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knightprincess · 2 years ago

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Chaotic Mischief (A Star Wars Oneshot)

Warning: Fluff, Clone Humor, little bit of flirting (tiny bit of Wolffe x Jedi Reader) Words: 4.7k

The Build Up!

Mischief wasn't uncommon among clones, especially the Shinnies and the troopers whom had been freely allowed to become individuals. 79's during the downtime was where the ideas of mischief were thrown around. Sometimes they were as simple as pulling pranks on some poor unsuspecting soul. Other times it was far more risky, such as daring a Shinny to obtain the helmet of a superior. Something that was far harder to do than the troopers believed. Chaos was always sure to happen when the 501st were back on Coruscant, Fives and Echo were normally the ones behind it, although Jesse, Kix and Tup had also helped on occasions, Hardcase too when he wasn't too busy flirting with one of the many beautiful patrons.

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On the odd occasion when Rex was reunited with Cody, Thorn, Gregor, Wolffe and Howzer, things could really get interesting. The last time the six were together, a game of truth or dare happened. To say there were more dares than truths being told, was the understatement. Cody had told so many stories about Obi-Wan, the others joked about him being the inaugural member of the Obi-Wan Fan club. Thorn had been tasked with getting a kiss from the most beautiful person at the bar, of course Thorn had fun with it, why just settle for one, when all of them were beautiful in there own way.

Gregor had stood up on the bar, doing a mini dance while stripping from his plastoid armor. All while Wolffe had generally questioned his own sanity and that of his brother. Gregor of course paid little mind to those he shared a booth with, instead reveling in the attention he got from those who enjoyed the show. Howzer on the other hand, decided to challenge almost all his clone brothers to an arm wrestling match. Even when he knew the odds weren't in his favor. Echo and Fives, making a wager. If Howzer lost against both of them. All six in the booth would have to go through with a particular dare, they had in mind to commit. Although neither gave details on what they had in mind. Without a second thought, the drunk Commanders and Captains had hastily agreed. Only to regret their decision mere seconds later when Howzer was swiftly defeated by both Arc Troopers. Although neither gave any indication on what they had in mind or when it would be put in to play.

They did however taunt Rex about it, over their rotations on the battlefield. Never failing to remind him of the wager and dropping subtle hints of what was to come. The moment they returned to Coruscant, and found out the remaining Commanders and Captains were also back for down time, was when Fives' famous wicked grin appeared upon his lips. Echo merely shaking his head, both with dread for the reactions and to control his overactive imagination. Even more so when he remembered the discussion to involve several Jedi in the fun and games as well.

"Put us out of misery" commented Cody, as he looked to the two Arc Troopers collectively referred to as the Domino Twins. A neon blue drink in hand as he prepared for the worst case scenario, knowing when it come to the pair, anything was possible. Even the impossible. Fives and Echo could only share an expression of pure mischief. Something that only brought more dread to the six before them.

"You've heard of helmet switch-a-roo, right?" asked Fives, knowing the question was daft. Especially since Rex dealt with that on the battlefield let alone during down times. The last game of switch-a-roo had also included an unwilling Dogma, whom had somehow ended up with Tup's helmet. Tup himself had Jesse's, whom in turn had Fives helmet. Five's had Echo's helmet, who had Kix's one. Even Hardcase had gotten involved and worn Dogma's helmet. Although Rex had caught on, it had taken General Skywalker a little longer to realize.

"We're daring you to the big brother. Armor Switch-A-Roo" laughed Echo, watching with amusement as the golden eyes of his brothers become flooded with concern, dread even on what they were going to be doing while wearing the armor of another. "And you'll be spending the day in each others off duty roles" quickly added the Arc Troopers, stifling a laugh when Wolffe's head hit the table, a loud groan escaping him. Of course it would be something like that. Yet the groan was in response to realizing some of them would be around the Jedi Temple and Senate, as well as the military base.

"If we die I'm haunting the two of you" commented Gregor, a spark of amusement flashing through his golden eyes. Even more so when he realized, whomever got his armor, would have the duty of protecting a certain favored Jedi. His iconic laugh soon escaped him, especially when he knew the odds of fooling Jedi were against them. They're own General's knew them well and would surely recognize something was off. Just as the many senators roaming the senate building would notice when something was off with Thorn.

"Do we at least get to choose who we switch with?" questioned Howzer, his head smacking against the sticky table mere moments later when both Fives and Echo had both shook their head. Denying them what would have made the game of Switch-A-Roo easier. Only now did Cody and Rex share a look of dread. Gregor once again laughed, this time nervously. Where as Thorn grabbed his bright blue drink and downed it, in an attempt to drown the horror threatening to bubble up.

"Care to deliver the blow and tell us" slurred Thorn, watching as the duo took the helmets from the back of the booth. Choose to switch the helmets instead of using words. Although the pair, planned to tell them again in the morning, when they were nursing a hangover, if only to remind them it wasn't a nightmare but the reality they had agreed to when making the wager.

Echo handled the helmets with care, looking closely at the individual markings. How each were different, and made them easily identifiable. Carefully he handed Wolffe, Gregor helmet, the obvious choice, as Gregor was the only one Wolffe could realistically pass as. Gregor on the other hand was given Thorn's helmet, confusion soon washed over his tired features. He'd wrongly assumed he'd receive's Wolffe's helmet in response, so was surprise to get the one belonging the Coruscant Guard.

Rex had been the one to be receive Wolffe's helmet. A chuckle had instantly ripped from his throat, even more so when it would be obvious he wasn't the tough battle worn Commander. Cody had been given Rex's helmet, to which an instant wicked grin appeared on his lips, it being clear he knew what chaos he'd cause while dressed as his old friend and brother. Something that only brought gripping dread to Rex. Thorn on the other hand received Howzer's helmet, swearing under his breath, as it would mean he'd be in close proximity to many Jedi General's, a thought that brought both dread and of course amusement, would they take notice of the little things. Howzer on the other hand, quickly determined the only helmet left was Cody's, to which he cheered, clearly his silent prayers to the maker had been answered.

"Remember whatever chaos you cause while wearing the others armor, has to be explained by said owner" casually spoke Fives, confirming the Jedi would be none the wiser of the mischievous antics, and would thrust ask about the odd inconsistencies should they be noticed. "Wolffe we wish you luck. Gregor is on protection duty for (Y/N) tomorrow" laughed the Arc Trooper, his laughter only growing upon hearing the growled yet muffled response. Of course they'd thrown him head first at (Y/N), he be an idiot if he thought they'd let the opportunity pass them by. After all his affection for the Jedi Knight was only known by those sharing the booth and a few others. It was a closely guarded secret Wolffe had unintentionally let slip during the last game of Truth or Dare.

The Morning Of!

When morning come, each of those apart of the mischief groaned. Wolffe in particular found himself with confusion. Why did he have Gregor's Commando armor? Where was his own?. He soon noticed the little light in the top corner of his datapad blinking, sighing as he carefully placed Gregor's helmet to the side and grabbing the small device. Instantly regretting the decision upon seeing a video message from Fives there.

"So that wasn't a nightmare" commented Wolffe, throwing the pad on his bunk before once again reaching for Gregor's helmet. Carefully studying it, the many markings scattered all over it, even a few scorch marks, the fading yellow paint around the visor, even the bright blue light to appear, when held in a certain way. The battle worn commander, taking notice of how heavy the helmet felt compared to his own, even the roughness beneath his fingers.

"How the kriff does Thorn see in this thing" voiced Gregor, walking into the nearby desk, as he flicked at the black painted shade over the top of the visor. The commando's words pulling a rare chuckle from Wolffe. The commander amused by Gregor holding his arms out in an effort to gain stability while wearing the foreign helmet, and making his way over to the spare bunk without tripping or bumping into anything else. "I saw Rex, poor bugger, looks ridiculous wearing your armor" joked the Commando, taking off Thorn's helmet just in time to witness Wolffe display his signature eye roll. "It kind of looks like Rex shrunk in the dryer" laughed Gregor, receiving another chuckle from Wolffe, clearly the battle worn commander could imagine it.

"Makes you wonder what the others are going to be like?" questioned Wolffe, suspecting the others would probably have a better fit, especially Cody, whom had Rex's armor. Howzer too could probably get by without much trouble with Cody's armor. "I'm expecting Thorn to complain about not having a kama" added the commander of the wolf pack, recalling Thorn asking the night before how Cody, Howzer and Gregor could operate without one. Even pointing out both Arc Troopers to issue the daring mischief were in ownership of one.

"Oh he's already started. Stated he felt naked without one" laughed Gregor. As if on cue, Thorn walked passed, stating he already missed not wearing the belted cape, even how lost he was without it. His next words were asking Gregor to take care of his precious kama while impersonating him for the day.

Cody, Rex and Howzer soon appeared behind Thorn, all but scaring him into the small room completely. Gregor's laughter ringing out as Wolffe also offered a chuckle, but that was more to see Rex practically drowning in his armor. Gone was the dark blue markings, instead he donned the familiar grey wolf insignia. It was odd for Wolffe to see his armor on another, although he soon reminded himself it was only for a few hours, then all would be back to normal again.

"I feel like a kid wearing their parent's clothes" admitted Rex, once again re-adjusting one of the shoulder plates, carefully placing Wolffe's helmet on the desk.

"You look like a kid wearing their parents clothes" commented Wolffe, amusement flashing in both his golden eye and dull cybernetic one. Thorn chuckling breaking the silence quickly, as Cody mentioned he wanted to take a picture to remember this.

"Don't forget we have to think of something to say if we're caught" reminded Howzer, shuddering to think that was a possibility. At the same time he knew the risks were high, some of them were around observant senators, others around the Jedi, whom could likely sense when something was amiss. "And to explain everything tomorrow"

"Already got mine" announced Thorn, chuckling although not elaborating any further. Wolffe piped up mere seconds later confirming he too had something in mind for explaining everything the following day, although even he'd admit explaining why his armor didn't have its normal snug fit was going to be a little more difficult. Cody also hinted he had something in mind, as did Rex whom could already predict what Cody was going to get up to.

"Have fun flirting with (Y/N), Wolffe" remarked Cody, only receiving a huffed growl from the commander in question. It being clear he regretted revealing that secret, even more so when his brothers so often teased him about it. Even General Plo did although he did so in an encouraging way, almost as if he knew something others didn't. "Why does (Y/N) need protecting anyways, she's a bad-ass Jedi Knight" asked the commander of the 212th, finding it odd a Jedi with (Y/N)'s reputation would need protection.

"Targeted by Dooku and some separatist leaders. Her cover was blown the last time she went on an assignment to protect Senator Amidala" explained Gregor, revealing the truth few knew of. "(Y/N) and Senator Amidala could pass as sisters, hence why (Y/N) had posed as her during a previous assignment. Sadly it had gone wrong, resulting in a bounty being placed on the Jedi Knight, hence her designated temple and senate duty" added the Commando, recalling (Y/N) being frustrated the last time he'd been on protection duty, she wanted to do more to help the Republic but was restricted on what she could do.

"Alright boys, lets get this show on the road" voiced Fives from the door way. Echo leaning against the opposite side. Rex immediately noticing they'd swapped helmets again. Both Arc Troopers breaking down in laughter upon looking around the group. Thorn's grumpiness about not having a kama, Gregor practically being squished into Thorn's armor. Rex's almost drowning in Wolffe's, Cody attempting to straighten Rex's kama, while Wolffe shifted uncomfortably in Gregor's armor. Howzer on the other hand, seemed content on messing with the visor shade on Cody's helmet, almost as if he was trying to re-adjust it a little.

The Mischief!

"Anakin, I think there might be something wrong with Rex" spoke Obi-Wan upon reaching his former padawan, concern ringing in his voice. At first the Jedi Knight looked confused, Rex wasn't anywhere in sight. Just as Anakin was about to voice the obvious, Rex appeared, running along and practically hugging Obi-Wan as if he was the alternative to gravity. Ahsoka chuckled slightly, quickly whipping her hands up to stifle her amusement.

"Seems normal to me, maybe a little more caf than usual" announced Anakin, chuckling as Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow in suspicion. The Jedi master untangling himself from Rex, recalling the time he'd had to do the same with Cody weeks before hand. The moment Obi-Wan walked away, Rex got his datapad out and chased after Obi-Wan, asking him for an autograph. Leaving behind a slightly confused Anakin and Ahsoka in a fit of laughter. Plo Koon chuckling to see it, although he didn't voice he had long since worked out what was going on, instead choosing to allow the mischief to continue.

"Master Plo" called Ahsoka, upon controlling her fit of giggles and regaining some composure. "Are any other clones acting oddly?" asked the Padawan, recalling seeing Commander Wolffe wrangling the 501st boys earlier, she'd never seen them behave so quickly, although Fives, Echo, Jesse, Tup and Kix seemed to be the exception, giggling like school children in the corner of the mess hall.

"Howzer seemed to be fond of causing confusion and chaos in the debriefing earlier" commented Plo, recalling the Captain had been hyperactive, almost skipping around the room. WIndu had practically grabbed his shoulders and all but forced him to stand still, not that it worked, within seconds Howzer was moving around again, twirling on the spot and practically bouncing off the walls. He'd started singing at one point.

"Rex, Howzer. Who's next?" questioned Anakin, almost dreading the response he'd get. "Maybe they switched the caf brand again. Rex always did say the last one tasted like droid oil" commented the Jedi Knight in hopes of explaining everything. Although if there was more than the two it would be harder to explain it.

"What's your reasoning for Wolffe deflating?" asked Ahsoka, seeing the confusion to pass over Anakin's features. Plo on the other hand chuckling slightly, refusing to give it away he'd worked out what was going on, instead he'd found himself with curiosity whom else was involved and the explanations each come up with. Particularly Howzer whom had to explain the debriefing.

"Looks like Thorn's having a good day" commented Padme, upon joining the group of Jedi down on the many halls. She'd come at the request of master Yoda, although it appeared to be a troublesome time. She'd passed many padawan's and younglings seemingly lost and confused about where they were going. Just as she'd bared witness to Howzer running away from Windu after tapping him on the shoulder and shouting "Tag your it".

Within seconds of the words leaving Padme's lips, Commander Thorn come waltzing down the hall, signing loudly and occasionally twerking. He'd thrown his hands up several times, the contents of the mug with Fox's name penned on long since gone everywhere. A few padawan's had been pulled into a dance, as a few masters had too. Each seemingly taken by surprise. "He was like that at the senate building as well. Flirted with senator Chuchi" laughed the Senator of Naboo. A smile on her lips to see the battle worn troopers seemingly having fun, a rare but welcome sight.

"Let me love you" called Rex, as Obi-Wan ran back down the long hall. The captain hot on his heels. Ahsoka once again bursting in to fit of giggles, as a few other younglings did too. Some of the masters looked confused as to what was going on, most shaking their heads with a little amusement before continuing. Even (Y/N) couldn't help the laughter to escape her, she'd always had a love for mischief.

"Your not going to do anything out of the ordinary are you, Gregor?" asked Obi-Wan when he stopped to catch his breath, hiding near one of the large windows overlooking the courtyard below. "I don't think I can take any more oddities today. First Cody's memory loss, now Rex" added the Jedi Master, still trying to wrap his head around Cody's apparent memory loss. Maybe it was the hit to the head during the prior battle, or the alcohol from the night before. Either way it was unsettling, although his loyal commander seemed to have some whereabouts. Keeping the boys of the 212th in line.

"No sir" responded Gregor, his response coming a little too quickly. "Just doing my duty protecting the Princess Jedi here" added Gregor attempting to act normally, although he knew some of his actions could be explained away by lasting damage from previous head injuries. Obi-Wan soon poked his head around the corner again, quickly dodging back when Rex passed by asking those around if they'd seen the negotiator. Dread filled Obi-Wan when another Jedi Master pointed right at him, causing him to dart from his position and around the nearest corner.

Howzer coming around the same corner moments later, shortly followed by a confused Mace Windu. Padme shaking her head slightly, as she regained some of her lost composure. Never had she seen the temple in such disarray, although she would admit it was nice seeing a less professional side of the peacekeepers. Howzer's voice soon rang out through the hall as another comment escaped him. "Gonna catch me?" His comment more of a question towards the Jedi Master behind him.

"Thorn, where's my mug" yelled Fox, storming down the hall towards the other commander. Thorn had since stopped singing and dancing, instead acting scared as he held up the ordinary white coffee mug. Although Fox's name had since been crossed out, being replaced with Thorn's own name. Thorn soon skipped off down the hall, giggling like a school girl as he all but taunted Fox with the ordinary white mug. Ignoring Fox yelling at him to come back and all but swearing about losing the mug again.

"And that's my cue" commented Gregor before throwing (Y/N) over his shoulder and walking off. Plo chuckling by the shock squeal to escape the Jedi Knight. Where as Padme and Ahsoka resorting to looking to each other for confirmation, at least to ensure they'd both seen Gregor pick up and all but run off with (Y/N). Anakin on the other hand blinked a few times, beginning to question his own sanity and that of the troopers around him. Slowly he was becoming suspicious, who else was going to act like they'd been hypnotized to act like kids, were his Jedi brethren going to start acting like it too?

"Pretty good view of chaos from up here" commented (Y/N), as she attempted to get comfortable over Gregor's shoulder. Well over Wolffe's shoulder. Although she hadn't voiced it, she was well aware Wolffe was in Gregor's armor, her senses not failing her. The arm securing her legs in place, only tightening as she attempted to wiggle around to gain comfort.

"Not a bad view from this end either" commented Gregor, finding himself glad for the thick armor, as he was sure he would have felt (Y/N)'s foot, thud against his thigh had he not be clad in plastoid.

"If I didn't know any better Captain. I would have thought you were flirting" spoke (Y/N)

"If I didn't know any better I would say you were enjoying it" responded Gregor, placing her back on her feet upon reaching the destination of the courtyard. The rare occasion where it was quiet and as normal tranquil.

"Should I ask why you brought me here?" asked (Y/N), moving to tidying her messed up hair, and straighten out her robes. Gregor on the other hand moved to sit on the steps, in front of the tree, ignoring the benches close by.

"Meditate" retorted Gregor, not bothering to turn around to face her. Although he suspected there would be a response shortly.

"Is that an order?" commented (Y/N), moving to sit at his side.

"Yup"

"I'm known to bend orders" laughed (Y/N), knowing there was truth behind her words. Although her former Jedi Master Plo Koon, always said she had a talent for still getting the job demanded from her done. She still got the needed results even if she did go about it a little differently.

"This will be the first you'll obey" replied Gregor, a playful tone to his voice.

"What makes you think that?" whispered (Y/N) when she was close enough, there was no doubt he'd hear her.

"Cause I asked nicely Princess" breathed Gregor. Almost surprised when the almost famous Jedi Knight seemed to concede and do as she was told, the words Roger Roger escaping her in a sarcastic tone. "Care to accompany me to 79's tonight?"

"Maybe" cheekily responded (Y/N). "Would be nice to see you in your own armor and without said helmet" commented the Jedi Knight, a grin appearing across her lips as she peered over. Seeing as Wolffe stiffened inside Gregor's armor. "Not to worry Commander, my lips are sealed"

"Have to work on that later" flirted Wolffe, as he settled back into the act of being Gregor, imitating his brother's famous laugh mere seconds later. Once again (Y/N) peered over to him, suppressing a chuckle as she attempted to regain her focus. Although it seemed to be a lost course at this point.

The Aftermath

When it come to explain the events of the day before. Some found it far easier than others. Thorn had simply explained it away as having too much caf that morning. He been hyperactive and in the mood to continue his running war with Fox for the prize coffee mug. He explained the flirting with Senator Riyo Chuchi as finding her particularly beautiful the day before.

Wolffe had simply said he'd lost a wager to Rex and had thrust agreed to keep the boys of the 501st in check. As for his armor not fitting properly, he mentioned something about Wrecker playing a prank on him, payback for something to have taken place at 79's before the last deployment.

Cody too had a simple explanation. He'd mentioned he'd visited the medbay upon returning to Coruscant after the last rotation on the battlefield. The headache combined with the hangover of all hangovers. He'd managed to keep the boys in check but his memory was spotty. Thankfully Obi-wan had brought the excuse and let it go after a few days of ensuring he had no after effects from the injury.

Rex on the other hand, almost chocked on his morning caf to learn what Cody had gotten up to in his armor. Although he'd been thankful for his explanation fitting with what had taken place. He'd simply said he'd joined the Obi-Wan fan club, after hearing Cody endless go on and on about how great the Jedi Master was. Cody had attempted to hide behind his datapad, covering his heated cheeks of embarrassment. Of course Rex would say that.

Gregor on the other hand struggled to come up with something when faced with explaining Wolffe's actions to (Y/N). He tripped over his words multiple times before the Jedi Knight had put him out of his misery. Revealing her knowledge of the mischievous dare each had taken part in and thrust knew Wolffe had been her protect the day prior. (Y/N) had spent time reassure Gregor following it, even helping him to come up with something should another Jedi question him.

Howzer almost had a heart attack upon finding out what Thorn had done the day before. He'd almost throttled the Commander to have impersonated him. No flimsy excuse was going to get passed Windu on this one. Nor the other Jedi to have been apart of the briefing. Eventually Howzer settled for being influenced by Rex, Thorn and Gregor, as well as having too much caf that morning. Sending the younglings in the wrong direction had been put down to a light hearted joke, after all everyone knew Howzer had a soft spot for kids.

Echo and Fives on the other hand managed to get hold of the records from the Senate building, Jedi Temple and Military base. Laughing to no end, especially seeing how Gregor had also played silly sods with the civvi medics and admirals while impersonating Thorn. No one had been safe from the chaos Gregor had caused. The recordings of Thorn impersonating Howzer throughout the Jedi Temple were just as funny, especially when Kix pointed out some of the younglings and padawan's had also played along with the game of tag.

