#79's is Ten-Forward

[direwolfrules]

Star Wars As Star Trek AU: The War

So, the war between the Federation and the Confederacy is supposed to be an important part of this AU, but I've been neglecting it in favor of writing some bizarre (and terrible) hybridization of Mandalorian-Klingon culture/history that no one's read. Like, seriously I spent four hours that could have been spent sleeping on that.

Anyway, the war is a thing that's been brewing for a while now. The Confederacy started as a Separatist movement a few centuries ago. The founding of the movement is widely credited to the Sith, who found the Federation's ideals and priorities to be in conflict with their own. The worlds that would become the Confederacy were allowed to secede no-contest because of a clause in the Federation charter.

Then there was a minor war (by minor I of course mean billions died), which was resolved by the Treaty of Coruscant, and the creation of the Neutral Zone.

Starfleet Admiral Dooku shocks everyone when he resigns his commission and retires to his homeworld of Serenno, where he claims his family's ancestral title. This is made possible by the convenient death of Dooku's elder brother via a previously undetected heart condition two days before his arrival (Maybelline commercial voice: maybe he's born with it, maybe it's Palpatine). The Serennan people under his leadership proceed to defect to the Confederacy.

A few months later, a Federation vessel's running a standard border patrol near the Neutral Zone before suddenly falling out of contact. The next thing anyone knows, the ship's destroyed along with a Geonosian City, and President Dooku of the Confederacy of Independant Systems is declaring war upon the Federation.

The Confederacy still uses battle droids, but also uses more organics than in Star Wars. A ship could have a mostly droid crew complement but organic officers in charge. This is mostly because I want Lux Bonteri's dad to be a reoccurring character. Captain Aavus Bonteri of the CSS Zakkeg keeps showing up and battles between him and the Resolute normally end one of two ways, either the Zakkeg is limping home or the Resolute is. He's not a Grievous level threat, more like he's there to pad out the organic officer count and I still need him to be a threat so, competent military man it is!

And like, having Lux's dad live and be an active antagonist to the crew of the Resolute kinda makes the whole Heroes on Both Sides thing be even more interesting. Lux is basically Ahsoka's "what could have been, we'll always have Risa" relationship. We all think he's bad for her, but god damn does this girl not think with her head when he shows up. Rex and Anakin are left shaking their heads because goddamnit their baby sister has terrible taste in romantic partners.

At one point Satine shows up as a neutral mediator, and she's hanging out in 79's after a grueling day of negotiations, and she overhears Anakin and Rex commiserating about how Ahsoka really just needs to date someone bland for a bit. For all their sakes. And Satine, who managed to convince bartender/mystic Fay to break out the actual alcohol, jumps into the conversation with tales of Bo-Katan's failed romantic endeavors. They just start comparing the dumpster fires that are their little siblings' love lives. 10/10, the next morning hungover Anakin tells Obi-Wan he should marry Satine.

[dumfanting]

Pillow Talk

AO3 Link

Rating: E, explicit

Warnings: masturbation, pillow humping, accidental voyeurism, pining | Notes: fem reader, second person PoV, present tense

I’ve had this idea for a long time and finally got a chance to write it down. I might do a part two if this does well enough.

1933 words

F! Reader/ Tech

You catch Tech in your bunk and confront him about it.

You’re only out for an hour or so before you return to the Marauder, and much sooner than you planned; a sudden, severe headache had all but forced you out of 79’s and away from its crowd and loud music. Of course, the guys each offered to walk back with you, but you declined. It wasn’t that far away, and you didn’t want to cut anyone’s night short. Besides, Tech was already on the ship, doing repairs or working on another of his countless projects. You knew he’d be quiet enough not to bother you once you arrive and lie down. 

About ten minutes after you leave the bar, you step into the hangar bay where the ship is docked. You don’t see Tech outside. You approach and punch in the code that opens the side entrance, then slip in as your head throbs again. 

It’s dark, but this is nothing unusual; if anything the low light is helping to soothe your head. You glance around, see that the cockpit door is closed, and assume that Tech is working there. As such, you don’t bother to announce yourself before shutting the side door and moving toward the bunks. 

The door is open, but an odd noise stops you from going inside. Heavy breathing, followed by a low groan that sounds like your name makes you freeze for a moment. You shake yourself and creep a little closer, the sounds becoming clearer as you move. 

“Ah, f-fuck…”

Heat spreads across your cheeks. Though the context is new, you’d recognize Tech’s voice anywhere. He speaks again, and you’re positive that he’s saying your name now. You know that you’re intruding, but you can’t stop yourself from tiptoeing to the edge of the doorway and chancing a peek inside. You barely hold back a gasp. 

Despite the dim lighting of the space, you’re still able to see Tech, naked in your bunk with his back to the doorway. He’s shifting his hips backward and forward, sweat glistening down his shoulders, and you’re momentarily spellbound while you watch the muscles of his legs and ass flex as he moves. He grunts, adjusting himself just enough for you to get a better look at what he’s doing. 

Your body pillow is pinned beneath him, and he’s dragging his cock up and down the plush material as he humps against it, continuing to pant and whine your name. His arms are wrapped tightly around it and he’s holding it close to his chest and occasionally pressing his face into it, taking deep breaths of your scent. The entire scene is a shock, but you’re mostly taken aback by how tender he’s being. 

“Nngh… want you…so badly,” he mumbles, and you suddenly realize two things: one, your headache has vanished, and two, if Tech were to turn his head even slightly to the left, he’d immediately see you. The heat that burned across your face now travels down your chest and settles between your legs. You try to ignore this and take a few careful steps backward, making sure to be as silent as possible. 

Once you think you’re far back enough, you know you should leave, but a sudden, sharp gasp stops you. 

“Oh god, mesh’la, I’m g-going to-,” he groans, but doesn’t complete the thought before his legs lock and you watch him rut into ‘you’, hissing through his teeth and whining as he comes. Seconds later, he abruptly relaxes and collapses downward, panting for breath. As this happens, you realize that you’ve been unconsciously rubbing your upper thighs together in an attempt at some friction, and hold a hand over your mouth to stifle the moan threatening to escape from you when you move just right. 

You hear Tech sigh heavily, and glance back into the bunks just in time to step further backward as he sits up and straightens your bed before turning to the doorway. He stands and unknowingly steps towards you, and you panic for a moment. You slip further back again and press yourself into the shadows, praying he hasn’t seen or heard you. His footsteps get closer before he suddenly stands still. Your heartbeat is so loud in your ears that you almost don’t hear him curse under his breath and call himself a coward before he turns and moves into the refresher. 

You stand, frozen, until you hear the shower squeak on, and breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Thinking quickly, you turn and walk quietly back to the side entrance of the ship before opening it up again. You stand at the edge and do a little hop from one foot to the other a few times, hoping to imitate the movement of someone walking up the short ramp before closing it a second time. You take a deep breath and move normally, walking casually towards the bunks as if you just arrived. 

You pause at the refresher door and knock at it. You raise your voice enough for Tech to hear you say his name and that you’ve come back early. The shower shuts off and you hear a muffled ‘okay’ from the other side, then tell him you’re going to try and sleep off a headache before walking away. 

You slip into the bunks and slide the door shut behind you, letting out another heavy breath of relief; it seems like you’d gotten away with it. You kick your shoes off and get into your bed, pulling your body pillow close and draping a leg over it, which alleviates some of the discomfort of such a hard mattress. Without realizing it, you take a deep breath and get a lung full of Tech; your entire bunk smells like him, and it’s intoxicating. 

You hear the refresher door open and quickly pretend to be asleep as he comes back into the room. You hear him stop at your side and sigh quietly before grabbing something from one of his compartments and going outside. 

You wait until you hear the faint sounds of Tech working on the hull before sitting back up, wide awake with that heat persisting between your legs. Knowing how he gets once he’s focused, (which is how he didn’t hear the ramp open and close the first time) you quickly stand and make sure the door is shut. Instead of returning to your bunk, you slide into Tech’s instead. His scent is even stronger here, and you start to rub your upper thighs together again. You glance across the space and spot something on the floor before stretching to pick it up. It’s a rag, and you don’t have to be a genius to figure out what the sticky white substance smeared across it is. 

You drop it back onto the floor, and after a moment, you bite your lip and quickly strip down to your panties and straddle his own pillow, deciding to ‘return the favor’. You clamp your legs around it and start to grind against it, the heat in your groin spreading through your entire body. You reposition yourself once or twice before facing the door and finally finding a sweet spot. Now when you move just right, your clit rubs against your panties (and Tech’s pillow) making you gasp when your hips involuntarily jerk forward. The risk of being caught like this further arouses you.

As you continue, feeling a familiar tightening in your lower abdomen, you whip your top off, then close your eyes and re-live watching Tech in your bunk just minutes ago. 

You’ve been interested in him from the moment you joined the squad, but after he brushed off your flirting, you kind of gave up, accepting that it wasn’t reciprocated. Although, you’d just seen firsthand that this isn’t the case; he’s been hiding it very well. You wonder how many other times he’d snuck into your bunk like that, then think about the way he gasped your name. You shiver before grinding down harder and a little faster. 

After a moment, you hunch over and follow his example by burying your face into his pillow and taking a deep breath, eyes still closed, almost huffing the smell of him. 

Now, your hearing isn’t as good as Hunter’s, but as you move and the pressure in your belly grows tighter, you hear something over the rustle of your body against the sheets and your own heavy breathing. It’s the bunk door opening, followed by familiar footsteps stopping short with a soft gasp, then a low groan. 

You give no indication that you know Tech is watching you; in fact he’s exactly where you want him. You slip a hand into your panties and grind yourself down on your fingers. Once you turn your hand just right, you come, hard, gasping and moaning his name as you do, clamping his pillow between your thighs even harder. You pause for a second to level out your breathing, and once you have, you quickly open your eyes and get to your feet, stopping a breath away from him before he can react. 

Tech barely has time to register that you’ve moved so quickly before your hands are on his shoulders, holding him tightly as you yank him forward into the room. In a fluid motion, you switch positions with him, blocking his only way out, though you don’t shut the door. He tries to say something, but his mouth and throat have suddenly gone completely dry and he can’t. You chuckle darkly before stepping closer to him again, softly shaking your head as you move. 

“Looks like you caught me,” you say, your voice low and husky. Still unable to speak, Tech swallows loudly and you rest your hands on his chest. 

“Good,” you say, leaning close enough to whisper in his ear. “I wanted you to. In fact, I’ve wanted you for a long time, Tech.” 

“Y-you-,” he stutters before clearing his throat. “Really? But- but why didn’t you say anything?”

“Oh, I did,” you say, leaning back and speaking plainly. “But you never seemed to react. Maybe ‘hey, we’ve got a few hours on the ship to ourselves’ wasn’t direct enough for you.” 

Tech’s eyes widen even further, and he curses under his breath. “Fuck, Crosshair was right,” he mumbles. “I’m such an idiot.” 

“Hey now,” you say, your voice softening again. “We both know that’s not true.” You lean in close enough that your lips are a single twitch away from his. “You’re not a coward either,” you say, locking eyes with him. Tech blusters and takes a few steps back from you. 

“N-no, you, you saw-?” he says, embarrassment and shame stopping him from finishing his sentence. 

“I did,” you admit, and he’s suddenly unable to look at anything but his feet. You hum thoughtfully, then reach out and gently lift his chin until he’s level with you again. “I’m not upset, Tech,” you say, and you see relief, quickly overshadowed by confusion, in his eyes. 

“Y-you’re not?”

“Not at all. I’m flattered, in fact,” you say, holding back a giggle when he gapes at you. “I will, however, apologize for sticking around and watching. Regardless of what you were doing, that was wrong of me.”

The confusion on his face deepens. “But I just did the same thing to you?”

“Call us even then, if you like. Now,” you say, your voice softening again, though you take a few steps away from him. “We’ve got a few hours on the ship to ourselves,” you repeat, pointedly watching him. “However we spend it is entirely up to you.” 

Taglist: @madameminor @kaminocasey @jennamelinda12 @arctrooper69 @the-cantina @jedi-hawkins @salaminus @bitchyglitterfox

To be added to or removed from this tag list, reply to this post.

[acavatica]

not to get political but... where would the andalite government be in the political spectrum? :O

This is somewhat based on my worldbuilding in Lies Agreed Upon, but I think it’s generally supported by canon.

Non-Marxist Communism: government-regulated collectivism; land is not owned by individuals, but assigned by the electorate based on status and need; there is no need for currency, and “gainful” work is optional; post-scarcity economy

Social authoritarianism: highly nationalist/imperialist/racist/ableist; military police state; rigid gender roles; canonically reorganized population into pastoral life instead of cities; canonical population/fertility control; canonical eugenics; propaganda game strong; illiberal democracy

The Andalite Chronicles has this bit of worldbuilding that really fascinates me:

<Long ago we had cities,> I explained. <But we were free-roaming herd animals to begin with. I mean, that's how we evolved. Millions of years ago Andalites moved in vast herds, which would split off into smaller herds at different times of the year. Then, gradually, we got used to forming smaller herds. Families, really. Each family made its scoop, and we each held our own grazing lands. All this Andalite environment you see is part of my family's grazing land.>

We came to a patch of Yeerkish territory and skirted around the blackened vegetation and sluggish pools. On the other side was a wide band of Andalite land which we walked through.

<Once we evolved to form families, we began to study science and nature. And again, over millions of years, we learned to build things. You know — weapons and vehicles that let us fly over the land. And communicators for extending the reach of thought-speak. Scoops became larger. Families joined with other families. Building grew. Soon we had thousands of Andalites all crammed together without enough grazing space. But we were learning space travel at the same time. Still, we weren't happy. We knew something was wrong. We broke down our cities, divided the land, and went back to life in simple family scoops. We kept building spaceships, but we did it in little bits and pieces, here and there, spread out through the tens of thousands of scoops. My own family does some of that. We design heat transfer components for fighters. Another family builds the pieces from our designs. Another family transports the pieces to the spaceport. I guess the three spaceports are about as close as we come to what you would call a city now.>

— The Andalite Chronicles, p. 79

This really stuck with me because I cannot conceive of every single Andalite in every single urban setting agreeing to willingly relocate. The way Elfangor describes it doesn’t make sense—“we broke down our cities, we divided the land.” Huge sweeping reorganization of society requires a central authority to undertake. What did they do with the Andalites who didn’t want to leave? Imagine telling literally ANY city “we’re dismantling this place, it’s for your own good, you’re moving to Montana.” You don’t have to imagine it, because it happens and some people stay until they are FORCED to leave. To me, the story that Elfangor tells is obvious propaganda.

It also reminded me of The Great Leap Forward (CCP 1958-62), but in reverse. imo, there’s no real-world analogue, but early in the process of conceptualizing the government and political history, I thought a lot about the Chinese Revolution, and asked myself “what if Maoist policies had been implemented ‘successfully’ and resulted in functioning authoritarian communism, and it’s thousands of years later.”

But also functionally, they’re Space United States in terms of being cops and telling the galaxy how it should be run.

Here’s what I got from the political compass test when I answered it ~as if I were the Andalite government~, but I think they should actually be higher on the authoritarian scale. They got skewed because they aren’t homophobic or theocratic, I think.

(I was a political science major; this is the part of the worldbuilding I get horny for. The nature parts are set dressing.)

[topaz-eyes]

Rules: pick any 10 of your fics, scroll somewhere to the mid point, pick a line, and share it! then tag 10 people.

Nabbed from @serricoj!

I took their excellent advice and used a random number generator to pick my fics.  Numbering goes from #1 (newest) to #211 (oldest).

