mylittlepooka

[mylittlepooka]

Too Sweet

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Pairing: Fox x fem!Reader / Fox x Doctor!Reader

Words: 7,709/26,525

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! fluff, strangers to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, Fox is a little anxious/paranoid, and he needs a hug, Fox gets his hug, and a hell of a lot more, smut, fingering, oral (f receiving), handjob, praise kink, quite wholesome as far as smut goes

Summary: Fox has no time for romance. He doesn't even have time for sleep, let alone dates. But when a horrible day at work leads him to you, he suddenly finds himself in danger of reevaluating his priorities.

A/N: We made it! Everything is fine! Everyone is fine!

Fox is exhausted.

The night has been filled with nothing but reports, meetings, and arguments, and the stress of the situation has his nerves frayed. The Senate has been evacuated, and the Chancellor has relocated to a secure location, but the damage is extensive. The majority of the city is still without power, the lower levels in particular are cut off, and the lack of communications is making things even more difficult. The only things the Chancellor and the Council have agreed on is the need for a joint task force to deal with the immediate threat and instituting mandatory blackouts. 

The worst part is that the attack was almost too easy. Fox had been preparing for months, had been working tirelessly to stop a scenario like this from happening, and the fact that his efforts had failed is a hard pill to swallow. It makes him question everything, his abilities, his judgement, and the thought that all his planning, all his preparation, was useless is infuriating.

He rubs his temples, the fatigue hitting him like a punch to the gut. It's late, or early, depending on how he looks at it, and he's been going nonstop for hours. His comm has been ringing off the hook, messages and reports flooding in, and he hasn't had a chance to breathe.

But, despite his exhaustion, his mind is focused on one thing, or rather, one person.

He hasn't heard from you since he left, and the radio silence is driving him crazy. He'd wanted to comm you, to check in, but he'd been too busy, and the lack of contact is worrying. The longer he goes without hearing from you, the more anxious he gets, and by the time his shift is supposed to end, his mind is racing. He can't leave, not with everything going on, but the thought of you, alone, is making him crazy.

He tries to call you, but the comm goes straight to voicemail, and the knot in his chest grows. The lack of news, the not knowing, is the worst part, and the longer he sits there, the more restless he gets. Finally, he decides that he can't wait anymore.

"Stone," Fox calls out as he pushes away from his desk and stands.

"Sir."

"Take over for me."

"Are you going somewhere?" Stone asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes."

“Where are you going?" Thorn asks, his voice filled with concern. 

The other commander is leaning against the door frame, his helmet under his arm. His armor is scratched, and there are bruises under his eyes, but his gaze is sharp, and his stance is steady. Fox had been afraid that his brother would push himself too far, too soon, but the man had insisted on coming back to work, and the Chancellor had allowed it, so there wasn't much Fox could do.

"I need to check on someone," Fox mutters, and he grabs his helmet, pulling it on.

"Who?"

"A friend."

"You don't have friends,” Thorn teases. Fox rolls his eyes.

"A...a person," he amends. The words are out before he can stop himself. It's too soon, far too soon, but it's not like his brothers don’t already suspect. Besides, if things go his way, then they’ll be happy for him. At least, he hopes so.

"Oh?" Thorn raises an eyebrow, a grin appearing on his face. "What kind of person?"

Heaving a sigh, Fox brushes past him.

"The kind that matters."

It doesn't take long for Fox to make it to your apartment.

The city is eerily quiet, the streets deserted, the buildings dark. It’s early morning, the sky just starting to lighten, and the sight is surreal. There are no sounds, no traffic, no speeders, no sirens. Just the silence, and the glow of the sun, and the ash settling on the ground. It's an unsettling feeling, being in the middle of the city without a single person around, and the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

Fox climbs the stairs to your building and knocks on the door, the sound echoing in the silence. Power hasn’t been restored to the area yet, and the lights are off, the curtains drawn. He waits a moment, and then knocks again.

"It's me," he calls. 

He listens, but the only response is the sound of the wind, whistling through the empty streets. 

"Hey," he says, louder this time. "Open the door."

Still nothing.

His heart starts to race, his pulse jumping, and his mouth goes dry. Something's wrong, very, very wrong.

Fox pounds on the door. The noise echoes in the courtyard, and the sound of his fist on the metal is loud, far too loud. The silence is deafening, and his mind conjures a thousand scenarios, each more horrible than the last.

You have to be okay, you have to be. He can't handle the thought of anything happening to you, the idea that he'd been too late, or that he hadn't been able to protect you, is unbearable. If something had happened, if you were gone, he'd never forgive himself.

"Please," he begs. His voice is strained, the desperation bleeding through. The emotion in his tone is startling, even to him, and the realization of how much he cares about you is like a punch to the gut. He'd never cared about anyone like this before, had never let himself get so close. But now, with the threat of losing you looming, he realizes how much he needs you, how much he wants you, how badly he wants to have a chance with you.

Fox closes his eyes, the panic rising, his hands curling into fists.

"Please," he whispers.

There's a soft click, and his eyes snap open.

You're standing there, and you're alive, and Fox nearly collapses.

"Oh, thank the Maker," he breathes.

"Fox," you sigh. You throw yourself into his arms, and he catches you, pulling you close. His armor digs into your skin, but you don't seem to care, clinging to him with a desperation that makes his heart clench. “You came back.”

“I said I would," he reminds you. He presses his head against yours, his helmet bumping against your cheek, and he holds you tighter, his fingers digging into your back. "I'm here. I'm right here."

"I was so worried," you confess, your voice breaking. “My comm was crushed, and the power's out, and—"

"Shh, it's okay," he murmurs. "You're safe now. I've got you."

"Promise?"

"Promise," he breathes. "I'm sorry. I tried to get here sooner, but—"

"No," you protest. You pull back and press your hands to his chest plate, staring up at him. There are tears on your cheeks, and the sight is enough to make him want to break. You wipe them away and give him a small smile. "You don't need to apologize. I know how important your work is. You're here now."

"Yeah."

The two of you stare at each other, the tension stretching between the two of you, and then, suddenly, your hands are on the sides of his helmet, and his are cupping your cheeks, and the next thing he knows, his helmet is on the floor, and his lips are on yours.

The kiss is rough, and messy, and desperate. Your hands are tangled in his hair, your bodies pressed together, and he groans into your mouth, his arms wrapping around you. You taste like salt, and the smell of lavender surrounds him, and he presses closer, the contact making his stomach flutter. He'd never imagined kissing you, had never even considered it, but now, faced with the reality, he can't believe he'd wasted so much time.

You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him into the apartment. He follows blindly, too distracted by the feeling of your lips against his, the sensation of your fingers in his hair. You're walking backwards, leading him, and his hands find their way to your waist. He grips you tightly, his fingers digging into your skin, and the sound you make sends a rush of heat through him.

You bump into your kitchen island, and he pauses, his mouth moving from yours to the skin of your neck. He trails kisses along your jaw, down the side of your throat, his teeth grazing the delicate flesh. You let out a breathy moan, arching into him, and his pulse jumps.

The two of you are frantic, your hands grabbing at each other, your bodies pressing together. You’re lifted onto the counter before he even registers what he's doing, and you let out a breathless laugh, your legs wrapping around his waist. The feeling of you wrapped around him makes him dizzy, every point of contact sending a rush of heat through him. His fingers fumble, and his body shakes, and he lets out a ragged breath, his forehead falling against yours.

"Is this okay?” you ask. Your fingers are tangled in his hair, your lips brushing against his, and the closeness is dizzying. He nods, not trusting his voice, and you grin, tugging gently on his hair.

"Yeah," he manages, his voice hoarse. He’s rewarded with a smile, the warmth of your lips on his cheek, and the gesture is so tender, so affectionate, that it steals his breath.

He's never had this, not with anyone. This connection, this closeness, this intimacy. It's exhilarating, and terrifying, and wonderful, and he can't believe it's real. That you're real. That this is happening.

And the fact that it's you, that the person who's finally broken through his defenses, who's gotten past the walls, is the person he wants most?

“Perfect,” he sighs.

The word is meant for you, but the meaning is universal. Everything is perfect, from the feeling of your fingers in his hair, the warmth of your breath against his skin, the weight of your body against his. The fact that you're in his arms, that he's kissing you, is the best thing he's ever felt.

Fox leans forward and presses a kiss to your jaw, and the gasp you let out is enough to make his stomach twist. "So perfect.”

"You are," you manage.

"No, you," he insists. He trails kisses down your neck, and you shiver, your hands clutching his shoulders. Your skin is soft, and the warmth of it is addicting, and he wants to taste every inch of it. "Sweet girl."

You moan, and the sound makes him smirk.

"That's what I thought," he breathes, his voice low. "You like that, don't you?"

"I like anything you do to me."

"Good," he murmurs, and he leans forward and presses a kiss to the skin above your shirt, his teeth scraping along the delicate flesh. "Because I'm going to do so many things to you."

