#[ Fox hates admitting there are good senators. ]

[cc1010fox]

Senator Organa: Commander Fox? Fox: ... Senator Organa, after walking up to him: Commander Fox? Fox: Yes, senator? I'm sorry, I must have misheard you. Fox, tossing a handful of credits at Thire later: Fine. You win. He knows who we are. Big deal. He pays attention to our armor. Thire: He's a good man, Fox. Fox: Yeah yeah. Get back to work.

[vodika-vibes]

What about an enemies to lovers with Fox. Maybe Reader stumbles upon him, bruised and injured after Palpatine lets off his frustrations. Fix is embarrassed and doesn't want Reader to see, but instead, Reader treats him with absolute dignity and sweetness as they tend to his wounds, and for the first time ever, they have a real conversation.

Thank you. Love oo

Waiting On A Miracle

Summary: Commander Fox has a list of people he never wants to see him when he’s injured, the youngest aid to Senator Amidala is probably at the top of that list. So when he’s struggling after a particularly brutal session with Palpatine, the last thing he wants to see is her. Unfortunately, she’s the only one there.

Pairing: Pre Commander Fox x F!Reader

Word Count: 1436

Warnings: Torture, though nothing detailed

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: So I didn't follow the prompt exactly, it's less enemies to lovers and more Fox hates her and she doesn't hate him, lol.

White hot pain lances through Fox’s body, and he releases a quiet oath in mando’a as he slumps against the wall, his badly injured arm wrapping securely around his equally as injured ribs.

Palpatine was in a mood today. And he suffered the consequences of it.

All he has to do it get to the lift that the clones are allowed to use.

That’s it.

As soon as he’s on the lift, he can get to Vacc and his brother will put him back together.

Unfortunately the lift is on the other side of the floor that he’s on, and it feels like it might as well be in the Outer Rim.

The good thing, the only good thing, is that it’s late enough that he doesn’t have to worry about anyone stumbling over him when he’s this injured. It would be a disaster if Wolffe or, force forbid, Cody found him in this condition.

The pain fades long enough that Fox feels like he’s able to walk at least a little bit, and he straightens up from the wall. Only for the pain to slam back into him with a vengeance.

This time his curse of pain is much louder.

Behind his helmet, Fox grinds his teeth to try and push through the pain. But it’s not working.

Kriff Palpatine and his kriffing lighting, seriously.

Fox is so distracted by his pain, that he doesn’t notice her right away. Not until he hears a quiet, and deeply concerned, “Commander?”

Fox lifts his head, and his heart sinks.

There are three people that he absolutely never wanted to see him in this condition: Wolffe, Cody, and her.

She is Senator Amidala’s youngest Aide, a recent graduate from the Law School of Theeds, and an even more recent transplant from Naboo. According to his brothers, she goes out of her way to learn about the Clones, to learn their paint and their names and them.

And he thinks he hates her.

No one goes out of their way to learn about the clones unless they want to use them. No one at the Senate is that good.

“Commander!” She steps closer to him, “You’re hurt!”

Fox pushes away from the wall and drops his arm from around his ribs, “I’m fine.”

“You’re clearly not.” She argues, “You can barely stand up straight!”

“It’s not your concern.” He bites out, “Excuse me.” Fox tries to push passed her, only to stagger when the pain slams into him. She catches him as he staggers, surprisingly strong for all that she has the same build as Senator Amidala.

“Let me help you Commander,” She says, “My office isn’t far.”

Fox is silent for a moment, and then he sighs, “Fine.”

Her office really isn’t far, only several doors down, and she carefully guides him onto the couch that fills a good portion of her office. There’s a blanket and pillow on the couch.

“Were you sleeping here?” Fox asks, groaning as she lowers him onto the ridiculous looking fleece blanket.

“I had some stuff I was looking up-” She explains as she hurries to her desk and pulls a massive first aid kit from inside her desk, “It’s not important, really. Um...can you take off your armor?”

Fox stares at her silently for long enough that she shifts, nervously.

“Please?”

“...not without help.” Fox finally admits.

“Okay. Tell me what to do.” She replies as she sets the first aid kit on a side table and walks over to him.

Slowly, Fox walks her through popping the seals on his armor and removing the pieces, and he watches as she carefully sets each piece on the floor next to her. It’s surprisingly intimate, and he can’t help but wonder if it’s because she’s a woman, or if it would be just as intimate if it was any other natborn helping him.

“Okay,” She says to herself as she sets the last piece of his chest armor on the floor, and then casts her gaze over him, “And your shirt?”

Fox makes a face, but uses his good arm to unfasten it at the collar, “Gonna need your help with this too. And it’s going to hurt.” He hisses.

“I’ll be as gentle as I can.” She promises as she carefully started removing the top of his blacks. But, in spite of her care, Fox still releases a deep groan of pain as she peels his shirt off.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” She whispers as she tosses the thick material of his shirt to the side, “It’s over, it’s off.”

And then she gets a proper look at his injuries and her face falls. Bruises and lacerations cover his torso, and his left arm is covered in deep electrical burns.

“Who did this to you?” She asks.

“Doesn’t matter.” Fox replies.

“It absolutely-” She stops mid-sentence and takes a deep breath, before she turns to the medkit and opens it, fishing around for something, before she turns back to him with some supplies in her hands, “You don’t deserve to be treated like this, commander.” She finally says.

Fox scoffs, but doesn’t say anything one way or the other.

She stands and carefully steps closer to him to tilt his head back so she can start treating the injuries on his face.

Her hands are gentle against his face, and she’s so warm. Somehow Fox wasn’t expecting that, though he’s not sure why.

“Didn’t know you cared about clones.” He says after a long silence.

“You’re still men.”

“Not legally.”

“Kriff legally.” She turns his head to the side slightly, her gaze solemn as she looks at the electric burn on his cheek, “I’m sorry, these are going to scar.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not. It’s not fine and I don’t know why you keep saying it is.” She applies some ointment to the burn on his face, and the burning pain fades slightly, “You have so many brothers, why haven’t they done something?”

Fox’s smile is bitter, “We went out drinking the other day,” She glances at him, slightly bemused by the non-sequitur, “We decided to play a drinking game called would you rather.”

“Sounds familiar. Go on,”

“One of the questions was, would you rather save Fox or Ponds. Not a single one of my brothers chose me.”

Her fingers pause against his cheek, and then she continues moving, “That’s...that’s unfortunate.” She finally says, “Maybe they didn’t mean it how it sounded?”

“They did.”

She’s quiet for a moment, “I’m sorry. You deserve better.”

“Yeah, well...if life was about what you deserved, we wouldn’t be in this situation, would we?” Fox leans back against the couch, “If my brothers knew, had proof, that we were being mistreated, of course they’d do something. But, well, it’s just me.”

She’s very quiet for a moment, “Just you is still too many people being hurt, Fox.”

He watches her for a moment, “I misjudged you. You’re a good person.”

Her smile is wry, “No. I’m kind, but I’m not very good I’m afraid.”

“You care about me.”

“The bar is on the ground there.”

“You’d be stunned at how many people are more than happy to start digging.”

She drops the supplies she was using on the table, to grab something different, but instead she turns and presses her hands against his cheeks, “If I could get away with it, I’d steal you and your brothers from here.”

“All 2 million of us?” Fox asks, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Well, maybe the 600 or so of you in the Guard at least.”

“Where would we go?”

“Outer Rim? Maybe further? Somewhere where no one will ever hurt you again.”

This is nice, Fox decides. Even if it is pointless fantasizing. “And then what?”

“Dress you all up as Mandos, and make our own society. Rescue slaves. Overthrow the Hutts-”

“Sounds nice. Shame it would take a miracle to actually pull off.”

For a moment, Fox thinks he sees something sliding though her pretty eyes, though it’s gone as quickly as it appears as she tilts his head to the side and starts treating the wounds on his neck. “Lets finish getting you patched up,” She murmurs, “And then you can get back to your brothers in the guard, hm?”

Three months later, under the noses of the Supreme Chancellor, The Senate, and the Jedi...all 600 men from the Coruscant Guard vanish overnight, along with with junior aide from Naboo and a ship big enough for all of them.

Turns out, Fox’s little lawyer is quite good at performing miracles.

[clonemando]

For the Fox prompts, how about Riyo helping Fox through some of the guilt and self-loathing he feels at not being able to do anything to help the guard more and feeling like he’s failed as a commander?

I tried to write something soft but Fox just wanted a good long cry. So here's some hurt/comfort with more hurt and an attempt at comfort. At least Fox has some support.

//warning for referenced canon character death for Thorn//

The room was quiet but it wasn't in the way Fox was used to. The quiet was usually bad, meaning a lack of brothers, a lack of support. It meant being too far from Coruscant's endlessly busy streets to hear the normal hustle and bustle of activity. However, he wasn't in danger here. The quiet was due to the sound proofing of the Senator's office and Fox was there because... he struggled to remember.

"Commander? It's good to see you awake. How's your headache?" a soft, friendly voice called and Fox relaxed as he saw Senator Chuchi walk in and he stretched out his sore body on the soft cushions of the couch he had been drooling on pushing the blanket down from his shoulders to accept the glass of water she offered him.

"Senator... I apologize, I shouldn't have-" He started but she shook her head.

"Fox, we're friends. You needed a safe place to sleep last night and I don't blame you. You had a migraine and my office couch is the least I would offer to help you when you need it." She said kindly and it eased some of the tension away from his shoulders as he tried to remember what happened and how he ended up there.

"I... I can't remember." He finally admitted shamefully and she frowned reaching out to brush some of the dark curls that were starting to fall into his face away.

"I have heard that sometimes our minds try to protect us from remembering things that hurt the most. I once had a bad injury to my leg and still can't remember any of it even with the scar there that shows it really happened and everyone telling me the tale." She murmured sitting on the arm of the couch as Fox sipped the water.

"Something bad happened?" He asked and she looked down at her own hands fiddling with a gold bracelet she was wearing.

"You showed up at my office crying Fox. You told me that you got word back about Commander Thorn and his mission on Scipio with Padme." She murmured, her voice somehow sounding even softer than normal as if the tone of voice could lessen the blow of what she was saying.

"Thorn... Oh... Thorn." Fox swallowed hard and closed his eyes as tears started to threaten to fall. He remembered now.

"He was killed. He's not coming home again. He's gone." He said and Riyo reached out to squeeze his hand.

"I am sorry Fox. I know you were close with him. He was a good man and I remember his smile and jokes fondly. He was always so cheerful." She said and Fox had to nod at that even as the tears started to spill over and his hands holding the glass of water started to shake.

"He made it worth it. Kriff. How am I supposed to keep going without Thorn? I knew he shouldn't have gone on that mission. I told him he shouldn't go. I should have made it an order." He croaked out brokenly.

"He saved Padme's life. They all did. Maybe they still would have without him but maybe not. Maybe he would have stayed and tripped down the stairs and still passed away the exact same moment he did but without it having been of his own choice on how to go out. We can't say Fox and getting lost in what if's won't make this easier or bring him back. Blaming yourself won't do anyone any good." She said and Fox looked up to meet her golden eyes and sniffled hard.

"I try so hard to keep them all alive but I can't. If I can't keep them alive then what's my point? To serve the Republic that hates me?" He spat before flinching.

"Sorry Senator." He murmured but she shook her head.

"Just Riyo right now Fox. You're not wrong as much as I wish you were. I wish I had answers or that I could promise you anything other then a couch to cry on. I can only tell you that you are making a difference. Your brothers all need you Fox. They need you more now then before and I know it must be hard because you need someone too. You can't always carry everyone on your shoulders, no matter how broad they are." She said quirking her lips up at the little joke which also made him smile a little knowing Thorn had always said Fox would need to get new shoulder plates with how much of the planet he tried to carry.

"Thank you Riyo. I should check in. I don't need Thire and Stone sending out squads searching for me." He said taking a hand from the glass finally to rub at his tears.

"I'm honored you trust me enough to let me help you. Please at least stay long enough to finish your water before you call your brothers. I did let them know you were with me after you passed out last night. I figured you would prefer they know. Stone said they'll be taking the day off and you should do the same and to come find them when you were ready." She assured him an Fox nodded taking deep breaths to calm his heart again even as it ached.

Kissing Fox's cheek she stood. "I am here however you need from me Fox. I'm sorry for your loss. If there's anything I can do to help make this any easier for you and your brothers just let me know." She said before giving him some space. He looked down at the water and took a moment to be grateful he had Riyo in his life because without her he knew this would have hurt even worse then it already did.

[beardedmrbean]

Complaints from some progressive Democrats about the much-heralded Respect for Marriage Act are on the rise, as they realize that the legislation often labeled in the press as the "same-sex marriage" bill would not actually require states to recognize same-sex marriages.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., lauded the legislation as a "momentous step forward for greater justice for LGBTQ Americans." But complaints from the far left started surfacing as the Senate passed the bill last week.

Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart, who is gay, said in a column that he supports the bill but admitted that the more closely he looks at it, "the more my joy diminishes."

"What the act does not do is require states to issue marriage licenses in contravention of state law," he wrote.

SENATE PASSES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

Charlotte Clymer, former press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign and LGBTQ activist, put it more sharply in a blog post. "I hate the Senate bill and we need it to pass it," she said, adding that "it sucks" and "it's our only real option."

Democrats in Congress whipped up the bill after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas issued a concurring opinion in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. There, he said that in light of the decision to let states decide abortion, the court should also "reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents," including the Obergefell v. Hodges case that took same-sex marriage out of the hands of states and said it is a right guaranteed by the Constitution.

RICK SCOTT DEFENDS RELEASING 'RESCUE AMERICA' PLAN AHEAD OF MIDTERMS: 'I DON'T REGRET IT ONE BIT'

No other justices joined Thomas. But that opinion became a major campaign issue for Democrats and spurred lawmakers of both parties to write legislation aimed at requiring states to recognize same-sex marriage, in case the Obergefell precedent fell.

But if the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) passes, it would not go so far as to require states to permit same-sex marriages, which is what has some progressives disappointed. Instead, it would require the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they are legal.

The act would also require states to recognize same-sex marriages in other states for the purpose of distributing benefits, and wouldn't let them interfere with the federal recognition of those marriages. But otherwise, each state would still be able to define marriage as they see fit, and would not be required to issue licenses or permits for same-sex marriages that take place in their state.

Tim Schultz, president of the 1st Amendment Partnership, told Fox News Digital that the passage of RMA is about "political realism," and that both sides had to cede some ground in order to turn the language into law. Schultz noted that the bill doesn’t go as far as banning states from making gay-marriage illegal, and includes an amendment by Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., aimed at protecting religious liberty.

GOP SENATORS DEMAND ANSWERS OVER SPIKE IN MIGRANT CASES DISMISSED BY COURTS AS DOCS NOT FILED IN TIME

"The interest groups on the left I think are begrudgingly admitting that these religious protections had to be in the bill to pass," Schultz said. "Some of them are saying that’s an affirmative good. Others are saying, ‘Well, I guess this is what you have to do to attract Republicans.’ I’m not saying they feel religious liberty in their soul."

"I think that this is actually a big political deal," Schultz added. "I think that legally the RMA is not a huge deal. And I think that's why people are hyperventilating for no good reason."

"But I think like politically it's a very big deal. Because I think it shows that there is a kind of center that wants to get things done on this issue."

Schultz says the overturning of Obergefell is a "very unlikely scenario."

[clonecyare]

I Can Handle Myself

Summary: You were perfectly capable of handling yourself when it came to matters of your safety. But that would never stop Fox from doing his part.

Pairing: Commander Fox x senator!reader

Tags: assination attempts, protective fox, senator!reader, republic gala, canon typical violence/shenanigans, banter, secret relationship, kissing, suggestive ending,

Word Count: 1.8k

A/N: The 2nd instalment of my outfit series. This one is based on this outfit submitted by @murdertoothpick for Fox. Each fic in the series can be read as stand-alone fics.

1st instalment: Playing a Dangerous Game - Captain Rex x medic/!reader

|| Masterlist || Tag list ||

----

“I am going to say this one more time, Commander. I do not need a babysitter for this Gala, I am more than capable of handling myself.” You said matter-of-factly as you walked through the halls of the senate, datapad in hand, tapping perhaps a little passive-aggressively on the screen.

Commander Fox chuckled under his bucket, and you narrowed your eyes at him.

“With all due respect, Senator, you were the target of an assassination attempt 4 days ago.”

“And I survived. Nobody would be stupid enough to try a second attempt at Republic Gala, not with the Senate present.”

Fox chuckled and fell in step with you, bumping shoulders with you as you walked. “Maybe so, but it’s the wishes of the Chancellor that you have a member of the Guard escort you, while the rest patrol the Gala.”

You stopped outside the entryway to your office and put one hand on your hip, datapad and a stack of flimsi files clutched under one arm and pointing accusingly at Fox with the other from behind the death grip you had on your caf. “You’re enjoying this.”

You nodded politely to Hound who had been standing guard at your office, and he saluted with a polite, “Ma’am.” He took his leave as Fox took his place, leaning against the doorway with his head tilted as you punched in the keycode. The doors slid open, and he followed you inside, removing his bucket with a gentle hiss and holding it under his arm against his hip.

You couldn’t help but stare a little, just briefly. He was sporting a few soft grey hairs at the sides of his neatly trimmed hair. It made him appear just a slight bit older and more sophisticated, the neat locks of loose hair framing his handsome face.

“Perhaps a little. I do get quite the kick of you not getting your own way.”

His smug comment brought your attention back to the present and you muttered something in response with narrowed eyes. Dropping the stack of files and the datapad on your desk, you hopped up to sit on the edge and crossed one knee over the other. The lightweight fabric of your skirt sported a high slit, exposing the skin of your legs and upper thigh.

You sighed, resigned to your fate and leaned back on one palm, swirling the steaming caf in your paper takeaway cup.

“Who will be my knight in shining red armour, then?”

You asked as you blew on the hot caf and took a sip.

Fox, whose eyes has been previously occupied following the slit of your skirt up to your thigh, snapped out of his daydream and plastered a handsome smirk on his face.

“Oh, that would be me. I’ll pick you up at 7 sharp, mesh’la.”

“Wha-” You did a rather ungracious spit take withyour coffee, as the Commander slid his helmet back on and moved through your office doors with one final look back at you.

“Oh, and don’t be late.”