Jesse's favorite recording had been of Cody impersonating Rex yelling "Let me love you" while chasing Obi-Wan down the hall. Seeing an array of emotions pass over Anakin's features had brought him to tears with laughter. The blank look, turning to confusion, questioning his own sanity, slight amusement, back to questioning his own sanity then finally settling on enjoying the chaos.

Kix had been the one to point out, both Plo Koon and (Y/N) had likely figured it out but had opted to keep the truth a well guarded. Something Wolffe later confirmed at 79's, (Y/N) also verifying it in her own words, just as she revealed Aalya Secura and Ahsoka had also worked out something was up, but not said anything. Instead both women happy to watch as chaos unfolded. (Y/N) also corroborating to both Echo and Fives, neither Obi-Wan or Anakin were none the wiser about the mischief to test them, just as the unsuspecting victim of Mace Windu had yet to truly put the pieces to together. Even Master Yoda seemed to be content on keeping the truth a guarded secret for now.

Tup had asked for the security recordings, intending on making a few videos of the chaos and sending them to the six to have taken part. He'd also congratulated Fives and Echo on masterminding the whole thing. The duo known as the Domino Twins cementing themselves as the most mischievous pair, thrust finally achieving their goal of overtaking Waxer and Boil. Although both knew the pair from the 212th Legion would eventually fire back in an effort to regain their lost titles.

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fandom-friday · 7 months ago

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Greetings Oh Glorious Karrde!

I come to you once more with Rec's a plenty!

@the-rain-on-kamino has not only given us a heart achingly sweet Commander Cody Fic with Time After Time (and yes you must sing the title) But also a new Clone Commando series with the Omega Squad in Off the Grid. Plus the most Romantic looking stroll through Pabu . Ma gurl got us covered!

@daimyosprincess has hit us with not one but TWO Boba AU's and LORD! The sweetness that is This tender love contrast with the Short but HOLYSHITE-ness of Worth the Risk.

@pickleprickle with Chapters 2 and 3 of Shattered Sunrise with Mace (The head badass himself) Windu... I may be bias.

On the Art Side of things

@snw-faatuatua Did this AMAZING Art of Hunter with traditional Moko facial tattoo. I literally can't get over how cool this is!

@boggsart is doing some awesome stuff with their Republic Troopers art but I gotta send in our boys in blue with the 501st

For all my Boba girlies (gn) on here come take a look @mrs2224 and this lovely rendition of a young Boba. Just in general go check it out!

@pinkiemme with the band batch, aka all our favorite men on the stage and KILLING IT! plus music!!

@bobafettdaily with this cool gif set kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui

On the not Star Wars side:

@the-californicationistcal has me in a tizzy with Riptide. uh yeah grumpy military guys... I have a type.

@bluegiragi has an entire COD 141 monster AU that has me hanging on every pannel of the comic. I will caution that it is Cannon typical violence. but the origin story for The Wraith is so cool and the Art is just... go check it out.

I have a few others but I'm still finishing up with reading but will send along ASAP! Much love and Happy Reading! (Pictured below me racing every week to put in the recs)

This is SUCH A GREAT LIST! Love the variety, both within the Star Wars universe and outside of it. As always, THANK YOU dear friend for putting such a big list together and taking the time to send it in! APPRECIATE YOU AND ALL THESE RECS!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

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star-wars-writing · 10 months ago

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A/N Just posted my latest story "A Bookstore Romance" on AO3! It's a tale of love, misunderstanding, and the beautiful journey of a relationship that starts and blossoms in a bookstore. it was written for the codywanbingo by @codywanbingo

@swfandomevents

The bell over the door chimed, marking the departure of the last customer of the morning, and Obi-Wan Kenobi found himself alone amidst the tranquil haven of his bookstore. He stood behind the counter, his fingers absentmindedly brushing over the cover of a hidden gem among romance novels, a genre he secretly adored yet never openly acknowledged. The warm, filtered sunlight streaming through the windows bathed the room in a cozy glow, highlighting the eclectic array of books that ranged from timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers.

Obi-Wan’s gaze, deep and thoughtful, swept across the store. Each shelf, each book, was a familiar friend, carefully curated and lovingly displayed in this quaint corner of the city that he had made his own. His passion for literature was evident in every carefully arranged display, every thoughtful recommendation he offered to his patrons.

At 30, Obi-Wan carried an air of youthful enthusiasm tempered with the poise of experience. His hair, a rich auburn, was often slightly tousled, as if he’d just run his hands through it while lost in thought. There was an ease about him, a quiet confidence that drew people in, encouraging them to linger in the aisles and lose themselves in the worlds contained within the pages.

As he turned the page of his book, a soft reflection in the glass caught his eye. He observed himself for a moment – not just the owner of a beloved bookstore but a man who still harbored dreams and desires, much like the characters in the stories he cherished.

The door opened, disrupting his solitude. A young couple stepped inside, their laughter echoing softly in the hushed atmosphere. They gravitated towards the travel books, their conversation a murmur of shared excitement and plans. Watching them, Obi-Wan felt a gentle tug in his chest, a reminder of the poignant and powerful tales of love that resonated with him most.

He smiled softly to himself and leaned back against the counter, his eyes drifting back to the novel in his hands. Here, in this little world of his creation, surrounded by tales of adventure, mystery, and love, he found a deep sense of contentment. Yet, in the quiet corners of his heart, the romantic stories whispered to him, kindling a hope that perhaps his own life might yet hold a chapter as yet unwritten.

Outside, the city moved at its relentless pace, but within the walls of the bookstore, time seemed to slow, each moment a page waiting to be turned.

The evening light filtered softly through the windows of the bookstore, casting a serene glow over the quiet interior. In a cozy corner, reserved for study and contemplation, Cody, the eldest of eight brothers, was engrossed in his architectural designs. His younger brother, Rex, sat opposite him, delving into the complexities of political science. This tranquil nook in Obi-Wan’s bookstore had become their refuge, a place away from the lively chaos of a household bustling with six younger siblings.

Cody, with a natural inclination towards leadership and responsibility, exuded a quiet strength that seemed to anchor those around him. His architectural drawings sprawled across the table, a testament to his talent and dedication. Rex, looking up to his elder brother, found in him both inspiration and guidance.

From his position behind the counter, Obi-Wan observed the brothers with a sense of admiration. The golden hue of the setting sun bathed the room, accentuating the rows of books that surrounded the brothers. Obi-Wan was particularly drawn to Cody, not just because of his academic focus, but also due to an unspoken connection he felt whenever their eyes met.

As the last customer departed, Obi-Wan approached the brothers, bearing a tray with three cups of tea, a gesture that had become a familiar ritual. "I thought a little tea might help with the studies," he said, his voice gentle, yet resonating with an underlying warmth.

Cody looked up, his eyes meeting Obi-Wan's. "That's very kind of you, Obi-Wan," he replied, his voice carrying a note of deep appreciation that resonated within Obi-Wan. There was an unspoken understanding in that brief exchange, a connection that lingered in the air.

Rex gratefully accepted the tea, his admiration for Obi-Wan evident. "You know, Obi-Wan, you're like the guardian angel of our study sessions," he joked lightly, eliciting a chuckle from Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan smiled, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. "Well, I can't have my favorite architects and political analysts running on empty, can I?" he replied, playfully.

As the evening progressed and the time for closing drew near, Cody and Rex began to pack up their things. "We'll be back tomorrow, Obi-Wan," Cody called out, his voice echoing softly in the now-quiet bookstore.

"I'll be here," Obi-Wan replied, feeling a subtle pang of longing as he watched them leave. The door closed behind them, leaving a silence that felt more profound than before.

In the solitude of his bookstore, Obi-Wan's thoughts lingered on Cody. There was an undeniable pull between them, a burgeoning bond that extended beyond the usual rapport he had with his patrons. He found himself captivated by Cody’s passion for architecture, his dedication to his studies, and the way his presence seemed to fill the room.

Locking the door and dimming the lights, Obi-Wan reflected on the subtle yet significant moments they had shared. He knew such feelings were fraught with complexity, especially given his role as the owner of the bookstore. Yet, as he made his way home, he couldn't help but wonder about the uncharted territory of their growing connection, a story that was yet to unfold.

The next morning arrived with the gentle hum of the city awakening. Obi-Wan, behind the counter of his bookstore, was arranging a new display of classic novels when the familiar chime of the door announced the arrival of his first visitors. He looked up, a smile instinctively forming as he recognized Cody and Rex stepping into the warm, book-filled haven.

Cody's gaze met Obi-Wan's, a flash of unspoken acknowledgment passing between them. There was an ease about Cody, a confidence in his stride that belied his youth. His eyes, bright and attentive, often wandered around the bookstore with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. Today, however, there was a hint of determination in his demeanor, a purpose that seemed to extend beyond his usual academic focus.

"Good morning, Obi-Wan," Cody greeted, his voice carrying a clear note of respect.

"Morning, Cody, Rex," Obi-Wan replied, his attention briefly shifting to Rex before returning to Cody. "What brings you in so early today?"

Cody took a deep breath, his fingers absently tracing the spine of a book on the nearest shelf. "Actually, I was wondering if... if you might need some help around the store. I'm looking for a job, and I can't think of a better place than here."

Obi-Wan's eyebrows rose slightly, a mixture of surprise and something akin to pleasure flickering in his eyes. "Help in the bookstore?" he echoed, considering the proposal. The idea of having Cody around more often was unexpectedly appealing, yet he hesitated, aware of the delicate balance that existed between them.

"Yes," Cody continued, a hint of eagerness creeping into his voice. "I know my way around the store pretty well by now, and I'd really like to start saving up for the future."

Obi-Wan's gaze lingered on Cody, taking in the earnestness in his expression. There was a sincerity in Cody's request that touched him, and he found himself wanting to say yes, to have Cody's presence become a more permanent fixture in the bookstore.

"Well, I could certainly use the extra hands," Obi-Wan admitted, the corners of his mouth lifting in a gentle smile. "Consider yourself part of the team, Cody."

The relief and joy that lit up Cody's face were unmistakable. "Thank you, Obi-Wan. You won't regret this," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude and excitement.

Rex, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in, "Guess this means I'll be seeing even more of this place, huh?"

Obi-Wan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm afraid so, Rex. But I promise to keep the coffee coming."

As Cody and Rex settled into their usual study corner, Obi-Wan found his thoughts lingering on the new arrangement. Having Cody as an employee would undoubtedly change the dynamics of their relationship. He felt a twinge of anticipation at the prospect of working alongside Cody, of seeing him every day in a context that went beyond their casual interactions.

Throughout the day, as he attended to customers and went about his tasks, Obi-Wan's mind often drifted to Cody. He watched him from afar, noting the way Cody interacted with the books, the gentle care he showed each volume he touched. There was a grace about him, a quiet strength that Obi-Wan found increasingly compelling.

As the bookstore closed for the day, Obi-Wan found himself looking forward to the following morning, to the new chapter that was about to begin in the story of his bookstore, a chapter that now included Cody not just as a patron, but as a part of its very essence. The prospect filled him with a sense of expectancy, a feeling that something significant was on the horizon.

A month had woven its way through the calendar since Cody began working at the bookstore, each day weaving him more intricately into the fabric of the quaint establishment. On a particularly slow Saturday morning, the store was bathed in the soft, diffused light of an overcast sky, casting a serene tranquility over the shelves brimming with stories.

Cody, who had by now familiarized himself with every nook and cranny of the store, was tidying up a section when he stumbled upon a well-thumbed copy of 'Pride and Prejudice' tucked away behind some newer releases. Curiosity piqued, he glanced over at Obi-Wan, who was engrossed in a book at the counter.

"Didn't take you for a fan of Regency romances," Cody remarked playfully, holding up the novel with an intrigued smile.

Obi-Wan looked up, a slight flush coloring his cheeks. "Ah, yes, that's one of my personal favorites," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and fondness. "Regency romances were actually my major back in university."

Cody's eyebrows arched in surprise, his smile broadening. "Really? I never would have guessed. You studied literature at the university?"

Obi-Wan nodded, a nostalgic glimmer in his eyes. "Yes, at the same one you're attending. I had a particular affinity for the romanticism and societal intricacies of the Regency period. There’s something about the elegance and the underlying passion of that era that always fascinated me."

Cody, intrigued, moved closer, the book still in hand. "I've always seen these novels as just love stories, but you make them sound like something more."

"There is much more to them," Obi-Wan said, leaning forward, his enthusiasm evident. "They are windows into the customs, the restraints, and the quiet rebellions of the time. The characters navigate through societal norms with such intricate emotions and intentions."

As Obi-Wan spoke, Cody found himself captivated, not just by the insight into the novels, but by the animated way Obi-Wan described them. His eyes sparkled with passion, and his hands moved expressively, painting the air with his words. Cody realized there was a depth to Obi-Wan he had yet to uncover, layers that extended beyond the calm and collected exterior of the bookstore owner.

"Maybe I should give one of these a read," Cody said thoughtfully, flipping through the pages of 'Pride and Prejudice'. "Any recommendations on where to start?"

"Start with that one in your hands," Obi-Wan suggested, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "It's a classic for a reason. And if you have any questions or want to discuss it, I'm more than willing."

The offer, simple as it was, felt like an invitation into a part of Obi-Wan’s world that Cody had not yet explored. It was an opportunity to connect on a level they hadn’t before, a prospect that filled Cody with an unexpected sense of excitement.

The rest of the day passed with a new, subtle energy between them. Cody found himself stealing glances at Obi-Wan, pondering this newfound facet of his character. Obi-Wan, in turn, caught Cody’s gaze several times, each exchange sending a ripple of something unspoken through the air.

As the day drew to a close and the last customer left, Cody lingered at the counter. "I'm looking forward to starting this," he said, holding up the novel. "Thanks for the recommendation, Obi-Wan."

"It was my pleasure, Cody," Obi-Wan replied, his voice warm with sincerity. "Enjoy the journey into Regency England."

With a final smile, Cody tucked the book under his arm and headed out, leaving Obi-Wan in the quiet aftermath. As he locked up the bookstore, Obi-Wan found himself reflecting on the day, on the shared moments and the unexplored paths that lay ahead. His heart felt lighter, buoyed by the prospect of new conversations, new shared experiences with Cody. It was a connection that was slowly, yet undeniably, transforming from mere acquaintance into something much richer, something that hinted at the promise of deeper bonds yet to be formed.

A week had whisked by since Cody borrowed 'Pride and Prejudice' from the bookstore, a week in which the pages of Regency England had unfurled before him. Saturday arrived, bringing with it the familiar rhythm of a workday at the bookstore. Cody stepped through the door that morning with a sense of purpose, the novel tucked securely under his arm.

Obi-Wan, rearranging a display of new arrivals, looked up at Cody's entrance. There was a quiet anticipation in his gaze, a silent inquiry about the novel. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow that danced over the bookshelves and spilled onto the floor, creating a welcoming ambience.

"I finished it," Cody announced, placing the book on the counter with a thoughtful expression. "And while I can appreciate the charm and the wit of Austen, I think I'm more of a mystery and adventure kind of guy."

Obi-Wan's eyes twinkled with amusement and interest. "Is that so?" he replied, leaning on the counter. "Well, there's no shortage of mystery and adventure here. Any particular favorites or authors you're drawn to?"

Cody’s face lit up with a more animated expression. "I've always been a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle's work. There’s something about Sherlock Holmes' deductive reasoning and the atmospheric London he navigates that I find really engaging."

"Ah, the classic detective and his loyal companion, Watson," Obi-Wan mused, his voice warm with shared enthusiasm. "There's a timeless quality to those stories, a blend of intellect and intrigue that's hard to resist."

The conversation flowed effortlessly between them, the topics meandering from one author to another, from classic literature to contemporary thrillers. As they talked, Cody found himself drawn into Obi-Wan's world of books even more deeply. There was a passion in Obi-Wan's words, a depth of knowledge that was both impressive and endearing.

Obi-Wan, in turn, was captivated by Cody's perspectives, finding joy in the young man's keen insights and the lively spark in his eyes as he spoke. There was a connection forming between them, one that transcended the roles of employer and employee, something more profound and intimate.

As the morning gave way to afternoon, the bookstore filled with customers, but the energy of their conversation lingered in the air. Obi-Wan and Cody worked side by side, their interactions marked by an easy camaraderie and occasional shared glances that spoke volumes.

Later, as the day began to wind down and the last customer left, Cody and Obi-Wan found themselves alone amidst the quiet serenity of the bookstore.

"You know," Cody said, leaning against the counter, "talking about books with you, it's like seeing them in a whole new light. It makes coming to work here even more enjoyable."

Obi-Wan’s face softened with a genuine smile. "I'm glad to hear that, Cody. And I must admit, having you here has brought a new dimension to this place. It's... refreshing."

The words hung in the air, charged with an unspoken emotion, a recognition of the bond that was steadily growing between them. As they locked up the store and said their goodbyes, there was a lingering sense of connection, a promise of more conversations and shared moments to come.

As Cody walked away, book in hand, and Obi-Wan watched him leave, they both felt a quiet anticipation for the next day, for the next chapter in their unfolding story. The bookstore, a haven of stories and dreams, had become the backdrop to their own evolving narrative, one that was just beginning to be written.

***

As the weeks unfurled, the bookstore wove its timeless spell around Cody and Obi-Wan, drawing them into an ever-deepening camaraderie. Cody's presence during the week, a studious figure immersed in his architectural designs, had become a constant in the quiet hum of the store. On weekends, his role shifted to that of Obi-Wan’s assistant, their interactions punctuated by shared tasks and easy conversations that spanned from the philosophical depths of literature to the light-hearted banter of daily life.

The air between them was charged with an unspoken recognition, a realization that what had started as a mere curiosity was blossoming into something richer, more profound. It was in the way Obi-Wan's gaze lingered on Cody a moment longer than necessary, in the warmth that radiated from him whenever Cody entered the room.

One particularly rainy afternoon, as the soft patter of raindrops created a cocoon around the bookstore, Cody and Obi-Wan found themselves alone, organizing a section of historical novels. The rhythmic sound of the rain against the windows lent a cozy intimacy to the store, a world removed from the bustle outside.

Cody, arranging books on a lower shelf, paused and looked up at Obi-Wan. "You know, I never imagined I'd find a place like this," he said, his voice a blend of gratitude and reflection. "Or someone like you. You've made me see books, see the world, in a new light."

Obi-Wan, standing close, books in hand, met Cody's gaze. There was a vulnerability in his eyes, a softness that he rarely allowed others to see. "Cody, I..." he began, then hesitated, searching for the right words. "I feel the same. Having you here, it's changed the bookstore for me, made it more... alive."

The words hung in the air, a confession of sorts, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the unspoken emotions swirling around them like the gentle storm outside.

Cody broke the silence, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I guess we're both discovering new chapters, aren't we?"

Obi-Wan returned the smile, a warmth spreading through him. "Yes, we are," he agreed, his heart beating a little faster.

Their conversation drifted to other topics, but the underlying current remained, a shared awareness of the growing affection between them. As they continued their work, their movements became more synchronized, a dance of two people becoming increasingly attuned to each other.

The rest of the day passed in a comfortable rhythm, marked by shared laughs, meaningful glances, and an ease that spoke of a deepening bond. When it was time to close, they lingered at the door, neither quite ready to part ways.

"See you tomorrow, Obi-Wan," Cody said, his voice carrying a note of reluctance.

"Tomorrow," Obi-Wan echoed, watching as Cody stepped out into the rain, an umbrella blooming open above him.

As the door closed, Obi-Wan stood there for a moment, lost in thought. The bookstore, once a haven for solitary contemplation, had become the setting of something new and exhilarating – a connection with Cody that promised to turn the page to a new and uncharted chapter in both their lives. The rain continued to tap against the window, a gentle reminder of the world outside, but inside, Obi-Wan's heart was alight with the warmth of possibilities yet to come.

***

Weeks cascaded into months, and the cozy bookstore continued to be a sanctuary of shared glances and unspoken words between Cody and Obi-Wan. The subtle transformation in their relationship was like a quietly unfolding novel, each chapter revealing deeper layers of connection and affection.

During the week, Cody and his brother Rex would frequent the store to study, their heads bent over books and notes. Rex, observant and perceptive, began to notice the nuanced changes in the air whenever Cody and Obi-Wan interacted. It was in the way Cody's eyes would unconsciously seek out Obi-Wan, lighting up when their gazes met. It was in the lingering smiles, the soft timbre of their voices, rich with an undercurrent of something more than just friendship.

One quiet afternoon, as the golden sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the rows of books, Rex watched as Cody and Obi-Wan shared a laugh over a small anecdote Obi-Wan had recounted. The laughter faded, but their smiles remained, a silent acknowledgement of the joy they found in each other’s company.

Rex leaned back in his chair, his book momentarily forgotten. He had seen his brother in various stages of life, but this was different. Cody was smitten, thoroughly and irrevocably, with Obi-Wan. And from what Rex could tell, the feeling was mutual.

Later, as they packed up to leave, Rex decided to broach the subject. "Cody, can I ask you something?" he said, his tone casual but curious.

Cody looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Sure, what's up?"

"It's about Obi-Wan," Rex started, watching Cody's reaction closely. "I've noticed... well, it seems like there's something more between you two. Am I wrong?"

Cody's face flushed a soft shade of pink, a mix of embarrassment and realization dawning on him. "I... well, I guess it's hard to hide," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I do like him, Rex. More than I probably should."