Your response is cut off by the ringing of his comm, and the two of you freeze. Fox blinks, trying to regain his focus, and he reluctantly pulls back. The look on your face is disappointed, and a little dazed, and the sight makes him feel smug. It's a good look on you, he decides. Especially with him being the one who put it there.

"Hold that thought," he orders. 

You nod, your eyes wide, and he lets go of you, lifting his wrist. He moves away, and he watches out of the corner of his eye as you slide off the counter and make your way to the living room. You wrap a blanket around your shoulders and sink onto the couch, giving him a shy smile.

He smiles back and answers the comm, his eyes fixed on you.

“This better be good,” he snaps, his tone cold. He doesn't look away from you, and you let out a giggle, clearly amused by his demeanor. The sound is infectious, and the corners of his lips twitch, his eyes crinkling.

He gives you a wink, and you blush, burying your face in the blanket.

"Commander.”

"Stone," Fox sighs. He runs a hand over his hair, smoothing the strands you'd mussed, and he takes a breath. He can still feel your lips against his, and the thought of what might have happened, what still could happen, is distracting.

"Sorry, Fox," Stone replies. There's a grin in his voice, and Fox grits his teeth, turning away. “I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"No," he snaps, glaring at the floor. "What do you want?"

"Thorn wanted to let you know that we're heading out on patrol. You still wanna join us?"

He glances over at you. You're watching him, the blanket wrapped around your shoulders, and the sight of you, warm and comfortable and waiting for him, is a balm on his frayed nerves. A wave of fatigue washes over him, and he turns away, his shoulders slumping.

"No.”

“No?”

"Are you sure?" Thorn cuts in, amused. "We can come pick you up."

"I said no," Fox snaps.

"Alright," he drawls. "Guess we'll have to manage without our fearless leader."

"I'm not your leader right now," Fox mutters. He can practically hear Thorn's eyes roll. "You don't need me, and I'm taking the rest of the day off."

There's a pause, and he can picture the shocked expressions on his brothers' faces.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I have more important things to do," he mutters. He glances back at you, his heart skipping a beat. The sight of you makes his chest warm, and he swallows, the words sticking in his throat. Finally, he manages, "Don't call me unless the building is on fire, or the Chancellor is dead. And make sure the rest of them know, as well."

“Who are you, and what have you done with our commander?" Thorn demands. Fox rolls his eyes, his lips twitching.

"Just go," he orders. "I'll check in later."

"If you say so," Stone murmurs.

"See you later," Thorn adds. "Say hi to Doc for me."

The line clicks off, and Fox rips off his vambrace and tosses it onto the counter, the other one quickly following. He pulls off his pauldrons, and the kama and belt, his eyes fixed on you. You raise an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his actions, but the surprise on your face quickly changes to delight, your eyes widening, your mouth dropping open.

"Are you—"

"Off duty," Fox confirms. He crosses the room and sits beside you, pulling the blanket over his legs. The exhaustion hits him as soon as he's off his feet, and he groans, leaning his head back against the cushions. He closes his eyes, letting out a breath, and the tension slowly starts to drain from his body.

"Fox?"

"I'm fine," he assures you, trying to disguise the yawn that escapes. You snuggle closer, draping the blanket over his legs, and he wraps an arm around your shoulders, his fingers stroking the soft skin of your arm.

"No, you're not," you murmur. "When's the last time you slept?"

"Uh."

"Nevermind," you sigh. You rest your head on his shoulder, your arm wrapping around his torso. He tenses for a moment, the contact sending a rush of warmth through him, and he relaxes, pulling you closer. "It doesn't matter."

"Mm-hmm."

"I think you should rest."

"Yeah," he agrees, his voice fading. He's exhausted, the night finally catching up with him, and the warmth of the apartment, and the feeling of your body against his, is making him drowsy.

"Fox," you breathe.

"Hm?"

"Come here," you murmur, and you stand, reaching down. You grab his hand, pulling him up, and the two of you make your way down the hall. The apartment is dark, and he can barely see, but he trusts you, and you lead him without hesitation.

You pause in front of a door, and he blinks, his eyes adjusting. There's light spilling into the room from a window, and he can make out the shape of a bed, and the dresser, and the desk. You reach over, fumbling for the switch, and the lamp flickers on, casting a dim glow through the space.

"Is this your room?" he asks. His voice is hoarse, his eyelids heavy, and the fatigue is making his words slur.

You hum an affirmative as you lead him across the room and help him sit on the bed, his knees weak. You kneel and undo his boots, sliding them off his feet, and he watches, his heart skipping a beat The feeling of your fingers against his skin, the gentle way you're handling him, the sight of you, kneeling at his feet, is almost more than he can take.

"There," you say, smiling.

You stand, and he stares up at you, his eyes wide, his breath caught in his chest. You're a vision, an angel, the perfect woman, and the fact that you're even looking at him is a miracle. That you're touching him, taking care of him, is more than he deserves, and the emotion that rushes through him is so strong, so powerful, that his head spins.

"What is it?" you ask, frowning. "Do you need something else?"

"You," he whispers.

"Me?"

"Just...stay with me."

"Okay," you promise, nodding. You lean forward and press a kiss to his forehead. "I'll stay. Just let me change."

"Sure," he sighs, though the thought of waiting is disappointing.

"Don't go anywhere," you tease, giving him a smile. You turn and walk away, crossing the room, and Fox stares after you, a dumbstruck expression on his face. He doesn't look away until the door shuts, blocking his view, and he blinks, trying to clear his mind.

Fox looks around, his eyes falling on the dresser. There's a mirror hanging above it, and his reflection catches his eye, and he frowns. The bruises under his eyes, the gauntness of his cheeks, the paleness of his skin, all reminders of the long nights, and the stress, and the constant strain of his job. But underneath that, is a look of peace, of happiness, that he's never seen before.

You make him happy, he realizes. He hadn't known it was possible, but you're the first person who's made him feel like this, who's brought joy to his life. He'd resigned himself to his fate, had decided that happiness wasn't in the cards for him, but now, faced with the possibility of a different future, one with you, he feels hopeful.

The door opens, and his gaze shifts, his eyes moving to you.

"Hey," you murmur, crossing the room. You've changed into a pair of shorts and a loose t-shirt, and your hair is pulled up, leaving your neck exposed. He swallows, his mouth dry, and you give him a soft smile as you sit on the bed opposite of him.

"Hey," he breathes.

You pull the blankets back and gesture for him to move. He does, sliding into the spot, and you tuck the covers around him, treating him like he's fragile, like he's something to be treasured. It's an unfamiliar feeling, one he's not sure how to deal with, and he blinks, his eyes burning.

"Good?" you ask.

"Yeah," he nods.

There's a brief silence, and then you roll over and turn off the light, plunging the room into darkness. The only light is the faint red of the Coruscant skyline through the curtains, but it's enough. He can just barely make out the curve of your cheek, the shape of your mouth.

"Better?"

"Much," he agrees.

You turn, rolling onto your side, and he does the same, his eyes fixed on yours. Your legs bump together, and the sheets are soft, and the pillow is warm, and he's so, so tired. The comfort is welcome, and the exhaustion is starting to make him dizzy, his eyelids drooping.

"Thank you," Fox whispers.

"Of course," you murmur. You move closer to him, and your arms wrap around his neck. He's pressed against your chest, his head resting on your collarbone, and his hands find their way to your waist, pulling you against him. He wants to say something else, but his mind is fuzzy, and the warmth of your body and the feeling of your fingers in his hair is lulling him to sleep.

"Sleep well, Fox."

Your lips press against his forehead, and the softness of the gesture is his undoing.

He's asleep before you even have a chance to pull back.

Fox wakes up slowly.

The first thing he notices is the softness of the blankets. They're warm and heavy, and the fabric is softer than anything he's ever felt before. His second thought is that the mattress is far too comfortable. It's almost painful how much better it is than his own bed, and he groans. He doesn't want to move, doesn't want to get up. All he wants is to lay there, to drift, to soak up the warmth.

He shifts under the covers and breathes in, and the scent of lavender fills his lungs. His eyes fly open.

It takes a moment for the memories to return. He remembers the explosion, the chaos of the aftermath, the kiss, and then he realizes where he is. The panic hits him like a speeder, and his heart races, the shock waking him up.

He lifts his head, and the sight that greets him is enough to take his breath away.

You're lying next to him, fast asleep, and you look more beautiful than he's ever seen you. Your face is relaxed, your lips slightly parted, and the sunlight spilling through the curtains illuminates your skin. You're pressed against his side, the sheets tangled around your legs, and his arm is draped over your waist, his fingers curled into the hem of your shirt.

He watches you, his pulse slowing. All he wants to do is wrap his arms around you, to hold you close, to bury his face in the curve of your neck.

So he does.

