rex-meshla

[rex-meshla]

Last Line Challenge

Post what you're working on and tag as many people as words in your last line.

Here’s the last line of Chapter 10 of Shadows of the Force (with a bit of extra context included):

After the sparring session, I managed to drag myself back to my quarters, my ribs protesting every step. Collapsing onto the cot, I let the stillness settle over me, my mind replaying the evening's moments—the clash of movement, the steadying presence of Rex, and the warmth of his rare, faint smile. Don't stay up too long, Commander. His parting words echoed softly as I drifted off, sleep finally pulling me under.

Thank you for the tag @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf 🫶🏼

NPT | @haybellewrites @merlincmgirl @filamentlights @cloneflo99 @skellymom @returnofthepineapple @thesassypadawan @arctrooper69

[rex-meshla]

The results are in!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote (I didn't even know I had 33 readers lol)

You have spoken—Shadows of the Force will be my main focus for the next few months!

If you’re not on the taglist yet and want to be added, just send me a lil dm or comment on this post, and I’ll make sure you’re included.

Love,

Rex's wife 💋

To my lovely readers...

Between school and work, my time is limited. So I was wondering—out of the two fics I'm working on, which one would you like me to focus on?

[rex-meshla]

I honestly love them so much!

Shadows of the Force

PAIRING | Captain Rex x F!OC (Stella Cardone) WORD COUNT | 5.2k PREVIOUS CHAPTER TAGLIST | @cw80831

Chapter 9: A Captain's Concern

Anakin wasn't one to let second chances go to waste, and neither was I. 

The following morning, I was back in the field, standing beside the 501st as they prepped for their next deployment.

"Good to see you back, Commander," Jesse said as he passed by, his grin teasing. "Thought you'd gone soft on us after all that sitting around."

"Soft?" I shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Let's just say I was on probation, Jesse. But don't get too comfortable, I'm still fast enough to outrun you."

Echo, passing by with his helmet tucked under one arm, smirked. "She's got you there, Jesse."

Jesse scoffed, feigning offense. "Probation or not, Commander, I'd like to see you try."

"Careful what you wish for," I said with a smirk, crossing my arms.

"Alright, enough," Anakin's voice cut through the noise, commanding as always. "Gather up."

We formed a loose circle as Anakin laid out the plan. "The Separatists are ramping up production in this region. While we handle their main staging ground, Rex and Stella will scout an outpost to the south. Small crew, mostly automated defenses. Get in, retrieve the data, get out. Simple enough."

I glanced at Rex, who gave a single, curt nod. His calm confidence was steadying.

"And us?" Jesse asked.

"You're with me," Anakin replied. "We'll draw the heat while they work. This has to go off cleanly, so no heroics." His gaze shifted to me, the corner of his mouth twitching. "That goes for everyone."

"Understood," I said, keeping my tone even.

"Good," Anakin said. He clapped a hand on Rex's shoulder. "You've got this."

Rex straightened slightly, his professionalism cutting through the light banter. "We'll get it done, General."

As Anakin and the others moved out, I adjusted my belt and caught up to Rex. "Looks like it's just you and me, Captain."

"Let's keep it simple," Rex said, his tone matter-of-fact. "No unnecessary risks."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I said, though the flicker of a grin betrayed me.

The mission was going smoothly. Too smoothly.

The Separatist outpost was oddly quiet. Rex and I moved in sync, weaving through narrow corridors. The occasional click of distant droid footsteps echoed faintly, but the silence felt unnatural, like the calm before a storm.

"This place is too quiet," I muttered, keeping my voice low as we approached the central terminal.

Rex nodded, his gaze scanning every corner. "Stay sharp. The droids don't usually leave things this exposed."

We reached the terminal, its faint blue light casting an otherworldly glow across the metallic walls. I plugged in the datapad, letting Tech's encryption cracker do its job. The seconds stretched painfully as the device worked to extract the intel we needed.

"Five minutes," I whispered, my eyes flicking between the datapad and the dark hallway we'd come from.

Rex nodded, positioning himself to cover our exit. "I'll keep watch. Stay focused."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Yes, sir," I said dryly.

The datapad beeped softly, progress inching along as my unease grew. The tension in the Force hummed faintly, a low thrum of warning that I couldn't shake. My fingers tightened on the hilt of my lightsaber, my senses straining for any sign of movement.

"Anything?" I asked.

"Not yet," Rex replied, his voice clipped. "But I don't like this. Feels like a setup."

I couldn't argue with that. Every instinct screamed that we were walking into a trap, but we couldn't leave without the data. Another soft beep from the datapad drew my attention back to the screen. Two minutes left.

Then, a faint clattering sound echoed down the corridor.

Rex raised a hand, signaling me to stay quiet. He moved like a shadow, his steps silent as he took position near the doorway. I watched him, my heart pounding, as the sound grew louder. The unmistakable click of droid feet sent a chill down my spine.

"They're coming," I murmured, gripping my lightsaber.

"Stay with the terminal," Rex ordered. "We're almost done here."

The tension in his voice mirrored the unease in the pit of my stomach. I nodded, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. Another beep from the datapad. One minute left.

Blaster fire erupted down the corridor.

Rex moved with precision, returning fire and cutting down the first wave of B1 droids. The sound of bolts ricocheting off the walls filled the air, and I gritted my teeth, willing the datapad to work faster. My fingers itched to join the fight, but I couldn't abandon the terminal.

"Thirty seconds!" I called, my voice strained as more droids flooded the hallway.

"I've got this," Rex shouted back, his blaster never wavering. "Stay on task!"

The datapad let out a triumphant chirp, signaling the download was complete. I yanked it free, slipping it into my belt as I ignited my lightsaber. The brilliant blue glow lit up the narrow space as I joined Rex, deflecting bolts and clearing the way.

"Let's move!" Rex barked, his voice cutting through the chaos.

We pressed forward, the droids falling under our combined efforts. The Force pulsed with urgency, urging me to keep moving, to stay sharp. We were almost clear of the outpost when the hum of warning grew louder, more insistent.

"Rex—" I started, but it was too late.

The explosion came.

A deafening roar filled the air as the blast ripped through the corridor, throwing me off my feet. The world spun in a blur of light and sound, my body slamming into the ground with a force that knocked the breath from my lungs. Dust and debris rained down like jagged shards, and a sharp, searing pain lanced through my side.

For a moment, everything was muffled—voices, the sound of blaster fire, even the thrum of the Force. My vision swam, the edges blurring as I tried to orient myself. Somewhere nearby, a familiar voice cut through the haze.

"Stella!"

I blinked, forcing my gaze to focus. Rex appeared over me, his expression hidden behind his helmet but his tone firm, edged with a concern I rarely heard. "Can you move?"

"Yeah..." The word came out weak, and I winced as I tried to push myself up.

"Don't," Rex said sharply, kneeling beside me. His hands were steady as he pressed against my shoulder, keeping me in place. "Stay down."

The weight of his tone made me stop. "It's just a scratch," I said, forcing a shaky grin. "I've had worse."

Rex didn't respond right away, his helmet tilting as if assessing the situation. Then he pulled it off, setting it aside. The hard lines of his face were drawn tight, his jaw clenched as his sharp eyes scanned me. "That's not just a scratch."

I followed his gaze to my side, where my armor had been cracked, the edges blackened from the explosion. Underneath, I could feel the painful throb of bruised—if not broken—ribs.

"It's fine," I tried again, though the words lacked conviction.

Blaster fire erupted around us, droids closing in on our position. Rex's head snapped up, his body instinctively shifting to shield me. "It's not fine," he said sharply, his blaster already firing at the advancing wave of B1 droids. "We need to move."

"Then let's go," I said, forcing myself to sit up despite the stabbing pain in my side. The effort sent a jolt of agony through me, but I gritted my teeth, determined not to slow him down.

"Stay down," Rex barked, his voice cutting through the chaos as he fired another precise shot, dropping a droid. His hand pressed against my shoulder, firm but not harsh. "I'm not dragging you out of here if you can't stand on your own."

Another burst of blaster fire pinged against the debris near us, sending sparks flying. "Cover me," Rex ordered, his voice clipped. Without waiting for an answer, he crouched beside me and grabbed a medpack from his belt. His movements were quick, efficient—every second counted.

"I can—"

"No, you can't," Rex cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. He worked swiftly, his hands steady as he applied a bacta patch to my side. "This isn't the time for bravado."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I muttered, wincing as his fingers brushed against the tender area.

"You'll take it as an order," he shot back, glancing up to check the advancing droids. Another volley of blaster fire forced him to duck, his helmet tilting just enough for me to catch the flash of frustration in his eyes.

"You don't have to—"

"I do," he interrupted, already securing the bandage. "You're no good to us if you can't stand, and I'm not leaving you behind."

The weight of his words pressed against me, heavier than the pain in my ribs. "I wasn't planning on it," I said lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Earth didn't have bacta, remember? I'm tougher than I look."

"Doesn't mean you should be reckless now," Rex replied, his tone quieter but no less firm. His gaze flicked to the oncoming droids, his jaw tightening. "Time's up."

He grabbed my hand, pulling me to my feet with a steadiness that grounded me even as the pain flared sharp and unforgiving. My knees nearly buckled, but Rex's grip didn't falter. "Can you walk?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

"Guess we'll find out." I took a shaky step, then another. Each movement sent jolts of pain through my ribs, but I forced myself to keep going.

"Stay close," Rex said, his blaster raised as he took the lead. "And don't stop for anything."

"Right behind you, Captain," I managed, falling into step beside him.

The sound of blaster fire and clanking droid feet filled the air, punctuated by the crunch of debris under our boots. My ribs ached with every step, but I bit down on the groan that threatened to escape, focusing instead on the steady rhythm of Rex's movements. He glanced at me more than once, his gaze lingering just long enough to make me feel seen but not enough to spark an argument.

We rounded a corner, and a fresh wave of droids appeared, their blasters already firing. Rex shoved me behind a broken support column, taking cover beside me as bolts zipped past, too close for comfort. "We'll never make it to the extraction point at this rate," he muttered, reloading his blaster.

"What's the plan?" I asked, gripping my lightsaber tightly, ready to jump in despite the pain.

"You create a distraction; I'll cover you," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos. He met my gaze, his expression as calm and unshakable as ever. "Just don't overdo it."

I smirked, igniting my saber. "When do I ever overdo it?"

"You overdo it too often for my liking," he muttered under his breath.

The droids hesitated as I stepped into the open, their targeting systems trying to recalibrate. It was the opening we needed. Rex's shots rang out, cutting down droids with brutal efficiency as I pushed forward, my saber carving through the stragglers.

"We need to move, now!" Rex's voice rang out, his tone sharp and commanding.

We didn't stop, the path to the rendezvous point finally clearing. The sound of blaster fire faded into the distance as we broke free from the outpost, the adrenaline coursing through me enough to dull the worst of the pain.

When we finally reached the others, Rex slowed his pace, his hand brushing against my arm to steady me. "You alright?" he asked, his tone quieter now.

"I'm good," I said, though my voice wavered slightly.

He didn't move right away, his gaze searching mine. "You push yourself too hard," he said quietly.

"Pot, meet kettle," I shot back, earning a faint smirk from him.

"What does that even mean?" he asked, confusion tinting his voice.

I shook my head, biting back a laugh that I knew would hurt. "It's... a thing from Earth. Don't worry about it."

"Come on," he said, his voice all business again. "We need to regroup."

The moment of levity lingered as we rejoined the others, the sound of boots crunching against the rocky ground filling the silence between us. For all the chaos, for all the pain, there was something steadying about Rex's presence—a calm in the storm that made the weight of the mission just a little easier to bear.

"Right behind you, Captain," I said, falling into step beside him, the moment of levity lingering as we made our way back to the others.

My ribs ached with every step, but I forced myself to keep pace, biting down on the groan that threatened to escape.

When we reached the others, Anakin was at the center of the activity, gesturing toward a map on a holo-display. Jesse and Fives were standing nearby, their expressions grim but focused.

As soon as Rex and I stepped into view, Anakin's gaze shifted to us, and his brow furrowed. "What happened?"

"Caught some debris from an explosion," Rex said before I could downplay it. "She needs to see Kix."

"I'm fine," I protested, though the words lacked conviction.

Anakin's lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't argue. Instead, he gave a sharp nod. "Kix. Now."

Rex didn't wait for me to protest further. He gestured for me to follow him toward the medical area, where Kix was crouched over a clone with a minor leg injury. The medic looked up as we approached, his sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on me.

