#and that techphee one took days

[lilacjunimo]

the man, the myth, the legend (mister hunter bad batch)

[drafthorsemath]

Waking Up and Coming Home

A/N: I wanted to explore what might happen if CX-2 really was Tech, what it's like when he wakes up after being impaled, how he survives, and what it might be like for him to get home and find his own happiness. Includes TechPhee and a reason Omega keeps Tech's goggles.

Warnings: Tech wakes up and realizes he has cybernetic implants, drug withdraw, nausea, being impaled, PTSD, cybernetic surgery, Tech finds Crosshair's hand

Word Count: 5.568k

Tech took a sharp breath. He was vertically pinned to something. He tried breathing through the mask, but something was different. The usual smell and taste that accompanied the mask was gone although it was still on. The fog that plagued him was lifting. He instinctively reached down and found an electrospear just below his sternum, only he felt no pain. He blinked several times and removed the helmet. He had no memory of being given this armor. There was no blood and the electrospear was out of power. He felt a series of wires and tubes around the spear and absent-mindedly kept looking around for someone. All he saw were other bodies of those in armor similar to his own and some regs in what he could only assume was prison garb. One of the tubes in his abdomen appeared to be leaking. Was that oil? It didn’t smell or look like blood. He didn’t have time to think about it. Instead, he grabbed the spear and pulled as hard as he could. It was no good. He decided to observe and allow himself to wake up further from his trance. Was he really going to die hanging in the middle of… this was Tantiss wasn’t it? He remembered fighting someone. He remembered flying a ship. He remembered trying to fight his own mind, but he was so far away from his actions. His mind was still not completely his own, but he noticed the gas around the CX chambers had dissipated. Those prisons. That disgusting concoction. Tears came to his eyes as he shook. His breath caught in his throat when he remembered the smirk on Hemlock’s face as he described how Crosshair suffered. Hemlock had perfected his methods since that failure and Tech worried his brother had perished. It didn’t help that he was still stuck in place. Trapped. Just as he had been when he woke up in the containment chamber with a series of cybernetic implants. Arrogant as always, Hemlock enjoyed explaining how this chamber would shape his mind and how it was an advanced form of the same technology that was used to enhance Crosshair’s chip on that fateful day on Kamino.

Tech took another breath and tried moving. He felt a piece of metal on the floor just high enough he could pull it closer with his foot. He tried using that for a little leverage since his own weight made it harder to remove the metal rod stuck in his torso. As he wiggled around, pulled on the spear, and took some deep breaths, the object dislodged from its location behind him and he was able to carefully remove himself and it. He took more deep breaths and looked around. He checked on the other clones whose bodies lay around the room. CX or prisoner, it didn’t matter. They’d all been prisoners. Each time he felt for a pulse and found none he lost a little more hope. He was the only one alive. How long had he been alone in this room? Judging by the condition of the bodies, it hadn’t been too long. Rigor mortis hadn’t set in yet, so less than eight hours.

He sat down briefly and reminded himself to continue to breathe. He kept trying to tell himself that the air was safe now. He had resisted inhaling Hemlock’s toxins, but when constrained, there was no choice. Now, Tech’s mind hadn’t been this clear since Plan 99. Not only did each CX chamber include a gaseous drug the clones continually inhaled, but Hemlock ensured they received a steady dose of the same electric torture that started the process. Tech tugged at the hole the spear created in his armor and looked at his cybernetic abdomen. Tubes that allowed for blood flow were thankfully working. There was a contraption that served as a diaphragm. He hypothesized that it seized up when the electrospear hit him, but started working again not long after, spurred on by his living body’s own neurons. Other tubes seemed to be used for digestion, but those were empty and at least one appeared torn. He reached for the comm badge on his arm near his shoulder, but it was gone. Why did he think there was a comm badge there? Tech didn’t have that. The CX did. He started putting more pieces together. Hemlock had taken it. Tears came to his eyes again when he realized that he helped bring Omega in. It must have been him. He remembered glimpses, but that was all.

He wandered around the room and picked up a blaster in case he wasn’t alone in the facility. Although it was so quiet he could only hear some hounds howling outside, he didn’t want to take chances. As he made his way through the room and wider facility, he found a hand on the floor. Oh no. He knew that hand and its armor. Crosshair. He dared not touch it. At this point even if Crosshair was there, reattaching the hand wouldn’t work after this amount of time. Had he done that? He searched for the bodies of any of his siblings, but they were nowhere to be found and he felt a little relief even though he wasn’t sure where they were.

Tears came to his eyes as he suddenly thought about the CX chambers. What it meant to be a CX. How they weren’t sent out for long, or the conditioning would surely wear off. Their masks had a small supply of the chemical, but it wouldn’t last forever. It drove each man forward when they were released. It kept him obedient.

He wandered the halls some more before returning to the spot where he woke up earlier and examined the inner workings of his discarded helmet now that his mind was a bit clearer. There was some trapped gas in a small chamber, but it appeared the wiring meant to steadily release the toxin had short-circuited. Tech gasped at the revelation and gingerly held the helmet. In a fit of anger, he threw it as far as he could. The sound of it hitting a distant wall echoed through the facility.

Tech swallowed, closed his eyes, and breathed in the stale but clean air. He pictured the sunset on Pabu with Phee. Where was Phee? Where was he now? He was certain this was Tantiss, but exactly where was Tantiss? And how long would his cybernetics last without some help? He headed down another hallway and searched for some tools but wasn’t quite able to see straight or think straight. Echo could help. Could Echo find him?  Did his family know where Tantiss was yet? Wait. Yes because Crosshair’s hand was wearing his old armor, although Tech noted it was stripped. Or was his mind playing tricks on him? Tears came to his eyes and he reminded himself that he hadn’t found the rest of his brother yet. Or the rest of their squad. He hoped they were long gone. Had they been successful in his absence? He wandered the facility and eventually found a communications array. At this point he was sure the Empire had abandoned this place, but he couldn’t quite punch in the code to get a signal out. What if it was tracked? He cursed his slow mind and lack of clear decision-making ability. He didn’t want to take risks with this.

He found solace in walking. He had a better idea of the layout of the facility and as he kept breathing and moving, his mind cleared further. He wasn’t sure what else to do. He found what must have been living quarters for some TK troopers and pocketed a few small items that were left behind including a piece of jewelry he hoped would be worth something. Anything to buy him passage to a safe location.  That was the plan now. Surely someone else lived on this planet or would visit. His search yielded some clean prison clothes and he decided those would do. He carefully took off his belt and stepped out of the wretched armor. He would rather walk out of this facility naked than wear it any longer. Putting on the new clothes was a bit of a task, but he was in minimal pain compared to how he looked. The belt with pockets was the only part of the armor he put back on. Those would come in handy even if there were fewer pouches than he preferred. Now was not the time to be picky.

Tech wandered down yet another hallway, picked up an abandoned datapad, and scrolled through the downloaded files. They were scientific records of some sort. His mind still foggy, he couldn’t quiet comprehend everything it said, but stuffed it between his body and his belt for later analysis. He noticed there was a broken ship in the hangar, and while his investigation proved it could fly, he didn’t trust that it wouldn’t be tracked. He somehow knew that he had caused more pain than he could remember and didn’t want to risk anything else by leading the enemy to Pabu. He was startled from his thoughts by the sound of another ship landing in the next hangar bay. It wasn’t the Empire. Pirates? It surely seemed so. If they were pirates, then they might give him a ride to a safer location if he had something to trade. The jewelry he pocketed might be enough, but he had a hunch pirates might be more interested in something a little sharper. He wasted no time heading back to the CX chambers. He picked up the unique sniper rifle and all the CX weapons. He sighed as he looked at the other clones. His other brothers. He didn’t even know them, but it didn’t change his feeling toward them. They had all been through some form of hell together yet isolated.

Tech headed back toward the hangar and startled what turned out to be a lone pirate. He found the man lazily looking through crates in the hangar before he spotted Tech.

“I was told this place was abandoned,” the weequay said as he pointed a blaster in Tech’s direction.

“It is,” Tech answered. “I was left for dead.”

“You are not bleeding?” he asked.

“I suppose not,” Tech answered, “although I am unsure of the details. It appears I was drugged and have some sort of cybernetic enhancements.”

The pirate huffed.

“And what do you plan on doing with those interesting looking weapons?” he asked with a grin.

“An exchange,” Tech responded flatly. “I need a ride away from here and you’re my safest bet.”

He tried to think more clearly and took some more breaths while the pirate considered his offer.

“Out of curiosity, how did you find this place?” Tech asked.

The man grinned again and responded, “Lower-level imperials quickly figured out that they will be paid well for information. Abandoned facilities are gold mines. I can sell those blades for a good price. I assume those are one of a kind.”

“To my knowledge, yes,” Tech replied.

