#clone x OC

[justaparsec94]

Sleep

Author's Note: For @thecoffeelorian . Written for the prompt: Falling asleep in each others arms. This turned out a bit more angsty than I was originally intending but I hope you like it! I always find it a challenge to find the right amount of fluff for Cross.

Pairing: Crosshair x fem!reader

Word Count: 3,617

****************

Crosshair shot up in bed, throat constricting painfully as he tried to bring a full breath of air into his lungs. His chest heaved as he looked wildly around the darkened room, pulse racing beneath his skin. It took a moment for him to get his bearings, to realize that he wasn’t in that tiny grey cell on Tantiss anymore. He wasn’t strapped to some examination table in a lab. He was fine, he was safe. He was on Pabu. He was home. 

He groaned softly, his entire body still on high alert from his nightmare as he kicked his legs over the side of the bed. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees before letting his head fall into his hands. The cool metal of his cybernetic hand was both a relief against his fevered skin and a horrible reminder of everything he’d been through. Crosshair remained still for a long moment as he waited for his heart rate to return to a reasonable level, for his thoughts to stop racing on the same panicked loop. He shivered slightly as the cool breeze from the open window whispered across his skin that had been dampened by a cold sweat. 

It was the same nightmare he had had hundreds of times before. But no matter how often the same visions flashed across his mind, he always woke up the same way. Panicked, angry, scared. Kamino, Tantiss, Hunter, Wrecker, Omega, Desix, Echo, Mayday, Tech. Over and over the scenes played in his sleep, each time he watched everything crumble and burn, watched everyone he cared about die by his hands. It always felt so real. 

Crosshair finally straightened once his shoulders were no longer heaving with effort to breathe and his ears were no longer ringing. He turned slowly to look over his shoulder at the bed, trying not to make any sound or shift the mattress as he did so. Everything inside of him instantly softened at the sight of you. You were still sleeping peacefully, thankfully undistributed by his own nighttime troubles. He let out a gentle sigh, grateful that you were oblivious to him at that moment, though it wouldn’t have been the first time one of his nightmares had woken you up. 

He watched you for a long moment, his eyes tracing the lines of your face. You looked so peaceful when you slept, content. Most days, he still couldn’t quite believe that you were there, with him. After everything that had happened, sleeping in your shared bed, looking like there was nowhere else in the galaxy that you would rather be. 

The room was silent except for the soft sound of the waves coming in through the open window and your even, gentle breaths. He watched your chest rise and fall for another moment, wanting to be certain he hadn’t disturbed you. He sighed again, knowing that if he tried to go back to sleep he would just spend the rest of the night tossing and turning. He didn’t need the guilt of waking you added on top of everything else. So he stood, slowly so as to not move the bed. He paused though once he’d reached his full height, turning back around to look at you once more. Before he could stop himself he stooped over the bed, hand reaching out to brush a stray piece of hair that had blown into your face from the breeze coming in through the open window. He tucked the stay piece behind your ear, taking a moment to marvel at the softness of your skin. You let out a soft sigh as he pulled his hand away, nuzzling further into your pillow. He felt as if his heart was being carved from his chest at the sight, you meant everything to him. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you. He’d do everything in his power to protect you, even if that meant protecting you from himself. With another sight he straightened, slipping silently out of the room and down the stairs.  

The small house was completely still and quiet as he made his way towards the kitchen. Omega and his brothers were likely all fast asleep, as they should be, at this time of night. As always, his eyes were drawn to the pictures lining the walls as he made his way through the house. An enthusiastic Omega and Wrecker, and a skeptical but pliable Hunter had taken it upon themselves to decorate their small home. Their place had very quickly filled up with anything and everything Omega and his brothers seemed to like, the walls filled with their finds. Before, what he would have considered clutter would have bothered him, but now he found he actually liked it. Not that he would admit that to anyone though. But after spending all of their lives with nothing it was still strange but nice to have something that was completely theirs. And now that you were here it felt more like a home than ever before. 

At first, back when things between the two of you had still been strained, you had stayed in Phee’s home anytime you came to the island. But that had slowly changed over time until one day he’d found himself cleaning out a drawer in his room for you. Since the fall of The Republic you’d been working with Rex, then Echo, helping them in any way you could with the clone rebellion. You hadn’t said anything and he wasn’t about to point it out but he had noticed that your journeys off Pabu had grown fewer and farther between lately. If he had things his way you’d never leave again, you were his, and he wanted you with him always. But he also wasn’t about to come between you and doing what you felt you needed to, what was right. No matter how much he might want to keep you with him every moment of every day. 

Crosshair stalked quietly across the kitchen before he stopped in front of the sink, grabbing a glass off the counter and filling it with water. His throat felt incredibly dry, as though he’d been crying out in his sleep. He knew he likely hadn't been if you were still asleep, but he had done so in the past. No matter how much he tried to convince himself he was over everything that had happened, he couldn’t seem to shake the nightmares. 

He gazed out the open window as he sipped slowly on his water, the gentle breeze sending a slight shiver down his spine. It was a warm summer night, but the sweat on his skin left him with a chill. The island was as silent as the house, peaceful, calm, safe. Now if only he could make himself believe he wasn’t in any danger, not anymore. 

Crosshair tensed at the sudden sound of soft footsteps overhead, he'd recognize your light tread anywhere. Guilt washed through him as he listened to you make your way down the stairs, obviously, he'd woken you up after all. He didn’t even so much as turn from his spot, simply continued to watch the waves crash against the shore down below as your footsteps drew nearer. It wasn’t until you crossed the threshold of the kitchen that he spoke, but his eyes remained focused on the quiet world outside the window. 

“Go back to bed,” He hissed, his tone more hostile than he intended but he couldn’t seem to stop the shame that was suddenly crawling up his throat. There was still a part of him that hated to be seen in these moments when he felt so weak. The other part felt so guilty for pulling you into this, how could he possibly make you happy when all he seemed to do was mess things up?

Despite his words, your footsteps didn’t even falter, and before he could even think of anything else to try and say your arms wrapped around his waist, your body pressing tightly up against his back. That part of him, that angry, writhing part, wanted to push away from you. To turn and demand you leave him but he knew you wouldn’t listen even if he did. Instead, he was helpless, melting into your embrace as he felt your cheek rest in the space between his shoulder blades. 

You were quiet for a moment before speaking softly, “You should know by now that it’s not that easy to get rid of me.”

The anger that it seemed he had spent all of his life trying to control suddenly rose up in him again, inexplicably. He wanted to snap, to point out that you had left him once before but the words got stuck in his throat. He knew that wouldn’t be fair to you. He had been the one who had made it impossible for you to stay, after all. And even after everything that had happened, after everything that he’d done, you had still come back to him. You didn’t deserve his anger. 

He let out a deep sigh, hands moving away from the counter to rest over the top of yours. As always, his anger and frustration seemed to melt away as you held onto him tightly. After a long, silent moment he turned in your arms, lifting his hands to wrap around your shoulders, pulling you in close so that your head rested on his chest. You squeezed his waist tighter in response, melting further into him. He closed his eyes for a moment as he rested his chin on the top of your head. 

The two of you held each other silently, the turmoil inside of him settling with each passing moment. It was moments like those, where the two of you were wrapped so tightly together it was hard to tell where one began and the other ended, that he wished would never end. There was a time, not that long ago, when he would have balked at being held like this, at being so vulnerable, even with you. But now no matter how much his mind might war with him sometimes, he couldn’t get enough of you. You’d crawled into his heart, wedged yourself right up beneath his rib cage, and yet he still wanted more. You were his. 

Your voice was barely above a whisper when you spoke again, “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” He snapped before he could even stop himself. A knee-jerk reaction brought on by a lifetime of avoiding his feelings. He pulled back slightly, enough that he could look at your face but still within arms reach. Your hands moved from his waist to his arms, grasping his forearms firmly, as though you were ready to stop him should he decide to bolt. There wasn’t any judgment in your expression as you looked up at him though, just the same kindness and understanding as always. It made him sigh, guilt turning his stomach once more, for trying to shut you out when you deserved, more than anyone, to be let in. 

“It was just the same things as always,” He finally said, after another long, silent moment. He turned his head slightly, unable to fully meet your gaze after such an admission.

“Cross…” You said softly, tugging his arm gently until he felt as if he had no choice but to meet your gaze once more. You took a step closer to him as your eyes met, tipping your head back as your bodies brushed against each other. 

“There is nothing that you could tell me that would make me think of you any differently, or care for you any less,” You continued gently as you lifted a hand to rest on his chest, directly over his heart. His skin burned beneath your touch, his heart racing as your fingers bunched in the fabric of his sleep shirt, “I love you. Nothing will ever change that. But it kills me to see you suffering. I want to help you, in any way I can. But I can't do that if you don’t let me in.” 