"What'd you do this time?" he asked, standing and gesturing for me to sit on the nearby crate he'd turned into a makeshift exam station.

"It's nothing," I said, easing myself down and regretting it immediately when the motion sent a sharp pang through my ribs. "Just a bruise."

Kix raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Let me be the judge of that." He grabbed a scanner from his kit and started running it along my side, his movements efficient and precise. "Any trouble breathing?"

"No," I said, trying to ignore Rex's presence just a few steps away, his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on me like a hawk. "Just some pain when I move."

Kix finished his scan and stepped back, his expression softening slightly. "You got lucky. No fractures, just some bruising. A couple of days with bacta patches, and you'll be good as new."

"See? Nothing to worry about," I said, casting a glance at Rex.

Kix smirked as he began applying a bacta patch. "You might want to let someone else worry for you once in a while, Commander."

"Already handled," Rex said, his tone clipped but steady.

I shot him a look, but Kix was already packing up his kit. "You're cleared to fight," he said, stepping back, "but take it easy. Your ribs will remind you if you don't."

"Thanks, Kix," I said, standing carefully.

As we turned to leave, Rex fell into step beside me. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

I gave him a sidelong glance, my lips twitching into a faint smile. "Didn't realize you were so invested in my health, Captain."

"Someone's got to make sure you don't get yourself killed." His expression didn't change, but there was a faint warmth in his tone when he replied, and I found myself wondering if there was more to Rex than the stoic soldier I thought I knew.

The camp was alive with the hum of post-mission activity. Clones moved to and fro, checking equipment, tending to injuries, and catching brief moments of rest. Since Kix cleared me, I figured I'd earned a quiet moment myself. I thought I'd managed to slip away unnoticed, aiming for a spot near the edge of camp to catch my breath.

But Rex, it seemed, was always watching.

"Commander."

His voice cut through the quiet before I could settle fully. I turned to find him standing a few steps away, arms crossed. The weight of his gaze was unmistakable, even through the visor.

"I'm fine," I said quickly, raising a hand as if to stave off whatever concern he was about to voice.

Rex didn't budge. "That's not what Kix said."

I groaned, leaning back against the rock behind me. "I'm fine enough. Besides, I just need a minute."

"A minute isn't going to fix bruised ribs," he countered, stepping closer. "There's a supply tent nearby. You'll rest there."

I raised an eyebrow, a small, defiant smile creeping onto my lips. "You're ordering me to rest now, Captain?"

"If that's what it takes," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And if I remember correctly, you're supposed to be following orders now."

That earned him a laugh—or the closest thing to one I could manage without doubling over in pain. I winced, clutching my side, and his hand was on my arm in an instant, steadying me.

"See?" he said, his voice softening just slightly. "You're not fine."

His touch was firm but careful, his hand lingering just long enough to make me notice. Before I could argue further, he nodded toward the tent. "Come on."

Sighing, I relented, letting him guide me across the camp. His presence was grounding, his pace measured just enough that I didn't have to push myself to keep up.

When we reached the tent, Rex stepped aside, holding the flap open for me. Inside, the space was sparse but quiet. Exactly what I needed.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to one of the cots.

I rolled my eyes but obeyed, lowering myself carefully onto the edge. The tension in my ribs eased slightly, and I let out a slow breath.

Rex remained standing, his helmet now set on the table nearby. He crossed his arms, watching me with that same unreadable expression he always wore.

"You don't have to babysit me, you know," I said after a moment, the corners of my mouth twitching into a faint grin.

His lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. "I know."

I tilted my head, studying him. "So why the sudden concern?"

He hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor for just a second before meeting mine again. "Because you push yourself too hard," he said quietly. "And I've seen what happens when people don't know when to stop."

His words hung in the air, heavy with something unspoken. I thought about pressing, but something in his tone made me pause.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," I said instead, keeping my voice soft.

Rex didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was lower, more reflective. "As a leader, you get used to worrying about your men. It's part of the job." He paused, his gaze steady. "But worrying about a Jedi... that's new."

The admission caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. My usual instinct was to deflect, to throw out a joke and lighten the mood. But this time, I couldn't quite bring myself to.

"I'm not just any Jedi," I said softly, meeting his gaze.

"No," he said, his tone almost too quiet to hear. "You're not."

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy with something neither of us was ready to name.

Finally, Rex straightened, his professional demeanor sliding back into place like a well-worn shield. "Get some rest, Commander. That's an order."

I smiled faintly, the tension in my chest easing as I leaned back against the cot. "Yes, sir."

As he turned to leave, I found myself watching him, the echo of his words still lingering in my mind.

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

I woke to the soft rustle of fabric and the low murmur of voices just outside the supply tent. My ribs ached, a dull, persistent throb that made it impossible to shift comfortably on the cot. I groaned quietly, squinting against the early light filtering through the canvas.

The tent flap opened, and Kix stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning me with practiced efficiency. Rex stood beside him, his arms crossed as usual, watching like a silent sentinel.

"Morning, Commander," Kix said briskly, crouching down beside me. "How're you feeling?"

"Like I got run over by an AT-TE," I muttered, trying to sit up. The motion made me wince, and Kix immediately placed a hand on my shoulder to steady me.

"We're done here. The General's called for regrouping. We're heading back to the ship." Rex said.

I nodded, exhaling slowly as Kix began checking my ribs. His touch was careful but firm, and I couldn't help but let out a quiet hiss when he pressed on a particularly tender spot.

"That bad?" Kix asked, glancing up at me.

"Worse than yesterday," I admitted. "It's the adrenaline—or the lack of it, I guess. Everything feels... sharper."

Kix smirked faintly, reaching into his kit for another bacta patch. "That's normal. You're lucky it's just bruising. Give it a couple of days, and you'll feel like yourself again."

"Lucky me," I said dryly.

"Alright, up you go," Kix said, standing and offering me a hand.

I hesitated for half a second, my gaze flicking toward Rex. He stepped forward without a word, his steady presence enough to coax me into action. Between the two of them, I managed to get to my feet, though the ache in my side made every movement feel like a small battle.

We stepped out of the tent into the crisp morning air, the camp bustling as the clones packed up supplies and prepped for departure. I caught sight of Jesse, Echo, and Fives nearby, their conversation pausing the moment they noticed us.

It was Fives who spoke first, his tone laced with mock incredulity. "Captain, you never take care of us like that when we're injured."

Jesse grinned, nudging Echo. "Yeah, what gives, Rex? I don't remember you holding my hand last time I got a scratch."

"You didn't deserve it," Rex said dryly, his tone as even as ever, though the corner of his mouth twitched.

Fives wasn't satisfied with the lack of reaction. He clutched his side dramatically, stumbling forward. "Oh no, I think I've got an injury! Captain, help me—"

Rex stared at him, unimpressed. "You're about to have an injury if you don't get moving."

That earned a laugh from Jesse and Echo, who gave Fives a shove toward the transport. "Come on, drama queen," Echo said. "The Captain's got better things to do."

Fives shot me a wink as he fell into step with the others, still clutching his imaginary wound.

I couldn't help but laugh—then winced immediately as my ribs protested. Rex turned toward me, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his tone soft enough that the others wouldn't hear.

"Fine," I said quickly, offering him a reassuring smile. "Just... remind me not to laugh until this is healed."

His gaze lingered for a moment longer, then he nodded. "Let's get you to the ship."

As we walked, the playful banter from the clones faded into the background. I stole a glance at Rex, his expression calm but unreadable as ever, and couldn't stop myself from wondering: how much of his concern was duty and how much was something more?

The ship hummed quietly as we broke through the atmosphere, heading back to Coruscant. I leaned against the wall of the hangar, watching as the clones efficiently stowed the last of the gear. Rex, as always, was the picture of precision, barking orders that were carried out without hesitation.

Anakin stood off to the side, arms crossed and gaze distant. The council had summoned him for a debrief as soon as we returned, no doubt another tedious meeting where politics took precedence over tactics. I didn't envy him.

When the supplies were secured, Rex approached me, his helmet tucked under his arm. "You should get some rest," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I'm okay," I replied, though the way I clutched my side betrayed me.

"Right." Rex raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.

I sighed, knowing I wasn't going to win this one. "Alright, alright. I'm going."

The cot in my quarters wasn't much more comfortable than the one in the supply tent, but at least the quiet was soothing. I stretched out carefully, letting the tension in my body ease as I stared at the metal ceiling.

I must have drifted off for a while because the soft hiss of the door sliding open startled me. I sat up too quickly, wincing as pain shot through my ribs.

"Relax, Commander," Jesse said, holding up a tray with two ration packs balanced precariously on top of it. "It's just us."

Fives appeared behind him, grinning as he leaned casually against the doorframe. "You didn't think we'd let you eat alone, did you?"

"You're not supposed to be here," I said, eyeing them both warily. "Rex'll have your heads if he finds out."

"Only if he finds out," Fives countered, slipping inside with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And we're very good at not getting caught."

I sighed, already knowing it was useless to argue. "Fine. But if Rex comes looking for you, you're both on your own."

"Deal," Jesse said, setting the tray down on the small table beside my cot. He pulled up a crate to sit on while Fives plopped down cross-legged on the floor, looking far too pleased with himself.

"Alright," I said, leaning back against the wall and crossing my arms carefully to avoid pulling at my ribs. "You're here. Now behave."

Fives smirked. "Define behave."

I pointed a finger at him, narrowing my eyes. "No jokes, no dramatics, and no making me laugh. It hurts."

"See? She's already laughing," Jesse said, grinning as he opened his ration pack. "You're terrible at this, Commander."

I groaned. "I'm serious. If I laugh, I'll blame both of you."

"Noted," Fives said with a mock salute, though the mischievous twinkle in his eye remained.

The conversation flowed easily as we ate, the two of them regaling me with stories from past missions, complete with exaggerated details and plenty of good-natured ribbing. Despite my earlier warning, I couldn't help but laugh, though I quickly regretted it each time, clutching my side as the pain flared. Fives and Jesse didn't seem fazed by my winces, continuing their stream of jokes and stories, fully committed to their mission of cheering me up.

The door hissed open abruptly, cutting through the conversation. All three of us froze as Rex stepped into the room, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the scene before him. For a long moment, there was nothing but silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a vibroblade.

"What are you two doing here?" Rex asked, his voice calm but carrying that unmistakable edge of authority. His expression—somewhere between disbelief and mild exasperation—was clear.

Fives, ever the brave one, pointed at Rex with mock indignation. "What are you doing here?"

Rex blinked, clearly not expecting the question. "I—" He faltered, his gaze flicking to me for a split second before returning to the two troopers.

I couldn't help it. The scene was so absurd, I bit back a laugh that came out as a muffled snort.

Fives and Jesse exchanged a glance, their grins growing wider.

"Well?" Fives pressed, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall as if Rex were the one on trial. "You still haven't answered the question, Captain. What brings you here?"

Rex's composure cracked for the briefest moment—just a flicker of something that might have been flustered irritation—before he straightened, his usual no-nonsense demeanor snapping back into place like a shield.

"I'm here to check on the Commander," he said evenly, his tone daring anyone to challenge him.

"Funny," Jesse said, tilting his head. "That's exactly what we're doing."

Rex gave them both a pointed look, the kind that could silence an entire room of troopers. "You're supposed to be prepping for departure."

Fives shrugged, clearly unfazed. "We prepped. We're efficient like that."

"And we thought the Commander could use the company," Jesse added, gesturing toward me with a grin.

I groaned again, this time more out of exasperation than pain. "Alright, you two, that's enough. Don't drag me into this."

Rex's gaze shifted to me, softening slightly. "And how's your injury?"

"Worse with all the laughing," I admitted, shooting a glare at Fives and Jesse. "But otherwise fine."

"Good," Rex said, his tone firm again as he turned back to the other two. "Now out. Both of you."

"Alright, alright, we're going," Fives said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. But as he passed Rex, he couldn't resist adding, "You're awfully protective, Captain. If I didn't know better, I'd say you care."

Jesse snickered, and I thought I saw the faintest hint of a blush creep into Rex's face before he turned sharply toward the door.

"Out," Rex repeated, his voice like a command blaster bolt.

As the door slid shut behind them, I finally let out a soft laugh, wincing immediately afterward.

"Don't," Rex said, his tone softer now. "You need rest."

I smirked, unable to resist teasing him. "You keep saying that."

"That's because you keep ignoring it," he replied, his tone firm, though there was a faint hint of exasperation.

I let out a dramatic sigh, tilting my head back and placing a hand over my chest. "But Captain," I said, my voice dripping with exaggerated woe, "I'm lonely."