The pirate nodded and examined the weapons without moving closer, although he was sure this man had no intention of hurting him.

“I’m afraid time is of the essence,” Tech said, feeling fresh pain in his torso where mechanics now lived.

“If I leave now, I may miss out on something more profitable before the scavengers show up.”

“I’ll give you every weapon here but the blaster on my belt,” Tech said. He was already planning on doing this but framing it as a bonus had an impact on the pirate.

“Very well. How far do you need to go?”

Tech didn’t want to give away his ultimate destination of Pabu, but knew if he could get to Ord Mantell, he could potentially contact one of his brothers or Phee. Cid had left them high and dry last he remembered, so he would be sure to avoid her. The pirate agreed and had Tech shuffle onto the ship with a blaster to his back. This guy was not going to risk Tech turning on him and taking his ship. The pirate put his prize away and Tech sat down. The trip was quick enough, and Tech was sure the weequay would turn around for Tantiss again as soon as he was off the ship.

“You’ve reached your destination,” the pirate said as soon as he landed. “Now, off my ship.”

Tech got up to leave but reached into one of the pouches that remained on his person. He pulled out the necklace he found earlier and stated, “I’ll give you this for a working comm device.”

The man bit his lip and huffed. He should have driven a harder bargain sooner, but he was so enraptured with the vibroblades he got distracted.

“Fine,” he said, snatching the jewelry and hanging Tech a small comm.

Tech nodded and shuffled off the ship. He was met with the smell of mantell mix but stopped himself. He had no money, and he wasn’t sure he could even digest food normally at this point. Instead, he found a quiet location on the outskirts of town and comm’d Echo. It seemed the safest bet and Echo has the most experience with cybernetics should he have an emergency before reaching Pabu.

“Havoc 4? Echo, I need your help.”

Echo picked up immediately upon recognizing the voice.

“Tech?!”

“Affirmative.”

“Where are you? What happened?”

“Ord Mantell. I will send you coordinates to my location via this comm, but I cannot promise it will be perfectly accurate.”

“Do you need medical attention?” came another voice. It was Gregor.

“I may, but it appears I now have cybernetic implants. I was on Tantiss and woke up in a daze. At least I’m fairly certain that’s where I was.” Echo and Gregor heard him sigh in a way they’d never heard before. “I am certain I’ve done things I regret, although my memory is not great, and I don’t know the extent of my injuries, although I appear stable.”

Echo understood.

“We’re on our way,” replied Echo. “Leaving Pantora. The others are on Pabu. Just keep away from Cid.”

“I have no intention of finding her,” Tech said.

“Good,” Gregor said. “She only got worse.”

Tech didn’t inquire about that right now. He was sure he’d get the full story soon enough. He waited some time and at one point was worried something happened. He tried not to think about it too much. His mind was still blurry and he felt like he was going to be sick. What he didn’t know was that Echo had quickly left Pantora to head back to Pabu and pick up Crosshair. Wrecker, Hunter, and Omega wanted to come too, but Crosshair suggested he go alone with Echo and Gregor. Based on Tech’s message relayed from Echo, he knew at least part of what his brother had been through, and it seemed a good idea to take a little extra time getting to Tech and have Crosshair’s help.

Gregor landed the ship and prepared the one bunk with all the blankets they had. Crosshair insisted they would need it. Echo comm’d Tech again. They were only about one klick from the ship. Despite the intense stress of the last few days, Crosshair and Echo summoned their strength to run. They found Tech sitting with his back to a wall, seemingly dozing but very much alive, and both crouched down in front of him.

“Tech?” Crosshair asked.

Tech opened his eyes and saw his brother for the first time since Kamino. His eyes tracked down to where Crosshair’s hand had been and he froze.

“I did that, didn’t I?” Tech asked. The blood drained out of his face and he started retching.

“It’s not your fault,” Crosshair said as he reached for his brother. He and Echo helped Tech up and the three headed to the ship.

Crosshair sat with him on the bunk. Gregor took off for Pabu while Tech peeled back his clothing to allow Echo to help assess the cybernetic device.

“It looks like two of these tubes were pulled apart,” Echo said. “I can try reattaching them and it looks like then you should be able to eat small amounts until we can replace them.”

“Very well,” Tech replied.

Crosshair helped him lay back and assisted Echo with the procedure. Despite only having two working hands between them, it was more than adequate. The tubes were torn from the impact of the electrospear, but the torn ends were cut and the tubes new flat ends reattached. Tech could feel a tug from the shortened pieces, but it was nothing compared to how bad it could have been. Most of the wiring had simply been pushed aside by the spear.

“Not sure how we can close all this up,” Echo said, referring to the abdominal panel covering the cybernetic.

“That is a problem for another time, I think,” Tech replied. “It’s not affecting life support.”

Crosshair nodded in agreement and Echo returned to the co-pilot’s seat at the front of the ship.

“Here,” Crosshair said, lifting a thermos of warm liquid.

Tech nodded when he smelled the broth. He hadn’t been this hungry in a long time and tried to gulp down any calories he could.

“Take it easy,” Crosshair said. “Don’t make yourself sick. I know what’s coming.”

Tech looked at him and nodded. He slowed his pace and took a deep breath as the vegetable broth settled his belly.

“I believe I am experiencing drug withdraws, Crosshair.”

“Mm.”

“It will get worse, yes?”

Crosshair nodded.

“How long?”

“It was weeks for me. Worse for others. The fastest recovery I saw was ten rotations.” His eyes darted before he added, “Hemlock said he improved the conditioning process. It might be longer for you.”

Tech nodded. He finished the broth and laid back down. Crosshair laid down with him. Tech hadn’t realized just how cold and shaky he was until Crosshair held him. His brother pulled a thick blanket over both of them and did his best to help Tech feel comfortable.

By the time they were on Pabu, Tech felt like his body was full of daggers and fever. He kept calling out for help even though his brothers were helping to the best of their ability. Phee, Hunter, Wrecker, and Omega had prepared the bed that was his prior to Eriadu. Crosshair stayed there after Tech’s fall, but now Wrecker had rearranged the bed situation so there was room for Tech and someone to be at his side the whole time. More than a few tears were shed as Crosshair helped Tech stumble off the ship and into the home. Gregor checked in with Rex and took the ship to rendezvous with the boys, leaving Echo behind for now.

They tried to get Tech in bed so he could rest, but he fought against any blankets put on him, seemingly frightened he was back in Hemlock’s lab and being restrained. While it was upsetting to watch, Crosshair calmly reminded him that he was safe and gently helped his brother take in what was familiar. The sheets felt like Pabu. The air smelled clean. He could hear the ocean. The voices and faces of those around him were real. Tech started to calm just enough to lay in bed. He shook violently and his mind seemed to be in two places.

“Sedative,” Tech managed to get out, looking into his brother’s eyes. Crosshair nodded.

“Are you sure,” Hunter asked.

“It’s what I would want too,” Crosshair replied.

Hunter nodded and got the med kit. Phee had already made sure to stockpile what medication she could find on the island and was already making a list of other things they might need for a supply run. She watched in uncertainty as Hunter gave Tech the injection and it immediately took effect.

“Phee,” Tech managed as his body gave in to the medication.

“Hey Brown Eyes,” she answered softly.

He reached his hand out and she took it as she kneeled next to his bed.

“Everything’s gonna be okay, Tech.” That was all she could say before a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and he fell asleep.

While he was out, Echo and Hunter had a look at his cybernetics as best they could while the others looked on. The person most qualified to work on these was Tech himself, but he wasn’t in any shape to do so. There was a lot of back and forth about what should be done. His heart was beating. He was breathing. He could eat and digest. There was just some tubing that needed replacing and a giant hole through the front and back of his torso. They decided to wait on any internal fixes for now but weren’t sure how to address the hole through the front and back metal panels in his middle.

“We should cover it up,” Wrecker suggested.

“With what?” Echo asked.

“I dunno,” came the response.

“Can we bend the pieces so they lay flatter against him?” Omega asked.

“I could try that,” Wrecker said. “But I don’t want to break something and hurt him either.”

“Why don’t we cut off the parts that are sticking out, and screw on a panel to each side to at least keep him covered up and protected?” Phee asked.

“Probably our best option,” Hunter replied.

Wrecker picked up his brother and carried him to his workbench. It was the safest spot for removing pieces of metal. Tech was completely out. Echo removed the sharp edges and Phee and Crosshair found some scrap metal in the right size. Echo managed to connect the front piece before Wrecker rolled Tech over and made sure he was as comfortable as could be. Once they were sure every component inside his abdomen was secure, Echo attached the back panel. The largest clone then lifted his brother and carried him back to bed.