“I’m supposed to be the one that looks after you,” he hissed, his grip on your waist tightening as shame bubbled in his throat once more. He was a soldier, his entire purpose had been to serve and protect. His entire life he’d been defective but still effective, but now with a missing hand and fragile mind what good was he? How could he possibly be enough for you? 

“It’s not a one-way hyperspace lane Cross, we help each other,” You answered gently, “If you’re not ready to share then that’s ok, but I hope you know you can tell me these things. Anytime. I’m here for you. Sharing doesn’t make you weak or defective, and neither does having feelings in the first place,” you continued as if reading his very thoughts. You’d always been able to see him better than anyone else ever could.

He sighed, taking a step closer to you without thought as if you were the sun his planet orbited around. His heart constricted painfully in his chest, the back of his neck prickled with a cold sweat, the words grated against his throat as he spoke, “It all the things I’ve ruined, the terrible things I’ve done, all of the people I’ve hurt. All those moments when I should have been there but wasn’t. It just won’t stop.” 

He couldn’t bring himself to meet your gaze, turning his head slightly away from you as the shame rolled in his stomach once more. He’d been built to withstand wars, it didn’t make sense to him why he was crumbling now, after everything. 

“Cross,” You said gently as your hand lifted to his face, cradling his jaw and applying just enough pressure until he couldn’t resist meeting your gaze again, “What you’re feeling is normal, it doesn’t make you weak. You’ve been through something so terrible, and yes, you made some mistakes, we all have, but you can't change the past. All we have control over is what we do next, how we move forward.” 

He turned his head away once more, the guilt and anger, at himself, at everything, bubbling in his veins like toxic black sludge, "You should just leave me,” He hissed, body tensing as his heart raced, “Go back to bed.”   

The hand that was still resting on his chest bunched further in the fabric of his shirt, drawing his attention back to you, “I’m not leaving you like this, I love you Crosshair. You’re stuck with me,” You said gently. 

He let out a loud breath of air, one he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding as his eyes scanned your face. As always there was nothing but openness in your face, you meant every word you had said to him. 

When it was clear he wasn’t going to say anything you continued, “I know you think you deserve to be punished for the rest of your life, but you don’t. And I’m going to keep telling you that until you believe it.”  

He bristled for a moment, on instinct, the desire to push you away, to demand you just leave him alone was almost overwhelming but only for a moment. It faded nearly as fast as it had come. He was so used to everyone leaving him alone when he told them off, but you’d always stayed. Truthfully, he didn’t want you to go. He wanted you to stay, always. 

There were so many things he wanted to say at that moment, emotions he didn’t even begin to know what to do with bubbling in his throat. What came out instead was his typical snark, “You’re a pest.”  

The brilliant smile you flashed him was worth every pain he’d ever experienced in his short life, “Yes, but I’m a lovable pest,” you replied as you pulled him back in closer to you. 

“Hmm,” he grunted softly, unable to stop the smirk that was growing on his face before he wrapped one arm around your shoulders. He lifted the other hand to your jaw, tipping your face up to his own before he closed the distance between the two of you. 

He felt you smile against his lips for a moment before you deepened the kiss, raising up on your tip toes to be closer to him. He moaned softly, his thumb stroking the soft skin of your jaw as he nipped gently at your lower lip. Much too soon for his liking, you pulled away from him, a gentle smile on your face as you looked up at him. He simply frowned, eyes narrowing at the sudden distance between the two of you. He was once again overwhelmed with the feeling of never being able to get enough of you. 

“Come back to bed, my love,” You said softly, hands trailing down his arms until your fingers interlocked with his. You gave him a gentle tug and he followed without hesitation, all of his previous worries forgotten for the moment. At that moment, there was only you. And he was powerless against you, he always had been, and truthfully he didn’t mind. He would do anything to make you happy. Even if that meant having to confront his own fears. He could do it, with you, for you. 

You were both silent as you made your way back up to your bedroom, trying to not wake anyone else. Once the bedroom door closed behind him you turned back towards him, his hand still clasped in your own. You smiled softly at him as you backed up towards the bed, pulling him along with you. You sat once your knees hit the back of the bed, looking up at him expectantly. He didn’t waste another moment, moving swiftly he wrapped his arms around you, smirking at the giggle that escaped you as he rolled the two of you over onto the bed until you were a tangle of limbs. He tightened his hold on you as you snuggled into him, your head pillowed on his chest, right over his racing heart. This time though, it was racing for a completely different reason, not one of fear. 

Neither of you said anything for a long moment, the only sound was your combined breaths and the waves of the ocean floating in through the open window. It was peaceful, and being here with you was really the only place he ever wanted to be. He just wished so desperately that his thoughts would stop tormenting him in his sleep and ruining the peace he’d found with you. 

As if sensing his sudden uptick in anxiety you spoke, head still resting on his chest while your free hand traced gentle patterns across his abdomen, “What’s one thing you can hear?”

Crosshair knew what you were doing. He recognized the tactic instantly, but usually, you used it on the nights when his dreams were so bad it woke you both up. When his system was completely in fight-or-flight mode. But even though he was relatively calm now, he still felt his heart rate slow as he focused on your words. His nightmare from earlier began to fade away into the furthest corners of his mind.   

“The ocean,” He answered quietly as he let his hand trail down the line of your body: arm, rib cage, waist, hip, thigh, knee. Back and forth, focusing entirely on the feeling of being with you. The softness of your skin was grounding, confirmation that he was here, that he was safe. 

“Something you can smell?” You continued your voice a gentle whisper that he felt rather than heard.  

“Your hair,” Clean, something warm, like sunshine, and fresh like the spray of the ocean.  

You chuckled softly, as your hand stilled on his abdomen, fisting once more in the fabric of his shirt, "Something you can feel?” 

“You.” 

His answers were usually always the same. Because when you were around you were all he could think of. Even when you weren’t physically with him he could still feel you, in his very soul, as though you’d become a part of him. In his darkest moments, you were always there. It was as if something clicked in that moment, maybe with you by his side, he could make it through. Maybe the future didn’t have to be as dark as his past. 

His eyelids were beginning to feel heavy as he listened to the sound of your breathing, as he focused on the lines of your body pressed into his own. He let his head tilt down to rest against you, his nose pressed into your hair, breathing in the familiar and calming scent of you. 

“I’ve got you Crosshair,” You said softly, “We can get through this together.”

For the first time in a long time, he felt a very small spark of hope. Maybe he could learn to let you in, to let you help him in those moments when he felt weak instead of running. As he drifted off to sleep he wrapped his arms tighter around you, unwilling to ever let you go. He felt your own arms tighten in response as your breathing began to even out. The last coherent thought he had before he drifted off to sleep was that you were right, you were in this together. 

This time the nightmares didn’t find him in his sleep. And when he woke up in the morning you were still wrapped in each other’s arms. Exactly where you had always belonged. 

[azure-cygni]

✷ Just Fox reacting to something my OC said, and getting flustered 😅❤️

✷ If you want to participate with my Clone Drawing Requests 💌 here are the -RULES- before you enter (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠✧⁠*⁠。

✷ Basically Any Clones Will Draw 📝✨ feel free to nerd out & gush abt clones in the ask

[phantasm-ae]

cw: afab reader x commandor fox, fluff, a bit of angst

HEADCANON: Fox doesn’t dance. No. Never. That all changes, however, when he sees you — Jedi General — that always makes him toe the line between order and action

PAIRING: Clone x reader, Commander Fox x Jedi reader

Coruscant. The Grand Rotunda. Late evening. Nineteen-hundred, local.

The Republic never truly rests. Not even a celebration. But that was already a given.

Even under chandeliers glowing gold, festivities exchanged between pleasantries and warm food. Nor did the clink of glasses, the soft lull of music, or the subtle scent of sweetfruit wine could quite erase the weight in the air. It was a celebration -- yes, Fox knew that -- but only in the way a funeral might be called a gathering.

The tension remains -- pressed into the backs of every clone’s neck like a second collar. Even if they were technically called in to... unwind and revel in a moment's rest or as you -- their Jedi general, all grace and danger wrapped in robes that never sat quite right -- called it "a rare chance to breathe commander"

But how could a man like Fox exactly fucking breathe, when he didn’t know what to do with air unless it was barked out in orders?

So here he stood.

Sentinel straight and posture poised and perfect. His crimson armor, though a little looser on his lither and brooding form, was still gleaming in polished arcs beneath the warm glow of the lights overhead. His helm resting under one arm. Never far from his grip. Would rather cut his ankles sideways than let his weapon stray from his grip.

He hadn't touched the food. Hadn't dared sip the wine. He wouldn't let his guard drop -- not even now. Not even here. Not even... Not even for you.

Especially not for you.