You make a soft noise as he pulls you against his chest, but you don't wake. Instead, you snuggle closer, and the contented sigh you let out is the sweetest thing he's ever heard. He can't stop himself from leaning forward and pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

"Fox?"

You blink up at him, reaching up to cup his cheek. He turns his head and presses a kiss to your palm, and you let out a quiet sigh, smiling up at him.

"Sorry," he breathes. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay," you assure him, your fingers tracing the lines of his face. "I'm glad you're still here." 

He leans into the touch, closing his eyes, and the sound that leaves his throat is nearly a purr. You laugh, a quiet, sleepy noise, and he can't help but lean down and capture your lips in a gentle kiss. You hum and press closer, your hands moving to the back of his neck.

"Good morning," he whispers against your mouth.

"Good morning," you reply, and the smile in your voice makes him shiver. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very."

He kisses you again, his tongue brushing against yours, and your grip on him tightens. The two of you continue, his lips moving against yours, his hands cupping your cheeks. It's slow and sweet, and the intimacy of the moment sends a shiver down his spine. His mind is quiet, the stress and fear from the past few days gone, and all he can think about is the feel of your mouth, the taste of your tongue.

"What time is it?" he asks, breaking the kiss.

"Not sure," you murmur. Your hands move to his chest, and the heat of them makes his stomach twist. "Why? Do you have somewhere to be?"

"Nope," he breathes, and he captures your lips in another kiss. He runs his hands up your sides, feeling the curve of your waist, the softness of your skin, and his cock starts to harden, his hips jerking forward. "I've got time."

"Good."

The next kiss is harder, faster, and his tongue slides against yours, your hand trailing lower, lower, lower. Your fingers brush against his abs, tracing the lines of his muscles, and then you're gripping the hem of his shirt, pulling it up. He leans forward and helps you take it off before lips are on yours again, and your hands are wandering, roaming over his body, touching every inch of skin you can reach.

"What are you doing?" he teases.

"Touching," you murmur. He hums as your nails scrape over his stomach, his muscles jumping, and then your hand is trailing lower, over the line of hair that leads down to his waistband.

"Keep going," he orders, his voice hoarse.

Your eyes widen, but you obey, slipping your fingers beneath the fabric. The feeling of your hand wrapping around him makes him groan, his cock twitching. He's fully hard, his tip leaking, and you let out a whimper as you run your hand over him.

"That's—" He cuts himself off with a hiss as you slide your thumb over his tip, spreading the precum over his skin. His head falls forward, his forehead pressing against yours. You're staring up at him, a smirk on your face, and the heat in your eyes is dizzying. "Stars," he groans. "Fuck, that's—"

Your grip tightens, and his hips jerk, the movement involuntary. The noise that leaves his throat is low and desperate, and you let out a breathy laugh, kissing him again. The slide of your lips against his, the stroke of your hand, is addicting, and his eyes drift closed, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"That's not fair," he mumbles against your lips.

"No?"

"No," he sighs, and the feeling of your mouth moving to his jaw, trailing kisses over his skin, sends a wave of heat through him. "Not when I can't—"

You bite down, and he lets out a strangled moan, his hips bucking. His eyes fly open, his hands digging into your waist, and he presses his head against yours, his breaths coming in gasps.

"You're distracting me."

"I know," you breathe, grinning. "What are you gonna do about it?"

Fox rolls you onto your back and moves between your legs, grabbing your wrists and pushing them up above your head. You let out a breathless laugh, but the amusement on your face quickly turns to shock, and you moan, the sound music to his ears.

"My turn," he murmurs.

He releases his grip and kisses you. His hands move down your sides, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of your shirt, and then he's tugging it off, exposing your breasts. He leans down and presses a kiss to the hollow of your throat before nuzzling against your breasts, his hands squeezing them, his fingers brushing over your nipples.

"So pretty," he whispers.

You whimper, the sound soft and needy, and Fox feels his cock jump. He kisses a path down your chest, hooking his thumbs into the waistband of your shorts and tugging them off along with your underwear.

He sits up and looks at you, his eyes roaming over your naked body, taking in every inch. Your chest is flushed, your cheeks pink, and your legs are pressed together, the blush extending down to your thighs. He bites his lip, his eyes flicking back up to yours, and you shiver, squirming under his gaze.

"Look at you," he breathes, and he reaches down, grabbing your ankle. He lifts it and presses a kiss to the arch, and you shiver, the soft skin twitching. His hand runs up your calf, over the curve of your knee, his lips following the same path. He trails kisses over the inside of your thigh, and the closer he gets, the more you squirm, your eyes locked on him.

"You're shaking," he points out, and he smirks, nipping at the delicate flesh. "Do I scare you?"

"N-no," you manage, and he grins, licking a path up the length of your thigh.

"Then why are you so nervous?"

"I—oh!"

His hands grip your thighs and spread them, and you gasp, your head falling back. Fox leans forward and runs his tongue over your slit, his nose bumping against your clit. He does it again, and again, the movements slow and deliberate. Your hands grip his hair, your hips rising off the bed, and the moan that leaves you sends a rush of heat through him.

His hands move under you, lifting your ass off the mattress, and he pulls you against his mouth, his tongue sliding inside of you. The taste of you is better than he'd imagined, the softness of your folds addictive, and he can't stop, his head moving, his mouth sucking at your clit. He keeps going, his tongue teasing the edges of your opening, and the noises you make, the breathless cries, the moans, the gasps, are driving him crazy.

He's lost in the taste of you, the feeling of your body against his. He's never done this before, never had the opportunity, and he's shocked at how much he loves it. The weight of you against his tongue, the slickness of your skin, the way you're shaking, it's all so perfect, and his cock is leaking, his hips grinding against the bed, trying to find some friction.

 He groans and buries his face against you, licking and sucking, his eyes drifting shut. Your grip tightens, the pain almost too much, but the feeling only adds to his arousal. He's never wanted someone so badly, has never been so desperate to please.

"Fox," you sigh.

"So sweet," he whispers. "So good."

He keeps going, his lips moving against your folds, and you squirm, the motion making him hold you tighter. He glances up and sees that your head is thrown back, your eyes closed, and the look of bliss on your face makes him groan.

"Look at me," he orders.

Your eyes fly open, and you stare down at him, panting. He presses a kiss to your clit, and the moan that leaves your lips is low and desperate. Your gaze stays locked on his as he sucks on your folds, his tongue darting out to taste you. Your face is flushed, your cheeks stained with pink, and the look of desperation in your eyes is mesmerizing.

"Please," you whine. "Please, I need—please."

Fox chuckles and pulls away. He sits up and grabs the back of your thighs, pushing your legs apart and pinning them to the bed. Your hands grab at the sheets, the fabric bunched in your fists, and the sight is beautiful.

"You close, sweet girl?"

"Yes," you gasp.

"Need me to fuck you?"

"Please," you beg. "Please, I want—I need—"

"Shhh," he soothes. He lets go of one of your legs and reaches down, trailing a finger over your pussy. You let out a low whine, and he grins, the expression hungry. "Gonna make you feel so good."

"Yes," you gasp. "Yes, please—"

Your words cut off by a moan as he pushes his fingers into your cunt. The feeling of you, wet and hot and tight, makes his head spin. His cock throbs, his hips jerking, and he presses his free hand against his stomach, trying to calm himself. The urge to fuck you is nearly unbearable, but he wants to see you come first.

"Feel good?" he asks.

"Y-yeah."

"Such a good girl," he praises.

His fingers move faster, his thumb rubbing circles over your clit, and your back arches, a desperate moan leaving your lips. You're soaking his hand, and he groans as the wetness drips down his fingers.

"So beautiful," he whispers. "Such a sweet girl."

Your eyes drift shut, and he lets out a displeased growl.

"Open your eyes," he orders.

Your eyes snap open. You look at him, and the trust, the affection in your gaze, is staggering. The intimacy is intense, and the realization of how deeply he cares for you, how much he needs you, hits him like a speeder. It's far too soon, but he can't help it, and the emotions make his heart skip a beat.

"Good girl," he breathes.

"Fuck," you sigh. "I'm close."

"Yeah? Gonna come for me?"

"Y-yes," you gasp. "Yes, please—"

Your mouth falls open, and you let out a low whine, your thighs shaking. The tension in your body is unmistakable, and the thought that he's the one who's brought you to the edge is addicting.

"Come," he orders.

The effect is immediate.

You gasp, and your back arches, and Fox feels the tremors run through you. Your walls clench around his fingers, and your head falls back, a hoarse cry leaving your throat. The sight is so erotic that Fox can't help but stroke himself. He squeezes the base of his cock, and a strangled groan leaves his lips.

"Fuck," he pants. "Fuck, that's—fuck."

He pulls his fingers out of you and brings them to his mouth, sucking on them, moaning as your taste fills his mouth. You're panting, a sheen of sweat covering your body, and the sight of you, spent and satisfied, is almost too much.

"I want you," you murmur, and the hoarseness in your voice is arousing. "Please."