The rest of the night was a cycle of Tech sleeping, waking with a start, shaking, and fighting invisible monsters. Crosshair spent the first night sleeping next to him. Whenever Tech would shake or lash out, he would hold him until they both fell asleep again. Crosshair’s heart was heavy. He knew none of this was Tech’s fault. If anything, he felt pangs of guilt for staying in the Empire so long. He took a deep breath as he held his shaking brother. It took work, but he was starting to accept that it wasn’t all his fault, thanks in no small part to his sister constantly reminding him. The Empire kept him prisoner. Hemlock experimented on him and tortured him. He tried escaping multiple times before he and Omega were successful. A yawn hit him and he relaxed further. Tech’s soft snores made him smile. He would do whatever it took to make sure this family was okay.

In the morning, the sedative had worked its way through Tech’s system and he’d slept through the remaining exhaustion. He woke up next to Crosshair and felt the warm sun greet him. His eyes tried to adjust, but he realized that some of his dizziness was the result of the fall damaging his eyes. His pupils kept trying to adjust to take in as much information as possible and he couldn’t find his goggles.

“What is it?” Crosshair asked.

“My goggles,” he said.

“They’re in the Archium,” Phee answered as she appeared in the doorway with some breakfast.

Tech looked up at her and tried to smile. Phee sat next to the bed while the two men ate. Tech continued to have bouts of shakiness, but greedily ate the meal in front of him.

“Take it easy Brown Eyes.”

Tech felt heat creep on his face at hearing the nickname with a clearer mind.

“I don’t remember when I ate last, aside from the broth yesterday.”

“How do you feel?” she asked.

Tech looked down at the mended hole over his torso and moved his limbs a little.

“My eyes are struggling to focus and the shakiness is returning.” Tech swallowed some hot tea and looked at his hands. “I keep having flashbacks.”

“It will get better,” Crosshair reassured him. Tech felt comfort knowing his brother had overcome this conditioning and while Hemlock’s methods on Tech were worse, he was confident he could work through this.

“If I got you some tools and supplies, do you want to try making some new goggles?” Phee asked.

Tech nodded. “I should scan my eyes first to determine the type of lenses, but then yes.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” she replied.

Omega and Wrecker overheard the conversation and ran to retrieve the beloved item from the Archium. Tech was shaking and sweating again with Crosshair still by his side and Hunter joining them. Omega silently held out the goggles to Tech. They talked about how they obtained them and how precious they’d become. Tech held them in his hands and stared back at them like looking at a former version of himself.

“Better to start from scratch,” he said, holding the googles out to Omega. “Feel free to throw them out.”

“I’d rather keep them” Omega replied.

“Why?” Tech asked.

“You were wearing them when you taught me to fly,” she answered. “They’re special to me. To us.”

“Very well,” Tech replied with a smile. He tried taking some steadying breaths, but continued to shake. To take his mind off things, he looked at the spot where Crosshair’s hand once was.

“I could make you a cybernetic hand if you are interested.”

“I know you can,” Crosshair replied. “For now, let’s focus on you.”

Tech nodded. He was in no shape to build something as his body continued experiencing withdraws, but he could think about what he wanted to make. He could visualize his new goggles and Crosshair’s new hand. He could picture a life here. He could picture himself being a bit more forward with Phee. He could picture flying with Omega again. Sitting on the beach with Hunter while Wrecker fished. Sitting with Crosshair and talking about something he was researching while Crosshair sat and listened. Now that he thought about it, his often-silent brother hadn’t been this affectionate since they were cadets. War changed them. The Empire changed them. Change was part of life. This was a good change, though.

As the days went on, his withdraw symptoms became easier to handle. He had ups and downs but they were, as he put it, damped oscillations. Batcher also made herself known and curled up with him at least once a day. She had a calming presence just like his siblings. Even when his insides felt like they were vibrating and overheating, every calming presence helped.

Hunter sat with him and when he was ready, got him up to speed on things. He was the one who drew the short straw and had to tell Tech that the Marauder not only blew up, but who blew it up.

“Is Gonky alright?” was the next question out of Tech’s mouth.

“He is,” Hunter assured. “Wrecker got him away just in time.”

“Good.”

Somehow, despite it all, the family made it out of the Empire’s clutches.

Several weeks into his recovery, Tech finished his new goggles and started working on Crosshair’s hand. He was not as efficient as he normally was, but he was still recovering. With each little project he started to feel more like himself.

When he finally felt well enough, he asked Phee and Omega for help to better fix his cybernetic.

“I will do everything in the front, but I need you two to help with the back,” he said.

“What about the others?” Omega asked. “They could help too.”

“Our brothers are busy today helping some new residents move in,” Tech replied. “I am ready, and you are both more than qualified to help, if you would like.”

Phee and Omega shared a look. It was clear that Tech was done waiting now that his withdraw symptoms were finally gone and he had an idea of how he wanted to approach this. They discussed the plan and so ten weeks to the day after he came home, Tech took his shirt off, and sat backwards in a chair next to his workbench so the surgery could begin.

“You sure this won’t hurt?” Omega asked.

“I will inform you if it does, but none of the cybernetics have hurt yet,” he replied. “The only pain occurred in my living tissue.”

Phee looked at Omega and took a breath.

“Alright,” Phee said. “Here we go.”

She removed the plate Echo had hastily applied to Tech’s back all those weeks ago. Most of the work involved better flattening the pierced edges where the spear had torn through. Echo and Hunter had done a good job getting the bulk of the metal frame removed around the hole, but it was still uneven. Phee took her time and Omega wasn’t sure she’d ever seen her work with that level of gentleness and care. Phee was always thorough and precise, but there was something different about this. Omega handed her tools as needed and then took a picture for Tech to see what it looked like before they closed up his back cybernetic plate.

“Well done,” was all he could say about it.

Phee sealed the back plate closed and they helped Tech sit up. It felt much more solid, even without addressing the larger hole in his front. Tech itched to get to work on himself. He sat up and decided that it would be easier to work if he was laying along the workbench at an incline. Phee got him a series of supportive pillows and cushions so he could lay back without being flat. This allowed the cybernetic tubing to relax and give him a bit more room to work. Omega positioned a mirror in front of him so he could watch himself work without straining his neck. Tech didn’t waste any time. He removed the temporary plate, inspected the internal wiring, and secured one piece that was not as well attached as he would like. Phee handed him tools so he could focus on his work. He removed the tube that acted as the bottom of his esophagus and removed it carefully. He secured a slightly longer and wider tube in its place. Once he was pleased with the position, he sat up and moved around to be sure it wasn’t tight like the original had been. Satisfied, he laid back down and widened the hole in his abdomen plate.

“Tech?” Omega asked. “What are you doing?”

“Creating a rectangular opening,” he replied.

Phee smiled. She had a feeling he was going to try something like this. Tech shared a warm look with her before picking up the pieces of plating that had protected him since his return and trying to rearrange them.

“Wait a minute,” Phee said.

Tech and Omega watched her hurry onto her ship, and she quickly returned with a square piece of metal painted in a familiar shade of blue with a bit of orange along the edge.

“I had to replace this piece on my ship. Looks like it might be the right size.”

Tech gladly examined the piece and silently noted the paint job before sharing another smile with her. With a small adjustment, it perfectly fit the rectangular hole in his stomach. Phee retrieved some hinges and watched him determine how to fit it all together. It wasn’t enough for Tech to fix his own cybernetic. He had to enhance it by giving it a door.

“Secure, but easier access in case of an emergency,” he explained.

Omega put his tools back where he liked them while Phee helped him sit up. He twisted his upper body around and looked pleased.

“Comfortable?” Phee asked.

Tech nodded. “I am still getting used to it, but this is an improvement.”

Omega watched a little awkwardly, but decided it was time to make her exit given how Phee looked at her brother while helping him put his shirt back on.

“I’ll see you around!” Omega said before skipping back home.

“Walk with me?” Phee asked.

Tech nodded and they headed down the path meandering through town and down to the water. Tech felt a little unsure, but paused and held out his hand toward her just a little. Phee took it in her own and leaned into him before they continued their jaunt.

“I keep thinking I’ll wake up and you’ll still be gone,” she admitted.

“That is merely your brain trying to process the situation,” he explained. After pausing a moment and considering what he knew of her he added, “I will do my best to remind you that I’m back until you are certain.”

Phee squeezed his hand a little and nodded.

“You want to get some dinner?” she asked.

“I suspect my family is already partially through their meal,” he replied, noting the time.

“I mean just with me, Tech. Would you like to have dinner with me?”

His eyes widened before a smile pulled on the corners of his mouth.

“That sounds wonderful, Phee.”

[stars-n-spice]

Silly Squad 2nd Gen WIPS!

started on a little something something because I can't afford therapy to fix what s3 caused so-

Silly Squad families 10 years or so into the future :)

Find out more about the 'Silly Squad' here!