Rex blinked, his brows drawing together in clear confusion. "Lonely?"

"Yes," I continued, letting my inner drama queen take the reins. "Alone in this cold, metallic ship with no one to comfort me, no one to understand my pain..." I paused, leaning forward slightly to meet his gaze. "It's tragic, really."

Rex's lips parted as though he was going to respond, but no words came out. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was trying to figure out whether I was serious or simply losing my mind. "You're joking," he said finally, though his tone sounded more like a question than a statement.

"Maybe," I replied with a grin, tilting my head. "Or maybe I'm just revealing the depth of my fragile soul."

He stared at me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought I'd pushed him too far. But then, with a soft sigh, he muttered under his breath, "You've definitely been spending too much time around Fives."

That did it. I burst into laughter, the motion sending a sharp pain through my side. I clutched my ribs, groaning through my laughter. "Ow... okay, okay. I concede. You're right."

Rex stepped forward, his hand hovering as though he was debating whether to steady me. "You really shouldn't be laughing," he said, his tone shifting to something softer, almost chastising.

"Probably not," I admitted, straightening with a wince. "But admit it—I got you for a second."

A flicker of something passed over his face—annoyance, amusement, or maybe both. He shook his head, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Get some rest, Commander. For real this time."

"Yes, sir," I replied, offering a mock salute.

He started to turn, but I stopped him.

"Captain."

He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Yes, Commander?"

I straightened as much as my ribs would allow, leveling him with the best serious look I could muster. "Promise me you won't give Fives and Jesse a hard time for sneaking in here."

Rex raised an eyebrow, his usual no-nonsense expression settling back into place. "They shouldn't have been here. You know that."

"I do," I said quickly, holding up a hand. "But they meant well. They were just trying to keep me company. And, honestly..." I hesitated, then shrugged, wincing slightly at the motion. "I didn't mind."

His gaze softened ever so slightly, though his jaw remained tight. "They're still troopers under my command."

"And I'm still asking you not to," I pressed, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the pain. "Please. For me?"

For a moment, he just stood there, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small sigh, he nodded. "Fine. But don't let them make a habit of it."

"Deal," I said, leaning back against the wall with a satisfied smile.

Rex lingered for a second longer, as if he wanted to say something else, but instead he gave a small nod and turned to leave.

As the door hissed shut behind him, I let out a slow breath, a faint warmth spreading through my chest. Rex might be the epitome of discipline, but every now and then, he let that shield of his slip—just enough to remind me that beneath it all, he cared.

_____________________________________________________________

You can find my masterlist here x

[rex-meshla]

Shadows of the Force

PAIRING | Captain Rex x F!OC (Stella Cardone) WORD COUNT | 5.2k PREVIOUS CHAPTER TAGLIST | @cw80831

Chapter 9: A Captain's Concern

Anakin wasn't one to let second chances go to waste, and neither was I. 

The following morning, I was back in the field, standing beside the 501st as they prepped for their next deployment.

"Good to see you back, Commander," Jesse said as he passed by, his grin teasing. "Thought you'd gone soft on us after all that sitting around."

"Soft?" I shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Let's just say I was on probation, Jesse. But don't get too comfortable, I'm still fast enough to outrun you."

Echo, passing by with his helmet tucked under one arm, smirked. "She's got you there, Jesse."

Jesse scoffed, feigning offense. "Probation or not, Commander, I'd like to see you try."

"Careful what you wish for," I said with a smirk, crossing my arms.

"Alright, enough," Anakin's voice cut through the noise, commanding as always. "Gather up."

We formed a loose circle as Anakin laid out the plan. "The Separatists are ramping up production in this region. While we handle their main staging ground, Rex and Stella will scout an outpost to the south. Small crew, mostly automated defenses. Get in, retrieve the data, get out. Simple enough."

I glanced at Rex, who gave a single, curt nod. His calm confidence was steadying.

"And us?" Jesse asked.

"You're with me," Anakin replied. "We'll draw the heat while they work. This has to go off cleanly, so no heroics." His gaze shifted to me, the corner of his mouth twitching. "That goes for everyone."

"Understood," I said, keeping my tone even.

"Good," Anakin said. He clapped a hand on Rex's shoulder. "You've got this."

Rex straightened slightly, his professionalism cutting through the light banter. "We'll get it done, General."

As Anakin and the others moved out, I adjusted my belt and caught up to Rex. "Looks like it's just you and me, Captain."

"Let's keep it simple," Rex said, his tone matter-of-fact. "No unnecessary risks."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I said, though the flicker of a grin betrayed me.

The mission was going smoothly. Too smoothly.

The Separatist outpost was oddly quiet. Rex and I moved in sync, weaving through narrow corridors. The occasional click of distant droid footsteps echoed faintly, but the silence felt unnatural, like the calm before a storm.

"This place is too quiet," I muttered, keeping my voice low as we approached the central terminal.

Rex nodded, his gaze scanning every corner. "Stay sharp. The droids don't usually leave things this exposed."

We reached the terminal, its faint blue light casting an otherworldly glow across the metallic walls. I plugged in the datapad, letting Tech's encryption cracker do its job. The seconds stretched painfully as the device worked to extract the intel we needed.

"Five minutes," I whispered, my eyes flicking between the datapad and the dark hallway we'd come from.

Rex nodded, positioning himself to cover our exit. "I'll keep watch. Stay focused."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Yes, sir," I said dryly.

The datapad beeped softly, progress inching along as my unease grew. The tension in the Force hummed faintly, a low thrum of warning that I couldn't shake. My fingers tightened on the hilt of my lightsaber, my senses straining for any sign of movement.

"Anything?" I asked.

"Not yet," Rex replied, his voice clipped. "But I don't like this. Feels like a setup."

I couldn't argue with that. Every instinct screamed that we were walking into a trap, but we couldn't leave without the data. Another soft beep from the datapad drew my attention back to the screen. Two minutes left.

Then, a faint clattering sound echoed down the corridor.

Rex raised a hand, signaling me to stay quiet. He moved like a shadow, his steps silent as he took position near the doorway. I watched him, my heart pounding, as the sound grew louder. The unmistakable click of droid feet sent a chill down my spine.

"They're coming," I murmured, gripping my lightsaber.

"Stay with the terminal," Rex ordered. "We're almost done here."

The tension in his voice mirrored the unease in the pit of my stomach. I nodded, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. Another beep from the datapad. One minute left.

Blaster fire erupted down the corridor.

Rex moved with precision, returning fire and cutting down the first wave of B1 droids. The sound of bolts ricocheting off the walls filled the air, and I gritted my teeth, willing the datapad to work faster. My fingers itched to join the fight, but I couldn't abandon the terminal.

"Thirty seconds!" I called, my voice strained as more droids flooded the hallway.

"I've got this," Rex shouted back, his blaster never wavering. "Stay on task!"

The datapad let out a triumphant chirp, signaling the download was complete. I yanked it free, slipping it into my belt as I ignited my lightsaber. The brilliant blue glow lit up the narrow space as I joined Rex, deflecting bolts and clearing the way.

"Let's move!" Rex barked, his voice cutting through the chaos.

We pressed forward, the droids falling under our combined efforts. The Force pulsed with urgency, urging me to keep moving, to stay sharp. We were almost clear of the outpost when the hum of warning grew louder, more insistent.

"Rex—" I started, but it was too late.

The explosion came.

A deafening roar filled the air as the blast ripped through the corridor, throwing me off my feet. The world spun in a blur of light and sound, my body slamming into the ground with a force that knocked the breath from my lungs. Dust and debris rained down like jagged shards, and a sharp, searing pain lanced through my side.

For a moment, everything was muffled—voices, the sound of blaster fire, even the thrum of the Force. My vision swam, the edges blurring as I tried to orient myself. Somewhere nearby, a familiar voice cut through the haze.

"Stella!"

I blinked, forcing my gaze to focus. Rex appeared over me, his expression hidden behind his helmet but his tone firm, edged with a concern I rarely heard. "Can you move?"

"Yeah..." The word came out weak, and I winced as I tried to push myself up.

"Don't," Rex said sharply, kneeling beside me. His hands were steady as he pressed against my shoulder, keeping me in place. "Stay down."

The weight of his tone made me stop. "It's just a scratch," I said, forcing a shaky grin. "I've had worse."

Rex didn't respond right away, his helmet tilting as if assessing the situation. Then he pulled it off, setting it aside. The hard lines of his face were drawn tight, his jaw clenched as his sharp eyes scanned me. "That's not just a scratch."

I followed his gaze to my side, where my armor had been cracked, the edges blackened from the explosion. Underneath, I could feel the painful throb of bruised—if not broken—ribs.

"It's fine," I tried again, though the words lacked conviction.

Blaster fire erupted around us, droids closing in on our position. Rex's head snapped up, his body instinctively shifting to shield me. "It's not fine," he said sharply, his blaster already firing at the advancing wave of B1 droids. "We need to move."

"Then let's go," I said, forcing myself to sit up despite the stabbing pain in my side. The effort sent a jolt of agony through me, but I gritted my teeth, determined not to slow him down.

"Stay down," Rex barked, his voice cutting through the chaos as he fired another precise shot, dropping a droid. His hand pressed against my shoulder, firm but not harsh. "I'm not dragging you out of here if you can't stand on your own."

Another burst of blaster fire pinged against the debris near us, sending sparks flying. "Cover me," Rex ordered, his voice clipped. Without waiting for an answer, he crouched beside me and grabbed a medpack from his belt. His movements were quick, efficient—every second counted.

"I can—"

"No, you can't," Rex cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. He worked swiftly, his hands steady as he applied a bacta patch to my side. "This isn't the time for bravado."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I muttered, wincing as his fingers brushed against the tender area.

"You'll take it as an order," he shot back, glancing up to check the advancing droids. Another volley of blaster fire forced him to duck, his helmet tilting just enough for me to catch the flash of frustration in his eyes.

"You don't have to—"

"I do," he interrupted, already securing the bandage. "You're no good to us if you can't stand, and I'm not leaving you behind."

The weight of his words pressed against me, heavier than the pain in my ribs. "I wasn't planning on it," I said lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Earth didn't have bacta, remember? I'm tougher than I look."

"Doesn't mean you should be reckless now," Rex replied, his tone quieter but no less firm. His gaze flicked to the oncoming droids, his jaw tightening. "Time's up."

He grabbed my hand, pulling me to my feet with a steadiness that grounded me even as the pain flared sharp and unforgiving. My knees nearly buckled, but Rex's grip didn't falter. "Can you walk?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

"Guess we'll find out." I took a shaky step, then another. Each movement sent jolts of pain through my ribs, but I forced myself to keep going.

"Stay close," Rex said, his blaster raised as he took the lead. "And don't stop for anything."

"Right behind you, Captain," I managed, falling into step beside him.

The sound of blaster fire and clanking droid feet filled the air, punctuated by the crunch of debris under our boots. My ribs ached with every step, but I bit down on the groan that threatened to escape, focusing instead on the steady rhythm of Rex's movements. He glanced at me more than once, his gaze lingering just long enough to make me feel seen but not enough to spark an argument.

We rounded a corner, and a fresh wave of droids appeared, their blasters already firing. Rex shoved me behind a broken support column, taking cover beside me as bolts zipped past, too close for comfort. "We'll never make it to the extraction point at this rate," he muttered, reloading his blaster.

"What's the plan?" I asked, gripping my lightsaber tightly, ready to jump in despite the pain.

"You create a distraction; I'll cover you," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos. He met my gaze, his expression as calm and unshakable as ever. "Just don't overdo it."

I smirked, igniting my saber. "When do I ever overdo it?"

"You overdo it too often for my liking," he muttered under his breath.

The droids hesitated as I stepped into the open, their targeting systems trying to recalibrate. It was the opening we needed. Rex's shots rang out, cutting down droids with brutal efficiency as I pushed forward, my saber carving through the stragglers.

"We need to move, now!" Rex's voice rang out, his tone sharp and commanding.

We didn't stop, the path to the rendezvous point finally clearing. The sound of blaster fire faded into the distance as we broke free from the outpost, the adrenaline coursing through me enough to dull the worst of the pain.

When we finally reached the others, Rex slowed his pace, his hand brushing against my arm to steady me. "You alright?" he asked, his tone quieter now.

"I'm good," I said, though my voice wavered slightly.

He didn't move right away, his gaze searching mine. "You push yourself too hard," he said quietly.

"Pot, meet kettle," I shot back, earning a faint smirk from him.