You were dangerous in ways the war hadn’t prepared him for.

The kind of Jedi the archives would pretend didn’t exist -- too sharp at the edges, too radiant in motion, too much skin between robe folds for a council room.

He’d seen you end a skirmish with a flick of your saber and start a diplomatic meltdown with just a look. All pretty eyes and a mouth that never moved unless it meant something -- Fox had never seen someone weaponize silence like you did. Or laughter. Or kindness. You wielded those just as deftly as your saber. And that was the problem.

You were dangerous. Not in the way most Jedi were. Not with just the blade or the Force.

You were dangerous because you looked at him.

Really looked.

Past the armor. Past the rank. Past the locked jaw and the sleepless eyes and the thousands of walls he’d bricked up inside himself just to survive.

He hated that. And kriff did he crave it too

The Jedi weren’t supposed to be beautiful. They weren’t supposed to make men or clones forget they were soldiers. They weren’t supposed to laugh the way you just had across the room, head tossed back, teeth flashing like some forbidden thing carved from starlight.

Fox dragged his eyes back to his hands -- gloved, clenched, immovable. Clearing his throat and blinking his eyes rapidly to try and focus on things within his grasp and control.

He could kill with them. Break with them. Command with them. But he’d never learned how to hold someone without fear.

But then there you were -- suddenly walking toward him through golden light and warm music, a little too much of your shoulder bare beneath the drape of ceremonial robes, gaze set on him like you’d already decided something.

He told himself to stay still. Swallowing like a man parched as he overheard you excuse yourself smoothly from senators and council leaders who were speaking on matters he never quite... wanted to understand. No intention of listening. Too pristine and weaponized for matters as declarative and political for that. He was a soldier. That was all after all.

Fox’s ears caught the rustle of your glossy and silky fabric before his eyes allowed the indulgence of watching your approach again. You moved like the war hadn’t touched you -- but he knew better. That lightness in your step was trained, honed, rebuilt after too many nights stitching yourself back together with grit and sheer will.

And now? Now you were crossing the floor like you didn’t know you were the most arresting thing in the room.

He hated crowds. He hated these “breathers,” these forced illusions of peace. But somehow, he hated more the thought of you crossing this floor and turning away before you reached him.

“Commander,” you said, voice warm like evening spice.

“General,” he managed, the word clipped but careful. As if even your title burned in his mouth.

You didn’t stop until you were toe-to-toe. Up close, you smelled like whatever those off-world flowers were someone had arranged along the marble staircase -- sweet, a little wild. Your lips curved as your gaze dropped to the grip he had on his own wrist, fists tight, shoulders locked. You looked up at him like he was a problem you didn’t mind solving.

“You look like you’re about to be deployed,” you said, soft, amused. “Has anyone told you you’re allowed to enjoy yourself?”

“No, ma'am,” Fox replied instantly.

You snorted. “Wrong answer.”

Then your hand -- bare, elegant, calloused just enough to tell the truth about your life -- rose, hovered, and touched the crook of his elbow.

Fox stiffened. His throat bobbed with a dry swallow.

You leaned in, just enough to murmur where only he could hear, “I won’t bite. Unless ordered.”

He exhaled sharply. A sound not quite a laugh but restrained.

“I don’t know how to dance,” he said, low. A confession that felt more like a surrender.

You tilted your head at his words, smiling more playfully than really petrubed at his words. “Good. Neither do I.” Then, bolder now as ever, Sansanna spice on legs and beautiful haloing hair, you reached for his hand. “We’ll learn together.”

It would’ve been easier to say no. It would’ve been smarter.

But when your fingers slid against his glove, patient and warm and fearless... and gentle. Something in him cracked.

Fox let you lead him to the floor.

And for once -- just once -- he followed.

The music swelled around you as you both found your place amidst the dancers. It was soft at first, a tender and amiable rhythm that made the room feel like a hazy dream. Revnog after a long day -- a world where everything but the two of you faded into the background in peace.

Fox’s chest tightened as your fingers remained lightly wrapped around his, the pressure subtle, yet there was something unspoken in it. His gloved hand, usually so sure and commanding, now felt almost foreign against yours. A sense of unease and... regret choking through his gut and armor at wanting to strip his glove then and there just to feel your bare touch on his calloused and coarse palms.

His heart thudded, each beat an erratic reminder that he didn’t know how to dance. He didn’t know how to move in this kind of space. How to exist in it without becoming the soldier first.

But you didn’t need him to be a soldier now didn't you?

You led him first with slow and tenative steps, moving in time with the music, guiding him in that unhurried way that only someone who knew what they were doing could. The warmth of your body was close now, almost too close. The scent of sweetfruit wine, mingled with something more elusive -- more you -- filled his senses. The fragrant aroma of something saccharine and cloying, glazing his nostrils all honeyed and syrupy.

He could feel his pulse quicken. The space between the two of you felt like a chasm, but the weight of your gaze made it feel like you were pulling him in closer, inch by aching kriffing inch.

"You’re too stiff," you murmured up at him, a teasing smile dancing on your lips. Voice low, soft, coaxing. "Relax. It’s just a dance."

It was just a dance yes.

Except everything in him screamed that it wasn’t.

It was the way your body moved so fluidly, as if everything about you was unbound -- while he was wrapped in layers of armor, both literal and emotional. His body was a fortress, one he built brick by brick, a thousand cautions echoing in his chest.

But when you rested your other hand lightly against his chest -- right where his heart hammered so damn loudly -- Fox inhaled sharply, eyes darting to the curve of your lips with reckless abandon. Unraveling and uncontrolled

“You’re not a soldier right now, Fox,” you whispered, pressing into the space where the tension clung to him. “You’re just you.”

He blinked, throat tightening again. "I don't know who that is."

The words hung between them like an invitation, a delicate thread of truth that Fox wanted to pull away from but couldn’t. Your smile faded for the briefest of moments, just enough for him to see the flicker of something behind your eyes. Something far more... vulnerable than anything he’d expected. Then it was gone again. Dispersed and dematerializing. Tucked away into something lost and nonexistent that neither of them could quite shake.

For a moment, there was silence.

Nothing but the mellow and tranquil strings of the vioddle and bandfill filled the air. A placid and mild backdrop between the two of you as time seem to stretch on and on.

But in that karking silence, Fox realized he was still holding you.

His grip, though not tight, was firm enough to keep you in place, like an anchor amidst the sea of unspoken things. His palm burned where it pressed against your back, the armor’s edges strangely at odds with the softness of your robes. All silk and smooth on your waning and glowing skin. And you didn’t kriffing pull away. You didn’t flinch. You just moved, and he followed, instinct taking over where his mind faltered.

You were right. Kriff. Kriff. Kriff. You were right.

He wasn’t a soldier in this moment nor a clone nor a number. He was just... Fox. A man shelled in armor and rough skin. Holding this beautiful beautiful Jedi in his arms. All idyllic, vivid, and lush.

And that... that terrified him.

Because a clone could hide behind orders and discipline. A clone could just bury things deep and keep the world at a distance. Remain a number. Remain just another copy of a copy. A simulacra of someone now distant and lost.

But here. Now. With you so close, he couldn’t hide.

Not from you. Not from the weight of your gaze or the quiet truth that you saw him -- all of him -- in a way that no one else had. And it wasn’t even a judgment. It was just... understanding. Like you knew exactly what it took to break someone like him, and somehow, you weren’t interested in doing that. You were just... there. And that was worse.

That he had allowed himself to be led, to surrender to something as simple as a dance.

Fox wanted to pull away -- karking needed to -- but then you shifted just so, your body pressing closer. The smell of your hair, sweet and soft against his cheek, broke any semblance of control he still had left.

It was dangerous. So dangerous.

“Don’t think too hard about it,” you whispered again, a little breathless now as his grip subtly tightened. “Just… move with me.”

Every second that passed, every subtle movement and glide of your graceful and limber body against his, felt like it was carving him open, the walls he’d spent years constructing starting to crumble one small piece at a time.

This wasn't war.

This wasn’t command or survival.

This was something else entirely.

Kriff. Kriff. Kriff.

This was him, stripped of everything but raw desire and the tremble in his chest that wouldn’t stop.

Fox’s grip tightened just slightly at that realization. Swallowing like drought and Tattoine sand was forced down his throat.

Afraid that if he let go, you might vanish like the fading warmth of a dream. The familiar thundering of his heart against the thin layers of his armor. Motile and rapid, but this time it wasn’t from the adrenaline of battle or last-minute missions on end.

This time it was from.... the gradual and soft-hued intimacy of the moment -- the weight of your proximity. The way your gaze flicked between his eyes and his lips, so close that he could feel the warmth of your breath skimming the curve of his jaw.