1)

And soon enough there she was, peeking from a crack in the door, the alien who’d usurped Lucy Cartwright and wore her face.  "Hello, Sister-of-Mine," he greeted.

#58,  A Kinder Fate, Doctor Who (2005)

2)

You set out the modest meal on the table and wait, icy shaking hands wrapped around the steaming mug, hoping for calm, peace maybe, something soothing to settle the frayed thoughts of past friendship and uneasy forgiveness and what the hell do we do now?

#207,  Small Comforts, Harry Potter

3)

Ten years later, in her bedroom, in front of the larger-than-life image of Grandma Louise on her wall, Dad says, "There's something I want to tell you, Em."

#79,  Love You Forever (The Heart Remembers Overdub), Lie to Me

4)

Suddenly fed up with just sitting and drowning his sorrows, Wyatt jumped to his feet and slid out of the booth, knocking his empty mug over with his elbow.  Mac winced visibly at the crash.

#35,  Ouroboros, Strike Back

5)

"That's pretty cold even for you, Jimmy," he said, but without malice. "Wanting your missing brother to have frozen to death on the bitter streets of New York City."

#143,  In Confidence, House MD

6)

That alone was fascinating to contemplate, but he wasn't going to get the answer out of Wilson tonight.  He might as well continue the evening in bed, alone.

#137, Joker’s Wild, House MD

7)

It had been in the set of Jack's jaw, the slight slump of his shoulders, the way he'd avoided Tony's searching eyes and flinched at Tony's hand on his shoulder when Tony broke the bittersweet news.

#201, In Narrow Daylight, 24

8)

Twenty years later at another one-thirty AM, Dixie McCall RN, Head Nurse of the Emergency Department at Rampart General Hospital, was perched at her supply desk by the communications centre filling out the interminable paperwork, when a Roy DeSoto shaped shadow fell across her papers.

#11, Pay It Forward, Emergency! / M*A*S*H*

9)

Neil exhaled, reluctantly pulled the paper from Aurora's grasp, and scanned for where she had left off.  As he read aloud, he could have sworn he heard Tom reading right along with him.

#53,  Larks Still Bravely Singing, X Company

10)

“But now I think we should move the wedding up as soon as possible given the circumstances.  That is, if you want to get married.  To me.”  He cleared his throat then, and shied away from Johnny’s astounded face.

#6, There’s Got To Be A Morning After (if we can hold on through the night), Emergency!

Tagging: anyone who wants to do this!

[darklingichor]

Tea Time for the Traditionally Built, by Alexander McCall Smith

There is nothing wrong with this one, but I had a hard time with the main case. It had to do with soccer, and while it does its best to focused on the people, as both of our detective are in no way interested in sports, I must be even more disinterested because I had a hell of a time paying attention.

The other stories are much more interesting. Mma Ramotswe 's tiny and ancient white van is on its last legs and she does everything she can to save it. This leads us to learn more about the younger garage apprentice, including his name!

Mma Makutsi is distracted, to say the least because an old rival from the secretarial college has managed to get herself a job at Mma Makutsi 's fiancé 's furniture store. She is very worried that this woman will steal him away.

Mma Ramotswe 's foster son helps tremendously with the soccer case, and seems to be far happier than he has been in previous books.

I got a kick out of the fact that it took ten books to learn the younger apprentice 's name, and the fact that Mma Ramotswe 's mind wonders more than usual when dealing with a sports related case.

Okay! Last book of the year!

The total for this year was 79 (80 if you count the fact that I re ready Prairie Fires while I was visiting the Little Houses) And while I think my favorites of this go around were the Mma Ramotswe books, my examination of Laura Inglles Wilder's work was the most fun I have had doing what amounted to research since I did an academic paper on Indiana Jones.

I am looking forward to what I manage to read in 2024!

May your New Year, be peaceful!

[emperor-palpaminty]

Happy birthday, thanks for giving us the presents!

Because I’m easy to please, I’d love to see any of the cheesy flirty memes with either Fives, Jesse, Hardcase, and a fem!reader.

I could not find a more appropriate gif but look! F!reader and Fives (it made me giggle)

Bad pick up lines at 79's? Uh oh! Flirtation ensues!

Warning: discusses alcohol/drinking and they're at a bar/club.

The beat was heavy, but you liked that. The good thing about 79's was how loud the music was, or how little the drinks cost. War was expensive, so the least that the galaxy could do would be to provide alcohol for their troops. It was the least you could do, after all- shameless flirting could never harm anyone, right?

You stirred your ice, chest airy from all the dancing. You grabbed the glass and swirled it, glancing around the bar, eyes eventually settling on that one ARC trooper. He had a goofy smile, and his laughs filled the already stuffy room. You took a quiet sip, tapping a couple credits down. "Keep," You called softly, still watching the man. "Give that trooper what I'm having. The one with the forehead tattoo and the goatee."

The bartender nodded, snapping up the credit like a greedy turtle and turning to mix the drink. You stirred your own, shaking the glass slightly, listening to the ice clink just under the cacophony of the music.

You waited. The bartender walked out with the drink, setting it on the table. In a moment, the clone's eyes shifted your way, and you only raised your glass in response, smiling broadly.

It had only taken him about two minutes to sink into the stool next to you, a smirk on his lips. "Betcha wanted to rank me on a ten scale, huh?" He grinned, leaning forward, shooting you a wink. "It's a solid five out of Fives."

You blinked.

The clone winked again, rekindling his childish charm. "Because my name is... Fives."

"Oh." You glanced at the drink and laughed, looking between the bright grin on his lips and the half empty glass. "You do get that this was on a ten scale-?"

"Oh, hush." He chuckled. "I broke that scale. Always do."

You laughed as he raised his cup, meeting his glass halfway and tapping them together. It was sure to be an interesting night.

[jangofctts]

omg I just read so much of your writing and I’m 🥺🥰🥲🥵 the absolute royalty shit that we see here today. i’ve recently discovered I am very into ~thigh riding~ so do u have any thots on how our boys (especially our clone babes) feel about it? much obliged

IVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS ALL DAY KEJHKJRH SO HERE YOU GO OMG

boba: yEs--boba absolutely adORES when you crawl into his lap and straddle his thigh. he’ll either pat his lap and invite you up or it’s one of those times when he’s intentionally ignoring you and you have force your way onto his lap so he has to pay attention. imo the first time you ride his thigh you weren't intending to, you wanted to fuck him but with boba, if you want something from him he’s gonna do it his way or twist it into something to tease you. so he’ll say something like “if you’re so desperate, ride my thigh” or maybe “ride my thigh and then we’ll see if you deserve my cock.” he’ll sit back and enjoy the show with a smug grin, one hand gripping your hip. he’s not controlling your pace, it’s mostly just there as an anchor bc you’re gonna be doing all the work. you’re lucky if you get to ride his bare thigh, but most of the time he’s got pants on so they always end up soaked after you cum and boba always teases you for it, “ruined another pair of pants, little one” but really he isn't even one to talk, he’ll be rock hard and leaking through his pants too. he’ll also nine times out of ten put his fingers or thumb into your mouth to suck on while he flexes and pushes the hard muscle of his thigh up to your cunt. he likes that satisfaction of knowing that even his thigh can make you shudder and whine his name--a bit of a power trip esp if he’s sitting on the throne. he’ll fuck you nice and hard afterwards if you’re a good little princess for him          

din: din wants you to ride the beskar thigh plating. he doesn't realize it’s a thing he finds arousing until you sit over his thigh and he sees the heat from your thighs fog up the metal while your arousal smears over the shiny beskar. literally it’s like something just CRACKS in him and he goes feral for it. a dark thrill that comes from seeing your cunt drip over his precious armor, something so sacrilegious that shouldn't be arousing but it’s the hottest thing he’s ever seen. sure, it’s a bit cold at first but the more you get into it the quicker it heats up--it’s slippery too, not a lot of friction unless you drag your clit over the seams of the armor, but with din’s hands holding onto your hips and dragging you over his thigh, it’s not long before you cum. din is gonna be encouraging you the whole time, just a constant flow of praise and little moans of his own. he might bury a hand in your hair or slip off his glove and touch your clit when your hips roll up into his hand. he’d loose his mind if you lended a hand and palmed him through his pants. he doesn't even care if he ruins his trousers, he’s just so...fixated on the hypnotic motions of your hips rolling over his thigh, your wetness dripping off the plating and onto the floor. he might focus on your mouth, parted with gasping moans or how they roll the syllable of his name. he likes to watch you come undone like this, shuddering and whiney as you cum and eventually roll off his thigh. he probably busts a nut right then and there if you start to roll your tongue over the beskar, happily cleaning up the mess you made. but....sometimes...lick it off himself just to get a taste of you       

paz: big boy blue ALSO likes when you ride his beskar, but he likes it better when the armor is off and he gets to feel your wetness for himself. he has big ol’ beefy thighs and likes when you straddle one and start to ride him like that. imo he likes it when youre pressed up right near his cock so when you roll forward your own thigh brushes against his cock. it’s also just easier for him to grab your hips, set a pace and watch you squirm and whine. ngl he’s more interested in fucking you, so he’ll get cheeky and start jerking his thigh or holding you in place while he circles his thumb over your clit. p much will sabotage your wild ride and convince you to slide onto his cock instead. though,....if you were to tie him up, tease him bye riding his thigh, he might like that :)  

rex: oH rexY BOY--listen, rex has heard ALL about thigh riding, or rather what the clones like to call it, “paint job”. he doesn't understand the big deal, thinks that it’d be a complete hassle to clean and what not. in my oPiNiOn he’ll be sitting with you in an empty break room or on a couch, you both have feelings for each other but nothing's been said yet. somehow the topic of paint jobs come up and he tells you what he thinks and how it “couldn't possibly feel good, blah blah blah”. you just roll your eyes and you ask if he’s even tried it. he definitely blushes and mumbles out a no and with a leap of faith you ask him if he wants you to ride his thigh. baby boy rex gets very shy and embarrassed about it but he’s not gonna say no. so you’ll flash him a little grin and peel off your pants and your over shirt, make rex relax against the back of the couch/chair and sit over his plastoid covered thigh. even though when you start to grind on his thigh you still have your underwear on, rex with pick a corner of the room to just stare at. it’s not because he doesn't like you, he’s just incredibly shy and afraid he’ll cum in his pants if he looks at you. you gotta cup his jaw and force him to look at you. when that happens his eye will immediately drop to between your legs and just moan at the sight. he gets it now. seeing your arousal that’s already leaking through the thin fabric and staining the blue and white plastoid--he has to grip the fucking sidearm to anchor himself. his armor is one of the only things that he owns and is proud of, so seeing you riding his thigh, moaning and whimpering his name he goes wild for that shit. unfortunately he does end up cumming in his pants but eh fuck it. it was worth it   

cody: he likes when you ride his thigh in semi public places like the 79′s, debrief room, gunships, you name it. imma explain the 79′s scenario bc im a whore but anyway, cody likes to bring you on dates there, one because the drinks are free for him, two it’s dark and so unless someone is really looking at the two of you, it’s pretty secluded. he always chooses a back corner table and after a couple drinks you start to get handsy--nuzzling his neck and wiggling your fingers between the gaps separating his thigh and codpiece. it alWAYS starts like that. cody will chuckle, push his nose into your neck and nibble a line up to your ear, then bite down onto the cartilage. in that dark, rumbly voice he might sigh “such a depraved little creature. we’re in public”. but you can feel his smile and how is pulse quickens under your fingertips. cody will sigh and shake his head as he pulls you onto his lap, bUT--he’s gonna have you with your back to his chest plate, your dress/skirt/pants rolled up or down just barely in the view of anyone who glances over or looks a little closer. it’d be no secret what you both were up to but cody likes that. dude doesn't have any shame and so he’ll wrap an arm over your hip, push you panties to the side and slide his fingers through your folds. once they're coated in your arousal he might pop them into his mouth or yours, clean them off then flex his thigh onto your pussy. when he asks you to grind on his thigh you readily agree. while you ride his thigh he’ll nibble at your throat and suck bruises onto your skin, either watching your wet pussy slide over the plastoid armor or on the look out in case one of his brothers comes near. one time, just as you started to cum, a couple fresh shiny’s got an entire eyeful of you arching and burying your nose into cody’s neck as he rolled his fingers over your clit. safe to say they were a bit spooked--but of course, cody thought it was the funniest thing and couldn't stop laughing even if you were close to tears with embarrassment. now....he doesn't invite anyone to watch, but he wouldn't say no to a few prying eyes          

wolffe: I feel like with wolffe, it’s gonna be right after a mission--one of you might've almost died or gotten real hurt so he’s not thinking about fucking you properly--he just want his mouth on yours, hands buried in your hair as he pins you against the wall. I dont think he initially meant for you to ride his thigh, but when he wedges it between your legs and you moan into his mouth the second he increases the pressure, he freezes. he’ll do it again and when it receives the same reaction from you he smirks and tugs on your hair and might say smthn like “you like that? if you wanted to ride my thigh you could've asked sooner”. he’s either focused on your face or on your pussy, just soaking up all your little reactions or twitches when you roll your cunt over the plastoid. he'll have both hands on your hips, helping you grin up on him, while you either cup his face or grip his arm. either way youre in for a wild fucking ride--wolffe tbh wants to see his armor dripping by the time he’s done with you. sO do nOT be surprised if he just, doesn't let you stop, pushes you to keep going until he’s satisfied. imo I think he’ll make you lick it up after, or just in general would really Like It if you run your tongue over any part of his armor. he likes to be Appreciated :)

wrecker (im sorry I just nEEDed to include him kejkejh): honestly since baby boy wrecker is uh, so big, thigh riding is some of the first things you try with him. you’ll both be butt ass naked bc it’s just easier to explore like this, and while wrecker is eager he knows he has to think about his strength in order not to overwhelm or hurt you unintentionally. he’s a bit of a goof ball so when you straddle his thigh and bring his thicC fingers to your cunt he’ll smile and say some shit like “wow, you’re wet” or like “is it always this wet/soft?” he doesn't mean for it to be teasing, it's more like he’s just stating a fact bc he’s curious about you. you just nod and say it’s all for you, baby/only for you. the second you put your cunt over his thigh he’ll curse and clamp his hands around your hips or ribcage, and just to make the experience all that better for him, you’ll jerk him off while you ride him. wrecker is very vocal/loud and so you’ll know exactly what you’re doing that he likes--he’ll probably tell you how pretty you look, or how good you smell etc., that bOY IS SO FULL OF LOVE and just wants to tell you! it doesn't take long for him to spill into your hand, he shakes and no doubt wakes up half the barrack/ship but who the fuck cares. you just smile and continue to ride his thigh, chasing your own thigh. once he recovers a bit, you can grab his fingers and show him how you like to be touched. he’s a surprisingly quick learner with this and so it doesn't take long for you to cum. afterwards he’ll run his fingers over his thigh, collect the mess you left and taste you and maybe say “you should ride my face. can we do that?”     

[rowansparrow]

By Any Other Name: Chapter Seven

Summary: You and Rex have a conversation on the rooftop.

Chapter Rating: Teen 

Warnings: Alcohol, some drunk-ness. Sad, so very sad.

Ships: Rex x Female!Reader, Fives x Female!Reader, Clone OC x Female!Reader, other ships tbd.

Tags: #ByAnyOtherName, #BAON

Word Count: 3.1k

A/N: *insert that Always Sunny in Philadelphia Meme: “NEWSFLASH ASSHOLE, REX HAS BEEN IN LOVE WITH READER THE ENTIRE GODDAMN TIME* As always, bless @fat-zygerrian for being my beta reader!