"What does that even mean?" he asked, confusion tinting his voice.

I shook my head, biting back a laugh that I knew would hurt. "It's... a thing from Earth. Don't worry about it."

"Come on," he said, his voice all business again. "We need to regroup."

The moment of levity lingered as we rejoined the others, the sound of boots crunching against the rocky ground filling the silence between us. For all the chaos, for all the pain, there was something steadying about Rex's presence—a calm in the storm that made the weight of the mission just a little easier to bear.

"Right behind you, Captain," I said, falling into step beside him, the moment of levity lingering as we made our way back to the others.

My ribs ached with every step, but I forced myself to keep pace, biting down on the groan that threatened to escape.

When we reached the others, Anakin was at the center of the activity, gesturing toward a map on a holo-display. Jesse and Fives were standing nearby, their expressions grim but focused.

As soon as Rex and I stepped into view, Anakin's gaze shifted to us, and his brow furrowed. "What happened?"

"Caught some debris from an explosion," Rex said before I could downplay it. "She needs to see Kix."

"I'm fine," I protested, though the words lacked conviction.

Anakin's lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't argue. Instead, he gave a sharp nod. "Kix. Now."

Rex didn't wait for me to protest further. He gestured for me to follow him toward the medical area, where Kix was crouched over a clone with a minor leg injury. The medic looked up as we approached, his sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on me.

"What'd you do this time?" he asked, standing and gesturing for me to sit on the nearby crate he'd turned into a makeshift exam station.

"It's nothing," I said, easing myself down and regretting it immediately when the motion sent a sharp pang through my ribs. "Just a bruise."

Kix raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Let me be the judge of that." He grabbed a scanner from his kit and started running it along my side, his movements efficient and precise. "Any trouble breathing?"

"No," I said, trying to ignore Rex's presence just a few steps away, his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on me like a hawk. "Just some pain when I move."

Kix finished his scan and stepped back, his expression softening slightly. "You got lucky. No fractures, just some bruising. A couple of days with bacta patches, and you'll be good as new."

"See? Nothing to worry about," I said, casting a glance at Rex.

Kix smirked as he began applying a bacta patch. "You might want to let someone else worry for you once in a while, Commander."

"Already handled," Rex said, his tone clipped but steady.

I shot him a look, but Kix was already packing up his kit. "You're cleared to fight," he said, stepping back, "but take it easy. Your ribs will remind you if you don't."

"Thanks, Kix," I said, standing carefully.

As we turned to leave, Rex fell into step beside me. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

I gave him a sidelong glance, my lips twitching into a faint smile. "Didn't realize you were so invested in my health, Captain."

"Someone's got to make sure you don't get yourself killed." His expression didn't change, but there was a faint warmth in his tone when he replied, and I found myself wondering if there was more to Rex than the stoic soldier I thought I knew.

The camp was alive with the hum of post-mission activity. Clones moved to and fro, checking equipment, tending to injuries, and catching brief moments of rest. Since Kix cleared me, I figured I'd earned a quiet moment myself. I thought I'd managed to slip away unnoticed, aiming for a spot near the edge of camp to catch my breath.

But Rex, it seemed, was always watching.

"Commander."

His voice cut through the quiet before I could settle fully. I turned to find him standing a few steps away, arms crossed. The weight of his gaze was unmistakable, even through the visor.

"I'm fine," I said quickly, raising a hand as if to stave off whatever concern he was about to voice.

Rex didn't budge. "That's not what Kix said."

I groaned, leaning back against the rock behind me. "I'm fine enough. Besides, I just need a minute."

"A minute isn't going to fix bruised ribs," he countered, stepping closer. "There's a supply tent nearby. You'll rest there."

I raised an eyebrow, a small, defiant smile creeping onto my lips. "You're ordering me to rest now, Captain?"

"If that's what it takes," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And if I remember correctly, you're supposed to be following orders now."

That earned him a laugh—or the closest thing to one I could manage without doubling over in pain. I winced, clutching my side, and his hand was on my arm in an instant, steadying me.

"See?" he said, his voice softening just slightly. "You're not fine."

His touch was firm but careful, his hand lingering just long enough to make me notice. Before I could argue further, he nodded toward the tent. "Come on."

Sighing, I relented, letting him guide me across the camp. His presence was grounding, his pace measured just enough that I didn't have to push myself to keep up.

When we reached the tent, Rex stepped aside, holding the flap open for me. Inside, the space was sparse but quiet. Exactly what I needed.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to one of the cots.

I rolled my eyes but obeyed, lowering myself carefully onto the edge. The tension in my ribs eased slightly, and I let out a slow breath.

Rex remained standing, his helmet now set on the table nearby. He crossed his arms, watching me with that same unreadable expression he always wore.

"You don't have to babysit me, you know," I said after a moment, the corners of my mouth twitching into a faint grin.

His lips twitched, almost imperceptibly. "I know."

I tilted my head, studying him. "So why the sudden concern?"

He hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor for just a second before meeting mine again. "Because you push yourself too hard," he said quietly. "And I've seen what happens when people don't know when to stop."

His words hung in the air, heavy with something unspoken. I thought about pressing, but something in his tone made me pause.

"Sounds like you're speaking from experience," I said instead, keeping my voice soft.

Rex didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was lower, more reflective. "As a leader, you get used to worrying about your men. It's part of the job." He paused, his gaze steady. "But worrying about a Jedi... that's new."

The admission caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. My usual instinct was to deflect, to throw out a joke and lighten the mood. But this time, I couldn't quite bring myself to.

"I'm not just any Jedi," I said softly, meeting his gaze.

"No," he said, his tone almost too quiet to hear. "You're not."

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy with something neither of us was ready to name.

Finally, Rex straightened, his professional demeanor sliding back into place like a well-worn shield. "Get some rest, Commander. That's an order."

I smiled faintly, the tension in my chest easing as I leaned back against the cot. "Yes, sir."

As he turned to leave, I found myself watching him, the echo of his words still lingering in my mind.

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

I woke to the soft rustle of fabric and the low murmur of voices just outside the supply tent. My ribs ached, a dull, persistent throb that made it impossible to shift comfortably on the cot. I groaned quietly, squinting against the early light filtering through the canvas.

The tent flap opened, and Kix stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning me with practiced efficiency. Rex stood beside him, his arms crossed as usual, watching like a silent sentinel.

"Morning, Commander," Kix said briskly, crouching down beside me. "How're you feeling?"

"Like I got run over by an AT-TE," I muttered, trying to sit up. The motion made me wince, and Kix immediately placed a hand on my shoulder to steady me.

"We're done here. The General's called for regrouping. We're heading back to the ship." Rex said.

I nodded, exhaling slowly as Kix began checking my ribs. His touch was careful but firm, and I couldn't help but let out a quiet hiss when he pressed on a particularly tender spot.

"That bad?" Kix asked, glancing up at me.

"Worse than yesterday," I admitted. "It's the adrenaline—or the lack of it, I guess. Everything feels... sharper."

Kix smirked faintly, reaching into his kit for another bacta patch. "That's normal. You're lucky it's just bruising. Give it a couple of days, and you'll feel like yourself again."

"Lucky me," I said dryly.

"Alright, up you go," Kix said, standing and offering me a hand.

I hesitated for half a second, my gaze flicking toward Rex. He stepped forward without a word, his steady presence enough to coax me into action. Between the two of them, I managed to get to my feet, though the ache in my side made every movement feel like a small battle.

We stepped out of the tent into the crisp morning air, the camp bustling as the clones packed up supplies and prepped for departure. I caught sight of Jesse, Echo, and Fives nearby, their conversation pausing the moment they noticed us.

It was Fives who spoke first, his tone laced with mock incredulity. "Captain, you never take care of us like that when we're injured."

Jesse grinned, nudging Echo. "Yeah, what gives, Rex? I don't remember you holding my hand last time I got a scratch."

"You didn't deserve it," Rex said dryly, his tone as even as ever, though the corner of his mouth twitched.

Fives wasn't satisfied with the lack of reaction. He clutched his side dramatically, stumbling forward. "Oh no, I think I've got an injury! Captain, help me—"

Rex stared at him, unimpressed. "You're about to have an injury if you don't get moving."

That earned a laugh from Jesse and Echo, who gave Fives a shove toward the transport. "Come on, drama queen," Echo said. "The Captain's got better things to do."

Fives shot me a wink as he fell into step with the others, still clutching his imaginary wound.

I couldn't help but laugh—then winced immediately as my ribs protested. Rex turned toward me, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his tone soft enough that the others wouldn't hear.

"Fine," I said quickly, offering him a reassuring smile. "Just... remind me not to laugh until this is healed."

His gaze lingered for a moment longer, then he nodded. "Let's get you to the ship."

As we walked, the playful banter from the clones faded into the background. I stole a glance at Rex, his expression calm but unreadable as ever, and couldn't stop myself from wondering: how much of his concern was duty and how much was something more?

The ship hummed quietly as we broke through the atmosphere, heading back to Coruscant. I leaned against the wall of the hangar, watching as the clones efficiently stowed the last of the gear. Rex, as always, was the picture of precision, barking orders that were carried out without hesitation.

Anakin stood off to the side, arms crossed and gaze distant. The council had summoned him for a debrief as soon as we returned, no doubt another tedious meeting where politics took precedence over tactics. I didn't envy him.

When the supplies were secured, Rex approached me, his helmet tucked under his arm. "You should get some rest," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I'm okay," I replied, though the way I clutched my side betrayed me.

"Right." Rex raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.

I sighed, knowing I wasn't going to win this one. "Alright, alright. I'm going."

The cot in my quarters wasn't much more comfortable than the one in the supply tent, but at least the quiet was soothing. I stretched out carefully, letting the tension in my body ease as I stared at the metal ceiling.

I must have drifted off for a while because the soft hiss of the door sliding open startled me. I sat up too quickly, wincing as pain shot through my ribs.

"Relax, Commander," Jesse said, holding up a tray with two ration packs balanced precariously on top of it. "It's just us."

Fives appeared behind him, grinning as he leaned casually against the doorframe. "You didn't think we'd let you eat alone, did you?"

"You're not supposed to be here," I said, eyeing them both warily. "Rex'll have your heads if he finds out."

"Only if he finds out," Fives countered, slipping inside with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And we're very good at not getting caught."

I sighed, already knowing it was useless to argue. "Fine. But if Rex comes looking for you, you're both on your own."

"Deal," Jesse said, setting the tray down on the small table beside my cot. He pulled up a crate to sit on while Fives plopped down cross-legged on the floor, looking far too pleased with himself.

"Alright," I said, leaning back against the wall and crossing my arms carefully to avoid pulling at my ribs. "You're here. Now behave."

Fives smirked. "Define behave."

I pointed a finger at him, narrowing my eyes. "No jokes, no dramatics, and no making me laugh. It hurts."

"See? She's already laughing," Jesse said, grinning as he opened his ration pack. "You're terrible at this, Commander."

I groaned. "I'm serious. If I laugh, I'll blame both of you."

"Noted," Fives said with a mock salute, though the mischievous twinkle in his eye remained.

The conversation flowed easily as we ate, the two of them regaling me with stories from past missions, complete with exaggerated details and plenty of good-natured ribbing. Despite my earlier warning, I couldn't help but laugh, though I quickly regretted it each time, clutching my side as the pain flared. Fives and Jesse didn't seem fazed by my winces, continuing their stream of jokes and stories, fully committed to their mission of cheering me up.

The door hissed open abruptly, cutting through the conversation. All three of us froze as Rex stepped into the room, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the scene before him. For a long moment, there was nothing but silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a vibroblade.

"What are you two doing here?" Rex asked, his voice calm but carrying that unmistakable edge of authority. His expression—somewhere between disbelief and mild exasperation—was clear.

Fives, ever the brave one, pointed at Rex with mock indignation. "What are you doing here?"

Rex blinked, clearly not expecting the question. "I—" He faltered, his gaze flicking to me for a split second before returning to the two troopers.

I couldn't help it. The scene was so absurd, I bit back a laugh that came out as a muffled snort.

Fives and Jesse exchanged a glance, their grins growing wider.

"Well?" Fives pressed, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall as if Rex were the one on trial. "You still haven't answered the question, Captain. What brings you here?"

Rex's composure cracked for the briefest moment—just a flicker of something that might have been flustered irritation—before he straightened, his usual no-nonsense demeanor snapping back into place like a shield.

"I'm here to check on the Commander," he said evenly, his tone daring anyone to challenge him.

"Funny," Jesse said, tilting his head. "That's exactly what we're doing."