He wanted to say something. Anything. Some quip, some sarcastic remark to break the tension. Something to ground him back in the world he knew. But there was nothing. Nothing but the steady rhythm of the music, the hum of the grand hall, and the gentle brush of your fingers across his shoulder.

Fox’s throat tightened again, and he had to fight to keep his mouth closed and gulp down the lump that had formed there. "I'm not sure I'm doing this right" he admitted, his voice low and gravelly, rough from years of commanding, barking orders, and keeping everything tightly wound within himself.

You stopped moving for a fraction of a second, pulling back just enough to look at him with those sharp eyes, like you could see straight into his soul.

"Then let me show you," you said softly, your hand resting lightly against his chest, right over his heart. "It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just... be here. With me."

Fox’s pulse stuttered, his whole body tensing involuntarily. "I’m not... really good at that General," he said again, more firmly this time, though it sounded more like an apology than anything else.

"But you’re trying," you whispered, your voice like velvet against the hard edges of his reality. "That’s all I need. Just you, here. With me."

And for the first time in his life, Fox wasn’t thinking of the next mission, or the next order, or the next battlefield. He wasn’t thinking of the weight of his armor or the duty to his brothers. He was thinking of you, and the way you made him feel... alive.

You smiled, that knowing, dangerous smile of yours. The one that had haunted him from the first moment he saw it from across the halls of the Jedi Temple, where you had stood, effortlessly commanding attention without saying a single word. That smile had always felt like a challenge, something that unsettled him, made his chest tighten in ways he wasn’t ready to admit . "Relax, Fox. We’re not fighting. We’re just... dancing."

And somehow, with you, with the softness of your touch again and the warmth of your gaze. Velvet, dulcet, and languid. He almost believed it.

The music swirled around you two again once more, a soothing backdrop that felt far away and, at the same time, more present than anything Fox had ever experienced. His movements more levelled and benign, less stiff, and more fluid as you guided him through the steps, your presence a balm to the turmoil churning inside him.

With you gleaming, saturated, and languid like this in his arms. All sugary smiles and dew-kissed eyes. Fox realized that he was no longer just Fox, the soldier. Fox the clone. Fox the commander. Fox CC-1010.

He was something else.

Something he hadn’t known he could be. Ever be.

A man.

And as the glowy ardent tempo and sequence lulled the both of you into a pattern that he could follow. With Fox slowly leading you in varied movements and motions that had no specific routine. Intimate. Bossoming... Devoted. Bolder now as he spins you around and grins when you laugh softly as he does so.

Fox realized that for the first time in months. Karabast probably years even.

The armor around his heart wasn’t the only thing keeping him safe anymore.

No. No. No. Kriff no.

It was and will always be —

— you.

masterlist

[spooky-daggers]

Cody just wanted a normal Commander's night out with the boys, but Oddball always has to be a menace.

(Rex is taking notes)

[vimse]

POV: You’re Omega and you’ve just convinced these two to pose for a quick, random holograph. They indulged you, but don’t really know the reason why you asked (hint: it’s because of the clouds).

Inspired by a picrew. I haven’t drawn in a long time and thought it was cute and wanted to add my own flair to the thing, so I redrew it in my own style. Thanks for the tag @returnofthepineapple 🧡🤩

Unfiltered version under the cut!

[clonexocweek]

Ready to show your troopers some love? Welcome to Clone x OC week, an event celebrating the relationships between original characters (OCs) and Clone Troopers from a galaxy far, far away! The event will last seven days (10-16 February 2025) and feature daily themes that explore the relationship dynamics of Clone x OC pairings through various types of creative works.

Important links:

About

Rules

Themes

FAQ

Event features:

Enjoyer Bingo

Participation Badges

Banners

[wenalena]

I really love to draw them like this ♥

[for-the-sake-of-color]

And thats the end of @clonexocweek 2025!!! with Day 7: Free Space with Kix/Nihlus. I appreciate the mod so much for organizing this event!

I love a chance to show off my OTP, my highly emotionally volatile sith and his wonderful and steady Medic, and seeing everyone else's pairings too! May be a day late (haha oops) but I had to give this last piece the attention they deserve. I've had so much fun this whole week working on this project and honestly, I hope to see this event come back :D [Day 1] [Day 2] [Day 3] [Day 4] [Day 5] [Day 6]

[freesia-writes]

Day One - First Meeting - Howzer and Aurelia

Anyone remember my full-length Howzer x OC fic? 😉 Well don't go looking for it! 😜 I've added a bunch of new chapters and am enriching the rest to re-release the whole thing once it's completed! Even better, the last part connects with the AMAZING longfic Stars Beyond Number by the illustrious @dystopicjumpsuit, and the stories weave together flawlessly. Thanks for the prompt, @clonexocweek!

Perhaps Howzer is a fringe character for you, but I think he'll steal your hearts as we follow him from his newbie days through TBB. He and Aurelia meet at 79s, where she's working as a bartender while she tries to figure out her life and he's a cocky little shiny with scruffy hair who is hilariously unrelenting [and unsuccessful] in his pursuit of babes. 😉 What starts with a few quips across the bar slowly grows into familiarity, friendship, and the realization of a deep connection... And that's just the start. 🤓

Also… this is her face ref, with an important caveat — she looks like this, only less pretty. 😜

[crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf]

Cross X Tahny Fun Facts #314

Crosshair thinks it's cute that Tahny hates being called cute.

Textless version under the cut

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Red Crown Card Holders-

@ghostymarni @lonewolflupe @eobe @covert1ntrovert @feralferrule @thecoffeelorian @gars-weaponeer @legacygirlingreen @returnofthepineapple @loganpine @vimse @v4r-jpg @nocturius8015ficore @wings-and-beskargam @eclec-tech @foxwithadarkside @thora-sniper @skellymom @boredzum-671 @orangez3st @yiggetyyoot

[justaparsec94]

Celebration

Author's Note: Another February Fluff request, requested by anonymous. Written for the prompt: Soft, repeated pecks on the lips, causing the other to laugh/smile against their lips. Beware: Very soft FLUFF ahead.

Pairing: Hunter x fem!reader

Word Count: 4,933

****************

Hunter had travelled to many different places across the galaxy in his relatively short life. Unfortunately, though, most of the places he’d seen had been active war zones. For a soldier, death and destruction were just part of the job. But despite all of the carnage he had witnessed over the years there had still been times when he had been able to catch glimpses of all the galaxy had to offer. Wild oceans, peaceful forests, towering mountains, cities that felt like living things, even in the midst of the war beauty persisted. None of it, however, had ever compared to Pabu.

There was still a part of him that couldn’t quite believe that a place so beautiful, so peaceful could exist and that he, Omega, and his brothers were allowed to be a part of life on the island. He would be lying if he said the first few months hadn’t been a major adjustment for them. After a lifetime of battles, constantly watching their backs, and having no true home of their own, going from the structured lives of soldiers to free-will civilians had been difficult at times. Hunter especially had struggled with the change. There was a part of him that still felt guilty to have left it all behind, especially when he knew that Rex, Echo, and others were out there still fighting. It was hard not to think about what The Empire was inflicting on the rest of the galaxy while they were safely tucked away on their island paradise. But those thoughts were fleeting and grew less insistent as the rotations went on. Seeing Omega thrive was worth every doubt that plagued him. For the first time in her life, she was allowed to be a kid, she was happy, she was safe, and that was truly all that mattered to him. On nights like this one, watching her laugh and dance, her pure unaltered joy brimming out of her, he knew he would go through everything a thousand times over if it led to her happiness. 

While he and his brothers had taken time to adjust to life on the island, Omega had taken to it naturally. She embraced every aspect of it, especially the celebrations that seemed to happen regularly. Tonight was Pabu’s annual summer solstice celebration and the courtyard surrounding the Archium had been transformed. Lanterns and string lights bathed everything with a soft glow as the sun began to set, tables of food and drink lined the edges of the courtyard, and it seemed that nearly every person on the island had turned up for a night of dancing and socializing. His heart warmed at the sight of Omega in the midst of it all, her enthusiasm on display for all to see. She had been talking about this night for weeks and was clearly enjoying every moment of it. 

Tonight though, Omega wasn’t the only one who had his attention. In fact, he was having a very hard time looking at anything other than you. You were radiant as you danced with Omega and Lyana, head thrown back with laughter, smile brighter than the sun as the three of you held hands, dancing in a small, wild circle in the middle of the courtyard. Your breezy outfit swirled around you as you spun, your skin glowing beneath the lanterns strung across the courtyard. Even watching you from afar had his pulse racing beneath his skin. You were so beautiful, more beautiful than anyone he’d ever come across, both inside and out, and he had never wanted anyone the way he wanted you. 