Rex nodded, understanding and supportive. "And I think he feels the same, Cody. I've seen the way he looks at you."

Cody’s eyes held a blend of hope and uncertainty. "Do you think so?" he asked, the question laden with the weight of his feelings.

"I do," Rex affirmed, placing a reassuring hand on Cody's shoulder. "Just be careful, okay? I want you to be happy, but I also don't want you to get hurt."

Cody nodded, a silent appreciation in his gaze. "Thanks, Rex. I'll be careful. I promise."

As they stepped out of the bookstore, Rex glanced back at Obi-Wan, who was watching them leave. There was a softness in Obi-Wan's eyes, a look that spoke volumes. Rex felt a sense of reassurance, a belief that whatever was brewing between Cody and Obi-Wan was genuine and profound.

The walk home was filled with contemplative silence, both brothers lost in their thoughts. Cody was grappling with the newfound acknowledgment of his feelings for Obi-Wan, the possibilities and fears it entailed. Rex, on the other hand, was contemplating the changing dynamics, hopeful yet cautious about the future.

The bookstore, a haven of stories and dreams, had unknowingly become the stage for their own evolving story, a narrative rich with emotion and the promise of something beautiful yet to be fully realized.

That night, under the canopy of a starlit sky, Rex found himself wrestling with a turmoil of thoughts. Lying in bed, he stared at the ceiling, the shadows cast by the moonlight playing across the room. His mind replayed the conversation with Cody, the admission, the hope in his brother's eyes. Yet, intermingled with these reflections was a growing seed of worry, a concern that gnawed at the edges of his initial support.

Seven years. The age difference between Cody and Obi-Wan lingered in Rex's mind, a stark number that seemed to grow more significant in the quiet of the night. He turned over on his side, a sense of unease settling over him. Had he been too quick to encourage Cody? Was he inadvertently setting his brother up for a fall?

The more Rex thought about it, the more the idea of their relationship began to unsettle him. Obi-Wan, with his quiet charm and mature demeanor, was a world apart from the youthful, spirited Cody. Rex respected Obi-Wan, admired him even, for the sanctuary he had created in the bookstore, for the way he had welcomed them both. But this, this was different.

The clock ticked on, its rhythmic sound a steady reminder of the passing hours. Rex turned again, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He cared deeply for Cody, wanted nothing but happiness for him, but the thought of his brother potentially getting hurt was unbearable.

The thought stayed with Rex, a persistent echo throughout the night. By the time morning arrived, painting the room with the first light of dawn, Rex had made a decision. He couldn't, in good conscience, encourage this relationship. The risk, he felt, was too great.

Breakfast was a quiet affair, Cody lost in his thoughts, likely about Obi-Wan, while Rex grappled with how to voice his concerns. As they prepared to leave for the day, Rex finally spoke up.

"Cody, about yesterday... I've been thinking," he began, his voice hesitant. "Maybe I was too quick to... you know, about you and Obi-Wan."

Cody looked at him, a frown creasing his brow. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, he's a great guy, but he's also seven years older than you. That's not a small thing," Rex said, the words difficult but necessary.

Cody's expression shifted, a blend of confusion and hurt flickering in his eyes. "I thought you were okay with it," he replied, a note of defensiveness creeping into his voice.

"I am, or I was," Rex said, struggling to articulate his turmoil. "I just don't want to see you get hurt, Cody. Relationships are complicated, and with the age gap, it's just... I don't know."

The brothers walked in silence, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. Rex's heart was heavy with concern, while Cody’s mind raced with a mix of doubt and disappointment.

As they reached the bookstore, the familiar chime of the doorbell sounded almost melancholic. Rex cast a glance at Cody, who offered a forced smile before heading to his usual spot to study.

Rex watched him go, a knot of worry in his stomach. He hoped he had done the right thing, yet the uncertainty remained, a lingering question mark over the complexities of the heart.

****

The evening found Obi-Wan stepping into a familiar café, a place steeped in nostalgia and echoes of his university days. Here, beneath the warm glow of dimmed lights and the soft murmur of conversations, he was meeting his old friends, Mace, Plo Koon, and Quinlan. They had shared not just a dorm but countless memories during their university years. Now, each had carved their own path, teaching at the university, molding minds in academic halls. Obi-Wan, though, had chosen a different route, one that indulged his love for literature in the quaint confines of his bookstore.

As they settled into a quiet corner, the air was filled with laughter and the easy banter of old friends reuniting. Mace, always the perceptive one, noticed a subtle change in Obi-Wan, a certain preoccupation in his usually serene demeanor.

"Everything alright, Obi-Wan?" Mace inquired, his gaze sharp but concerned.

Obi-Wan hesitated, stirring his coffee absentmindedly. The café, with its soft jazz playing in the background and the gentle clink of cups, suddenly felt too intimate, too revealing. "Actually, there's something I've been meaning to talk about," he began, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.

The others leaned in, a silent show of support and curiosity. Plo Koon, with his kindly eyes, gave Obi-Wan an encouraging nod.

"It's about one of your students, Plo," Obi-Wan continued, his eyes meeting Plo's. "Cody, he's been working at my bookstore for a while now, and... well, I think I might have feelings for him."

A hush fell over the group, the revelation hanging in the air. Quinlan raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and intrigue on his face. "Cody? He's a bright kid, top of his class in architecture," he commented.

"I think I have feelings for him. But I haven’t felt this way since... since Satine."

The mention of Satine brought a collective nod of understanding from the group. They remembered all too well the heartbreak Obi-Wan had endured, how Satine, a fellow student back then, had drifted away from him, leaving him with a wound that had taken years to heal.

Mace, leaning forward, placed a hand on Obi-Wan’s shoulder. "That was a tough time for you, we all know that. But it's been six years, Obi-Wan. You can't let one bad experience dictate your life."

Quinlan, always the more outspoken, chimed in. "Six years isn’t a huge age gap, and from what I've seen of Cody in my classes, he's mature for his age. He’s not Satine, Obi-Wan. You can't project the past onto him."

Plo Koon, his voice gentle and reassuring, added, "It's natural to be cautious, Obi-Wan, but you also deserve happiness. We've all seen bigger age differences work out just fine. The question is, does he make you happy?"

The question lingered in the air, mingling with the soft jazz notes that filled the café. Obi-Wan pondered, his gaze distant. "He does," he admitted, almost in a whisper. "There’s a warmth, a connection I haven’t felt in a long time. I just don’t want to rush into anything."

"Then take it slow," Mace advised, his tone supportive. "Get to know him better outside the bookstore. But don’t let fear hold you back, Obi-Wan. You’ve been guarding your heart for a long time. Maybe it's time to let someone in again."

The conversation gradually shifted to other topics, but the support and understanding from his friends left a profound impact on Obi-Wan. As he left the café that evening, a sense of clarity began to settle in his mind. The night air was crisp and clear, echoing the newfound resolution in his heart.

The walk home was contemplative, Obi-Wan’s thoughts centered on Cody. The idea of exploring this budding relationship, cautiously yet earnestly, felt like a new beginning, a chance to step out of the shadows of the past.

As he unlocked the door to his home, Obi-Wan felt a gentle stirring of hope within him. The memories of Satine would always be a part of him, but now, perhaps, it was time for a new chapter, one where he could explore the possibilities that lay with Cody, a chapter filled with the promise of something genuine and heartfelt. The thought brought a small, hopeful smile to his face as he stepped inside, ready to embrace whatever the future might hold.

****

In the quiet sanctuary of the bookstore, where the stories whispered from aged pages and the subtle scent of books filled the air, a delicate balance had been maintained for months. Obi-Wan and Cody, each moving in their own orbits, had established a dance of friendship and unspoken emotions, a rhythm that had become a comforting part of their daily lives. Yet, beneath the surface of this camaraderie, deeper currents flowed – currents of which Obi-Wan was only half-aware and had convinced himself were one-sided.

Rex, ever observant and protective of his elder brother, had seen the way Cody's eyes would linger on Obi-Wan, the way his laughter seemed brighter, his smiles more frequent whenever Obi-Wan was near. It was clear to Rex that Cody harbored deeper feelings for Obi-Wan, feelings that Obi-Wan, in his cautious restraint, had either missed or chosen to ignore.

One evening, as the bookstore was winding down and the soft glow of the lamps cast a cozy ambiance, Rex approached Obi-Wan at the counter. His usual easygoing demeanor was replaced by a seriousness that immediately drew Obi-Wan's attention.

"Obi-Wan, can we talk?" Rex's voice carried a gravity that signaled the importance of his words.

"Of course, Rex. What's on your mind?" Obi-Wan responded, his expression one of open concern.

Rex took a deep breath, his protective instinct for Cody at the forefront. "It's about Cody," he began, his gaze steady. "I know he's more than just a friend to you, and you to him. But he's my brother, and I've always looked out for him. I've seen how he looks at you, and I'm worried."

Obi-Wan felt a flush of surprise and confusion. "Rex, I assure you, there's nothing inappropriate—"

"I'm not saying there is," Rex interrupted, his tone firm yet measured. "I just want you to be aware of how much influence you have over him. He's younger, and you're his employer. I don't want him getting hurt."

The words hit Obi-Wan like a wave, a mixture of guilt and realization washing over him. He had always prided himself on his integrity, especially regarding Cody. The idea that he might unwittingly be leading Cody on, or worse, taking advantage of his feelings, was deeply unsettling.

"Rex, I... I never intended," Obi-Wan stammered, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. "I've always seen our relationship as purely platonic. If Cody feels otherwise... I had no idea."

Rex nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I know you're a good guy, Obi-Wan. But sometimes, we don't see the whole picture. Just... be careful, okay?"

Obi-Wan nodded silently, his mind reeling from the conversation. As Rex walked away, a heavy silence settled over Obi-Wan. The realization that his feelings for Cody might be mutual, and the implications of acting on them, were suddenly very real and daunting.

The store emptied, leaving Obi-Wan alone with his thoughts. The books, once sources of comfort and escape, now stood as silent witnesses to his internal turmoil. He felt a pang of something akin to shame, mixed with a fear of causing Cody any pain. The possibility of mutual affection, which should have brought joy, now seemed fraught with complexities and moral dilemmas.

Locking up the bookstore that night, Obi-Wan stepped out into the cool air, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Rex's words echoed in his ears, a reminder of the responsibility he held, not just as Cody's employer but as someone who, despite his denials, might hold a piece of Cody's heart. The walk home was longer than usual, each step heavy with contemplation and a newfound wariness of the path his heart had unwittingly taken.

***

The following Saturday dawned with a sense of foreboding for Obi-Wan. Rex's words from their previous conversation echoed in his mind, a constant, nagging reminder of the complexity and potential consequences of his feelings for Cody. As he prepared the bookstore for the day, each action felt heavier, each decision more consequential. The usual excitement he felt in anticipation of Cody's arrival was now tinged with a sense of trepidation.

When Cody finally stepped through the door, his usual bright smile in place, Obi-Wan felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He greeted Cody with a polite nod and a subdued "good morning," a stark contrast to their usually warm exchanges. Cody, taken aback by the formal greeting, tried to gauge Obi-Wan's mood.

"Everything okay, Obi-Wan?" Cody asked, a hint of concern lacing his voice.

Obi-Wan forced a smile, his heart heavy. "Yes, everything's fine. Just one of those mornings, you know?"

As the day progressed, Obi-Wan found himself consciously maintaining a distance from Cody, his interactions professional and devoid of their usual camaraderie. He avoided lingering conversations, focusing instead on mundane tasks and keeping himself busy with stocking shelves and organizing the back office.

Cody, sensing the change in Obi-Wan's demeanor, couldn't help but feel a sting of hurt. The warm, comfortable atmosphere they had cultivated over the months seemed to have evaporated, leaving a cold void in its place. He found himself glancing at Obi-Wan frequently, trying to understand the sudden shift. Each curt response, each avoided eye contact from Obi-Wan, felt like a small rejection, a denial of the connection he had come to cherish.

The usually lively bookstore felt oppressively quiet to Cody, the silence between them a stark reminder of the intangible barrier that had formed overnight. He tried to focus on his work, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Obi-Wan, to the laughter and conversations that now felt like distant memories.

As the day neared its end, and the sun cast long shadows across the bookstore, Cody approached Obi-Wan at the counter, a sense of resolve in his steps.

"Obi-Wan, if I've done something to upset you, please tell me," Cody said, his voice low and earnest. "I thought we were friends, but it feels like you're avoiding me today."

Obi-Wan hesitated, torn between his own feelings and the responsibility he felt towards Cody. "Cody, you haven't done anything wrong. It's just me... I need to sort out some things. I'm sorry if I've made you feel uncomfortable."

Cody searched Obi-Wan's face for clues, for any sign of the warmth he had grown accustomed to. "Okay, if you're sure. Just know that I'm here if you need to talk," he offered, the words spoken with genuine care.

The finality of the day's closing brought a sense of relief to Obi-Wan, yet also a deep-seated regret. As he locked the doors and watched Cody walk away, a part of him yearned to call out, to bridge the gap he had created. But the fear of what might happen, of stepping over a line he wasn't sure existed, held him back.

That night, Obi-Wan lay awake, the events of the day replaying in his mind. The distance he had put between them felt like a necessary precaution, yet it also felt like a loss, a step away from something that might have been beautiful. In his heart, he knew that his feelings for Cody were more than mere friendship, but Rex's words, the potential imbalance of their relationship, loomed large, casting a shadow over any possibility of exploring what those feelings might mean. The quiet loneliness of his room was a stark contrast to the lively, warm presence of Cody, a reminder of the delicate dance of human emotions and the choices that define them.

Cody, feeling a whirlwind of confusion and hurt after the day at the bookstore, knew there was only one person who could provide the clarity he so desperately sought: his grandfather, Jaster. Jaster had always been a pillar of wisdom in Cody's life, offering guidance and understanding in moments of uncertainty.

As Cody drove to his grandfather's house, the familiar route offered little comfort. His mind replayed the day's events, each interaction with Obi-Wan scrutinized, each moment of distance dissected. The more he thought about it, the more bewildered he felt. He had been so sure, so hopeful, about the connection they shared.

Arriving at Jaster's home, a quaint cottage surrounded by a well-tended garden, Cody felt a slight easing of the tension that had built up inside him. Jaster, a robust man in his late seventies with a gentle smile and eyes that sparkled with a mix of mischief and wisdom, greeted Cody warmly.

"Cody, my boy, what brings you here?" Jaster asked, his voice rich with affection as he led Cody into the cozy living room.

Cody took a deep breath, the familiar scents of the house – a blend of old books and a hint of pine – providing a small sense of comfort. "Grandpa, I... I need some advice," he began, hesitantly.

Jaster settled into his favorite armchair, gesturing for Cody to sit across from him. "You know you can tell me anything, Cody."

It took a moment for Cody to find the words, his emotions a tangled web. "It's about Obi-Wan," he said finally, his voice laced with a mix of hope and apprehension. "I think I've fallen for him. More than just a friend. But lately, he's been distant, and I don't understand why. I thought... I thought we had something special."

Jaster listened intently, his expression one of understanding and empathy. "Love can be a tricky thing, Cody. It opens us up in ways we never expect. But tell me, have you shared these feelings with Obi-Wan?"

Cody shook his head, a sense of regret washing over him. "No, I haven't. I was actually working up the courage to ask him out for drinks or something. But now, with the way he's been acting, I'm not sure if he even sees me that way."

Jaster leaned forward, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Cody, sometimes people react out of fear or uncertainty, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Maybe Obi-Wan is dealing with his own doubts or concerns. The best course might be to talk to him openly about how you feel."

Cody nodded, the wisdom in his grandfather's words resonating within him. "I just don't want to ruin what we already have," he admitted, the fear of rejection clear in his voice.

"Sometimes, taking a risk is the only way to find true happiness," Jaster said gently. "But whatever you decide, know that it's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to feel what you're feeling."

The conversation continued, Jaster offering both comfort and counsel, helping Cody navigate the tumultuous waters of his emotions. As Cody left his grandfather's house later that evening, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The advice to be open and honest with Obi-Wan echoed in his mind, a daunting yet necessary step he knew he had to take.

The drive back was contemplative, Cody's thoughts a mix of apprehension and resolve. The idea of baring his heart to Obi-Wan was frightening, yet the possibility of discovering a mutual affection, of exploring the potential of what they could be, offered a glimmer of hope. He knew the conversation with Obi-Wan wouldn't be easy, but it was a bridge he was now willing to cross, armed with the wisdom and encouragement from the one person who had always guided him through life's complexities.

Cody, carrying the weight of his newfound resolve, sought out Rex the following day. He found his younger brother immersed in his studies at the bookstore, his brow furrowed in concentration. The air was filled with the soft rustle of pages and the distant hum of the city outside – a peaceful backdrop to the tumultuous emotions swirling within Cody.

"Rex, can we talk for a sec?" Cody asked, his voice tinged with both determination and apprehension.

Rex looked up, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Sure, what's up?"

Cody took a deep breath, the words he had rehearsed with his grandfather now sitting on the edge of his tongue. "I've decided to ask Obi-Wan out, after the exams are over. I know you have your doubts, but I feel like this is something I have to do."

Rex's eyes widened slightly, a mix of worry and surprise evident in his gaze. "Cody, are you sure about this? I mean, Obi-Wan's a great guy, but the age difference, and him being your boss..."

Cody nodded, a resolute look in his eyes. "I know, but I can't shake these feelings, Rex. I need to know if there's a chance for something more between us."

Rex sighed, his protective instincts kicking in. "Alright, just... be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt."

Cody offered a small, grateful smile. "I will. Thanks, Rex."

The conversation lingered in Rex's mind as he returned to his studies, a sense of foreboding accompanying his thoughts. He couldn't help but worry about the potential fallout, the complications that could arise from Cody's confession.

Later that day, as Rex was packing up his things, Obi-Wan approached him. "Rex, could you pass a message to Cody for me? I won't be here tomorrow when he's supposed to work. I have to help Quinlan with some exam corrections for his literature courses."

Rex, caught off guard by the request, nodded. "Sure, I'll let him know. Anything else?"

Obi-Wan hesitated, a troubled look crossing his face. "Just... tell him I'm sorry for missing the day. I'll make it up to him."

Rex observed Obi-Wan closely, sensing an undercurrent of something unspoken in his tone. "No problem, Obi-Wan. I'll pass it along."

As Rex left the bookstore, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Obi-Wan's request, innocent as it seemed, felt like another piece in the complex puzzle of emotions and intentions surrounding his brother and the bookstore owner.

The walk home was filled with Rex's internal debate – the desire to protect Cody from potential heartache, the hope that perhaps something beautiful could blossom between him and Obi-Wan, and the fear of being caught in the middle of it all. He knew he would have to tread carefully, to be there for Cody, come what may, while also respecting his brother's decision to follow his heart.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan, left alone in the quiet bookstore, felt a pang of regret at the lie he had told Rex. The truth was, he needed time to think, to process his own feelings for Cody, which he had kept buried beneath a veneer of friendship and professionalism. Helping Quinlan was just a convenient excuse to put some distance between himself and Cody, to avoid facing the reality of what might happen if Cody ever revealed his feelings.

The bookstore closed for the night, and Obi-Wan walked home under a starlit sky, his thoughts a tangled web of fear, longing, and uncertainty. The prospect of Cody asking him out, something he had both yearned for and dreaded, now loomed large in his mind, a decision that could change everything. He knew he would have to face his feelings soon, but for now, the night offered a brief respite, a chance to gather his courage for the days ahead.

Rex walked into the bustling atmosphere of their family home, the sounds of life and laughter echoing through the halls. He found Cody in the kitchen, surrounded by the usual chaos of their younger siblings. The air was thick with the aroma of dinner cooking, and the countertop was cluttered with various ingredients and utensils.

"Cody, got a minute?" Rex asked, motioning for his brother to step aside from the commotion.

Cody wiped his hands on a dish towel and followed Rex to the quieter living room. "What's up?" he asked, noting the serious expression on Rex's face.

Rex hesitated, the weight of his decision pressing heavily on him. He knew what he was about to do might hurt Cody, but he believed it was for the best. "I talked to Obi-Wan at the bookstore today. He asked me to tell you he won't be in tomorrow. Said he's got... a date."

Cody's expression faltered, a visible shadow crossing his face. "A date?" he repeated, the word sounding hollow, distant. A myriad of emotions flickered across his eyes – confusion, hurt, a sense of betrayal.

"Yeah," Rex continued, his voice laced with feigned casualness. "I guess he's seeing someone."

Cody turned away, his gaze falling to the floor. The news felt like a physical blow, a sharp, unexpected pain that cut through the hope he had been nurturing. All the moments he had shared with Obi-Wan, the laughter, the deep conversations, suddenly seemed insignificant, overshadowed by this revelation.

"I... I see," Cody managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks for telling me."

Rex watched his brother retreat into himself, a part of him regretting the lie but holding onto the belief that it was better for Cody to face this disappointment now rather than later.

Cody excused himself, citing a need for some fresh air. He stepped outside into the cool evening, the sky painted with hues of twilight. The world around him felt suddenly distant, unimportant. He walked aimlessly, his mind replaying every interaction with Obi-Wan, searching for signs he had missed, clues that Obi-Wan was interested in someone else.

The hurt settled in his chest, a heavy, aching presence. He had been so close to revealing his feelings, so close to taking that leap. Now, the thought of Obi-Wan with someone else made him question everything – their friendship, the connection he had felt, the moments he had cherished.

Back at the house, Rex observed his brother's departure with a conflicted heart. He knew he had taken a risk, one that might backfire. But in his mind, he was protecting Cody, shielding him from a potential heartbreak that could shatter him. Rex hoped that, in time, Cody would understand and forgive him for this deception.