----

Leaning into the mirror you carefully applied the deep crimson red lipstick, treating the task with the utmost delicacy, lest you waste your look entirely. You stepped back once you were through and took a moment to admire your handiwork.

Dressed head to toe in deep, rich red tones and soft fabrics, you felt you had outdone yourself this time. If you were to be on your Commander’s arm all evening, the least you could do was make an effort, right?

You smirked softly, tilting your head in the mirror. Yeah, this would show him.

You had decided to go for an elegant gown for this evening, floor-length and a deep wine red in colour. The upper portion was a bodice lined with velvet and fitted to your body, with sleek black linear detailing down the front. Around the upper edge and over the shape of your chest was lined with intricate gold detailing.

In the centre of your chest, just under the hollow of your throat, sat a delicate golden brooch, which held from each side 2 long strips of the same wine-red material from your dress, draped prettily back over your shoulders, accentuating your chest and neck.

You had chosen several simple gold jewellery items, and tied your hair up into an intricate bun, completing your look and signature red lip. You were just touching up the corners of your lipstick when there was a firm knock at your door.

You headed for the door, opening it with a smile.

“Good evening, Commander.”

You smiled, voice sweet like honey. Your Commander, to your delight, was stood frozen in the doorway looking at you. In one hand he held the cap of his dress greys and in the other, a bouquet of Queen’s Heart flowers.

“Fox?”

You smiled softly and reach a hand out to touch his forearm. The gentle touch broke him from his stare and he quickly cleared his throat, offering you the bouquet with a bow. “For you.”

You smiled and took them with a courtesy, “they’re beautiful, come in, let me find a spot for them.” You stepped aside to let him in, finding the perfect spot for the flowers on your table.

When you turned back, Fox was watching you again, though this time he was smiling handsomely. You smiled back, “well, how do I look?”

“Mesh’la. Truly mesh’la.” He smiled as he offered his arm. Your cheeks flamed a pretty pink, bringing a satisfied smirk to the Commander’s face as you slid your arm through his own.

You locked up the apartment and made your way strangely quiet Senate District. The air was crisp against your skin, cooling the warmth you felt where you were brushing arms with the soldier lightly.

“You know, you clean up pretty well outside of all that plastoid.”

You smiled playfully, looking up at him. He smiled back, chuckling and shaking his head lightly, hair bouncing lightly in the gentle breeze. “Is that so?”

“Mhmm. I would go so far as to say a 10/10.”

Fox groaned deeply in his chest, head hanging sightly. You swore it was to hide his smile.

“I hate you.”

You smiled fondly and pressed into his side, free hand resting on his arm that was holding yours.

“No, you don’t.”

----

Perhaps you may have been wrong about the Gala. Fox had his reputation for being a little… prickly, at the best of times. But, as the over the top affairs go, the Commander had proven himself quite the charmer.

He has stayed dutifully by your side most of the evening, So, having a bodyguard was, as it turned out, a blessing in disguise - though you would never admit as much to anyone else. Far fewer senatorial aides tried to approach you upon spotting the head of the Coruscant Guard on your arm. Even several of the more conservative senators passed you by upon receiving his death glare.

At one point, towards the end of the evening, you had even managed to convince the stoic Commander to join you on the ballroom floor to dance. Well, sway, would be more accurate. The two of you moved around the room in a gentle sway, you humming softly along to the tune while Fox rested his cheek atop your head.

You raised your glass of Algarine wine to your lips in an almost mini toast, “Well Commander, it seems we had noth-”

Your words died in your throat as the glass suddenly shattered in your hand. The blaster bolt that has cause it clipped your right cheek, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. A roar of commotion suddenly filled the room, with several masked individuals pushing through the crowd. Most of the shots were trained on you, but you now noticed a group of them firing off into the guests as a distraction.

“Get down. Now!”

Fox barked, crowding you to the floor. Thire and Thorn were already pushing through the crowds, firing at 2 of the intruders and calling in backup.

“Commander!”

Hound threw Fox’s blasters towards him and took off after one of the assailants, Stone calling for backup. The leader of the group was faster, though, taking another shot that you managed to dodge as Fox tackled him, throwing himself between you and the hitman, and knocking his blaster from his hands. The pair wrestled for the single DC-17 that had fallen between them, each landing several punches.

In the end, the hitman got the upper hand. Blood rushed to your ears, cancelling out the commotion behind you. As soon as he pulled the pistol on the Commander, you were behind him, panting heavily, pistol to the back of his head.

“Drop it. Now. I promise I’m faster.”

Fox looked at you with wide eyes, before the dropped to your exposed thigh and the small holster secured around your upper thigh, soft brown irises slowly darkening. Discreet, made for a small pistol like an ELG-3A.

The man dropped the blaster and Fox grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, binding his wrists and looking over his shoulder at you with a chuckle as he pushed the man towards one of the Corries that had arrived.

The room was emptying now, only a few shaken aides left milling around, and few vod who were cleaning up and securing the room. Fox lifted a hand to brush a few hairs back behind your ear, and you smiled.

“I told you I could handle myself.”

Fox laughed, holding your cheek as his calloused thumb swiped over your cheek, wiping away the trail of blood. “Yes, you most certainly did, cyar’ika.”

You turned your cheek into his palm and pressed a light kiss, looking up at him.

Fox took one precursory look around the ballroom and bent down, kissing you hard. It wasn’t soft or sweet like you knew they could be. It wasn’t careful and quick, like so many of your kisses had to be in order to remain a secret.

It was rushed, and desperate. You could practically feel the adrenalin rolling off him in waves. It was an oddly comforting feeling, one you had grown to know only too well. The kind Fox radiated after gruelling sessions guarding the Senate. Or after the occasional run-in with the cesspool of Coruscant’s underworld.

But it was most notable in these moments. When you had found a way to put yourself in the firing line again. When he couldn’t let his mask slip, when he couldn’t treat you as more than a senator under his protection. When all he could do was his job.

It was these moments afterwards that he needed you the most, that you needed him. It was in these moments, you knew exactly what you both needed.

You broke away, eyes never leaving his own as you took his arm.

“Take me home, Fox.”

----

Tag list:

@captainrexsfuturewife

[itsagrimm]

Coruscant Lost - Day 2

Summary: Commander Fox teams up with a senatorial aide to find a lost trooper and his girlfriend.

Note: I personally imagined none of the characters as white. The only felucian canon character I am aware is Mace Windu. Mina is a neat secretary Miss-Moneypenny-style at least for me which is currently portrayed by Naomi Harris. And the clones are canonically played by Temuera Morrison. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ You do with that what you want.

CN: discrimination of clones, missing people, heavy flirting, bad mental health in general, forbidden relationship, pining, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of violence especially police violence, structural violence, tiny moment of disassociation, mentions of death and murder, we are running up to some good ol' piv sex & smut but I could not make it work in this chapter pacingwise

Commander Fox X she / they senatorial aide

0024 SCT / 00:24 Standard Coruscant Time – Midlevel 145 Block 67c Republic City, Coruscant

Fox head started to clear after all the painkillers. He was glad. It left him with a bit of a headache. But his mind was sharp again and his eyes carefully scanned for danger in the dirty dark corners of the path along the urban coruscanti canyon. It wasn’t a nice part of the city and Fox missed his armour.

Mina walked next to him. Unlike Fox she appeared to feel safe outside the heavily secured senate building walls. The shady lower levels and its inhabitants felt like a gartro trap waiting to snap shut.

“We are nearly there.” She spoke. “How are you feeling?”

“Good enough.” Fox replied. He disliked her caring tone. Mina was a politician. Her types care and consideration were going to be short-lived.

“Listen” She started “I am not sure how to put it. But most people get confused, defensive, or even angry when talking to a clone. How about I start talking and you just enter into the conversation if it feels right?”

Fox pressed his lips together, unhappy about the situation. But she was right. Most common folk hated clones. Clones were a reminder of war, executive power, and oppressive rule. Not that any clone wanted to be in that position to begin with.

“Got it. You do the charming part and I stare menacingly. Sounds more reasonable than the other way around.”

Mina laughed. It was a cute laugh.

“Oh, I can look menacingly too.”

“Really? You might be a menace woman, but your presence is as menacing as a loth cat begging to be pet.” Fox wanted to jump of the walkway and fall to his immanent doom. It would be less painful than hating himself being a smooth flirty mess towards a little senator’s aide. Why was he doing this to himself?

She just laughed again. “Loth cats can be menacingly. Especially when they want something.”

“Maybe. I must admit, my experience with pet animals starts and ends with tracker massiff’s. And they look like a murderous danger to society even when trying to be nice.”

Mina chuckled and checked her holopad.

“Tal-Vala’s flat is around the corner. Strange level she is living on. Still some sunlight yet mostly dark. It’s surprisingly peaceful here for that.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, for a deep, poor neighbourhood it’s really nice.”

“Yeah, beautiful pile of trash over there. And that playground looks like a death trap.”

“Oh, come on! Most coruscanti would love to live like that.”

“Maybe it’s not that bad being a clone trooper after all.” Fox grimaced darkly. At least he saw light when he was working.

They turned around the corner and entered a narrow dimly lit open hallway with apartment doors. It smelled like cleaning supplies and someone cooking dinner close by.

Mina stopped in front of a sealed door.

“We are here. This is her apartment.”

“Guess we are too late.” Fox stepped closer and read the police code on the electronic seal. “This was the military police. Why would they be interested in Tal-vala or Sasha?”

“Let’s find out. I’ll comm Thire. He must be back on Coruscant.” Mina replied. “He can look up any police activity in this area and maybe even lift the seal for us to get in.”

She stepped away and started working her comm.

Fox looked around.

The apartment door, the hallway, the pathway they used to get here – all of that was dark and rundown. And yet it fit together perfectly like the graffities on every wall, giving this part of Coruscant an artistic finish. Maybe Mina was right, and it was a nicer area, he just wasn’t accustomed to see that. The commander checked the list of inhabitants at the beginning of the hallway. All of them neatly listed with buttons to activate doorbells next to it. Most names were felucian, like Tal-Valas: Tol-Ino, Thu-Jinrah, Thé-sabin… Felucians were rare on Coruscant. No wonder they sticked together and tried to live as close as possible.

“HEY! WHO ARE YOU?”

Fox turned around. An elderly human was standing at the hallway end.

“Who is asking?” He replied.

“I live around here. And I have never seen you before.” The elder replied, leaning on a walking stick. “We don’t have many visitors here and the last had been most unpleasant. So, state your business or I will make sure that you won’t forget your time here.”

Mina stepped forward and raised her hands so that the elder could see, fox mimicked their gesture.

“We are searching for a friend.” Mina explained. “He didn’t show up to work. We just know that he had a girlfriend here. Do you know what happened?”

The elder considered.

“Fine. I guess you mean Sasha. Yeah, that boy was alright. Came here often. He helped watching the kids sometimes. Even started to learn your tongue. Very tall, like you over there.”

Fox bowed his head slightly to thank the Elder. They were speaking to them and not raising the neighbourhood to kick them out. That was something to be grateful for.

“Sasha was something of a distant cousin of mine. We all … share attributes.”

The elder stepped closer and looked at Fox.

“I might be old, but I am not blind, boy.” The elder stated half amused, half sour. “You are a clone just like Sasha. We have no problems with your kind here. Don’t worry, young one. As long as you let us live peacefully, we have no quarrel with each other. Down here few of the … upper crust politics matter.”

“I am glad to hear that.” Fox wasn’t lying. He appreciated the simple yet reassuring words of the elder.

“I don’t know where Sasha is. Or Tal-Vala.” The elder spoke.” Some official looking guys came down here in black armor and scary helmets. They had big guns and searched the apartment. But no one was there. Then they left, sealing the apartment. Behaved like a bunch of rude boys. Very unpleasant.”

Fox nodded. He already expected that and started looking up a picture of republic commandos “Thank you very much. Did these soldiers look like this?”

“Yes. Will they come back?”

“I doubt that they will return. Commandos are few in numbers and often very busy. Besides, if they haven’t found what they came for, there is few chances that they will be luckier a second time.”

The elder nodded pleased.

“Thank you for your help, elder.” Both Fox and Mina bowed like it was custom among the felucian people.

The elder chuckled. “Oh, don’t mention it. I just happen to live close by and I want Sasha to be found too if he is lost.”

And with that the elder left, leaving Mina and Fox alone again.

“That went well.” Mina said.

“Yeah, so much for me staying in the background. Guess I am the negotiator now. Step up your game. You are the muscle now.”

Mina flexed her arms. Tiny in comparison to the genetically engineered super soldier next to them.

“Will do, commander.”

They grinned at each other. For a second both hold their gaze, then Minas comm beeped.

Fox cleared his throat and looked away. Mina did likewise and answered the call.

“Hey, Thire. Did you find anything out?”

“Hey, good to see you both alive and well. I expected one of you severely wounded by now if not dead, but I can live with petty fighting between an overworked commander and a lowly politician.”

“Thire” Fox growled like a warning.

“Alright, that bad then. Okay, Mina got me up to date. I looked up any activities in the area. The military police bust of Tal-Valas apartment is not listed as usual. But the droid patrol is tasked to check if the seal is active every now and then.”

“That matters little if we can’t get in.” Mina pointed out.

“Indeed. It would matter little if you could not get in. But you can so it does.”

“Really?”

“Yes, unlike you two I am not a techno-illiterate. Because I-“

Fox muted the connection. “Watch. He is about to flex his special training. Does it everytime.” He unmuted Thire again with a wink at Mina.

“-therefore, I am a security specialist. Super secure lock? Not for me! Cyber secured banking system? You mean a walk-in. Hiding your secret fic stash of porn without plot scribbles? If already read them all! Building a-“

“Okay we get it, Thire. You are very smart. Can you get us in?” Mina cut him off.

Thire smiled like a devious little child. “Of course. And not just that. I can override the seal temporarily under the name of a senator at your choosing.”

“Are you saying that some senators name will be put down for sneaking in and meddling with military affairs? That is irresponsible and puts the senator in danger if someone notices! We can’t do-“

“Take the kaminoan senator.” Fox said, his face expressionless. “Her name is Halle Burtoni.”

Thire, in all blue tones due to the holotransmission, nodded.

“Burtoni keeps vetoing clone citizenship-rights. Good choice, vod.”

Mina stayed silent, biting their lips. Finally, they shook their head in approval.

Thire started working and moments later the seal got lifted.

“Good work, Thire. Thank you. Would you mind looking up what you can about Tal-Vala while we look inside?”

“Will do but it might take some time. I have your workload now, remember Fox?”

“Oh yeah, I totally forgot. My bad. Sounds awful. Anyway, bye.”

Fox ended the transmission, leaving the last expression of a very unamused Thire hanging in the air.

Mina looked confused. “What was that about?”

“Thire kept preaching me that I work too much so I transferred my responsibilities on him while being away. I hope he will leave me alone with the fiddly monologues once I return.”

“Is your workload that bad?”

“When Nocte, our head medic, told me I needed 8 hours of sleep I first did not understand why he was mad at me because most of the time I do manage to get 8 hours of rest per week.”

Mina stared at him. “What?”

“Anyway. Let’s get going.”

Fox stepped in the apartment. It was tiny and messy. The commandos apparently had moved through Tal-Valas living quarters with little care for her personal belongings. Like most coruscanti apartments, it was a modest space. A tiny refresher unit. A little kitchen doubling as a living room. A room with a build-in storage below and a plateau for sleeping above. Its size was so small that Fox wondered how many times the apartment could fit into chancellor Palpatine’s office.

Despite the chaos, Fox felt charmed by the little space. Tal-Vala had put up pictures of the luscious forests of Felucia. And her stuff smelled clean, warm, and inviting. He looked around. Broken kitchen utensils, flimsis and clothing was cluttering the floor. He looked closer.

“Mina? What is that?”

She moved and looked at the pile of fabrics.

“Oh my, that is clothing for babies.”

They exchanged a look.

“You said only Tal-Vala was listed in this apartment.”

“The Elder did not mention a child either.” Mina added.

Another uncomfortable look. A child in this bleak scenario was a tragedy in motion.

“Let’s ignore this for now and look for more clues where they could be.”

They continued their search quietly for a while. Fox felt uncomfortable digging through a stranger’s life. Clones had little concept for privacy, starting from growing up in glass tubes and rooms - to sharing face, thought and fate with each other – to finally growing up to be soldiers interchangeable with each other. He had little chance of being different from his brothers. This woman however, clearly had put in lots of care into the physical objects in her life. Everything was personalised, painted, or worn - infused with the owner’s presence. Just like the graffities outside Tal-Valas apartment, her stuff was a mosaic of beauty and Fox had not been invited to look at it.

“I got something!” Mina called from the sleeping room.

Fox moved closer, carefully walking around Tal-Valas belongings, and leaned against the door frame with silent anticipation.

“I found a flimsy under the mattress.” Mina explained, “Those commandos as you called them must have overlooked that or not cared. It’s a picture of Tal-Vala and Sasha.”

She passed Fox the picture. It was indeed a picture of Tal-Vala and Sasha. They were standing close, Sasha having his arm casual around the woman’s hip, and she was leaning against him, her hands on a very big round belly. Fox stared at the picture, unable to process what he saw except the smiling couple. It’s just a picture. They are just happy together. Just a little romance. Nothing more.

“Fox?”

He jumped up slightly, his hands holding the flimsi trembling. Mina placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Fox, are you alright?”

He breathed heavily. Clones are not living beings according to law. Just property. They can’t make friends, fall in love, have relationships. They can’t have families. They can’t become parents. This was not happening.

Sasha smiled at Fox from the flimsy with happy defiance.

It was happening.

“We need to go.” Fox declared. “The patrol will pass by soon. Let’s get out of here.”

He put the flimsi into one of his pockets and got out, followed by Mina. Behind them the door resealing the apartment.

0204 SCT – Midlevel 98 Residential Complex Zina II Republic City, Coruscant, Mina’s Apartment

Mina moved Fox through the night like a good pilot moved a space craft. Concentrated, with minimal adjustments, avoiding risks. In one of the elevators, she turned around.

“Fox, my apartment is close by. I am bringing you there if it’s alright with you. You can rest there, and we can think of what to do. Okay?” Their voice was soft and quiet as if Mina was trying not to startle him.

Fox nodded. He didn’t feel like talking and so they moved under tacky advertisement neon lights and though Urban Canyons in silence.

Mina’s apartment was indeed close to Tal-Valas, just a few levels up but still in the Midlevel where light never reaches except for a handful lucky days with a few rare hours of darkness defying light.