He knew that on some level, from the way your pulse would quicken and face would flush whenever he was around, you found him attractive. But every time he thought about making a move, he just completely froze. He couldn’t fully understand it, usually, he was fairly confident in himself. He’d picked up enough dates from various places over the years. But when it came to you everything was different, he supposed it was because he wanted more than just one night with you. He wanted everything and he was terrified of messing things up. 

He sighed and slumped slightly in his chair as he continued to watch you laugh and dance with Lyana and Omega. The sight was causing an ache in his chest that he didn’t even know how to begin to deal with. For a moment, the desire to join the three of you was nearly overwhelming, but it vanished just as quick. Dancing was decidedly not in his set of skills. 

A scoff from beside him had him sitting up straighter suddenly. Hunter turned his head, his gaze narrowed, over to where Crosshair was sprawled across his own chair, long legs stretched out in front of him with his arms crossed over his chest. His hard gaze was trained on Hunter. 

“What?” Hunter asked gruffly, both annoyed that his brother was scoffing at him about something and the fact that his attention had been drawn from you. 

Crosshair rolled his eyes, the toothpick in his mouth rolling from one side to the other before he fixed Hunter with an unimpressed look, “Why don’t you just do something about it already and spare the rest of us from having to witness that sad look on your face any longer?” 

Hunter spluttered for a moment, face heating. Of course, Crosshair would have noticed. He noticed everything, a skill that was incredibly useful on the battlefield but incredibly annoying when it came to Hunter’s currently non-existent love life. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hunter replied gruffly but he was unable to stop his gaze from straying back over to where you were. It was as if you had a gravitational pull that only he was susceptible to. 

“Sure you don’t,” Crosshair scoffed. 

Hunter turned his head back just in time to swat away the toothpick that was headed his way before it collided with his chest. He glared at his brother, the urge to pick up the offending piece of wood and throw it right back at him was almost overwhelming but before he could even think about stooping to get it the sudden appearance of a smirk on Crosshair’s face had him freezing in place. 

“Oh look,” Crosshair hissed, grin widening, “here she comes…” 

Hunter’s head whipped around at an embarrassing speed, and sure enough, for once Crosshair wasn’t just trying to get a rise out of him. You were headed directly their way, drink in hand. When your eyes connected with his you raised your free hand and gave him a quick wave, solidifying your intention to join them.  

Hunter felt his palms begin to sweat as you made your way over to them, his heart rate picking up pace with each step that brought you closer. Your smile was so bright, so beautiful, and trained entirely on him. Before he even fully realized what he was doing he found himself standing up as you reached them. You greeted them both with a quick hello that he couldn’t seem to manage more than a deep grunt in response to. He tried his best to ignore Crosshair’s snort of amusement at his complete inability to keep himself in check as you drew to a stop in front of him. Your gaze was warm as you tilted your head back to look up at him, impossibly your smile seemed to grow even brighter. So much so that he averted his gaze, looking over your shoulder back to where you’d just come from. Misreading the movement as a question rather than what it truly was, a pure nervous tick,  you followed his gaze. 

“I really wish I had even half of the energy that those two do,” You said fondly, voice slightly breathless as you looked back over your shoulder at where Lyana and Omega were still dancing, “I was beginning to think I was about to keel over.”

Hunter’s fists clenched at his sides as he desperately tried to ignore the desire to reach out and touch you as you seemed to unconsciously drift closer to him, you were so close now that the smallest movement of his hand would have been enough to bridge the gap between the two of you. Your sudden proximity was quickly sending his senses into overdrive, every breeze had your scent enveloping him further. As usual, any time you were around you were suddenly the only thing he could focus on. His throat felt incredibly dry, but somehow he still managed to choke out a response to you, “Uh, yeah, those two have enough energy to power a hyperdrive.”

He ignored another snort from Crosshair at his bad joke, focusing instead on your soft laugh and the smile on your face that was so bright that it was nearly blinding. His face felt as if it were a hundred degrees as he watched you take a quick sip of the brightly coloured drink in your hand before you looked back up at him,  “Are you two enjoying your first summer celebration?” 

“Uh, yeah, it’s uh - nice,” He replied as he lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. Generally, parties and celebrations weren’t his thing, not that they’d ever had many opportunities to be a part of them before, but given that all of his senses were dialled to 1000 he tended to avoid crowds. But he supposed, as far as celebrations went this one was… nice. At the very least it wasn’t giving him a headache. 

“Nice…” You repeated with a soft chuckle before your expression turned teasing, “It’s a good place to start, but I guess we’ll just have to work a little harder to make it great.” 

Hunter watched with amusement as you lifted your drink to your lips, pausing for just a moment to flash him a wink that had him biting his lip before you downed the rest of the contents of your glass. He watched wide-eyed, face-burning, as you maintained eye contact with him as you put the glass down on a nearby table. 

Your face flushed and a quiet laugh escaped you before you spoke again, “Hunter, would you like to dance with me?”

Of all the things he had expected you to say, that had been very far towards the bottom of his list. He felt his entire body tense as his brain struggled to process the question you had asked. Equal parts desire and fear rushed through him at the thought of joining you out on the dance floor. The thought of being so close to you was overwhelming but even more overwhelming was the anxiety that came with it… he didn’t know how to dance. 

“I, uh,” He stuttered, his face feeling as though someone had taken a torch to it as his pulse raced beneath his skin. You were simply looking up at him expectantly, the same bright smile still on your face but he could see the look in your eyes beginning to shift the longer he took to answer. He wanted nothing more than to finally be able to touch you, to be so close, but the thought of embarrassing himself, of messing things up kept him rooted to the spot, “Uh…”

“One dance, just one - that’s all,” You continued softly with a shrug, still smiling at him,  “I’d like to try and make your night better than just nice."

To an untrained ear you would have sounded casual, light and airy, in your request but he could hear the undercurrent of doubt that had suddenly crept into your tone. As though you immediately regretted asking him, which only made him fluster even more. 

“I uh, don’t think that would be a good idea,” He finally managed to spit out, even though the last thing in the galaxy he wanted to do was disappoint you. And it was immediately clear that he had. Even though your smile barely faltered he still caught the slight downturn, the flash of pain in your bright eyes. He immediately wanted to take the words back but it was already too late for that. 

“Oh,” You replied softly, a nervous chuckle slipping out of you as you fidgeted with the strap of your top, “Yeah, no worries! That was probably a silly request anyway...” 

He was a di’kut. Not just any di’kut either. He was quite possibly the biggest di’kut in the entire galaxy, he decided as he watched your bottom lip tremble just slightly and your cheeks flush with embarrassment. It seemed you were unable to meet his gaze any longer and he watched in silent horror as you looked at literally anything other than him. 

“Well,” You said as you turned your head, clearly looking for an escape from the situation that he had made horrendously awkward, “I should maybe get back out there with the girls.” 

“Right…” He managed to choke out, unconsciously taking a step towards you, an apology on the tip of his tongue. He just needed to explain that you had nothing to do with why he’d turned down a dance. 

“Have a good rest of your night guys,” You continued, your smile still soft but considerably duller. Before he could even form a sentence he watched, frozen, as you slipped back into the crowd without so much as another look back at him. 

He watched you go, a lump forming in his throat as you joined Omega, Lyana, and now Wrecker in the middle of the makeshift dance floor. You were back to laughing and dancing with the group in moments, as though nothing had happened. 

“You’re a di’kut.”

Hunter startled, turning to glare at Crosshair who looked incredibly unimpressed from where he was still sitting.

“You’re one to talk…” Hunter shot back, unable to stop himself. He wasn’t even mad at Crosshair, he was mad at himself. You’d given him a chance at something more and he’d completely blown it.  

Crosshair simply rolled his eyes, “You’ve literally been pining over that woman for months and she finally makes a move you don’t have the guts to and you turn her down. Di’kut.”

He was right. He hated that he was right. 

“I don’t know how to dance,” It slipped out of Hunter before he could even stop it. The thought of eventually doing something that would mess up the friendship the two of you had, of destroying any chance of something more, went unspoken. Because truthfully, that was the root of it. If he kept his distance he could spend the rest of his days in safety, admiring from afar. He was a soldier, he didn’t even begin to know what a relationship would look like, but he was fairly certain he would mess that up. He’d messed up enough for one lifetime. 

“Who cares if you look stupid?” Crosshair scoffed, “Look at Wrecker, nobody cares. Just go dance with her.” 

Despite the truth in Crosshair’s words he stayed frozen in place, watching as you and the girls took turns being spun around by Wrecker, even without his enhanced hearing he would have been able to hear your giggles as you twirled. His heart clenched at the sight, he really was a fool. 

“Don’t waste your chance, Hunter.” 