As the night deepened, both brothers were lost in their thoughts, each grappling with the complexities of emotions and the decisions that had led them to this point. For Cody, it was a night of heartache and questioning, a turning point in his feelings for Obi-Wan. For Rex, it was a restless night, filled with doubt and the hope that he had made the right choice. The path ahead was uncertain, the outcome unknown, but the journey of their hearts continued, each step laden with the weight of unspoken words and hidden truths.

As Obi-Wan and Quinlan sat in the quietude of Quinlan's office, surrounded by the academic trappings of marked papers and textbooks, the air was filled with the rhythmic scratching of pens and an undercurrent of thoughtful silence. It was in this contemplative atmosphere that Obi-Wan broached the subject weighing heavily on his mind.

“Quinlan, can we talk about something personal?” Obi-Wan asked, his voice tinged with hesitance.

Quinlan glanced up, his sharp eyes softening. “Of course, Obi-Wan. What’s going on?”

Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan delved into the heart of his turmoil. “It’s about Cody. Rex, his brother, warned me off, saying I might be reading too much into our friendship. I’ve been trying to keep my distance, but I’m... I’m not sure of my own feelings anymore.”

Quinlan leaned back, his expression turning pensive. “I’ve been to your store, Obi-Wan. I’ve seen you and Cody together. There’s a connection there, and it’s not just one-sided. Cody looks at you in a way that’s more than just friendly.”

Obi-Wan’s eyes widened slightly, a mixture of surprise and introspection flickering across his face. “You think so? I’ve been convincing myself that he just sees me as a friend, nothing more.”

“From what I’ve seen, there’s definitely something there,” Quinlan affirmed, his voice steady and reassuring. “Cody’s feelings seem to mirror your own. There’s a warmth, a mutual respect and something deeper. I think you’re both dancing around something that’s pretty clear to an outside observer.”

The words stirred something in Obi-Wan, a glimmer of hope mixed with a swirl of apprehension. “But what about the concerns Rex raised? The age difference, the fact that he works for me?”

Quinlan considered this for a moment. “Those are valid concerns, but they don’t have to be deal-breakers. You’re both adults, and as long as you approach this with honesty and respect, there’s no reason not to explore what you both clearly feel.”

Obi-Wan absorbed his friend's words, feeling a tumultuous mix of emotions. The possibility that Cody might reciprocate his feelings changed everything. It turned his carefully maintained distance into an unnecessary barrier, his caution into a potential lost opportunity.

As they wrapped up their work and parted ways, Obi-Wan felt a newfound sense of clarity. Quinlan’s observations had given him a different perspective, a nudge toward facing the truth of his feelings and the potential of what lay between him and Cody.

Walking back to the bookstore, Obi-Wan’s mind was alight with possibilities. The thought of having a conversation with Cody, of possibly stepping into a relationship, was both daunting and exhilarating. He realized now that he owed it to both of them to find out where their mutual affection could lead.

That evening, as Obi-Wan walked through the quiet streets, his thoughts were filled with Cody. The prospect of opening up about his feelings, of potentially starting a new chapter together, brought a mix of nerves and excitement. The night seemed to hold a sense of promise, a whisper of what could be if he only dared to reach out and grasp it. With each step, Obi-Wan felt a growing resolve. It was time to step out of the shadows of doubt and into the light of possibility.

***

The walk back to his car from the bookstore felt longer than usual for Cody. The day had been strangely hollow without Obi-Wan's presence, the store's usually comforting atmosphere now tinged with a sense of emptiness. As he passed by the university, lost in his thoughts, a familiar figure caught his eye.

There, in the soft glow of the streetlights, was Obi-Wan, engaged in what appeared to be a heartfelt hug with Professor Quinlan Voss. Cody stopped in his tracks, a pang of hurt coursing through him. The scene before him seemed to confirm his worst fears - the warning from Rex, the distance Obi-Wan had been maintaining, and now this. His heart sank as he jumped to the conclusion that this must be the date Rex had mentioned.

In that moment, the pieces fell into place in the most painful way. Cody watched as Obi-Wan and Quinlan parted ways, each with a friendly pat on the back and a smile. But to Cody, it appeared as a confirmation of a budding relationship, a visual representation of his unrequited feelings.

Feeling a mix of sadness and resignation, Cody continued to his car, his steps heavy with a sense of defeat. The pain of what he perceived as unreturned affection weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over the fond memories he had of his time in the bookstore with Obi-Wan.

The drive home was a blur, Cody's mind preoccupied with the scene he had just witnessed. The thought of continuing to work and study at the bookstore, in the constant presence of Obi-Wan, seemed unbearable now. How could he keep subjecting himself to this heartache, day after day, knowing that his feelings were one-sided?

By the time he reached home, Cody had made up his mind. He couldn't keep putting himself through this emotional turmoil. The bookstore, once a place of joy and learning, had become a reminder of his unreciprocated feelings. It was time to step back, to distance himself from the source of his pain.

That night, Cody lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the day's events. The thought of not seeing Obi-Wan every day brought a profound sense of loss, yet he knew he needed to protect his heart. He would find another place to study, maybe even look for a different job. It would be hard, but he needed to heal, to move past these feelings that now seemed so misguided.

As sleep finally claimed him, Cody felt a sense of resolve amidst the heartache. He would start tomorrow afresh, a step away from the past and towards a future where he could mend the pieces of his broken heart. The journey ahead would be difficult, but necessary – a path he must walk to find peace and, hopefully, one day, a love that was returned.

***

In the quietude of the bookstore on Monday evening, a sense of finality hung in the air as thick as the scent of old books. Cody, weighed down by a heavy heart, pushed open the door, his footsteps echoing softly in the silent space. The familiar sight of Obi-Wan behind the counter, a staple in this refuge of literature, now only amplified the ache in Cody's heart.

Obi-Wan looked up, his features brightening momentarily before registering the seriousness in Cody’s demeanor. “Cody, what's the matter?” he asked, concern etching his voice.

Gathering his resolve, Cody spoke, his voice steady but laced with an underlying current of pain. "Obi-Wan, I... I need to step back from the job here. It's just... things have become too complicated."

The words struck Obi-Wan like a physical blow, surprise and confusion clouding his face. "Complicated? How? Cody, what’s happened?"

Cody hesitated, his gaze drifting away. “It’s just... working here, with you being my boss and all... I think I might have gotten the wrong idea about... us.” The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

Obi-Wan’s heart sank, a surge of guilt washing over him. Rex’s warning echoed in his mind, and Cody’s words seemed to confirm his worst fears – that he had inadvertently misused his position of authority.

“I’m so sorry, Cody. I never meant to make you uncomfortable. I never intended...” Obi-Wan’s words trailed off, the realization of the situation leaving him at a loss.

Cody shook his head, offering a weak, resigned smile. “It’s not your fault, Obi-Wan. I just need some time to sort things out on my own. This job... it’s meant a lot to me, but right now, I think it’s best if I leave.”

The conversation was brief, the air between them filled with a myriad of unspoken thoughts and emotions. As Cody turned to leave, Obi-Wan felt a deep sense of regret, his own feelings tangled in a web of misunderstanding and perceived improprieties.

“Goodbye, Obi-Wan,” Cody said quietly, his hand on the door.

“Goodbye, Cody,” Obi-Wan replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

The door closed softly, leaving Obi-Wan alone among the shelves and books, the pillars of his life that now seemed cold and distant. The store, once a haven of warmth and connection, now felt empty, a stark reminder of what he had lost.

As the night drew in, Obi-Wan stood motionless, lost in a sea of regret and confusion. The pain of Cody’s departure was compounded by the thought that he had, however unintentionally, caused Cody distress. The realization that his own repressed feelings might have contributed to the situation only deepened his sense of guilt.

The bookstore closed for the night, but for Obi-Wan, there was no respite from his thoughts. He walked home under the starlit sky, each step a reminder of the delicate dance of emotions and power dynamics that had led to this moment of separation and heartache. The missed opportunity and the misinterpretation of their relationship weighed heavily on his soul, a poignant testament to the complexity of human connections and the unintended consequences of unvoiced feelings.

****

In the days following Cody’s resignation from the bookstore, a palpable change had settled over him, like a shadow dimming his usually bright demeanor. The bustling energy of their family home, usually a source of comfort and liveliness, now seemed to barely register in Cody's world. He moved through the days quietly, his usual enthusiasm dulled, his laughter rare and subdued.

Rex watched his brother with a growing sense of concern and guilt. He had never seen Cody like this — so withdrawn and despondent. The lively debates, the shared jokes, and the easy banter that had always been a staple of their relationship seemed to have evaporated. Cody was physically present, yet emotionally distant, lost in his own thoughts.

Their study sessions at the bookstore, once a routine part of their week, had ceased. The absence of those visits was not just a change in location but a symbol of the emotional rift that had formed. Rex could sense the void the bookstore, and more specifically, Obi-Wan, had left in Cody’s life.

One evening, as they sat in their shared room, the silence was almost tangible. Rex glanced over at Cody, who was staring blankly at a textbook, his notes untouched. The usual fervor for his studies was absent, replaced by a listless disinterest.

"Hey, Cody," Rex started tentatively, breaking the silence. "You know, if you want to talk about anything... I'm here."

Cody looked up, his eyes reflecting a deep sadness. "Thanks, Rex. But what's there to say? I made a fool of myself over Obi-Wan, and now I have to live with it."

Rex frowned, his heart aching for his brother. "You didn't make a fool of yourself. You had feelings, that's normal. And you couldn't have known how things would turn out."

Cody sighed, a forlorn expression on his face. "Maybe, but it doesn’t change how things are now. I just feel so... lost. I miss the bookstore, I miss... him. But going back there, seeing him, it's just too painful."

Rex reached out, placing a hand on Cody's shoulder. "I get it, and I'm sorry you're going through this. But maybe, with time, it'll get easier. You'll find a way to move on."

Cody nodded, but the lack of conviction in his response was evident. The wound was still fresh, the loss too recent for any words of comfort to truly take hold.

The room fell back into silence, each brother lost in his own thoughts. Rex couldn't help but feel responsible for the part he had played in this situation. His intention had been to protect Cody, but in doing so, had he inadvertently deepened his brother's heartache?

As the night wore on, the quiet of the room was a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions within. For Cody, it was a struggle to come to terms with his feelings, to find a way to heal from a love unrequited. For Rex, it was a time of reflection and regret, wondering if there was something more he could have done, some way he could have helped his brother navigate the complexities of his heart. The bond between the brothers remained, a constant in their ever-changing lives, but the shadow of what had transpired at the bookstore lingered, a silent testament to the intricacies of love and loss.

***

In the weeks that followed, the change in Obi-Wan was not only apparent to himself but also to those around him. His friends, particularly Plo Koon, Quinlan, and Mace, who had known him through various chapters of his life, could not help but notice the cloud of melancholy that seemed to have settled over him.

They often gathered at their usual haunt, a cozy café where they had spent countless evenings discussing everything from literature to the nuances of life. But recently, these meetings had taken on a different tone, with Obi-Wan's usual animated discussions replaced by a somber quietness.

One evening, as they sat around a table laden with half-finished cups of coffee, Plo Koon broached the subject that had been silently hovering over them. "Obi-Wan, you've been awfully quiet these past few weeks. Is everything alright?"

Obi-Wan offered a strained smile, stirring his coffee absently. "I'm fine, Plo. Just got a lot on my mind, I guess."

Quinlan leaned forward, his eyes studying Obi-Wan closely. "It's about Cody, isn't it? You haven't been the same since he left the bookstore."

Obi-Wan sighed, the façade of normalcy crumbling. "Yes, it's about Cody. I thought I was doing the right thing, keeping a distance. But now, I just feel like I've lost a part of myself. I miss him, and I regret not telling him how I truly feel."

Mace, ever the voice of reason, added, "You might still have a chance, Obi-Wan. Why not reach out to him?"

"It's too late for that," Obi-Wan replied, a note of resignation in his voice. "I think I hurt him more than I realized. And I can't shake off the feeling that I misused my position as his boss."

As the conversation continued, Plo Koon shared his own observations. "I've noticed a change in Cody as well, in my classes. His work isn’t what it used to be. He seems distracted, disconnected. It's clear that whatever happened between you two has affected him deeply."

The revelation only added to Obi-Wan's sense of guilt and regret. The thought of Cody suffering because of him was a bitter pill to swallow.

The evening wound down with words of encouragement from his friends, but Obi-Wan’s spirits remained low. As he walked home, the once-familiar streets seemed to echo his loneliness, each step a reminder of the void that Cody's absence had left in his life.

Meanwhile, Cody was grappling with his own sorrow. The absence of the bookstore in his daily routine felt like a missing limb, an emptiness that nothing else could fill. He tried to immerse himself in his studies, to lose himself in the world of architecture, but the passion that once drove him felt dimmed, overshadowed by his heartache.

As both men navigated their separate lives, the shared memories of their time in the bookstore haunted them, a bittersweet reminder of what had once been and what could have been. The quiet understanding and companionship that had blossomed in the aisles of the bookstore now felt like a distant dream, a chapter closed too soon in the story of their lives. The weight of unspoken words and missed opportunities lingered heavily, a silent testament to the complexities of the heart and the paths not taken.

****

After his architecture class, Cody lingered, his focus lost amidst his designs and thoughts. The usual excitement that came with creating and planning had dimmed under the shadow of his feelings for Obi-Wan and the seeming confirmation of their unrequited nature.

Plo Koon, having watched Cody's demeanor change over the past weeks, approached him with a mix of concern and understanding. “Cody, may I have a moment with you?” he asked gently.

Cody looked up, a bit surprised, and nodded. They moved to a quieter corner of the room, away from the bustling energy of departing students.

Plo Koon, with the empathy of a seasoned educator and mentor, spoke softly, “I’ve noticed you’ve been quite down recently. If there’s something on your mind, perhaps I can offer some perspective.”

Cody hesitated, then the words spilled out. “It’s about Obi-Wan,” he confessed, his voice tinged with sadness. “I thought there was something more between us, but then I saw him with Professor Voss. It just confirmed my fears that my feelings aren’t reciprocated.”

Plo Koon's expression shifted to one of gentle clarification. “Cody, what you saw was a misunderstanding. Obi-Wan wasn’t on a date with Professor Voss. He was merely assisting him with some academic work. In fact, Obi-Wan has been quite troubled since you left the bookstore, especially after an encounter with your brother, Rex.”

Cody's brow furrowed, a mixture of confusion and surprise evident on his face. “Rex? What does he have to do with this?”

“From what I understand, Rex had a conversation with Obi-Wan, warning him about the potential impropriety of any feelings he might have towards you, given his position as your employer. It seems to have deeply affected Obi-Wan, leading him to distance himself as a precaution,” Plo explained carefully.

This revelation struck Cody with a mix of emotions. The idea that Rex had intervened, that Obi-Wan might have feelings for him after all, but had pulled away because of a sense of propriety, was both shocking and illuminating.

“Thank you, Professor,” Cody said, a new sense of clarity dawning within him. “This changes everything. I need to talk to Obi-Wan, clear the air.”

Cody left the university, his mind racing with this new information. The weight of his heartache was still there, but now it was tempered with a sense of hope, a possibility that maybe, just maybe, things between him and Obi-Wan could be mended.

Meanwhile, Plo Koon watched Cody leave, hoping his intervention would help two people, evidently fond of each other, find their way back from the misunderstandings that had driven them apart. The complexities of the human heart, he knew, were never straightforward, but in this case, he sensed a genuine affection that deserved a chance to be explored and understood.

Cody entered the bookstore with a heart full of mixed emotions - apprehension, hope, and a newfound determination following his conversation with Plo Koon. The familiar bell chimed above the door, a sound that once brought him comfort, now a herald of the crucial conversation ahead.

The bookstore was quiet, save for the soft murmur of a few patrons in the study nook. The shelves stood like silent sentinels, witnesses to the countless interactions and unspoken words between him and Obi-Wan. But Obi-Wan himself was not behind the counter, not amidst the aisles where he usually would be, organizing or recommending books to customers.

Driven by a blend of urgency and trepidation, Cody moved towards the back of the store, where a small office and storage room lay. As he approached, he could see Obi-Wan through the half-open door. He was sitting at his desk, his posture one of deep contemplation, a stark contrast to the usual energy and warmth he exuded.

"Obi-Wan?" Cody called out softly, knocking gently on the open door.

Obi-Wan looked up, his expression transforming from solemn introspection to mild surprise. "Cody," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of emotions. "I wasn’t expecting you. Is everything okay?"

Cody stepped inside, closing the door behind him for privacy. "We need to talk," he began, his heart beating faster with each word. "About us, about what happened."

Obi-Wan stood up, a sense of wariness in his posture. "Cody, if this is about your job, you don’t need to explain. I understand why you left."

"It's not just about the job, Obi-Wan," Cody replied, his eyes searching Obi-Wan's. "It's about us, about what I thought was happening between us. I saw you with Professor Voss and thought... But Plo Koon told me the truth, about why you've been distant."

Obi-Wan's expression shifted to one of realization, then regret. "Cody, I... Your brother, Rex, came to me. He was concerned about the nature of our relationship, given our positions. I didn’t want to overstep any boundaries or misuse my role as your boss."

Cody took a step closer, his voice firm yet filled with emotion. "But did you ever consider how I felt? Obi-Wan, I have feelings for you. I thought you might feel the same, but then you pulled away, and I didn't understand why."

The confession hung in the air, a vulnerable truth laid bare. Obi-Wan looked at Cody, his own emotions surfacing - a mixture of affection and fear, hope and uncertainty.

"Cody, I... I do have feelings for you," Obi-Wan admitted, the words both liberating and frightening. "But I was scared. Scared of how it might look, scared of ruining what we had."

The room was thick with unspoken words and emotions, years of camaraderie and months of confusion culminating in this moment. Cody stepped closer still, closing the gap between them.

"Obi-Wan, I don't want to live with 'what ifs' and regrets. Can we... Can we try to see where this goes? Just us, no roles, no bookstore. Just Cody and Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan’s eyes reflected a depth of emotion, the walls he had built around his heart beginning to crumble. "Yes, Cody, I’d like that. I want to see where this journey takes us, together."

In that small back office, amidst stacks of books and papers, a new chapter in their lives began, one filled with the promise of understanding and exploring the connection that had always existed between them. They stood there, two souls finally allowing themselves to acknowledge the bond they shared, ready to navigate the uncertain yet hopeful path ahead.

Cody’s heart was pounding, a rhythm loud in his ears, as he took the final step that closed the space between them. The proximity to Obi-Wan, so long desired and yet so carefully avoided, sent a rush of adrenaline through him. The years of friendship, the months of confusion, and the recent heartache all seemed to converge in this single moment.

"Can I kiss you?" Cody's voice was barely above a whisper, yet it resonated in the small room with the weight of all the words unspoken between them.

Obi-Wan's response was a silent nod, his own apprehension and desire evident in the quickening of his breath and the slight parting of his lips. His eyes remained locked with Cody’s, a silent communication passing between them, an acknowledgment of the step they were about to take.

Slowly, almost tentatively, Cody leaned in, the distance between them diminishing until there was nothing left but the shared warmth of their breath. Their lips met in a kiss that was gentle at first, a tentative exploration, a question asked and answered without words. As the initial hesitancy faded, the kiss deepened, becoming a dance of emotion and connection, a physical manifestation of the feelings they had long harbored.

Obi-Wan’s hands, initially hanging at his sides, slowly rose to rest on Cody’s shoulders, grounding him in the reality of the moment. Cody’s own hands found their way to Obi-Wan’s waist, pulling him closer, deepening their embrace. The world around them faded into a blur, leaving only the two of them, lost in the discovery of each other.

As they eventually parted, breathless and with a newfound sense of closeness, they shared a look of wonder and a smile that spoke volumes. The barriers they had built, the fears they had clung to, seemed insignificant now in the face of this newfound intimacy.

Their eyes met, still close, conveying depths of emotion that words had previously failed to capture. In the wake of the kiss, a vulnerable, yet necessary confession hung unspoken in the air.

Cody, looking into Obi-Wan's eyes, felt a surge of courage. “Obi-Wan, I... I love you,” he said, his voice a blend of certainty and wonder. It was a truth that had been growing in his heart, unacknowledged until this moment.

Obi-Wan's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of surprise and joy lighting up his features. “Cody,” he breathed, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I love you too. I was just too afraid to admit it, even to myself.”

The words, so simple yet so profound, filled the room, wrapping around them like a warm embrace. It was a revelation, a release of pent-up emotions that had been restrained by fear and doubt.

For a few heartbeats, they simply stood there, basking in the newfound openness and honesty. The confession had bridged the gap between them, turning uncertainty into certainty, confusion into clarity.

Cody reached out, taking Obi-Wan's hands in his, feeling the warmth and the slight tremble that spoke of emotion and vulnerability. “I’ve wanted to say that for so long,” he admitted, his voice thick with emotion.

Obi-Wan squeezed Cody’s hands gently, his eyes shining with unshed tears of happiness. “And I’ve wanted to hear it. To say it. Cody, you mean more to me than I ever realized.”

In that small back office, surrounded by books and the quiet hum of the world outside, Cody and Obi-Wan stood at the threshold of a new beginning. The words they had shared were more than just confessions; they were the opening lines of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with the promise of love, understanding, and the joy of being together.

The bookstore, once a simple backdrop to their daily lives, had now become the setting for their most significant moment, a place where their love had finally found its voice. As they slowly let go of each other's hands, the future lay ahead, uncharted but less daunting now that they were facing it together. The journey would be theirs to share, each step forward a testament to the love they had declared in the quiet sanctuary of their shared haven.