Rex gave them both a pointed look, the kind that could silence an entire room of troopers. "You're supposed to be prepping for departure."

Fives shrugged, clearly unfazed. "We prepped. We're efficient like that."

"And we thought the Commander could use the company," Jesse added, gesturing toward me with a grin.

I groaned again, this time more out of exasperation than pain. "Alright, you two, that's enough. Don't drag me into this."

Rex's gaze shifted to me, softening slightly. "And how's your injury?"

"Worse with all the laughing," I admitted, shooting a glare at Fives and Jesse. "But otherwise fine."

"Good," Rex said, his tone firm again as he turned back to the other two. "Now out. Both of you."

"Alright, alright, we're going," Fives said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. But as he passed Rex, he couldn't resist adding, "You're awfully protective, Captain. If I didn't know better, I'd say you care."

Jesse snickered, and I thought I saw the faintest hint of a blush creep into Rex's face before he turned sharply toward the door.

"Out," Rex repeated, his voice like a command blaster bolt.

As the door slid shut behind them, I finally let out a soft laugh, wincing immediately afterward.

"Don't," Rex said, his tone softer now. "You need rest."

I smirked, unable to resist teasing him. "You keep saying that."

"That's because you keep ignoring it," he replied, his tone firm, though there was a faint hint of exasperation.

I let out a dramatic sigh, tilting my head back and placing a hand over my chest. "But Captain," I said, my voice dripping with exaggerated woe, "I'm lonely."

Rex blinked, his brows drawing together in clear confusion. "Lonely?"

"Yes," I continued, letting my inner drama queen take the reins. "Alone in this cold, metallic ship with no one to comfort me, no one to understand my pain..." I paused, leaning forward slightly to meet his gaze. "It's tragic, really."

Rex's lips parted as though he was going to respond, but no words came out. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was trying to figure out whether I was serious or simply losing my mind. "You're joking," he said finally, though his tone sounded more like a question than a statement.

"Maybe," I replied with a grin, tilting my head. "Or maybe I'm just revealing the depth of my fragile soul."

He stared at me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought I'd pushed him too far. But then, with a soft sigh, he muttered under his breath, "You've definitely been spending too much time around Fives."

That did it. I burst into laughter, the motion sending a sharp pain through my side. I clutched my ribs, groaning through my laughter. "Ow... okay, okay. I concede. You're right."

Rex stepped forward, his hand hovering as though he was debating whether to steady me. "You really shouldn't be laughing," he said, his tone shifting to something softer, almost chastising.

"Probably not," I admitted, straightening with a wince. "But admit it—I got you for a second."

A flicker of something passed over his face—annoyance, amusement, or maybe both. He shook his head, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Get some rest, Commander. For real this time."

"Yes, sir," I replied, offering a mock salute.

He started to turn, but I stopped him.

"Captain."

He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Yes, Commander?"

I straightened as much as my ribs would allow, leveling him with the best serious look I could muster. "Promise me you won't give Fives and Jesse a hard time for sneaking in here."

Rex raised an eyebrow, his usual no-nonsense expression settling back into place. "They shouldn't have been here. You know that."

"I do," I said quickly, holding up a hand. "But they meant well. They were just trying to keep me company. And, honestly..." I hesitated, then shrugged, wincing slightly at the motion. "I didn't mind."

His gaze softened ever so slightly, though his jaw remained tight. "They're still troopers under my command."

"And I'm still asking you not to," I pressed, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the pain. "Please. For me?"

For a moment, he just stood there, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small sigh, he nodded. "Fine. But don't let them make a habit of it."

"Deal," I said, leaning back against the wall with a satisfied smile.

Rex lingered for a second longer, as if he wanted to say something else, but instead he gave a small nod and turned to leave.

As the door hissed shut behind him, I let out a slow breath, a faint warmth spreading through my chest. Rex might be the epitome of discipline, but every now and then, he let that shield of his slip—just enough to remind me that beneath it all, he cared.

_____________________________________________________________

You can find my masterlist here x

[rex-meshla]

To my lovely readers...

Between school and work, my time is limited. So I was wondering—out of the two fics I'm working on, which one would you like me to focus on?

[rex-meshla]

Ouh, I love this! Thank you fo tagging me @returnofthepineapple @haybellewrites @cw80831

Tiny: pretty self-explanatory. I’m not exactly tall, especially compared to them (I’d literally melt if they called me that 🫠)

Glossy: because I'm constantly reapplying gloss during the day. And you bet that wouldn’t change even in the middle of a war

NPT | @filamentlights @clonecyare88 @vrycurious (sorry if you've already been tagged, I'm a lil late to the party)

Clone name tag game

I woke up this morning wondering..

Imagine you met some clones and befriended them (the dream, I know!) What name do you think they would come up with for you?

As much as I love them, I don’t mean pet names like cyare, mesh’la, or sarad. I am wondering about the kind of crack names they make up for themselves and each other.

Mine would probably be one of these:

Burnout — been burnt out for so long that it felt like a fitting name, they would use the name lovingly as they watch me constantly crash and burn in my attempts to get myself together, setting far too high expectations of myself

Enigma — based on the fact that several people have described me using this very specific word at completely unrelated moments in my life the clones figure it would probably work as a name

Awoooo — it started out teasingly because I couldn't stop gawking at the commander all. the. time. over time they would just start calling me by that name

NPT: @eternal-transcience @ulchabhangorm @badbatchposts @ghostymarni @orangez3st @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @covert1ntrovert @lonewolflupe @ladylucksrogue @thecoffeelorian and anyone else that wants to join!

[rex-meshla]

this is the way

Girlies will look at the most powerful, most feared by their enemys, most talented, strongest, bravest and basically unbeatable warriors known to mankind in full armor and will go like:

My 🎀babygirl🎀 my cute little pooksie wooksie baby bear🎀💞🌸🎀

[rex-meshla]

that was hotttt

Goodbye To Good Will and Patience

Summary: Colt is ready to leave. This party has been dragging on for far too long, and he's stuck at the side playing bodyguard. Not that he minds, because it's for you. But as soon as he sees a Senator lay a hand on you, his patience quickly dwindles to zero. He needs to make sure that nobody else can mistake that you're his and he'd do anything to protect you.

Characters: Colt, Reader

Pairing: Commander Colt x FReader

Word Count: 5,514

Warnings: smut, riding, PinV sex, fingering, dirty talk, jealousy, Colt imagining violence against mentioned Senator, established relationships

Author's Note: So this was requested by @rex-meshla, I'm so sorry it took so long. But I hope you enjoy it.

I took inspiration from this post by @saradika. The lines are highlighted in bold. Honestly it's incredible and I really recommend people checking it out.

Colt wants to leave. He wants to leave right now. Either through the door or through the window, he doesn’t care which. But if he has to listen to another slimy Senator flatter and flirt with you, then he’s not going to be held responsible for his actions.

The music is light and fun – the only fun thing about this party – and the alcohol is flowing – not that Colt is allowed any – but it seems to be helping the Senator’s lose whatever inhibitions that they had. Colt once again thanks his lucky stars that he doesn’t have to deal with the Senate and the cockroaches within it everyday. He doesn’t know how Fox deals with it.

Instead of focusing on wanting to jump out the window, he directs his attention to you. You’re absolutely stunning. That, Colt would admit to anyone and everyone. Your dress subtly matched his armour, a blend of grey, black and red that highlighted your beautiful body. Your hair was tied up into a loose knot, strands hanging irresistibly to brush along your neck. What he wouldn’t give to press his lips against the hollow of your throat, to feel the way you moaned his name as he kissed along your neck.

Rolling his shoulders, he straightened up, getting his head back in the now. Escorting you to this event was something that both you and Colt was dreading. Nearly a year ago, you were assigned by the GAR to review and report on the health and well-being of the up-coming troopers and cadets on Kamino. Your work was your passion, and you enjoyed spending time with the clones, trying your best to make their life better while on the rainy planet. Especially the cadets, who you had taken to heart as soon as you had been introduced to them.

So when you were invited by Senator Burtoni to a party that she was holding for potential investors and members of the Senate, she wanted you to come and report on Kamino’s success. You hated being the centre of attention, instead preferring to be in your lab or interacting with the clones. Not flattering and selling the clones like cattle to investors and Senators who saw them as nothing more than meat-droids.

It had been something that Colt had heard you rant about ever since you got the summons. As the ARC Commander of Rancor Battalion, he had been selected to escort you and protect you while you were on Coruscant. If he had to twist Fox’s arm to ensure that he was your protection detail and not some Corrie Guard, then you never had to know.

Wishing he could have some of that wine his cyare was sipping, he once more watched as you batted away the Senator’s advances. Your eyes shifted to him, and even through his visor, it felt like you could see into his soul, understand exactly what he was thinking about. Your lips twitched, face softening for a second before you returned back to the Senator who was now boasting about his villa on the Canto Bright shores, and his VIP area in one of the casinos on said planet.

However, all of Colt’s good will and patience disintegrated as soon as he saw the Senator lay one of his slimy hands on your hip, lips curled up into what he thought was an attractive smirk but it just made him look like a demented nexu. Making sure not to just storm over there like he wanted to, he instead strode over with purpose, every movement deliberate and intimidating. The party-goers immediately parted for him until he reached where you and the Senator were near the buffet table.

He didn’t stop until he was pressed against your back, too close to be appropriate or polite. He didn’t care. If that slimy, son of a nerf herder didn’t take his hand away, he’d make sure to break every single finger so he could never touch anyone without their consent ever again.

“Excuse me, ma’am” Colt interrupted, his dark, intimidating helmet facing the Senator. The skull on the helmet was a promise of things that was to come if Colt had his way.

“Commander Colt, just the man I was talking about! Senator, Commander Colt is a fine example of the strength and bravery of our troopers” you smiled, turning into the ARC behind you, letting the hand fall away from you as you leaned closer into Colt.

“You flatter me, Doctor. However, Master Ti is requesting your service about one of the reports, she has some questions for you” Colt lied, pressing further into your back in response. “Goodnight Senator” Colt said briskly, stepping in between you and him before guiding you towards the door.

As soon as you were outside, you couldn’t help but let out a disgruntled curse. There was a reasons you hated these things, they were all full of creeps who thought they had every right to request your company. Thankfully Colt had been there to protect you this time.

Nodding to the Corrie guards keeping watch at the entrance, Colt led you down the Senate corridor towards your temporary office that you had been gifted by Burtoni. It had been a reassurance that you could continue your work, but it had almost been forgotten about as soon as you landed. There had been more important things to do than head to your office and work, Burtoni had said.

Grumbling, you stopped Colt and he turned to you in concern. However it soon turned to amusement as you used him as support while you took off your heels. Kicking them off, you shrunk down to your original size, allowing him to almost tower over you. “There, that’s much better” you sighed, rolling your ankles a few times on each foot to return the feeling in your feet.

Colt chuckled, scooping up your heels and clipping them to his belt. He held out his arm to you, which you gladly accepted. “Comfortable, cyare?” he teased, enjoying the warmth that he could feel from the crook of his elbow. His armour ensured a barrier to the world, it was something he always regretted when he was with you.

“Much! I was beginning to feel like my ankles were about to snap” you smirked, resting your head on his bicep and sighing heavily. Wriggling your toes, you couldn’t help but admire the soft carpet that felt like walking on clouds with every step.

“Maybe I should work some of these torture devices into ARC training” Colt suggested, tugging you closer to him to avoid a mouse droid running into you.

“Oh, that is cruel, my love!” you laughed, as you came to a halt outside of the door to your office. You quickly pushed in your code before allowing Colt to enter first. Leaning against the door frame, you waited as he made sure the room was clear and secure. “I don’t think an assassin is going to want to be hiding behind the plant pots” you remarked, a wry smile spreading across your face as Colt checked everything.

“You’d be surprised, cyare. Expect the unexpected” he reminded you, as he gave the all clear for you to enter.

Locking the door behind you, you couldn’t wait to return back home to your little apartment on Kamino that you shared with Colt. It was your little slice of paradise where the two of you could be yourselves without Kaminoans breathing down your throats and watching your every move. You had spent many evenings there just cuddled up with your Commander as you recounted the days events. It made you miss your home even more.

A soft creak of leather had you turning around to face the desk behind you. It seemed that Colt had made himself comfortable behind your desk, even though there was a perfectly good sofa for him to lounge on. The corner of your lips pulling into a small smile, content to see him relaxing away from the circus that was Senators, sponsors and general politics.