Comment if you want to be tagged! Reblogs are SO appreciated!

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six

You were supposed to meet him that night.

You’d planned on going to 79’s instead of the rooftop as usual. Rose said the boys had missed you and wanted to play cards again. You’d gotten all dolled up and were about to head out when your comm beeped.

“Hey,” You grinned, shutting your apartment door behind you. “I was just heading out.”

“Yeah… about that,” Rose sounded embarrassed. “There’s been a change in plans. I won’t be able to make it. In fact, none of us will. We got – err – held up on base.”

“Really?” You asked, pausing as you started to head down to the main level of your building. “Okay… well can we meet after?”

“I’m not supposed to go off base but – yeah, yeah I’ll see what I can do. Keep your comm close.”

He hung up and you hesitated in the stairwell for a beat. Fuck it. Even if Rose couldn’t come along, you were still going to have a nice time tonight!

You had gotten more confident about going to 79’s ever since you and Rose had gotten close. You could recognize a few distinct faces now, just from people Rose had pointed out to you or introduced to you in passing. There was a notable absence of 501st blue, which at least confirmed Rose wasn’t just ditching you and had in fact gotten held up at the base with the rest of his battalion.

You approached the bar, settling in and glancing around to look for any familiar faces to keep you company while you waited for Rose. Further down the bar, you spotted Marshal Commander Cody and your breath hitched for just a moment. Rose had told you all about him – the most highly decorated clone soldier in the entire Republic Army. You would’ve been able to guess it even if Rose hadn’t told you about the curved scar on the side of his face. For the way Cody carried himself, even here, held an air of authority, of gravitas and poise.

He was talking to someone, the other person obscured by his own body. You ordered a drink, trying not to look as starstruck by the Commander as you felt.

“I’d try your luck with someone a little less ranked if I were you,” The bartender teased, catching you staring. “I’ve never once seen the Marshal Commander take up an offer to go home with somebody.”

“That’s – that isn’t my intention.” You blushed, taking the drink with a short huff. Still, you glanced at Cody again and watched him clap his hand on the shoulder of the man he’d been speaking with.

“Alright, see you around, Rex ‘ole boy. Stay out of trouble.”

Now that made you turn instantly. As Cody moved away, you were able to get a better look at the man he’d been talking to, and gods above, it was him. It was Captain Rex. Rose had told you so many stories about him that it felt strange finally seeing him in the flesh.

Rose had warned you about how much trouble you both could get in if anyone ever found out you were seeing each other. Your friendship was frowned upon enough as is, but now that it had become something more, Rose had given you the full dressing-down on what could happen to him if you were ever caught.

As such, you hadn’t ever met Rose’s superior officer, and since Rose wasn’t here…

You downed the rest of your drink quickly. There’s no reason the Captain would be suspicious of you. Besides, you wanted to meet him, get to know the man who was such a huge part of Rose’s life.

You wanted to meet his family.

“Hi.”

In truth, maybe your introduction could’ve been a little stronger. But as you sidled over to the Captain and leaned one hand on the bar, he gave you a small smile, nodding once.

“Ma’am.”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

Rex seemed surprised and looked you over carefully. He seemed to be waging a war with himself for a split second but eventually nodded.

“I don’t see why not.”

You grinned, settling into the seat beside him and waving the bartender over, tucking a hand under your chin. “What’s your name? I’m Y/N.”

“Rex.” He replied, offering his hand to shake. You repressed the urge to giggle. He was such a gentleman.

“What do you drink, Rex?”

He chuckled. “Whiskey.”

“Two of those, then.” You told the bartender. Rex’s eyebrow jumped up but you barely noticed.

“So. You must be a Captain, right? With all this fancy gear?” You said, motioning to his pauldron and kama.

“How d’you know I’m not just some ARC trooper who likes showing off?” Rex replied, smirking and leaning forward a bit.

“I’ve met an ARC trooper or two, and you don’t seem the type to boast.”

Rex chuckled again, taking his glass as the bartender returned. “You must get around, then.”

It wasn’t an insult and you didn’t take it as such. “Maybe I’m just good at making friends.”

Rex smiled and his eyes seemed to appraise you for a moment, taking all of you in, calculating. He took a swig.

“You here with any of those friends?” He asked.

“All alone, tonight.” You replied. “My friends got held up and you looked lonely. Thought I’d keep you company. It’s the least I can do for a soldier like you.”

Rex chuckled, low and sweet. “Most pretty girls don’t just find themselves in 79’s.” Rex drawled, setting his glass down again. “From what I can tell, they’re usually looking for trouble.”

He turned slightly to face you better. “Are you looking for trouble, mesh’la?”

Your heart skipped a beat. You knew that word, but didn’t know what it meant. Rose had called you that before.

“It looks like I already found it.” You replied.

Rex grinned. “Then I guess you better stay close so I can keep a proper eye on you.”

You chuckled, picking up your own drink and finally taking a sip. The whiskey burned your throat but it warmed you to the core. Rex looked impressed which was its own bonus.

“You never answered my question.” You said. “Are you a Captain?”

“I command the 501st attack battalion.” Rex said, a note of pride in his voice.

“Ah, then you must know Echo and Fives.” You prompted.

Rex seemed to age ten years at just the mention of their names. “I take it those are the ARC troopers you’ve met?” He asked. “My condolences.”

You giggled. “We played cards a few times. They’re nice but definitely a handful.”

“They’re all a handful.” Rex waved over the bartender to get another drink. “Every last one of them. That’s why none of them were allowed off base tonight.”

“Oh?” You grinned. “Do tell.”

Once he got going talking about his men, he couldn’t stop. Rex regaled you with the story of how earlier that afternoon he’d discovered his men were not only hiding a loth cat in the barracks, but it had given birth. They had managed to keep it a secret for weeks until the kittens started wreaking havoc. According to his men, Fives and Hardcase had been the ringleaders.

“That’s what they all say at least.” Rex amended. “’Course, Fives’ll take credit for just about anything. But Rose and Echo were suspiciously quiet the whole time. Kix was the only one with the good sense not to show his face in the barracks when I caught them. Still, I’ve got a feeling he encouraged the others to go along with it. Di’kuts, all of them.”

He shook his head but smiled as you laughed. “Anyway. They’re cleaning up the mess and finding natborns to rehome all the kits with. And when they finish with that, they’re supposed to take over the latrine shifts and canteen shifts for any other battalions.”

“Aw, seems a steep punishment for hiding loth cats.” You laughed.

“You didn’t see the state of the barracks.” Rex said, shaking his head slowly. “Apparently a bucket of paint got upended. They should all be scrubbing paw prints out of the durasteel right about now.”

You smiled fondly at Rex. Even as he retold the story, you could tell he was trying not to smile at the antics. It was clear he cared very deeply for his men, even if he had to be the tired parent of them all.

“Sounds like they wear you out.” You teased. “You deserve a break.”

“Are you offering me one?” Rex prompted.

You tilted your head to the side. “What do you mean?”

Rex smirked, and downed the rest of his drink. He took a deep breath, as though he was steeling himself to ask you something.

“Y/N!”

You recognized the voice and turned quickly as Rose hurried up to you. He had a small streak of blue paint across his cheek, but otherwise was beaming.

“Hey, you should’ve told me you’d be here. I went all the way to your apartment and had to backtrack -.”

He noticed the Captain a beat too late and you watched as all the color comically drained from his face. “Captain! Sir!” He snapped to attention. “I ah – I can explain…”

You glanced between Rose and Rex, your own heart pounding. Rose had all but given away the two of you were seeing each other. Rex looked at Rose before looking at you. He then turned to his glass, picking it up and making a big scene of looking it over.

“Sir…?” Rose asked nervously.

“Oh, I’m just inspecting my beverage.” Rex replied smoothly. “I must’ve been drugged you see, because surely I am not seeing my Lieutenant standing here, not when he is under strict orders to stay on base tonight.”

Rose cringed. “Yeah, sir, about that -.”

“It’s my fault.” You spoke up quickly, throwing together a lie. “Rose and I met yesterday, we’d been playing Sabacc with some of his brothers and he very kindly walked me home afterwards. I promised him drinks tonight to thank him and I wouldn’t take no for an answer.” You glanced to Rose. “He was just being a gentleman.”

Rex raised an eyebrow, glancing at Rose. “Funny.” He said. “Could’ve sworn I saw you in the weight room with Fives last night.”

“We… came here afterwards sir.” Rose lied, shifting a little closer to you, almost protective. “Ask him, he’ll say the same thing.”

“I’m sure he will.” Rex stood, picking his helmet up off the counter and knocked his knuckles lightly against the bar. “It was lovely to meet you, ma’am.” He said. “Rose?”

Your soldier stood at attention once again but Rex just put a hand on his shoulder.

“We have a briefing tomorrow morning. Oh-eight-hundred. Don’t be late.”

“Thank you, sir.” Rose was barely audible over the roar of the music in the bar. He looked like his knees would give out at any moment.

You could’ve sworn you saw Rex give Rose a little wink, but it must’ve been a trick of the light. He gave you one last nod before quietly departing.

Neither you nor Rose saw him glance back at you over his shoulder one last time before stepping out of the bar.

~

You’d lost track of how long you sat on the roof with Rex. Partially because he’d gone downstairs and returned with a bottle of your favorite whiskey and two glasses, pouring drinks for you both.

“For Rose,” Rex toasted, clinking your glasses together.

You smiled and for the first time that you could remember, Rose’s name didn’t make your heart ache. “For Rose.”

You both tossed the glasses back, that familiar burn searing your throat and chest before you shook yourself out, watching as Rex poured you both a second glass, entirely unfazed.

“He was very unsubtle about sneaking off base to go see you.” Rex told you, leaning back on one hand and closing his eyes as the breeze kissed his cheeks. “I’d give him a job and it would either be done in record time or it would’ve been passed off to somebody else. He once almost missed a debriefing because he’d spent the night with you. Skidded in right as I was about to start.” He chuckled. “I didn’t mind. He was happy. Gods know we soldiers deserve whatever happiness we can find.”

You hummed, smiling as you took another drink. “He talked about you all the time.” You said, leaning slightly against Rex’s side. “Idolized you, actually. He told me about the battles you’d been in together, how well you led your men.” You smiled to yourself, finishing your second drink and making your way towards a third. “He told me about that virus. Blue Shadow Virus, right?”

Rex hummed, getting himself another drink as well. “That was an ugly mission.”

“He said you were hovering a lot.” You teased. “Because he was always so sick when he was little. You were worried about him.”

“Brothers were dropping dead, left and right. Hells, even Commander Tano passed out at one point.” Rex recalled, shuddering to himself. “I thought we were all going to die.”

“He told me he wasn’t scared because you weren’t scared.” You smiled. “I guess you did a good job of hiding it.”

“He had way too many close calls.” Rex chuckled. “That virus almost took him out. We got rescued just in time. There was another time he was scouting with me and a few others on Saleucami -.”

“I remember that. You were shot.” You recalled and Rex chuckled.

“He really did tell you everything, didn’t he?”

“He was terrified. He told me he thought you were dead, the way you flew off the back of the speeder after getting hit..” You murmured.

“What he probably didn’t tell you is that shot just barely missed him.” Rex replied. “I’d been leading but he’d circled around me to get in front. He was goofing around with Hardcase. Bolt whizzed just an inch past his head and hit me instead. He had a blaster burn on the side of his helmet to prove it.”

You shuddered at the thought. “He didn’t tell me that part.”

“Probably also didn’t tell you that he got shot pretty good on Toydaria.” Rex replied. “Not once, but twice, once in the leg and another straight through the chest. Kix thought for sure he was a goner.”

You were familiar with those wounds. A frown pulled your lips. “He didn’t tell me. I had to find them myself.” You grumbled, still bitter. “He’d come back from the mission and told me he’d gotten hurt, but it was nothing serious.” You threw back your drink again. “Bantha shit, if I brushed against him, he winced. Finally made him show me.”

“I’m sure he got an earful after that.” Rex laughed.

“Oh, he did. And he wasn’t even that bothered that he’d nearly died, no, he was more concerned about the fact that his tattoos had been damaged by the shots. He was worried he wouldn’t be able to get new ink over the scars.” You rolled your eyes. “That man…”

“He was just trying not to worry you.” Rex smiled, taking another drink.

“I always worry.” You murmured, rubbing your thumb along the rim of your glass. “Always. About all of you. I always worried that one day Rose would come home and tell me something had happened to Fives, Echo, you… or any of the others.” You chuckled humorlessly, finishing your drink. “And then… one day you showed up at my door instead.”

A heavy silence fell between you. Rex took your empty glass, filling it up once again.

“It seems so silly.” You said. “That he should survive all of that and then just get shot and killed during a routine supply drop. I thought he was unbreakable.” You shook your head. “Guess I was wrong.”

Rex wouldn’t look you in the eye, instead focusing very intently on the glass in his hands.

“It was quick.” Rex said finally, still avoiding your eyes. “He didn’t feel anything. I promise.”

“I know.” You gave him a small, sad smile, squeezing his bicep gently. “And I guess I have that at least. At least… at least I know he didn’t suffer. He wasn’t alone or – or afraid.”

You smiled wistfully, looking out over the skyline.

“There’s a dress in my closet,” You began. “It’s nothing fancy, just a white sundress with lace around the hem and sleeves.”

Rex already seemed to know where this was going. He took a very long drink and followed your gaze out towards the skyline.

“We were going to leave together.” You said quietly. “Get married. Have a family. He had this whole, crazy plan.” You chuckled. “I’d told him I wanted to think about it. It was a big decision, he’d be on the run for the rest of his life, hiding from the Republic. And I’d be part of that.”

You glanced over at Rex. “He told me he was going to tell you. He said we could trust you. Did he ever…?”

Rex shook his head. “No. He never got the chance.”

You nodded, turning back towards the sky. “I was going to say yes.” You whispered. “I was going to go with him when he came back. We were going to run away together… It was all very romantic.” You shook your head, staring down at your glass. “And it was so stupid.”

Rex was quiet for several long moments until finally he rose to his feet, offering you his hand.

“C’mon.” he murmured. “I think that’s enough drinking for one night. Let’s get you home.”

You nodded, taking his hand and letting him pull you to your feet. You swayed. You didn’t realize how much you’d had to drink until you stumbled, falling slightly against his chest.

“The Rose Lounge owner can’t hold her liquor?” Rex teased. “Ironic.”

“Shuddup.” You mumbled, giving him a little shove. “I can walk.”

“Oh no you can’t, Tipsy. C’mere.” He crouched down slightly, and you slumped against his back. He picked you up with ease, bouncing you once to hike you higher up his back. He wrapped his arms around your legs, holding them snug against his torso while your hands wrapped around his shoulders.

“Don’t puke on me.” Rex warned, carrying you piggyback style towards the stairs.

“’M gonna fall off.” You muttered.

“No you won’t. Trust me.”

Your eyes were heavy, cheek pressed against the back of Rex’s neck and you remembered a time very long ago when another man had carried you on his back to this rooftop, and said the very same thing.

“I trust you, Rose.”

Rex was still. You hadn’t noticed your slip, your eyes already slipping closed.

“Okay.” His voice echoed. “I’ve got you.”

I’ve got you.