****

Epilogue

Three years had woven their threads into the tapestry of Cody and Obi-Wan's lives, each year strengthening the bond that had blossomed in the quiet confines of the bookstore. Their love, once hesitant and unspoken, now thrived in the light of shared experiences, challenges overcome, and joys celebrated together.

On this momentous day, the air was charged with excitement and anticipation. It was Cody's graduation day, marking not only the culmination of his master's degree and specialization in architecture but also a milestone in the journey he and Obi-Wan had embarked on together.

The university auditorium was abuzz with the chatter and laughter of graduates and their families. Rows of seats were filled with proud parents, siblings, and friends, all gathered to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones.

Among the audience sat Obi-Wan, his eyes searching the sea of caps and gowns for the familiar figure of Cody. He felt a surge of pride swell in his chest as he spotted Cody, standing taller than most, his cap slightly askew, a nervous yet excited smile playing on his lips.

As the ceremony progressed, with speeches about futures bright with potential and the world awaiting the talents of the graduates, Obi-Wan's thoughts were solely on Cody. He remembered the young man who had walked into his bookstore years ago, full of dreams and aspirations, and how much he had grown, both in his craft and as a person they had built together.

Finally, the moment arrived. Cody's name was called, and he walked across the stage with a confident stride. Obi-Wan's heart swelled with an indescribable mixture of joy and love. As Cody took the diploma in hand, his achievement was met with applause and cheers, a recognition of the hard work and dedication he had poured into his studies.

Cody’s eyes found Obi-Wan's in the crowd, and in that glance, there was a shared understanding, a silent communication of love and mutual respect. Obi-Wan clapped enthusiastically, his smile broad and genuine, reflecting the immense pride he felt.

After the ceremony, as graduates mingled with their guests, Cody made his way through the crowd to Obi-Wan. They embraced, a moment of personal celebration amidst the public festivity.

"Congratulations, Cody. I’m so proud of you," Obi-Wan said, his voice filled with emotion.

Cody, holding Obi-Wan tightly, replied, "Thank you for being here, for supporting me through all of this. I couldn’t have done it without you."

They stood together, basking in the joy of the moment, surrounded by the bustling energy of the graduates and their families. Their journey had seen them navigate the uncertainties of a new relationship, the challenges of Cody's rigorous academic program, and the everyday complexities of life. Yet, through it all, their love had remained a constant, a source of strength and comfort.

As they left the auditorium, hand in hand, ready to celebrate the day's achievements, they looked forward to the future. It was a future they would build together, filled with dreams, aspirations, and the enduring love that had blossomed in a quaint bookstore, where a simple "hello" had led to a lifetime of shared moments and memories.

As Cody and Obi-Wan left their apartment above the bookstore to head to Cody's family celebration, the atmosphere was tinged with a sense of anticipation. The day had already been significant, marking Cody's graduation, but for Cody, there was an additional, momentous event yet to come.

Walking side by side through the familiar streets that had become an integral part of their shared life, they chatted about the day's ceremony and the family gathering ahead. Obi-Wan, attuned to Cody's emotions, noticed an underlying current of nervous energy in him.

"You seem a bit on edge, Cody. Excited about tonight?" Obi-Wan asked, trying to gauge the cause of Cody's subtle restlessness.

Cody smiled, masking his inner turmoil with practiced ease. "Yeah, just excited, and a bit overwhelmed with everything, I guess," he replied, his mind racing with the plan he had been carefully crafting for weeks.

The celebration with Cody's family was a warm, boisterous affair, filled with laughter, congratulations, and stories shared amongst family and friends. Throughout the evening, Cody was the center of attention, yet his thoughts kept drifting to the plan he had for later that night, back at the bookstore.

Finally, as the evening wound down and they made their way back to their apartment, Cody’s heart began to race with anticipation. This was it, the moment he had been preparing for. The bookstore was quiet, its familiar shelves and aisles bathed in the soft glow of the evening lights.

"Obi-Wan, can we go inside the bookstore for a moment? I want to show you something," Cody said, his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach.

Curious, Obi-Wan followed Cody into the bookstore. The space that had been the starting point of their relationship, where countless conversations and quiet moments had unfolded, now held an air of quiet expectancy.

Cody led Obi-Wan to their favorite spot, a cozy nook surrounded by shelves of books. He took a deep breath, turning to face Obi-Wan. In the soft light of the bookstore, his eyes were earnest and filled with emotion.

"Obi-Wan, these past three years with you have been the best of my life. You've made me happier than I ever thought possible," Cody began, his voice tinged with the depth of his feelings. "You've been my partner, my confidant, my best friend. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Kneeling down, Cody reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ring box. He opened it to reveal a simple, elegant ring. "Obi-Wan, will you marry me?"

Obi-Wan, taken aback by the suddenness of the proposal, was momentarily speechless. Joy, surprise, and love flooded through him as he looked at Cody, kneeling before him in the heart of the place where their journey had begun.

"Yes, Cody," Obi-Wan finally said, his voice filled with emotion. "Yes, I will marry you."

As they embraced, the bookstore around them seemed to echo with the significance of the moment. It was more than just a proposal; it was a culmination of all they had shared and a promise of all the years to come. The books, silent witnesses to their love story, now bore testament to the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together, one filled with the promise of shared dreams and a future hand in hand.

In the warmth of their embrace, amidst the rows of books that had silently witnessed the evolution of their relationship, Cody and Obi-Wan shared a moment of pure joy and connection. It was a perfect culmination of their journey thus far and a beautiful beginning to their shared future.

As they pulled apart slightly, looking into each other's eyes, Cody’s thoughts briefly wandered to his brother, Rex. There had been a time of misunderstanding, where Rex's well-intentioned intervention had caused a rift between them. But with everything out in the open, Cody had come to understand and forgive Rex's actions. He knew his brother had acted out of love and concern, albeit misguidedly. The reconciliation with Rex had brought an added sense of peace and completeness to this moment.

"Obi-Wan," Cody said softly, a contented smile on his face, "you know, with everything that's happened – the misunderstandings, the reunion, and now this – it's like we're living in a romance novel."

Obi-Wan chuckled, the sound mingling with the quiet ambiance of the bookstore. "I couldn't have written a better story myself," he replied, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "And the best part is, it's our story."

They shared a gentle, affirming kiss, sealing their commitment to each other. The bookstore, once just a setting for their burgeoning relationship, had now become a sacred space, a testament to their love and the journey they had shared.

As they left the bookstore hand in hand, ready to step into the next chapter of their lives together, the world outside seemed brighter, filled with endless possibilities. Their story, indeed, was like something out of a romance novel – a tale of love found, lost, and reclaimed, set against the backdrop of a quaint bookstore that had seen them grow as individuals and as a couple.

In the quiet closing of the bookstore door behind them, there was a sense of completeness, a narrative arc fulfilled. Yet, it was also a beginning, the start of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with the promise of shared tomorrows, laughter, challenges, and love – a romance novel come to life, with its happiest ending yet to be written.

Would love to hear your thoughts and feelings about Cody and Obi-Wan's story!

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shinseiokami · 9 months ago

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Mandos and Jedi Are Just Dancing Shadows

PROLOGUE

Tarre Vizsla.

The Jedi Mandalorian.

Manda'lor the Uniter.

One thing history loves to forget is that Alor Vizsla had a child.

A foundling.

His padawan.

Mandalore forgot her. The Jedi remember her, but do wish to acknowledge she existed.

She Just disappeared one day.

Ironic the clan that lost its way, never forgot her.

YOU SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO YOUR BUIR. NOW LOOK WHERE YOU ARE YOU FOOLISH CHILD.

the force was uneasy-unsure-confused

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Well this will change things won't it.

CHAPTER ONE

"Buir! Buir!" Atin shouted from the end of the lengthy corridor. "There's something over here!"

"Careful, don't touch anything Atin." Tarre warned knowing Atin's habit of get into trouble.

Did she listen? No. She did not.

"Elek buir." Atin rolled her eyes as she continued to get closer to glowing holocron. It sang to her through the force.

Come closer young one

Atin slowly reached for the glowing holocron. It pulsed underneath her fingers as she touched it.

"ATIN NO!" Tarre bellowed for Atin.

Too late.

"Buir!" Atin screamed as a bright light consumed her whole being, beskar and all.

"Buir!" Atin shouted. Her voice echoing of the walls of a now empty and crumbling version of the corridor she was just in.

"Buir?" Atin whispered as her voice shook. Her eyes tracing the vines that now decorate the walls that surround her.

Not a soul responds. The walls start to suffocate from the vines as the corridor became an abyss. The walls cried of loss and bloodshed.

Atin stared where her father once stood. There was no evidence that he was ever there. Her chest tightened as the silnce became to loud for her bare. She couldn't keep her buy'ce on it was becomeing to tight to breath. She quickly pried it off as she cradled it in her arms.

The quiet started closing like a pack of rapid strills.

Where is buir?

WHAT DID THAT THING DO?

"Hello?" A deep voice called. "Who's over there?"

"Over here!" Atin yelled. Manda please be some one that will help.

A jedi emerged wielding a violet blade, he shined bright with in the force. "What is a Mandalorian doing here? What is your name young one?"

"Atin Vizsla, Padawan of Tarre Vizsla."

Truth rang through out the force. A large shatterpoint crashed as the young padawan introduced herself.

"Do you know where you are, young one?" Master Windu asked.

"A jedi temple? The one me and buir were sent to." Atin dragged confused on why he was asking her this.

"Tarre Vizsla reported you missing almost 900 years ago." Master Windu explained. "What happened?"

There was silence as Master Windu watched Atin collapse to the floor. She was in complete shellshock. More shatterpoints started to form around her.

"No. NO. I should have listened to him." Atin started panicking. "I touched that thing over there because it started singing in the force and now I'm here. Buir told me not to touch it yet I still touched it!"

Master Windu observed what looked like a holocron. It wasn't Sith nor was it Jedi. It was older than both. It felt like a vacuum that refused to close.

"Let's get you back to the temple and talk to the council about this." Master Windu groaned rubbing his temples.

Atin couldn't understand why the holocron sent her almost 900 years into the future.

She stood in the middle of the council chambers staring at her feet. Listening. Waiting.

"We can't have a Mandalorian in the order! They're terrorists!" one cried.

"She is also still a padawan of this order." Master Windu snapped.

"Her father attched she is." Yoda added.

"With all due respect don't I get a say in this?" Atin interrupted. "I am just as much of a jedi as I am a Mandalorian."

She glared at the green troll. Everyone could tell this was going to be difficult.

"And what do you mean Mandalorians are terrorists?"

"There have been several recent cases of Mandalorians attacking Jedi Knights and some younglings."

"Those are not Mandalorians! Those are dar'manda, and those who kill younglings are demgolkas and hut'uun!" Atin growled. There was an air of finality.

"Well if you want to continue your padawanship, you will need another master." Master Windu began. "The council has come to descion that a council member would be best since they would know your background."

"Ok." Atin sighed defeated. This was the only way.

"Master Plo Koon has volunteered to take over your teaching."

"Who is Plo Koon?"

"That would be me." A kel dor spoke up.

"I accept." Atin replied with a resigned tone.

THE SUN HAS BEGUN TO SHINE

DO NOT LET IT BURN YOU

#star wars #the clone wars #commander cody #commander fox #captain rex #tcw #anakin skywalker #sw tcw #sw fic #star wars fanfiction #star wars fanfic #clone wars fanfiction #clone wars fic #Atin Vizsla #tarre vizsla #mace windu #plokoon #Commander fox x mando oc #fox x mando oc

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wild-karrde · 2 years ago

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I would like to recommend the series Shoulder the Sky by @shootingstarpilot on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/series/2948259.

A beautiful, angst filled, fic featuring Obi-Wan and the 212th. Codywan, definitely a slow-burn. I have laughed, I have cried, I have yelled at my screen in despair, and re-read the whole thing more than once to feel the raw emotions again. Truly a masterpiece!

HOLY HECK IN A HANDBASKET this is a MASSIVE series! We all know I love angst, and a slow burn, and CODYWAN? Like YES let's MAKE ME FEEL MY FEELINGS! Let them look at one another longingly.

Thanks so much for the rec!

Participate in Fandom Friday to show your favorite creators from this week some love! :)

#FANDOM FRIDAY #creator appreciation #fic rec #star wars #the clone wars #tcw #obi-wan kenobi #commander cody #marshal commander cody #qui-gon jinn #mace windu #anakin skywalker #212th attack battalion #commander cody x obi-wan kenobi #codywan #cody x obi-wan kenobi #slow burn #angst #fluff

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darthmalewife · 1 year ago

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I see so many modern AUs that have Obi-Wan as like a teacher or something and he always reads romance novels and old history stuff and while I absolutely believe that I think we're missing the opportunity to also have him read really fucked up psychological horror and just general horror novels. Like think of the opportunities:

Anakin: what's happening in your book now?

Obi-Wan: the main character has just realised the ring her boyfriend gave her actually has one of her dead sisters teeth in it :]

Anakin: oh, that's fun :/

Or Cody picking up his book to skim over what it's about and he ends up texting Rex

Cody: i think my boyfriends a psychopath

Rex: i told you so, i've seen what kinda bland shit he eats

Cody: he's british leave him alone, i meant the book he's reading, it's about a woman who talks her girlfriend into giving herself a tapeworm because they're long distance lesbians who can't get pregnant

Rex: you do know how to fucking pick them don't you, what are the pros to you staying in this relationship other than you getting murdered

Cody: have you seen the man's legs?!

Rex: stop being gay and go back to your serial killer boyfriend

#star wars #obi wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #commander cody #codywan #captain rex #cody x obi wan #Cody tries to read 1 of his books #he gets halfway through gives up and never asks again #windu has the same taste so they have a 2 person bookclub where they just talk books bitch and drink wine #mace windu

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inkformyblood · 1 year ago

Link

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) - All Media Types Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: CC-2224 | Cody/Mace Windu Characters: CC-2224 | Cody, Mace Windu Additional Tags: Canon Era, Established Relationship, Cock Warming, sub CC-2224 | Cody, Office Sex, Explicit Sexual Content, Praise Kink, Light Dom/sub, Overstimulation, Desk Sex, SubCody Week 2023 Series: Part 4 of SubCody Week 2023 Summary:

Cody waits while Mace finishes off his paperwork and is rewarded by being bent over his desk.

@subcodyweek

#commander cody #mace windu #cody x mace #star wars #my writing #subcody week 2023 #mace x cody

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danceswithsporks · 2 years ago

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On the 3rd day of Bad Batchmas I gave to all of yooouuuu!!!

A Cadets Wissshhh

Ive decided to write little snippets up until our boys return from getting cigarets! Errr…season 2!

Now this will take place in the universe I’ve built for my fic A Star Above the Rest! Some may be sneak peaks at future events, little glimpses into past events, or things I wanted to do but couldn’t work into the story! I hope you all enjoy them and Happy Holidays!

Day 3 of the 12 days of Bad Batchmas: A Cadets Wish

“Cody?”

“What?”

“Are you sleeping?”

“I was. Why?”

“I was thinking.”

“Rex, it’s too late for whatever this is. Go to sleep.” A young Cody rolled over in his bed, trying to tune his brother out.

Rex sighed loudly with his arms underneath his head. His small brown eyes stared into the darkness of his pod. Around him his fellow cadets all slept soundly, some snoring, some coughing, all besides Cody. Thanks in no short, to Rex. “I can’t stop thinking about what Nala Se told us. About how some planets celebrate something called Life Day?”

Cody groaned as he rolled over once more. Honestly, it could be tiring being the one in charge. “What about it?”

“Well, why don’t we?” If other planets and cultures did, then why didn’t they?

“Because we’re clones, Rex. We’re just supposed to be soldiers, weapons.” Cody really wished Rex would just go to sleep. Though the sound of a yearly celebration did sound fun.

A sigh came from the young blonde clone. “Think we’ll ever be anything more than clones?”

It was a fair question. By the time they were old enough to be in the field, would they still be needed? If not then what would their life look like? “Nala Se said some places make special wishes on Life Day night. Hypothetically, if you could wish for anything? What would it be?”

“Oh that’s easy! A beautiful wife that makes me laugh, a bunch of kids of our own and a place overlooking the sea.” Rex had thought a lot about stuff like this. The archives were full of stories about family adventures and romantic couples.

It sounded nice, a family of one’s own. Away from this place and its pristine walls. “Aren’t you sick of the water yet?”

“A planet covered in land with smaller seas than this place would be so much nicer.” A happy hum came from him as he thought about his future wife. “My wife would have eyes like gemstones and long hair that enveloped us as we hugged.”

“Rex, we’re 5. Is this really something we should be thinking about? Our advancement tests are in three days. We need to be sleeping and studying.” Honestly, a wife and kids?

Hitting the button in his pod to open it, Rex heard Cody’s slide out as well. His brown eyes connected with his brothers. “You really don’t think about a family? A future away from this place and all this training?”

A little huff came from Cody as he sat up in his bed and pulled his legs to his chest. “If I had to make a wish? I’d wish that I would always have my brothers with me, friends that cared for me and someplace quiet to just relax.”

Rex copied the position of Cody and together they both looked down the long hall of the barracks they were in. “What do you think our future Jedis will be like?”

“I hope mine is calm, smart, but also fun.” Cody could see himself getting along great with a Jedi like that.

“I hope mine is like that too. Level headed, brave.” The perfect Jedi leader.

Cody let out a long yawn as his arms stretched over his head. “But for now, let’s get some sleep.”

Rex made a face as he laid back into his bed. “I don’t think I can sleep.”

“Then think about that dream wife of yours. Maybe she’ll put ya to sleep.” Cody pressed a button and his pod slowly moved back into place.

“My dream wife, huh?” Rex taped his own button as a yawn went through his body. “I wonder if she's really out there somewhere.”

-*-

“Master?” Zirena stood in the doorway of Mace Windus room. Their ship, easily making its way through the vast expanse of space towards their next planet.

Mace looked ok from his desk towards his small padawan. “Zirena, can’t sleep?”

Shaking her head she stepped into his room and sat on a pile of pillows on the floor. “My ear keeps ringing. It’s making it hard to sleep.”

“When I was younger, my master said that meant someone was discussing you.” Standing, Mace walked around his desk and grabbed a blanket.

“Who would be talking about me? I don’t even know that many people.” Snuggling into her makeshift bed, Zirena happily smiled as the blanket was placed over her.

“Perhaps someone is dreaming about you, it could explain the insomnia as well.” One day she’d be too old for this, off on her own adventures in the galaxy. But for now…

“Another thing your Master believed in?” A little chuckle came from her as she yawned. Master Windus room was always so comfy and warm. It smelled of spices and incense and she always felt so safe.

“Something like that.”

Eyes closed, Zirena settled into the warmth of her favorite spot. “Grownups say the weirdest things.”

Mace couldn’t deny the little chuckle that came from him as he double checked she was tucked in. “One day, when you’re older, you’ll understand.”

With a final yawn, she began to drift. “When I find out who keeps talking about me and keeping me up. Imma beat them up.”

#clone wars fic #captain rex x oc #captain rex fic #clone wars oc #captain rex #star wars fanfiction #clone wars #star wars oc #tbb countdown #commander cody #mace windu #master and padawan #clone cadets #little baby’s

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marierg · 5 months ago

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Welp since this didn't really pop on the radar Imma reblog and hope for the best. Hope everyone is having an awesome day!

Of Light and Darkness: The Rising Darkness pt. 5

Rated: Mature (yeah check the warnings folks)

Pairing: Obi Wan Kenobi X Reader

WARNINGS!: DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING IF YOU ARE NOT IN A GOOD MENTAL PLACE! Death/ Dying, survivors guilt, depression, Suicidal thoughts/ ideations, PTS flare up, angst, talk of medical procedures and autonomy (previous denial alluded too), stress reactions, cursing, and Cannon typical violence. Uh yeah not light reading...

But also hurt/comfort, fluff, kissing, marriage proposals... so not all bad!

A/N: I take no credit for the movie dialogue that is all the work of the wonderful Mr. Lucas!!!! THIS IS A LOVING WORK OF FANFICTION!!! With that said I did take more than a few liberties but I tried to pull from the film/ books and meld it into a cohesive piece. Much love to all the prequels and the folks there in!

With all said I will take this opportunity to say that it will be a minute till the next part! I have to figure out how I want this to follow the series and frankly this part just wiped me out. Hope y'all enjoy!

Picture Credit: Deviant Art and pinterest;

Words: 9000ish... yeah it was worse before i edited. ENJOY!

“Droid get over here with that...”

“I need more bandages!”

“No you will not kriffing take my patient until I'm done with them! I don't care what your CO said, your CO can bite me!”

It was the chorus of an all to familiar ture that you awoke to, smelling blood and bacta and battlefield. Laying in a triage area surrounded by troopers and Jedi alike, cots or the red dirt floor shaking with the ever nearing hits of artillery. Every inch of your body aching as you swung your legs down, the ground began to spin. Yes, you knew this waltz well, but dear Force how you wished the dance would stop.

“Ma'am can we take this bed?”

Glancing up at the medic in his polished armor you observed the trooper on the litter. He bled from the socket where his eye should have been, long painful gashes in the wake of shrapnel. Making a give over motion you assisted the transfer, urging the injured man to lay back as the medic administered a sedative. Defaulting to work mode you began to assess the man. “The wound needs cleaning and fresh bandages then send him straight through to the surgeon.”

“We can't ma'am, surgery was hit. This is it till we can get the ships off the ground again.” The medic tilted his helmet at you in silent resignation.