Star Wars said, "oh no sorry, the interracial poc couple can't be together" so I said fuck that!!! and made all of them poc/inter-species couples with mixed kids!! no i'm not biased at all.

Also, let's pretend that the clone aging thing isn't a,,, isn't a thing because 1) too much math and 2) too much angst potential.

Though it is funny to think about the clones with their fast aging and then their partners are all notoriously slow aging people ("black don't crack" and "asian don't raisin" sort of deal). You got this super old dude and then you look at their partner and they don't look a day over like 30.

No, I didn't cry while drawing this what the fuck are you talking about? Aha,, aha...ha...

Additional info about the families under the cut!

Starburst Family!

ok so since I've had Khea the longest, her family is the most thought out at this point

In order, from top, left to right: Itri (14/15), Marama 'Mara', Maia 'Mai' (both 10, 23 min apart), and Elio Nultez (7)

I made a post about them earlier so for more detailed info on their kids you can find it here!

Khea found Itri when she was about 4/5 years old and decided to take her in as a Foundling (she's also trans)

When Khea brought Itri back and showed her to Wrecker he was in complete shock (he thought she was Khea's biological daughter) but immediately took to the role as being a dad

Twins were an accident (oops) and an absolute handful but Khea and Wrecker wouldn't have it any other way

I saw a lot of people say that Wrecker would have a lot of kids and I agree, he's be a great dad (and he is!)

But pair that up with a Mandalorian wife? I'm sure both of them would adopt any and all kids that come their way

Not pictured is the twenty-something pets that their kids have adopted over the years - they could have a farm at this point

Sharpshooters Family!

I don't know where the idea came from but one day it randomly hit me how I wanted their family to be - but essentially after finishing s3 I knew Cross was just a girl dad through and through so I gave him a daughter

That's Akona and she's half Nautolan and half Pantoran! Oh and a HUGE menace!

Akon is eight and Cross found her when she was six

Since Pantorans have the yellow tattoos to mark their clans, Akona and Tay both got tattoos to represent Crosshair's, well, Crosshair tattoo since they're their own little clan

Tay also capped off his lethorns to prevent Akon from hurting herself and getting poked because she loves to climb all over him

Idk how they came across her but I'm thinking Cross decided to go out on a mission with Echo just this once and found her (and Tay was probably sick at home or something, idk)

Tay was super unsure about it (he's terrible with kids) but Crosshair assured him that things would be fine

And things are fine and better than ever :)

Scompscope Family!

I don't have names for these kiddos yet but I know I want them to be in tribute to Fives and Hevy!

So like,, I know technically Echo probably can't have kids and originally I was going to have them just adopt some clone cadets or something but uh,, me being biased I wanted biracial kids so-

BOOM! He can have kids in this AU.

They probably took some time to decide on the decision to have kids though since Echo and Viram are both dedicated to the cause of helping clones but eventually they do decide to settle down

Like all the Sec Gen kids, these two are absolute trouble makers and never back down from a challenge

They're a little less than a year apart, but they're 8 and 7!

TechPhee Family!

wow, I can't believe that this is actually canon guys!!! :D Isn't that amazing????

Anyways, Techphee kids don't have names yet but I am open to suggestions!!

Also,, these kids are an absolute THREAT. They're smart as hell, they're witty, they can fly a plane like it's nobody's fucking business, they're skilled with pistols and a vibroblade, there is NOTHING these kids can't do.

Except have 20/20 vision. Whomp whomp.

Hey, nobody is perfect.

Daughter is far-sighted and son is near-sighted!

Daughter is 11 and son is 8!

Guardians Family!

not pictured is the ten to twenty other kids that Hunter and Jung have adopted over the years

the super lovely and wonderful @taraneen and I were talking about this timeskip and she mentioned that she thinks that Hunter would eventually go back and adopt some kids after Omega leaves and I couldn't agree more

Him and Jung probably run some kind of orphanage or something where they talk in kids and if they so happen to be Force-sensitive, Jung helps them out with it

Look at these three, they're like,,, having a "who can grow out their hair the longest?" competition (Jung is winning)

Of course Omega loves all her new cousins and siblings as well :)

Omega is around 24 years old here so she's also like a big sister to all of them and they all look up to her and admire her deeply

[tealmisthams]

A mistletoe ask ❤️

Rex/Ahsoka - 5 and 7

Tech/Phee - 16

Thank you so much for writing! 🥰

Here's your TechPhee request! It was my first time writing them, so I was super excited when I saw your ask! 💙

It's also here on AO3.

I'll post your other requests later on. I'm trying to organize my drabbles, so the pairings are spread out somewhat evenly (if that makes any sense).

--

“Glad to see you guys came,” Phee said, as she walked up to where Hunter, Wrecker, and Omega were scanning the buffet table at the edge of Pabu’s main village plaza.

“I’ve never celebrated a holiday before!” Omega told her, excitedly.

A pang of sympathy struck Phee’s chest at the young girl’s words. Life Day wasn’t unique to Pabu, though of course Pabu had its own unique traditions that distinguished its celebrations from that of other planets. Even so, Phee had been afforded the opportunity to enjoy Life Day nearly every year of her life so far. The reminder that Omega had never had that chance at all, until now, made Phee all the more glad that she had brought her and the Batch to Pabu in the first place.

“Well, you can experience it now,” Phee said, warmly. “You can eat whatever you want here and then there are a bunch of games on the far end of the plaza.” She gestured to each location accordingly.

Omega immediately spun towards the direction of the games and then whipped her head back around to cast a pleading look at Hunter.

“Can I go play?” she asked, her brown eyes big and round, as if he would even consider saying “no.”

“Go on,” Hunter said, with a small chuckle.

Omega’s eyes immediately brightened and she turned to grasp Wrecker’s hand. The large clone was so engrossed in the pastry he was devouring that it took him a moment to realize his little sister was tugging on his arm.

“Come on , Wrecker, let’s go!” Omega huffed impatiently. She pulled harder on his arm, but it didn’t move the larger clone in the slightest.

“Oh, sure! Let’s go!” As Wrecker swallowed the remainder of his dessert, he finally allowed Omega to drag him away across the plaza.

“So,” Phee turned back to Hunter, once his siblings were out of earshot, “Did Brown Eyes come with you?”

Hunter’s eyes sparked knowingly, but Phee didn’t care. She’d never exactly been shy about her attraction to his brother.

“Yeah, he’s over there.” Hunter gestured towards the large tree in the center of the plaza.

Tech was seated on the stone wall that surrounded the tree, his head tilted forward as he tapped something into his datapad. One of the tree branches hung lower than the rest and suddenly Phee’s eyes were drawn to the little green and white plant that was hanging above Tech’s head. He must have no idea. That won’t do.

“I think I’ll go pay him a visit.”

Hunter just gave her a casual wave as she excused herself and made her way over to where Tech was seated.

“You might want to watch where you’re sitting, Brown Eyes,” Phee commented, as she approached.

Tech didn’t react at first, but his eyes flicked up to meet hers at the sound of his nickname. She let herself hope that was a good sign.

“What do you mean?” he asked, lowering his datapad slightly.

Phee plopped down beside him, close enough for their shoulders to brush. She felt a small tingle of pleasure when he didn’t shift away. Small victories.

“Do you know what that is?” She pointed at the plant hanging above their heads.

Tech followed her gaze. “That is mistletoe.” Of course he knew what it was.

“Well, in case you didn’t know, there’s a tradition that goes with it. If two people are under the mistletoe, they have to kiss.”

She paused, waiting for a response, but for some reason Tech just stared back at her. She leaned towards him slightly, further encouraged when he still didn’t move away. He remained frozen as Phee closed the distance and placed a light kiss on his cheekbone.

When she sat back, she had to stifle a chuckle. Tech was still staring at her and now the skin on his face had brightened to an intense shade of red. After a couple more heartbeats, he seemed to snap back to reality.

“Actually,” Tech began, clearing his throat, “the tradition states that the man is supposed to kiss the woman under the mistletoe.”

What?

Before Phee could process Tech’s correction, he was already leaning in and pressing their lips together. 

The kiss started off light, but quickly intensified and it wasn’t long before Phee was beginning to feel lightheaded, both from enchantment and from lack of oxygen. She doubted Tech had much experience with physical affection and yet it wasn’t at all surprising that he was as skilled at kissing as he was at everything else.

When they broke apart and their brown eyes locked, Phee felt heat rush to her cheeks, as if Tech had somehow passed his blush to her through their kisses.

“Thank you for correcting me,” she said quietly, still trying to catch her breath. They were still sitting incredibly close and she took the opportunity to reach for his hand.

“You are welcome.”

He tightened his hand around hers, threading their fingers together, and she was pretty sure she saw his brown eyes flick down towards her lips again.

--

The Mistletoe Drabble requests are still open! Review the pairing and prompt options here, and send in an ask!