~

TAG LIST:  @fat-zygerrian @ladydiomede @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life @threevie @cheesemachine44 @bubblyacey @fivedicksinatrenchcoat @loverofclones @starwarsgarbage @hockeyjedi13 @crazygirlwithasword @dar-manda-rjct @gotomarvelgal @baba-fett @whore4rex

[10-porgs-in-a-trenchcoat]

Selfies, Tea, and Photography

AO3

Pairing: Commander Fox x GN!Reader Pen Pal Fic

Premise: based off this post I made a while back where I mused on the concept of a clone/reader insert pen pal fic. Starting off with Fox based on a suggestion by @istanmyman

Word count: ~3.9k 

Rating: G

Other notes: Gender-neutral reader, no use of Y/N, apparently I can only write Thorn as Fox’s best bro and nosy wingman 

--

When you heard the news that the Grand Army of the Republic was starting up a correspondence program for troopers and civilians to connect and communicate, you immediately signed up for it. Not that your friends and family weren’t enough for you, it was just that you itched to learn more about the galaxy and what it was like to live and travel among the stars. Enrolling in the program was the closest you were going to get until you were able to travel yourself.

(That, and you were curious to learn more about the clones who were fighting for the Republic.)

Around a month after signing up for the program, you learned you were matched with CC-1010, also known as “Fox.” A few days after learning about your match, you received your first message from him.

Hello,

I am Commander Fox of the Coruscant Guard. I am stationed on Coruscant, where I oversee the security of the Senate, manage operations at the military base on the planet, and coordinate with local authorities to maintain public safety. My fellow Guard Commanders and I are participating in this correspondence program to connect with Republic citizens we have sworn to protect and defend. I look forward to communicating with you.

Regards,

Commander Fox

His opening message was … something. It read like he didn’t want to be in the program, like his fellow Commanders may have forced him to do it with them. You also supposed he may have not known how else to introduce himself, and that was the best way he could think of to make a good first impression.

Regardless of the reason for his overly stiff and formal introduction, you wrote up your first message to Fox:

Hello Commander Fox, it’s nice to meet you!

I live on Naboo, in a small town in the lake country. I have a job in my grandmother’s tea shop. It’s not nearly as exciting as guarding Senators or catching bad guys, but it’s quiet and peaceful. I’m saving up to travel the galaxy one day, and until then the next best thing is talking with people like you who live in different places.

I do have some questions for you: what’s it like living on Coruscant? What do you do in your free time? Do you have any exciting stories about saving Senators from Separatists that you can share?

Hope to hear from you soon!

You signed with your name and sent the message.

A few days later, Fox sent his response. He greeted you by name in his opening line then went on to say:

Coruscant is loud, crowded, and messy. Feels like the planet never sleeps, with all the noise and lights at all hours of the day. My troopers and I live in barracks on the surface, and we don’t get much free time. Some of the boys like to go to this bar called 79’s that a lot of clones frequent. It’s not my favorite place, though. When I have free time, I like to relax with a good book, watch holodramas, or catch up on sleep. The work we do is important and a great service to the Republic, but a quiet peaceful life on Naboo with no excitement would be a welcome change of pace compared to my current station.

I haven’t rescued any Senators in the line of duty, but I did help Senator Amidala arrest Ziro the Hutt at the beginning of the war. I like Senator Amidala, she has a good head on her shoulders.

(She’s your Senator, isn’t she?)

I hope that’s what you were wanting to hear.

Looking forward to your response,

Commander Fox

You smiled to yourself as you read his message, and you imagined him in full armor laying back in a bed reading a book. Quiet, restful moments that you took for granted in your quiet life must have been sacred to a man like Fox.

The following day, you hiked out to the nearest lake to take pictures. You made sure to capture the lush green grass surrounding the lake, the colorful wildflowers growing along the shore, the sparkling crystal blue waters, and the majestic waterfalls that poured water into the lake. You made sure to include the pictures in the next message you wrote to Fox:

Senator Amidala is indeed from Naboo. She was our Queen too, back when I was younger. Everyone in my town loves her, and my grandma even has her royal portrait on display in the shop.

Not much has really happened since I last wrote to you. But I did go out and take some pictures of a nearby lake! The pictures are included with this message. I hope they can give you a small taste of my quiet life here.

--

Three weeks went by, and you hadn’t received a message from Fox. At first you figured he was busy with his duties. Then you worried that your pictures of the lake soured his mood, reminding him of something he couldn’t have. Then … you feared the worst.

One day after work, you went home and checked your message inbox on your computer. There was a message waiting for you from Fox. You breathed a sigh of relief as you opened it and read:

I’m sorry it took me so long to write you back. There was a bombing that took out the Senate’s power grid, and then a hostage crisis with bounty hunters, and then Ziro the Hutt escaped from prison. When I haven’t been scouring the city for Ziro or his accomplices, I have been neck-deep in paperwork.

Ironic, how right after I brag about helping bring Ziro into custody, he escapes.

I appreciate the pictures you sent me. Naboo looks like a beautiful planet. I would love to visit someday.

~ Fox

You took note of how he signed off with just his name, not his rank, and then you leaned back in your chair to mull over what to say to him. Your first idea was to invite him to visit Naboo once the war was over, but who knew when that would be. Unable to think of anything to say, you decided to come back to it later as you went about your evening.

The next day while you were at work, you served a customer some herbal tea that was supposed to have a relaxing effect. The customer didn’t stick around long enough for you to see if it worked, but you took a tin full of the loose-leaf tea home with you after your shift. You reviewed the rules of the correspondence program, confirming that it would be appropriate to send a package to Fox, and then you packaged the tea up and took it to the shipping depot to send to Coruscant.

Stars, shipping items to Coruscant was expensive. Fox better like that tea, you thought.

Hello Fox,

I don’t mind that you wrote late. I’m just glad that nothing happened to you.

That really is some rotten luck, Ziro escaping. I hope you or the Jedi catch him and take him back to prison. In the meantime, remember to rest and take care of yourself! Coruscant needs a great Commander like you looking out for it, and I like having you as my pen pal.

I sent you a package with some tea from the shop. It’s a relaxation blend. I haven’t tried it, but it’s popular with customers. It should arrive in the next rotation or two. Hope you like it.

Three days later you got his next message:

The tea is wonderful. I had a cup of it an hour before going to bed, and I had the best sleep of my life. Thank you.

~Fox

Short and sweet, but you couldn’t ask for more.

--

Over the following weeks you and Fox continued to exchange messages. The two of you discovered that you shared a common interest in a holodrama series and dedicated several messages to discussing it and predicting what might happen in the coming episodes. You sent him more pictures of the countryside and of your village, and he sent you pictures of the Coruscant skyline at sunset: the way the golden light of the sun glinted off the shining chrome towers was one of the most beautiful things you had ever seen, and it moved Coruscant up a few spots on your list of places to visit.

At one point you looked up pictures of the clones on the Holonet to get an idea of what Fox might look like. However, the only pictures of the troopers you could find showed them with their helmets on. The closest you could get was a ten-year-old picture of Jango Fett; Jango was ridiculously handsome, so it would stand to reason that Fox would be too.

Fox gradually began loosening up, and he shared stories about growing up on Kamino or shenanigans his brothers got into. He hinted at there being some interpersonal drama among some Senators, but he didn’t name names since he knew the supervisors of the correspondence program read his messages before sending them to you, to make sure he wasn’t divulging information he shouldn’t be.

Fox also asked you more questions about your life. You told him about your childhood, your relationship with your parents, how you got your job at your grandmother’s shop, about your friends that moved to Theed for work or university studies, and all the places in the galaxy you wanted to visit.

You mentioned wanting to see Felucia, and in his next message Fox included pictures of the planet’s colorful trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs – including a few at night, when the vegetation gave off a bioluminescent glow.

One of my fellow Commanders spends a lot of time doing missions on Felucia. I asked him for pictures to show you and he took these and sent them to me.

I’m trying to get him to join this correspondence program too, but he won’t agree to it. He spends a lot of time with his Jedi, maybe that’s enough for him.

I’ve had a lot of mixed feelings about not having a Jedi. I think about how some of them seem like a pain to work with and that it might not be worth the trouble, but then I see other Jedi treat the men under their command as friends or even family.

Which is why I’ve come to appreciate your messages. When I get them, they’re the highlight of my day. For a brief amount of time I feel like a normal person. I’ve never met you face-to-face, I don’t even know what you look like, but I consider you a friend.

~Fox

Getting pictures of Felucia from Fox made you feel all warm and fluttery inside. What he said about feeling like a normal person did as well, but it broke your heart at the same time. You wanted to stow away on a ship to Coruscant to give him a hug, and then go kick the behinds of anyone who ever made him feel bad about himself. Especially since he and his brothers worked so hard to keep people safe … it was a crime that they weren’t getting the recognition they deserved.

You snapped a picture of yourself to include in your next message, making sure the lighting and angle were just right so you looked your best. It also helped that you just happened to be wearing a color that you thought you looked good in.

Thank you for the pictures of Felucia! When I look at them it’s almost like I’m actually there. Please pass my gratitude along to your brother who took them.

I think of you as a friend too. I’m grateful to have you defending the Republic, and I’m glad to have you as my pen pal.

I don’t have much to offer you right now, other than a picture of me. At least now you can know what I look like.

You sent the message with the picture, leaned back in your chair, and watched the monitor of your computer. You knew that Fox wasn’t going to write back that same night, but you imagined him opening the message, reading your words, seeing your picture, and smiling the way his message made you smile.

Oh.

Oh no.

Were you developing a crush on him?

…

…

Then again, so what if you were? You didn’t have to tell him, you could hide it. He was parsecs away on another planet. And he was a clone; would he even be allowed to date if he wanted to? Nothing would or could come of it. If a crush was forming, with any luck it would go away on its own. But that didn’t stop you from double-checking how many credits you had in your savings and comparing that number to the cost for a ticket to Coruscant.

--

Four days went by during which you went about your usual business, often distracted by thoughts of Fox how his day might have been going. Maybe he was chasing Separatists or criminals around, or maybe he was buried under another mound of paperwork. You wondered if he caught the newest episode of the holodrama you both liked; you couldn’t wait to talk about it with him. That little crush you were sure would fade away wasn’t going anywhere, and it both delighted and frustrated you.

The first thing you did after you got home from your shift was check your messages. It had become routine at this point, especially since a new message from him easily became the highlight of your day. However, the message in your inbox – presumably from Fox – was not what you thought it would be:

Greetings, Fox’s Pen Pal!

I don’t know if you’ve noticed yet, but Fox has it BAD for you. I’ve been watching him write these messages to you and hemming and hawing around the barracks and his office making sure he gets every word just right. He’s got your pictures of the lakes and fields on Naboo framed on the wall of his office, he drank all that tea you sent him and he still keeps the tin on his desk right next to your selfie. And if you knew the amount of favors he had to cash in to get our brother Bly to get those pictures of Felucia for you! (it’s a lot, trust me)

Anyway, I thought you ought to know. I told him to make a move and be honest about his feelings but he’s shy. So even though I might be overstepping some boundaries, I feel like it’s my brotherly duty to intervene on his behalf. If there’s a chance you might feel the same way, you should tell him. If you don’t, proceed how you will but please go easy on him.

If it influences your decision-making process at all, I included a picture of him. He’s a good-looking guy if I do say so myself, although he’s not as handsome as me 😉

Yours truly,

Commander Thorn

PS – please don’t tell Fox that I wrote you using his account.

You sat at your computer, staring blankly at the words on the screen, taking minutes to process what you just read … and then you remembered there was a picture attached to the message, so you opened up the attachment.

Jango Fett may have been handsome, but Fox was gorgeous. He looked like he was in his early- or mid-twenties, although there were wisps of gray hair above his ears by his temples. His hair was cropped close along the sides and longer on top, and you took a minute to admire his curl pattern. He wasn’t smiling in the picture, his face wearing a more neutral resting expression that showed off the scar running along the corner of his mouth. Finally, you noticed his eyes: framed by dark circles, his irises were a deep, inviting shade of brown. What would it be like to look into his eyes in person, or run your hands through his hair, or trace his scar with your thumb before you went in to –

You stopped yourself. You were getting carried away. Heat rose up the back of your neck and across your cheeks.

For the rest of the evening you mulled over what to do next. You knew you wanted to tell him that you liked him too … but doing it over a message didn’t feel like enough. Turning up unannounced was a bad idea too. Would he even want you to show up in person? And since you didn’t have his contact information outside of the correspondence program, you didn’t have a way to call him for a face-to-face talk via holotransceiver.

Unsure of what to do, you fired off a message as soon as the fleeting idea for it popped into your brain. Would you regret it? Maybe. Only one way to find out.

Hi Fox,

I want to come visit you on Coruscant. When will you be free?

It only took a few minutes for him to respond, but it felt like hours. The entire time your heart pounded furiously in your chest, and you bounced your leg up and down since you could barely contain your jitters inside your body. There was a chance he would say no, Thorn did say he was shy after all. But when his message came through, you opened it immediately, and all the jitters melted away.

I see you got Thorn’s message … lucky for us he’ll be available to cover for me when I’m off-duty to host you. Let me know when you’re coming.

Your mouth instantly spread into a grin … you could hardly believe it. It hardly seemed real, even as you opened up a Holonet page to book a roundtrip ticket.

--

Four rotations later, your transport came into orbit around Coruscant. A shuttle took you from the transport down to the planet’s surface, and you were in awe of the densely-packed constellations of lights twinkling up from the planet’s surface. Descending into the atmosphere, those lights morphed into buildings, and lanes upon lanes of speeder traffic, and seemingly endless grids of buildings. At one point you saw several buildings whose architecture differed from the others; the pilot pointed them out and said they were the Senate Complex and the Jedi Temple, respectively.

You disembarked from the shuttle and paused to look around. Coruscant was nothing like Naboo. Not a speck of green in sight, no signs of nature, just duracrete and grays upon grays as far as the eye could see. And it was loud, just like Fox said it was, with the revving engines and blasting horns from speeders breezing by above your head.

You checked your wrist chrono, seeing that you had two hours until you were due to meet Fox at 79’s. Next, you pulled a datapad out of your bag that contained a map of the planet’s surface and studied how to get from your current position to the hotel you booked for your stay. The hotel was only a couple of blocks from the bar – not that you had certain expectations for this trip or anything, you thought it would be easier to stay nearby.

All in all, it took one hour and fifty minutes to get from the shuttle landing pad to the hotel to drop off your things, and then another eight to get from the hotel to 79’s. In your rush and panic as you navigated Coruscant’s taxi and public transportation systems, you didn’t have time to be too nervous about meeting Fox in person for the first time. But as you walked up to the entrance of the bar with its painfully bright neon signs and the muffled music spilling out from inside, it all hit you.

You took off to a strange planet by yourself to see a man you only knew through messages. If your grandmother had her way she would have stopped you from going. What if he didn’t like you after the trip … what if you didn’t like him? What if something went wrong?

But then you saw him standing by the entrance to the bar, recognizing him by his red-painted armor and the gray hairs above his ears and the thick curls on top of his head that you admired so much. He was surveying the area with a soldier’s laser-sharp focus, perhaps looking for your arrival, and he clutched a small bouquet of colorful flowers to his chest. When his eyes met yours, his face lit up with a smile, the most beautiful smile you had ever seen. Your worries seemed to matter less as you broke into a brisk jog to meet him.

“Fox?” you asked, smiling yourself.

“Indeed,” he responded before he handed the flowers to you. “I- uh- I got you these.”

“They’re beautiful, thank you,” you said. No one had ever gotten you flowers before; in the past it didn’t seem like anything to miss out on, but now that you held a bouquet in your arms, you felt special. Treasured, even.

“And, uh, as for the venue ….” Fox’s voice trailed off as he glanced over his shoulder at the bar’s garishly bright neon signs.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” you said, trying to be reassuring.

“I’m not allowed in most places, even when I’m off-duty … and I would have liked to take you somewhere nicer ….” He paused and rubbed the back of his neck. You could hear in his voice just how nervous he was.