“Dear merciful Force.” Pain, so much pain and death. “Whose in charge of this mess?”

The trooper points to the loudest of the beings working among the wounded. Braids covered in dust and mud, face weary but focused as she barked orders over the din. “You will return them to this triage and those troopers will receive care! I don't give a flying KARK you fucking droid, they've earned every opportunity we can give them!”

In all of her time as a rescue specialist, even after all the missions Tyra had never seen anything like this. It reminded her of the stories her grandfather told of the war on her home world. The small Jedi who assigned her the task had motioned with his staff and simply replied...

“For the Valkar search the field of battle, and the brave shall they return.”

Her squad had been at it for hours even after the small Jedi had returned with Kaboomie, Speedster and you. Tyra would have liked to see all three of you onto the nearest ship, but with the limited space available choices had been made. She saw to your care personally with some assistance from a Mirialan named Barris. Tyra would give the girl this, she was a good healer. Heck the kid had done her best with every critical case till she'd passed out from the effort and had to be laid down too.

Looking at the next set of incoming wounded Tyra prayed to every one of her Gods for strength. Not that they often listened to her cries.

“Glitch!” Making your way over you waived to the young woman. She was no longer that student you had taught, years in the field giving her a commanding edge. Then again she had always been more an adult than youngling, “Tyra!”

“Boss!”

The women embraced, relief marking both their faces. You were the first to pull back giving her a tired smile, “Report?”

“Same shit, different day. Thank the All Father I won't sing your tale tonight. Scared the hell out of us,” She tried to get you to sit but you waived the effort off. Figures that if the Boss is awake she's back to work. “We barely have transport up and going and even that's sketchy, never seen Deek so steamed. No tower, barely reliable comms, control of the ground is non existent. Top that off no surgery.”

“So I was told. Do we still have supplies?” At Glitch's nod you glanced around. There were two grounded troop transport ships that were heavily damaged near by. While those birds would never fly again they could still serve, “Do those still have power?”

“Yeah, why?”

You'd made do with far less before and these men needed a surgeon. “Get that equipment into the ships, we have work to do.”

Obi Wan had seen Anakin and the Senator to the transport off planet and then rejoined Master Koon at the forward operations. Masters Yoda and Windu were somewhere on the battlefield, but after the droids had barraged the operations center, communications broke down. Light turned to dusk before order was restored. Always in the back of his mind you were there, the image of your unconscious form on the bed as he had left. Were you awake now, had you been sent to a ship already?

“Sir, we've received multiple transmissions of men trapped in the catacombs below the foundry. What are your orders?”

Obi Wan looked to the Clone commander, CC-2224 as he had Identified himself, grim expression falling across his features. Those men would require special extrication, especially if there was structural damage. It would cost time and men that their dwindling forces may not be able to afford. On the other hand it would cost his soul not to at least try. These men had risked life and limb to save him and the other Jedi, honor dictated that he must endeavor to return their brothers to them. Glancing at the Commander's helmet Obi Wan gave a nod, “Gather a team and what equipment you can Commander, I will accompany you.”

“Sir, yes Sir.”

The man beneath the helmet closed his eyes in relief. His trainers had prepared Cody for many scenarios. Retrieval and rescue, negotiations, incursion drops, but never how to bury so many his brothers. Never how to deal with the guilt of sending them to their assured death. What they had taught them was to trust in their chain of command, so that is what Cody would do.

“Vessia raise that retractor... Yeah there! Ok, suction,” After a while the bodies began to blur together. Collapsed lungs, skull fractures, missing limbs... you didn't feel like a doctor, you felt like a butcher. “Alright there's the bleed. Clamp off, sew, then seal him up until we can get a transport.”

Most of what you were performing was considered stabilization procedures until the troopers could be seen on the hospital ship in orbit. As the only fully trained Doctor you had to hop from table to table when there was a question of need. It was a motley crew, former students some of whom you hadn't seen in years. Vessia who was in her intern year after Medical School was beside you, hands once uncertain now efficient and skilled. The Senators daughter had changed much, finding her purpose in healing. Maru, who was currently running the blood donation chair, had left the RRC active branch preferring to work on the admin side of things. Yet here he was alongside you all. You could feel his old terrors coming to the surface again, but he remained stalwartly working. The strongest of bonds were ever forged in the fire of combat, at least that's what Master Melri had often said.

Then there was the Padawan who had been left in your charge. Barris Offee didn't have the same training you'd had at that age, but she was a hard little worker and adapted quickly. She stood at the table to your back while Vessia handled procedures at the other. The normally peaceful Mirialan was now face to face with a healers worst nightmare and you felt horribly for her. Having to remind Barris again and again that she must refrain from any more Force healing and to focus on clinical work set a knot in your gut. It was a simple equation though, she could use her abilities to heal a few while injuring herself or help the many that would surely follow the first. The girl's frustration was ever palpable, but in the end had deferred to your command.

“Master L/n, I require your assistance.” Barris had never felt so helpless in her life. It was as if all the light of the Force had gone out, leaving only the cold of death that now surrounded this place. This man on her table was barely breathing, but surely... “What about him.”

Glancing down at the trooper you could see he was beyond even your ability to save. Multiple blaster shots including the one that had penetrated his helmet, it was a ghastly sight. And yet he struggled still for breath, his brothers looking at the two Jedi with hope in their eyes. You wished there was something you could do for this young trooper to save his life, but all you could offer was a peaceful passing. “I'm sorry Barris...”

“NO! You gotta try damn it! He's still alive!”

One of the mud stained commandos screamed, ripping off his helmet as others tried to console him. The crying man cursed, yelling how they couldn't let his brother die. Not his last batch mate. Storming right up, he barked in your face demanding you save his brother. It was in that moment that you saw Barris cry, silent sorrow rolling down her cheeks. Damn this day, Damn Dooku, but above all damn yourself for failing them all.

“I cannot save him. I would if it were possible, but I cant. I am so sorry.”

“Can't or won't!?” He screamed again, but in truth there was a part of Fi that knew. “Why... Why Why WHY!!!”

“I'm sorry... more than you know.” Turning to the young Padawan you pulled her close, whispering. “Barris. I must ask a difficult task of you.”

The girl wiped her eyes quickly, “Yes?”

Looking from her to the bed and then the other downed craft across the narrow dirt you sighed. As with so many things today it was the only comfort you could offer these poor men. “Take the stretcher and place this trooper in the curtained part of the recovery. Let them say good bye.”

Barris stood stock still, as though doused in ice. “What are you saying?”

“He won't last much longer Healer Offee. All we can do is ease one brother's pain and grant the other dignity in their death.” You could see the light slowly dwindling out of her eyes and hated yourself even more. Giving her a nod you turned to the newest patient on your table and started to glove up again. “Give them however long they need.”

Barris wanted nothing more than to run from this place, but that was not the Jedi way. They were keepers of the peace, guardians of the light even when they could not feel it's presence. Wiping away her tears she took hold of the litter and began to guide it. The Commando's brother took the other side, face scrunched in anger. Bringing a chair and a blanket, Barris covered the injured man as the other sat watch. “What's his name?”

“RC-...”

Barris shook her head, “No, I mean what do you call him?”

Fi hadn't expected the Jedi to ask that, it was a very personal and private thing. Most clones' names were known only to their batch mates or their training sergeant maybe. Looking into the young woman's dark eyes though he felt comforted that someone else would do such a kindness as to call them by their chosen name. To treat him and the others as men. “We called him Sen.”

“Hello Sen, I thought you might be cool. My name is Barris,” smoothing the blanket over the man she could already feel his breathing becoming staggered. Biting her lip she began to murmur, “Thank you Sen for saving us, for saving me.”

Fi watched the young woman as she tucked his brother in like a cadet, gently and with great care. She seemed as lost as any of them, hell nobody should be in this place. Taking his brother's hand, Fi gave it a squeeze, “It's what we were made for ma'am.”

“Barris.” She replied quietly.

Swallowing hard, he looked into her sad eyes. “Fi.”

Sunlight rose on the second day, not that Obi Wan could tell really. Deep in the dark of the catacombs he and the troopers searched. Hall by hall, digging into the places where transmissions had dissipated to faint cries and banging. They had come across some of the lost Jedi from the missing assault team as well as tracking down the missing clones. He recalled how you would feel agitated on many a mission needing the balm of action. It was the waiting that tortured him and the other men the worst now. Waiting for an attack, waiting to find even one being alive, waiting for this all to end.

“Sir! Up ahead,” Cody called as he desperately ripped into the rock. The slight glow from a HUD light breaking the darkness of the rockfall. “Hold on trooper, we're here!”

“Commander be careful,” Obi Wan spoke too late watching as more unstable rock started to avalanche onto the man. Racing over with the others everyone started to frantically dig both men out.

“Damn Stupid osik'ri... get himself killed!” Alpha 22, or Deuce, wanted to wring the commanders neck. But as they uncovered the officer, he thought better of it. Lifting the Commander's helmet, Deuce found Cody was struggling to breathe. The rock fall damaged the air intake, the bucket all but dead weight now. “Oiya! Take it easy Vod'ika... There ya go.”

“The...(cough) commando...”

Deuces nodded and continued digging as the medics took the injured Commander to the side. The Jedi, Kenobi, joined in. Digging until they uncovered the still lit helmet, slowly extracting the rest of the man. Shaking his head sadly Deuces thought the worst, until the Jedi gave a rough rub on a pressure point and the Commando drew a gasping breath. “Medic! Medic Up! Hey you keep karking breathing, don't you fucking die!”

“Easy he may have a head injury,” Obi Wan helped to ease the injured commando onto the stretcher. “Commander go with them to the aid...”

“But Sir, we need to...”

“CC-2224 you deaf or being insubordinate? Get your shebs to the evac, MOVE!” Deuces barked, “and get a new bucket while you're at it.”

Cody sheepishly tucked the damaged one under his arm, pausing as Kenobi tapped his shoulder, “Sir?”

“If you should see Master L/n at the aid station, please let her know where we are.” Obi Wan said it before he could decide against it. He wasn't even sure if you were still on the ground, but if you were he knew how worried you must be. “Thank you Commander.”

“Yes Sir.” Cody's curiosity was peaked, but gave a nod not wanting to inquire further. The Jedi had a funny look as he had spoken, but who was Cody to question it. He was a soldier, what did he understand past that?

“All father help us... hey get those new suture packs and IV fluids over here!” Tyra watched as the latest batch of wounded were off loaded. She hated that there was so little to be done, only start fluids and get them to the hospital ship for a dunk in a tank. Shaking her head Tyra lamented also seeing the young Jedi healer in a different form of pain as she tried to comfort the injured. Worst of all she hated seeing you half propped on a stool as you continued to do surgery along with her and Vessia, soldiering on because you refused to leave them in this mess alone when you should be up on that ship like the rest of the wounded.

This was madness at it's finest and Tyra could all too easily now empathize with her former mentor who had been so harsh in their lessons. Muttering to herself she readied to stitch up another incoming trooper, “Forgive me Bern, you were right... Hey Trooper what's your name?”

“Ma'am, CC-2224.” Cody saw the displeased look on the short female's face and offered over his name. “Is there a Jedi called L/n here, I have a message for them.”

“Yeah,” You hollered over the din, carefully pealing off the many layers of extra thick armor from the patient on your table. Turning to the medics you became brusk, “You need to strip them before they get here, I want trauma naked and injuries exposed! Pass it along.”

“I have a message,” Cody tried to stand but the pink haired medic who was cleaning the wound on his head shoved him back down.

“Tell her from here. Hold still or this will scar worse than it's already gonna,” Glitch smirked at her patient, giving him a wink. “Don't worry handsome, the ones who matter won't mind a bit.”

“Don't tease the poor man Glitch. What's the message?”

Cody had to peer at the Jedi from the corner of his vision, “Master Kenobi wanted you to know he was in the catacombs with our platoon. He wanted you to know...”

Your heart swelled and a brief smile crossed your face. You hadn't know for hours where Obi Wan had gotten too, if he was alright. It was a relief, one weight lifted from your shoulders. Closing your eyes in silent thanks you nodded to the man on Glitch's table. “Thank you Commander, I appreciate the update.”

Cody was a little perplexed at your reaction, until he heard the medic stitching his temple chuckle. Raising an eyebrow, the young woman she smiled at him.

“You just made her day, you know that.” Tyra smirked, lowering her voice so only the man could hear. “Boss won't always say much, but it's a great kindness you've done. And for that...”

The small woman bent down as she finished the last stitch, pressing her lips gently on his forehead. Cody froze as she kissed him, it was sweet and stars knew he hadn't imagined his first kiss to be like this.

“...you deserve a reward. Now you best go get another bucket cause this one is toast.” Glitch grinned at the blushing soldier on her gurney. As he began to walk towards supply she yelled to him, “Hey 2224?”

Cody turned back at the edge of the craft, “Ma'am?”

Tyra sauntered over to grip the top of his chest plate. The man was weary, looking perhaps a bit lost amongst the din. With a chuckle she pulled him down and gave him a real kiss. Nothing fancy, just a touch of sweetness on a bitter day. “You be safe out there soldier. And don't go messing up that sewing, huh.”

“Yes ma'am.” He smirked at the little thing as she swayed her hips back to the surgery. He wasn't sure if it was the kiss or the rush of being alive, but in that moment Cody felt he could take on the whole damn planet. Strutting towards supply the Commander felt ten feet tall.

“Glitch stop teasing the men and get back to work,” You couldn't help a slight smirk. Unprofessional as it was, you were pleased by the smile the man had as he left. In the present moment though the patient on your table had severe crush injuries and would need to be evacuated with the next load of wounded. Starting two intravenous lines you took in his injuries, both legs would need surgery and extensive rehabilitation. He was alive though and that was a miracle in and of itself. “Hey, what's your name?”

“A'den,” He tried to keep his eyes open.

You smiled down at him, “Well A'den we're going to get you well again. For now though I'm going to give you something for the pain, is that alright with you?”

He had never been asked before, never given the option. It confused him that this medic wasn't simply doing what was necessary, instead giving him the choice. “Ma'am?”

“It's ok if you don't want too,” You could tell he was uncomfortable in more ways than one, so you tried a different approach. “How about a little something to take the edge off, it won't make you disoriented like a sedative.”

“Whatever you think's best ma'am.”

“Good, lean back. Now I'm gonna have you moved to the staging area and soon you'll be on the ship.” You could see the moment the medication started to work, the man's body relaxing ever so slightly. He was so covered in dust that you had to wipe it away to get a better look. Even careful as you were he was skittish, like a newborn colt. Finally satisfied with your exam and that he would remain stable, you had A'den transferred to staging. Over and over it was like that through the night.

At dawn you saw the Council and other remaining Jedi start to trickle back into the staging area. They, like the troopers, asking if you had seen someone. An apprentice, a master, a batch mate; it made no difference Jedi or clone, all were searching. The lists were posted by the recovery craft; Alive, wounded, missing and dead. You could tell the answer by the sounds or lack there of after people looked. But every so often you would hear something that eased the pain just a little, you heard the happy cries of a reunion. It was few and far between but it was something to hold to.

You were on one of the two final transports out, lifting off as the last troop transport did. It was like a bad case of deja vu, Deek in the cockpit with you, Barris, and Glitch in the back. You felt old, especially looking at the two younger responders.

“Hey kid, how you holding up?”

Barris looked to the girl called Glitch, dazed and uncertain. “I'm sorry?”

“She want's to know if you're doing alright,” You pipped in from across the cabin, “Are you?”

“A Jedi...”

“Barris,” reaching across to take her hand the girl paused. How long ago had it been that you sat on that side of the jump seat? Had you ever been that wide eyed or young? It seemed now that you had always been this tired and old. But you knew that once, long ago you had been just as this young one here needing guidance. “It's ok to say it. I wish I had the power to save everyone, but I can't... we never can. You gave it your best and that's all anyone can ask or do. It's alright to mourn the losses, not just celebrate the victories.”

Glitch pursed her lips before speaking, “You showed them kindness and compassion whether you could save them or not. Ain't a finer thing you can do than that. It's ok to be human little space wizard, hell makes you one of us.”

“Master L/n?” Barris' voice cracked as the last of her reserve evaporated. She was like a water pitcher that had run dry, nothing left to give and hollow feeling. “How... how do you let it go? The men we lost, the Jedi?”

“In some ways I don't. I remember what the experience taught me and train harder, so that their sacrifice meant something. I wish I could say that this is the last time, that you won't lose someone again, but I can't.” Shadows darkened your face as the ship made it's approach to the docking bay. Giving Barris a kind look, you graveled out the last words. “It's in learning to walk with those ghosts that defines how we move forward.”

Mace waited as the last of the ships arrived from the surface, sentinel till all returned. The battle had been arduous, the aftermath unbearable. So many good Jedi lost, the galaxy in turmoil, and all because of Dooku. He shouldn't have let his bias paint his view of the man because he had once been a colleague. Now the Separatists had a powerful ally and the future of the Republic rested on the shoulders of the Order. Mace knew, felt the shifting in the lines of fate that this was only the beginning of the journey. That the path ahead would be just as painful, bloody, and long.

“Master Windu, have you seen Barris?” Luminara came to stand beside the Council head.

Turning slightly he nodded greetings to his fellow Jedi, “I believe she is with Y/n.”

“Safe hands then.” Luminara sighed in relief, what she wouldn't give to reverse time and ordered her apprentice to stay on Couriscant. What was done was done though, now all of them would have to deal with this terrifying new world. “I suppose we are the lucky ones.”

Watching as the craft door opened he considered the statement. Were they the lucky ones or were the ones who had passed and spared what was to come more fortunate? Mace observed as you escorted the young Padawan. He didn't miss as Master Undulii's breath caught at the sight of her apprentice, wan and weary. At least this Master still had her apprentice, not many today could claim that. “Luck has nothing to do with it. We trained them well.”

Barris walked slowly towards her Master, you and Glitch on either side. You knew all too well that hollow look in her dark eyes. The girl was past done and needed a long rest, more so she needed to stay somewhere the hell away from any action. It had been a baptism of fire and in many ways it reminded you of what had happened to Maru. But unlike the Bothan there was nowhere for this Padawan to hide from the conflict, no transfer to admin. Master Undulii, normally so serene in appearance, now stood with slumped shoulders and only the veneer of calm. Glancing at the more senior Master you knew she understood that this mission had broken the girl.

“Barris,” She paused feeling a ripple in the girls signature, tear streaks marring her face. Embracing her Luminara held tight, like when she had been a frightened youngling. “There now, you are safe.”

“Get some rest, you did very well today. Couldn't have run that aid station without you Barris.” You handed an injector to Master Undulii, a sedative. She took it with a grim nod of thanks. Glitch gave an affectionate pat on your Master's shoulder and left to clean up at the slop sink. Master Windu looked as tired as you felt. “Master...”

Mace pulled you into a hug, “I'm so thankful that you've returned safely.”

The dam within you began to crack, the air rushing from your lungs with a great sigh. Regret, sorrow, guilt all swirling and engulfing you whole. You were unable to draw breath for what felt an eternity, tremors in you hands that indicated a larger storm brewing. Master Windu pulled back giving your shoulders a reassuring squeeze, ever patient and guiding. Over and over all you could say was, “I'm sorry.”

“This was not your fault Y/n. You and Obi Wan did well. Your Apprentice did his duty and all of you are alive.” He was proud of you all. The three of you had conquered near insurmountable odds to simply survive this slaughterhouse. Mace could only hope that same fortune would continue to carry you through this conflict to come. Yet under the surface he sensed damage, the fissures within your psyche emanating pain. “I do think you could do with some rest though.”

“Pffft.... Right.” Taking a few steadying breaths you stuffed your feelings away for later as you had often done. It did not serve to have a breakdown in front of the head of the council, even if they had been your Master. Wiping away any stray moisture you felt as the fatigue hit, scrubbing your hands across your face. “Kark I could use some Kaf.”

“I believe that the mess hall can assist you,” Mace chuckled and shaking his head, “And there is someone on C deck who would be glad to know you're back.”

Even exhausted you knew better than to let your guard down, “Is Anakin out of recovery already? He should still be...”

Half bemused Mace muttered, “I'm certain that the boy would appreciate seeing you as well.”

Master Windu gave yet another piercing look, you continued to act unaffected. Best not to contemplate the possibilities on days like this. “Has Anakin really been giving you that big a headache?”

“We both know I'm not referring to Skywalker.” While Mace had to admire your extreme level of discretion, he had long known of your relationship with Kenobi. Part of him had made peace with your involvement given the dedication both Jedi continued to show the order; never succumbing to the temptation of possession. You two had been thick as thieves since apprenticeship, even for as many times as he had attempted to separate you with missions and training. After so long Mace had simply come to trust that you would do the right thing. He did however tire over feigning ignorance. “Please make sure that he's actually resting, as should you.”

Schooling your face and giving a practiced calm expression, you bowed. “May the Force be with you Master.”

Dooku had been troubled throughout the flight to Coruscant. He was nearly bested by the Jedi and their unexpected rescue by the clones, but then again he had managed to escape and accomplish his mission. He had not counted on the new army as a factor in his plans this early, it would have been an easier war to manage if the Council had been obliterated. None the less many key pieces had still fallen nicely into place and it would take the Order time to recover their losses

As he saw the glimmer of the city planet his mind fell back to your words. “Qui Gon died defending the galaxy from the evil that you embraced! Had he lived he would stand against you now!”