He looked over at Crosshair who had schooled his look into one of casual disinterest but Hunter hadn’t missed the brief look of regret in his brother's eyes. For the things he’d done and missed out on, for the brother who would never get to experience any of it. Something inside of him solidified in that moment. He might be afraid of what came next but if he didn’t at least try he’d likely spend the rest of his life regretting it. 

Resolved, he was suddenly on the move, weaving his way through the crowd before he could fully comprehend that he was taking advice from Crosshair, of all people. 

He was only a few feet away when you caught sight of him and he watched with amusement as you completely froze in place. Your eyes widened comically as he crowded into your space until you were nearly touching. His heart was racing in his chest, his senses on overload at your proximity but for once he ignored it all. 

“Is that, uh, offer to dance still valid?” He asked somewhat awkwardly, trying his best to ignore the desire to look away from the intensity of your gaze, to fidget with his clothes, or to rub the back of his neck as anxiety coursed through him. 

Your answering smile was blinding, “For you, Hunter, always.” 

He chuckled softly, his heart rate reaching a speed that couldn’t possibly be healthy, “I should warn you though, I don’t know how to dance.” 

You laughed, shaking your head slowly as you grabbed hold of his hands. Your touch sent heat coursing through him like an electrical charge. Your voice was quiet as you leaned up into him, as though you were about to share a secret with him, “I don’t really know either. But that’s ok, we’ll just figure it out as we go."

He had the distinct feeling you were talking about more than just dancing. 

Hunter wasn’t able to stop the soft smile that spread across his face as you pulled away, but only just slightly as you guided his hands to your waist. He felt as if his skin was burning from the heat of you as you lifted your arms up to wrap around his neck. You were suddenly much closer than he had expected, your head so close that it would have taken only a slight turn of his head to bury his nose in your hair. Usually, such closeness was uncomfortable with his senses the way they were, but he found he didn’t mind though, with you it wasn’t nearly enough. He wanted you closer as you started to gently sway to the music. 

His focus was entirely on you as he followed your lead, swaying to music that was maybe a bit too fast for the rhythm you had set but you didn’t seem to care. Your grip on him tightened as you pulled back just enough to be able to look up at him. Your gaze was warm, sparkling with happiness as your eyes met his, “See, this isn’t so bad, is it?” 

He chuckled, his tone teasing, “It’s not the worst.” 

Your head tipped back as you laughed, the sound sending him nearly into heart failure, “‘Nice’ and 'not the worst', I'm really going to have to try harder to impress you.” 

He laughed again, shaking his head in amusement before turning sincere once more, “You don’t have to change anything to impress me.” 

The way your expression warmed at his words had him nervously looking away from you for a moment. A laugh escaped him at the sight that greeted him behind you. Wrecker had Lyana standing on one foot, Omega on the other, twirling the two girls around the dance floor, all three laughing loudly and drawing the attention of most in their vicinity. Hunter suddenly didn’t think he’d ever been happier, watching his family joyfully fool around and you safely in his arms. Even though there was a part of him that was still afraid of the unknown, it was something he could definitely get used to. It was something, he was beginning to realize, that he had always longed for.  

At your quizzical look he spun the two of you around so you could see what he’d been laughing at, “Looks like they’re having fun,” he said as you laughed at the small, silly group. 

“He’s a good dancer,” you replied, tone impressed as you smiled and turned your attention back to him.   

“Yeah, he must not have skipped that class on Kamino,” Hunter joked, earning another laugh from you. 

“Apparently,” You started before your own expression turned teasing, “it must have been while you and Crosshair were off learning to be brooding and mysterious…” 

Hunter snorted, his face heating slightly as he protested, "I am not brooding and mysterious,” At your raised eyebrows and skeptical expression he felt himself flush even further, “Alright, fine. Maybe a bit. Unintentionally.” 

“It’s ok, Hunter,” You replied softly but the amused glint was still in your eyes as one hand drifted further up his neck to his hairline, sending shivers racing down his spine, “You don’t have to change anything to impress me.” 

Undoubtedly, you were going to be the death of him, but what a sweet death it would be. He smiled slightly as he moved to grasp one of your hands, his voice low as he brought it down between the two of you.

“I think I might try though, just a little bit,” before you could say anything else he moved, spinning you out and away from him exactly as he had watched Wrecker do before pulling you back in towards him and spinning you both around in a circle. Your laughter was contagious and his pulse was racing as your body collided with his own as he brought you back in close.

You were absolutely glowing as you looked up at him, your laughter turning breathless as your gazes connected. The look in your eyes stole the breath from his lungs before you moved, arms wrapping around him once more as your cheek rested against his own. He wrapped his arms tightly around your waist, every nerve ending in his body electric as the curves of your body fit perfectly against his own. The two of you were quiet for a long time, swaying slowly to the music once more as you basked in each other's warmth. Everything around him had faded away as he focused entirely on the feeling of you. 

After what could have been minutes or hours you pulled back slightly, looking up at him, your eyes still glowing even in the darkness that had settled over the island, “Come with me,” you requested softly,  “the fireworks are about to start and I know a better spot to watch them.”

He nodded wordlessly, reluctant to let you go he only took a slight step away. His face flushed as you reached down to grasp his hand in your own, smiling softly at him before you pulled him along behind you, making your way easily through the crowd of dancers and other partygoers. You were silent as you walked but every once and a while you threw a look back at him over your shoulder as though you expected him to disappear. The only place he was going though, was with you. 

You didn’t slow until you reached an outlook a few levels down that jutted out over the ocean. With mostly everyone else being up at the Archium the place was completely deserted and Hunter felt his nervous system calm at the quiet seclusion of it. The festivities hadn’t been too bad but standing beside you, looking out over the water with only the soft sounds of the ocean was infinitely better. 

Hunter watched you as you leaned back against the half wall, angling your body so you were facing him. His hand was still grasped firmly in your own and as you smiled softly up at him you tugged gently on it, pulling him in closer to you. He went without hesitation, crowding into your space once more as the lines of your bodies pieced together. You tipped your head up to look at him, warm gaze tracing the lines of his face, as he instinctively reached out to you. One hand went to your waist while the other, ever so hesitantly, lifted to cup the side of your face. You closed your eyes, melting into his touch as your own hands slid around his waist, your touch leaving goosebumps across his skin in its wake. 

You both startled slightly as the first crack of a firework disturbed the silence of the night. You let out a breathless laugh as you turned your head to look, the bright reds and golds of the fireworks bathing you in light. Hunter didn’t even bother looking, he’d seen fireworks before and absolutely nothing compared to you and finally being able to hold you in his arms. 

Seemingly sensing his gaze you looked back towards him, the same gentle smile still on your face as your hands tightened just slightly on his waist. He felt close to combustion himself, every sense entirely consumed with you. He wanted nothing more than to kiss you, to close the final space between the two of you, but he seemed frozen, his heart absolutely racing in his chest at the thought. He wanted to know that you wanted this too, to be sure, because he was certain that once he started he was never going to want to stop. 

Your eyes seemed to be searching his face for something when he finally managed to speak. His voice was a rough croak as everything he was feeling seemed to be bubbling up his throat, “Can I kiss you?”

Your eyes lit up as fireworks continued to flash overhead, bathing the both of you in flashes of colour, “I thought you’d never ask.”

Hunter laughed, his face growing hot for a moment before he moved, finally closing the distance between you. Your lips were even softer than he had imagined, your warm scent washed over him completely as you pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. He moaned softly as you gently nipped at his lower lip, your hands sliding up from his waist to his back as his own grip on you tightened. It was better than anything he could have ever dreamed of. He broke apart from you for a second, his nose bumping against your own as he gasped for air. He felt light-headed, his entire body electric from just one kiss. He’d been right earlier, you were truly going to be the death of him. He felt your lips stretch into a smile before he kissed you again, his hand gently trailing down the side of your face to your neck. He could feel and hear your pulse racing, nearly as quick as his own as he kissed you. It thrilled him to know you were just as affected as he was. 

After a long while he pulled back, chest heaving slightly as he let his forehead tip against your own. Your gaze was a little wild as you looked up at him, lips swollen and red from your kisses and the sight did unspeakable things to him, desire pooling in his stomach at the thought that he had been the one to do that to you. 

“You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that,” You finally said, your voice a nearly breathless whisper as he lifted his hand back up to your face once more, marveling at how soft your skin was beneath his calloused hand.

Hunter chuckled softly as you pulled away slightly, just enough to be able to see his entire face, “I actually think I might have some idea.”

“Oh, really?” You asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow at him. 

“Well, if you’re anything like me it’s been from the moment we first met.” 

“Really?” You questioned as a teasing smile spread across your face, “If I remember correctly I’m pretty sure all you did the first time we met was grunt at me.”

Hunter laughed as his face heated, “Shush,” He leaned forward to press another kiss to your lips quickly, “I was just speechless.”  