Just like Tal-Vala’s living quarters Minas were miniscule, taking up a total space which would have made up a single room in other cities. Mina moved Fox into her kitchen, placed him at a table with a glass of water before sitting down across with an odd device.

“What is that?” Fox finally broke his silence.

“It’s a caffa bean mill. I thought Caf is your go to drink, and I thought I’d make you one. I only have a mechanical mill from home so it will take a little while.”

Fox stared curiously at the mill. “May I?”

“Sure”

The handle was wooden and warm from Mina’s touch. Fox started milling the beans, the repetitive movement and rattling sound calming him down.

“I think this is fine now. Thanks for the help.” Mina declared, reaching out for the mill and starting to prepare caf. Fox watched her and tried to be as little in the way as possible. Finally, the bubbling sound and smell of fresh brewed caf filled the little room and Fox felt himself relax in his shoulders.

“I hope you like it. I made it like we do on my home planet. No caf machine or fancy ingrediencies. Just plain caf from the can.”

Fox took the cup with the black liquid into his hands, slightly surprised how small regular cups for regular people looked in his large soldier hands and took a sip.

“Yes.” He just stated with approval. “I like it. A lot.”

Mina smiled and got back on her spot across him with her own cup. She looked tired. It was the middle of the night after all. And yet she made the effort to sit upright and smooth out any wrinkles in her neat clothing.

“Thank you for inviting me in. I guess it is rather personal to show someone their space.” Fox said.

“Don’t mention it. It’s nothing. I said I wanted to help with what I can. Sharing my rations and my space is comparably easy. Besides, you are a nice caf break company.” They lifted their cups like a toast.

Fox grumbled in agreement before lowering his head. “As much as I enjoy a break, we need to talk about Sasha and Tal-Vala.”

Mina’s face got serious again.

“You know that clones are not allowed to … socialize much outside of the army. We are property of the Republic and are not considered people. What Sasha did, wanting more, having community outside of the army, having … a family… that got him killed.” Fox felt his throat tighten and yet freed from the inevitability of spoken word.

“Are you sure he is dead?”

“Very. We haven’t found his body; we might never do. But the military police got to him and killed him. I am certain that some hints of his murder will turn up so that his comrades in his unit will be deterred to do as he did. The boys did not report him for leaving after every shift. They knew something and yet covered for him. The army, mostly consisting of involuntary forces, brainwashed and breed for war, cannot allow their clones to explore any freedom that might question that status. We are not meant to think about a future.”

Fox felt something inside of him unravel as he spoke those words. He never had voiced his feeling about his existence to anyone like that. It felt like a victory after a costly battle.

Mina just starred at him, shaken by his words.

“I don’t care if that child is Sashas child or not. I kind of always expected us clones to be infertile but who knows, maybe I am wrong. I have seen a lot the past days that did not fit what I have been taught. Sasha clearly cared about Tal-Vala and her pregnancy. So, it’s none of my busines how or why. But Tal-Vala is in danger if she is still alive. The commandos did not find her in the apartment. Maybe she is hiding. We need to find her first and we need to get her and the child to safety. That is what Sasha asked us to do.”

Fox felt good phrasing a clear goal. It was simple. Just do this and everything will be alright. He refused to think any further than that.

Mina still stared at him. Then she swallowed loudly and blinked. “Okay. I will comm Thire and ask him to check hospitals, social facilities, anything for Tal-Vala.”

“Thanks.” Fox reached over the table and pressed Mina’s hand. “I am glad that you are helping us.”

“I am glad that I can.”

The stayed like that, comfortably looking at each other, Fox drawing little circles with his thumb on Minas Hand.

0945 SCT – Midlevel 98 Residential Complex Zina II Republic City, Coruscant, Mina’s Apartment, Bedroom

Mina’s bedroom smelled like a dream. Fox lied stretched out on the mattress, dozing with closed eyes. She had offered him the room for a nap only for him to pass out a few hours straight up. He should feel guilty for leaving the research about Tal-Vala to Thire and Mina. But he felt too well rested for once to do that. Fox cuddled up more into the warm sheets with nothing on him but his boxers. It was so cosy he felt like floating. If he could, he would never get up.

A soft knock at the door made Fox growl with disapproval. It better be important.

“Fox?”

“Hmmmm?”

“Thire commed me.” Minas voice was shaky. Fox sat up, alarmed by her tone and looked at her, Mina’s expression nothing but defeated.

“What happened?” He asked.

“It’s just like you predicted. I guess, I hoped you were wrong. But they found Sasha. He is dead.” Mina hugged her arms around her frame, her head bobbing down. “The medic found him in a bacta tank in the coruscant guard medical bay. The bacta destroyed all marks on the body, leaving no clue about how or when he died. But someone with access to secured guard rooms was able to do bring his body in without an alarm. I-… It’s just not fair for Sasha to die like that. I-“

They stopped speaking. Fox was not sure what civvis like Mina needed to hear after learning about someone’s death. He hated seeing her like that, lost on what to do to change that.

“I-…” she tried again. “Can you hug me? I just need to cry a bit if it is alright with you.”

He opened his arms invitingly, happy that he did not have to speak. Mina crawled into his embrace, shaking slightly, and crying against his chest.

XXXXXX

Day 3 in progress

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[one-real-imonkey]

This one might be odd but do you think anyone ever gave Hound crap for having to take care of a pet? (ik grizzer isn't really a pet but still). Like the other battallions are fighting on the front lines and Hound's "taking care of the doggies on Coruscant" idk I just feel like other brothers might use it to be demeaning like "they put you with THAT job lmao"

I love it.

Short answer: yes I do.

Long answer below:

So in my hc Grizzer stays with Hound at all times (will be elaborated on later in the post) but Hound is also in charge of all the units with Mastiffs and their training. That’s why he spends so much time with the Commanders even though he’s still only a Sargent.

Anyway...

There’s definitely some of that but on bad days or days where he’s teased for it, Hound can always sit with Grizzer who is the best comfort (yeah I hc Grizzer as a super affectionate pet like all the time he’s not actually chasing someone) and he also goes to the others and curls up with them when they’ve had a bad day. Hound and Grizzer are similar in that regard because they both know cuddles and comfort are the best way to salvage a bad day.

He worked out he always feels better with Grizzer, though Grizzer stays mainly with the Commanders, but he sets up time slots for other members of the Guard to sit with the pups when they’ve had awful days or near misses in terms of decommissioning or reconditioning and sometimes even the adults if they feel like they need protection.

(I should also add here that I feel like a lot of the time they act like they’re the age they look and especially on duty, but sometimes they can’t help but react to things like kids because life experience and development and all that so after a nightmare or a truest awful day sometimes a pile of puppies is the best solution (not that adults can’t also relax with puppy piles lmao))

Hound is kinda self appointed leader of keeping up morale and looking after his brothers, and the medics 100% approve. For the younger vode he’s the wiser older sibling who can calm you down after a panic or when you’re upset or after a nightmare and make everything feel better. For the older siblings he’s always there to offer a hug but he’s the cute younger sibling who makes you feel better by thinking you’re making them feel better. He’s got the best puppy dog eyes.

There have been issues where after certain delegations visit Hound (and Grizzer and a few of the other pups) stay up all night in the barracks helping other vode and he’s always the first to make sacrifices to help his vode including giving up his food or blankets or any of it. He’ll run himself into the ground trying to look after the others and he’s worried Fox sick about it on more than one occasion. He’s also the sort to put his own issues on the back burner to help others so Fox, Thire, Stone and Thorn always do their best to make sure he’s not neglecting himself.

Grizzer is also really good at defending the vode and especially Hound, he’ll even snap at vode from other battalions if they’re teasing Hound, who’ll always insist none of their teasing effects him even though it can cut really deeply sometimes. Grizzer will always try to make Hound feel better and if he can’t he’ll try to find someone who can.

Also Grizzer always always always growls at Palpatine and no one can work out why (Sith alert). Grizzer doesn’t like the mean senators and aides and is always nice to the nice ones, but he loathes Palpatine. Like full haunches raised low growl protective stance hates him. Grizzer also always abandons Hounds bed to sleep on Fox after a bad meeting with Palps.

Wow this turned into a post about Grizzer more than anything lmao. And a long post too, haha.

But no, yeah, I think there is a lot of teasing for Hound and his ARF squads for playing with puppies while they’re doing actual work, but it’s definitely not by any section of the Guard. Kamino trained them all for a very specific thing and this wasn’t part of it, so they’ve had to adapt and the others can’t understand that. And any shinie or transfer who thinks to tease them soon realises they’re a necessity and that Hound is doing masses to help his vode. Things on Coruscant are so awful and different that having Hound and his squad helping is one of totally necessary to stay sane. And that’s not even looking at their jobs finding criminals or whatever. The troops further afield don’t know but that’s largely because letting them know about that would also mean admitting everything else that happens and none of them want to worry their vode when there’s nothing that can be done.

Anyway thanks for reading my longer than expected post about Hound (and Grizzer).

Coruscant Guard deserved better!!!

[commander-marlo]

Foxiyo - A spider embarrassed me in front of my favorite senator

Thank you @sexyrexy7567 for telling me fox is scared of spiders! I had a lot of fun writing this =D

Summary: After a meeting with a clone hating senator, Riyo thinks about the humanity of the clones. Not expecting to find out that they could actually be afraid of anything, let alone spiders of all things.

Words: 1500~

Riyo has a meeting set up with senator Garos. A man who presents himself as authoritative and adamant, which aren’t poor qualities for any senator to have. Having a strong opinion and showing adequacy is an important quality to have in the senate and as a leader. 

But Senator Garos takes it too far by letting his adamancy cloud his judgement, he’s easy to draw conclusions and his authoritative nature makes him imperious. It was exhausting enough to listen to the man trying to continuously persuade her to have his same opinion. It had already rubbed her the wrong way that he was so pushy in his persuasions, but their conversation this afternoon added to her feelings of uneasiness around the man.

It had already started at the beginning of their meeting, they hadn’t even started their discussion about politics before the man pointed to the commander at her side. “If you could tell your clone to leave the room, Senator Chuchi. I’d like to speak to you in private.”

Riyo feels uncomfortable by the thought of being left alone with the man and feels relieved when the commander decides to speak up on her behalf, saving her from the stress of having to decide to be left alone with the man or to awkwardly decline his offer. “I’ve been assigned the task to protect Senator Chuchi. Leaving her unguarded while on duty would be against protocol, senator.” 

“I didn’t ask you clone, I asked the senator. Now go, I’d like to go over this next bill with senator Chuchi in private.” The man was hissing through his teeth, clearly biting back annoyance as he commanded Fox out of the room. Who in return turned his attention to her, clearly not willing to leave his post unless she herself gives the order, while reminding her of the following fact, “My men and I have a duty of confidentiality, senator. I’m sure-”

“Are you ignoring my orders? I could have you decommissioned for disrespecting a senator!” The man threatens. 

Riyo quickly steps in to defend the commander.  “Senator Garos, it is highly inappropriate of you to send away my security for me, don’t you think?”

That seems to get the man to settle down again. “I see what you mean, my apologies. Would it be possible to speak about this matter in private, senator Chuchi. I’m sure standing guard outside will provide enough security as is.”

“I understand your reasoning, but having the commander stand besides me shouldn’t be a problem. They do have a duty of confidentiality as the commander mentioned before. If anything were to happen, no matter how small the chance, it would be good for both our protection to have the commander as security with us.”

It appears the man can’t think of any reason to counter her reasoning and ends that part of their conversation with - “If that is what you think is best, senator.” - before finally moving on to the topic of politics, sending one last glare to the soldier that stands behind her. When she is done, she is escorted back to her office by the commander. Setting down her datapad at her desk as she lets out an exhausted sigh, before sitting down on the chair behind it. 

“Are you ignoring my orders? I could have you decommissioned for disrespecting a senator!” The meeting overall had gone well, but the words at the beginning of her meeting seem to have had an impact on her. She knew senator Garos was known to dislike clones, lightly said, but he threatened so quickly with decommissioning of all things. It wouldn’t be the first time he got a clone shipped back to Kamino for that exact reason. He didn’t think of them as people. 

“They might look like men, but these clones are droids in disguise. Don’t let their faces fool you.” She had heard him say once before. Before she came to Coruscant she didn’t know what to think about them. She begrudgingly has to admit that if he had told her that before she had gotten to know them, then she might have been persuaded to believe him with the way they didn’t show any other kind of personality trait then ‘soldier’. 

It was only when Padme told her about some of her interactions with clones that she started to notice that they are more than what meets the eye. She had tried to see it for herself once, asking a trooper about how he and his brother’s were doing and was quite surprised when the trooper stammered out that he and his brother’s were doing fine and thanked her for asking. There was also this time where she had received a box of pantoran sweets from her family back home and had asked commander Fox once if he wanted to try one. He declined, but had suggested for the trooper guarding the entrance to her office to try one in his stead. Resulting in the senator offering him one.  

Said trooper had nervously replied, “I’d love to, but it is against regulations to remove my bucket while on duty, senator.”

“I won't tell anyone you ate something while on duty, if you won’t tell anyone I distracted a trooper from leaving his post for a minute for some sweets, do we have a deal?” She had joked while holding out the box to him so he could pick one out. 

The trooper had looked to his commander for reassurance who told him to quickly pick one and then get back to his post. 

She remembered the way the trooper smiled after he had lifted his helmet and had tasted one of the sweets she had held out for him. She could almost imagine stars in his eyes, thanking her and the commander before putting his helmet back on and rushing back to his post. She had offered another one to the commander, who declined her offer again, saying he wished not to make use of her generosity and that he was already thankful she had been willing to give one of the sweets to one of his younger brothers. 

It was then that she had realised something about the commander. He was selfless, protective and caring. Definitely not a droid. She smiled while she thought back on that time amongst other occasions, It was only when a startled yelp came from the commander that she looked his way. Seeing just in time the way that the commander had jumped aside, a thud coming from his helmet as it was thrown on the floor with haste. “Commander Fox, are you alright?” she asked surprisedly, hurriedly walking around her desk and his way to check on him, curious to know what had caused such a reaction from the commander. 

He had looked up at her in shock, stuttering as he rambled on his explanation, “I-I’m sorry, ma’am. I know i’m not supposed to remove my helmet on duty, it’s just that... uhm.”

During his attempt to explain, she had crouched down to pick up the commander’s helmet from where he had thrown it off, only to be stopped by his spooked warning, “Wait! don’t pick it up, it...uhh.. could..still.. be there.” 

She halted her actions as she looked back at the commander, seeing his unease as his gaze seemed to linger around the room, before asking, “It being what, commander?”

“A...spider, ma’am.” he admitted, hesitantly so. Clearly still embarrassed by the whole ordeal, while trying to scramble his composure back together.

“A spider, commander?” She asked, surprised by his response as she picked up the helmet. 

“It crawled onto my vizor, which startled me. I apologise, ma’am. It won’t happen again.” The commander said stiff and apologetically. When Riyo reaches out to hand the helmet back to him, she notices the unease in his eyes as he looks at it. 

She giggles a bit at that, “It’s alright commander, I checked, the spider’s gone.”

He shyly takes the helmet out of her hands, quietly telling her ‘thank you’ before placing it back on his head. She can’t help herself, amusement clear in her voice as she teases the man,  “Didn’t think you’d be scared of spiders, commander.” 

“Well, it’s not something I'd want to be known for, senator.” 

“Don’t worry commander, your secret’s safe with me.” she laughs, throwing the man a wink, before turning around and walking back to her desk. A violet flush on her cheeks as she realises how straightforward she was to actually tease the man like that. A man she now knew not only was selfless, protective and caring, but was also quite lovable when embarrassed and also had a shocking fear of spiders. She giggled at the thought. 

No, definitely not a droid.

[vodika-vibes]

I had a story idea ~

I didn't proofread, cause I typed this on my phone. And I'm bad at endings, but here~

Fox hated this time of year. For some reason, the people seemed to think that, even though there was a war going on, it was time for parades ans celebrations.

Fine. Whatever. He didn't actually care about them.

He cared about the fact that his brothers, the Corries he was responsible for, had to be there, patrolling, rather than safe in the barracks.

He hated more that he did have to stay in his office and oversee everything, rather than having his boots on the ground with his brothers.

Though, it did help, somewhat, that he could hear his vod'e chattering with each other as they patrolled.

He hit the button that would connect him to his men, "How's it looking out there?" He asked.

"You know, if the Senate implemented a draft from Coruscant alone, they might not have needed us." Dusk sounded annoyed. Fox checked the map and grimaced, his vod'ika had gotten slated with one of the more dangerous patrols.

"Oh, but then the galaxy wouldn't have their senate approved punching bags," Thire sounded amused, but then, Thire was guarding a children's play area.

Fox rolled his eyes, settling slightly as his brothers joked with each other, "I meant, are there any concerns."

"I'm concerned about pulling a muscle" Thorn quipped, "Do I get med leave for that?"

Dusk laughed, "We'll just take you out back and put you out of your misery, vod."

"Wow. Rude."

"Children, behave please." Fox interjected before it could become a thing. Amusing as it would be.

"Does that mean we should call you buir," Stone asked, in his deadpan voice.

"Only if you want midnight patrol for the next month." Fox countered.

There was the sound of Stone going to reply, but he was cut off. "CAP!"

There was the sharp crack of a blaster being fired, and one of the comms jumped to static.

Fox's heart sank into his stomach, even as the others started scrambling, trying to find our who was shot, and where.

And then-

"This is 80," The transfer sounded deathly calm, "Captain Dusk took a round to his bucket, he's alive but unconscious. Some fucker is using a slugthrower. The men are in pursuit."

Fox gripped the edge of his desk hard enough that his knuckles turned white. He watched the markers on his map start hurrying in the direction of Dusk and 80's markers.

He hit the comm one last time, "I want the fucker alive."

89's answer was dark, "No promises, Commander."

********

This wasn't the first time Dusk was hurt in the line of duty. Fox knew this. The scars littering his body spoke a story in and of itself.

But it was the first time Dusk had been shot.

Which is why Fox found himself sitting in the infirmary next to his vod'ika several hours later. Everyone else had already gone off to do other things, but Fox couldn't pull himself away.

He had assigned Dusk that route. He as good as shot him himself.

Dusk groaned then, and slowly opened his eyes. "Did anyone get th' number of that bus?" He slurred out.