Colt removed his helmet, sighing softly before placing it down on the desk, running a hand through his short cropped hair. His lovely plump lips pulled into a thin line, brow furrowing at whatever thought was running through his head. However, he shook it, almost like he was trying to shake the thought out before opening his beautiful brown eyes and locking them onto you. Noticing that you were looking at him, he sent you a confused look.

Deciding that you were too far away from your trooper now that there was no prying eyes, you closed the space between you, walking around the desk and perching on the side. Slowly, and without looking away from those compassionate eyes, you took his hand in yours, thumb rubbing small circles on the back of his hand.

“Everything okay, love?” you inquired, feeling the way his hand flexed in yours for a moment before relaxing.

He hummed, curling your hands together. “I’m fine, cyare” he assured, pulling your hands up to his mouth so he could brush his lips over your knuckles in a kiss.

Feeling heat rise to your cheeks at the gesture, you tried to push the reaction away. You would not be distracted by soft gestures and kisses, not when something was obviously troubling your trooper. “I don’t need to be a Jedi to know that something’s on your mind. Want to talk about it?” you offered, keeping your voice light and free from judgement. If he didn’t want to talk about it, that was fine, you could just go home and cuddle. If he did want to talk about it, that was also fine, and you could go home and snuggle too.

Colt let out an annoyed huff before he was pushing back in the chair, wheeling it out to make some space as he pulled you onto his lap. He helped get you comfortable, knees braced on either side of his hips. His large hands ran lightly up and down your sides, leaving the dress to bunch up under his hands.

“I hated seeing him touch you” Colt admitted, burying his face into your neck and shaking his head at the rush of annoyance that he felt every time he thought back to that Senator touching you.

Realising what the problem was, you cupped his cheeks, bringing him up to face you properly. You smiled, seeing his tinted cheeks and the way he wanted to hide away from you. “It’s okay, love, it’s natural to feel jealous. It’s not wrong. I didn’t like it either, but I’m here with you and not him” you soothed, fingers tracing over his cheeks and jaw down to his neck. Leaning forward, you pressed a soft, chaste kiss to the hinge of his jaw. “There’s no one else I’d rather be with” you murmured against his warm skin.

That seemed to be enough to set him off, as Colt slid a hand up to the back of your neck, tugging you down to meet his lips. His kiss was intense, determined to taste and feel every inch of you as you welcomed him into your mouth. The large, calloused hand on the back of your neck ensured that you couldn’t move, only stayed pressed against him as you both lost yourself into the kiss.

With every brush and sweep of his tongue against yours, you felt a heat begin simmering in your core, hips rocking against his codpiece as you felt more and more affected by his possessive touch. “Colt!” you breathed, pulling back so you could take in a breath. The clones may have an increased lung capacity, but you did not.

Colt groaned, lips swollen from your kiss before he began laying kisses along your jaw, dancing along the sensitive spot under your ear before he finally spoke. “He doesn’t deserve to even look at you!” he growled, arm wrapping around your waist and pulling you closer to him.

Swallowing the dryness in your throat as you were dragged along the plastoid at his crotch, you took in a few shaky breaths. It seemed that what had happened at the party had pushed Colt into a rather protective and possessive mood. Knowing that you were going to reap the benefit of this mood, you pulled back a little, trying to use your common sense.

“Maybe we should take this back to my quarters?” you suggested, running your hands over the red and black pauldrons on his shoulders.

Colt let out a deep rumble from his chest, chuckling a little at you. “Oh mesh’la, I want to fuck you right here” he grinned at you, lust dripping from every word. The way his eyes darkened at the thought of fucking you here in a Senator’s office, while a party was going on a few rooms down. It was making heat pulse through him, and he restrained himself from letting out a noise as he felt his cock twitch and swell in his restrictive blacks.

Gasping, you couldn’t help the way your cunt fluttered at the thought of him fucking you right here. Where anyone could hear you if they walked passed. Biting your lip, you glanced back at the door, ensuring it was locked. “You-you shouldn’t say stuff like that�� you murmured, chiding him half-heartedly.

“Why? You like it when I say stuff like that” he smirked, hands pushing your dress up your legs, letting it bunch at your waist.

“Yeah… yeah I do” you sighed, as his lips returned to work marks along your neck. His talented lips sucked and pressed against your pulse point, teeth grazing it every so often that had you letting out quiet moans. “What if-? Kriff! What if we get caught?” you managed to get out, as he nipped at your neck. It was sure to leave a bruise.

Colt sent you a wicked grin, all teeth and darkened eyes, before he leaned in to give you a chaste kiss. “They’re welcome to watch, but I don’t share, Doc” his low voice hit your ears, making your core tighten around nothing.

Maker, he was going to be the death of you. But still, you couldn’t help but think what a way to go!

Taking a deep, steadying breath, you dragged your hands over his shoulders and towards the heavy plate of armour on his chest. Just as you were about to disengage the magnetic lock that kept it attached to his body glove, Colt’s hands blanketed yours. Frowning, you shot him a confused look. Did he not want you to undress him?

“Don’t bother, love, I don’t need to take it all off to fuck you” Colt murmured, hand sliding up your arm, brushing against your shoulder before he hooked a hand round the back of your neck and brought you in for a kiss.

As his lips moved over yours, you couldn’t help but moan at the taste of Colt against your tongue, the way he effortlessly began to nibble on your lip as his hands reached under your dress, toying with the thin piece of fabric between your legs. Every so often, his large, gentle fingers would brush against your slit, eliciting a breathy gasp into his mouth as you began to push against his venturing hands.

“Wait there, I need to get these off” you grumbled, raising to your knees on the chair. Removing your panties would be a lot easier if you could do this in a bed.

“Do you like these?” Colt breathed, laying kisses along your décolletage as his fingers glided up and down your inner thighs.

“No, not really. W-Colt!” you gasped, gripping onto his pauldrons to keep yourself steady as he ripped your panties off of you.

Returning his hands to your hips, he tugged you back down onto his lap, a smug smirk dancing along his lips. “Problem solved, cyare.”

Rolling your eyes, you instead trailed your fingers down his chest, skimming over his stomach plate before reaching for the codpiece that was pressing against you. You could only imagine how uncomfortable he was pressing against the plastoid, as a gentle touch had him hissing and bucking into you.

Grinning, you slid your hands back up to his chest and shoulders, reaching for the latches on his pauldron to begin taking it off. However, warm, calloused hands stopped her, bringing them up to his mouth. Sighing as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles, she continued to circle her hips against his.

“I don’t need to take my pauldrons off to fuck you love, only one piece” Colt murmured, lips twitching against her fingers as you gasped at his words.

Groaning, you leaned forward, burying your heated face into his neck. “You can’t just say that! How will I ever not want to jump you every time I see you in armour now?” you whined, shaking your head. You felt his chest rumble underneath you as he laughed.

“So you’re telling me you don’t want to jump me every time you see me wearing it anyway?” he asked, smug because he knew that you really enjoyed the way his armour clung to him and highlighted how broad and strong he was.

“Oh shut up!” you huffed, rolling your eyes as you pushed away from him, reaching for his codpiece again. With swift and clever fingers, you unhooked the protective plate and threw it somewhere behind you. A loud clatter echoed around the office but you didn’t care. Not one bit when you could hear the hitch in Colt’s breathing and the way his legs widened slightly underneath you.

“Hmm, good girl. You’re so good at that” Colt hummed, dark eyes looking you over as he rocked into you.

“I enjoy the practice” you chuckled, playing with the hem of his waistband. Teasingly you ran your fingers under the tight material before snapping them back against him. “Lift your hips” you instructed, eager to push them down off him.

Colt sent you a playful smirk before bucking his hips and helping you in pulling his blacks down enough so his length popped out, resting against his stomach plate.

Biting your lip, you couldn’t help but want to take him into your mouth. His thick cock was leaking, flushed and looked ready for you.

“I love that look on your face, cyare. Like you’re ready to devour me” Colt chuckled, slightly breathless at how much love and desire he saw in your eyes. He knew it was reflected in his own towards you. However much he would love to have you sink down on him, he knew he would have to open you up if he didn’t want to hurt you.

So he trailed his hands up your thighs while he caught your lips in a kiss, moaning against you as he squeezed and massaged the muscles of your thighs. His talented fingers swiped over your entrance, gathering your slick. He watched as your eyes fluttered closed, pleasure flashing across your face. He loved watching you like this. Loved knowing he was the one that can make you feel good. Coating his fingers in your slick, his thumb flicked up to your clit before he pressed one of his thick fingers inside of you. His breath hitched at the small gasp you let out against his lips. "Gotta open you up, cyare. Don't want to hurt you" he murmured, trailing kisses along your jaw. You hummed, hips bearing down on his finger inside of you. "You'd never hurt me" you said, and the conviction he heard in your voice made Colt groan against your neck.

It felt like every touch of his skin against yours set you on fire. One hand was gripping your hip, the other was opening you up for him, sliding a second finger into you as he guided you against him. A moan escaped you as Colt’s teeth grazed the thin skin of your neck, sucking a mark there that would be difficult to hide tomorrow.

Colt’s hand slid up your side, reaching to cup and squeeze your breast. He grumbled at not being able to rip your dress right off you so he could press his lips directly against your skin. But you’d both had to walk out of here, and he didn’t want anyone else to see you like that. Only him. So he continued to squeeze and massage your curves, all the while you were rocking on his fingers, pressing them further inside of you.

“Come on cyare, ride my fingers” Colt instructed, looking up at you. Your face was flushed, hair beginning to stick to your temples, eyes lidded with pleasure as your eyes met his, happiness and delight dancing in them. You had never looked more beautiful to him.

You wrapped your arms around the neck of him, steadying the weight of yourself over him as you began to roll your hips against his hand. Bouncing on his fingers as he continued to suck marks along your neck and collarbone.

“Mesh’la” he whispered, thumb circling your clit as he slipped another finger into you.

“Colt!” you whined, biting your lip as you felt him stretch you open. You ran your fingers through his cropped hair, wanting to be as close as possible to him.

“You’re soaking my hand, cyare. Gonna go all over my vambrace” he murmured, smirking up at you. He twisted the three fingers inside of you, curling them just right and firmly stroking that place inside of you that had you seeing starts.

You clenched down around his fingers, his words affecting you so much. “Kriff!” you cursed, throwing your head back as you felt Colt bury his fingers deeper inside of you, driving them in and out of you faster. “Fuck, I’m going to cum!” you managed to tell him, digging your nails into his armour. It wouldn’t make a mark but you needed something to hold onto.

“Good girl, want you to cum on my fingers” he grinned, nipping at your shoulder as he bounced you on him. When he noticed that you were muffling your noise with your hand, he let out a low growl. “Ah, want to hear you. Want that shabuir to hear just how perfect you sound when you’re like this. But I’m the only one who can do this, can make you feel like this” he growled, thumb rubbing around your clit and keeping his fingers thrusting into you.

Letting out a loud moan, you ripped your hand away. Instead, you entwined your hand with his, squeezing it as you felt the pleasure building inside of you. Colt was so good at taking you apart, his words enough to make you forget everything only him and the way he was touching you.

Gripping onto him, you let out a cry of his name as your orgasm slammed into you, eyes squeezed shut and body shuddering as he worked you through it with gentle words and continued touches.

As you slumped against him, he pressed a kiss to your temple, taking in your scent as you relaxed into him. Slipping his fingers out of your pretty cunt, he brought them up to his mouth, sucking them in and moaning obscenely.

Your cunt clenched around nothing at the sight, eyes widening at the way he was tasting you. “Kriffing hell Colt!” you breathed, staring at him.

“Not my fault you taste so good” he retorted, rubbing circles on your thigh with his other hand.

Shaking your head, you drew him into a passionate kiss, unable to help it as you tasted yourself against his lips. The mixture of your taste and his only highlighted how perfect you were for each other.

“You’re really hot when you get all jealous” you grinned against his lips, pulling away from him.

Colt rolled his eyes, scowling at the thought of that di’kut who thought you’d ever be interested in him. “Yeah, yeah” he grumbled, looking away from you as his cheeks reddened under your knowing look.

“I think it’s sweet, and cute, that you get all jealous and possessive just from talking to a Senator” you teased, running your fingers through his hair.

“I’m not sweet. Or cute” he huffed, leaning forward to nip at your lip as he squeezed your hips, guiding you so you were hovering over his length. “Perhaps I should show you” he warned, before he pulled you down onto his cock. He didn’t stop until you were fully seated on his lap.