“Because … well … you’re special to me. In a way no one else in my life is.”

You smiled at him again, and then wasted no time in leaning forward and pressing your lips to his cheek. It felt right to kiss him like that, but when you pulled back and saw him staring at you in shock and awe, you worried that it was too much too soon.

“C-can I …” he stammered. You nodded, and he angled his face so he could return the gesture. His lips were surprisingly soft against the skin of your cheek, and you couldn’t help but wonder what they would feel or taste like on your own lips.

There would be time for that later, you reminded yourself, if all went well.

“Does this place have food?” you ask him.

“Yes.”

“Drinks?”

“Well it is a bar … they have non-alcoholic drinks too, if that’s what you prefer.”

“Then it’s got everything I need. I don’t know what I would do with myself at a fancy restaurant anyway.”

“I imagine a restaurant would be quieter and allow for some proper conversation … but Thorn told me about a spot inside where we’ll be able to talk and hear each other without having to shout over the music.” Fox added.

“Sounds perfect,” you said with a smile.

Fox offered his arm to you and you took it, wrapping your hand around his bicep just above his elbow so he could lead you into the bar. Throughout the evening any time your eyes met his you felt safe, like you were the only person in the universe, and that you needed to figure out a way to make regular visits to Coruscant.

No matter what, you would always be glad you got Fox as a pen pal, and that you came to visit him. Especially since it was more fun to rant and rave about the newest episode of the holodrama in person.

[complementaryhalves]

#Obikintober: Day 13

Oct. 13: Knighting ceremony

A few years after the war, Ahsoka becomes a Jedi Knight, and Rex throws her a surprise party to celebrate. Of course, Anakin has a lot of feelings about it.

Anakin/Obi-Wan; Anakin & Ahsoka; Ahsoka & Rex

Recreational drinking, Partying, Fluff, Good feels

Word count: 2371

Read under the cut or on ao3!

It was Rex’s idea, of course.

Anakin would have gone for something simpler, probably nothing more than a dinner in a nice restaurant in the upper levels of the city, but Rex insisted that the GAR had its traditions, and that it was bad luck not to celebrate a promotion in the right way.

Anakin didn’t even try to argue. Although Ahsoka wasn’t technically part of the army anymore, since the war ended and the GAR was reformed to become a voluntary-based peacekeeping corps under Senate jurisdiction, he knew that the men of the 501st would never stop seeing her and Anakin as their superior officers.

So, he let him organize the whole thing, promising to bring Ahsoka to 79’s at a set time and trying to make her believe it would have been just a couple of drinks with two or three people.

He doesn’t know if he managed the second part, but when she walks into the bar, it doesn’t really matter if she suspected anything. The room erupts in cheers and applause as Anakin pushes her forward, and the surprise on her face is entirely genuine as she gapes around the main room. The bar is packed with troopers from all the battalions she ever worked with, as well as some of her friends from the Order, including, of course, Barriss, Plo, Obi-Wan, Aayla and Luminara.

Rex is standing in front of everyone with a smug grin and sparkling eyes. As soon as they lock eyes, Ahsoka seems to spring forward, leap almost, throwing herself into Rex’s outstretched arms, her happiness blasting through the Force with enough strength that all the Force-sensitive beings in the room took a step backwards.

Anakin pointedly avoided looking at them to see if anyone would disapprove of such public displays of affection from a newly knighted Jedi. He could not care less. The pure, uncomplicated affection rippling from the two of them should be enough to shut up any possible criticism.

He’s ripped from his bitter musings by a trooper he doesn’t recognize pushing a flute of golden sparkling wine in his hand. He’s got a few Ryl words tattooed on the side of his head, so Anakin guesses he must be from the 327th, the corps Aayla used to lead during the war. Looking away from him, Anakin notices that a few evidently designated clones are spreading the same glasses to everyone around the room.

“General,” the trooper addresses Anakin, who doesn’t bother to correct him. “Do you want to do the honors?”

He must have said it quite loud, for the entire room now turns to look at him, including Ahsoka and Rex, who are still locked in a half-hug in the middle of the floor.

“With pleasure,” Anakin responds, taking a step forward and holding his glass in front of him with his flesh hand.

“If ten years ago, on Christophsis, someone had told me about this,” he gestures around the room with his mechno hand. “I would have told them to go see a mind healer.”

Some scattered laughter ripples through the room, mainly from the men of the old 501st, and Ahsoka rolls her eyes.

“I never thought I could be a good person, or a good Jedi, let alone a good enough Master to train someone to knighthood. I won’t lie, training you has been the greatest challenge of my life,” he pauses, staring into Ahsoka’s eyes and feeling his throat close up as he notices that they’re shining wetly with emotion. “But also the greatest honor and joy.”

“I thank the Force for giving me the chance to be your Master and you, Snips, for being good enough to make the best out of my shoddy teachings. You’ve grown into a fantastic person and an amazing Jedi, and I’m so, so proud of you.”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Anakin smiles at his former Padawan across the room, knowing his own teary expression to be a perfect match of hers. It takes him another deep breath before he’s sure that his voice won’t crack, and then he raises his glass.

“To Ahsoka Tano, Jedi Knight!” he calls out loudly, immediately followed by the entire room, joint in a deafening chorus.

In the moment of silence that follows, as everyone takes a sip of wine, Ahsoka points her own glass at Anakin, and though she doesn’t say anything, she lets out a wave of gratitude and love and pride in the Force, which he welcomes like a balm to soothe the subtle melancholy lapping at the back of his mind.

The moment is broken as people resume talking and Rex grabs Ahsoka’s attention again to lead her towards the bar, and Anakin is left to watch her go, observing the back of her head and feeling his chest tighten uncomfortably at the lack of the two strings of silka beads usually swinging between her montrals.

“That was a very nice toast,” a low, familiar voice startles Anakin out of his feelings.

He turns to see Obi-Wan smile at him, warm and gentle and understanding. He’s not afraid to show him his teary eyes, nor the flurry of complicated emotions wreaking havoc inside of his mind and heart. If anyone in that bar can understand exactly how he’s feeling, that’s Obi-Wan.

“Should we get more wine?” the older Master proposes then, his compassionate smile turning slightly sly, and Anakin finds himself nodding before even formulating the thought to do it.

A couple of hours later, the party doesn’t seem to be slowing down in the slightest. The Clones’ tradition, it turns out, consists of a series of increasingly complex games whose purpose is, quite simply, to make the guest of honor drink their own weight in alcohol, whether they win or lose.

Anakin has lost count of how many shots Jesse has pushed into Ahsoka’s hand around fifteen. He knows that she can handle herself, but still, he can’t help feeling a little concerned about what state she’ll be in at the end of the night.

To be fair, however, the rest of the room doesn’t seem much different. Jedi and clones are mixing easily, helped by drinks and food and a wealth of interesting stories to share. Some of them are even dancing more or less together to the sparkle-bop music playing loudly through the speakers.

He’s had his fair share of catching up to do with all of his former subordinates who refused the offer to join the new peacekeeping corps and went to travel the galaxy. Fireball, who became a rather successful professional race pilot, offered him free tickets to any of his races, whenever and wherever he wants. Fives and Echo are very happy in the repair shop they bought on Womrik, a peaceful, verdant planet in the Mid Rim, and made him promise to come to visit whenever he’s on missions nearby.

Once he finishes talking to Flashpoint, a former member of his Gold Squadron, now employed as a pilot for a private escorting company, Anakin moves towards the side of the room to put some distance between himself and the bulk of the people.

From there, he sees Ahsoka dancing with Barriss, both of them leaning into the other’s space, almost too close for comfort, all smiles and giggles and little touches. A little away from them, he finds Aayla in a very similar dynamic with Bly, his hand firmly pinned on the bare skin at her waist and her arm loosely draped on his shoulder.

Chuckling with himself, Anakin looks away to look for Obi-Wan, finding him sitting around a table with Plo and a couple of clones. He watches him for a bit, considering how rude it would be to interrupt him, before he remembers he can use their mental bond to subtly nudge at his consciousness from a distance. It’s more or less the telepathic equivalent of a tooka asking for cuddles by nudging at someone’s hand. When Obi-Wan turns to find him across the room, his smile also looks a lot like the one he makes at any stray animal trying he tries to approach.

He watches him as he excuses himself from the conversation and walks around the crowded dancefloor to reach the spot where Anakin is leaning against the wall.

“Hey,” he greets him softly once he’s within earshot, placing a hand on Anakin’s hip. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah.” Anakin shrugs. “I just need some air. Come outside with me?”

Obi-Wan responds by nodding and turning his hand with his palm up towards the doors, inviting Anakin to lead the way. Once they’re outside, Anakin slides down one of the large transparisteel windows to sit on the pavement, with his knees folded up to his chest, and Obi-Wan quickly follows him, sitting next to him in the same position.

Anakin rests his head on Obi-Wan’s shoulder and exhales heavily. He feels Obi-Wan turn slightly and press a kiss on the top of his head, and he closes his eyes, relishing in the tenderness of the touch. Passersby must assume they’re drunk or something, given the way they walk around them, but Anakin couldn’t care less.

Slowly, thanks to Obi-Wan’s comforting closeness, and the soothing suggestions he can feel him attempt to infuse into him, Anakin manages to release some of the tension he’s been accumulating in his back and relax a little.

“It’s been a long day,” he mutters after a while, as a half-hearted justification. As if he needed one, as if Obi-Wan couldn’t read his true feelings perfectly, through the Force and by merely knowing him too well.

Because of that, he only makes a little noise of assent, without pushing for more, while his hand finds Anakin’s flesh one to lace their fingers together and hold it against his leg. They just sit there together, breathing slowly, ignoring the stares people give them as they walk or fly past, until Anakin feels strong enough to speak his mind.

“What happens now?” he asks, barely louder than a whisper, to which Obi-Wan chuckles softly in response.

“What do your instincts tell you?”

Anakin opens his mouth to answer, but Obi-Wan catches the scent of his negativity before it even touched his lips and clicks his tongue in amused disapproval.

“Your instincts, Anakin, not your mind.”

Anakin sighs heavily, turning his face downwards so that his forehead presses against Obi-Wan’s shoulder, and his voice comes out muffled by his arm.

“I guess… No, okay, I know we’ll still be friends, and go on missions together, and that I’ll be around to annoy her immensely once she gets a Padawan of her own. We’ve been through too much for that not to happen. But…”

Obi-Wan gracefully ignores the not-very-subtle jab at his intromission into Ahsoka’s training in favor of pushing Anakin to open up more.

“What are you afraid of?”

Anakin sighs, pressing closer into Obi-Wan’s body and squeezing his hand. “I think, mainly, that she won’t bother with me now that she doesn’t need me anymore. Not that she ever did, to be fair, but you know what I mean.” He sighs again.

“Think about it this way: the less she needs you, the better you did your job as a Master. And, personally, I believe you did a fantastic job. I never doubted you could train her to be such a fine knight, despite all the horror we’ve been through.”

Taking in his words, Anakin raises his head slowly to face Obi-Wan. Part of him would want to laugh, because if he judged Obi-Wan’s training by how much he needs him now, that would make him the worst Master in the history of the Jedi Order. Now is not the time to say that, though.

Now he looks into Obi-Wan eyes, their crystalline blue shimmering with emotion under the glow of the streetlights, and his fond smile, reflecting the affection pouring out of him in the Force, and he’s got something more important to say.

“I would have never made it without you. Not without everything you taught me, not without your love and support, and the way you’ve also been a Master to her, just as much as I have.”

Obi-Wan inhales sharply, but Anakin squeezes his hand before he can start to argue.

“You know it’s true, and Ahsoka knows it as well. I’ve caught her calling you her Master more than once before, you know. I wouldn’t be surprised if she actually went around bragging about having had two Masters instead of just one,” he says, and he can tell from the way Obi-Wan blushes and lowers his eyes that he’s thinking about all the times he slipped and called her ‘our Padawan’.

Obi-Wan takes a deep breath, and when he exhales, his breath comes out slightly unsteady through his parted lips, to then transform into soft laughter, which makes his shoulders shake against the window. “I guess it’s only fair. Yours wasn’t exactly the most conventional of apprenticeships, so your Padawan’s couldn’t be too normal either.”

As he says that, he glances at the window behind Anakin’s head, and laughs again, although it’s laced with a bit of concern.

“I have to wonder, though, which one of us taught her it’s appropriate for a Jedi Knight to drink alcohol out of a trooper’s helmet.”

Anakin snaps around to check out the scene as well and laughs as he watches her tilt what looks like Jesse’s old helmet, the one painted with her face markings, to get the last few drops into her open mouth.

“I think she learned that all by herself,” he says with no small amount of pride. “And,” he drags out the last letter, turning back towards Obi-Wan with a grin. “I think I’ll ask her to teach me, if you don’t mind?”

“Amazing how quickly the apprentice can become the master,” Obi-Wan laughs as he lets Anakin pull him to his feet.

Anakin stops in front of the door to leave a quick kiss on Obi-Wan’s cheek and whisper a ‘thank you’ in his ear, and then he tightens the grip on his hand and drags him back into the bar, loudly demanding for a refill.

[greaterawarness]

501st and 212th Workout

(I wanted to write a story with the clones with more realistic military things. So here's what a PT day looks like in the military.)

It was 0400 by the time Rex made it out to the grinder. It was a brisk morning with dew settled on every surface making goosebumps appear across Rex’s exposed arms and legs. Today was PT for the 501st and the 212th. They usually worked out in the mornings together at minimum three times a week when not on deployment. Rex stands towards the front of the grinder in his PT uniform which entailed a white shirt where Ahsoka had drawn his jaig eyes on his back and blue shorts. He began to rub his arms wishing he had worn the long-sleeved shirt and workout pants.

“Morning!” Cody calls walking onto the grinder in his white shirt and yellow shorts per the 212th PT uniform.

“Fucking cold!” Rex yells back. Cody was one of those anomalies who loved early workouts. Didn’t matter the weather or what type of workout he was always gearing to go. The man hasn’t even had any caf yet, but he wears a big eager smile on his face when he approaches Rex. They’re the first ones out there which is no surprise to either of them. Rex results to hopping up and down to generate some warmth by the time the men start showing up. Kix being the reasonable and smart man he is wears his long-sleeved shirt and long pants while Jesse winces the second he steps outside the way Rex did. Hardcase always wears the long-sleeved shirt and the shorts no matter the weather. They approach Rex and Cody looking more eager to go back to bed then to stand in the grinder waiting to start a workout.

“Morning.” Kix says softly. Jesse says nothing with his shoulders hunched and teeth chattering.

“Morning.” Rex and Cody say chuckling at Hardcase who can barely keep his eyes open. After those three arrive the rest of the men begin pouring out onto the grinder. When Fives and Echo approach Rex, Fives has his hands up rubbing his nipples through his shirt.

“First round at 79’s is on me if the first words out of that boy’s mouth aren’t ridiculously stupid.” Cody mutters to Rex.

“Fuck Cody I don’t want to play this game.” Rex mumbles back already knowing Cody will win. Echo opens his mouth to speak but Fives beats him to it.

“My nipples are hard boys.” Fives says still rubbing them and looking around to see if anyone else was doing the same. Rex lets out a long and disappointing sigh through his nose with a small shake of his head. Cody turns facing behind Rex with his hand rubbing his chin in an attempt to hide his laughing. Echo closes his eyes to possibly stop himself from smacking Fives.

“Good morning Captain.” Echo says opening his eyes again.

“Morning Echo.” Rex sighs before Echo elbows Fives in the ribs.