"Not a bus, vod'ika." Fox said quietly, "you took a slug to your bucket."

Dusk squinted at him, "Did anyone get hurt?"

"Yeah, you."

Dusk snorted, "'nyone important?"

"You're important," Fox pointed out.

"If you say so, ori'vod." Dusk murmured, his eyes sliding shut for a moment, "why're you here an' not the medic?"

"I was worried." Fox admitted, "you've never been shot before."

Dusk hummed thoughtfully, but didn't answer, and Fox leaned back in his seat. "You ever think about the future, vod'ika?"

"Not unless I'm drunk." Dusk replied, sounding more awake now, "Why?"

"Hm...what do you want to do when the war is over?"

Dusk let out a laugh, "Don't be fucking stupid, Ori'vod. I'll go wherever you go. That's how this works.

Fox was struck silent, "You...don't have to."

"Come on, Fox. I've been living on borrowed time since I was a cadet, and we both know it. The way I see it, I have the best odds of survival if I stay with you." Dusk explained, "plus, you're my ori'vod, how could I possibly leave you?"

"You're such an idiot. I don't deserve that loyalty."

"Tough shit, you have it anyway. Go away, let me sleep." Dusk closed his eyes, and Fox pressed his hand against Dusk's forehead.

"Thank you for not dying, Dusk."

"If you start crying on me, I'm going to tell everyone." Dusk replied, then he cracked open one eye, "And you're welcome."

[gryffindor-jedi]

The Night Fox - Chapter 1

Based on @royalhandmaidens Vigilante Commander Fox theory. The story will eventually lead into Foxiyo and a happy au.

Prologue

Summary: While Fox and Riyo try to deal with their feelings, the Night Fox returns.

Word count: 1219 words

Fox stretched lazily, and checked the time. He had always gotten up at exactly 0400, much to the dismay of the Coruscant Guard, most of whom preferred to wake up at 0500. He momentarily froze when the timepiece read 0930. He hurriedly grabbed his armor, and ran out of the barracks.

“Well, well, well. Someone's late.” Thire drawled. “Very late.”

“Leave him alone, Thire. He actually looks well-rested for a change.” Thorn shook his head. “Some party last night, you only staggered back in at around 0300.”

Fox stood dumbfounded. So the whole Night Fox hadn't just been a fantastic dream – it was real; he had actually saved a little girl, and done something meaningful. A smile sneakily and unintentionally crept up on his face.

“Commander Fox, Senator Riyo Chuchi of Pantora wishes to see you.” Stone said breathlessly, as he ran toward them. “Immediately.”

Fox's smile was instantly replaced with a frown. So the ridiculous treason charges were also real.

“Don't panic, I'm going.” Fox sighed, and started making his way to the senator's office.

——————————————————————————

“Commander Fox, have a seat. I must admit that the Senate proceedings have been going rather slowly, and barely any progress has been made.” Senator Chuchi explained. “I called you here because I need to know more about you, so that I can prepare a proper defense.”

“You have my record. Why would you need anything else?” Fox said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Besides, I thought that Senator Amidala was leading the defense.”

“Uhm… well… the other Senators have their hands full with the latest banking deregulation bill, so I'm the only one left to handle your case.” Senator Chuchi said rather hesitantly. “They'll still be helping me.”

Fox looked down, refusing to make eye contact. He had rather liked Senator Chuchi since the first time he saw her. She seemed so young and sweet, but also strong and passionate. He had preferred to avoid her, and not deal with his feelings regarding her. Yet, he was being forced to talk openly and honestly with her right now. Why couldn't it be any other senator?

“We can talk later if you'd like.” Senator Chuchi suggested shyly. “Maybe tomorrow morning, same time?”

“That would be great. Thank you.” Fox said, turning to leave, and still refusing to make eye contact.

——————————————————————————

“How did it go?” Senator Padmé Amidala asked, mere moments after Fox left.

“I failed miserably.” said Riyo, shaking her head. “Why couldn't you have taken this? Fox's life depends on it.”

“Don't lay all the blame on Padmé. I'm to blame too.” said Senator Mon Mothma calmly. “We both know about your little interest in Commander Fox, and we wanted to help.”

“Besides, this case won't hold up at all – all the evidence is circumstantial.” Padmé reassured Riyo. “And maybe you'll hit it off with Commander Fox.”

“He hates me.” Riyo said sorrowfully. “He wouldn't even look at me. I just know that he hates me.”

“Give it time, Riyo.” Mon smiled.

——————————————————————————

“What did the Senator want to talk about?” Stone asked, the moment Fox set foot into the office.

“Nothing. Just leave me alone!” Fox yelled, stalking toward the barracks.

Fox pulled off his armor, laid down, and refused to get up until it was dark. Unable to sleep, Fox decided to go for a walk in the middle of the night, and his feet wandered toward the lower levels of Coruscant.

——————————————————————————

He had broken up two street fights, chased away five would-be kidnappers, and managed to arrest two escaped prisoners, and secretly delivered them to the Republic Judiciary Central Detention Center. He was about to return to the barracks when he heard a very familiar voice.

“Leave me alone!” Senator Chuchi commanded, holding a small blaster.

“Look at her, thinking she can defend herself.” laughed a cruel voice.

Fox immediately raced to her position, and tried to estimate how many were surrounding the senator.

“Someone would pay a lot of money for her, don't ya think?” another high-pitched voice leered. “There's three of us, and one of you. Who'd ya think is gonna win?”

Not wanting to hear anymore, Fox jumped down, pushing a man to the ground.

“I would say the odds are in her favor.” Fox smirked, pulling out his blaster.

“You move, she's dead.” the masked figure held a blaster at Senator Chuchi's head.

Fox stared shocked, but the senator gave a microscopic nod. Taking the cue, Fox pulled the man to his left to the ground. Using Fox as a distraction, Riyo Chuchi ducked, and kicked her captor.

“You just made a very big mistake!” the figure said threateningly.

Fox pulled Riyo towards him, and shot the figure in the chest. “No, you did.”

——————————————————————————

“What were you doing out here, at this time?” Fox asked angrily. “What would you have done, if I wasn't here?”

“I'm so sorry. I was looking for Commander Fox, and Commander Thorn had said that he had gone out, and I wanted to apologize for trying to lead his case.” Riyo rambled. “I wanted to impress him, but I've really made a mess of things. I don't even know why I'm telling you this, I apologize.”

“Let's get you home.” Fox managed to say, emotion threatening to leak into his voice. She actually wanted to impress him!

“Thank you.” Riyo said, placing a hand on his chest. “Wait, you're not even wearing armor? You could have been killed! What's your name? I need to requisition armor for you!”

“I'm the Night Fox, and I don't need armor.” Fox responded. “We're almost to your quarters, so I don't think I need to accompany you anymore.”

“If I were to give you a little something, could you at least give me somewhere I can find you?” Riyo pleaded.

“Just leave it at the Coruscant Guard office. They'll know how to reach me.” Fox said gruffly, and left.

——————————————————————————

Early the next morning, a small package arrived at the office. His feelings regarding a certain Pantoran had chased away his sleep, so Fox wandered around the office, and had been able to pick the package up before anyone else could see. Inside the package was red clone trooper armor, and a matching helmet, with a red fox design. There was also a handwritten letter, that Fox tenderly picked up and read:

Dear Night Fox, I thought this would help in your noble efforts, like saving young Twi'lek girls. The armor has been infused with cortosis, so it won't be damaged by blaster bolts or even lightsabers. I tried to make the armor better suited for you, but my artistic skills are rather lacking. Feel free to repaint your armor, and I hope you will make good use of it. Sincerely, Riyo Chuchi

Fox pulled on the red armor, and lovingly glanced at the fox emblem on the helmet. So, a certain Pantoran senator liked him enough to try to handle his case, and even send him special armor that she had painted herself. Maybe, just maybe, this entire treason case is a good thing after all.

Tag list: @penguinkiwi (send an ask to be added)

[newswcanonprompts]

the clones x happiness is the new otp

so first of all, rex has a cat and they’re best friends

rex is the biggest cat lover in the galaxy

in AU land where everything is fine, marshal commanders fox and cody become the first clone senators, and rex is cheering them on in the background with his cat

the first time rex saw a kitten he straight up started bawling

“general. general how is it that small”

“it just... is?”

“how does it live?”

“...do you want to hold it?”

rex, a puddle of feelings: “I can hold it?”

ahsoka: “his name is cheeto”

rex: “HIS NAME IS CHEETO”

rex is that scene from B99 where they say “i’ve only had him for two days but if anything happened to him i’d kill everyone in this room and then myself”

cody, sometime: do you wanna hangout

rex, feeding cheeto: i’m b u s y 

fox gets a cat too, it’s a one eyed scarred street cat named The Commander and fights literally everyone except fox. he also has a coruscant-guard-red colored collar, so people know not to mess with him. he also has full senate access.

this cat also always hated palpatine. more than everyone else. The Commander clawed palpatine and palpatine couldn’t be healed because this is an AU and that is how palpatine gets taken down. by a street cat. hell yeah.

this cat also became chancellor of the republic (well, really, it’s mon mothma, but everyone says it’s The Commander. the galaxy’s economy is better than ever before, PR for the jedi is at an all time high, the clones have rights, and everyone is happy)

anyways, more clone fluff:

fox, to wolffe: drink this

wolffe: oh my gods what is this

fox: it’s called chocolate

wolffe, melting into the floor: i love it

tup, hardcase, echo, and waxer have a huge love for fuzzy socks.

tup cries

echo is silent adoratioin

hardcase goes screaming down corridors and slides around, almost knocks everyone over and almost gets a concussion

So do dogma and wolffe.

hardass wolffe walking around a star destroyer in fuzzy socks like “tf you looking at” *glares at a shiny until they run away in fear*

dogma and wolffe start a sockmaking club

dogma knits, wolffe crochets

they make fuzzy things and bitch about their annoying brothers (who they love anyway, but good luck trying to get them to admit it)

they have cheesy badges that say “my 9mm doesn’t need a license”

anakin also knows how to knit, he joins the sockmaking club and puts his skills to good use, his men cry tears of joy and contentment

he probably makes a sweater for cheeto, it was so cute and rex started crying again

cody has a water bath for the first time and dies of happiness

it’s so warm

also echo, tup, bly, and kix start a baking club

jesse and fives wanted to join, but are forbidden after the many times they almost blew up the kitchen when allowed in

[detroitbydark]

Previous part (as well as fan art and fic?!) can be found here

Chp 12

Character: Commander Fox x Mouse (reader), Padme Amidala, Bail Organa

Warnings: idiots in love, mild pining

Summary: The one where Fox knows what to expect but is still incensed when it happens. Bail Organa is a good bro to everyone. Padme Amidala is rocking motherhood and is not so subtle in her matchmaking attempt.

A/N:  I apologized in advance but your gonna see that I'm working to make things better I promise! As always thanks to my lovelies @skdubbs​ @crimson-dxwn​ and @thelastbattlecry​ for being my sounding boards/betas/listening ears.

-----------------

Naboo was beautiful. Not in the way that a rare gem or a fancy painting was, where one appreciated their grandeur because that was expected. Where they were looked at clinically and picked apart for sport.

No, Naboo was beautiful in a way that made Mouse's heart clench. The overwhelming majesty of the lakes and waterfalls bringing a tear to her eyes the first time she’d laid eyes on them. She’d never seen so much water, so much green. She could scarcely believe she wasn’t experiencing a fever dream in the claustrophobic bacta tank back on Coruscant. Even now, after two months, the view from the Naberrie’s Lake home (more like a palace than any home Mouse has ever imagined) gave her pause.

It was, in short, heaven.

The summer months had left the temperature near to perfect and the waters had receded from the great pastoral valleys, leaving them open for exploration, picnics and gathering wildflowers.

Mouse found herself sleeping most nights with the door to the small balcony off her room open, the not so far-off sound of running water lulling her to sleep. The nightmares had not gone, a twisted version of a reality she’d lived, but she rarely woke up screaming anymore. Instead she came to with a racing heart and thin sheen of sweat decorating her skin. She was haunted by the voice of Palpatine, the flash of light as Fox fires on her, the image of him being lifted and strangled by the force wielding Anakin Skywalker. It still happens like clockwork, the dreams. She just no longer has it in her to scream.

The senator had noticed the deep circles under her eyes quickly. She was a good woman, Padmé, and while Mouse was unsure whether she’d call her a friend just yet she did know she enjoyed speaking with her. Upto the birth of the babies, they’d taken daily walks, short sojourns along the estate’s lands. It was often the time Padmé had her husband speaking with his healer. Mouse was eternally grateful, as she wasn’t comfortable in the Jedi’s presence. To have him walking with them through the millaflower fields would have soured the experience. She liked to think Padmé realized such things without her saying it. When she did speak of her husband, there was a carefulness to her words, as if she had to think each one out to paint him in his best light. Mouse hasn’t spoken about Fox to anyone, and she wonders if she did would she feel the need to tread carefully? She doesn’t think she would.

Mouse's relationship with Padmé changes after the birth of the babies a short two months after their arrival.

Luke and Leia join the galaxy on a stiflingly hot night during high summer. Heat lightning flashes and grumbles in the distance as the doctor works to bring the children safely into the world. They hadn’t planned for two. Anakin paced the room, like an agitated Nexu, checking in with his wife after each pass. Staff and visitors were at a minimum, so Mouse volunteered to help as she could. It was still a state of the art set-up, one fit for a former queen, senator, and much loved daughter of Naboo. There was little to be done but sit at the Senator’s side and blot her head with a cool cloth while she worked, grunting and pushing through the labor like tackling an obstacle in her way on the senate floor.

Leia comes first, a squalling indignant thing already full of life and the need to tell everyone about it. The nurse attending offers her to Anakin while Padmé continues to labor. Mouse sees the fear in his eyes as he shakes his head, his eyes already trailing back to his wife. Mouse holds the bundle of blankets and moves out of the way, gesturing for the young Jedi to take her place near his wife.

“She needs you.” She says softly, fighting back the urge to tremble in his presence.

“Ani?” Padmé’s voice rings out, for the first time uncertain. That’s all Skywalker needs to go to her side.

Mouse watches as he takes her hand in his, kisses her fingers, tells her she’s doing great, that she’ll be fine. It feels voyeuristic watching them so she focuses on the little girl in her arms, who stares up with bright blue eyes. Mouse melts.

Luke is the wildcard, the surprise no one knew to expect. He’d been hiding behind his sister until just days ago when her last scan had shown an extra heartbeat and an extra head. Now he was malpositioned and the doctor has to manually correct it. Padmé makes an awful, wounded noise but pushes nonetheless when she’s finally given the clear to. The boy makes his entrance as a bolt of lightning cuts through the sky and the lights flicker. He’s quiet, and smaller than his minutes-older sister. There’s a tense period where he makes no sound at all, and a collective breath is held until he begins to make a soft plaintive noise before he’s laid against his mother’s chest. Mouse offers the wrapped baby to the nurse and she soon joins her brother. Mouse has to turn away as Anakin leans in and kisses his wife.

When she sleeps that night there is no nightmare. She dreams of her own swollen belly, a baby kicking away while Fox’s strong arms wrap around her middle and hold her protectively. She can feel his full lips as they press against her temple. She can feel the rumble of his voice.

The beginning of our family, cyar’ika.

She wakes with a choked sob and doesn’t sleep the rest of the night.

—-

“Run it by me again, Chancellor.”

It felt like they’d been in the black forever. The jump to the small outer rim was no milk run. Fox glances out the window again as they break atmo and the black of space turns to the bright blue of Naboo’s sky. He was ready to be off the ship. He’d never tell his brothers, would rather die than admit it, but he hated hyperspace travel. It wasn’t just the jump in or the fall out of it either. It was the whole damn thing. It was unnatural. He was meant to have his feet on terra and that was all there was to it.

The itinerary had them making a quick stop in Theed to take on supplies, then another bit of travel - this time in the blue instead of the black - to reach their destination, the Lake District.

“Commander, relax. This is a pleasure cruise,” Bail enthuses smoothly, “nothing to worry about.”

“Then why me and not one of the other boys? Thire would have been fine for this.”

Bail rolls his eyes. “Thire is a stick in the mud and I much prefer your company and conversation.” Bail explains “I’m going to spend a couple days doting on my new godchildren and discussing a few matters with their lovely Senator mother, some of which you may have strong opinions about that deserve being heard.”

The last bit grabs Fox’s attention. “I don’t remember that being mentioned.”

“Oh I didn’t mention that some of your brothers will be meeting us for an impromptu - and off the books - meeting on clone personhood?”

Fox purses his lips undercover of his bucket. “No you hadn’t sir.”

Fox had learned quickly that Bail Organa’s style of governance was worlds different from the previous chancellors. The secrets Sidious kept had been dangerous to the republic, his vode and the Jedi in particular while Bail’s all seemed fairly benign and were really only used to surprise and throw Fox from a dour mood.

“Well it seems I must have forgotten to put it on the official itinerary for our visit.” The older man’s eyes sparkle with mischief.

“It seems you did, sir. I suppose it’s already been planned. It would be a shame to lose out on such an important meeting.”

Personhood. That was one of those dreams all clones shared but few ever mentioned. It seemed silly that it should even be an issue to begin with. If none survived the war it was a useless conversation to have, wasn't it? Now, with Sidious no longer pulling his dark strings, the Seppies were beginning to fall apart. They’d already fallen on Felucia and Utapau. General Grievous was dead and Count Dooku had gone to ground, but he couldn’t stay hidden forever. Maybe the idea of life after war wasn’t such a dream. It was tangibly within reach.

“Who’s joining us for this little shindig?”

Bail smirks again, “I’ve left the guest list to the Marshall Commander’s discretion.”

Fox can’t hide the excitement in his voice, “Cody?” It has been ages since he’d seen his ori’vod. Before the second battle of Geonosis and well before Mouse had -

Mouse.

Because that was a wound that refused to heal. Kriff - it wouldn’t even scab over! It merely festered and hurt like nothing else Fox had ever felt. Whoever had said out of sight, out of mind needed to keep their head on a swivel because Fox was pretty sure if he ever saw them he’d break their jaw.

Mouse was still a guest of the Senator’s. He wasn’t proud to say he’d been keeping tabs, but it was one of the only things that kept his anxiety at bay when it came to her. Unlike with Fives, the bottle didn’t seem to do it. The pair of times he’d taken to finding out what was in the bottom of a bottle of Corellian whiskey he’d found nothing but nightmares and guilt.