"Yeah," he replies, his voice rough. Fox leans forward and presses a soft kiss to your mouth, and you hum, pleased.

"Need a minute," he confesses, and you nod, giving him a small smile.

"Of course," you breathe. You sit up and grab his shoulders, pulling him down until he's lying next to you. You turn and wrap an arm around his chest, throwing a leg over his hips, and he shivers as your bare skin presses against his.

"You're too much," he grumbles.

"Too much?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Because," he mutters.

"Hmm."

You shift, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. Your lips move lower, trailing across his collarbone, and Fox shivers, his cock twitching. The sight of you, naked and sprawled out over his chest, is addicting. He can't resist reaching down and cupping your ass, squeezing the soft flesh. You hum, pleased, and he squeezes again, his fingers digging into your skin.

"That's not helping," he mutters.

"I think it is," you reply.

He can't argue with that.

Your lips press against his skin, and he lets out a sigh. You're tracing his scars, kissing the marks on his chest and shoulders, your fingers running over the pale lines. The sight is entrancing, and he closes his eyes, his breathing growing slow and steady. You keep going, pressing a kiss to every part of his chest. You trace the outline of the scar that runs down his stomach, the mark that stretches from his hip to his knee, and the one that runs along his neck.

You press a kiss to his bicep and squeeze his arm, letting out a hum of approval. "This healed nicely."

"I had a good doctor," he teases.

You snort and press a kiss to his chin, and Fox leans forward and captures your lips, pulling you closer. He rolls onto his side, and his hand runs down your back, tracing the curve of your spine. Your leg is still thrown over his hip, and his cock is pressed against the heat of your core. You shiver and roll your hips, rubbing against him, and he groans, his grip tightening.

"You ready?"

"Yes," you breathe.

"Good."

He presses a kiss to the corner of your mouth and hitches your leg up higher, pushing himself between your thighs. You're warm, and the wetness from your cunt is dripping down his length, and the sensation makes him grit his teeth. He takes a moment, letting himself get used to the feeling, and then he's pushing forward, easing his way inside.

"Fox," you sigh.

The sound of his name falling from your lips makes him shiver. You're so wet that he slides in easily, but the heat of you, the tightness, is dizzying. His mind blanks, the sensations threatening to overwhelm him, and all he wants is to be as close to you as possible.

"So good," he breathes. "Fuck, you feel—so good, sweet girl."

He bottoms out, his hips pressing against yours, and he pauses, taking a breath. He can't stop staring at you. Your cheeks are pink, the flush extending down to your breasts. Your eyes are closed, your lips slightly parted, and the way you're squirming against him, trying to pull him closer, is maddening.

"Look at me," he pleads.

You open your eyes, and the expression on your face is so tender, so affectionate, that his breath catches. The heat in his chest burns hotter than before, the emotions rising.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs. "So fucking perfect."

"Thank you," you breathe. "You feel—"

"Yeah?"

"Good," you sigh. You roll your hips, grinding against him, and the movement makes him moan. He thrusts forward, unable to resist, and you let out a gasp. "So good."

"Good," he growls.

His grip tightens, and his hips rock forward, his cock moving inside of you. The feeling is addicting, the slide of his cock into your cunt is better than anything he's ever felt. He wants to be closer, wants to be deeper, wants more, and he thrusts forward, pressing himself as deep inside of you as possible.

"So good," he sighs. "So sweet."

"Don't stop," you beg, and you bury your face in his neck, pressing kisses to his skin.

"Not gonna," he promises.

Fox picks up the pace, and the sounds coming from your lips are almost as satisfying as the feeling of being inside of you. He's never had someone so eager, so responsive. Every time his hips snap against yours, you make a sound, a whimper, a gasp, a moan. Your walls are fluttering around him, and he's lost in the sensation, the closeness, the intimacy of the moment.

It's not just the sex. It's the fact that it's you, that it's your body against his, that he's touching you, holding you. He's wanted this for so long, had convinced himself that it would never happen. But here you are, and you're his, and it's everything he's ever dreamed of.

He presses a kiss to your temple and wraps his arms around you, the position forcing you closer. He can feel every inch of your body, the softness of your skin, the curves and angles. His hips move faster, harder, and your grip on him tightens, your nails digging into his back. The pain is a shock, and he moans, his eyes fluttering shut.

"Fox," you whisper.

"Right here," he assures you.

"More," you beg. "Please."

"Okay," he murmurs. "Anything."

He rolls you onto your back and settles back between your thighs, grabbing one of your legs and hiking it up over his shoulder. He grabs the other and does the same before leaning forward, bracing his hands on either side of your head. The new position has him even deeper, and you gasp, arching up.

"Fuck," he gasps.

"Feels so good," you manage. "So full."

"Yeah?"

"Yes," you sigh.

The new position gives him more control, and he wastes no time. His hips snap forward, his cock sliding into you, and the new angle has his tip brushing against your g-spot. The effect is immediate. Your hands fly to his arms, your nails digging into his skin, and a ragged moan leaves your lips.

"There," you gasp. "Right there."

"Yeah?"

"Please," you beg. "Right there."

He doesn't know how long it lasts. Time slows, and his vision blurs, and all he can focus on is the feeling of you, the sounds that are falling from your lips. The tension in your body grows more intense with each thrust, and the heat inside of him grows hotter.

"Gonna come," you whisper.

"Good girl," he breathes. He kisses you again, and his hips snap forward, the force of his thrusts making the bed shake. You let out a whimper, your head falling back, and Fox kisses the line of your jaw, nipping at the delicate skin.

"Please," you gasp, and the desperation in your tone makes him groan. "I'm so close."

"Me, t-too," he manages. "Can I—"

"Yes," you promise.

"Fuck."

He picks up the pace, reaching down between the two of you. He's dripping with sweat, and his skin is hot, and the feeling of his fingers sliding over his cock is almost unbearable. He presses his thumb against your clit, stroking it in time with his thrusts, and you let out a hoarse cry, your walls clenching around him.

"There," you sigh. "There, there, there—"

You cut off with a sharp cry, and Fox feels the rush of warmth, the flood of slick coating his cock. The sensation is more than he can handle, and he comes with a grunt, his eyes closing as the pleasure hits him. His hips jerk forward, and he buries himself inside of you, pressing himself as deep as he can.

"Fuck," he breathes, and the word is shaky. He's not sure if it's the stress, or the adrenaline, or the emotions, but the feeling is intense, and it leaves him trembling. He slumps forward, his forehead pressed against your chest, and his eyes drift closed, his heartbeat echoing in his ears.

He stays there for a moment, enjoying the feel of you wrapped around him, the warmth of your body, the softness of your skin. Finally, Fox lifts his head and rolls off of you, flopping onto his back. He stares up at the ceiling, his breaths coming in ragged gasps and the sweat cooling on his body. His mind is silent, his body spent, and he can't remember the last time he's felt this satisfied, this calm.

"Fox?"

He turns his head and sees that you're watching him, a hesitant expression on your face. He smiles, and you smile back, the uncertainty leaving.

"Hey."

"Are you okay?" you ask.

"Better than okay," he assures you, grabbing your hand and intertwining his fingers with yours. He brings your hand to his lips and presses a soft kiss to the back of it, and the flush on your cheeks grows darker. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," you nod.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

You reach up and cup his cheek. Fox closes his eyes and leans into the touch, humming quietly.

"So," you start, clearing your throat. "What happens now?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean..." Your voice trails off, and you let out a frustrated noise. Fox opens his eyes and looks at you. You're staring up at the ceiling, a frown on your face.

"I like you," he says, his voice soft. "A lot."

"I like you, as well," you murmur. You turn to look at him, and the hope in your eyes is unmistakable. "I've liked you for a while, actually."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," you nod.

"Then I think that's a good start." He licks his lips, his mind racing. "I'd like to continue seeing you. I mean, dating. If you're open to it.

"Oh," you breathe, and you blink up at him. "That's what you want?"

"I understand if you don't," he replies. His voice is steady, though his heart is pounding. The thought of you rejecting him is almost unbearable. "It's a lot. The hours, the job, everything."

"No," you shake your head. "I mean—yes. Yes, I want that. With you."

"Really?"

"Yes," you laugh. You lean forward and press a kiss to his cheek, and Fox feels his heart skip a beat, his stomach flipping. "Do you really think I'd say no?"

His mouth twists, and he glances away, his jaw clenching. "I've never done this before," he confesses. "I've never been...with anyone. Not in a way that meant something."

"It does mean something," you assure him. You reach up and cup his cheek, your thumb brushing over his skin, and he sighs, leaning into the touch. "It means a lot."

"Yeah?"

"Mm-hmm."

Fox reaches over and pulls you against his chest. Your fingers dig into his shoulders, and you settle against him, letting out a soft sigh.

"So," you prompt, "when can I expect a date?"

He huffs out a laugh. "We'll have to sync our calendars."