[ahsokathegray]

Two Years to the Day

Pairings: Rexsoka, TechPhee, Codywan (if you squint)

Prompt: Rexsoka Monthly Apr. ‘23 - It's You or It's No One

Summary: Rex is determined to distract Ahsoka from the second annual Empire Day celebrations. In bringing her to his favorite Pabu bar, he gets much more than anticipated. He has no idea how he wound up in bed next to the Togruta who’d volunteered herself to be the wingwoman he didn’t ask for.

Tags: blood mention, o66 deaths mention, alcohol, drunkenness, unwanted attention, protective Rex, hangover, inability to recall events, sexual situations

Word Count: 6,017

A/N: If you haven’t already, go give @rexsoka-monthly a follow and join us in supporting and creating prompt-based Rexsoka content! 🫶

read on ao3! / masterlist

Two years of the Empire. It didn’t feel like it had been that long, yet the Holonet was flooded with nothing but celebrations for the second annual Empire Day. The events of what happened on that day, just two years prior, was still so fresh in their memories. 

Ahsoka swore there was still dirt under her nails left from digging the graves on that Force-forsaken moon. She could still see the faces of the men after she and Rex had removed their helmets… each one seared into her mind, closing the eyes of every last man they could pull from the wreckage. The smell of blood and smoke still lingered in her nose if she thought about it long enough. 

Neither one of them should have survived. Rex especially struggled with the guilt of being the sole clone to escape the crashing Venator. Part of her wondered if he thought, by now working to save as many men as he could, that he could somehow rectify surviving what half a legion couldn’t. 

She pressed two fingers to her temples in an attempt to massage the painful memories away, to drown out the celebration the Empire was putting on. The kriffing tyrants were proud of what they’d done to get where they are now. They were proud of how they’d done it, who they’d trampled to climb to the top — the Jedi and clones they’d murdered and tossed aside in the process.

Why she didn’t power the Holonet down, she didn’t know. However, it wasn’t long after, that the door to the cockpit hissed open and a slender, tanned finger did just that. 

“How many years in a row am I gonna catch you watching this garbage?” came a low, almost distraught, whisper behind her. She didn’t even have to look at the reflection in the transparisteel to know that it was Rex who was with her inside the Remora. His voice was so distinct.

Rex took a seat behind her, reached under her thigh, and swiveled the pilot’s chair to face him. He noticed the tenseness in her jaw and the crinkle between her brow markings, two indicators of tears that were long overdue. 

She dropped one of the knees that had been resting underneath her chin, looking defeated, and sighed, “I’m sure there will be an Empire Day in the future in which we aren’t together.”

“Do you just think we end up in each other’s company on this day by some coincidence?” Rex asked, leaning forward. Ahsoka squeezed her eyes shut and clenched her teeth, to which Rex shot out a hand to cup her knee. He hushed her gently, “Hey, now. None of that, okay? Not this year.”

Ahsoka’s lip quivered as Rex caught a tear with the back of his finger, grimacing. His skin was warm and the sensation was a surprising one, but something she found a familiar solace in. He wiped his hand on his pants leg and stood, holding his hand out for her to take. “Come on,” he said gently, “I can guarantee you that Pabu isn’t celebrating Empire Day.” She reluctantly stood, and was perhaps too eager to grab his bare hand. For a moment, Ahsoka was transported back to their days on the run together. The shock of his skin against hers was still as profound as it had been the first time. Her heart sped up just the same.

“Pabu is always celebrating something,” she remarked, following him off of his ship and back out into the waning day. 

Rex still held her hand in his and smiled, his eyes on her the entire time, “And why shouldn’t they? Just look at that view.”

Ahsoka peered out at the twinkling reflections on the ocean, the colors painting the sky, as well as the festivities happening in Lower Pabu. She couldn’t deny that it was breathtaking. Rex had yet to look at any of it though, still focused on her. Turning to him, she caught his attention diverting to his feet, the hint of a blush creeping up from under the collar of his shirt. “Where are the others?” she asked, changing the subject and therefore providing Rex with a topic to escape to.

“Ah, Echo’s still down by the water with Wrecker. I think Hunter went with Omega and Lyana to a kid’s event. And well, I’m sure you can guess what Tech and Phee are doing,” he answered, a cheeky smile causing his teeth to peek past his lips. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Ahsoka’s eyes roll so far back. Rex laughed, “Come on. We are going somewhere fun.”

When they didn’t turn towards the water or in the direction of his house, Ahsoka knew what he had in store, “You’re taking me to Echo’s bar aren’t you?”

Rex laughed, “Might as well be his, huh? I think it’ll be a nice way to end the day and it’s been a few years… About time you had your first sip of Tihaar.” 

Ahsoka put a hand over her hip, “I don’t think it’s a very good idea that we drown our sorrows with alcohol. Besides, I had my first taste of Tihaar years ago.” She winked and walked ahead of him.

He stood there in disbelief for a moment before jogging to catch up with her, “Wait, when? I didn’t give it to you.” Rex slowed once he reached her side and had an eyebrow perched high on his face. Whether his heart was racing from the slight jog or her wink, he didn’t know. Though, there had never been a day in his life when a little cardio had tired him. Winded, he continued, “And I wouldn’t think of it as drowning out our sorrows. We’re celebrating, too. Now tell me who gave you the drink. Was it Fives? Jesse?”

The names of brother’s long gone falling from Rex’s mouth so easily was a huge milestone. Yes, the pain was still there, and it always would be, but time had helped to heal wounds that had been left open for too long. She was glad they could recall happier times without the memories of those passed becoming tarnished. 

“I’ll never tell,” she teased, stopping at a fork in their path and allowing Rex to lead the way to the establishment. “What do we have to celebrate anyway?”

Rex pursed his lips, allowing her to shelve the conversation for now and answering her question, “Two years of cheating death.”

“We’ve done that our entire lives, Rex,” Ahsoka corrected, bumping herself into him playfully. The backs of their hands brushed and Ahsoka straightened her posture, looking at the winding path in front of them and avoiding Rex’s eye. This kind of thing was becoming more frequent between them. The comfort in proximity, the small touches that wouldn’t have been present if they still held any rank, the almost flirtatious banter…

He cleared his throat, “Yeah, well, Order 66 wasn’t designed for survival. The odds were stacked against us and we managed the impossible. Every day we press on, we continue to cheat death.” Ahsoka normally wasn’t so pessimistic, but it was difficult not to be on a day like today, however, Rex beat her to it. “I can still hear it, you know — the sound the Destroyer made when it finally… hit the ground. Sometimes, my ears still ring and I convince myself that I heard the screaming. I do hear it in my nightmares.”

“You’re still having them?” she asked quietly, the chatter and play of children beside them not even gaining a smile from her. Hunter stood by and gave them a nod as they passed, listening to Omega and Lyana speak over each other excitedly. 

Rex glanced back at Ahsoka briefly before looking forward, “Let’s just say you’re my good luck charm.”

Ahsoka looked up at him, at a loss of words to say. She’d been under the impression that his nightmares had gone away. Apparently, they’d started visiting him again after the two of them had parted ways for a spell.

“What I mean to say is, I know that you still blame yourself, no matter how many times I tell you that you don’t have to carry that weight on your shoulders. What we’re doing… we’re making a difference, Ahsoka. In you putting your life on the line to remove my chip… something you knew less about than I did, look what’s come of it. Look at what I’m able to do because of you. And what you're able to do with Bail and establishing this network. We’re able to teach others how to lead. It’s not about the lives we didn’t save, we can’t change that. It’s about the lives we’re saving now. And that’s something to celebrate,” he said, turning a corner. 

She bit her lip as she followed him into the lively establishment. It was bustling with people. They needed no reason to throw a party, apparently. Rex had told her about Pabu’s high-spirited nature many a time over their scheduled holo calls. 

The lighting was minimal, but neons in all colors hummed around them. This place looked how she imagined 79’s was on the inside. For a moment, she wondered what had become of the clone bar. She’d always wanted to take the boys up on their offer to let her tag along, but Anakin had discouraged it on both ends. 

They stopped at the glowing counter and the bartender approached him. “Rex! Good to see you, son,” an older Quarren man greeted, “I’m afraid your brothers have cleaned me out of your usual. I’ve placed another order for Tihaar, but there’s no telling when or if it’ll come in. All these party folk have left me with is Revnog and Spotchka.”

Rex made a face and turned to her, “There’s a chance you may not like either of those. Do you still want one?”

“Sure, why not,” Ahsoka beamed beside him.

He faced the bartender again, “No worries. Could I get two shots of Spotchka for myself and the lady?” he replied, holding up two fingers. 

“Sure thing,” the older man responded, leaving to help another customer. 