Bail gives him a smile as the ship comes in for a landing, the capital of Theed rising up around them, always warm and inviting.

Fox vows to try not to think of seeing Mouse. He breaks it in five minutes.

——

To say Padmé Amidala’s wardrobe was expansive was an understatement. Like saying Coruscant was home to a lot of people.

What had once been an entire guest suite had been turned into a makeshift dressing room and closet for the former queen. Padmé was unapologetic in regards to the sheer amount of clothing she possessed, explaining that it had been expected she never wear the same outfit twice and that, honestly, she just really liked clothes.

It made her more human in Mouse’s eyes, less like the self-possessed politician and more like the young woman she was underneath all the finery.

Mouse supports little Leia’s head as she dozes in the sling across her chest while Padmé does the same, bouncing slightly from side to side on her toes to calm a fussy Luke.

“How about this one?” Padmé questions, pointing to an ornate, layered gown. It reminds Mouse of a confection, fluffy and frosted with layers upon layers of petal pink fabric.

“A bit much for a dinner party? You think?”

Mouse had never had much in the way of fine things, had never really needed them, but when Padmé mentioned that the new Chancellor would be coming and she would really like her to come to the dinner she’d had Mouse help plan, well she really couldn’t say no. Now it was important to find something to wear. It seemed since Padmé was not quite ready to leave the concealing gowns of her early pregnancy behind, Mouse bore the burden of her need to dress and accessorize.

Padmé hums quietly to Luke as he begins to drift off. “You’re probably right. Maybe something a little smaller, more cocktail appropriate?”

Mouse isn’t entirely sure what that entails but she nods in agreement. She’s discovered that even a month and a half postpartum Padmé was still a force to be reckoned with when she got on something. Motherhood hadn’t softened her drive - if anything, it had brought it to new heights as she made plans and strived to make the galaxy a place where her children could grow and thrive.

They’d been spending more time together, Mouse becoming a makeshift mother’s helper while Padmé balanced new motherhood and keeping up with her senatorial duties. Anakin, Padmé had confided, was slow to take to fatherhood and while he seemed to love the twins, he became frustrated easily. He’d increased his visits with the healer, but Padmé wondered if part of it was the loss of Jedi Order. General Kenobi had visited a handful of times since they’d arrived, but Padmé worried it wasn’t the same.

She didn’t mention Sidious but when she spoke of betrayal and upheaval Mouse knew what she spoke of.

She felt bad thinking it, but Mouse wasn’t unhappy with the children’s father’s absence. His nearness to her still left her uncomfortable and remembering the way his eyes had glowed amber and the hate that had been etched into his features as he’d used the force to-

“Remind me again why this is important?” she asks as the new mother begins pulling out more dresses. Mouse works Leia from the sling and cradles her near while she ambles over to her nearby bassinet. Leia was the simpler of the two babies while Luke seemed to require a bit more coddling from his mother. She wondered in the personality differences between the two. She places a thin blanket over the sleeping babe before going back to the pile of dresses that had been laid out.

She holds a deep emerald green dress in front of her and Padme's brows knit together assessingly. “Next,” she chirps as Mouse grabs a blue dress that shimmers in the light flooding through the room's large windows. “Maybe pile. Definitely. Tonight is important because I said it’s important,” Padmé says digging back in the closet. “Obi and Cody arrived earlier this morning.” She glances one more time before sitting on a nearby settee. Luke is awake and beginning to fuss and Padmé quickly works open the front of her dress to allow the hungry infant to nurse. “Have you met General Secura?”

Mouse shakes her head ‘no.’ She’d heard of the twi’lek though and wonders if she might ask her some questions she had. She’d begun sponsoring little Me’kar and wondered what it would take to keep a child of another species in touch with her own heritage if she were to be adopted by a human. Not that she’d been thinking about adoption-

“You’ll like her. Her Commander Bly will be with her. They’re very… close.”

Mouse can read between the lines. Close. Close like she and Fox had been maybe? More so? She’d heard battle forged bonds that were unbreakable, maybe it also could form a love connection that could withstand the burdens of both war and the Jedi’s vows.

She and Fox hadn’t had anything so deep.

She tries the lie on herself again. It still doesn’t sit true. Maybe another hundred times and she’d start believing it.

“The Chancellor will be here in a few hours-“ As Padmé continues to speak, Mouse digs through the pile. A red dress, slick and satin smooth catches her eyes. The skirt feels cool under her fingers. Padmé stops mid sentence as Mouse works it from the pile. The neck is scooped shallow from shoulder to shoulder across where her collar bone would be and a thin golden chain connects the apex of the straps and offers to drape and dip low between her shoulder blades. It would do little to hide the scars on her left arm and shoulder, but Mouse wasn’t self conscious of them the way most would think. Though she could never speak of their true nature she didn't once regret them.

“- seven hells... I forgot about that one. It’s perfect,” Padmé enthuses, again reminding Mouse of truly how close in age they actually were. “Please, pick that one?” Luke grumbles as his mother’s bouncing interrupts his meal. “Hush sweetling,” she soothes.

“It is very pretty.” Mouse hums quietly as she holds the dress in front of her and turns in front of the mirror.

“Some earrings, a pendant maybe… oh a tiara!”

“Earrings will be fine I think.” Mouse can feel her cheeks heating up. Padmé chuckles softly. “What’s so funny?”

“I just realized that color matches the Coruscant Guard colors perfectly. I wonder what Commander Fox will think of it?”

Mouse feels the color drain from her face. Her voice comes out as an ungainly wheeze, “Fox?”

“Yeah, have you met?” Padmé is giving her a wondering look. “He’s not as bad as people make him out to be.”

“Oh- uh- we’ve met.”

“Really?”

There’s a twinkle in the senator’s eye, something that clues Mouse into the fact that the woman in front of her just maybe wasn’t as clueless to the state of her relationship with the Guard Commander as she let on.

“It’ll be nice to catch up or something won’t it?”

Mouse nods. Or something.

——

Fox feels a little cheated. All the times he’d accompanied Senator Amidala to her home world not once had she brought him to the Lake District. The Chancellor looks at home, unswayed by the beauty as he marches through the open halls with confidence. Maybe it was because he was Alderaanian, Fox thinks. He’s never seen the Chancellor’s home but he’d heard its beauty was unrivaled. After taking a glance out the tall transparisteel window looking out directly at one of a half dozen waterfalls he’s sure that it can’t be true.

“Sir? Should we wait for an escort?” Fox asks as Bail takes a sharp turn down another hall.

“No worries, Commander. If I know Padmé she’ll have set up shop in her office. The day is still young and she’ll be hard at work.”

“Sir, she’s just had a baby- two babies. Surely she’ll be taking it easy.”

Bail barks out a very unchancellor like laugh before he levels his eyes at Fox. “If she’s not in her office, I’ll eat my boots for dinner.”

“Laces and all?” Fox can’t help the way the corner of his mouth draws up, though he tries to smother it. Bail raps the back of his knuckles twice across the armor of Fox’s chest before pointing one finger at his face, his own smile broad and for the world to see.

“See, I knew that stick wasn’t as far up your ass as everyone says.”

“Don’t go telling everyone. I’ve got a image to maintain.”

Bail’s bark of laughter echoes down the hall. “And this is why you’re here and not Thire.”

It was new and fascinating to see the Chancellor in this different light, more relaxed than he ever was on Coruscant with its many eyes and wagging tongues. Not for the first time since he’s begun working closely with the Alderaanian, Fox thinks that he truly does enjoy his company.

Fox adjusts his bucket under his arm, hesitates for a moment as to whether he should replace it or continue to carry it. He’s not sure of the proper protocol in this situation. It was one he’d never been prepped for back on Kamino. What was one to do when addressing a senator on maternity leave in her palatial lake house?

He decides to leave it off and immediately wishes he’d put it on as they push through large wooden doors into the senators office. Like everything else, it’s beauty is unimagined. Sumptuous wooden bookcases filled with flimsy tomes fill the shelves, natural light spills in from windows showing off a pristine late afternoon lake with the sun just beginning to set behind the waterfalls surrounding it.

All of that fails to capture his attention because there’s his Mouse swaying gently from side to side smiling down at a cooing baby. Her hair pulled back into a messy bun with tiny tendrils escaping, framing her face in fly-aways.

Karking Naboo could get sucked up by a black hole for all he cares. Mouse is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen bathed in the warm glow of late afternoon sun spilling across the room.

She looks so relaxed, so natural cooing to the infant in her arms - until she looks up and catches him staring.

He doesn’t know what he was expecting but it wasn’t the look of surprise, her eyes thrown wide before cool indifference washes over her.

This wasn’t a holoromance. She wasn’t going to run into his arms and he wasn’t going to dip her low, kiss her passionately, and promise undying love. Not that he hadn’t thought it in that perfect split second moment of her inattention.

She holds the baby close, protectively as Bail moves to embrace Senator Amidala, herself holding an infant.

“Bail!” The young senator’s smile could light the senate halls for a standard rotation. “It’s so good to see you. I was just finishing up.” Fox pulls his eyes away from Mouse long enough to assess the amount of flimsy and datapads stacked across the senators desk. She was nowhere near done.

“And Commander Fox!”

He startles slightly as the petite force of nature insinuates herself in front of him.

“I’m so glad you could make it. Have you seen Cody yet? I know he was pleased when he heard you’d come.”

Fox shakes his head, his eyes drawing magnetically back to Mouse. He used to be able to read her like one of the flimsy books on the senators shelves but now? Now he doesn’t know what he’s seeing, a whole new language he has no experience translating .

“Commander” she offers after a moment, her voice tight but bright in a forced kind of way, “it’s good to see you. You look well.”

Fox swallows hard. “As do you. I hope your stay has been well?”

The infant in her arms turns and roots against the top of the plain dress she’s wearing and Mouse turns her attention away from him, mumbling some pleasantry dismissively. It feels like a slap in the face.

“I’ve got nothing for you sweet girl.” She hums to the baby who is beginning to make plaintive, angry noises, “Padmé I believe miss Leia is hungry again.”

The senator sighs quietly before moving to swap children. She looks at the two men in her presence. “You’ll have to excuse my children,” she jokes, “they don’t know the meaning of office hours yet.”

Bail gives a hearty laugh. “I’m shocked, with you as their mother.”

“They must get it from their Dad,” she offers cheekily, “Boundaries are not his strong point.” Fox watches as Mouse heads for the door with the other infant.

“I think I’ll go deposit this one in bed. Maybe he’ll get some sleep without his sister pestering him.”

Padmé nods as Mouse leaves and Fox fights the urge to follow after her. Like a child himself, he wants her attention. He runs a hand through his hair roughly as he watches the empty door frame willing her to come back. They could try again, start from scratch. He would put himself on his knees and beg for her forgiveness.

Something angry flares in his chest.

Commander Fox of the Coruscant Guard didn’t beg. No, Commander Fox was the man everyone looked to for leadership. He would not beg. He’d stand in front of her and dress her down like one of his petulant kits.

She didn’t get to just walk away from him, give him the cold shoulder. Did she not realize he sacrificed a bit of his soul just to send her here? That the wound it left became a little more infected each day?

No, she probably didn’t. She’d obviously moved on and he was the one that was left idling in the past.

——-

“Bail already knows his way around the estate, obviously.” Padmé laughs. The chancellor had excused himself a short while before and blatantly refused Fox when he’d attempted to follow after.

“I’m an old man,” he’d said though he was nowhere near the age Fox would seem old , “and I need a nap and a holo with my wife, neither of which I need your supervision for.”

That left Fox in the senator’s good company as she led him through various halls to the guest wing. Wonder that! A whole wing set aside for people who didn’t even live there. For a clone who’d spent the better part of his life bunking with dozens of brothers, the thought was beyond what he could comprehend.

Padmé readjusts the baby in her arms not for the first time as they talk.

“I could take the little biter for a few minutes if you’d like.” He offers not thinking she’ll take him up on the offer. Who would let a clone handle a baby that was damn near galactic royalty?

Apparently, Padmé Amidala.

“Oh that would be amazing!” She stops and turns toward him and before Fox really has a clear idea of what’s going on, he’s got an arm full of ik’aad.

Fox freezes for a moment and stares down at the little face staring back at him. Her eyes have a depth, he thinks, far beyond her few months. When he looks back to her mother, the senator is stretching her arms with a contented smile. Leia squirms in his grip.

“Well hello princess” he murmurs softly as he cradles her closer. She offers a gummy yawn in return and Fox is surprised he doesn’t melt into a puddle right there.

Padmé claps quietly. “Oh! You’re a natural!”

Fox gives her a lopsided smile. “She’s a baby, not a thermal detonator.”

When he glances up Fox sees just a flash, a far-off look in the senator's eyes. “You’d be surprised to know not everyone takes to it so easily. Maybe you’re just meant to be a father?”

“Padmé, you know that-“

“Screw the regulations,” she says with a steel to her voice he’s only heard a handful of times, “You’re not a droid. You're not a thing, and if it’s the last thing I do, the Republic will do right by the men we’ve made fight our war.”

Fox raises a brow. “You know, I was going to say it usually requires a partner to have a baby.”

Padmé’s face flushes a pretty shade of pink. “Well at least you know where I stand.”

“With all due respect, I’ve always known where you stood.”

The pair continue down the hall taking a sharp right before Padmé is pointing to a door.

“This one is yours,” she states as Fox begrudgingly passes Leia back to her mother. There was something incredibly soothing about holding the little girl and he misses that feeling the moment she’s gone.

Padmé points at other doors down the hall. “Commander Bly, General Secura, General Kenobi, Marshall Commander Cody…” she rattles off, pointing to a seperate room for each. She does a lousy job of biting back a smile as she points to the last door, conveniently across from his own. “Our little Mouse.”

Fox can’t help but shake his head. “I feel like I’m being set up.”

“You are,” Padmé agrees sagely.

“I regret to inform you, after earlier, I believe that ship has really and truly sailed, hit hyperspace even.”

Padmé gives him a skeptical look before peeking down at her daughter. “Men are the silliest creatures,” she educates the infant before glancing back up at Fox, “but not all of them are lost causes.”

Fox chuffs softly.

“I was once told that the Force controls everything around us,” Padmé says earnestly, “but as I’ve grown I’m not sure that’s true.”

He’ll bite. “Well what mystical force controls our destinies then?”

“Hope, Commander. All life,” she looks down at her daughter, her eyes shining when she looks back up, “is built on hope.”

[colehasapen]

(ONE SHOT) pirunir sur'haaise STAR WARS

(belated) Whumptober no.26 - If You Thought The Head Trauma Was Bad...

Comfortember no.5 - Cuddling

Wolffe had expected to be sent off for decommissioning the moment he had been pulled out of Ventress’ torture chamber. The moment it was no longer the pain in his body that he was focusing on, Wolffe had known that the Kaminoans would have him recycled for more genetic material. They had no use for a half-blind clone - Vode had been decommissioned for less - and the Republic would never pay for an expensive surgery when it would be cheaper for them to just replace him. He’d be taken away to the labs to be taken apart, the Kaminoans would probably tell his General that Wolffe had experienced complications with his injuries and replace him quickly and quietly, and he’d be nothing more than just another name said during Remembrances.

Drugged up to his gills, Wolffe had spilled all of this to General Koon as their ship flew them towards a med center and the fear bubbled up, tears in his remaining eye as he thought about leaving his Pack and brothers like this. His Jedi had gone still and quiet, hand tightening on Wolffe’s shoulder, but he hadn’t left Wolffe’s side, not until the cocktail of drugs Cub had given him started to take effect and finally dragged him under the inky sea of unconsciousness.

When he wakes up, he isn’t in a Republic medical facility, and he isn’t on Kamino being prepped for decommissioning. Instead, he’s laying on a cot more comfortable than he’d ever experienced, smelling of bacta and disinfectants, with a hint of some sort of incense that he remembers his Jedi liking. There’s a hand stroking through his hair, three-fingered and clawed, and a harmonic voice hums mindlessly.

Wolffe stirs, his only eye blinking open and, mind still foggy from bacta and drugs, he reaches up to poke at the gauze wrapped around his head. A thick-skinned hand catches his fingers gently, and Wolffe forces his eyes to focus.

General Plo watches him, eyes hidden by his goggles, and tusks twitching in the way Wolffe had come to associate with relief. “Commander Wolffe,” His General greets warmly, “It is good to see you awake once more.”

Wolffe opens his mouth, ready to respond, but the only sound he can make is a choked croak that has him flushing in embarrassment. General Plo only chuckles, resting a parental hand on Wolffe’s shoulder, the other hand reaching out to catch the glass of ice cubes that float over to them.

“You’ve been asleep for quite some time, Commander.” General Plo tells him, gently spooning a single ice cube into his mouth, and Wolffe accepts it with a dark blush that has the Jedi’s tusks twitching in the equivalent of a smile. “It was well deserved, I assure you.”

“I-” Wolffe coughs, “I didn’t tell her anything, General.” His voice is rough from disuse, but the chill of the ice is soothing the pain.

His General pats him gently on the shoulder, “I know, Commander.” The Kel Dor soothes, “I never doubted it.” Wolffe swallows, and silently accepts the next ice cube. “I’m sorry I did not get to you sooner.”

Wolffe stares at his General, confusion buzzing in his fuzzy mind. Why would he be sorry for that ? He hadn’t even expected to be rescued, much less to have woken up somewhere other than under the hands of the longnecks, so why would he be apologizing? “General - you got me out.” He says, still feeling the shock deep in his heart that he was still alive. “That’s more than I was expecting.” Stiff fingers knot in the soft blanket laying on his lap, and he ducks his head, not wanting to meet General Plo’s eyes as he speaks, not wanting to see the heartbreak or disappointment. Plo Koon loved his men, and Wolffe knows that their status as Non-Beings hurts him immensely. “I’m just a clone, sir. A damaged one at that.” He bites his lip, letting out a slow, heavy sigh.

“ Not to me .” General Plo says without hesitation, reaching out to gently take Wolffe’s hands in his own. “You are not damaged, Wolffe, merely injured, and you will recover.”

Wolffe chokes, feeling his eye burn, and he looks up, wide-eyed. “The Senate will never pay to get me fixed, General.” He tells his Jedi mournfully. He’d come to accept that he didn’t have a future, or any hope for one, a long time ago, but the truth still hurts. He’d be leaving General Plo behind, Boost and Sinker too - the survivors of the original 104th would be down to three. His batchmates would be furious; Ponds would cry, so would Bly. Cody would work himself to death, and Fox would drink himself to an early grave, if they hadn’t already.