"Sounds fun," you tease. Your hand trails lower, over his chest and down his stomach, and the sensation sends a shiver through him. You press a kiss to his neck, and he hums, tilting his head to give you better access. "I'll see what I can do."

"Good," he sighs.

"For now," you continue, your fingers trailing down his abs, "I have a question."

"Hm?"

"Are you hungry?"

He laughs, the sound loud and genuine. He reaches up and cups your cheek, and you smile, a bright, beautiful expression. "Starving," he admits.

"Then let's get cleaned up, and I'll make us some breakfast," you decide. You lean forward and press a soft kiss to his lips, and his arms wrap around your waist, holding you against him. He can feel the smile against his mouth, and the sweetness of it, the warmth, makes him sigh.

"You really are the perfect woman," he murmurs.

"And don't you forget it," you warn him. You climb off the bed and reach for his hand. "Let's go."

"I'm going," he assures you. He lets out a breath and slides off the bed. "After you."

"Chivalrous."

"I do my best."

He follows you down the hall, his eyes fixed on the curve of your back, the sway of your hips. The sunlight spilling through the window is illuminating your skin, making it glow, and the sight is stunning. The fact that you're his is almost unbelievable, and his head is spinning, the realization of what he's done finally hitting him.

Fox knows that his life will be a long series of bad days. He's aware that the work will be grueling, the stress will be unbearable, and the pressure will be almost suffocating. But now, looking at you, knowing that you'll be waiting for him when he gets home, he realizes that he doesn't care. As long as you're there, he'll be fine.

And he'll fight like hell to keep it that way.

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[mylittlepooka]

translation/reference below

today's warmup. enjoy the colour vomit

[mylittlepooka]

Too Sweet

Part One | Part Two | Part Four

Pairing: Fox x fem!Reader / Fox x Doctor!Reader

Words: 6,514/26,525

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! fluff, strangers to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, Fox is a little anxious/paranoid, and he needs a hug, this chapter is more dark/intense than the others oopsie, smut in part 4

Summary: Fox has no time for romance. He doesn't even have time for sleep, let alone dates. But when a horrible day at work leads him to you, he suddenly finds himself in danger of reevaluating his priorities.

A/N: Sorry in advance for Thorn and the sads. I'll make it up to you next part. 💙

Previous Work | Next Work | Masterlist

The next few weeks are a blur.

Fox is pulled in so many directions that he can barely keep up. Between the Senate meetings, the riots, the constant flow of paperwork, and the barrage of complaints from his brothers, it's a miracle he's able to sleep at all.

But the time he spends talking to you is a bright spot in an otherwise dreary existence.

It's a welcome relief, and he finds himself looking forward to your messages, eagerly anticipating each new one. You're funny, and thoughtful, and you're able to get him to open up, which is something that hasn't happened in a long time. It's strange, and a little scary, but he can't bring himself to stop, and the longer it goes on, the more he feels like he's starting to slip.

He knows that you're only talking to him because of the grant, and the thought that you could be using him makes his stomach churn. But he doesn't think you would, and the fact that you seem genuinely interested in his well-being is something that he can't ignore. You always ask him how he's doing, if he's getting any sleep, and your concern is obvious, and yet, it still catches him off guard. He's not used to being cared for, and the way you treat him, like he matters, like he's human, is so different than anything he's ever experienced before.

Fox doesn't tell his brothers about you. He's not sure why, but the thought of telling anyone about his friendship with you makes him nervous. There's something special, something fragile, about what you have, and he doesn't want anyone to ruin it.

But, the secret doesn't last long.

One of the guard squadrons is ambushed during a routine patrol, and Thorn is caught in the crossfire. When Fox gets the report, he immediately heads for the med center, and when he gets there, he sees a group of troopers gathered outside the entrance. They're talking quietly amongst themselves, and they all look nervous. One of the men sees him and waves him over, a grim expression on his face.

"What happened?" Fox asks, his heart sinking. "Is he okay?"

"He's stable," Burst replies, and Fox lets out a breath, his shoulders sagging in relief. "But they won't let us see him."

"They won't?"

"No, sir," he sighs. "Something about hospital policy."

Fox frowns, a cold fury filling him. The fact that they would deny his brothers, his family, the chance to see their brother is infuriating, and the idea that Thorn was sitting in the medical ward, alone and hurt, makes his blood boil.

"I'll take care of it," Fox says, and Burst nods, looking relieved.

He pushes past the group, his fists clenched, and walks inside, heading straight for the front desk. The nurse looks up at him, his expression blank, and the look on his face must be enough, because his eyes widen, and he sits up.

"How may I—"

"Thorn," he growls. "Where is he?"

"I'm sorry, but we have a strict no visitors policy," the nurse says. His voice is calm, but his fingers are tapping on the desk, and the action betrays his nerves. "I can't—"

"Show me where he is," Fox demands. His voice is low, and the troopers behind him shift uncomfortably.

"Commander," the nurse says, a note of panic in his voice. "Please, calm down. If you'd just—"

"No," he interrupts, leaning over the desk. The nurse recoils, and Fox can see the fear in his eyes. Good. He should be afraid. If he didn't show him where Thorn was, he'd—

“Fox.”

The sound of your voice cuts through the red haze in his mind, and he pauses, turning towards you. Your eyes are wide, and there's a concerned crease between your brows. The sight of you, the way you're looking at him, brings him back to his senses, and he pulls back, taking a deep breath.

"What's going on?" you ask, frowning.

"I need to see Thorn," Fox says, his tone sharp. He doesn't mean to take his anger out on you, but the frustration is still there, simmering beneath the surface, and he can't seem to let it go. "They won't let me."

"He's not allowed any visitors," you explain softly. You glance at the nurse, and she nods, scurrying off. "He's in intensive care."

"I don't care," Fox snaps. He's tired, and the stress is making his temper short, and the last thing he wants is to get into an argument with you. "I'm not leaving until I see him."

"Fox." You walk over to him, and he feels his resolve weaken. There's a look in your eyes, something pleading, that makes his chest tighten, and he can't ignore it.  You reach out and take his hand, squeezing gently. "I know you're worried, but please, trust me. I'm not keeping you from him. I would never do that."

The anger slowly fades, and the tension drains from his body.

"I know," he mutters.

"He's stable," you say. Your grip on his hand tightens, and the contact is reassuring. "He'll be okay. I promise."

Fox nods, his shoulders slumping. He's not sure what he was expecting, but the truth of your words hits him hard. You're not lying. You would never lie to him, and the fact that he had doubted you, even for a moment, leaves him feeling sick.

"Can I at least check on him?" he asks. "Make sure he's..."

"It's against protocol, but..." You trail off, biting your lip, and then give him a small smile. "Just a few minutes."

"Thank you," he breathes.

"Come on," you say, tugging on his hand. "He's in the surgical ward."

He lets you lead him down the hallway, passing the group of troopers as you do. They watch the two of you go, and Fox knows that the rumor mill is going to be buzzing tomorrow. The thought makes him cringe, but the knowledge that Thorn was alive, and safe, is all he can focus on.

"I'm sorry," Fox mutters as the two of you walk. "I shouldn't have lost my temper like that."

"It's okay," you say, shaking your head. "You were worried."

"Still." He glances down at your joined hands, and he can't help but wonder why you haven't let go. The thought of it being because you enjoy the contact, because you like touching him, is absurd, but the thought lingers.

"You don't have to apologize," you say, squeezing his hand. "I know how you feel."

"Oh, really?" Fox raises an eyebrow. "How many times have you threatened the staff?"

"Well, I haven't had the pleasure, but I can't say that the thought hasn't crossed my mind," you tease.

"You, threatening someone?" he snorts. "I doubt that."

"You'd be surprised."

You come to a stop outside a set of double doors, and you swipe a card through the reader. The doors slide open, and you step inside, pulling him with you. 

The ward is quiet, and the sterile smell of bacta assaults his nose. He wrinkles his nose, and you smile, your fingers twitching around his. The movement is subtle, but he notices, and he gives you a small smile in return.

"This is him," you murmur, stopping in front of a door. 

You press a button on the control panel, and the door slides open, revealing a dimly lit room. A bed is pushed up against the wall, and there's a machine hooked up to a figure laying on it. Fox's breath catches, and he lets go of your hand, stepping inside. The door closes behind him, and he stands there, staring at the form of his brother.

Thorn's armor is gone, and his chest is covered in bandages. His face is pale, and his hair is matted with blood, and the sight is enough to make Fox's throat tighten. He's still alive, but he looks so small, so fragile, that Fox has to resist the urge to reach out and shake him, to wake him from whatever nightmare he's trapped in.

"I'm sorry," you murmur. "I should've warned you."

"It's fine," he whispers, and the words are almost lost in the silence of the room.

He turns to look at you, and the sympathy in your eyes is enough to break him. He lets out a shaky breath, the tension draining out of him and leaving him feeling hollow. He closes his eyes, and when he opens them again, his vision is blurry, and the tears spill over. He tries to wipe them away, but they keep coming, and he turns away, ashamed.