Music thumped in Ahsoka’s montrals and she was thankful for how advanced her hearing was. She wondered how Rex could hear anything at all with his ears. He then moved them to a spot by an open viewport, where there was less noise, and pulled out a stool for her to sit. Rex then found another stray stool nearby and relocated it beside her. The energetic music and dancing crowd brought a soft smile to Ahsoka’s face. Happiness was contagious on Pabu. 

“See,” Rex teased, tapping her forearm, “This is much better than being holed up on the ship and listening to some Imperials kiss ass.”

That drew a surprised laugh from her, having never heard him speak that way before. She opted to join in on his fun, “Now what would Cody have to say about your language?” 

Rex’s half-smile graced his face and two small shot glasses of gleaming blue liquid were placed in front of them, “Lucky for me, Cody’s systems away on Tatooine.”

“I’m sure if he were here he’d disapprove,” she continued, smirking.

“Oh, there’s no doubt about that,” Rex smiled, picking up his shot glass, “He’d probably disapprove of this as well.” Ahsoka picked up her glass and mimicked how he was holding it up. “Here’s to one more year making the ISB’s lives a living hell,” Rex cheered, clinking the glasses and throwing his head back to down the liquid. 

Ahsoka tried to ignore the smell of the drink as best as possible before doing the same. 

Rex watched as her eyes squeezed shut and her nose scrunched upwards. Her shot glass was returned to the counter with an impact. Ahsoka contorted her face as she swallowed the liquid and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Stars, what did you say that was? That was awful,” she exclaimed. 

His chest boomed with laughter, “Spotchka. And yeah, it’s not my favorite either. No chance you’d like another?”

Plum colored lips fell open in disbelief, “You’re kidding right?”

Another hearty laugh came from Rex as he held up one finger to the waiting bartender. Ahsoka placed her hands on her thighs, “Do you come here often while you’re on Pabu?”

“Not too often to drink if that’s what you’re asking. Usually I’m here spending time with Echo while he has a glass or two of the good stuff,” he answered truthfully, throwing back a second shot of the foul liquid.

Ahsoka’s lip curled again, “I don’t know how you can drink that stuff. From what I remember of Tihaar, it was loads better.”

“Well,” he smiled, pleased that she enjoyed his favorite drink, “This isn’t Tihaar by any means, but it all does the same thing.” He downed another tiny glass of it and continued, “So you’ve been on Pabu for a day. What’s your favorite thing so far?”

She thought for a moment, “That’s a hard one. There’s nothing not to like. I definitely enjoyed the water. And the food has all been so delicious, but I think my favorite thing, by far, has been the company.”

Rex rolled his eyes, making that another first she’d witnessed today. Relaxed Rex was something she could get used to. It looked good on him. Or did he just look good? 

She’d be lying if she’d said that she’d missed the way the bar occupants, of all species and sexes, had been ogling him. How could she blame them?

He looked handsome under the low lighting, the colors of the neon signs bouncing off of him from various directions. The sun was almost fully set and it couldn’t have been a more flattering backdrop. She’d never seen The Captain Rex look so young or… soft in front of his men. Her drifting thoughts made her feel ridiculous. It had to have been a result of the alcohol, though she didn’t feel any less in-control. 

The brushing of Rex’s knees against her own brought her back to reality. “You're just saying that,” he claimed, his smirk having yet to fade. 

“No, I’m really not!” Ahsoka laughed. 

“Right,” he exaggerated the word, unconvinced, “Well, if you’re not going to drink with me, let me at least order you something to eat.”

“Rex, you don’t have to do that. I have my own credits,” she protested. 

“I insist,” he said, jaw flexing and clearly unable to be swayed. 

She must’ve liked something about that, with the way that made her lekku grow warmer. She was thankful for the minimal lighting, as she was sure her chevrons had darkened a hue or two. Her order was placed and Rex requested water for her and a Revnog for himself. 

Despite her efforts, Ahsoka couldn’t get over how gorgeous Rex looked. Island life agreed with him. The rosiness in his cheeks complimented him and she couldn’t tell if it was from all the sun he’d been getting or if it was from the alcohol. She’d come to terms with her attraction for him in the aftermath of the war ending, but this was entirely new. Her thoughts got the better of her. “So, now that you’re settled part-time, is there a special someone on the island?” she asked. 

Rex shot her a baffled look, “Kriff no.”

“What? Why not?” Ahsoka asked, relieved with his response, but trying not to let it show. 

“I don’t have time for it,” he responded, “Besides, there’d be an uncomfortable amount of secrecy on my behalf and, with what you and I do for… a hobby, I couldn’t expect anyone to understand. It wouldn’t be fair.”

Ahsoka tilted her head, “I guess that makes sense. Though, I wouldn’t call our line of work a hobby.”

Rex flashed her another grin, “I wouldn’t call it a living either.”

Their order was delivered and he paid, nursing his new drink. Ahsoka unraveled her silverware and found herself overthinking the choice to bring up Rex’s love life. Had she seemed too interested in it? Did he suspect she asked because she was interested in him? Ahsoka swallowed. She needed to find a way to take any suspicion away from herself. Scanning the room, she motioned her head towards a woman by the bar, “What about her?”

She’d never regretted a set of words more in her entire life. 

Rex almost choked on his drink. The look on his face told her everything she needed to know. As much as she wanted to stop, asking him more questions might give her the answers she so desperately needed. 

“Alright then…” she giggled and scanned the crowd dancing inside, “What about him in the green shirt?”

“Ahsoka,” Rex warned, sitting down his glass. The liquid was beginning to burn in his veins now. 

She stifled a fit of laughter, “I’m joking! The pretty Zabrak woman next to him, then.” Rex shook his head and placed his hands on his thighs, clearly vexed. 

Exhaling, Ahsoka sat up straighter, “Come on, Rex. Practically everyone in here has had their eyes on you since we walked through those doors!” She immediately closed her mouth. That definitely sounded suspicious. Why would she notice something like that if she didn’t feel something for him? She was karked. 

But Rex didn’t seem to be reading into it like she was. Instead, he was looking past her shoulder outside. What she’d said was true. There had been many eyes on them from the time they'd stepped inside the bar. “Believe me when I tell you, they’re not interested in me,” he said lowly. Normally, Rex would catch himself before saying something like that. The alcohol was getting to him and quick — Tihaar had never packed a punch quite like this. Revnog doesn’t play around apparently. 

Ahsoka’s lips parted and her food was forgotten as she surveyed the occupants more closely. Rex was right. She was a new face on an island of nothing but well-acquainted people. 

“Don’t look to your left,” Rex said, hearing himself begin to slur his words. Either it was enough for Ahsoka not to hear him correctly, or she’d just chosen to ignore his warning, but she looked at the man outside. Rex tightened his hold on his glass. Through gritted teeth, he growled, “He’s practically undressing you with his eyes. If he keeps looking at you like that, I’m gonna jump through this viewport and—”

“No,” Ahsoka rushed, looking down to see where his knuckles had turned white, “No. You’re not. You’re in no condition to pick a fight.” 

“Oh I could easily make quick work of him, alcohol in my veins or not,” he seethed, setting his jaw. 

Ahsoka stole another glance at the man. He was looking at her differently than the others. She toyed with a loop on her jumpsuit, wondering how anything about her appearance was enticing enough to elicit a response like his. “Rex, you’ve said it yourself plenty of times that the people on Pabu are peaceful. I don’t think aggressive negotiations would go over too well here,” she attempted to calm him, “And it’s not like I’m wearing anything revealing. I don’t understand the big fuss.”

Rex chuckled darkly, “I don’t think that matters to him, Ahsoka. Even in this, you have the power to bring any man you want to his knees.” From the rush of color flooding her cheeks, Rex realized he’d gone too far. He’d allowed his unguarded state to eviscerate his filter. He’d just admitted to his dearest friend that he considered her attractive. 

Ahsoka swallowed and shifted uncomfortably away from the man, picking at her food. Even in a drunken haze, Rex could read how put-off she was and he disliked every second of it. He moved to rise out of his chair, but Ahsoka put a hand out to stop him, “Rex, don’t. Please.”

“If he’s not gonna stop, I have no choice but to make him stop.”

“Kiss me then,” Ahsoka rushed, her lekku burning with the words. She hadn’t meant to say it, but she was desperate to keep Rex’s fists from making impact with the poor man’s face. Stuttering, she continued, “You know he doesn’t stand a chance against you. I-If he thinks we’re together, maybe he’ll stop.”

Rex’s features pinched together, a deeper rosy color tinting his cheeks, “‘Soka, you were jus’ trying to set me up with people. ‘M sure he saw every bit of that.”

With the way the man was staring, she was positive that Rex was right. Her mouth grew dry as she continued, “Just do it, please, before you—”

But Rex had already stood from his seat, bowed up and a determined look in his eye. Ahsoka’s heart was in her throat as he stepped around his stool. Except, he hadn’t tried to jump through the viewport or make a beeline for the door. He took the two steps needed to be face to face with her. 