“You will not be decommissioned, Wolffe.” His General tells him passionately, “None of you will, not if we can help it.” Wolffe lets out a shuddering breath, and General Plo squeezes his hands. “The Jedi Order will cover all the costs for your prosthetics, as well as any prosthetics or long-time care your brothers will need.”

This is - so much more than Wolffe had ever dared to hope for.

“I-” Wolffe flounders, at a loss of what to do. “I don’t - what ?”

His General hums, leaning forward to gently press their brows together, “You will heal, Wolffe.” He says, strongly enough that Wolffe believes him. “You endured something horrible, something you didn’t deserve, and I am proud of you, son.”

Wolffe whimpers - though he’d never admit it outside of the embrace his Jedi had gathered him into - and he leans into his General’s touch. “Thank you.” He whispers, voice gruff, thinking of all the Vode this will save. “ Thank you .”

“You have nothing to thank me for, Commander.” General Plo assures him, and Wolffe laughs, somewhat hysterical.

He had so much to thank his General for, more than he’d ever be able to explain or repay. He didn’t even know where to start, or what to say.

“Now,” His General’s voice grows lighter, pulling away to pat Wolffe’s shoulder, and the injured Commander misses the warmth of the touch after it’s gone. But then he speaks, and Wolffe perks up in excitement, “I believe there are two fine young men here to see you. They will be glad that you have woken up.” The Kel Dor steps away, moving towards the door to Wolffe’s private room , and slides the door open to let two clones in greys into the small room. He aims a smile over his shoulder, voice warm, “I will see you soon, Commander.”

“You too, General.” Wolffe says absently, his eye on his brothers as they stand at attention while the Jedi leaves the room with a polite greeting to the other Commanders.

“Wolffe, you Force-damned bastard !” Fox barks the moment the door closes behind the General, brick-brown eyes snapping around to pin Wolffe with a thunderous glower. Beside him, Cody is quiet, staring at Wolffe with a calculating gleam in his amber gaze, studying his injuries, before his broad shoulders slump in relief, and he’s marching over to Wolffe’s cot with a fiery purpose.

Wolffe bares his teeth at his brothers in a grin, ignoring the left-over prickle of tears in his eye and pain from his mangled face, “I lived, fuckers.”

Fox makes an inarticulate noise of rage, but it’s a better look on him than the exhaustion that had been lining his face since the war broke out. Cody, on the other hand, huffs out a faint laugh as Fox makes an aborted move - most likely to throw himself at Wolffe and start a brawl, much like they had been prone to doing as cadets.

“Budge over.” Cody says, pushing at Wolffe’s shoulder, and Wolffe sends his little brother a glare.

“No, this is my hospital bed.” He growls - and it’s a comfortable bed too, he doesn’t want to share it with any ungrateful brats. “Get your own.”

“No, no.” Fox says, like the smug little shit that he is when he isn’t worked up into a frothing rage, approaching like a hunting Tooka. “Kot’ika’s got a point, sharing is caring big brother, move over.”

“Besides,” Cody adds easily, jimmying himself into an open space at his side. It looks comical, watching his little brother, now a solid mass of muscles from toating his sniper rifle around and fist fighting clankers, fold himself into the space under Wolffe’s armpit and along his ribs. He tucks his head against Wolffe’s collarbone, like he had back when he was the smallest and lightest of their batch - back when Alpha could pick him up by the collar of his reds and carry him around like a wet kitten. “Pace will be angry with me if I end up in medical on shore leave. He might actually throw himself out the airlock this time, and it’s hard to train up a new CMO.”

“Wouldn’t want to upset your medic.” Wolffe grumbles sarcastically, and Cody smirks up at him, amber eyes bright with mischief.

“Exactly.”

Unlike Cody, Fox doesn’t curl up against his side, instead, the Guard Commander throws himself dramatically across both his batchmates, covering them with his body. It’s a protective motion, one that Fox had always been prone to do, to make sure he was the first defense between his brothers and an attacker.

The look Wolffe slants his younger brother is annoyed, but fond, “Where did you learn about sharing, you greedy little shit?” He grumbles, the warmth of his brothers’ bodies pressed close to his own, tempting him to close his eye and drift off to sleep once more. “Couldn’t have been those Senators.”

Fox huffs out a sardonic against Wolffe’s temple, “Of course not.” He drawls, “Senators sharing is more likely than Cody confessing his undying love to his General.”

“Shut up .” Cody hisses, and Wolffe carefully leverages his legs over his little brother’s knees to stop Cody from kicking one of them as they laugh at his expense. “I hate you.”

“Love you too, baby brother.”

“Not a fucking baby.” Cody grumbles on instinct at the same time Fox lets out a disgusted snort,

“Ew, affection .” Then, sensing something to tease their brother about, Fox’s attitude takes a complete 180. “You’re definitely a baby.”

“No-”

“Don’t make me call Alpha.” Wolffe grunts, and Cody curses, before burrowing deeper into his side as Fox snickers. Fucking shits, the both of them. “Now go to sleep.” Surrounded by one half of his batch, feeling safe and warm, and protected by the knowledge that his General wouldn’t let the Longnecks decommission him, Wolffe lets himself drift back to sleep, listening to the beating of his brothers’ hearts.

[evabellasworld]

Hear the Wind Sing

For @the11tailedlovesclones, this is my gift for you as part of the @starwarsfandomfests event. Thank you to @lilhawkeye3 for organising this event. I really enjoyed it so far.——————————————————————————————

Summary:  Fox and Riyo were relaxing underneath an ancient tree, wondering about the past and the future of their family they're building.

——————————————————————————————

AO3 Link

Stepping onto a dead leaf that was laying on the ground, Commander Fox was walking down a fresh, muddy road, holding Riyo Chuchi's hand. With a plain white T-shirt and his khaki pants, he gazed at the paddy fields to his left, with the young stalks standing still on the murky water, filled with eels and occasionally leeches.

This wasn't the first paddy field that Fox has seen throughout his life. The first one was when he had to safeguard Riyo from danger. At that time, they hadn't confessed their love towards each other due to the circumstances at that time. It was a day after the whole fiasco at her parent's house that they both realized their feelings towards each other.

Even then, both Fox and Riyo had to hide their relationship from the public, despite a few of them learning their secret. The Jedi who accompanied them were the first to figure it out but promised not to tell anyone about it. His brothers and sisters, Thorn, Stone, Thire, Yves, and Lip knew about them as well but decided to not say a word, though they nudged him about it.

It was difficult to have a love affair in public since he was a clone trooper while Riyo was a senator, and kissing in front of everyone would not only ruin both their reputation but also their career as well. Riyo would have been fired and shamed in public while Fox, on the other hand, would either be decommissioned or euthanized or both.

He heard stories about how his brothers were caught fraternizing with their lovers and were never seen or heard again. His sisters, on the other hand, had it worse. There was one clone who ended up pregnant and as a result, both the mother and the baby were terminated by the Kaminoan government.

Disgusted and angry at them, Fox finds himself cursing the Republic for not only treating them like slaves but also restraining their rights to lead normal lives such as falling in love with someone. Since clone troopers were only manufactured to fight to their death, love isn’t in the manual, but that doesn’t stop soldiers like Fox to lead a private life with Riyo.

It was risky, but breathtaking at the same time for Riyo. The romance novel that she read when she was younger, titled ‘My Dirty Secrets,’ was about an office clerk who met a homeless man down the streets and found a spark between them. As time goes by, they both have a love affair and have to keep their relationship a secret from the clerk’s snobbish family. They both didn’t live happily ever after in the end, as the male lover was found dead in the streets, leaving behind his pregnant lover.

The novel made Riyo tear up and astounded at the same time, as she would read it again and again, just to feel poignant. She dreams about having a secret lover one day and wanting one desperately after finding out her parents were once secret lovers as well. 

Their relationship was scandalous at that time since her father was a rice farmer while her mother was the daughter of an aristocrat. Both sides of the family did not approve of the relationship and did everything they could to end their relationship but in the end, they relented and the rest was history.

Who would have thought that Riyo would repeat history by falling in love with someone that society would never approve of? It's almost as if her parents taught her that love knows no boundaries and accepting of each other's flaws. She wouldn't be dazed if the child that she's carrying in her womb would carry on with the tradition of loving someone that is contrasting from what others expect. Who knows?

“Beautiful day, isn't it?” she smiled, noticing her newly-wed husband gazing at the rice fields. 

“Yeah, it really is a beautiful day,” he smiled back, shifting his attention to Riyo, who was squeezing his hands. “Just like you and the baby.”

She chuckled, covering her thin lips. “The baby isn't born yet, dear.”

“Well, how long do I have to wait until our child is ready?”

“Around 27 weeks,” answered Riyo. “Are you this impatient to see the baby?”

He scratched the back of his black curly hair as if he was caught red-handed for stealing candy from a jar. “Yes, I am impatient to meet our child. It's just that, well, I have been preparing day and night on what to do when the baby comes out and what I say to her when I meet her and such. I-”

“Alright, I get it,” Riyo stopped him there. “You're just excited for the baby, I know. But you don't have to stress on every single detail about our child, you know. All you have to do is to go with the flow, that's all.”

He let out a sigh. “I know, I know, but I just can't help it, especially when it comes to something that is unfamiliar to the both of us, you know.”

“Fox, you took care of kids before,” she placed her hand on his shoulder. “I know that you will be a good father to our daughter. I have faith in you.”

Fox could only press his lips on her forehead as he gave a slight nod. “I'll try my best, Ri. I promise.”

“Glad to hear it,” she gleamed as they both continued walking on the road, rubbing her belly. 

For the past four months, she did everything she could to conceal her pregnancy from the public. Whenever she zipped to the bathroom due to morning sickness, she would claim that she was reapplying her makeup and adjusted her hair to avoid suspicion from her colleagues.

Fox was ecstatic to hear that he was going to be a father, but at the same time, he was nervous. With their relationship in secrecy, there is no way people can know that Riyo was carrying his baby. If they ever found out, their relationship would be doomed, just like the lovers in 'My Dirty Secret.' 

With Palpatine forcing him to work extra hours in his shift, he felt guilty for leaving Riyo all alone in her apartment, throwing up inside the toilet bowl. A normal husband would be ready to assist his pregnant wife whenever she needed his help, but not in his case. 

Riyo continued going up and down in the Senate, pushing herself to make sure Republic bills that would benefit the public would be passed while dealing with her dizziness that would creep from time-to-time.

Fox would check in every few hours and would massage her sore shoulders and back to soothe her dizziness. If he was lucky, he sneaked in a ration bar, which she craves a lot. 

She hated those rations for being too bland and chalky for her taste, but suddenly loved them when her favourite womp-rat stew was nauseating for her. Even those Pantoran milk cookies made her lose her appetite, but at least his brothers and sisters have an excuse to hoard for themselves, much to the Marshal Commander's annoyance.

Hyewon especially would stuff everything in one go while Yves just hides the extras in her secret pouch and eats them as a midnight snack. The worst culprit was Thorn, who had a sweet-tooth among the Coruscant Guards. Not only would he put a few teaspoons of sugar and cream, but he also poured a quarter of a jar of cookies inside the coffee, giving Fox a heart attack.

He loves his siblings very much, but at the same time, he has the urge to just smack them on the head for being dumb, which Riyo finds their bickering rather humorous. Though he doesn't admit it, he does miss them and would call each other every week just to check in with them.

Last he heard, Lip left a toxic relationship with her lover after a year, granting her full custody of her daughter. Thorn, like Fox, settled down with his lover on Coruscant. Thire, on the other hand, replaced him as Marshal Commander and served under the Republic military, this time, being paid for his duty, along with Commander Stone.

His batchmates, Wolffe, lived together with Cody, Tori, Mayyah, and Rex in one cabin, leading a life outside the military, though Tori supported her Jedi General whenever she could, since they're still young and coping with the aftermath of the war. He would like to have a reunion with his siblings one day, but for now, he'll have to catch up on some lost times with Riyo.

As they settled down underneath an enormous tree, with a tyre swing hung on the thick branches, Fox found himself surrounded by a field of pastel pink tulips, which were swaying back and forth with the cool wind. He could only gasp as he began to count every flower that he's gazing at right now. 

He was speechless. Likewise, he had seen pictures of tulips in the HoloNet, he had never looked at them, or even touched them in his life. “Ri,” Fox stuttered. “This is amazing. I've never seen anything like this before.”

She grinned, sitting on the swing like she did when she was a child. “I always come here to either play with the swing or climb all the way to the top.”

“You can climb?” Fox raised his eyebrows, his hands on his waist. 

“Yes, dear,” she chuckled. “I climbed this very tree all the way to the top and pretended that I was on top of the world. It was one of the best memories I had growing up.”

He smiled as he stood in front of her, rubbing his hands on her belly. “Sounds like fun, to be honest.”

“Oh, it was fun. I even sneaked out here in the middle of the night just to see those stars in the sky. You'll get the best view here.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yes. One time, I ran out of the house late at night and climbed all the way to the top of the tree, and guess what? I witnessed not one, but two shooting stars passing by Pantora. Isn't that exciting?”

“What's a shooting star?” Fox asked, who had never done such a thing in his life before.

“Well, it's a star that glides in the sky that grants you a wish if you ever see one.”

“A star that grants your wish? Does it work?”

Riyo nodded. “In a way, it works, though it's rare to see a shooting star in the sky.”

“So, what did you wish for, dear?”

“Well, I wished that I lived happily ever after with a brave knight, and a bright future.”

He let out a snort. “Looks like you only got your second wish to come true, no offense though.”

“Actually, all my wishes came true,” Riyo held his hands, glancing at his deep, brown eyes. “You are the knight that I wished for when I was a child.”

His eyes widened at her words. Surely, she couldn't have wished to be together with him, since they have never even met yet. She was probably imagining a gallant knight that she read in fairy tales, who had shining armour and a handsome look, which admittedly, Fox has none of those. “And how am I the knight that you wished to live happily ever after?” 

“You perform your duty well as a soldier, you protect those who couldn’t protect themselves, and on top of that, you have honour and kindness, and I’m proud that you swooped into my life, commander.” 

He could only hold back his tears as he kneeled on the emerald grass, pressing his forehead against her forehead. His hands were gripped around his waist as Riyo clung her arms around his broad shoulders, feeling each other's hearts drumming in rhythm.

“I'm proud to have you too in my life, To, though I feel that I don't deserve you.”

She raised one of her eyebrows, wondering what he meant. “Fox, don't say that. You deserve good things in your life after what happened in the last four months.”

He could only frown as he recalled what happened on that very day in the Senate building. “Yeah, I remember like it was yesterday. I could never forget it, no matter how much I've tried to move on.”

“You can tell me anything, Fox,” Riyo assured him, even though she already knew what happened back then. “I won't judge you, I promise in the name of the goddess Loona.”

“It all started when I received an order from the Chancellor,” he began. “He informed us that there was a rogue clone who was on the run. According to him, he tried to kill the Chancellor, and we were ordered to hunt him down on Coruscant.”

“So we did. Yves, Duke, Hyewon, Chae, Eren, and Jay, we all had our blasters loaded. We set them to kill since the Chancellor ordered us to do so.”

“But when we confronted him in the warehouse, I just couldn't do it. I had my fingers on the trigger, but I couldn't bring myself to kill him, Riyo. Even though I barely know Fives, he was my vod'ika. I didn't want to take my younger brother's life. Instead, I just let my blaster drop from my arms and sobbed like a child.”

Fox paused for a moment, wiping the tears off his face. “General Skywalker and Rex were there, comforting me. Fives just watched as I told them what the Chancellor ordered, and the next thing I knew, I ended up pointing my blaster at the Chancellor, with General Skywalker and General Windu threatening to step down from duty.”

“And the rest was history,” Riyo concluded, brushing his cheeks with her gentle palms. “I'm glad that you did the right thing, my dear. I know that you wished that you could have acted sooner to eliminate the Chancellor, but your actions have saved the Republic and the galaxy, and for that, we thanked you for your bravery.”

He pulled her closer as he rested his head on her chest, letting his tears carry the rest of their conversation. “I hated him so much, Ri. All those years, he ignored my brother's and sister's pleas against the abuse inflicted upon them, he let them die as they begged for his help to send more troops, he even made us a property that is replaceable. He-”

“It's alright, Fox,” she whispered in his ears, rubbing his back. “He's already gone. The war is over and your brothers and sisters have the freedom to pursue their own life without restraints.”

Riyo took a deep breath as she faced him, never letting go of each other's grasps. “It's hard to live with the traumas after the war. It's hard to face your own personal demons that torment your head. I know it's hard to forgive yourself for not being able to save your siblings from death, but I know you can go through this.”

“You're the strongest man I have ever known, not because of your muscles or the ability to shoot with your weapons, it's because of the way you faced obstacles in your life, Fox. You've dealt with abuse, you've dealt with overworking, you've dealt with prejudices from senators and civilians, and yes, it is torturing. But you know what, you're not alone. You can bounce back from the pit, you can grow to be a better person, I know you can.”

“Thorn believed in you, Wolffe believed in you, Tori believed in you, your brothers and sisters believed in you, and I believed in you. I know you feel alone, but you're not. We'll always be there for you, no matter what.”

Fox could only smile as they let their foreheads touch. Riyo was right. He is not alone in this battle against himself. His friends and family are there to support him through the hard times. Recovering from pain is a difficult path, as there are no right or wrong answers to heal. 

But he can get through this. He will live long enough to witness his child having a family on their own, and he will live long enough to watch Riyo's hair turn grey. As long as Fox and Riyo heat the wind singing their love stories to their children and their children, everything is in safe hands.

[in-love-with-darth-vader]

Star Wars as if it were like the Office! (Also i need a title, so if anyone has any ideas for that or any suggestions in general, let me know.

Also, sorry if this sucks. I don’t write very often nor have I ever written a screenplay type of thing before. I honestly just did this for fun!

PART 1

“Anakin, what are you doing?”

“I’m standing on the edge of this balcony.”

“Yes, I can see that. Why are you standing on the edge of that balcony?”

*pan to the chaos of Coruscant below; ships speeding in traffic, huge buildings, and an insanely long drop. Obi-Wan is standing behind Anakin on the part of the balcony that’s made to be stood on; Anakin is on the edge of the railing*

“Uh, well, some of the clones said there was no way that I could jump and land in one of the ships flying through the city, and I told them I definitely could, so here I am.”