“Fuck Kix switch shirts with me!” Jesse finally pleads before they start forming up with the other men.

“I’m not rewarding you for being unprepared.” Kix says as they take their spots. The 501st form up on the right while the 212th form up on the left.

“Okay first, it is cold and even mynipples are hard, so I don’t know if that really constitutes as something ridiculously stupid!” Rex hisses to Cody when his men are out of ear shot. Cody just throws his head back laughing. Ahsoka slowly emerges from the crowds of men with a deep frown on her face.

“I’m offended by how cold it is this morning.” She mumbles standing beside them. Rex grins crossing his arms.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Cold? Commander Cody is it cold to you?” Rex asks. Cody tilts his head as if thinking.

“No, not familiar with that word.” He says. They both grin while Ahsoka rolls her eyes.

“Its to early for you two.” She groans rubbing her face.

“I’m cold!” Jesse calls from the ranks. Rex shakes his head as they wait for the last few stragglers to form up. Boil walks up from the 212th with a datapad.

“Here’s the roster.” He says with a yawn. Cody takes it and scrolls through the names. Appo finally makes it to the front with the datapad for Rex.

“Cutting it late there you think?” Rex says taking the datapad from him.

“Had to make sure the new guys had PT gear.” Appo shrugs. Rex frowns while scrolling through the roster. That’s right. Clone Force Zero. Rex watches as they walk around the rows of men to stand in front. They all wear 501st PT gear looking uncomfortable. X stands bored. Side-eye can’t stop yawning. Stitch and Flex can’t stop looking around the grinder while rubbing their arms from the cold. Ghost looks like he had just walked out naked and pushes himself against Side-eye with arms hugged tightly to his sides.

“How was your first night?” Rex asks trying to pull a smile on his face. X gives a shrug.

“It was like sleeping on a bunk bed in a warehouse full of snoring men.” X says crossing his arms. Rex keeps the forced smile on.

“Oh good.” He says through gritted teeth. “You can just fall in with the 501st.”

When they’re walking towards the back Rex lets out a sigh and shakes his head.

“Was that the clones Master told me about?” Ahsoka asks staring after them.

“Yeah, odd bunch that one.” Rex says trying to focus on the roster. Appo turns and waves into the crowd for someone to come up front. Rex watches two clones slowly walk forward.

“Captain, these are the two new members that got in last night.” Appo says with the two clones standing at full attention. Some men in the ranks laugh at their stiffness.

“At ease men,” Rex chuckles. They loosen up but in a stiff way. “What’s your names?”

“CT-5385 Sir!” The clone with a bun says snapping back to attention. Rex holds up a hand to try and calm the seriousness from these two.

“No, not the CT numbers,” Rex says hearing Cody chuckle beside him. “I’m Captain Rex, this is Commander Cody. And your names are…?”

“Ah I’m—I’m called Tup Sir.” The one with the bun says. The other one who Rex stopped before spouting CT numbers has a V tattooed across his left eye.

“I’m Dogma Sir.” Dogma says. Rex gives them a smile.

“Welcome to the 501st,” Rex says. “Fall back in so we can start the warmup.”

Appo leads them back into the ranks of 501st. Rex signals Fives to fall out. He hands him the datapad.

“You get to take muster.” Rex says. Cody hands the datapad back to Boil before they both stand in front of their men.

“Atten-tion!” Rex calls making both the 501st and 212th pop to attention. He steps back letting Boil and Fives walk forward.

“501ST attention to muster. When you hear your name sound off!” Fives starts. Boil does the same for the 212th. While they give muster, Rex has to fight the urge to spill everything about Clone Force Zero but not wanting to disclose anything to Commander Tano to soon. He peaks down at Ahsoka who rolls her shoulders slowly waking herself up.

“I don’t know how you talk me into these things Ani…” a voice sighs to the side. Rex smiles at Senator Amidala and General Skywalker walking across the grinder. It wasn’t odd for the Senator to join their morning workouts.

“Good morning Senator. Working out with us today?” Rex greets her. She gives him a warm smile and then an eye roll at General Skywalker.

“Yes, I was talked into it somehow.” She says eyeing the General. The General just grins with his hands on his hips more energetic in the morning then normal.

“It’s good for you,” The General starts. “Besides, the boys always seem more motivated when you’re around.”

He gestures out at the men who have perked up since seeing the Senator. Rex and Cody exchange a look before General Kenobi walks through the ranks.

“Blast this morning chill,” He says standing next to Cody. Both General’s wear the same PT gear as the clones except with a brown shirt instead of white. Ahsoka does the same except Rex and Fives tried drawing her face markings on her back. It doesn’t really look like them, but they tried. Many of the men have decided to make even their workout uniform unique. Hardcase scribbled GET THESE GAINS on the back of his. Kix had #MEDIC. Jesse proudly wears I DON’T WANT TO BE HERE on the back of his. Jesse’s wasn’t Rex’s favorite. Fives has IF FOUND RETURN TO ECHO while Echo has, I’M ECHO on the back of his. Echo still insists to have a blue handprint stamped over the right side of his chest. Rex got a kick out of all the messages his men wrote on their shirts. It started somewhat of a trend with the other clones. He’s been noticing more and more clones have been writing or even drawing things on their workout uniforms. “Well don’t delay on my behalf. Let’s get this over with.”

When muster is over, they start the warmup. It’s a series of basic exercises with ten four counts. The 501stand 212th try and outdo the other by who can count the loudest. Rex always felt sorry for the nobles living near the Jedi Temple. They probably never imagined they’d be woken up at 0500 to a clone army warming up. when the warmups done, they decide to do a Temple run.

“Alright, fast runners will be in group A with General Kenobi while slow runners will be in group B with General Skywalker.” Cody explains with the men breaking up into two groups. Ahsoka starts towards group B.

“Uh-uh come on kid.” Rex says leading her back to group A. she lets out a groan but doesn’t argue further. Cody stretches at the front of group A with General Kenobi. Normally General Kenobi would lead group B but with the Senator here General Skywalker volunteered to lead the slow group. All of Clone Force Zero stands in group A with mixed emotions of boredom or eagerness to get started. X turns his head meeting Rex’s eyes as if he could sense him staring. Rex looks away feeling a chill run up his spine. His thoughts are interrupted with Fives shouting towards the back of group A. Rex walks towards the back raising an eyebrow.

“Curse you and your slow running speeds!” He yells back to group B where Echo holds a hand up shielding his face as if it could hide him from Fives dramatics.

“Fuck sakes Fives its just a run.” Kix says in group A. Jesse leans on Kix’s shoulder.

“Yeah, Hardcase is a slow runner too but you don’t see us crying over it.” Jesse laughs giving a little wave to Hardcase in group B. Hardcase shoots Jesse the bird.

“Well since you’ve abandoned me, I’ll have to find a new running partner,” Fives says before grabbing the first clone he sees. He wraps his arm around Tup’s shoulders. “I’ll just run with… what’s your name again?”

“Tup.” Tup says uneasily.

“Tup!” Fives yells. Echo rolls his eyes while Jesse and Kix laugh. Rex walks back to the front where General Kenobi and Cody raise an eyebrow at him. He just shakes his head and waves them away in a you don’t want to know manner. With everyone in their groups they begin.

Group A always takes the lead in a steady pace with group B not far behind. Clones weren’t slow but some definitely were better runners then others. Rex had always struggled with running in the past. He never had that natural speed that others like Ahsoka or Cody had. He had to work for it and he still has to maintain a decent running schedule to keep his pace. Once they hit the one mile mark the groups begin to fizzle into everyone’s own speed. Group A and group B have now turned into a long line of runners around the Temple. Rex was impressed to see Tup near the front with General Kenobi, Ahsoka, Cody, and Rex. Fives struggled to keep the pace with his new running partner.

“Why don’t you fall back to Echo? He probably misses his running buddy?” Rex calls to Fives.

“Yeah… Echo… probably… does miss me!” Fives pants before slowing his speed. Rex gives Tup a grin before slowing his own speed. Cody gives him a look before slowing his own speed so they could run beside each other. With everyone a mile and a half in they were focused on their breathing and running speed.

“What’s going on?” Cody asks calmly. Rex peaks back at X and his men. They aren’t far behind them, but they also look like they haven’t even broken a sweat. They aren’t even trying. They could probably blow right past Rex and the other leading runners. Rex tells Cody everything he heard from X’s little meeting. Cody doesn’t answer at first as they take a turn.

“I mean… who gave them their orders? It wasn’t the Jedi that’s for sure.” Rex says with a small shake of his head.

“I keep thinking back to the first time we saw them fight. I’ve never seen any clone fight that way and I’m guilty of going hand to hand with droids all the time.” Cody says. Cody glances at Rex. “You don’t think they could be with the Seppies do you?”

“I’m not sure… If they are then how did the Seppies get ahold of five clones? Did they desert and make a deal with them like Slick?” Rex thought out loud. When they hit the two-mile mark, he was having a harder time thinking. Cody looked unfazed with only the sweat dripping down his forehead as sign of struggle.

“And another question is where did they get those weapons? I know they aren’t from Kamino.” Cody nods. “I have a bad feeling about this Rex ol’ boy.”

“Me too. But we can’t just start making accusations without proof. We’ll have to keep an eye on them until we have something we can bring to the Jedi.” Rex says. Cody opens his mouth to say something when someone runs past them so fast it nearly caused Rex to trip. X and Side-eye run ahead passing General Kenobi and Ahsoka. Rex frowns feeling his speed pick up.

“Hey!” Ahsoka yells before chasing after them. Rex and Cody reach General Kenobi who frowns after X. Ahsoka catches up to him. He smiles and says something they can’t hear. Ahsoka says something back before laughing and running beside them the rest of the way. Something stirred in Rex that made his blood hot. Rex can’t keep his eyes off X and Ahsoka. He didn’t think X would actually try and hurt her out in the open with two clone battalions running behind him. And even if he did Ahsoka was more than capable of handling herself but he still felt protective over her. She was just a kid after all.

When they finally reach five miles they come to a panting stop in the grinder. There was a small victory in seeing X and his men panting as much as Rex. When General Skywalker and Senator Amidala reach the grinder, she bends over to put her hands on her knees panting. Running at her speed was no challenge for the General who looked less worn compared to everyone else. Hardcase rolls on his back when he reaches the grinder and pants loudly while complaining.

“He lives!” Kix calls before walking over to Hardcase. Jesse places a foot on Hardcase’s stomach who makes a gaging noise.

“He pukes, you two clean it up!” Rex says snaping his fingers at them. Echo and Fives roll in with Echo placing his hands on his knees while Fives walks around with his hands over his head. They watch as all their men reach the grinder and slowly crawl back into formation. Not wanting to waste any time Rex and Cody stand in front of their men leading them in stretches. When the cooldown is down, they let their men go.

“501ST, we have duty tomorrow! Stand by for the watch bill!” Rex calls out before being answered with groans and moans. He looks over at Ahsoka and X still talking and sharing laughs. General Skywalker walks up to them when Rex does.

“Nah, I beat you!” Ahsoka says putting her hands on her hips.

“You must have used the Force or something because I was in the lead.” X says placing a hand on his chest.

“Master, tell X I’m faster then him!” Ahsoka says looking to the General.

“No way. I’m staying out of this.” He says with a chuckle and putting a hand on his hips.

“Fine, you won. But I want a rematch Commander.” X says crossing his arms.

“Oh, you’re on.” She says with a grin before walking back towards the temple.

“Settling in nicely I see.” The General says to X. X pulls a smile on and nods at the General.

“Everyone’s been very hospitable.” He says eyeing Rex who shifts his weight beside the General.

“Glad to hear,” The General says before looking back at the Senator as she approaches them. “If you’ll excuse me boys, I have to make sure the Senator makes it home safe.”

“I’m more then capable of doing that on my own.” The Senator raises an eyebrow at him with a smile.

“I know but it’s my duty as a Jedi ensure your safety!” The General says as they start walking away. When the General is out of ear shot X’s smile fades.

“Well,” X starts when Rex faces him. “This was a nice little jog. Me and the boys are going to shower. See you around Rex ol’ boy.”

The hair on the back of Rex’s neck stands on end. He watches X walk back towards the temple with his men. Cody and General Kenobi walk over to stand next to Rex.

“I don’t like that bunch.” Rex says narrowing his eyes at him.

“Patience Captain,” General Kenobi sighs. “They will reveal their true intentions in time.”

With nothing else to do Rex makes his way towards the Temple with Cody and the General. They change the subject to past tactics, but Rex couldn’t keep X out of his head. There was something off about him and it wasn’t just his armor or his weapons. It’s how he carries himself. How he acts. Everything about him was so familiar but Rex couldn’t pinpoint from where. Rex shakes his head. Maybe he was just paranoid. He decided he wouldn’t think about them for now. Now he has to prepare a watch bill for tomorrow and keep the 501st out of trouble while they awaited their next deployment. That alone was hard enough.

Click HERE to read full story on AO3.

[askgames]

End of the year ask game - 2019

1. Favorite book you discovered this year?

2. Favorite movie that was released this year?

3. Favorite TV show you discovered this year?

4. Favorite artist you discovered this year?

5. Favorite music album that was released this year?

6. If you are using a music streaming platform that provides you with stats about this year, post them!

7. Favorite memory of this year?

8. Favorite song this year?

9. Post a selfie from January of this year and one from today.

10. Favorite travel destination of this year?

11. Did you make new friends this year? How?

12. Did you loose a friend? Why?

13. Any deaths in your social environment this year?

14. Any newborns in your social environment this year?

15. Favorite concert you´ve been to this year?

16. Favorite festival (music or other) you attended this year?

17. Did you quit a job/an education this year?

18. Did you start a new job/education this year?

19. Did your relationship status change during the year? If it stayed the same, did your perception of this status change?