He reached out with a hand to cup her jaw and inched ever closer. Her breathing hitched as the world slowed around her. The only thing that existed in that moment was Rex leaning in and his hand caressing her jaw. She shivered with the skin-to-skin contact and his fingers found themselves on her neck, knuckles grazing the underside of her lekku. Her gaze flicked between his lips and his eyes, unable to focus on one. 

A second hand found her jaw and she could feel the quickened beats of her heart. Rex was close enough now to where she could see the small flecks of amber in his brown eyes. She could feel his hot breath on her skin and the smell of the alcohol on his lips wasn’t bothersome like it had been when it was inside her glass. 

She craved nothing but him. 

Rex’s fingers trembled despite the liquid courage and the next moment, his lips colliding with hers. Ahsoka’s eyes fluttered shut as she finally released the breath she’d been holding. She didn’t place her hands anywhere because she didn’t expect him to stand there for long, but he had yet to stop moving his mouth against hers. Ahsoka continued to match him, a quiet whimper escaping her throat. She could feel Rex smiling against her and he somehow still maintained the passion of the kiss. He tasted like the Revnog he’d been nursing… bitter yet slightly sweet.

He moved one of his hands to grab hers, which was lingering unsure between them, and placed it behind his neck. Ahsoka’s voice was cracked and breathy as she spoke, “You have to stop kissing me like you mean it, Rex.”

Unbeknownst to her, he’d opened his eyes with her words to find the man still looking. Rex locked eyes with him as he moved his mouth hungrily against Ahsoka’s and glared from under his brow. The man then sat his drink down with haste and promptly left the bar. 

Rex’s eyes squeezed shut again as he continued drinking her in. His voice was broken, “‘Soka, I wouldn’t know how to kiss you like I didn’t mean it… It’s you… or it’s no one.”

She’d still be kissing him if her lips hadn’t stayed parted in shock. Only then did Rex still his movements and pull away, his own words shocking him to the core. He stood upright and was suddenly aware of the tent in his pants. Angling himself away and retaking his seat, he shook his head. With a furrowed brow he muttered to himself, “No… I didn’t mean… I didn’t want to say it like this.”

Ahsoka watched as his chest heaved, catching a glimpse of his swollen lips. The tingle on her own was telling that hers were as well. She brushed over them with two fingers before gathering herself. A take away box was requested of the bartender and given to her. She packed her food away quickly and put a hand on Rex’s shoulder, “Come on, let’s get you back home.”

Helping Rex stand, she looked up and noticed that her suggestion had worked. The creep that hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off of her had vanished. Rex took her hand and she maneuvered him through the crowd and back out of the establishment. 

They didn’t speak on the walk back to his house, not because they didn’t want to, but because neither one of them yet had the words to say. Ahsoka’s mind was running circles around itself. Rex had kissed her. She’d asked him to… but the way he’d done it… what he’d said to her. Her lips still felt tingly, like he was missing from them. She bit her bottom lip and tried to make sense of what had just occurred. Was it the alcohol or was it the truth? Did Rex return the feelings that she had long harbored for him? Her heart said yes, but she tried not to let it get her hopes up. 

A short walk later, they had made it up to the row of homes that Rex’s was on. He was situated between the shared home of Clone Force 99 and then Phee’s house. It didn’t go lost on either her or Rex the faint noises coming from Phee’s bedroom. Ahsoka was supposed to be staying with her while on Pabu, but had been dreading the arrangement. From what Rex had told her, she and Tech were very… active in their spare time. Ahsoka had just been too kind to decline such a generous offer. 

They’d made it inside Rex’s small home without much issue. Ahsoka, with Rex in tow, managed to find her way to the bedroom in the dark and sit him on the bed. She felt around on his nightstand for a lamp and turned it on once the switch was located. “I’ll get you some water and a stim for the morning,” Ahsoka whispered, turning and leaving the room. She’d spent enough time around the 501st to know exactly how to cure a hangover. 

Rex had given her a tour of his home earlier in the day and so she retrieved the items for him to the best of her ability. She still couldn’t wrap her head around any of it. How had they started the day as reunited friends and ended it like this? Instinctively, she wanted to discuss it with him, but knew she’d have to wait until tomorrow to get any answers. At this rate, going to sleep was going to be impossible for two reasons. 

Luck was on her side, as she found his medical supplies and returned minutes later to place the items on his nightstand. Rex had one leg under the blanket and looked like he was about to fall asleep sitting up. She smiled at his drunken state and switched the light off, “Alright, I think you’ve got the rest. If you need me, I’m just next door.”

Rex finally spoke once the darkness had surrounded them, “Don’t go, ‘Soka.”

Her rapid pulse returned with the nickname, as well as his request, “Okay. I can stay. I’ll just be on the couch, that way—”

“No,” he said and their eyes finally adjusted to the lack of light. He reached out and gentle fingers wrapped themselves around her wrist. “With me… Please.”

Her breath seemed to escape her again as she realized his full meaning. He wanted her to sleep next to him — to be there at his side when he woke up in the morning. There was a glint of moonlight in his eyes and she didn’t know how she could say no. Not a single atom in her genetic code could refuse him and she didn’t want them to. 

His bed creaked as he stood and she was on her feet in seconds. “M’ alright,” he assured her and moved to the closet. There was some rustling for a while before he reappeared, his blacks in hand. The top was offered to her and Ahsoka took it with trembling fingers. “Here, s’all I have,” he said, “You can change in the ‘fresher.”

Ahsoka swallowed thickly as she entered the adjacent room. She waited with bated breath until she was confident that he wasn’t going to fall or otherwise injure himself before peeling off her jumpsuit. The act of undressing was done quickly, as she wasn’t completely sure if Rex would need help or not. She pulled the top over her montrals and tucked the baggy article of clothing under her lekku. The hem brushed the middle of her thighs and she tugged down on the material. 

Taking a deep breath, Ahsoka pressed a button on the panel and exited the refresher. “Rex, do you need—” she stopped short. It hadn’t occurred to her when he didn’t hand her the bottoms that he’d intended on wearing them… and nothing else. 

Force, she wished he was sober. 

The moonlight coming in from the blinds showed just how chiseled Rex was. A large scar was situated in the middle of his chest, no doubt the work of that droid from earlier in the war. She tried to look away. Not even during their time on the run had she ever seen him in such a state. Evidently, it didn’t matter what lighting he was in — she found him alluring in every scenario. 

Rex was pulling the seams of the clothing to fit him correctly and she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. If the front of his blacks were any indication of how big…

“Kark me,” Rex cursed under his breath when he’d finished, looking her up and down, his knees nearly buckling at the sight of her. 

Ahsoka stepped forward and put a knee onto the bed, the hem of the borrowed top inching higher on her thigh. Rex’s throat bobbed and he moved a hand to cover himself. Ahsoka concealed a smile, the heavy tension making her feel similar to how she had in the bar. Here, however, the ogling looks of the man present were not unwanted. 

He climbed into bed and promptly pulled the blanket over himself, still in awe of Ahsoka. She followed his actions and rubbed her bare shoulder where his shirt was too large to cover. “Is this okay?”

Rex didn’t know how to tell her that this was more than okay, that this was what he’d only dreamt of since their time on the run together. His mouth had gone dry and his incoherent thoughts gave him only the ability to nod in that moment. His head hit the pillow so that he could admire her from another angle, but as soon as his muscles relaxed, he fell asleep. 

Even with the blinds closed, the sun still managed to light the bedroom. Rex woke with his brows knitted, already feeling the effects of mixing drinks he wasn’t used to. He rubbed his eyes and blinked before looking at the chrono by the bed. 

The fact that it was nearly midday would’ve hit him harder if it weren’t for the presence of water and a stim on his nightstand. Rex came to the horrifying realization that he’d made it through the night without jolting awake from his nightmares. That only happened when she was nearby. The last thing he remembered was kissing Ahsoka — fervently, like he was a man starved — and giving some degenerate onlooker his best clanker-killing stare. 

Rex began to feel more ill than just having a hangover. With his jaw clenched, he turned to look at the other side of the bed, praying that she wasn’t there. What he saw made his stomach drop. 

There beside him was Ahsoka, her bare shoulder staring back at him. His heart was in his throat now, sure to beat right out of his body. Rex spiraled. With both hands now on his head he racked his brain, trying his damnedest to remember. Vaguely, he could recall his hand in hers, passing Phee’s house. But that wasn’t the vital information he needed. 

They didn’t… He didn’t… Di’kut! Rex’s eyes squeezed shut. Had he at least given it to her good enough? She decided to stay rather than leave after he fell asleep. That’s a good sign, right? But not being able to remember it is not. 