*Obi-Wan looks to the camera in annoyance and disbelief; camera pans down to Anakin’s end point where Fives, Echo, and Jesse wave up to his position*

“Absolutely not. Get down from there right this instant!”

“Sorry, Master!”

*he jumps, and he is flying through the air for about two seconds when he suddenly freezes. Obi-Wan is looking down at him as he holds him mid air with the Force, slowly raising him back up to eye level*

“Anakin, you are twenty years old. Could you maybe start acting like it?”

*he drops him onto the floor; Anakin gets up and sulkingly follows Obi-Wan out of the room*

*this would be where the theme song and title card would go*

In the background: “yeah, so Obi-Wan refused to let me jump, so I had to come back here. Sorry you all waited for nothing”

*Obi-Wan turns to the camera*

So, does Anakin do this sort of thing frequently?

“Oh, yes. He doesn’t seem to care about safety or his own well-being. That’s the third time this month I’ve had to stop the Balcony Jump. And clearly I’m the only one who thinks these are bad ideas, so I’m always the one who has to step in. I swear I already have a few grey hairs from having to stop Anakin from doing something stupid so often.”

*back to normal scene*

“Alright, everyone gather around, we have a new mission to discuss.”

*anakin, ahsoka, and many of the clones from the 501st and 212th gather around Obi-Wan*

“The chancellor seems to think it’s a good idea for us to go investigate a possible takeover on Ryloth….” *fades out as we zoom in on Anakin clearly bored and not listening*

“I hate debriefings. When Obi-Wan does them he talks for forever. They’re too long, so I just tune him out and pretend like I know what I’m doing on the actual mission. When I tell the others what we’ve been assigned, I take 2 minutes tops. Master Obi-Wan stretches it into at least 10.”

*now to ahsoka*

“Yeah, Master Kenobi goes over every single detail in the mission log every single time. I’ve had to slap Anakin awake in the middle of a meeting too many times to count.”

*back to obi wan speaking to them all*

“So, we need to go in and investigate the distress signal’s purpose, mainly to see if it’s a separatist attack. Anakin, you’ll be positioned here and you’ll direct your troops to-Anakin?? Are you listening to me?”

*obi wan turns away from his whiteboard where he’s drawing out strategy to see Anakin staring slightly up at the ceiling. Anyone else wouldn’t have noticed, but Obi wan knows his past-padawan turned Jedi Knight too well*

“What? Oh, yeah, of course I am.”

*interview with obi wan*

“Anakin is a terrible liar. You’ll soon find that out.”

*switch to interview with Anakin*

“Luckily for me, I’m an amazing liar, so I’m not worried.”

*back to the scene. Obi-Wan has his hands on his hips in his judgmental pose™️ facing Anakin*

“Oh really? Then what did I just tell you to do?”

“Uhhh I have to hold my position, lead the 501st, all that jazz”

“Mhm and where is this all going down?”

“Uh, Iridonia of course.”

“You literally could not be more incorrect.”

*obi wan int.*

“Told you so.”

*anakin int.*

“Okay, in my defense, there’s thousands of planets. I had like a 1% chance of guessing correctly.”

*back to the scene*

“Ryloth, Anakin. Ryloth is where we’re going. A distress call was detected coming from the planet, and since the Separatists have a history of meddling with the peace of Ryloth and its citizens, we were instructed to go inspect. I will not repeat myself again. That is all, everyone get ready. You’re dismissed.”

*interview with Rex; clones preparing armor and weapons in the background*

So, are you kind of like the leader of the clones around here?

“Uh, I’m the captain of the 501st Battalion under General Skywalker’s command. I follow his orders and then lead my brothers to execute those orders. We’re one of the most successful groups of clones, so I take great pride in-“

*rex is interrupted as the camera switches focus to the background where Jesse Kix and Fox are all at each other’s throats. They’re stealing each other’s helmets and tossing them around. Rex turns to look*

(Sigh) “as I was saying…I take great pride in our success and professionalism.”

“Rex!”

“Sorry, gotta go do my job now.”

*they board the ships and head off to Ryloth*

*camera switches to Anakin on Ryloth*

“Can we please leave now?”

“Absolutely not, Anakin. We still aren’t quite certain what set off the alarm.”

“It was probably just an accident. There’s nothing here, Master. Ahsoka, back me up.”

*ahsoka is looking down at and messing with a data pad clearly not listening to Anakin*

“What? Oh, uh, yeah. Totally.”

“Were you even listening to me?! I was speaking to you, Ahsoka. Can I get a little bit of respect please?”

*obi wan looks at the camera like ‘are you fucking kidding me’*

“Listen, Master, I started to tune you out like an hour ago. All you’ve done is complain.”

“Because there’s nothing here! I want to go home!”

“You just want to get back to Coruscant in time to go to that party for the senators.”

“What??????!?!?? That’s absurd, master. Absolutely preposterous. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

*cut to Anakin*

“Okay, I know exactly what he’s talking about, but I can’t admit it! There’s this politician gathering tonight and normally I wouldn’t be one to willingly seek out social gatherings-especially one full of politicians-but Padme is going and she asked if I would come. So of course I said yes. Also, they usually have those little cocktail weenies, so no way I’m missing that.”

*cut to obi wan*

“Anakin is terrible at hiding things, especially from me. He clearly wants to get back so he can go to the party tonight with Senator Amidala.”

Any reason why he’d want to go with her so bad?

“Oh, yes, you see my former Padawan thinks he’s sly, but as we all know he’s a terrible liar. He’s been pining after the senator since he was a boy. I assumed it would pass by now, but clearly he’s still infatuated with her. They’re very good friends but he still has his teenage crush on her. It’s very unprofessional.”

Will you be attending it as well?

“Oh, no. I’m not one for politics.”

*back to the scene*

“What? Master why are you going to that stupid thing? You hate those types of parties! Plus, last I checked, you are not a politician.”

*cut to Anakin*

“So I’ve never actually told Ahsoka about my secret relationship with Padmé…”

*back to the scene*

“Uhhhhh because I’m good friends with the Chancellor, obviously. He would like me there to….to talk about strategies. Yes. Strategies for the Republic.”

“At a formal gathering for politicians? That doesn’t even make any sense!”

“...you’re asking way too many questions, Snips. We have a mission to focus on! You’re better than this!”

*ahsoka looks suspiciously at him as obi wan shakes his head at the two of them*

“Now that you’re done bickering, will you two please go explore the blocked off caverns for any possible signs of life?”

*both, simultaneously and clearly annoyed*

“Yes, Master.”

——-

“You know, there’s nothing in these caves. He just wanted us out of his hair. He’s just keeping us busy.”

“How can you know for sure?”

“Because I don’t sense anything. There’s nothing in here.”

“Master Kenobi told us to do it, so that’s what we’re gonna do.”

“So you listen to all of his orders but not mine?”

“Well, Obi-Wan doesn’t lie to me, so yes.”

“Psh. Pssshh. I’m not lying to you...that’s ridiculous.”

“It’s not. Tell me the real reason you’re going to that party! I know that you’re lying!”

“I’m absolutely telling the truth. I don’t know why you’re so adamant about this. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Oh please. Whenever you lie you start using big words and you talk faster than normal. Just tell me the truth!”

“Fine. My friend Senator Amidala was allowed to bring someone and since we’re friends she asked me if I would like to come along too. So I said yes.”

“That wasn’t so hard, was it? Makes sense why you’re so anxious about it.”

“Whatta you mean?”

“Oh, nothing, it’s just that you’re going to a party as the Senator’s plus one which she asked you to. It’s definitely a date.”

“Whaaaaaaaatt. It’s not a date. That’s ludicrous! We’re just friends. Plus, I’m a Jedi. We can’t go on dates!”

“Right, and you don’t have a crush on her.”

“I don’t have a crush on her! We’re friends! It’s extremely platonic.”

*int. With Anakin*

“Okay, so it’s not platonic. But I don’t have a crush on her because I’m married to her! If I tell her that I willingly break the Jedi Code whenever I want, then maybe she will too! And then what kind of Master would I be?!?!”

I thought you technically weren’t a Jedi Master.

*zooms in on anakin’s ‘I will fuckin kill you’ face”

*back to the scene*

“Right, and I don’t secretly steal your jackets when you’re sleeping when I’m cold.”

“What?”

“What?!”

“.....look, can we just get back to the mission?”

“Sure thing, Skyguy. Wait till Master Kenobi hears about this.”

*under his breath* “pretty sure he already knows...”

*scene switch to obi wan, he’s with Cody and many other clones. They’re in a room in one of the government buildings on Ryloth surrounding a beacon device. It’s a distress signal activator.*

“And you’re sure you didn’t do this, Mr. Syndulla?”

“No, Master Kenobi. I only use the distress beacon for serious emergencies. I have no clue as to who did this. There aren’t many people that have access, and it’s not something that just anyone can do by accident. You must enter a code and confirm multiple times.”

“Thank you for the information. Will you let us inspect the fortress for any intruders?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thank you. Cody, take Waxer, Boil, and Gearshift to the west wing. Gregor, you and your troops take the left. Myself and Crys will start here. Report back if you find anything.”

“Sir yes sir!”

*we see Obi-Wan and Crys searching first. They stayed in the room where the beacon is kept. Obi-Wan is looking through digital records as Crys is underneath it looking at its internal parts like those scenes where someone is laying on a skateboard to fix a car*

“This is strange. There’s no trace of tampering with the records or files. Nothing was wiped. This doesn’t seem like sabotage or a distraction for something bigger. Crys, do you have anything?”

*crys rolls out from under the beacon*

“No, sir. Everything is wired and hooked up properly. No signs of sabotage or demolition.”

“Hmm.”

*Int. With Crys*

“I’m really good with robots and droids, so that’s probably why General Kenobi wanted me to tag along with him. Usually he takes Cody, but this is more of my field of expertise.”

*back to the scene*

“This is trivial indeed.” *he’s doing his beard stroke* “I wonder if the others have found anything.”

*switch over to gregor and his troops. They’re searching the left wing of the fortress. They’ve been interviewing many citizens of Ryloth. They’re not very successful*

“I don’t see the point in talking to anyone else. I doubt they’re gonna know anything. We should report back to the general.”

*int with Gregor*

So, Gregor, can you give us a little summary of what you do around here?

“Yeah, sure thing. Uh, I’m kind of like third in command here. I’m a captain in the 212th Battalion and that’s pretty much all there is to it.”

Your helmet is very interesting. It’s pretty unique compared to the rest of your brothers.

“Oh, this? Some clones have tallies, but these represent stitches.” *he points to em* “It’s basically just showing how many injuries I’d have and how many stitches I would’ve gotten if I didn’t have the helmet. I think it’s pretty cool.”

*back to the scene. They’ve found nothing*

“Yeah, I’ll comm the general.”

*gregor taps into his comms and contacts Obi-Wan*

“Gregor, have you found anything?”

“No, general, I called to report that we’ve found nothing out of place. The twi’leks we’ve interviewed seem like they know nothing. How about you?”

“No, sadly we’ve come across nothing either. The beacon hasn’t been tampered with whatsoever.”

“We’ll keep looking around. I’ll keep you updated.”

*he hangs up the comm*

“Alright, boys, let’s keep going!”

*we now cut to Waxer and Boil being lead by Cody. They’re going door to door in the right wing where the rooms are located asking questions*

“This is leading us nowhere, Commander.”

“I know, Boil, but General Kenobi told us to inspect the entire right wing. We only have three more rooms to do. Let’s go.”

“Fine.”

*they knock at the next door*

“Hello?”

“Hello, ma’am. My name is Commander Cody of the 212th Attack Battalion. We’re on a mission here from the Jedi council. The distress beacon gave off a signal earlier today and we were wondering if you knew anything about it.”

“I’m very sorry I can’t be of any help to you, Commander, but I know nothing.”

*suddenly, a small child comes running down the hallway laughing. She trips and falls and scrapes her knee.*

“hey, are you okay?”

“Waxer you know that’s not how you talk to a child!”

“I’m sorry! You know I get awkward around kids. Why do we always find a runaway child when we’re on Ryloth? Like, how has this actually happened twice?”

*boil ignores him and kneels down to the kid*

“Hey there. My name is Boil. Are you okay? Do you need help?”

*she looks a bit frightened still. Boil realizes he still has his helmet on so he takes it off.*

“Sorry about that. Is it okay if I patch up your knee? I keep bandages on me, you can even pick the color if you want.”

“...okay. Blue please.”

“Blue it is. So, why were you running so fast? Is anything chasing you?”

“No. I was just looking for my papa. And I’m bored. I played with his fun machine today.”

“His machine, huh?”

*the three clones look at each other with a look™️ and Cody comms obi wan*

“General? I think we found your culprit”

——————

“‘Wow Anakin, you’re such a genius. It’s almost as if you were right all along!’ ‘Why thank you, Master. I knew I was right, and now we can go home even though we could’ve earlier.’ ‘Yes, you’re so right. We should’ve listened to you the whole time-“

“Anakin, are you finished?”

“‘we should make you a master on the council. I admire you.’ Now I’m finished.”

“Oh, give it a rest, Master. We get it, you’re right, now let’s get you home for your date.”

*anakin freezes and turns slowly. They’ve been walking up the ramp to board their ship when ahsoka said that. Anakin is now very red in the face*

“....what. What are you talking about snips??!! I don’t have a date. I don’t date. I’m just attending a senator party with the Chancellor. A date. Psh. Psh.”

“But you told me-“

“LETS GET ON THE SHIP, AHSOKA!”

*obi wan just rolls his eyes as they board the ship*

*We’re back to Coruscant!*

“Finally, we’re home. I’m so tired from all the nothing we did.”

“Oh, Anakin, you are such a drama queen. We did our mission like we were supposed to. Now, can I please speak to you in private?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Even though you have complained a lot today, I still care about you Anakin, and I know you made a promise to someone else already. So, I will go inform the Jedi Council that this was a false alarm by myself. Maybe I’ll take your Padawan. But you, my friend, should go get ready for your senator party.”

*anakin hugs obi wan*

“Thank you, Obi-Wan. I owe you one.”

*anakin goes up to his apartment on Coruscant where Padme is; she’s on their couch reading something and already dressed when anakin comes in*

“I’m back! I’m finally back!”

“Hello to you too Anakin. I was hoping they’d let you out. You’re cutting it close this time.”

“I’m so sorry. We had to go to Ryloth for no reason and Obi-Wan wouldn’t let me leave until we knew for sure what happened.”

“Well, I’m glad you made it in time.”

“Me too. Obi-Wan is letting me skip the debriefing for this.”

*he goes to change into his formal clothes for the party. Padme is already wearing one of her super rad fancy senator outfits. Anakin has an all black suit cause you know he’s that guy™️.

*int with Padme*

“Anakin has missed a lot of these outings with me due to Jedi business, so I wasn’t expecting him to actually be here for this one. I’m glad he is. I don’t see him as often as I wish I did.”

Do you ever think of asking him to leave the Jedi Order then?

“Oh, no. Absolutely not. I would never ask him to give up his life like that. And I don’t want that either. He’s a great Jedi and he loves what he does. I would never try to take that away from him.”

*back to scene. Now they’re walking down the halls of the senate building on their way to the party*

“So, get this, Ahsoka is convinced that I have a crush on you and that this is a date.”

“I mean, she’s not exactly wrong, is she?”

“Well, no, but I don’t really have a crush on you since, you know, we’re married. And she meant date as in ‘you invited me to this thing but we’re not together but in her eyes, it’s a date’ kind of thing.”

“Hmm so she still doesn’t know?”

“No. I can’t bring myself to tell her. I love her, but I don’t want to taint her mind and views of the Jedi Code and council. It wouldn’t be fair.”

“A very good point. You’re a good Master, Anakin.”

“Thanks.”

*they then enter the party. Many political figures from across the galaxy are there already. Its purpose is unknown to us, but it is clear that it’s important but also not too serious. They speak with many different people included Palpatine. We have yet to actually speak to him yet. Anakin is eventually over near the snack table, a drink in his hand and another one being handed off to Padme*

“Here you go. It’s your favorite.”

“Thank you. So, are you having fun yet?”

“Well, I don’t think I’ll ever have fun hanging around any politicians but you, but it’s not so bad. Plus, these snacks are really good.”

*padme rolls her eyes but laughs at him*

“It’s nice for us all to get together like this. It’s important for the Republic.”

“Mm, indeed.”

*they continue chatting until Anakin notices someone across the room. Fancy blue outfit. Blonde hair up in a bun. He doesn’t notice who it really is until she comes a bit closer. He does the pikachu face and drops his drink, luckily catching it midair with the force as he apologizes to those around him*

“Anakin?? Are you okay? What was that for?”

“You didn’t tell me she was going to be here!”

“Who?”

*he points to her by nudging his head in her direction hoping Padme will see who he’s talking about*

“Her? That’s my friend Satine. She’s the Duchess of Mandalore. She’s-wait a minute, how do you know her??!?”

“Nothing bad, I assure you. I’m actually quite fond of her. I just wish I knew sooner!”

“Why?”

“Because that, my love, is Obi-Wan’s girlfriend.”

END of this part.

Part2

——

[ct-7386]

Lost and Found pt2

[Continuation of Lost and Found pt1 :)

The warnings on this part are a little more intense, so please be careful, and please let me know if I missed a tag or tagged something wrong.

Also, yes, I named Vada Squad after the U.S. state Nevada - because the youngest trooper of the squad is named Reno (the capital city of Nevada). lol.]

Authors: myself and @cc-4477commanderthire Characters: Commander Thire (them); CT-7386, Vada Squad (me) Word Count: 4k Rating: T+ TW: depicted depression and anxiety; referenced isolation (self-imposed and imposed by others); anxiety/panic attacks; mild dissociation; bullying; referenced past deaths (ocs); referenced assisted suicide; implied neglect

Mando'a Guide: Vor entye - thank you

Lost and Found pt1

The alarm of Thire’s comm beeps insistently to wake him up for his next shift.

86 wakes blearily to the familiar crackling of a comm going off - but something is wrong: he’s being held by someone he doesn’t immediately recognize, and he’s in a room that isn’t his.

He tenses and lets out a quiet whimper, afraid for a moment when all he can remember are different memories, different nightmares. Then the events of the last few hours come rushing back, and he finds himself relaxing back into Thire’s arms. 86 is safe here.