He was not an evil man. Dooku did as he saw necessary to bring order, but he was not cruel. Yes it was necessary to cull the opposing forces to make a victory swift, but it was not a choice he made lightly. The Jedi's compassion is what limited their vision, far too entrenched in their ways to effect real change. Sometimes one must break the chins that bound one to the old and outdated system, the one which found the Jedi central too. Landing in the abandoned works the Count stood and prepared to disembark.

Sidious watched as his latest apprentice disembarked the ramp of his craft. While not entirely pleased with the fallen Jedi's efforts, he proved a useful tool. With practiced ease Sidious gestured warmly to the elder man, “Welcome home Lord Tyranus.”

“The Force is with us Master,” The Count bowed in greeting joining Sidious as they walked into the complex. “I bear good news, the war has begun.”

“Well done, your skills are no match for the Jedi.” Palpatine chuckled in this throat, “And what of the young upstarts, have they been adequately dealt with?”

“They survived the encounter,” Dooku grimaced as your words rang in his head again, “Next time I shall...”

Palpatine waived off the Count's words, “Spare me. Soon enough they will be eliminated and together we shall control the galaxy. For the people, for the future.”

And what future shall that be, forged in the crucible of war, the Count wondered? Dooku knew well to keep his doubts shielded though, the Sith was a cunning being and not to be trusted. But it was better to reign in Hell than to serve in heaven. “For a brighter tomorrow shall our labors travail.”

Anakin woke in a darkened room, warm and quiet. It took more than a few moments for the fog to clear his brain. Raising his right arm he felt the cold shock of metal and not his fingers. Fingers that flexed and moved but...

“Ani? Are you awake?”

Turning towards the soft voice Anakin couldn't speak for a moment, simply staring. There were no words yet to express both his joy and sorrow. Joy at seeing Padme waiting beside him, her sweet face curved by a genuine smile because he lived. And yet how uncomfortable she must be cramped in this small sparse space. Anakin never wanted to see her deprived of comfort, not for him.

“Are you in pain? I can get the nurse,” Padme watched as Anakin shook his head, still very distracted by the new metal limb. She took his left hand in her own, “It's just temporary till you get a better fitting, they said you were very lucky. Y/n and Obi Wan came to check on you, they were both so worried.”

“Not worried enough to stay.”

“That's not fair Anakin.” Padme gave him a hurt look, “They were both worried sick. The doctor even said Y/n was badgering him from the aid station every hour for an update. Obi Wan stayed here until Master Yoda made him go rest.”

Anakin flushed in embarrassment at rightly being chastised. “I should know my Masters better by now, it was stupid of me to doubt them.”

“You've been through so much,” taking a cool cloth, Padme dabbed it across his brow. Putting the cloth aside she laced her fingers with his again. “How do you feel.”

“Like I had my arm cut off.” Anakin snarked. Then he saw how her face fell and felt all the dumber for it. He felt foolish for a great many things. Shaking his head on a silent curse, Anakin's temper flared, “I couldn't stop Dooku...”

“No one could, it's not your fault.”

“I'm sorry Padme, I should have protected you better.” The image of her laying limp in the sand flashing through his mind again. Regret lacing his voice, Anakin reached up to cup Padme's bruised cheek. Even past his faults as a Jedi, would she want him now that he was this defeated broken thing. A fool of a man who couldn't even protect his woman properly. Would she still love him with all his faults? “I would have liked to have held you with both hands...”

Padme's voice cracked as she took the cool metal prosthetic and pressed it to her other cheek, “You still can.”

“You don't have to stay,” He whispered, not meeting her eyes. People made rash statements all the time under stress, he knew that. Anakin was trying to give Padme a gracious way out of this, trying to do the right thing even if it killed him. Because in the end he loved her and what could he offer her beyond that? “I'm sure that you probably have more important things...”

“How dare you say that,” Padme's face scrunched, hurt to her bones that he had even said it. Her Ani ought to know her better, “I'm not leaving you Anakin and there is nothing more important to me right now than you. So never say that to me again.”

“Forgive me?” A small smile curled one side of his mouth. His heart surged and Anakin began to gently pull Padme into the bed. He needed to feel her safe in his arms, needed to show her the affection that she so deserved. His brave angel deserved every star in the galaxy.

“The bed's too small.” Padme grumbled but acquiesced, exhaustion causing her to ignore better judgment. Laying in Anakins arms, being held so gently, she felt safer than she had in weeks. She wanted to stay a little upset with him, but it was so very hard when she could feel his care in every touch. Still her voice carried a hint of exasperation, “Honestly Anakin sometimes I wonder what you think of me.”

“That you're the most beautiful woman in the Galaxy. That you've stolen my heart,” He didn't dare press further just yet, stars but he wanted to as he gazed longingly at her lips. Anakin wanted to hold Padme close for the rest of time, to kiss her till there was no question how much he loved her. He would worship the ground that she walked on no matter where that ground was. As he floated the blankets up to cover them, Anakin caressed Padme's face. Tracing from her eyebrow, the apple of her cheek. “There now, don't want you to be uncomfortable.”

“Me? You're the one who,” Padme paused mid sentence face falling as she began to cry. She had almost gotten the two of them killed rushing in, it had been reckless. The litany of admonishments at her actions rolling through her mind, she was a Senator and should know better! Agony and frustration shook her whole body, but Anakin only held tighter.

“Shh, it's ok. You're safe angel.” Anakin could feel her turmoil, wishing he could make her forget the past few days and their terrors. And yet if not for the past few days he would not be holding her now. No he could not erase it, but he would ease it. Gazing at her he put the full weight of his heart into the words, “I love you Padme, so much.”

“Anakin,” She hiccuped between sobs, words getting caught. She wanted to tell him she loved him too, that she regretted her earlier lie. Gazing into his eyes Padme saw the light of his understanding. He knew without her saying a word. Still her tears would not cease; for him, for his mother, for the dead, for the galaxy. “I'm sorry... I'm so frightened Ani.”

“Don't be afraid.” Restraint finally breaking, Anakin kissed her. First her lips then every single tear from her face, laying one last soft press to Padme's forehead. If his angel needed him to be strong for the both of them, then that is what he would do. Raising his hand instinctively to brush at her cheek he paused a hairs breath away remembering the metal. Instead he lowered it to move up and down her back carefully, still too afraid that he would do harm.

Tucking Padme's head below his chin Anakin began humming a tune, one that he heard often at Maffa's bar. Carefully soothing his new hand on her back as his flesh one cradled her head, a few of the lyrics falling loose. As her breathing settled and she relaxed in his hold Anakin murmured, “I'll always protect you, love you... Will you marry me?”

Padme had been drifting to sleep in the safe harbor of his embrace, lulled into a sense of safety. And maybe she would have overthought the question had she not been so exhausted, but not now. Emotions too raw, everything happening so fast, and she wanted what he offered so easily. He hadn't changed since the day she had met him ten years ago, still a kind and giving heart. “Yes, I'll marry you Anakin.”

“Then sleep angel,” Anakin practically beamed with joy, “You've made me so happy Padme.”

He swore she would not cry again, whatever he had to do she would always smile. He would be better, faster, the best Jedi in the Order. And after he brought peace to the galaxy and the war was over he would leave to be with her. It was a simple plan, but it was a start. He promised himself and her that they'd make it to their tomorrow, because love wasn't something to fear.

At least that's what he'd been told.

“Another?”

“Keep it coming,” You muttered, passing the cup back to Glitch to pour you another beer. Bumming a puff on Deek's cigar you slowly let the smoke waft out around you. Numbing your mind was not a solution to the problem, but you didn't want to deal with it at present either.

Deek threw an arm around your shoulders, “That shit'll give you cancer kid.”

“and yet you survive old man.”

He gave your head a hard noogie. “Smartass!”

You had gone to check in on Anakin and found Padme watching over him. Truth be told the affectionate look on the young woman's face was more than enough to put you at ease. There was a happiness when the two were together, one that you prayed never left. And so you had slogged down to the C deck in search of your own happiness.

Obi Wan had been fast asleep, looking the rougher for wear. You had indulged, just a moment, sitting on the bed and stroking his hair. The soft auburn strands feathering against your skin was soothing and a smile had risen as your Obi had turned gently into the touch. Stars knew he had earned a rest and that you should get some yourself. Instead you had pressed a soft kiss to his head and tucked an extra blanket around him before heading to the mess hall, avoiding the nightmares that you knew were waiting.

Should have figured that the RIC's would sneak a keg on board, wouldn't be the first or last. So you sat at the table playing Sabac and decompressed as best you could. There were other Jedi in the cantina and you had managed to wave a few over to join the group, stars knew they needed a reprieve as much as the others here. They would drift by for a time, visit, and then leave to meditate. Master Undulii had also drifted by, mostly to express her thanks to you and Glitch. She did not wish to stay initially, but Glitch had handed the Jedi a Kaf and patted the seat between the two of you. The Mirilan had taken the unconventional beings in stride.

“These are all students of yours?”

Giving a nod you sipped at your beer, it was piss water cheap but the best you'd ever had. “Yes, most of this bunch went through the academy class with Anakin.”

“I see and these classes are open to anyone?” Luminara hadn't encouraged her apprentice to further her medical training past what was necessary in the Halls of Healing. Now she considered just how under prepared that had left the girl, how helpless she may have felt. Barris would not soon recover from this experience that was certain and perhaps time away in an academic setting would do her well.

You could see the wheels turning, needing just a little nudge, “I'd be happy to have you sit in on a class sometime.”

“Boss, why do I have a feeling that this lovely lady could probably teach the class?” Glitch snarked while simultaneously keeping an eye on the pack of troopers at the end of the room. She recognized 2224, no it was Cody he said, and couldn't help grinning when he'd blush after realizing that he got caught looking her way. But she also knew that involvement would be a bad idea so she was relegated to teasing him. Hearing your grumblings Glitch poked at you again, earning a smile from the other Jedi, “Probably run circles around you in the aid station too.”

“Ha ha Yalvaberg, though you're not wrong.” Slapping down your cards you folded your hand, glancing in your peripherals at Master Undulii. “Open offer for anyone at the Temple, Barris included.”

“Speaking of little bitty, where'd she get too?” Glitch took two more cards, watching the group of troopers head out of the hall. Just as well she thought.

Luminara was perplexed, “Little bitty?”

“Barris,” Glitch clarified, “Good things in small packages.”

Luminara quirked a brow until you explained that it was high praise indeed to have earned a nickname. Setting down her mug she smiled at the young people here. There was a closeness to this group, a bond made of grit and pain that gave them a strength. It touched her that Barris was now counted among them, “She is resting, I think I will go check on her though. You have my thanks again and I look forward to seeing you in the classroom.”

You watched as the more senior Master rose, graceful as ever, and floated from the room like a cloud on the wind. Finishing your own beverage you bid the others goodnight and left too, not before an extended hug from Deek though. There was much said in that hug, things that didn't need words but were bone deep and true. That you were both glad to be alive, that you were both relieved that the mission was done. That you both prayed it was the last close call.

Even as hard as you tried to quiet your mind, the racing thoughts wouldn't cease. The guilt and pain, all like a great mountain on you. Wandering the halls of the ship you found your way to the recovery wing. Most of the troopers you had worked on made it through secondary surgery, including A'den who gave you a waive leading you to stop and speak with him for a bit. It was a reward that little squeeze of his big hand, the smile he gave. None of that was why you did it, but kark it felt nice. There was an officer who was also checking on the men, his commanding presence standing out from the others. There was no conversation between you, simply a nod of greeting and both going about your way.

Further down the line were the injured Jedi. And while they were indeed alive, many were far from well. Several apprentices trembled in their beds or looked on blankly. The few Masters whom were present to shepard them weren't in much better shape. The Masters whose eyes reflected the gutting of loss everyone here felt. They would all require a great deal of psychological help after an event like this, needed experts in that field and not simply the healers at the Temple. It would be a discussion with the Council, but for another day. Turning to leave you came face to chest with an old acquaintance. “I'm so sorry, I didn't see...”

“L/n,” The voice growled low.

Your stomach dropped. There was Master Adeva, Togorian glare ever fixed. This was neither the time nor the place for a disagreement, “I was just leaving, good evening Master Adeva.”

Carefully trying move around him, you were far too tired to reign in your emotions, only making it a few steps when he began to growl.

“Is it all worth it?” Adeva grumbled the thought out loud. The older being saw how your posture slumped at his words, not thinking how you had interpreted the statement.

Deuce was speaking with a couple of recently promoted sergeants when he heard the trouble. His face turned stony watching the two Jedi. Who the hells did this beast think he was, speaking to the little medic like that? Your response to the feline though, it ripped him like a blaster bolt.

“No,” tears streamed as the hopeless answer left your lips. Glancing over your shoulder to him you whispered. “I should have died and saved you the effort.”

One of the injured troopers came alongside Deuce looking just as pissed, but the Alpha waited to see what the Togorian would do. Both Clones were unarmed, but stood ready to protect. This one had fought for his brothers lives, for that alone she had his respect. He whispered to the other clone, “Find the Jedi Kenobi, now!”

“You would say that, after all the trouble to save you?” Adeva turned his head studying the small woman. You did not seem yourself. Not sharp tongued or quick witted, almost like it pained you to even move.

“Yeah, well I didn't deserve it anyway. Said it yourself I'm weak, an embarrassment to my Master, an abomination. That I should have died long ago...” you rambled out. How you ached for rest, your ribs hollow with nothing left to give or fight with. A sardonic little hum escaped you, “Sorry to disappoint you and survive again when so many more deserving beings should have.”

The Togorian was stunned, though he should not be surprised. After all he had spoken the vile, hateful words that you now repeated, had encouraged his Padawan to do the same. His ears flattened as his voice filled with shame, “L/n...”

“I'll make it easy, save you the trouble for next time...” It was a choice everyday, to live or to give it up. Most days you could be strong, others you needed to bolster your strength just to slog through. Not today though, today you just wanted the bliss of silent oblivion. If your brain were in a more sound state it would recognize that this was not right, but all you could feel was pain and death and failure. Holding up your saber you pressed it into his paw like hand with the end at your chest. Voice quivering you bore your gaze into his, “Go ahead.”

“What?” Tightening his grip on the hilt he saw you eyes close relief. It was such an antitheses to whom he had now come to understand you to be. It was wrong, this whole situation was wrong and Adeva found himself regretting having contributed to your longing for death. Slowly, carefully he placed your saber on the medical cart nearest. Your eyes were angry with him even as tears began to fall. “No, I will not do that.”

“It's like a damned cosmic joke...” Laughing in pain as your head fell in resignation. “I am a wraith that even death has turned it's back on.”

“Master L/n... you misunderstand me.” Dipping his head, Adeva tried to meet your eyes. He no longer wished to fight with you. No, that was the past and it was time to act as a Jedi should. “We caused you such pain for so long. We were wrong. I was wrong... about everything.”

You shook your head in confusion.

“You saved my Padawan, Hashi wouldn't have made it out of the arena had you not intervened.”

“I -” your words were cut short by a growl.

“You and Kenobi were captured, tortured, and still confronted Dooku.” Adeva saw you clench and fiddle with your hands. “And all I can reason is that you must think this mission, this galaxy, worthy to suffer so.”

“Someone has to protect it.” Your voice was small, barely a scratching of words. “I did my duty.”

“No, you did more.” It was in that moment that Adeva knew just how much pain his words had caused over the years, how much you had endured. How wrong and twisted he had been and for what? Pride and tradition meant little if one could not act honorably towards their fellow beings. Your eyes were dark as they gazed back at him, “I was so very wrong about you and though I can never deserve it... please forgive me.”

It was an odd feeling, whiplashed from one extreme to the other. A being who had tormented you so long, whom you in many ways considered an adversary, asking pardon for the wrong he had done. You wanted to stay angry, to yell and scream, to let every boiling emotion set loose; but to what end really? You might be short tempered, perhaps brash and overly passionate, but you were not cruel. To release such fury upon even this being... no you would never cause pain willingly.

There were also all the hopeless gazes looking to you from the beds, wondering if this was all there was to their future? How could the Jedi continue if they only fought among themselves, unable to forgive their brothers and sisters. Wondering eyes asking if this was how their order would fall from the light into the abyss of shadow. No, even if darkness filled the stars above, you refused to be the one to snuff out their hope for a better tomorrow. This would not be the day that you crumbled, this would not be the day you let the light perish from this place. As hard as it was, you chose in that moment to live and fight one day more.

“I forgive you.”

“This way Sir.”

“Oh wee one...” Obi Wan had been pulled from his bed by one of the troopers. All he had been told was that you were in trouble and it was all he needed to hear. The fact that he could only mildly feel your presence in the Force raised alarm bells.

“There Sir, look.”

Glancing ahead you rounded the corner with an escort of your own. Alpha 22 was flanking your side, a concerned look on his face. Obi Wan watched as you simply seemed to exist, as though a spirit trapped in the land of the living. There was no sign of your usual spark of liveliness and it sent a shiver down his back. The imposing trooper at your side simply guided you forward, firmly but with care. As the two men glanced at each other there was a silent understanding.

“Keep a close eye on this one, she's... in need of rest.” Deuce glanced down at the woman, deeply troubled by what he'd seen. He'd seen some of his Vod'e over the years who had cracked before graduation or from the treatment of their trainers. He well recognized that look in your eyes. Tilting his head Deuce softened his tone again, “You take care now Baar'ur'ika, want to see you at formation when we land.”

“I'll take her from here,” Obi Wan whispered as his arm came around your shoulders. It was a long walk back, every step of the journey made like you were shuffling through duracrete. He felt the raging torrent rippling from your signature even as your face remained placidly flat. Studying you carefully he knew there was something truly wrong. You hadn't changed, robes in need of incineration rather than cleaning. Worse yet you were silent, not uttering a word to him only holding his hand tightly like a lifeline. As he closed and locked the door Obi Wan gently cupped your face, “Wee one?”

Blinking at him you gazed wide eyed, but unseeing. Your mind was stuck on what had happened in the med bay, the terrible things you said. How could you have let that blackness out, how could you expose the others to your dark mind? When Obi Wan tried to grasp your arms you backed away shrinking into yourself, not wanting to hurt him too. You'd only contaminate him, you had to keep him safe. The thoughts raged again, the horrible images that Dooku had put in your mind rising like the tide. Was it torture or a vision, would they all die just like you had seen?

“Love?” Obi Wan watched as you started to shake and cry, hands flying to clutch your head. He fought to grab you then, bringing you with him to the floor as you screamed into his chest. Blood curdling agony escaping with every breath, eyes wild in fear. You fought his hold not seeing him, but instead some spectral horror. It took pushing his own calm upon your signature to placate the worst of it; he kept soothing your hair as he whispered through his own growing dread. “It's alright now, we're safe... we're all safe. Please Y/n come back, don't leave me now... please come back to me.”

You could feel the distant glimmer of his signature, that small flicker of light in the swirling dark, “Obi?”

“I'm here love. Tell me how to help, what did the devil do to you?” Kissing your forehead his face scrunched in concentration. You whole body shook frantically as your face blanched, but he was determined and pressed through the connection, “Y/n let me in.”

“No! You can't... not safe...” You were so frightened of hurting him, fighting with what little you had in you to push back.

“I'm not letting you suffer, not another minute. Now let me in.” Obi Wan lurched bodily as the first images came through, crying out in pain. Pushing further through the dark web, he grasped onto your signature more fully. You had both survived the arena and he wouldn't loose you now. It was as if Dooku had set a hurricane loose in your mind of all the dark fears you hid away even from him. Trying with all his might Obi Wan began to untangle the dark web in which you were caught, forcing more peaceful thoughts over the storm.

Things he knew calmed you, things that brought you joy. Images of forests and small animals you'd seen on missions, of nights at the diner, the memory of that first kiss under the stars. He felt as your body began to slacken in his hold, going limp as your cries softened to sniffles. Whispering against your head as he continued to soothe, “Stay with me in the light, don't leave. I'll do anything, but please stay darling.”

“I'm trying, it's so hard,” Your voice a whimper, “I'm so tired Obi.”

“Then let me take care of you, as you've done for me.” Obi Wan lifted your face from where it was buried in his chest, eyes bloodshot. They were still the most beautiful eyes he knew. “That's it darling, just hold tightly and all will be well.”

“P-promise?”

“I promise, just hold on.” Carefully Obi Wan carried you to the fresher. Hands steady and gentle as he cleaned the dirt away, holding you as your tears rinsed down the drain with the suds. He was loving in every way as he dried and helped you into fresh robes, laying with you on the bed. It hurt him to see you in such pain, what he would give to take it from you. “Any better sweetling?”

Curling into his body the errand tears still rolled down your cheek. “I'm sorry Obi...”

“Shh none of that wee woman, nothing to be sorry for at all.” You huffed and burrowed into his chest further on a little cry. Obi Wan sighed, slowly soothing a hand at your back. You always managed to find your way before, yet you lay so broken here in his arms. Perhaps all that was required was to remind you of whom you were, “You're so strong Y/n, knew from the first minute I saw you.”

Looking up through wet lashes you hummed curiously.

“It's true, really. You looked ready to fight anyone that would say a word about your Master at her service and then...” He hummed wistfully, “You glanced over and smiled at me.”

“I did?” You mumbled, trying to remember if what your Obi Boy said was true, honestly couldn't recall much of that day really. You hadn't even known Obi Wan then, but you do recall him and Qui Gon being present.

“Indeed you did. Only the strongest beings remain so kind even in the midst of such pain.” He'd only just returned to the order himself, feeling out of place and alone. Obi Wan had dutifully gone to the services, accompanying Master Qui Gon as he bid a friend farewell. Still he felt out of place, under scrutiny even in the midst of mourning. Obi Wan had glanced back at you, watching as he felt the ripples of your palpable sorrow and wondered how you stood so gracefully. Then you had glanced over during the funeral as though sensing his eyes lingering and smiled at him. You had seen him, another lost soul and smiled. He fell for you then and you had ever been a part of him. “Still the strongest person I know.”