You chuckled as your hands made their way up to thread through his hair, pulling him in closer to you, “Oh, yeah, sure…”

Hunter shook his head in amusement before closing the gap once more, capturing your lips with his own. He kissed you quickly, repeated, soft pecks against your lips to keep you from further pointing out his previous lack of social skills. His tactic worked as after only a moment he felt you smile against his lips before full-on laughing as he peppered you with kisses. 

He turned serious once more as you settled into a different sort of dance, the push and pull of your lips against his was intoxicating. Your kisses were warm and certain and he was breathless and completely lost in you. He wanted more as much as he wanted to keep things slow and savour the moment. 

You nipped gently at his lip one final time before you pulled away slightly, shoulders heaving softly as you attempted to catch your breath. You pressed up into him, nose brushing against his as you spoke softly, “Thank you for dancing with me Hunter.” 

The fireworks were still exploding overhead, bathing everything around you in light. The distant sounds of cheers and music were only just audible to his ears, but once again he found himself unable to focus on anything other than you, “Anytime.” 

And he truly meant it, he’d spend the rest of his life dancing with you if you let him. There were still a lot of things he was uncertain of, old soldier habits died hard after all. Without a doubt, there would be mistakes along the way but he found his doubts beginning to grow silent and the nervousness he’d felt before settling as you wrapped yourself tightly around him, your head resting gently against his chest as you turned your head to watch the sky above. He wasn’t going to waste his chance. He could learn to let happiness in.

[meadow-of-daisies-and-lavender]

Chapter One --------- A Burning Meteor

Summary: The Bad Batch returns after over a year away from Kamino. But things are not the same with a noisy Bright Eyed girl.

A/N: This is my last and final attempt to update my story. I love this story but wanted to update it as I've grown as a writer. Thanks to @lizartgurl for feeding my brain worms and @saradika-graphics for the paragraph break images.

Warnings: Canon typical violence, language, and abuse.

“Where are we at with the drive stabilization?” Hunter barked, cursing as the wires he held sparked and died. It would be a miracle if they made it out of hyperspace, much less Kamino, with the severe damage done to his ship.

“Kriff!” Wrecker bellowed as the Marauder lurched. His skull smacked against the metal bar as Hunter worked with Tech and Crosshair to keep the ship in one piece.

Fueling lines ruptured to Hunter’s left, leaking a foul, acidic stench. Lights flickered on the control panel, and an alarm wailed behind him, a shrill reminder of his ship’s frail capabilities. Hunter wondered where he could jam his knife into the wiring to make it karking stop for five seconds.

“We are almost to Kamino,” Tech announced over the chaos. Hunter spared a glance to the combusted right flank which burned a bright yellow.

“Get us there faster!” Wrecker complained. Hunter took a deep breath and closed his eyes. An electrical coupling went out to his left, increasing the colors flashing behind his eyes. He tightened his bandana. He just needed to make it through the next five seconds—and then the next five seconds.

“Everyone, strap in. We’ll have to land in the water unless we can slow our momentum,” Hunter spoke before sliding into a free seat once his vod strapped in.

“I’m going to be sick!” Wrecker yelled as the Marauder bounced from turbulence. 

Hunter blinked slowly and began to count: One, two…

“Don’t you karking vomit on me again!” Crosshair yelled. Hunter took another deep breath and gritted his teeth. They were almost home.

Three, four…

“Breaking out of hyperspace in three… two… one…”

Hunter’s stomach flung into his neck. Clenching the seat in his hands, his molars ground together as the bile rose in his throat. Flames burst on the rear right flank as they broke the atmosphere, and the rain of Kamino did little to stop it.

Five. They were home.

“Bay 218 is cleared and ready for arrival. Please proceed.”

Two emergency ships flanked the Batch, extinguishing the flames. Hunter sighed as lightning illuminated the northeast landing bay through the sheets of rain. Tech seamlessly guided them through the small hangar doors with steady hands, his racing heart the only sign of distress—the vibrations biting at Hunter’s skin.

“Preparing for landing,” Crosshair spoke, flipping a switch. There was one final sweep and drop before the Marauder touched down, sparking against the metal floors as she slid across the flooring. Hunter added the landing gear to the growing repair list.

Clone Force 99 sat for a moment, taking a breath. They had done it. Three hundred rotations away from home and a few close calls, they finally were home for some well deserved rest and repair. Though Hunter doubted it would be very long before the Grand Army of the Republic decided they needed the Batch’s help again.

Wrecker slammed the safety bar up and rubbed where he had hit his head, “Great flying, Tech!”

“Thank you, but I—”

Crosshair shoved out of his seat, blocking Hunter’s view of Tech. Metallic blaster residue wafted with his quick passing of Hunter, toothpick tucked between his white teeth.

“Are we clear to get off?” Hunter interrupted, flipping switches to turn off the control panel. A deep ringing sounded as Crosshair slammed his steel-toed boot into the door.

"The Karking door is stuck!” Cross hissed, kicking it again with more force. The door bounced open, bobbing back and forth, refusing to open fully.

“Let me get it!” Wrecker laughed.

“No, don’t-” Before Crosshair could stop him, Wrecker took off, jumping on the door and using his shoulder to break it open. The steps clattered down, and Wrecker fell out of the Marauder, thunking onto the concrete floors. Crosshair stepped onto the steps and over Wrecker’s body, no doubt making a snide remark. 

Hunter shook his head, turning to Tech who already had his datapad out, “Good job flying, Tech. Come on.” Hunter gestured for his vod to exit first. 

“You might wish to know we have a new assigned social worker, by the way. S.W. Shem,” Tech typed as he strolled off the ship.

“We get reassigned every two months. Does this surprise you?” Hunter smirked, removing his helmet. He stood atop the steps, surveying the ashen scorch marks scarring their ship. They had their repair work cut out for them, but at least they had supplies on Kamino compared to the backwater planets they had come from. The hair on Hunter’s arms lifted, the weight of a gaze settling over his skin- someone was watching. Hunter swept the room, finding most personnel tuned to either the Marauder or their tasks.

“Why would I?” A soft voice floated from the wall where a pair of women sat on cargo crates. The woman with blue hair gestured to the Marauder, smirking.

“That’s the Sargent. He’s your type. Tall, dark, handsome; blunt to match, according to SW Poth’s notes.”

Hunter blinked. Never in his life had he been considered attractive, and he hadn’t particularly thought about it either. He looked like every other clone except for his skull tattoo and long hair. His eyes slid to the other SW in question, covering her face in her hands. Shaking her head, she slid off the crate and looked up to address the blue haired SW. Her glimmering eyes narrowed, reminding him of a loth cat, as she tugged at the side of her jumpsuit, pressing her lips together. Her jumpsuit showed off the curve of her hips and waist and the long line of her legs.

Hunter snapped his eyes back to her face, her pretty eyes sparkling in the lights…

“Are you kidding me? That’s completely unethical, Shem,” The pretty woman hissed, head darting as if worried about someone overhearing her. “I’m already one misstep away from losing my job. I can’t afford schoolgirl jokes that’ll cost everything else.”

Hunter narrowed his eyes, observing her determined steps to the door. She hesitated at the threshold, stopping. Turning around, her eyes scanned the room until they landed on the Marauder. The hanger, blessedly, became din in those seconds as they locked eyes, her lips parting in an inaudible exhale. Hunter licked his dry lips and nodded his head in acknowledgement. Something harsh glimmered behind her pretty eyes, determined and precise, before she turned on her heel, her nose tilted up.

“She’s pretty,” Crosshair teased, drawing Hunter’s gaze away from the closing doors. He rolled his eyes.

“Who’s she?” Wrecker questioned Tech. 

“Must be medical personnel or an SW. I do not know; however, I will find out.”

“Goodie. Hunter can finally get his-”

“Enough, Crosshair. Unload while I report to Cody,” Hunter hissed, gesturing for Tech to follow him to the debrief rooms.

Bright Eyes sat in her office with a stack of data pads, signing off on paperwork between cadet observations.  While her roommate Shem ran psychological evaluations for the 212th, Bright worked alongside a few other SWs to track the psychological development of cadets. Bright worked specifically with failing cadets as a last-ditch effort to prevent cadets from being decommissioned. A cost-saving measure for the Kaminoans. 

The office door opened and Shem strolled in with two cups of caff. Smiling, Bright Eyes accepted the caff as Shem made herself at home on the couch.

“I thought your office would be crawling with ankle biters,” Shem teased.

“Usually yes. But no cadets today. They have their lessons,” Bright Eyes bit back a yawn. “I thought you would be doing intake with your new special ops team?”

Shem narrowed her eyes, always too worried for Bright Eyes’ wellbeing, “Not yet. I had to cover some other psych files today. Did you know their case has been passed from caseworker to caseworker? Nobody wants them for more than the three-month requirement period.”