You don't say anything, but your hand finds his, and you squeeze, your thumb rubbing circles into his skin. It's a simple gesture, but it means so much, and Fox lets himself lean into you, just a little, letting your warmth ground him.

The two of you stand there, silent, listening to the beeping of the machines. The room is quiet, save for the occasional rustle of sheets, and the only light comes from the monitors and the glow from the hallway. It's peaceful, in a way, but Fox knows it's a temporary reprieve, a brief respite from the chaos. As soon as he leaves, he'll be back in the fray, dealing with the riots, the protests, the Senate. And without Thorn, things will be even more difficult.

"It'll be okay," you murmur, your voice soft.

Fox doesn't reply. He can't.

"Fox."

He looks down at you, his expression grim. Your eyes are wide, your brows furrowed, a hint of concern on your face. You squeeze his hand, as if trying to comfort him, but he pulls away, the gesture too intimate, too close.

"He'll be okay," you insist, your tone gentle.

"How can you be so sure?" he asks, his voice breaking. 

He's tired, exhausted, the weight of his duties pulling him down, dragging him into a darkness that he can't escape. He's lost so many brothers already, the loss of one more would be unbearable, and he can't help but wonder if he's cursed, if his luck is finally running out.

"I know," you say, and there's an edge to your voice that surprises him. "Trust me."

Fox swallows thickly and nods. You reach out, your hand cupping his cheek. The touch is light, but the gesture is meaningful, and his heart skips a beat. Your eyes meet his, and your gaze is filled with such conviction, such strength, that he can't look away. "I won't let him."

"Okay," Fox murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.

The two of you lapse into silence again, and Fox can't seem to tear his eyes away from you. There's something different about the way you're looking at him, something that he can't quite name, and it leaves him feeling raw and exposed.

He knows you're not lying, but the thought that you could possibly care so much about him is terrifying. You're so warm, so kind, so sweet, and he doesn't understand how someone like you could ever be interested in him. And yet, the way you're looking at him, the concern written on your face, tells him that it's true.

Fox reaches up and covers your hand with his, pressing it closer. You smile, and the sadness in your eyes melts away, replaced by a warmth that fills him with hope. He takes a step closer, and you close the distance between you, your body pressed against his. His free hand finds its way to your hip, and the two of you stay like that, wrapped in each other's arms. It's comforting, and Fox lets his eyes fall closed, savoring the moment.

"Thank you," he whispers, his voice cracking. He knows he should let go, that it's probably inappropriate for him to be so close to you, but he can't bring himself to move, and you don't seem to mind. Your hand moves from his cheek to his neck, your fingers lightly stroking his skin, and he lets out a shuddering breath.

"Anytime," you murmur. 

The two of you pull back, and the loss of contact makes his heart ache, but the look on your face is enough to soothe him. You smile at him and then step away, walking over to the bed. You check the monitors and smooth out the sheets. “He should be awake in a few days. I'll let you know when."

He clears his throat and nods. "Thanks."

"Do you want me to escort you out?"

"No, no, I can find my way."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Okay." You give him a small smile, and his chest tightens.

"I'll see you around," he says, and the words feel inadequate, but they're the only ones he can think of.

"You will." You hesitate, and then lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Take care of yourself, Commander."

"I'll try," he murmurs. He gives you a small smile, and then heads for the door, his mind racing. When the door closes behind him, he takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. The scent of lavender lingers in the air, and the warmth of your lips on his cheek is like a brand. He lifts a hand and brushes his fingers against the spot, his stomach fluttering.

When he turns to leave, the men outside the room are nowhere to be found, and he lets out a sigh.

So much for secrecy.

"Well, well, well, looks like the commander has a new girlfriend."

Fox looks up, his eyes narrowing. Thire is leaning against the door frame, a grin on his face. Behind him, Stone is leaning against the wall, his arms crossed.

"What are you talking about?" Fox asks, his tone flat.

"Word around the barracks is that you're sweet on a nurse," Thire teases, and he winks at him. "A cute one, too, by the sounds of it."

Fox bristles, offended on your behalf. It had been three days since the incident at the medical center, and Thorn was doing better. You'd been true to your word, and you'd kept him updated on his condition, sending him daily messages about his progress. Fox hadn't expected anything, but the fact that you'd kept your promise, and the fact that you seemed to genuinely care about his brother's wellbeing, was touching. He wasn't used to people keeping their word, and the gesture was more meaningful than you probably realized.

“She’s a doctor," Fox mutters, returning his attention to the report in front of him. "And she's not my girlfriend.”

"That's not what Thorn’s men are saying," Stone comments. He raises an eyebrow, a smirk on his face. "You were awfully cozy with her."

"It was nothing."

"You held hands, Commander."

"We were—" Fox breaks off, his face heating up. You’d held hands, hadn't you? You'd touched him, held him, and he'd let you, had wanted you to. He shakes his head. "She was being nice. She let me see Thorn."

"So, the rumors aren't true?" Thire asks, raising an eyebrow. "You're not sleeping with her?"

"No," Fox scoffs. The idea is ridiculous. Him? Sleeping with someone like you? That would never happen. You were too sweet, too kind, and the thought of you with someone like him, someone cold and harsh and damaged, was ludicrous. "She's a friend."

"Right," Stone mutters, exchanging a knowing look with Thire. "A friend."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Thire says, smirking. “Just that you've been spending a lot of time with her lately."

"So?"

"So, she must be pretty special."

"She is," Fox snaps. He regrets the words as soon as they leave his mouth, and he quickly turns away, staring intently at the report on his desk. The words blur, and he frowns, his brows knitting together.

Special. Was that what you were? To him? You'd certainly been a bright spot in his life, a ray of sunshine through the storm clouds that were constantly hovering over his head. You were kind, and warm, and gentle, and the thought of you, and the way you made him feel, was something he was starting to crave.

Oh.

Oh, no.

"Shit," Fox murmurs, closing his eyes. 

He'd never felt like this before. He'd never had time for relationships, never had the opportunity, and he'd always assumed that the feelings he'd heard his brothers describe, the butterflies and the warmth and the longing, were exaggerations. But now, faced with the realization that they might be real, he wasn't sure what to do.

He was in trouble. Big trouble.

“Shit."

"Something wrong?" Thire asks, and his voice is filled with amusement.

"No," Fox snaps, glaring at him. "Just go away."

"Sure, boss," Thire chuckles.

Stone smirks and winks at him, and the two of them turn and leave.

Fox sighs, dropping his head into his hands. He'd been trying to avoid this, trying to avoid thinking about the warmth in his chest whenever he talked to you, the way his stomach fluttered whenever you smiled at him, the way his skin tingled when you touched him. Physical attraction was one thing, but this...this was different. And it was a complication he didn't need.

His comm beeps, and he picks it up, his stomach dropping when he sees who it is. He presses a button, and a holo-image of you appears. You're wearing your scrubs, and there's a smile on your face that makes his heart race.

"Hey," you greet, giving him a small wave.

"Hi," he manages.

"I just wanted to let you know that Thorn's going to be discharged tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah," you say, and the smile on your face grows. "He's doing great. We think he'll make a full recovery."

“Get me out of here, Fox!” a familiar voice yells. Fox scowls as the projection widens to show Thorn sitting up in his bed beside you, a wide grin on his face. The bandages are gone, and he looks healthy, if not a little tired. "I'm going stir crazy."

"Thorn, you need to rest," you scold, and you push his face away, but not before Fox catches a glimpse of the darkened shade of your cheeks.

Thorn winks at him, and a wave of protectiveness crashes over him. Of course, Thorn had been flirting with you, it was in his nature. His brother has always had a certain...charm, but the last thing he wants is for him to use it on you.

"I've been stuck in this bed for days," Thorn whines. "I'm not made for laying around."

"Well, it's not my fault you were shot," you tease, and Fox bristles, a strange emotion coiling in his chest. Thorn laughs and pokes you in the side. You yelp and bat his hand away, and the sound of your laughter makes his stomach twist.

"Sorry about that," you murmur. Your eyes are sparkling, and there's a faint blush on your cheeks. "He's feeling better, as you can see."

"I'm glad," Fox replies, and it's the truth. If Thorn was feeling good, and joking around, and being an annoyance, that meant that he was fine, and Fox could stop worrying. Well, he could move on to worrying about something else, anyway.

"Anyway, I'll let you go," you say with a sigh. "I know you're busy. I just wanted to let you know."

"Thanks," he says softly. "For everything."

"Don't mention it." You give him a smile, and his breath catches. Even in a hologram, you're beautiful.

"Bye, Fox," Thorn calls out.

"Go to sleep," you groan. You give him a pointed look, and he laughs, waving you off. Fox's stomach twists again, and he grips the comm a little tighter.