Ahsoka stirred next to him and more of her shoulder came into view. She was definitely naked in his bed. He immediately shot a hand down under the blanket to check himself. Only his chest was bare, with his blacks slung low on his hips. The clothes he’d worn the day before were strewn on the floor between the closet and the bed. Undressing and redressing himself wasn’t coming to mind either. How could he have let this happen?

He scanned the room for Ahsoka’s clothes, but they were nowhere in sight. They were probably in heaps on the other side of the bed. Rex groaned and consequently saw Ahsoka blink out of his peripheral vision. “‘Soka,” he croaked. 

She hushed him and her voice still had some sleep in it, “It’s alright. I put a stim over there for you, remember?” 

More of her skin was exposed now and Rex had never hated himself more, “That’s the problem. I don’t remember leaving the bar… I’m so sorry, Ahsoka. Please forgive me.”

“Rex, how much do you remember?” she asked, oblivious to what he was insinuating. 

“I remember drinking and kissing you and… that rakeweed, but that’s it. Just please… Tell me if it was at least good for you,” he pleaded. 

Ahsoka’s mouth had fallen open and her lekku had darkened, visibly this time with the presence of daylight. She didn’t know whether to laugh or comfort him, but ended up doing both. She sat up and the blanket fell free from her. 

Upon seeing her in his blacks, Rex almost let out a sigh of relief, except it was a sight he never knew he’d needed until now. Ahsoka in his bed, his clothes hanging loosely off of her, bunched around her hips and…

Rex groaned again at the sight of her blue underwear, “Fuck.” She was something to behold, somehow more ethereal than she normally was, but he still didn’t have any answers. 

She giggled, “I believe your words last night were ‘Kark me’ if I’m remembering correctly.”

He finally sighed, “‘Soka, we didn’t—”

“No. We didn’t,” she confirmed before he could finish asking. 

Rex could finally breathe again and took that opportunity to use the stim and down the glass of water. No headache in the galaxy could rival the thought of having finally slept with the woman he loved and not remembered it. 

Ahsoka teased him once she saw that he’d finally settled, “Wow. And I was able to handle Jesse’s entire bottle of Tihaar better than you handled yourself last night.”

He shot an amused look at her, proud of himself for guessing the brother responsible and of her for handling her alcohol better than he had. His first time drinking came to mind and he’d not had such luck. Tihaar he could handle. Rex shook his head, still processing everything. 

“Do you want to talk about what happened at the bar?” Ahsoka finally asked, the topic having nagged at her even in her sleep. 

He turned his attention back towards her and a smile broke out on each of their lips. Rex’s half-smile pulled at the cheek nearest to her and she couldn’t help but tuck her bottom lip between her teeth. 

With more bravery than he’d had during all of the war, he asked her, “Would you rather talk about it or would you rather do it again?”

Ahsoka released her bottom lip and swiftly planted herself into Rex’s lap, eager to minimize the space between them. She dipped her head and found his lips with hers, squeaking excitedly when his chest vibrated with laughter and his hands found themselves under her shirt.

[agentmarymargaretskitz]

A Great Big Phech-niverse

(A collection of TechPhee blurbs)

Chapter 1: Modern AU: Meeting as Children

AO3

Phee came back from vacation to find a boy in her backyard.

She hadn’t even waited for her dad to put the car into park before opening the door and jumping out. Her mother shouted at her to wait, but Phee still ran for the backyard. Between the plane ride from Pabu and the car trip back from the airport, she needed to stretch her legs. Plus, she wanted to store the shells she’d collected with the rest of her collection in her treehouse. 

Phee had made it halfway up the ladder before noticing she wasn’t alone. There was a boy on his hands and knees right on the edge of her yard. The clothes he wore seemed to hang on his skinny frame and his brown hair was in a buzz cut. Wide brown eyes stared right at her from behind a pair of glasses. 

Phee grinned at him and waved. “Hey there! What’s your name?”

The boy inhaled sharply and scrambled to his feet. Phee watched him turn and run over into her neighbor’s yard and into the house over there. She frowned but kept climbing the ladder to put away the shells. When she glanced out the window of her treehouse, she spotted the curtains moving inside her neighbor’s house and more than one face peeking out at her. It didn’t bother her too much, although she thought her neighbor’s great nephews were older.

She didn’t think anything else of it until the next day during dinner. Her parents were talking about how their next door neighbor had taken in more boys in addition to the two he was already raising. Something about their mother being an unfit caretaker and being their great-uncle, he stepped in and took them in while the Genoas were in Pabu. But according to her father, there were four boys who would be in her grade when school started in two months.

-0-

Tech carefully crumbed up another piece of the cookie and set it in the grass. He carefully checked over his shoulder, making sure he was still alone. The cookie was supposed to be his lunch dessert, but he’d saved half of it to do for a science experiment. After finding the anthill three days ago, Tech was curious about how far the ants would be willing to travel for food. He had already devised his hypothesis and now was in the testing phase.

“Hey there!”

He looked around, bewildered. It hadn’t sounded like any of his brothers.

“Up here!”

Tech followed the direction, finding himself staring at a treehouse constructed in the black cherry tree on the neighboring property. The girl with dark braids who had called to him when he was studying the ants the other day was waving furiously at him. Timidly, Tech raised his hand to respond politely.

“Got a name, Brown Eyes?”

There wasn’t anyone else around, so it was likely she was speaking to him.

“I’m Tech,” he said, taking a brave step forward. “How do you do?”

“My name’s Phee,” the girl grinned down at him. “You were in my yard the other day.”

“I apologize for that,” Tech laced his hands in front of him. “I was not aware where the exact boundary between domiciles was established due to the lack of fences.”

“It’s okay,” Phee leaned out the window of the treehouse. “You wanna come up and see my shells?”

Tech fidgeted with his glasses. Ninety-Nine was very different compared to Mother, but he had never been asked to go anywhere before. He had no idea if it was okay. What if it wasn’t though, and he had to go into an isolation room or was sent away from his brothers? The very thoughts terrified him to his core.

“I have to ask Ninety-Nine,” he said quickly before turning and booking it back to the house.

Hours later, when they were all getting ready for bed, Tech decided to ask his new guardian about the girl in the treehouse. Ninety-Nine had chuckled before telling him that the Genoas were good neighbors and he’d likely met one of the younger daughters who was his age. He’d also described Phee as ‘spunky’ and ‘curious’. Fives, who had been nearby, mentioned that she was always the first person to a garbage sale in the neighborhood looking for ‘treasure’.

“Next time she asks you to come play, you can go,” Ninety-Nine assured him. “As long as you want to. But I think Phee would be a good friend for you.”

-0-

Phee escaped to her backyard before dance class to avoid her sister and her friends. There was so much giggling that happened, but Pri wouldn’t ever tell her what it was about because she was too young. Phee thought that was ridiculous, since she was ten and was going to be taking sixth grade math when school started again. At least she got the backyard all to herself to play around in.

She wanted to do cartwheels, but had to be careful not to get too many grass stains on her clothes again. But all thoughts of gymnastics went out the window when she saw Tech sitting right on the edge of their yards. The boy with the brown eyes had something on his hand that he was studying with rapt fascination. He didn’t even notice when she crept over to stand beside him.

“Whatcha got there?” she asked, leaning over.

“Hello, Phee,” Tech greeted, raising his hand. “I found a Lepidoptera in the larval stage.”

There was a caterpillar on his index finger. She watched it crawl across the digit while he carefully rotated it around. 

“You like bugs?” she asked.

“I like learning about everything,” replied Tech. “That includes insects. Reading about things is enjoyable, but the experiences with subject matter is even more fascinating.”

Phee stared at him, surprised at how the language he used. He sounded older when he used it, even though he was her age.

“Would you like to hold it?” he asked, offering his hand out.

Phee gave a nod. “Sure.”

She brought her index finger towards his, watching the caterpillar crawl onto her finger.

“You will be safe,” he assured her. “This variety is not venomous.”

“I didn’t know they could be,” she blinked. “That’s very cool.”

The two were quiet for a while, letting the caterpillar move back and forth between their fingers until Phee’s mother called for her to go to dance class.

“I have to go,” she said, letting the caterpillar crawl back to Tech. “I have dance class.”

“Do you enjoy it as a social activity?”

“Yeah,” she nodded. “But do you want to see my collection in my treehouse tomorrow? It’s shells and rocks from places my family and I have visited.”

Tech adjusted his glasses. “That is a compelling offer. I would like that.”

“Great,” Phee smiled. “I’ll be there after breakfast. You can come out of your house whenever.”

“Okay.”

“Phee!” her mother shouted from the front. “You’re going to be late.”

“Coming!” she yelled back, then turned to Tech. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” he repeated back.

-0-

As Phee Genoa skipped away, Tech looked down at the Lepidoptera again with a smile.

Perhaps he had just made his first friend.