Bright Eyes smirked, raising an eyebrow at her roommate, “If I didn’t know better, it sounds like you’re baiting me to read their files. Something you should have read before they got planet-side, perhaps?”

“Oh come on! Troublesome troopers are your specialty! You would love reading their files,” Shem giggled. 

“Bantha shit!” Bright Eyes laughed. “So I can read them to do your work for you? Nice try. Read the damn files yourself!” Her laugh turned into a wince as she held her side just as Commander Cody and Rex strolled into her office.

“Where are all the cadets?” Cody teased, removing his bucket.

“Clearly hiding because they knew you were planet side,” Shem teased, moving over on the couch to make room for the men.

“Very funny. Don’t you have my men to hound with your tests?” Cody smirked, setting his bucket on the table. Bright Eyes yawned again as she set her data pad to the side to pick up a new one. “Why the yawning?”

“Just tired,” Bright Eyes brushed off, typing away.

“Just tired. Yeah right. Wanna tell them about the nightmares?” Shem prompted.

“Thanks for sharing on my behalf,” Bright Eyes sarcastically replied. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Ruussan, you were shot,” Rex injected, furrowing his brow. “By one of your cadets! That has never happened on Kamino.”

“It wasn’t his fault!” Bright Eyes shouted, standing from her seat, pressing a hand to her side. “It was mine. He was having a flashback with a startle response and I couldn’t help him deescalate. He is dead because of me.” 

“He is dead because the Kaminoans put him in decommissioning and found him defaulted,” Cody gently reminded. “You can’t save us all, Ruussan.”

“Not from the Kaminoans and not from ourselves,” Rex added, placing a hand on Bright’s shoulder. “Besides, what you two are doing with the Testimonial Project is above and beyond what anyone has done for us Clones. We need you both alive, Ruussan. One cadet for all of us Clones is a small price for freedom.”

[clonetrooperjournals]

Talking to the sunset

Summary : The end of the war brings hard decisions. You leave your life and your love behind hoping one day that he will come to you

Pairings : Marshal Commander Cody x Fem! reader (clone wars/bad batch eras)

Warnings : none I think, talks of the end of the war, angst

Words : 1270

dividers by @saradika-graphics

“You ever think about what will happen after the war?”  

Cody stares out the window beside you, “not really...”  

You laugh, “What do you mean not really? You don’t think about your life after the war?”  

“I was made to be a soldier, and I'll continue to be one till I die. I never thought of a time where I wasn’t” Cody turns towards you smiling gently.  

You grab his hands looking into the beautiful brown eyes you love so much, “I’ve been saving up to buy a farm... Nothing big or anything but, when the war is over that’s what I want to do. Live quietly in my little home, away from everything...”  

Cody’s smile widens as he listens, “That does sound nice.”  

“I won’t make you go with me. The choice is yours. You haven’t got to make many, if any choices about your life and regardless of if you stay or if you join me, I'll love you.” 

The two of you stare at each other while Cody lets your words sink in. You squeeze his hands gently, “Can I think about it?” he finally says.  

“Of course you can.”  

You lean forward placing your head on his chest, “I love you.” 

He kisses your head gently, “I love you too.” 

... 

The war ended a year ago.  

The day they announced the end of the war, you handed in your resignation to your superior. You felt bad about it at first, thinking of the people you would miss and the life your leaving behind. You had spent the last two years working in the GAR as a medic, and in that time, you had become close with all the soldiers. Every battalion knew you as the bubbly medic who always had a smile even on the roughest days and everyone loved you. Soldiers started coming in for the smallest bumps and bruises just to get the chance to flirt with you. That was how you met your Cody.  

General Kenobi had a nasty concussion and some bruised ribs after a particularly rough mission. Cody had carried his general into the med bay and you ran over right away to get him checked out. As Cody was about to leave you grabbed his wrist and told him to sit on the cot beside General Kenobi. Cody assured you he was fine, but you were having none of it and told him you’d be the judge of that. Cody couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him as this small woman was ordering him around like he was a shiny. After that day whenever he was on Coruscant he would stop by to see you and the two of you became smitten with each other.  

You kept your relationship private, even though everyone knew you were together. You spent the little time that you had together in between deployments just being with each other, ignoring the chaos of reality inside your little apartment walls. You love every part of Cody, his good and bad sides, his rights and wrongs as he did with you, which is why you knew when the war ended that he wouldn’t go with you.  

The events leading up to the end of the war were nothing short of insanity. The losses were getting more and more personal, and it was hard for everyone. It was during that time that you bought your house, not wanting to stick around for more of the pain the war was bringing, but you stayed till the end, for Cody.  

The thing you love most about Cody is that he truly wants to make the universe a better place and though that is an admirable trait it also means that he will never feel like his work is done. When he returned from Utapau, he was acting strange. It was like the light died from his eyes and the little quirks that made Cody, Cody, were gone. You didn’t know what you could do, and you also knew that no matter what, he wouldn’t leave with you, so you left. You wrote a letter with your new address saying that no matter what, you will always love him and if the time ever comes that he’s ready to leave, you’d be waiting for him.  

It’s been a year, and every morning you go and sit on your porch hoping that the sunrise will bring the man you love back to you.   

The autumn season was beautiful. Your little white house was surrounded by orange falling leaves and cold crisp air. You had spent most of the day raking up those leaves and tending to your animals and now were sitting on your porch with a hot cup of caf, watching the sunset. Sunrise and sunset were the times you thought of Cody the most. The oranges that painted the sky reminding you of his armor.  

“The Neighbours down the road came and invited me for dinner again” you say, “I think they feel sorry for me because I’m all alone here.”  

You’d taken the habit of speaking to the sunset as if it could relay your words to your lover, “The wife keeps insisting that I meet her son. I think she’s trying to set us up...”  

You laugh quietly as the tears start to fall from your eyes, “I told her I’m taken but it’s starting to become less and less convincing every time I say it.”  

You couldn’t control the sobs that came, the ones you’ve bottled up for a year. You fall to the ground squeezing your eyes shut, “I should have fought for you! Fought for us! Why couldn’t I have been selfish and begged you to come with me?”  

Leaning against the railing you open your eyes looking into that cursed sunset, “I love you so much. I should have stayed with you...”  

In your crying and rambling to yourself you didn’t hear the crunch of the leaves coming up the side of the house. You didn’t see the cloaked man run up the steps until he was grabbing you and squeezing you tight. You didn’t know he heard every word you said to that damn sunset.  

Your eyes went wide, you pulled at the cloak to see the white plastoid armor underneath and your heart stopped. The hood fell from his head revealing the man you’ve been waiting a year for. The scar under his eye and on his forehead, the smell of his after shave and the cheap barrack soap, the wrinkles around his eyes, the soft way he looks at you.  

“Cody?” you gasp.  

He doesn’t let go, just holds you while the last bit of the sunset illuminates him like a vision in front of you, “I’m sorry I took so long.”  

Both of you are crying and holding each other like the other might disappear. You grab his face and kiss him hard, putting all your love and longing into it. He grabs your waist tighter kissing you back with just as much force.  

Eventually you break for air leaning your head into his chest, “I’m sorry I didn’t-” 

“Don’t apologize. It’s my fault. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize I was fighting for the wrong thing. I want to fight for you, for us. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If you’ll have me...”  

“I want nothing more. Welcome home my love”  

Together the two of you walk into your little home and you turn back at the last light of the sunset, “Thank you...”   

[spooky-daggers]

Another Oddball and Kat doodle. A quick kiss before battle.

It's a good thing Wooley and Waxer are so helpful. They're truly the best brothers around. 🫡💜

[blackseafoam]

✨first meeting✨

I missed @clonexocweek but the prompts are so good and I have so many ideas

[clonexocweek]

The Clone x OC week 2025 participation badges are here ✨

We are excited to unveil yet another feature for this event! By the end of the festivities, you may apply for Clone Trooper badges that are personalised with your tumblr username—so that you can show off that you’ve participated in Clone x OC week 2025!

There are two types of badges that can be earned: Creator Badge and Enjoyer Badge. You may earn either one or both if you meet the specific requirements for each type of badge.

To earn the Creator Badge, you need to post at least one creative work inspired by one of the themes of the event. To earn the Enjoyer Badge, you have to complete at least one row of the Enjoyer Bingo.

But wait—there’s more!!

Very dedicated participants deserve something a little extra. We’d like to award these people with ARC Trooper badges!

The Creator ARC Trooper badge is earned by posting an entry for all the seven themes of the event. The Enjoyer ARC Trooper badge is earned by completing all rows of the Enjoyer Bingo. It takes true courage and valour to earn these badges!

The form to apply for the badges will be released soon after the final day of the event. Until then, have a wonderful day ✨