Letting out a long drawn out moan, you couldn’t contain the sound as you took him into your fluttering core. His cock stretched you open, even with him preparing you on his fingers, and it took a few breaths before you felt yourself relaxing around him.

Colt was gritting his jaw, unable to believe how tight you were around him. It had only been a couple of days since the pair of you had last been together. Groaning, he rested his head against yours, your breaths mingling together as you panted through the initial burst of pleasure that came with you joining together.

“Can I move?” you panted, thumb stroking across his sharp cheekbones.

Colt nodded, hands pushing your dress further up your waist before squeezing your hips. He really wanted you to move, couldn’t wait to feel you sliding along his length.

Gathering yourself, you began to slowly rise up, your inner muscles dragging up his cock before slowly sinking back down on him. You set a slow pace, getting used to the feeling of him moving inside of you. He let out a low groan, and it sent a spark of pride through you at knowing you could make your ARC Trooper let some of his control slip enough to make a sound like that.

“Kriff, you feel incredible!” he hissed, helping to keep you steady as you continued to move over him. He watched with awe as your face fluttered with pleasure and he couldn’t help but buck his hips up into you. The way you let out a shuddering gasp and he felt your nails dig into the nape of his neck. “Mesh’la” he breathed in awe, unable to look away.

Flushing at his words, you cupped his cheeks pressing your lips against his briefly. His larger calloused hands skimmed along your sides until he gripped your hips, beginning to move you on his cock. The way his length slid inside you, stretching you around him as he slid his hands down to squeeze your ass. A moan escaped you, heat pulsing through your body with every thrust into you.

“Kriff! Colt!” you groaned, beginning to bounce on him, breath faltering as that spot inside of you was continually brushed against. You reached up to squeeze at your breasts, rocking against him as he grunted underneath you. It felt so good, he felt so good.

“That’s it cyare, take your pleasure. Take what’s yours” Colt murmured, eyes hooded as he watched you.

Clutching at him, you couldn’t help but listen to him. His words sinking into you, stoking the fire that he was creating inside of you. Watching as his jaw feathered as you clenched tightly around him, you closed your eyes at the moan he let out.

Colt let out a growl, wrapping his arms around you and bringing you closer to him until you were pressed against his armour. The cool plates soothing your heated skin, as you ached to get closer to him. The Commander leaned up, capturing your lips in a kiss as he continued to buck up into you. The cries of pleasure was muffled against his lips as he slid his hands up your back, holding you tight.

Whining against his lips, you pulled away, panting for breath as you met him with each thrust.

“Good girl, taking me so well” he praised, raining kisses along the column of your throat.

“Colt!” you gasped out, digging your nails into the pauldrons along his shoulders.

Colt grinned, enjoying the noises that he was forcing out of you with every thrust of his hips into your soaking core. “Use your words, mesh’la. Tell me how I’m making you feel” Colt ordered, hands gripping the nape of your neck and forcing you to meet his eyes.

The thought of describing how you were feeling to him made you flush with embarrassment. Which was crazy, seeing as he was fucking into you like a man possessed, determined to chase away any trace of the Senator from your mind. As white hot ecstasy flooded your body, you couldn’t even think how you would put it into words.

Shaking your head, you closed your eyes once more, trying to hide yourself from his heated, heavy gaze.

“Come on, mesh’la. I want to hear you” he encouraged, forcing you roughly down onto his cock.

Crying out, you couldn’t help but let the words fall from your mouth.

“So good! Oh-you-you make me feel so good” you moaned brokenly, biting your lip to try and stifle your noises. “Fill me up ‘till I can’t- I can’t think” you cried, resting your head against his.

“Good girl” he gritted out, pounding into you. He held you tight so you couldn’t move, feeling you flood his cock with your juices. Your breath was fanning against his face, and your core was clenching and fluttering around his cock like you were never going to let him go.

“So perfect for me cyare” he moaned, “you’re so beautiful.”

Angling your hips so he was hitting that place inside of you that made you collapse against his chest. “That’s it, cyare. Only I can make you feel like this. Only I can feel your beautiful cunt squeezing around me. Not that di’kut of a Senator, he wouldn’t know how to make you scream. Wouldn’t know how to make you feel so good, just by doing this” Colt growled out, one hand slipping between you so he could rub at your clit.

“Fuck!” you yelled, hips bucking back against Colt’s as it felt like he had turned everything up to a hundred. His fingers danced against the bundle of nerves just as you liked. You could feel the pleasure building and building, pushing you closer and closer to the edge. Colt was right, nobody could make you feel like this, only him. Only he could send you soaring, could make you feel so loved and beautiful and wanted.

“Gonna… gonna cum” you warned him, squeezing around him so you could feel as close as possible to him.

“Mine, my cyare,” he growled, fingers gliding against your swollen bundle of nerves, “cum for me.”

With his permission and the way he was lighting up every single one of your nerves, you felt the wave of pleasure wash over you, crashing you into an orgasm. You body shuddered, trembling against his as you cried out his name, vision going white as all you could think about was how amazing you felt.

With the fluttering and tightening of your muscles around him, Colt was helpless but to follow you over the edge. He grunted out your name, thrusting up into you a few more times as he painted your walls white, sending little shock waves through you at the feel of him shooting into your pulsing channel.

Eventually the conditioned cool air of the room was beginning to make you shiver against your heated furnace and you pulled away from him, pinks still flushed from your activities. “Got that out of your system?” you couldn’t help but tease him, trailing gentle fingers along his hairline and down his jaw.

Colt rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help feeling smug at seeing you look so dishevelled and knowing that he did that to you. “Hmm, maybe. Might need another couple of rounds to make sure” he replied, chuckling at the way your face darkened and you buried yourself back into his shaking chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, holding you back against him. He always did enjoy teasing you just as much as you teased him.

“Just as long as we can move this to my rooms. The party should be over by now, and I don’t want to meet that Senator in the hallway” you reminded, although your actions were a juxtaposition to your words. Lying your head on his chest, you allowed yourself a few more minutes in his embrace.

Your Commander didn’t seem to mind either, as he tightened his grip around you, keeping you attached together. “No, he’s going nowhere near you, love” Colt vowed, fingers trailing up and down your spine gently.

And you believed him. If Colt promised something then it was a certainty. He would make sure to keep you close to him, safe from any leery Senators. Sighing happily, you closed your eyes, happy to just be in his arms, away from the prying eyes of the galaxy.

[rex-meshla]

I present to you my latest obsession 🤌🏼

omg I miss the howzer craze

[rex-meshla]

Thank you @cw80831 and @merlincmgirl for the tag! 🤍

Last song: Luther by Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Favourite colour: Black

Last book: The Man God Has for You by Stephan Labossiere

Last movie: Intouchables

Last show: Sex and the City

Sweet/spicy/savoury: Sweet + savory

Relationship status: Single

Last thing I googled: Manolo Blahnik heels

Current obsession: Sex and the City, Theo James and Italy

Looking forward to: NYC trip, graduating, spending time with my friends + family

NPT: @haybellewrites @thesassypadawan @filamentlights

10 people I'd like to get to know better

Tagged by @sadundefinedbread, my beloved ❤️

Last song: Monitoring by Deco*27 feat. Hatsune Miku

Favorite color: turquoise

Last book: last book I finished was 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King; last one I read (and am currently reading) is The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Last movie: A Muppet's Christmas Carol

Last show: Dexter

Sweet/spicy/savoury: I like all of them, but sweet reigns supreme

Relationship status: Married in the same way a nun is (aka I'm too emotionally devoted to a character - or, in my case, several - to have an IRL partner lol)

Last thing I googled: if color blind was one word or two. Fan fact: "colorblind" is an American-ism that started gaining popularity in the 1990s

Current obsession: Besides the omnipresence of Supernatural, Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.

Looking forward to: finishing and posting a couple of fics :3

Tagging: @pavlovianfuckery @sastielbeltscene @sammywinchesterslover @flannel-wrapped-nightmare @boykingscourt @slutsons-blog @deancaslover @castiellesbian @autisticandroids @sastielbeltscene

[rex-meshla]

pros of drawing kix = beautiful baby boy. pretty pretty medic man.

cons of drawing kix = fuckass hair and tattoo

I fear I’m a little bit obsessed with him atm 😁

tagging: @lonewolflupe :)

[rex-meshla]

Shadows of the Force

PAIRING | Captain Rex x F!OC (Stella Cardone) WORD COUNT | 3.2k PREVIOUS CHAPTER TAGLIST | @cw80831

Chapter 8: The Price of Defiance

The mission had been precarious from the start.

We were sent to destroy a Separatist weapons depot on the outskirts of a barren, rocky planet—a fortress carved into jagged cliffs, shielded by layers of droid defenses. Intelligence suggested a small garrison, nothing the 501st couldn't handle. It was supposed to be a textbook infiltration and demolition, over before the sun dipped below the sharp horizon.

But intelligence had been wrong.

We hadn't even reached the depot when the first shots rang out.

"Ambush!" one of the clones shouted, his voice sharp and urgent through the comms.

Droids poured from the ridges above, their blaster fire cutting through the canyon like jagged shards of light. The narrow pass we had relied on for cover turned into a deathtrap. Waves of droids pressed in, boxing us in with mechanical precision.

Anakin's voice broke through the chaos. "Everyone, fall back to rally point three! Regroup!"

I deflected a bolt aimed too close for comfort and began to move with the others, retreating under the relentless barrage. Around me, the clones moved in practiced sync, covering each other as they withdrew. I followed their rhythm, letting the Force guide my movements, though the storm within me grew heavier with each step.

Then I saw them.

Five clones, cut off from the main group, huddled behind a crumbling outcropping. One was injured, barely moving, while the others fired in desperate bursts to hold back the droids. They wouldn't make it.

"No," I muttered under my breath, my steps faltering.

The Force pulsed, heavy with their fear and pain. Leaving them behind wasn't an option—not for me.

"Stella, fall back!" Anakin's voice came sharp and commanding through the comm. "That's an order!"

I hesitated, caught between the weight of his command and the sight before me. The injured trooper glanced in my direction, struggling to lift his blaster.

They weren't just soldiers. They were people. Brothers.

My grip on my lightsaber tightened, and I turned back, sprinting toward them.

The world blurred into a haze of frantic movement. I deflected bolts with one hand while dragging the injured trooper onto my shoulder with the other. The rest of his squad fought valiantly, covering me as we moved back toward the rally point.

Relief hit me like a wave when we finally crossed into relative safety. The clones I'd saved joined the others, helping their wounded brother onto a stretcher. Their quiet words of gratitude echoed distantly in my ears as I leaned against a boulder, trying to catch my breath.

The relief was short-lived.

"Stella!"

I turned, my stomach sinking at the sight of Anakin approaching. His expression was a storm cloud, fury and concern battling for dominance. The set of his jaw made it clear I wasn't escaping this unscathed.

"What were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice low and sharp.

I opened my mouth to respond, but he cut me off.

"You disobeyed a direct order." His tone was like a blade. "I told you to fall back, and you ignored me. Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"

"They would've died," I said quickly, the words spilling out. "I couldn't just leave them—"

"And what if you had died?" His frustration boiled over, but there was something deeper in his eyes. "Do you think sacrificing yourself would've helped them? Or us?"

"They're not just soldiers, Anakin," I shot back, my voice rising. "They're our men. Our responsibility."

"You think I don't know that?" His tone cracked under the weight of emotion. "You think I don't feel it every time we lose one of them? Every time I have to make a call that puts their lives at risk?"

He paused, dragging a hand through his hair. His shoulders slumped slightly, as if the weight of his own words had become too much to bear.

"You don't get to ignore orders because it feels right in the moment," he said, his voice quieter but no less firm. "This isn't just about you, Stella. It's about all of us. Trust the chain of command. Trust me."

I stared at him, my chest hollowing under the weight of his words. He was right, but the conviction that I'd done the right thing still burned inside me.

"Just... think next time," he said, softer now. "Please."

He turned and walked away, leaving me with my heart pounding and my thoughts tangled in turmoil.

I didn't notice Rex until he spoke.

"He means well."

I glanced up to see him standing a few feet away, his helmet tucked under one arm. His expression was calm, but the quiet weight in his tone made me pause.

"I was just trying to help," I said, my voice shaky. "They would've died if I hadn't gone back."

Rex nodded slowly. "I get it. And I respect that." He paused, his gaze steady. "But you have to understand something. My brothers and I... we understand the risks. We're ready to lay down our lives if it means completing the mission."

His words struck like a physical blow. I opened my mouth to argue, but he held up a hand.

