking his strikes with your non dominant hand proves to be more challenging that you thought though, you’re not strong or as skilled with it as you are with your injured one.

It feels like you’re alone and you can’t even check your surroundings to see how the 501st is doing, nor check up on Nathalia behind you. You can only tell her to run when the pirate’s last strike forces you to use both hands on the hilt of your sword –the pain from both injuries bringing tears to your eyes. You strain against the pirate’s strength that’s trying to bring you down, when a knife flies down to his arm making him drop his sword and cry out in pain –a moment you use to kick him hard and away from you and Nat, who didn’t run as you told her to. All around you the pirates start to crumble to the ground, arrows flying down from a tree and onto them. Three more knights appear suddenly, with dark red painted armor, and they work with the rest of the 501st to disarm and capture the remaining pirates.

You drop your sword and turn around to find a frightened Nathalia with tears in her eyes. “I should have defended you. You got hurt!” She cries but you shush her softly, and though you yourself are trembling, you bring her to your arms and embrace her.

“You know how stubborn I am, I wouldn’t have let you.” You tell her gently as she shakes in your arms. “We’re okay, Nat. It’s done now.”

“We need to clean your wound.” Nathalia says through her tears. “Let me go get Kix.”

“In a minute.” You mumble, holding her closer, glad that she’s safe. “You need to calm down a little, I’m okay Nathalia, don’t worry.”

“Your highness!” Echo comes running to you, he has an angry cut on his head that leaves a trail of blood down to his chin but he doesn’t seem to mind. “Are the two of you, okay? Are you hurt?”

“Nathalia is fine, sir Echo.” You nod as Nathalia steps away from you and wipes her eyes discreetly. “However… I hurt my hand again. It doesn’t matter, how are the rest of the men? Any casualties?”

“None, your highness.” Echo says, his smile tired but happy for his men.

I sigh of relief escapes you and you nod in understanding. “That’s good to hear.”

“That pirate hurt your hand, your Highness.” Nathalia says nodding to the body collapsed on the ground with anger. “I’m going to find Sir Kix.”

“Let me go with you–” Echo tries to say but Nathalia is already off to find the medic. “Are you sure that she is okay?”

“She’s rattled, not hurt. I’ll check up on her when she’s ready.” You sigh, shaking your head. “Now tell me, who were those knights who just showed up to help?”

“They are from Greymoon, your Highness.” Echo nods towards one of them, who is wearing a piece of red fabric wrapped around his forehead and a red scarf over his armor. “This is Sargent Hunter, the leader of Legion 99 of Greymoon. They protect the village.”

You hear Nathalia come back to your side with Kix tagging along, and he wastes no time checking your injured right arm. A sense of déjà vu washes over you as you continue your conversation with the knights over a painful grimace.

“I thank you for your aid, Sargent.” You nod your head politely. “Perfect timing.”

“No thanks needed, your Highness. We were scouting the grounds when we heard the noise. Four knights from the palace had informed us yesterday afternoon of your arrival.” Hunter motions to the other three knights that are putting the arrested pirates in line. They still wear their helmets so you can’t see their faces as the Sargent gives you their names. “Those are Tech, Wrecker and Crosshair. We are happy to help and we’re sorry for not thinking of scouting the river for threats. Echo tells me that’s where the pirates came from.”

“It’s no one’s fault.” You shake your head, wincing when Kix pours water over your wound to clean it. “I guess we’ll be arriving at Greymoon before planned, as our rest was cut short.”

“I’ll start packing up the camp.” Echo nods before turning to the Sargent. “Do you mind helping with the prisoners?”

“Not a problem.” Hunter says. He gives you a nod and returns to his Legion.

“Sir, Echo.” You speak up before he leaves. “When you write your report to Rex, please don’t tell him I got hurt.” The last thing you need is to worry him in battle, you’ll tell him yourself when you see him.

“Because he’ll worry if I do.” The Lieutenant says, understanding. “Alright your Highness. I’ll let Sir Kix finish patching you up, and both you and Miss Nathalia rest. We’ll be ready to depart when you are.”

You nod your head and reach for Nathalia’s hand, squeezing it in reassurance and in pain as Kix wraps a tight bandage over the cut. “We’ll be in Greymoon soon, Nat, we’ll rest and get the supplies. It’ll be alright, I have a good feeling about this.”

Nat chuckles at your optimism, looking down at the bloody bandage that taken off by Sir Kix and replaced with a new one. “I hope you’re right, your Highness.”

“I will have to check this again in Greymoon, your Highness.” Kix says as he stands up, taking your attention away from Nat and towards him. “But this bandage will be good until then.”

“Thank you, Sir Kix.” Your smile is quickly replaced by a wince when you move your hand to test it. “Would you mind telling Lieutenant Echo we are ready to depart?”

“Certainly, your Highness.”

“You’re okay then?” Nathalia asks, the concern on her voice not leaving her yet. “Don’t you need a little bit more rest?”

“I’m alright. Now we really should go, there are people counting on us.” You offer her hand one more squeeze as you look beyond the forest, knowing the village is some miles away. You hope the people of Liana know you’re coming, so they don’t feel alone. Hold on for one more day, help is on the way.

tagging: @literallydontlook @random-rex-shit @dinwrites @nick-djarin @bispecsual

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