20. Any new piercings this year?

21. Any new tattoos this year?

22. Any other body modifications this year?

23. Favorite clothing item of this year?

24. Favorite person this year?

25. Favorite place to be this year? (can be a city or just a place like a library, home, a certain forest and so on...)

26. Any dreams you fulfilled this year?

27. Which was your happiest month? Why?

28. Which was this years worst month? Why?

29. Anything you started this year? (sports, drawing, tarot...)

30. Did you move this year? If not, did you change anything about your place of residence?

31. Did you change anything about your look or your style during this year?

32. On a scale of one to ten, ten being the best: how would you rate this year?

33. Any political scandal in your country this year?

34. Any global event that happened this year that had a strong impact on you or your way of thinking?

35. Anything you did for the first time this year? (Bungee jumping, drinking alcohol, traveling by plane ....)

36. Any big mistake you made this year?

37. Favorite Youtuber this year?

38. Favorite music artist this year?

39. Favorite hobby this year?

40. Relfect on the year: what are the strongest memories?

41. Which goals that you had for this year did you reach?

42. Which goals that you had for this year did you not reach?

43. Any injuries or major diseases you had this year?

44. Did you have to go to the hospital this year?

45. How much/how often did you travel this year?

46. Did you spend most of your time alone or with others? If with others, who was/were this persons(s)?

47. Any new blogs you made on tumblr?

48. Any blogs you deleted on tumblr?

49. Any social media that you started with that year?

50. Favorite food this year?

51. Favorite sweets this year?

52. Favorite drink/beverage this year?

53. Any celebritiy you really looked up to this year?

54. Tell us a quote that inspired you during this year.

55. Any new device you bought this year?

56. If you are wearing makeup: Did your makeup style change during this year?

57. Are you looking forward to next year?

58. What are your goals for next year?

59. What would your biggest dream for next year be?

60. What do you hope will change on this world withing the next year?

61. Any changes within your own life you have planned for next year?

62. What are your fears about the next year?

63. How and with whom are you going to spend new years eve?

64. Any song that is connected for you to new years eve?

65. Any new years eve traditions you practise?

66. Any travels planned for next year?

67. What do you want to focus on more during the next year?

68. Any release you are looking forward to next year?

69. Any behaviour you want to get rid of during next year?

70. Do you think this year changed you? Why?

71. Do you think next year will change you? Why?

72. Any changes planned for next year already? (moving, job change etc.)

73. What major changes happend for you during this decade?

74. Post a picture of you from 2009 and one from 2019.

75. New people that came in this decade into your life?

76. People you lost during this decade?

77. Dreams you fulfilled during this decade?

78. Favorite music artist of the decade?

79. Favorite movie of the decade?

80. Favorite TV series of the decade?

81. Favorite book of the decade?

82. Favorite music album of the decade?

83. Favorite celebrity of the decade?

84. Favorite author of the decade?

85. Celebrities you admired that died this decade?

86. Favorite actor/actress of the decade?

87. Favorite travel desitnation of the decade?

88. Any changes in believe this decade?

89. Did your main occupation (student, working fulltime etc.) change during this decade?

90. Favorite memory of this decade?

91. Hobbies you gave up upon during this decade?

92. Hobbiey you stared during this decade?

93. What new did you learn during this decade? (Languages, arts, crafts...)

94. On a scale of one to ten, ten being the best, how would you rate this decade?

95. Favorite quote during this decade?

96. Which body modifications did you get during this decade?

97. New dreams you gained during this decade?

98. Dreams you gave upon during this decade?

99. Worst year of this decade? Why?

100. Best year of this decade? Why?

[kaminobiwan]

empathy

pairing: fives x reader

summary: after the citadel, you catch him in a rare moment of vulnerability. (it’s sad i’m sorry)

a/n: the next installment of my milestone celebration! the prompt that spurred this was literally “tucking someone in bed” and I went and made it into this pain train asdlk;f anon I hope you like it still. also, this gorgeous gif was thanks to @obiwankenobiness thank you, angel, the world continues to be in your debt!

lastly, here is my taglist form. forgive me for the feels to come

You get the call just as you’re about to turn on your holoscreen to binge the latest net drama.

You don’t recognize the contact, but accept the holo regardless. A group of your friends had gone out tonight, begging you to come with them, but you’d declined in favor of a relaxing night in, telling them to let you know if they needed anything.

Maybe their comlinks had died.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a bartender from 79’s, the one your girlfriend is hooking up with. You’re about to ask if he needs help with her drunk antics when he rushes out an apology.

“Hey, sorry to bother you, but you’d better get here. We need your help.”

Your forehead furrows in concern. This doesn’t sound good. “Is everything okay with — ”

“Yeah, yeah, she’s fine. Well, she’s drunk off her ass, but I’m not talking about her. It’s Fives.”

Your eyebrows shoot up higher, curiosity piquing. “Fives?”

The handsome soldier had been off-world for a couple weeks now, and you hadn’t realized he’d returned to Coruscant. It’s not like you were together or anything, but he did tend to hit you up whenever he came home. Your friends were consistently egging you to “make it an item,” but you’d stubbornly refused. Fives wasn’t the problem, but whatever it was between you was a frustrating mystery and you weren’t going to be the one to clear it up.

If only your courage was stronger than your ego.

“He’s fucked up,” Your friend’s boy-toy explains. “And I don’t see any of his usual mates around. I didn’t know who else to call.”

You sigh, already reaching for warmer clothes as you drop the blanket that had cocooned you until now. “It’s okay. I’ll be there in a second.”

—————

By the time you reach the bar, Fives isn’t alone — another clone, bald and clad in yellow-streaked armor, is hunched over him while trying to wrestle another shot out of the ARC trooper’s hands.

“Fives?”

The two of them jump up at the same time almost comically, and a shred of amusement pulls at your lips. The bald clone blinks at you, uncertain as to who you are, but Fives erupts with enthusiasm and calls to you. Deafeningly.

“There she is!” He all but shouts, and while his companion is distracted, he gulps down the drink before anyone can stop him. “Isn’t she gorgeous, Waxer?”

Blood rushes to your face as Waxer shakes off his stupor. You approach them fully, taking in the empty bottles littering the counter. “Did you ask for me?”

Fives burps, and both you and Waxer jerk back immediately. “Said your name once or twice, you know how it is.” You didn’t, actually, but you let him continue. It’s like watching a holo on a five-second delay, his eyes turning questioning as he turns to you in slow motion. “Come to think of it, m’pretty sure I didn’t drunk call you. What’re you doing here?”

You can’t help it, but as much as you don't want to, the way he cuts himself off makes you to wonder if he had meant without me?

“Bartender commed me,” you explain, more to his friend than him. “I didn’t know you were on leave.”

His rowdiness calms a tad, and you squint at him as the smile drops off his face. “Just got back.”

“He’s pretty drunk,” Waxer speaks up, and you step forward to help him carry Fives so that both of you have an arm around each of your shoulders. “I just called a cab for him, but he’s saying he won’t go anywhere.”

As the three of you stumble towards the exit, you struggling much more than Waxer under the weight, you incline your head in understanding. “I can take him back to my place. Assuming he doesn’t have to be anywhere?”

You receive a shake of a head in answer, and an air taxi pulls up in front of your group, right on cue. “Appreciate it.” Waxer forces Fives to lean against the speeder while he opens the door. “Didn’t know Fives had a girlfriend.”

For the second time in less than ten minutes, your face heats indignantly. You shoot a quick prayer to the Maker Fives is too intoxicated to chime in. Thankfully, he’s resting his head on the roof of the taxi, seemingly enjoying the cool sensation. “I’m not his girlfriend.”

Waxer looks at you doubtfully, but says nothing. He pays the driver in advance as you commend him gratefully, but he only shrugs at you. “You’re taking the hard part. He’ll be a bitch to take care of in a couple hours, trust me.”

You murmur a sound of agreement, and go to push Fives’ limp body inside, but his arm grabs the open door and stops you from moving him further. He raises his head enough to peer at his fellow trooper, Waxer shifting uncomfortably.

“Waxer,” Fives rasps, “I’m sorry about Longshot. And the rest of ‘em.”

The other clone winces visibly, but nods in response before you manage to slide Fives into the taxi.

—————

Getting Fives out of the cab and into your apartment is a series of multiple unfortunate events, but eventually you make it. Once you’ve shut the door and locked it, you dump Fives onto your bed where your pillows are still arranged in perfect nest formation.

He’s sobered up a little, but by the way he hasn’t spoken since the bar, you’re still unconvinced to his level of sentience. As you help him with his armor, you probe him cautiously. “Rough mission?”

His face flashes with malcontent, but you’re not sure if it’s from the awkward way you pull off his pauldron or your question.

“Sorry.”

“S’okay.” Fives shakes his head quickly, then seems to regret it as his hand flies up to press against his forehead. “It was a rough mission.”

You stop in your movements, looking at him with regret. He doesn’t really talk about the war with you. Why would he, when it takes up every other facet of his life?

Before you can tell him he doesn’t have to say anything, he’s speaking again. “‘Lotta clones died.”

A thrum of contriteness reverberates in your mind, but you take his admission as an opening. Treading cautiously, you ask, “Longshot. Was he your friend?”

Fives shakes his head again, slower this time. “Well, yeah, but he’s part of the 212th. Was. We weren’t that close.”

Silence consumes the next few moments before you press on. “You lost someone close to you.”

His lack of a reaction clues you in to the accuracy of your statement, and your face twists ruefully. He waits a couple minutes, then mutters again after a few deep breaths.”

“Echo. My twin.”

“Your...?” You don’t mean to be so obvious, but your face scrunches in confusion. It wasn’t like you were an expert on biology, but you were pretty sure you knew how cloning worked. “Aren’t you all — ”

“Right, no, sorry.” Fives drags a hand down his face tiredly, and you feel bad for asking. Some job of cheering him up you were doing. “He was my squadmate. Domino Squad. It was just the two of us left.” His voice trails off, and you let him work through his silence with a sympathetic hand on his knee. For a moment, he smiles wistfully, but the look extinguishes as he’s reminded of something. “Thing is, he was the good one between us. Knew all the reg manuals by heart, had a perfect plan for everything. Always thought that out of everyone, he’d be the one to survive. That when I’d go out…” he pauses. “He’d be there with me.”

A shaky breath escapes him.

“But now he’s gone. And I’m it. The last Domino.”

His face is set in grim resignation, and your chest aches for him. You can’t imagine the pain he’s feeling — not just from the loss of his brother, but the from trauma of war that practically radiates off of him. You wonder, for a brief moment, how you’d never noticed, but soon enough it dawns on you. His usual swagger, flirtatious and carefree, was a fantastic front. It had hidden the depths of his suffering from everyone this far, but now you were finally seeing the curtain drop. And the Fives underneath it was, well.

Fives was heartbroken.

Your brain is screaming at you to do something — comfort him, hug him, anything to wipe the dull pain off his expression, but he lays his hand in his hands before you can. He gives a small groan. “Think m’feeling that hangover already.”

That spurs you to jump up and grab a cup of water for him from the kitchenette, glad to at least be of some service. When you give it to him, he takes it without looking at you, neck bowed in what seems like embarrassment — you’re not completely sure. It’s not like you’d ever seen anything close to embarrassment on Fives prior to this.

“Sorry for...all this.” He croaks out a wry laugh, but you can tell there’s no humor behind it. It’s so strange to hear, when his normal one is loud and boisterous. He’d always been the one to light up the room. “Didn’t mean to dump all that on you.”

“Fives.” You crouch next to him on the bed again, inching closer. “You have nothing to be sorry for.” The cup returns to your hand, and you place it on the table without breaking eye contact. “I’m only sorry I can’t help more.”

“You help plenty, sweetheart, with that pretty face of yours,” he tries, but you see completely through his attempt at brushing everything off. You reach out gently, exuding as much care as you can without a word.

“Fives…” He lets you touch him, pulling his head gradually to you to hold him against your chest. He freezes for a simple second, but immediately slumps in your embrace afterwards, leaning fully into you. You feel his breath falter, but his arms rest contentedly around your waist as you register just how tired he seems.

Guiding him delicately to lay down, you free one hand to pull up a cover over him. Just as you’re about to extract yourself from his hold, he spreads a beseeching hand at the small of your back. You catch his gaze, pleading and vulnerable.

“Stay. Can you…” he hiccups between his words. “It’ll help if you’re here.”

You stare at him tentatively, but eventually nod. “Sure, Fives.”

It’s only a couple minutes until you’ve changed and returned to bed, and when you slip under the covers next to him, his lids are already half closed. You brush a stray eyelash from his cheek, and lay your palm there as his eyes droop slowly. This look is new, too, but it’s a tender one as you see the strain ebb from his body for the first time in front of you. As he falls asleep, you lift yourself up to press a feather-light kiss to his temple, just below his tattoo.

If he remembers it in the morning, he doesn’t let it show.

[whirlybirbs]

hope I never had feeling for Rex until your blog and now I have feelings pls give us the Rex content

a/n: here’s a continuation of this, because i am hot n bothered for rexy tonight.

Rex wonders how in the world he managed this. 

Forget the fact you’d both just survived a three day long mission to the Outer Rim, securing a horde of encrypted Separatist data-drives filled with enough live-fire to earn him early retirement. It’s not the fact he’d been shot twice on the assignment, or the fact you’d all barely gotten away by the skin of your teeth, no --

It’s the fact that you’re listening to him ramble on about training procedures on Kamino as if it’s the most engaging thing you’ve ever heard. 

You’re posed in the booth beside him, turned completely and resting your head in your hand that’s braced against the back of the velvet booth. Your legs are crossed, bare skin still distracting even in the dim lights of 79′s. Your dress is short, and Rex is suddenly reminded that you’re not a soldier like him. You’re a civilian -- a criminal, really -- who happens to have a skill set useful to the Republic. 

You’re familiar with the lower levels of Coruscant -- you’d grown up on these streets, partied in these bars. Rex wonders, off-handedly, if you’ve ever done this before. Y’know, drink with an off-duty clone captain. 

Or, is he just the luckiest man in the entire Grand Army of the Republic?

He stumbles over his words as his train of thought is derailed and your lips quirk -- the smile there is warm. 

“What?”

“... I’m sorry?”

“You’re doing the face --”

“You said this before,” he harrumphs, “And I don’t make a face.”

You peel into a sweet laugh, hand finding your drink as you sip it and shake your head. “You do. It’s when you’re concentrating.”

“Well, pardon me --”

“Concentrating on my legs, then?”

Rex sputters into his beer and you offer the slyest of grins -- he’d hoped that his sweep of you in the booth had gone unnoticed. But, he’s not surprised you caught it. You’d been happily paying attention to his every word. He should have known.

“I wasn’t --”

You roll your eyes, nodding. Your voice is light with play-fullness. You would be lying if you said you didn’t want to the Captain to stare. If that was the case, you wouldn’t have worn the tight little dress. 

“Sure, sure, c’mon, Capítan, I wanna learn what kinda face I should expect when you lie --”

That gets a laugh out the blonde who takes an indignant sip from his drink.

Quietly, he rumbles a cautious: 

“... Can you blame me?”

Your jaw falls open a bit and you smirk, leaning forward and prodding at the composite armor along his arm. “... Is that you flirting?”

“... Maybe a bit, yes.”

Honey colored eyes glimpse your way out the corner of his eyes and he smirks, then, spurring you to laugh -- you sit forward, scooting yourself close enough that your knees touch his beneath the table. Rex leans back, mimicking your engaged posture with both of his elbows coming to rest on the table. His eyes are on you, now, and he’s openly staring -- you drop your head into the arm resting on the table, face near his.

“I thought that was against regulation.”

“Lots of things are,” he chirps, “Like kill-counts on your armor or trophies from th’ battlefield... an’ I’d never do those things, would I?”

He’s being sarcastic. You watched him do both of those things just this last mission; during down-time, he’d meticulously carved more tallies onto the blue paint along his wrist with a sharpened battle droid finger he kept in his pack. When you’d asked, he said he was counting by tens. 

In the strobing, colorful lights of 79′s upstairs bar, your fingers find the gouges in the composite -- fingertips scale the armor along his bicep. You count eight marks. Eighty droids. 

Rex watches, jaw tightening. “Now you’re makin’ a face.”

“I’m thinking about what would happen if you broke,” you gesture between the two of you; your voice is smooth like satin, “this regulation.”

His brows raise. He scoffs, albeit bitterly.

“A court-martial, maybe.” 

Your jaw nearly drops in shock. “You’re kidding.”

Rex makes the face. This was a bit different from the staple, though, because it’s shadowed by a looming sense of anger and resentment as he speaks. 

“Relationships, romantic or sexual in nature, are prohibited via the Grand Army of the Republic’s conduct code -- chapter 90, article 4a,” he mumbles, sipping his beer, “Though, try telling that to any man in this bar, I suppose.”

“... And men who... who fall in love?” you sputter, looking around, “That’s... I mean, you’re people --”

“Not to the Republic,” Rex chides, “We’re property.” 

There’d been plenty of stories about men who’d eloped -- certain sectors in the Outer Rim offered citizenship to some troopers, you’d read, and the basic rights the Republic denied them. You’d read, three weeks ago, about an ARC Trooper who’d run off with a Senator’s aid; they’d gotten married on some tropical planet and had been granted immunity. It’d been a story circulating on the holo-net for weeks, met with mixed emotions. You’d overheard Fives and Kix talking about it, even, and happily chimed in with their sentiments:

Clones deserved happiness, love, freedom... They were sentient, after all.