"Take care of yourself," you say softly. You hesitate for a moment, and the corners of your mouth lift into a smile. "Comm me later, okay?"

"Are you free for dinner tonight?" he blurts out. He doesn't know what makes him say it. The words just spill out of his mouth, and before he can stop himself, he's committed. "We could talk about the proposal."

"I..." You look surprised, and your eyes widen. He wonders for a moment if he's pushed it, and the longer you stare at him, the more nervous he becomes.

"I'm sorry, I'm on shift until midnight," you sigh. "How about tomorrow night?"

"That's fine," he says quickly.

"Great," you say, beaming at him. The joy on your face is infectious, and the knot in his stomach loosens. "I’ll comm you later.”

"Sounds good."

"See you soon," you say, waving.

"Bye," he manages, and the call ends.

The silence of the room is deafening, and Fox sits there, staring at the spot where your holoprojection had been. His chest aches, and his skin feels too tight, and he can't seem to catch his breath. He stands up and paces, running his hands through his hair, his thoughts racing.

This was bad. This was very bad. The last thing he needed was to start having feelings for you. His life was complicated enough already, and the thought of dealing with this, on top of everything else, was overwhelming.

But the longer he thought about it, the more the reality set in. There was no denying it. He'd developed feelings for you, strong ones, and there was no going back. And he wasn't sure he wanted to.

You were sweet, and funny, and beautiful, and the thought of having a chance with you was thrilling. Sure, it might not be reciprocated, but the possibility, however slim, was enough. If you felt the same way, he could deal with the rest. He could handle it.

Couldn't he?

Fox groans and throws himself back into his chair.

This was going to be a problem.

The next night, Fox walks into the diner and heads straight for a booth. You're already there, and you stand, smiling. The sight makes his heart skip a beat, and the urge to pull you into his arms is almost overwhelming. Instead, he walks over, stopping in front of you. You smile at him, and the warmth in your eyes is enough to send a shiver down his spine.

"Hey, stranger," you tease, and he blushes, looking away. "Long time no see."

Fox snorts. He’d just seen you that morning. You'd commed him as he was heading to a meeting with the Chancellor, and he'd had to excuse himself to answer you. He'd only talked to you for a minute, but the memory of the sound of your voice had stayed with him the entire day.

"It's been less than twelve hours,” he reminds you, his lips twitching.

"Too long."

"For me, too."

The words are out before he can stop them, and your eyes widen, a light flush coloring your cheeks. He blinks, his stomach dropping. Stars, had he really said that? Out loud? In front of you?

Fox quickly sits down, avoiding your gaze. The waitress droid appears, and the two of you place your orders. When she leaves, the silence between the two of you stretches, and the tension grows. You fidget, your fingers drumming on the table, and Fox stares at the table, his heart hammering.

"So," you murmur. "How was work?"

"Fine," he mutters. He lets out a breath and lifts his gaze. "How was your shift?"

“Fine," you shrug. There's a smile on your face, but it doesn't reach your eyes. You're nervous, and the realization makes him relax. If you're just as anxious as he is, then maybe this will be okay. "Busy."

"You should take a break."

"I will when you will,” you counter, raising an eyebrow.

He can’t help but smirk at the challenge in your tone. You'd always been like this, hadn't you? Teasing him, trying to get a reaction out of him. But now, it seemed more deliberate, and the thought that you might be trying to get his attention sends a thrill through him.

"I could be persuaded," he murmurs. The words are bolder than anything he'd ever said to you before, and the surprise on your face makes him smirk.

"Oh, really?"

"Mhmm."

"Good to know," you grin. You lean forward, resting your chin in the palm of your hand, and there's a mischievous glint in your eye that makes his mouth go dry. "You should give me some ideas."

"Ideas?"

"Yeah," you tease. You wink at him, and his pulse jumps. "I'm open to suggestions."

"Suggestions," he repeats, his voice faint.

"Mm-hmm."

"Well," he says, clearing his throat. He shifts in his seat, the armor suddenly feeling too tight. Your eyes are fixed on his, and the intensity of your gaze makes him squirm. "I suppose we could—"

"Here you go!"

The droid interrupts him, and the plates of food are placed in front of the two of you. You sit up, the moment broken, and Fox takes the opportunity to collect himself. What had he been about to say? What had you wanted him to say?

The conversation moves back to the subject of the proposal, and Fox listens as you explain the details. You're enthusiastic, and passionate, and the more you talk, the more his heart warms.

You were perfect, weren't you? Perfect for him, and the longer he spends with you, the more he realizes it. He watches you eat, your eyes sparkling, and he can't look away. He doesn't want to. He could listen to you talk forever, could spend the rest of his life sitting across from you, watching you, listening to you.

He can't stop himself from imagining what it would be like to have you around all the time, to spend the nights with you instead of alone. It would be nice, he thinks, to have someone to come home to, someone who would make him feel warm, and wanted, and safe. You'd do that, wouldn't you? If he asked. If he said the right things, if he made the right moves.

You would, he realizes, his heart racing.

"So, what do you think?" you ask, and the question snaps him back to the present.

“What?”

"Do you think the Chancellor would approve the funding?"

"Oh," he murmurs, blinking. He takes a sip of his drink and clears his throat. "I already talked to him about it, actually."

"You did?" You look surprised, and his chest puffs up a little. The fact that you're impressed by his efforts makes him feel smug. "When?"

"A few days ago," he admits, shrugging. “And again when you called this morning. I told him how important it was to the city, and the refugees, and he agreed to review the proposal."

"Really?"

"Really."

"That's..." You trail off, your expression stunned. You let out a relieved sigh and sit back in your chair. "That's...wow. That's incredible."

"He was intrigued," Fox explains. "Especially after I told him how hard you were working on it. He wanted me to thank you for your efforts, and for your commitment."

That was an understatement. The Chancellor had been delighted to hear about your plan, and his enthusiasm had surprised Fox. The man had seemed genuinely impressed by your initiative, and he'd promised Fox that he'd look into it personally. Fox had thanked him, but he was still a little stunned.

It was rare that the Chancellor showed so much interest in something like this, and he wondered if there was an ulterior motive. But, the man had always been kind to him, and the praise had made him feel proud, so he'd decided not to question it.

He was far too occupied with picturing the look on your face when you heard the news, anyway.

"That's...wow," you murmur. There are tears in your eyes, and the expression on your face is so happy, so hopeful, that he can't help but smile. "That's amazing. You’re amazing."

The compliment makes his cheeks burn. You're looking at him like he hung the stars in the sky, and the adoration in your gaze makes his stomach flutter. He's never had anyone look at him like that before, and the rush of affection that follows is dizzying.

He reaches out, his fingers brushing against yours, and your eyes widen. The look on your face is vulnerable, and sweet, and he wants to kiss you so badly that he has to clench his jaw to keep from leaning forward and taking what he wants.

"It was nothing," he says, his voice low. He squeezes your hand, and you bite your lip, your eyes dropping to his mouth. "You're the one who put in the work."

"I couldn't have done it without you," you murmur, and you squeeze his hand in return. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he promises, and the emotion in your eyes makes his heart skip a beat. You look away, blinking back tears, and the moment passes, leaving the two of you in a comfortable silence.

Fox lets go of your hand and grabs his sandwich. He takes a bite and watches you eat, a fond smile on his face. You're staring out the window, a thoughtful expression on your face, and the glow of the city lights makes you look even more beautiful than usual. The feeling of warmth spreads through him, and the knowledge that he's responsible for the joy on your face fills him with satisfaction.

You turn and meet his gaze, and the look in your eyes is enough to make his heart stop.

"What?" you ask, grinning.

"Nothing," he murmurs, his cheeks heating up. He looks down at his food, but not before catching the way your face falls. "I'm just..." He trails off, trying to find the right words. "I'm glad I met you."

"Oh," you breathe. The softness in your voice makes him look up, and the smile on your face is bright enough to blind him. "I'm glad I met you, too."

He smiles back, and the two of you fall silent, returning to your meals. The noise of the diner surrounds them, and Fox finds himself relaxing, a contentment filling him. He's enjoying the moment, the peace, and he's surprised by how happy he is. For once, his mind isn't racing, his thoughts aren't plagued by the stress of his duties. There's only you, and the sound of your laughter, and the scent of lavender that fills his lungs every time he inhales.

And for a brief moment, a fleeting second, Fox is almost able to believe that everything is going to be alright.

It doesn’t last.

You’re in the middle of telling him a story about one of your coworkers, and he's listening, enraptured by the sound of your voice, when his comm beeps. He ignores it, too caught up in the moment to care, and it goes silent.

But then it beeps again, and then again, and he sighs, giving you an apologetic look.

"Hold on a second," he mutters.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's just—"

Fox freezes, his eyes drifting over your shoulder to look out the window. It’s late, and the street outside should be emptying out, but there's a crowd of people moving outside. They’re pointing and backing away, and the murmuring of their voices is filled with panic. His skin prickles, and a sense of unease fills him. Something's wrong. Very, very wrong.