"That doesn't mean we want to die," he continued. "But it's part of the job. And you... you've got to trust the chain of command, even when it doesn't make sense. Especially then."

I looked away, my throat tight. "I don't know if I can do that," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rex stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. "You've got a good heart. Don't lose that. But out here... sometimes a good heart isn't enough."

That night, I sat alone by the campfire, staring at the stars. The galaxy stretched endlessly above, vast and unforgiving. The weight of the day pressed down on me, heavier than the cool night air. This war was far bigger, far heavier, than I had ever imagined.

And I wasn't sure if I was ready for it.

The crunch of boots on dirt pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Jesse, Fives, and Kix approaching, their silhouettes outlined by the flickering flames. Jesse carried a tin of something steaming, and Fives had his helmet tucked under his arm, his ever-present smirk firmly in place.

"Well, would you look at that," Fives drawled, plopping down onto a log beside me. "The hero of the day, sitting all alone like she's got something to brood about."

Jesse dropped down on my other side, offering me the tin. "You saved our brothers back there," he said, his tone gentler. "Figured that earned you some hot caf. Don't let Kix tell you he brewed it, though. It's terrible."

"Hey!" Kix protested as he sat across from us. "I'll have you know my caf is medicinal."

"Yeah, tastes like medicine too," Fives quipped, earning a snort from Jesse.

A reluctant smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I accepted the tin. The warmth seeped into my hands, grounding me. "Thanks," I said softly, the lump in my throat easing just a little.

Fives leaned back, stretching his legs toward the fire. "You know, not many Jedi would pull a stunt like that. Running into a hail of blaster fire just to drag a bunch of scruffy clones out of trouble."

Jesse grinned, elbowing me lightly. "Guess you're not just any Jedi."

"She's one of us," Kix said simply, his tone carrying an honesty that hit harder than he probably intended.

I looked between them, their familiar faces lit by the glow of the fire. Despite the weight of the day, their presence was a balm. I wasn't alone. Not really.

"Don't let Anakin hear you say that," I joked, my voice finally steady. "I don't think I'm his favorite person right now."

Jesse let out a low whistle. "Yeah, you've got guts, I'll give you that. Nobody ignores General Skywalker's orders and lives to tell the tale."

"Except for Rex, maybe," Kix added with a smirk. "But that's only because he's as stubborn as Skywalker is."

"And because Rex has a knack for saving Skywalker's hide," Fives chimed in. "Bet he's got a whole running tally."

I laughed despite myself, the sound surprising even me. The weight in my chest loosened, if only a little, and the tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying started to ease.

"Thanks, guys," I said, looking around at them. "I mean it."

"That's what we're here for," Jesse said, clapping me on the shoulder. "You've got our backs, and we've got yours."

"Even if your caf tastes like sludge," Fives added, dodging a half-hearted swipe from Kix.

For the first time that day, the stars didn't feel quite so cold, and the weight of the war seemed a little less suffocating. I didn't have all the answers—not yet—but I had them. And for now, that was enough.

The next morning, I found Anakin waiting for me near the edge of camp, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. The rising sun cast sharp shadows across his face, but there was no mistaking the stern resolve in his voice when he spoke.

"You're benched."

I blinked, unsure if I'd heard him correctly. "Excuse me?"

"You're off active combat duty for the foreseeable future," he said, his tone as even as it was uncompromising. "You'll observe the next missions from the sidelines."

My chest tightened, disbelief bubbling into frustration. "But I can help—"

"And you'll help by watching," he interrupted, his eyes locking onto mine with the same intensity he carried into battle. "You don't get to make the same mistake twice, Stella. Not under my command."

I bit back the urge to argue, the memory of his words from the night before still fresh in my mind. Trust the chain of command. Trust me. It felt like a slap, but I knew better than to push him when he was like this.

"Yes, Master," I muttered, the words bitter on my tongue.

The next mission came quickly—a supply raid on another Separatist outpost. This time, I stood on the ridge above the battlefield, watching as the clones moved with precision under Anakin's command. Every blaster shot, every strategic maneuver was calculated, executed flawlessly.

And then I saw it—the moment where the line between following orders and thinking on your feet blurred. Jesse's squad found themselves pinned under heavy fire, their escape route cut off by incoming droids. My hands instinctively moved toward my lightsaber, but I stopped short, remembering Anakin's words. Trust me.

Before I could do anything, Rex's voice cut through the comms, directing nearby troopers to create a distraction. The clones coordinated seamlessly, falling into place with practiced efficiency. Within moments, Jesse's squad was free, retreating with minimal injuries.

I exhaled a shaky breath, the tension in my shoulders easing. They didn't need me to save them. They never did.

When Anakin joined me after the mission, his expression was softer than I expected, though still firm.

"See what happens when you trust the chain of command?" he asked, leaning casually against a nearby rock.

I nodded slowly, the truth settling over me like a weight I didn't know I was carrying. "I see it now."

Anakin's gaze lingered on me for a moment before he straightened. "Good. Because trust works both ways. I need to know I can count on you, Stella. Not just in battle, but in everything. That's what it means to be part of a team."

"I understand," I said quietly, meeting his eyes.

His lips curved into a faint smile. "You're getting there."

Over the following days, the pattern repeated. I stayed back, watching and learning, the frustration of inaction gradually giving way to clarity. I began to notice the subtle ways the clones worked together, their unspoken trust, the way they covered for each other without hesitation.

It was Kix who broke the tension one evening as we sat around the fire. "So, what's it like being a spectator, Commander?"

Jesse smirked. "Bet she's itching to jump in and save the day."

Fives leaned back, his helmet balanced on his knee. "Nah, she's probably just enjoying the view. You've got a front-row seat to the best squad in the galaxy."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "You mean the loudest squad."

"Hey, we're efficient," Fives shot back, feigning offense. "And charming."

"Debatable," I said, earning a laugh from Jesse.

That day, the sting of being sidelined didn't feel so sharp. Watching them, learning from them—it wasn't just about trust. It was about understanding.

Two weeks passed.

Two long, grueling weeks of standing on the sidelines, observing, analyzing, and swallowing my pride every time Anakin's orders echoed in my ears, reminding me I wasn't allowed to intervene.

At first, I tried to make the best of it. I watched the clones move like a well-oiled machine, took mental notes on their tactics, and spent hours in meditation to try and find some peace with my role. But as time dragged on, the weight of inaction gnawed at me. I was a Jedi—meant to protect, to serve. Yet here I was, stuck in this limbo, useless while others fought and bled.

By the end of the second week, the frustration was bubbling over.

It must've shown on my face because Rex caught me staring out at the camp perimeter during our nightly downtime. The others were gathered around the fire, joking and laughing as they always did, but I couldn't bring myself to join them tonight.

Rex approached quietly, his helmet tucked under his arm. "Something on your mind, Commander?"

I crossed my arms, not turning to face him. "Nothing I haven't already thought a hundred times."

He didn't push, standing beside me in companionable silence for a moment before he spoke again. "You've been tense lately."

I let out a sharp breath, shaking my head. "It's been two weeks, Rex. Two weeks of just standing by, watching everyone else do what I should be doing. I get it. I made a mistake. I've learned my lesson. But this..." I gestured out toward the horizon. "This isn't helping anyone."

Rex tilted his head slightly, studying me. "Anakin doesn't do things without a reason."

I scoffed. "No, he just does them without explaining."

Rex chuckled softly, though his tone remained serious. "He's testing you, Stella. Not just to see if you've learned your lesson, but to see if you can hold back when it matters."

"I have held back," I said, frustration creeping into my voice. "I've done everything he's asked. What more does he want?"

"Maybe he's waiting for you to stop proving yourself to him," Rex said simply. "And start proving you trust yourself."

That stopped me in my tracks. I blinked, turning to look at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're good at rushing in to save others, Commander. But part of being a leader is knowing when to step back and let others do the saving. You've got to trust that your team can handle it—even when it's hard."

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words caught in my throat. Deep down, I knew he was right. But that didn't make it any easier.

"I'm trying," I admitted quietly, looking away. "But it feels like I'm stuck in a cage."

Rex's voice softened. "You're not stuck. You're just learning what it means to be part of a team. It's not easy. For any of us."

We stood there in silence for a while, the distant sounds of the campfire filling the space between us. For all his tough love, Rex had a way of cutting through my frustration and grounding me. I hated that he was right.

Finally, he placed a hand on my shoulder. "Hang in there, Commander. Trust the process. It'll make sense when it needs to."

As he walked back toward the fire, I stayed where I was, staring out at the horizon. The frustration still simmered in my chest, but Rex's words lingered. Maybe there was more to this lesson than I wanted to admit.

A few days later, Anakin called for me to join him in meditation. We sat cross-legged under the open sky, the soft hum of the Force weaving between us. The camp was quiet save for the distant murmur of clones going about their tasks. I closed my eyes, trying to focus, to find the calm that had eluded me for days.

But it was no use. The frustration that had been building inside me for weeks simmered just beneath the surface, impossible to ignore. I forced my breathing to slow, trying to bury it, but I should have known better. Anakin's voice broke the silence.

"Alright," he said, his tone light but pointed. "Tell me what's going on."

My eyes snapped open. "Nothing's going on," I said quickly, though the words rang hollow even to my ears.

Anakin cracked one eye open, giving me a look. "Stella."

I sighed, letting my shoulders slump. "I'm frustrated," I admitted. "This... benching, or whatever you want to call it, it's not working for me. I get what you're trying to teach me. I get it. But how am I supposed to learn anything if I'm not even allowed to do my job?"

Anakin leaned back slightly, closing his eyes again as if processing my words. "You think I'm just punishing you," he said after a moment, his voice calm but serious.

"Isn't that what this is?" I asked, the edge in my voice sharper than I intended. "I made a mistake, and now you're making me sit out like a child in time-out."

His lips twitched, though I couldn't tell if it was amusement or annoyance. "It's not punishment, Stella. It's perspective. You've got talent, and a good heart—two things that are invaluable in war. But raw instinct without discipline? That's dangerous. To you and to everyone around you."

I looked down, his words striking a chord I wasn't ready to acknowledge. "I've been trying," I said quietly. "I've done everything you asked. I've watched, I've learned. But I feel... useless."

"You're not useless," he said, his tone softening. "You're learning. And sometimes, learning means stepping back and seeing the bigger picture."

I bit my lip, glancing at him. "I trust the team. I trust you. But I don't think you trust me."

Anakin's eyes opened, and for a moment, his expression softened in a way I didn't expect. "You're wrong about that," he said firmly. "I do trust you. I wouldn't have taken you as my Padawan if I didn't. But trust goes both ways, Stella. If you trust me, then you have to trust that when I ask you to fall back, it's not because I doubt you. It's because I need you alive."

The words hit me harder than I expected. My chest tightened as I nodded slowly, the truth sinking in.

Anakin leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Do you want to know why I let you stay back these past few weeks?" he asked, his tone lighter now.

I raised an eyebrow, not sure where this was going. "Why?"

"Because I needed to see if you'd stop trying to prove something to me and start trusting yourself. That's what this is about, Stella. Not whether you can fight, or save lives, or make the right call. It's about whether you can trust yourself to know when to act—and when not to."

I blinked, the weight of his words settling over me. For all my frustration, all my second-guessing, I realized he was right. I'd been so focused on proving I could do it all that I hadn't stopped to think about the why behind my actions.

Anakin must have sensed the shift in me because he smiled faintly. "I think you're ready to be back on the field," he said, rising to his feet. "But don't make me regret it."

I stood, my heart pounding. "I won't."

He gave me a pointed look. "And next time I give an order, you'll follow it?"

I hesitated, then grinned. "Unless you're wrong."

He groaned, but there was a hint of laughter in his voice as he turned to walk away. "Stubborn Padawan."

As I watched him go, I felt a spark of confidence reignite within me. The frustration was gone, replaced by a steady resolve. I didn't have all the answers yet, but I was ready to face whatever came next.

This time, with the trust Anakin had been trying to show me all along.

_____________________________________________________________

You can read the next chapter here and find my masterlist here x

[rex-meshla]

[rex-meshla]

yes daddy Captain

The Clone Wars (2008-2020)

S4E10 • The Carnage of Krell

aka Rex being a bamf

[rex-meshla]

All I want for Christmas is a clone trooper under my tree. (Preferably Rex or Fives or Jesse, but I won’t complain).

[rex-meshla]

Kix + caring immensely about his brothers

[rex-meshla]

Rex, the man that you are

Sometimes in war, it’s hard to be the one that survives. CAPTAIN REX in THE CLONE WARS, SEASON 7