Thire groans and raises a hand to rub over his eyes. He looks down at his vod‘ika, grateful that the other didn‘t bolt in the middle of the night. “Good morning.”

His voice is still rough from sleep and he clears his throat before continuing, “Slept well?”

He, for one, will definitely have back aches and a stiff neck. Hopefully moving around won‘t hurt too much.

86 tries to nod, but pain shoots from the base of his skull up and around to settle just behind his eyes. He winces and sighs quietly, burrowing down against Thire’s sternum. There just isn’t time for a migraine this morning, and he’d rather not be more of an imposition.

But… he did sleep well. “Best sleep in months,” he admits quietly. “Kinda - Kinda sore now, though.”

Thire chuckles quietly, “I second that. I hope I‘ll be able to move my neck properly today.”

Without thinking he brings his hand up and lightly scratches the back of Wren‘s skull, “When does your next shift start?”

They still have some time until first shift because Thire‘s alarm goes off early to afford him some interrupted time to get work done.

86 goes boneless at the light touch, and he lets out a quiet sigh as the pressure in his head melts away. “That - That feels good, vor entye,” he mumbles.

He thinks a moment. “My shift is always -” He yawns, “always from 0800 to 2200 - later if there’s a gala or other event.” 86 frowns slightly. “What - What time is it?”

Thire moves his hand up 86‘s skull to reach different points and replies, “0600, no need to rush.”

He has ordered 86‘ squad to his office in an hour and decides to make himself a little more comfortable until then. So, Thire shifts until his back his straight on the floor and 86 is star-fished above him, “Ah, much better.”

It is a much comfier position than before, 86 realizes, and he gratefully arches his back like a tooka to stretch out the kinks before settling back down. He’s perfectly happy to doze here a little longer, basking in the warmth and comfort of a vod - a friend.

Thire reaches over and sets his comm to beep again in half an hour. He hugs his vod‘ika close once more and closes his eyes.

When it beeps again, he gently cards his fingers through 86‘ hair. “Let’s get some breakfast, okay?”

86 sighs and reluctantly wakes up. All he wants to do is snuggle back into that warmth, but Thire is right: it’s time to get up. He drags himself into a sitting position and rubs the sleep-dirt from his eyes.

“Are we going to the mess?” he asks, voice a little rough with sleep.

“Yeah, I ordered your squad here for 0700. But we should still have enough time.” 86 definitely deserves a warning ahead of time. Though it‘s arguable if half an hour early is really ahead of time.

“You can use the fresher first, I need to check if the Senate‘s still standing,” Thire gestures and walks over to his desk to check his comm on an actual chair.

86 freezes in place, eyes and face suddenly blank. Inside, though, he’s panicking. He even feels slightly betrayed. “You - You ordered m-my squad here?”

It hasn’t been long at all - a few days - since his fight with Cory, since he confessed his original sin to Fox. He doesn’t know if he can face the rest of Vada Squad so soon, doesn’t know what Thire’s intentions are.

“Well, I understand why you acted out the way you did in the Senate. But the fall-out wasn’t fun to deal with, and I need all of you to be civil with each other, even if you dislike each other. That is necessary for the safety of all my men.” Thire understands that this is incredibly uncomfortable for 86 but Vada Squad needs to properly function together, reliably.

But first, “We’ll get some breakfast and then we’ll talk to them. This won’t take long, I promise.”

He gently places his hand on 86’ shoulder and squeezes reassuringly.

86 looks away guiltily. He hadn’t meant to cause more problems for his commander, and he wasn’t even the one who technically started it - but he hadn’t ended it, either, or even brought it to Thire’s attention sooner. This conversation with his squad is, as much as he might hate to admit it, necessary.

(He told Thire he trusts him; now he has to show it.)

He nods and leans briefly into the hand on his shoulder before stepping away to use the ‘fresher. When 86 is finished, he waits awkwardly by the door for Thire.

Thire closes his pad with a sigh; today is going to be a long day. He stands up and stretches until his shoulders pop back into place and smiles at 86, “Let‘s go and get some caff, shall we?”

He leads the way to the cafeteria which is still mostly empty because it‘s almost one and a half hours until the start of first shift. There isn‘t a cue and they can get their breakfast right away. Thire leads them to a table at the back of the room where the Commanders usually sit (when they actually come and eat something other than ration bars).

86 follows quietly. With how early it is, no one even gives them a second glance as they get their food and take their seats. He sits with his back to the wall so that he can see as much of the room as possible - a habit born from before he had his implants and needed to see to ‘hear’ people; now it offers a sense of safety in an environment he’s not entirely familiar with.

Still not feeling terribly hungry, 86 chooses instead to sip at his caf. For once, it’s the perfect temperature right away: just hot enough to sting the tip of his tongue. That doesn’t keep it from tasting awful, though.

“I should - I should try to get the kitchens stocked with proper caf,” he comments idly. “I get better stuff in the - the lower levels all the time.” He takes another sip and grimaces. “Not that - that I really like caf.” Is he rambling a little to fill the silence? Yes. Will he stop? No. He needs something to distract him from the upcoming meeting with his squad.

Thire listens and prepares his food. “I usually steal my caff from Fox‘s secret stash. But don‘t tell him that. Besides, if you don‘t like caf, have you ever tried tea? My Captain once acquired some and it was quite nice.”

He checks his chrono to see if they still have time. 86 probably isn‘t eating out of nervousness so Thire decides to sneak him out some food, for afterwards.

86 nods. “I’ve had tea a few times. Plenty of - of senators prefer it, and many of them like to offer me some while - while I’m translating to help keep me from losing my voice. I have a couple blends that I prefer, but other - other than those, I don’t much like tea.”

His smile is small and a little strained, but it’s honest. “If I were to choose my - my favorite drink, though, it would be Correlian whiskey - and not the cheap stuff. The good stuff, all - all butter-smooth and burn. Alderaani wine isn’t bad either, and Pantoran mulled cider? Perfect. It has - has just a hint of spice to kick your palette, and it’s a little tart to go with the sweet. And - And if you warm it up on a - a cold day, it’s even better.”

He watches Thire check his chrono and resists the urge to ask for the time or check his own; if he doesn’t look, he can pretend the squad meeting is further off than it is.

“You have a fine taste. Personally, I‘m used to rotgut of any kind and enjoy a beer every once in a while,” Thire replies with a smile. He‘s glad that 86 feels comfortable enough to ramble to him.

Thire finishes up his food, “Are you sure you don‘t want any? There is still plenty of time.”

And he knows from experience that it is better not to enter these sorts of conversations on an empty stomach.

86 shrugs. “I’m a - a little spoiled spending all day in the Senate Building -” And the lower levels when he can get down there, but Thire doesn’t know that, “especially around the senators who don’t hate clones. Certain - Certain favors can result in good benefits, too.” He eyes Thire thoughtfully for a moment; he’ll have to get something special for him after all this trouble.

He grimaces down at his tray at the question, stomach clenching. At this point he’d almost rather just be sick to get it out of his system. “I think…” 86 sighs and chokes down a couple more bites of food before pushing the tray a little. He admits softly, “I d-don’t think I can - can eat anymore.”

“That‘s okay, you don‘t have to.”, Thire gets up and cleans their tablets away but bags two bread rolls. He‘ll force feed them to 86 before sending his vod‘ika on a senate shift without having eaten something.

He comes back to the table and together they walk to Thire‘s office. It‘s a couple minutes before 0700 when they reach it.

The knots in 86' stomach tighten as they near the room, and the insides of his gloves are clammy with sweat. 86 sucks in a sharp breath that does nothing to loosen the tight band around his lungs or the tight stretch of his skin over his bones or the anxious stutter of his heart. Standing in the middle of the room, he flexes his fingers; his hands are shaking.

At 0700 sharp, there is a series of precise, even raps on the door. Instantly 86 changes, posture straightening, shoulders relaxing, face adopting an expressionless mask. He looks calm and composed - exactly like the perfect soldier he is expected to be in the Senate Building.

And he hates that this is how he instinctively presents himself to his squad.

“Come in”, Thire calls out. He leans against his desk in a relaxed posture and takes in each of the incoming troopers, “Do you know why I called you here?”

Streak, the sergeant of the squad, waits for the nine other troopers following him to enter and remove their buckets before answering. All 10 pairs of eyes flick to 86, each expression varying. Streak's expression is blank while at least two others look irritated, and the youngest trooper looks carefully bored.

86 pretends not to notice any of it.

"I'm going to assume," Streak replies neutrally, "judging by his presence, that this has something to do with the altercation between Corporals Cory and 86."

One of the troopers who had glared at 86 hisses snitch under his breath, and 86 only barely controls the flinch that runs through him.

“This isn‘t about Corporal Cory or the altercation at the senate a couple days ago.”, Thire replies. His voice is cold as ice and his face is a careful, well-practised mask, “This is about the behaviour I just witnessed. None of you are shinies. Yet, you still act as such.

“You deliberately, without being prompted, discussed a private, internal squad matter in front of a superior officer. And you have shown that you also will do that in front of Natborns. Do you know what that means? It means that you‘ll be decommissioned sooner rather than later."

Thire fixes his eyes on every single one of them. “I had a private conversation with Corporal 86, and I‘ll also have one with Corporal Cory. But the rest of you are apparently no better.” He lets his disappointment be heard audibly.

Streak stiffens and slowly turns to glare heatedly at the trooper who had hissed before. "In front of natborns? Cory, you utreekov! What were you thinking?!"

Cory bristles. "What was I thinking? How is this my fault? 86 is the one who's got a problem!"

86' head ducks just a little, eyes now trained low on the opposite wall.

Thire watches them calmly argue with each other before his eyes. “So, you not only argue in front of superiors, but you also specifically use names so that I couldn‘t possibly save any of you by fixing the roll call afterwards? Congratulations, you‘re all dead men walking.”

Cory snorts and mutters, “Then we’ll be just like the bastard’s first two squads and his batch.”

One of the other troopers, one who hadn’t spoken yet, rounds on him in shock. “Cory!”

86 hears it as if from far away, head ringing, ears staticky. His hands are trembling - all of him is - and nothing but the painful tripping of his heart and constriction of his lungs is real to him anymore.

Vada Squad is not his first, or even his second. On Geonosis, the three survivors of his squad, including himself, had been reassigned to different posts. His first squad in the Guard was killed on patrol - while he was on duty in a different part of the Senate Building. All of that is information available to his sergeant who, with his permission, had shared it with the others. 86 thinks that might have been a mistake.

Words filter back in through the jumbled mess in his brain.

“- heard what he said in Lock Up!” Ah. That would be Ember, a sister and twin to Flare, the vod currently holding her back from punching Cory. “You can’t just - How can you still think that?! It wasn’t his fault!”

“He still killed them!” Cory is being held back by Streak and Waffle, the squad’s other sister. “How can we trust anyone who would kill vode at all? And he’s never here! How can we trust that aruetti to have our backs if he just ignores us all the time?!”

86 stands frozen, drifting numb and apart from the scene in front of him. A low throb is building behind his eyes, and he realizes distantly that tears are slipping down his cheeks, silent and unnoticed. This is why he never came forward, never said anything. He just wanted to keep this from happening… He didn’t want them to fall apart.

“Enough!” Thire‘s voice booms through the room. “Every single one of you is a disgrace to the Guard. I expect you to be better. You will be punished accordingly. Dismissed.

“Corporal Cory, report to my office after shift ends. And I want a serious explanation for your behaviour. 86‘ past won‘t convince me.”

Once the others have filtered out he turns back to 86 and places his hands on the shoulders of the vod. Slowly he guides 86 to sit on the floor and pushes his head between his legs. Softly he begins talking to him, “There you go, you‘re alright. It‘s going to be alright.”

86 focuses on the buzz of Thire’s voice and his own breathing, which is deceptively calm. It takes a few minutes before the numbness begins to fade, melting back from the tips of his fingers and toes back up his limbs until he thinks he might be able to move again.

The moment the numbness fades completely, it releases the steel band around his chest, and he folds in on himself with an actual sob; he’s still shaking, and he can feel his tears soaking the collar of his blacks where they’ve rolled down his neck. He’s a mess.

“I’m sorry,” he gasps. He doesn’t know what he’s apologizing for - his squad, his part in this disaster, his reaction to it - he doesn’t know.

Thire simply pulls him close and puts 86‘ head in the crook of his neck, “Nothing to be sorry for, vod‘ika. You did good.”

He gently rubs 86‘ back and continues to talk to him quietly. The position isn‘t exactly comfortable, given that they're both in full kit, but he keeps a tight grip on his brother nevertheless.

Just like the night before, it takes some time before 86 has calmed down some. Despite the uncomfortable position, he leans heavily on his commander, not quite able to hold himself up.

“W-What - What happens - happens now?” he hiccups. The hard plastic of Thire’s kit digs into him, but the discomfort helps ground him in the present moment, and he never wants to leave. More quietly he admits, forehead pressed against the unarmored stretch of Thire’s neck, “I don’t know what to do.”

“You‘re not alone, 86. Corporal Cory might be angry and hateful, but some of your squadmates defended you. And that means there is hope.” Thire pauses and lightly scratches 86‘ head.

“Part of the problem is that you‘ve never found each other as a squad. And, I know that that‘s a lot to ask, but maybe try and seek them out a little. For example, that sister of yours who defended you against Cory, I‘m sure she would like to spend some time with you, hmm?”

Thire’s going to seek her out and ask her to include 86 occasionally, he thinks. His vod‘ika isn‘t exactly socially confident, and there is a lot of baggage in his squad relationships.

86 laughs a little wetly, a little more of the tension melting as Thire scratches at his head. “Ember. I - m-maybe. She’s - She’s good. She’s n-never been - never been cruel like C-Cory or cold like Waffle and Tax. Ember and her twin, Flare, they both - they both have s-stopped Cory from being too h-hurtful before, though they l-let the antagonism and - and passive aggressiveness slide.”

He exhales shakily and presses closer. “S-Streak… He’s just bitter. He tried to - to get Cory and I to stop, at first, but when n-nothing changed, he became irritated. The longer he spent with Cory, the m-more he - he subconsciously began to believe what was being said, and he started blaming m-me for how Cory an-and I could never get along.”

“Reno, our youngest, he’s - he’s good though,” 86 admits softly. “Poor - Poor kid just got thrust into the m-middle of this shit. He doesn’t talk to me because he doesn’t want C-Cory and the others to - to be mad at him, too.”

Thire slowly rubs up and down 86‘ back, and hums along soothingly. He‘s glad that 86 is talking to him and listens attentively.

“I‘m sure they don‘t always hang around as a big group, so you can talk a little to the twins, hmm?”

He doesn‘t want to jostle them too much but needs to shift slightly to prevent his leg from falling asleep before he hugs 86 close once more, “Do you have anything you‘re interested in? Something you could enjoy spending your time doing?”

86 makes quiet, thoughtful noise. “May-Maybe. I can - I can try? Talking to them, I mean. It can’t be that hard, r-right?”

He uses Thire’s shifting to remove at least the chest and back pieces of his armor; the edges were starting to dig into him uncomfortably with the way he was pressing close to the commander. 86 relaxes into the hug, and when Thire asks his next question, he flushes and tucks his face against Thire’s neck. It’s so easy to talk to Thire - though that might have something to do with the way 86 feels sort of drunk on the closeness and the friendship and the caring.

“I - I like flowers,” he mumbles, a little embarrassed, “growing them. Other plants too, but flowers mostly. The science is fascinating, the process cathartic, and - and plants make sense. People d-don’t, even though I work with them all day. With plants, I just - I just know when somethin’ will work or not, if it needs more water or light, and they - they don’t want anything from me. Just…” 86’ sigh shudders slightly, and his voice becomes smaller. “I can - I can say no, and they can’t be mad at me. They’re simple.”

86 knows he sounds a little crazy, talking about the plants as if they’re something close to sentient, but to him they are. He wouldn’t know how to explain how he really does just have a knack for the plants he grows - an instinct, even. It’s just how it’s always been.

Thire smiles, “Plants are a good interest to have. Do you have someplace where you grow them yourself?”

Belatedly he realizes that that is probably a threatening question coming from a superior and adds, “You don‘t have to tell me where, and I won‘t go looking for them.”

He reaches up and softly ruffles 86 hair and tucks his vod‘ika even closer. If he could he would hold him close and just never let go again. Hide him from the world and protect him from its cruelty. It pains him physically that he can‘t.

The question makes that familiar anxiety build in his chest again - but Thire’s next words soothe it away. Still, he hesitates before answering.

“I - I do. I found a place out of the way where no one would - would stumble across it, and I found ways to get w-water there without using the Guard’s rations. I… I know some people who were able to - to supply me with various things I might need. And now…” 86 hums, eyes slipping closed again. “It’s safe for me there. I like to - to take my food down there at night after shift, and I - I like sleeping there, too,” he admits softly. “No one who hates me, and I have less nightmares.”

“I am glad you have found something worthwhile to spend your time with. I‘m sure you‘ll also find people in time to share your hobby with you, vod‘ika.” Even though Thire doesn‘t want to, he lets go of 86 and helps him to stand up. “Sadly, shift starts in 5 minutes and we both have meetings to attend to. So I‘m afraid we have to go now.”

As they leave the office Thire stops and knocks their heads together in a keldabe, “I‘ll always be there if you need me or just want to talk with someone. Don‘t you dare forget that.”

86 gratefully accepts the help up even though he finds he doesn’t want to go. For once, he doesn’t want to leave the presence of a vod - the very thought makes him want to curl into himself all over. But he stands up and puts his front and back plates back on, tugging his armor into something straight and presentable for the day.

The unexpected keldabe has emotion swelling up from the bottom of his stomach until it presses against the inside of his chest, throat, eyes until he wants to cry all over again. This is what it’s like to be wanted. He’d very nearly forgotten.

He leans hard into the keldabe, eyes scrunched shut and breath stuttering harshly as he tries to control his tears. “Vor entye,” he breathes. 86 blinks rapidly as he draws back and musters a smile. “I - I’ll try not to forget. And i-if I do, I’ll…” He squares his shoulders, helmet tucked under his arm, eyes glinting determinedly, “I’ll f-find you, sir. Promise.”

86 relaxes, smile coming back a little stronger and brighter - truer - than before. Then he turns and begins making his way to the Rotunda. They really will be late if they don’t hurry.

Thire smiles after him before turning around and walking to his own first meeting of the day.