"Fox," you murmur.

He stands abruptly, grabbing his helmet from the booth and jamming it onto his head. People are starting to run past the windows, and the screams outside are getting louder. 

“Stay here,” he orders, and his voice is cold, the tone he uses when he's on duty. You blink, clearly surprised by the sudden change in his demeanor, but you don't protest, and he heads for the door.

Before he can make it far, there’s a rumbling under his feet, and the building shakes. The lights flicker, and the tables rattle, and the patrons let out panicked cries. Fox turns back and sees you standing, looking around in confusion.

"Get down!" he yells, and he crosses the room, reaching you in a few strides. He grabs your arm and drags you under a table, shielding you with his body. He presses your head into his chest, holding you close. Your arms wrap around him, and the two of you huddle there, the sounds of screams and panic filling the air.

"What's happening?" you ask, your voice shaking.

"I don't know."

There's another rumble, and the building shakes again. You tighten your grip on him, and he presses his head against yours, trying to comfort you. The lights flicker once more, and then go out, plunging the diner into darkness. A few people let out panicked cries, and then the building shudders, and a horrible, grating sound fills the air.

The following silence is deafening.

"Are you okay?" Fox asks as his hands move from your back to your face, tilting your head up.

"Yeah, I think so," you murmur. He strokes your cheek with his thumb, his heart pounding, and he keeps his hand there as he activates his comm. "What about you?"

"I'm fine."

The line opens, and a cacophony of voices fills his ears. The noise is chaotic, and it takes a moment for him to understand what's happening.

“—can’t get ahold of him—"

"—need to evacuate the area, there could be more—"

"Thire, Stone," Fox barks. "Report."

"Sir, we've got multiple detonations at Level 5000,” Thire replies, his voice strained. "They knocked out the entire grid."

"Casualties?"

"Unknown, sir."

Fox swears under his breath, and you press closer to him, your grip tightening. A targeted attack on the power grid was no accident, and the implications of that fact send a shiver down his spine. This is exactly what they'd been worried about, what he'd warned the Chancellor about. But he'd never expected it to happen so quickly, or so suddenly.

"Thorn and the others are evacuating the Senate building," Stone informs him. "The Chancellor is sending out an emergency message."

"What about the security teams at the station?" Fox asks.

"We're trying to get ahold of them," Thire says, his tone grim. "There's too much interference."

“I’m on my way. Stay alert, we might have more coming our way."

"Copy that, sir."

"Be careful," Stone warns. “And…sorry for interrupting your date."

Fox rolls his eyes and cuts the connection. He sits up, and the two of you scramble out from under the table. The other patrons are doing the same, and there's a general sense of panic and chaos in the air. Fox reaches down and helps you stand.

"Fox," you breathe, and your voice is trembling.

"It's okay," he assures you, though he's not sure it's true. "I’m gonna get you somewhere safe."

“My apartment is near here," you offer. "If we can make it there."

"We'll make it," Fox promises. "Stay close to me."

"I will," you murmur, and he turns and strides towards the exit, keeping one hand wrapped around yours. The crowd outside has thinned, and the streets are filled with debris and broken glass. You look up at the sky, your eyes widening.

"Fox," you whisper, squeezing his hand.

The clouds are glowing, streaks of red and orange flashing across them. There are fires burning throughout the city, the flames leaping from rooftop to rooftop, and the smoke billows into the air, blanketing the sky. Sirens blare in the distance, and the air is filled with screams and shouts and alarms. It's a scene from his nightmares, a vision of his worst fears realized, and the reality is far worse than he'd ever imagined.

“Come on," Fox orders, pulling you along. "Stay with me."

"Okay," you murmur. Your voice shakes, and he tightens his grip on you, not wanting to lose you. You're his responsibility now, his to protect, and he can't afford to make any mistakes.

The two of you run through the streets, weaving between the groups of people hurrying past. There are civilians everywhere, their eyes wide with fear, their faces smeared with ash and blood. You're moving as fast as you can, but the crowds are thick, and the debris on the ground makes it difficult to navigate.

A group of people runs past, knocking into the two of you, and Fox stumbles, his grip on you slipping.

"Watch it!" he yells, steadying himself. You grab his arm, your hands digging into his armor, and he pulls you close, trying to shield you from the chaos. You're pressed against his chest, and he wraps his arms around you, holding you close. "I've got you," he breathes. "I've got you."

The next few minutes pass in a blur. Fox does his best to guide you through the crowds, his focus narrowing to the path ahead. His only concern is keeping you safe, and his body reacts without him even thinking. He doesn't hesitate as he guides you down dark alleys, his eyes constantly searching for danger.

Finally, the two of you reach your apartment building. It's quieter here, the streets deserted, and the sight of your building, standing tall and undamaged, is a relief. He lets out a breath and turns to face you.

"This is it," you manage. You're shaking, your face pale, and he cups your cheek, tilting your head up.

"Hey.” He strokes his thumb over your skin, and the look on your face breaks his heart. "It's gonna be okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," he murmurs, and he reaches up and pulls off his helmet so you can see his face. He leans forward, pressing his forehead against yours. You let out a shaky breath, your hands clutching his shoulders, and the intimacy of the gesture sends a rush of affection through him. "I promise."

"Thank you," you whisper.

"Of course," he replies. The two of you stand there for a moment, your breaths mingling, and then Fox pulls back. He presses a kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering against your skin, and you let out a shaky sigh. "Get inside."

"Okay," you murmur, nodding. "Be careful."

"I will," he promises. He gives you a small smile, and then replaces his helmet, and you blink, as if waking from a dream. 

"Stay inside," he orders, his tone stern. "Lock the doors, and don't open them for anyone but me.”

"Alright."

"Comm me if you need anything," he adds, and the concern in his voice is clear, even through his vocoder. "I'll come back to check on you when I can."

"I'll be waiting," you whisper, and the promise in your voice makes his heart race.

He gives you one last look, his eyes roaming over your face, memorizing every detail. Then, before he can do something stupid, like take his bucket off again and try to kiss you, he turns and walks away.

"Be safe, Fox."

"You too."

And with that, you disappear through the doors, and Fox heads back into the chaos, his heart in his throat.

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[mylittlepooka]

I think I’m funny. 

[mylittlepooka]

ezra toppling a bunch of crates on zeb, laughing and telling him, “next time, keep your head down and you won’t get hit” followed by him turning and immediately whacking his cranium on a metal beam with the most hilariously satisfying thunk sound will never not be funny. get bonked idiot (affectionate)

[mylittlepooka]

love when characters have to have a domestication arc before you can even consider giving them a redemption arc

[mylittlepooka]

is anyone else constantly afraid they’ll be “caught” doing stuff they’re obviously allowed or even supposed to do

[mylittlepooka]

Our fandom forbearers did NOT suffer through Anne Rice, strikethrough, and other bullshit for fucking ACOTAR and Harry Potter fans to fucking ruin it for all of us by selling fanfiction. I am not losing novel length yaoi epics because some of you don't know how to act in fannish spaces and yes I do blame the booktokification of fanfic but I also blame those of you that treat fandom like content to consume and not a community to engage with.

[mylittlepooka]

save me characters doing fucked up things out of self-preservation…..characters doing fucked up things out of self-preservation save me………..

[mylittlepooka]

[mylittlepooka]

shut up

[mylittlepooka]

) <- super parenthesis. reblog to close all parentheticals you opened and forgot to close in your life and return to equilibrium

[mylittlepooka]

hey friendly psa/reminder that with the seasons changing right now, a lot of people with mood disorders (and even people without them) can get all messed up and wonky from that so try to go a little easy on yourself if you find yourself spiraling or getting emotional a lot lately okay? youre doin your best. love u

[mylittlepooka]

Forget to always post here. Anyway, I headcanon that all the bad batch boys have a hard time receiving affection from their partners but they ask for more eventually. Basically they’re touch starved.

[mylittlepooka]

A companion piece to my baby Jango Concord Dawn festival garb concept + two unfinished Bodie Taylor Alpha-class ARC trooper cadet sketches, a concept for Jaster’s stinky old farm strill (tentatively named Ijaat), a baby Jaster doodle, and an unfinished doodle of Jango while he was enslaved.

I wanted to design a ‘Mand’alor’ version of Baby Jango’s traditional face paint. The pattern on his nose represents mythosaur scales, the jaig eyes represent courage in the face of adversity, the green paint represents his duty to his people, the red paint honors Jaster/his birth family/ancestors & the past, and the white paint represents a new start and the future of his people, and the rest represents the face of a buy’ce.

[mylittlepooka]

Ralph McQuarrie’s art and sketches for Luke’s confrontation with the Rancor. Return of the Jedi (1983).

(Note: the images aren’t chronologically ordered.)

[mylittlepooka]

🎃 Just some inconspicuous cats committing acts of spooky boops!! 🎃