“Do you believe that?” you ask, tilting your head, “Truly?”

Another scoff. “Not one bit.”

Your smile could light up the whole bar. Rex leans back in the booth and admires it, his own expression lightening substantially as you nod. Silence slips between you both as your gazes roam one another’s faces. Rex really does suppose he’s the luckiest trooper in all of 79′s right now. You’re beautiful. More beautiful than anyone he’d ever seen in all his days.

“... Am I worth a court-martial, then?”

His gut swims. You cross your legs a bit tighter, chewing your lips.

The words rush out in an exhale.

“Yes, you are.”

[danger-xylophones]

Protector (Fives x reader)

{masterlist}

I had a boring week. Have some Fives fluff because I’m watching the Tup arc (you all know the one) and I know what’s coming up so I’m terrified to finish it

Summary: Fives has always admired you from afar but never had the chance to try and build a relationship with you until you run to him for help.

Warnings: Mention of a guy being creepy

Notes: Female pronouns, a v rushed kiss out of nowhere, the reader is flirty, Fives is flirty

Genre: Fluff

Words: 2150

...............................................................................

The music in 79’s was deafening-just how Fives liked it. And the ARC trooper had his seventh or eight drink (he had lost count already) in hand, just how Fives liked it. And Rex was in the middle of getting shitfaced in a booth in a corner with Cody, Waxer, Boil, Jesse, Echo, and Kix meaning he wasn’t paying attention to the soldier, just how Fives liked it. What Fives didn’t like? he was at the bar with no shot at getting laid tonight. That is what Fives didn’t like. 

After getting not one but two drinks tossed on him by two separate girls, the ARC had given up in his pursuit of action and resigned himself to the bar where he helplessly watched as Hardcase drunkenly danced with a pretty pink twi’lek. You see, around his brothers Fives could talk a big game but when it came to putting that talk into action? 

So, imagine his surprise when as he went to chug the rest of his hooch he felt a presence beside him and a hand landing on his bicep. Startled, the ARC trooper jumped and spilled some of the precious liquid. But as he turned to see who he was about to verbally destroy (in his mind) every trace of anger vanished. Staring up at him with large (e/c) doe eyes was none other than you, nurse (Y/n) (L/n). “Will you pretend you know me? There’s a guy that’s been following me.” The panic in your voice made Fives’s grip on his glass tighten exponentially. He didn’t need to pretend he knew you because every soldier seemed to know who you were. You were an angel sent to the GAR from the gods above both in features and in personality; from your soft lips, bright, doe eyes, and girlish roundness still clinging to your face to your eclectic sense of humor, generosity, sunny disposition, subtle sass, and sweet gentility. Fives could go on and on about you if people would let him (which they most certainly would not as mentioning you was what got alcohol tossed on him). So, of course, he was going to protect you from this creep that had you so worried. 

“Uh, of course-” Fives started to say but you had already moved in. You looped your arm around his and pressed your body against him, making the ARC freeze as his face flushed. Fives looked down at you right as you fearfully glanced at the doorway. Your face paled and without warning you snapped your head back towards him, making your lips brush together. Now, Fives was certain that you hadn’t meant to do that. How was he so certain? Well, going by how you immediately pulled back and how your face fell into a look of pure shock. But, before Fives could apologize you surged forward and legitimately kissed him. Fives felt like he had been struck with lightning. Your lips were plump and full and incredibly soft against his and your grip was firm on his bicep. Fives didn’t remember telling his hand to move but he must have as soon his hand was free of hooch and entangled in your hair instead, pulling you closer. One of your hands moved away from his bicep and slid up and over his pauldron till it wrapped around the base of his neck. The ARC trooper couldn’t believe what was happening. You-the most beautiful nurse in the whole GAR-were kissing him-a clone considered the property of the Republic you worked for. Was he in heaven? Had he died and been given an angel to hold and be held by? 

You pulled away slowly and Fives couldn’t help but try and chase the kiss but the moment had already passed. You were panting slightly, winded from the impromptu lip-lock, as you looked up into Fives’s eyes. There was an unknown emotion swirling in your (e/c) eyes that Fives was eager to understand. You finally looked away, eyes flicking towards the door. “He left.” You confirmed, pulling your lips in briefly to wet them- a tick Fives had noticed you would do when you were thinking. “Thank you.” You muttered softly. 

“Don’t-” Fives cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “Don’t mention it.” 

“You’re...you’re ARC trooper Fives, right?” You asked, taking a free stool next to him. As you propped yourself up, Fives took notice of your outfit. You were wearing a knee-length navy blue dress with a sweetheart neckline and a black belt with a coat to match. It was modest but enticing and happened to show off your legs as you crossed them at the ankle. You had also applied some light makeup including smudged, pink lipstick (notably, his fault) and your hair was pinned away from your face. It was evident that you had been dressed to go out. 

Dumbly, Fives nodded. “Yep, tha-that’s me.” He finally managed to cough out. “How’d you know?” 

“I’ve seen you around.” Blushing-you were blushing and you couldn’t look him in the eye. “Kix talks about you a lot when he’s working with me, too.” You mumbled shyly as you toyed with a loose strand of hair. “Um…” You forced yourself to release the strand of hair and held out your hand to him. “I’m (Y/n) (L/n).” 

Fives couldn’t help but smile as he took your hand, how could one person be so cute? “I know.” He said without thinking about the connotations of that.

Your brow furrowed as a confused smile wound its way across your lips. “You do?” 

Kriff, now he sounded creepy. “I-uh, I mean, yeah. I-I’ve seen you in the medbay and...a-around. You stand out, y’know?” Sithspit, now he sounded rude. “I-I mean you’re eye-catching-ugh…” He was floundering, maker was Fives floundering. With a groan, Fives let his head hang. Curse his inability to chat people up. 

Fives was saved from his spiraling embarrassment by the sound of you giggling. The ARC looked over at you as you tried to muffle your laughs in the back of your hand. “I-I think I get what you’re trying to say, Fives.” You smiled at him. “Thank you, you’re rather eye-catching yourself.” You winked and Fives was pretty sure he died. 

Fives’s face felt like it was on fire-were you flirting with him? Abruptly Fives cleared his throat. “Can I get you a drink?” 

“Sure, I’ll have whatever you have.” You pointed to his drink with a soft smile. Fives returned it with a lop-sided smile of his own as he signaled the bartender down. As the droid wheeled off to get you your drink, Fives turned to you again. 

“So, your all dressed up-what’s the occasion?” He wanted to smack himself, why did he sound so incompetent? 

You didn’t answer immediately as the droid bartender had just come back and handed you your liquor which you happily took a sip of. “Mm,” you hummed as you set your drink down on the counter, “A bunch of the nurses and doctors are supposed to be heading here for a night out, I got off duty early so…”

“You just headed here?” Fives filled in questioningly and you nodded in confirmation. You took another sip, Fives did too. “So...the guy that was following you…” he started uncertainly and watched as you lowered your drink. “What...how…um…?” 

“What did he look like and how long had he been following me?” You finished for him, expertly putting into words what Fives couldn’t. He confirmed the question with a nod. “He was a yellow trandoshan and he started following me after I left my apartment about ten minutes away from here.” You stated calmly. Fives could see through it though, he had been in the medbay enough times to recognize when nurses and doctors were hiding their fear. He had seen it in Kix and other field medics too. They put on calm facades to hide the truth from their patients as it was easier to care for them if the nurses or medics weren’t panicking themselves. 

Fives ran a tongue over his bottom lip as he contemplated his next move. Slowly, Fives reached out to lay a gloved hand on your bare forearm. Immediately, you looked up at him and the ARC trooper leaned towards you to be heard clearly over the music. “Are you alright?” Fives watched you pull your lips in again in thought. 

Gently, you rested your hand on top of his and Fives felt your thumb rub circles into the back of his hand as you let out a shaky sigh. “I’ll...admit that I am a bit shaken at the thought of what would have happened if I hadn’t noticed him when I did but...I think I’ll be fine after a few more drinks.” You let out a dry chuckle and reached for your drink to punctuate your point. “Are you alright, Fives? I mean...I did just take a kiss from you without asking.” 

Fives couldn’t help the soft swell in his heart. There it was, your legendary sweet gentility in action. “Yeah, I’m fine, cyare. Y’know, I wouldn’t mind if you did it again.” The ARC simpered with what he thought was an enticing wink. You, however, saw it as an exaggerated flirty gesture and thus began to laugh at the ridiculous face the ARC was making. 

“I’ll-” you huffed out amidst laughter, “I’ll be sure to remember that.” You smiled at him happily and Fives couldn’t help but chuckle along. The two of you fell quiet as you both contentedly sipped your liquor. “Y’know, I think this is the first time we’ve ever genuinely talked to each other.” You suddenly chirped out of nowhere. 

The trooper thought about it for a moment. “Yeah, I guess it is, huh? I mean-if you discount the time I dislocated my shoulder and you had to pop it back in.” Fives looked over at you to see what you’d do with that, chin resting in his hand. 

“To be honest, I do, since I spent that time as a mediator between you and Kix. What did you even do to piss him off so much?” 

“Honestly, I don’t even remember-pretty sure it was Hardcase’s fault though.” Another laugh fell from your lips and Fives smiled wider. “You’ve got a pretty laugh, did you know that?” 

Immediately, you stopped laughing and Fives worried that he had messed up but he was fine. In fact, he could see the tip of the beautiful, bashful smile he had already grown so fond of and you had gone back to playing with your hair. “I-I didn’t...thank you, Fives. I really like your laugh too.” Fives smirked in your direction before signaling for the bartender again although it seemed a bit preoccupied. You noticed and whistled for the droid’s attention, it immediately gave it to you and wheeled over. “This one is on me, Fives.” It was you to wink this time as you gently grasped his forearm. Fives watched the droid wheel away, silently savoring the contact with you. The only thing that interrupted his silent contentment was a commotion at the entrance to the bar. 

You both turned to see what was going on and it appeared as though your fellow nurses and doctors had just arrived at the clone bar along with some field medics apparently willing to go out. Fives couldn’t help but deflate at the sight of them, knowing his time with you was up. “Well…” 

“You could join us, Fives.” You stated warmly, bringing the ARC’s attention back to you. It was almost like you had read his mind. “In fact,” you slid your hand into his, giving it a gentle squeeze as you looked up at him. Your eyes sparkled in the multi-color lights. “I’d...I want you to join us.” 

“You do?” Fives tested. You didn’t strike him as the type to lie about that but he wanted to be sure that you actually wanted him around and weren’t just saying that because he had helped you out. 

You flashed him another bashful smile before surging forward to plant a soft kiss on his cheek that left the man reeling. “I do.” You whispered against his cheek before sitting back down on the stool. 

“A-and, maybe I could walk you home after?” Fives offered hopefully, all too aware of the stunned look on his face. 

“And maybe we could try that kiss again?” You fired back, batting your eyes up at him as one hand clasped his chin. You were being coy and Fives loved it. Especially because you backed that coyness up with your thumb stroking over his goatee. 

Fives brought his free hand up to cup your cheek as he pressed his forehead against yours. The contact immediately got his heart pumping. “I’d like that, cyar’ika.” 

[parkkrys]

Dogma/Hardcase: Care

Another one done whoop whoop! Thank you so much to @so-its-treason-then for helping me out with this one!

Also there is a sprinkle of Fox/Thorn because we couldn't help ourselves XD I hope you enjoy!

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Dogma never thought he would be here. The 501st was a great battalion...even if he didn’t really fit in. He still performs his duty like he should, he is a soldier, this is what they were made for.

But this is different, he was in a place he never thought he would be. He was in a relationship with Hardcase of all people but he was so thankful. Hardcase was so careful with him, so gentle and he never pushed.

He loved him, it shocked him the moment the realization hit him, scared him even...but he didn’t run from it. He wanted to pay him back, to do something for Hardcase.

He wanted to show him that he cared. So he made a plan, he just had to wait for the right time to execute it. Thankfully, the barracks were empty and Hardcase seemed content to cuddle with him. He removed his head from under Hardcase’s chin and looked up,

“Case?”

“What’s up?” Hardcase asked in a whisper, keeping the quiet, relaxed atmosphere they had. Dogma was almost sorry for ruining it.

“You still want to go learn the guard flips and jumps they do?”

Dogma smiled as he felt Hardcase stiffen underneath him, his voice quiet but he could hear the excited undertone that was hiding there, “Really?”

“Yes, you want to go?”

“Now?” Hardcase asked and Dogma knew that if he could he would be vibrating now with how excited he was.

“Yeah, now.”

“Yes! I want to go,” Hardcase said as he sat up quickly, holding Dogma close as he slid into his lap with a surprised yelp, “I thought you didn't want to?”

Dogma sighed deeply as his hands stayed wrapped around his lover’s neck, still recovering from Hardcase’s burst of excitement, “I want to do it for you. You have done so much for me, Case, I want to do this for you.”

He was expecting his boyfriend to say something but instead he was surprised with a kiss. Dogma couldn’t complain about it anymore, he has grown to love his kisses. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Dogma whispered as he pulled him close.

Ten minutes and a few comm calls later had Dogma standing on a roof besides a giddy Hardcase with Fox and Thorn in front of them.

“It’s pretty simple really, you just need to know how to balance well.” Thorn casually told them as he shrugged.

“When you go to do a flip you need to use your whole body, especially if you are going forward. You don’t have a lot of momentum if you are not running, if you are, you need to be prepared to propel your body forward so you can land on your feet.” Fox said as he shoved Thorn to the side.

“Don’t listen to this di’kut here anyway. Commander Thorn needs to understand that other people don’t get it as easily as the guard does.” Fox continued as Thorn rolled his eyes behind him.

Dogma smiled as he watched the two of them bicker like they always do, wondering what lovely information he would gain today.

Dogma had met Commander Fox a few months ago when a trip to the 79’s went wrong. Hardcase had managed to convince him to tag along with them and of course, once they got drunk, the usual ruckus happened. It quickly found them locked up and Fox glaring at them as he commed Rex to come get his troopers.

In the end Dogma had a lovely conversation with the Commander, finding out that they had quite a few similarities- ranging from moronic Z-6 wielding boyfriends to a very specific flavor of caff; leading them to have exchanged comms and kept in contact. Fox possesses more than one brain cell, Dogma liked that in a friend and he was happy to teach Dogma whatever if he asked for it. He wasn’t sure how to feel when Fox had told him that he could see himself in Dogma, but he took it as a win.

Hardcase seemed surprised when Dogma just strolled into Commander Fox’s office and grabbed his mug, taking a sip and asked if they could learn to do roof jumping. He was even more surprised with how readily Fox agreed to help them out, not even bothering to reprimand Dogma about the fitched caff, just grabbing it from his fingers and leading them out; Thorn had declared himself to be tagging along since he was “bored”.

“How are we going to do this Fox?” Thorn asked behind him and Dogma smiled as Fox whipped around to face him.

“Well first of all, you be quiet, secondly, we will practice a flip before I just push you off the building and fend for yourselves.”

“Wait, push us off?” Hardcase asked and Dogma laughed.

“Fox claims it teaches us faster if we just do it.” Dogma answered his question while Fox gave him a wink.

“Exactly. So, you still want to learn?”

“I-” Hardcase hesitated and Dogma just leaned towards him.

“I did say I was doing this for you,” He whispered sweetly to him and Hardcase sighed loudly.

“Alright, let’s do it.”

“Perfect,” Fox said as he clapped his hands together, a devilish grin on his face, “Let’s get started then.”