“I'm not,” Your arms squeezed him tighter, voice choking on the words. “I wish that were true but... Obi I'm so tired of it. All the missions, all the rules, all the fighting and pain. I don't want to do it anymore...” Soft little sobs escaped despite your best efforts.

He knew, had for so very long. The Temple had always been a gilded cage and honestly even he had come to hate it at times. What would it be like to simply walk with you, unafraid of being seen or judged. What would it be like to have a home away from all of this, only you two? As much as it would pain him, Obi Wan was prepared to make that sacrifice, if that was what you needed of him. Then he felt your soft touch on his jaw and glanced down into your watery eyes.

“...But I'll stay for you... and Anakin. You're my family, I go where you go.” Kissing softly at the top of his chest you started to drift into the depths of your exhaustion. “I love you.”

“And I you, so very much.” His voice broke like waves upon the shore, “I promise you Y/n...”

Shaking your head on a hum you brought his face to meet with yours, lips gently embracing. Salty tears marred the tender joining, maybe that was the best the day could offer. Perhaps that was all there would be is stolen moments and little victories, but it was more than most. You weren't ambitious enough to think past now, living in this moment and nowhere else. No promises of anything but the next sweet kiss from your man. That was the only thing you trusted right now.

Obi Wan could feel just how tenuous your hold was, the way your signature flickered. Like embers in a banked fire, as easily rekindled as it was to be dashed out. So he pressed just a little more, deepening the kiss and tracing your features softly. Fingertips ghosting the line of your jaw till he could comb his fingers into your soft hair. There was more grays streaking through, not from age but from all that life had brought. Laugh lines and freckles that came with time, and not a one would he trade. The two of you had raised Anakin, survived so many missions and mishaps, earning every worry line and sign of age together. On a soft grin Obi Wan began to whisper, a secret just between you. “What would you do Y/n... if we did leave?”

“What?”

“If we left the Order, what would you want to do?” He stroked his thumb at your temple, humming his own contemplation. “I think I'd be a teacher.”

Watching the corners of his eyes crinkle made you believe, even for a minute, it might be possible. That after all of this you might be able to have what you wanted. It was a dangerous feeling, this hope, and not something that would happen until this matter with Dooku was settled. Your Master still needed your help, you couldn't abandon him or the rest of the Jedi now. But here, with your Obi Wan it was safe enough to dream. “I think... just a little clinic. Little younglings with colds and sore throats, school check ups...”

Obi Wan pursed his lips in thought, “We could have a massif.”

“You're more of a tooka person,” you mumbled.

Closing his eyes, Obi Wan murmured, “We could have more than pets... if you'd want.”

“Seems you've thought about this,”voice thick at the thought of what he described. You had secretly wondered the same from time to time, “A little boy maybe...”

“A little family somewhere quiet. Nowhere to go or missions to complete,” he chuckled, “We'd be bored to tears.”

“Boredom sounds good.” a bitter grin etched across your face, “But I have a feeling we won't be bored for quite some time my love.”

“No, I suspect you're right about that. I'm sorry we couldn't stop it Y/n...”

Pulling Obi Wan into another kiss you shook your head, “Not tonight... leave it till morning please?”

Obi Wan soothed you through the night terrors and held you tightly when his own came on. Yesterday the war began, but here in their bunk there was peace.

Even if only for tonight.

tags: @obislittleone @the-rain-on-kamino @a-rose-of-amber @aquaamethyst96 @stanny-uwu @nurseytypechick @just-dreaming-marvel @in-a-mellow-tone @acatalystrising @pickleprickle @iambored24601 @purplepandora666 @misscamptl @wannabakewithsomebody @obiknights @moostresskenobi @the-going-merry @ginger-swag-rapunzelre @iabrokengirl @lovelyxlily @annasun13 @foxperifoto @supernaturallover2002 @imherefordeanandbones

#star wars #obi wan fic #obi wan kenobi #obi wan x reader #clone commander cody #OC Alpha 22 #OC Deuces/Alpha 22 #Clone commando Fi #master yoda #mace windu #OC Glitch Yalvaberg #barriss offee #luminara unduli #attack of the clones

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merlincmgirl · 1 month ago

Text

Rough Sex - Alpha 17 x FReader - NSFW

Summary: When the Jedi Council is given information that poses a risks to all their Jedi in one sector, they assign you one of the best Alpha-class clones to protect you as you take part in negotiations with Separatist deserters. However, you always seem to butt heads with the stubborn Captain

Characters: Alpha-17, Clone Commander Locks (OC), Mace Windu, Yoda

Pairing: Alpha-17 x F!Reader

Word Count: 12, 884

Warnings: PinV sex, fingering, oral sex (female receiving), rough sex, dirty talk

Authour's Note: Sooo this is longer than Cody's and I'm still not sure if I like it or not.

Verd'ika - little warrior

Jetti / Jetisse- Jedi/Jedi (plural)

Jetti osik - Jedi Shit

ner atin verd'ika - my stubborn little warrior

shebs - backside/butt

ad'ika - little one

As you walked through the GAR hangar with Master Windu and Master Yoda, you couldn’t help but feel slightly frustrated. There was many things that the Jedi had to sacrifice during this war, but you didn’t think your own privacy would be one of them. Taking a deep breath, you released those frustrations out into the force.

“Forgive me Masters, but I still do not see why I have to have a protection detail when I have my own men surrounding me” you shook your head, trying to keep your voice as respectful as possible.

“We’ve had intel that General Grievous is planning on capturing multiple Jedi in multiple systems, including the Lido System. All Jedis have been assigned temporary security details to ensure that they have extra support while we look into this intel” Mace explained again, voice already sounding tense. You had to feel sorry for him, he had been going over this with a number of other Jedis as well.

“I am grateful for the extra security, Masters. But I am negotiating talks with possible Separatists defectors. How will it look if I bring a body guard with me?” you noted, running your thumb over the handle of your lightsaber as it was attached to your hip. It was a soothing gesture, one that had become more common as the war continued to drag on.

“A priority your safety is. Not unusual it would appear” Yoda pointed out, and you hated how he was right. No doubt, the other attendees were also going to be bringing their own back up. Turning to him and his floating chair, you nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing. You weren’t a Jedi on the High Council, so you couldn’t refuse their instructions.

“Very well Masters, I will accept the guard detail that you have offered to me. I hope to return to you with good news very soon; I will speak with you after the talks are finalised” you smiled, bowing to them as you stood in front of the shuttle that would transport you to your cruiser.

“May the Force be with you” Windu bid for himself and Yoda, as they both watched you get onto your shuttle.

“And the same with you, Masters!” you called back, waving at them as the shuttle began it’s ascent up through the lanes and lanes of traffic that littered the ecumenopolis. Sighing heavily, you slumped back into your seat next to one of the troopers. It was going to be a long few rotations, that was for sure! As you searched for guidance and patience in the Force, you could have sworn it felt like amusement was reflected back at you.

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

“Commander Locks” you greeted, jumping off the shuttle and onto your ship. The clone had been a stern, regimented man when you had first been assigned to each other. He didn’t trust the Jedi, believing that they weren’t capable of leading a whole battalion without any experience. Unfortunately, he had been more right than the Republic was willing to admit. Jedis weren’t meant to be Generals, and many had never seen any form of battle. It was safe to say that you both learnt a lot from each other. You learnt many different battle strategies and techniques from Locks, and in return, he learnt to relax a little, accept that not all nat-borns thought of him and his brothers as meat-droids. It had allowed you to build up a tight friendship that helped with managing your battalion.

“General” he responded, nodding respectfully as he fell into step with you as you headed towards the bridge. His helmet was clipped to his belt, the amethyst purple stripes along his helmet repeated on the rest of his armour. It was a call to the robes underneath your cloak. You had been honoured when the clones had reported that they were taking those colours because of you. “I take it you know about our visitor” he remarked, glancing sideways at you, taking in your thinned lips.

“I am aware, Commander. Although I do not agree with the council’s decision, I must respect it” you said dryly. Locks snorted but you ignored him. He knew exactly how you felt about the whole situation, no matter if you were trying to be diplomatic about it. “Has he arrived?” you inquired, smiling at a group of clones who snapped to attention at the sight of you and Locks.

“He has, General” Locks confirmed, voice dropping off as though he wanted to add something. You watched as he brought his hands behind his back, brow furrowing as he seemed to straighten. If it was anyone else, you would describe it as a worried tick, but on your Commander, that was surely impossible. He was as steadfast as they come. “I would advise you to not take everything he says to heart. He can be very… colourful with his words” Locks warned, struggling to find the right words to describe your security detail.

You couldn’t help but laugh, resting your hand on Locks’ shoulder. “I assure you Locks, a few curses here and there won’t offend me. After all, I grew up with Anakin and he can curse in droid” you chuckled, shaking your head as you reached the bridge.

“That’s not what I meant, General” Locks frowned, as you pressed the button to open the door. His words were cut off as he followed you onto the bridge.

“General on deck!”

“At ease, gentlemen” you ordered, spotting a large clone near the viewports. He seemed almost bigger than the clones around him, decked in full ARC armour, a light blue stripe running down the middle of his helmet. This must be your security detail the council had issued you while you attended talks in the Lido System.

Heading over to greet him, you barely had time to open your mouth before the ARC trooper was talking.

“You’re late!” the large clone in front of you snapped, and you couldn’t help but gape at him. Besides you Locks struggled to keep in a wince. Glancing at your chrono, you noticed that you were indeed a few minutes late.

“I apologise for keeping you waiting, my shuttle was held up” you apologised, tipping your head to him. “Next time, I’ll insist that they gun it. What is your name?” you inquired, raising an eyebrow at him as you gave him your own name.

“Captain Alpha-17, sir, I’m the lead instructor of the ARC programme” Alpha-17 introduced himself, not offering his hand or a salute at all, as was custom with most officers of the GAR.

“Very well Captain, but what is your name? Not your designation, I prefer names not numbers on my ship” you nodded, taking in the information. You were pretty sure you had heard him mentioned by a number of your fellow Jedis, including Anakin. You would have to comm him later and ask.

“You may call me Alpha, sir” Alpha instructed, straightening himself up even more if possible.

“Pleasure, Alpha” you muttered, before turning to smile at Locks. “So this is why you know our new visitor. He was your teacher” you teased, watching as the usual stoic clone coloured slightly.

“Locks was one of the first 100 clone commanders that I trained in the programme” Alpha acknowledged, his lips quirking just slightly. Anyone else and you wouldn’t class that as a sign of affection. But by the looks of him, that was equal to a beam from the way that Locks seemed to preen. It was strange to see your Commander so eager to seek someone’s praise. He had always been confident and sure of himself, but now you could see the affection your Commander had for Alpha.

“Well I must thank you, Captain. His help has been invaluable during this war” you said gratefully, looking between the two men.

“We’re all expendable, sir” Alpha reminded you, his tone hardening.

It was jarring, and you couldn’t help but feel your eye twitch at his implications. You didn’t believe in the ridiculous teachings of the Kaminoans. These men were all individuals, all bright lights in the Force, and they were all precious to you. Whenever you went through the losses after the battle, it took all of you not to give into the pain and heartbreak at their sacrifice. You had learnt to send that pain and loss into the force, but it was becoming harder and harder for you to actually feel comforted by that.

“Well not to me Captain, you are all unique in the Force. You and your brothers are valued members of the GAR and I will not tolerate any disrespectful behaviour to you” you insisted, trying to keep your voice steady and calm. Although you could feel the frustrated undercurrent threatening to come out.

“If you say so, General. Now I want to talk security details. Commander Locks has already informed me that you wish to go alone to the talks. Not happening” Alpha insisted, waving away your plans for these talks.

“I beg your pardon!” you spluttered out, unable to believe what you were hearing. It was like he was happy to totally disregard your desires and suggestions to maintain these talks without appearing too threatening. A whole squadron of troopers would not make the talks go as smoothly as possible if the others thought that you didn’t feel safe and confident in what was going to happen.

“Beg all you want General, but you’re having a team of clones with you, as well as me. Basic security protocol, I thought even you would understand that” Alpha retorted, eyes narrowing as he watched a flush work it’s way up your neck.

“I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I agreed to one bodyguard during this, and Masters Yoda and Windu confirmed this before I even stepped on this cruiser. So if you have a problem with that, Captain, take it up with them. I am not taking another squad with me just to sit through hours and hours of eye-watering boredom and having to put them through that as well. It’s not happening!” you snarled through gritted teeth, unable to believe that this man in front of you so easily disregarded your own plans. Commander Locks had been right to warn you about him, although you didn’t take him seriously at the time. Alpha was certainly a clone that was going to push you to your limits.

“They’ve had worse” he shrugged nonchalantly, and that only made your hackles rise even more at his flippant attitude towards his own brothers. “I was given orders by the Jedi Council to ensure that you are safe during your mission. If you’d rather end up dead, do it on someone else’s time. I will not have you mess up my instructions just because you think Grievous won’t target you” Alpha proclaimed, crossing his arms and staring down at you. He enjoyed seeing the look of irritation in your eyes, the way you were struggling to keep your composure. It wouldn’t be the first time he had said something to upset a Jedi, and it most certainly wouldn’t be the last. But he wasn’t about to let you believe that you could control how these talks and threats were going to go, just because you could move things with your mind. Watching in amusement as you clenched your fists and stood as straight as you could to match his gaze, he couldn’t help but admire your fiery spirit.

“Fine!” you spat out, consenting to whatever nonsense he was going to put into place for your apparent safety. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with my instructions, Captain, then I will allow it” you told him, before swiftly spinning on your heel. You were either going to spend some time sparring with your men or meditating. As the doors to the bridge closed behind you, you were sure that if you could use the punching bags, it would be either Alpha’s face or the entire High Council you would be imagining.

“Well, that went better than I expected” Locks drawled dryly, coming to stand beside the ARC trooper.

“I thought so too” Alpha agreed, returning to speak to the transport co-ordinator on what ships and shuttles would be available to him to transport everyone down to the planet.

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

“The talks start at 0900 local time, you will meet with Puzob Fortab from the Trade Federation and Dal Terss from the Techno Union. Both defectors who will most likely try to manipulate you in getting the best deals as possible for them. Representatives from the Senate as well will be present” Alpha declared, pointing to the two profiles of the Separatists’ defectors. You hummed, already aware of each individual and their background. It has been one of the first things that you did when the Council had assigned this to you.

“Exits are here, here, here and here down the side passageway. I will station troopers at all exit points. Furthermore, Commander Locks will stay in orbit, preparing for an aerial attack if needs be” Alpha reported, as we were gathered around the holotable that projected a holomap of the building that the talks would be held in. There was a number of red dots that represented all members of the squad that would be accompanying you down to the planet.

“Thank you Captain, I am very much aware that they will be trying to ensure the best deals for themselves, but this is important. We must gather as much information as we can on the Separatists and their allies. The Republic is depending on us” you nodded, taking in as much information on the schematics of the building as you could. It was best to be prepared, just in case.

“I’ve worked with these sleemos before cyar’ika,” he scoffed, raising an eyebrow at the profiles, “and you can’t give them an inch.”

Your eye twitched, irritation curling in your stomach at his words. “I have met many Neimoidian and Sullustan people, Captain. They have all been pleasant and not at all like you describe. Jedi believe we cannot tar all because of the few” you told him simply, reining in your emotions. Turning to the Captain, you rested your hands on your hips. “Even so, I am prepared for all eventualities. But I have a good feeling about today” you smiled, turning off the holotable.

“Good, then I don’t have to tell you to not sample anything they offer you. No eating, no drinking anything that is not tested before hand or has been verified by me and my men” Alpha smirked, watching the smile drop off your face.

“I think you’re being overly cautious Captain, I can use the Force to purge my body of toxins if that happens. Besides, I do not want to start these talks off negatively. It would be highly disrespectful to our hosts if we deny them their hospitality” you frowned, watching as the smirk played on his face. God, you wished he would stop questioning you and putting ridiculous rules into place. You understood it was for your safety, but this seemed a little extreme.

As a Padawan, back at the Temple, you had been building up tolerance to a variation of poisons with Anakin and Aayla, sneaking into Anakin’s rooms so that nobody could find out. Ultimately, Master Obi-Wan Kenobi had found out, and lectured you all on being ‘incredibly foolish to do something so dangerous’ as well as ‘sheer damn lucky that nothing had gone wrong.’ It had been incredibly awkward and once Kenobi had finished, Masters Vos and Trebor had picked up on the lecture and all 3 of you had been punished and sent out to help the Crèche Masters. You would be able to handle a bit of poison until you got to a medic.

Alpha stiffened and seemed to grow even taller as he straightened himself out. “Alright then, verd’ika” he growled out, and from the corner of your eye, you noticed several clones, including Locks, stiffen at the word. Crossing his arms and peering down at you, you couldn’t help but feel small standing next to the Alpha-class ARC trooper. “Lets see how disrespectful it’ll be when I tell them they’ve got to take the first bite” he glared, his brown-golden eyes firm and unwilling to budge on this.

“You wouldn’t dare!” you challenged, stepping right up into his space and poking at his chest. If anything it hurt you more than him, but you weren’t going to show that. These were your negotiations, you would get the information off the potential defectors and you would return back to the Council so that it could be used to help further the war. And you certainly wasn’t going to let Alpha get in the way of that. Narrowing your eyes at him and thinning your lips, you hoped he could see how serious you was about this.

Leaning down until he was your height, he let out a little scoff before the smirk was back again. “Try me, Princess” he breathed, eyes meeting yours in a show of stubbornness. He wouldn’t be the one to back down. You may have some jetii osik going on, but he certainly wasn’t going to be one who fawned over you. No, he had a job to do and he would do it. It was just a perk that he could get you so riled up that your cheeks were flushed and your eyes had a wild shine to them. He wondered idly how far he could push you before you lost some of that Jedi composure he saw so often.

Huffing in a breath, you spun on your heel to Locks who quickly straightened up. “Commander, please jettison Captain Alpha-17 from the nearest air lock! I am retiring for the night, I will meet you at 0700 in the mess hall. I expect the Captain to be gone by then” you grumbled, seeing the surprise and reluctance appear on his face.

“General, the Captain is right. We have to ensure your safety and his plans are the ideal way to do that” Locks reminded you, hands coming to clasp around his back. “You know that” he added quietly, making you feel even worse at how right he was.

“Fine, don’t jettison him. But I warn you Captain, I am not some delicate flower that needs to be protected, I am a Jedi, I can look after myself” you relented, turning back to bow stiffly at the large man before heading off to your own rooms. You needed rest if tomorrow was going to go well.

After some rest and meditation, you felt a lot more calmer and stable in the Force, so you headed down to breakfast in the mess hall. Along the way you greeted the troopers as you passed them, some who would be accompanying you down to the surface for these talks. Many of them however were waking up for the first shift and would be staying behind. Either way, you made sure to greet them personally. They were all unique individuals under your command, and you appreciated their similarities and their differences. Unlike some Jedi you could think of.

Shaking your head, you grabbed a tray and stepped into line behind your men. When you got to the display of food, your stomach couldn’t help but rumble.

“Hungry General?” Whisk, the resident cook in your battalion, asked as he chuckled at hearing your stomach cry out for food.

“Always, Whisk. What looks good today?” you grinned, looking over the breakfasts that he had prepared for you and his brothers.

“Well, thanks to the generosity of Naboo, we got some lovely fruit, yoghurts and I made some pastries” Whisk offered, pointing out all the new items available to you. It had been aid from Naboo that allowed all this. You had saved one of the Queen’s handmaidens from being taken by a bunch of Separatist pirates and the Queen had gracefully offered you crates of aid. The morale amongst the troopers had certainly seen a boost.

Picking your breakfast, you were about to head to your usual seat at the back of the hall before your path was blocked. Looking up, you glanced up the pale blue armour and into the deep whiskey-coloured eyes of Alpha-17.

“Ah, good morning Captain” you smiled, prepared to start today on a better footing than before. You were a bit harsh to him, probably a result of having the Council practically order you to accept protection.

The ARC trooper nodded in greeting, taking in your slightly brighter eyes and less exhausted look from the day before. “You missed dinner last night” he commented, following you over to your table.

Gaping at how he had guessed that, you couldn’t help but wonder if he could read minds. “Yes, the Force can sustain me for a while” you nodded, passing over some fruit to him.

“I’ve already eaten” he frowned, trying to pass it back.

“It won’t do no harm, Captain. I’ve heard that the Kaminoans modified you with a high metabolic rate. So eat, you’re not lucky enough to be sustained by the Force” you teased, returning back to your own breakfast.

He frowned even harder at you, and you were worried that it was going to stick. “Just because you have that Jedi osik, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat” he grumbled, brow furrowing as he stared at your tray for a second. Before you could reply, he grabbed a passing trooper by the arm. The trooper nearly let out a squeak as he was pulled from his vod’s side. “Get the General a second plate” he ordered, not even waiting for the Trooper’s salute before he turned back to you.

“Alpha! That is not necessary!” you chided, looking back at the hurried trooper and then at the stubborn one in front of you. “I’m fine, I never normally eat a big breakfast before a mission” you objected, worry curling in your stomach now for the trooper that was having to follow Alpha’s orders. Whisk would be so confused and put out, especially as he had brothers to feed.

“You’ve got a long day ahead of you” Alpha shrugged, not the least bit concerned about your objections. “And you won’t be eating food that’s not been tested anyway” he reminded, making you scowl back down at your plate.

Remembering all the meditations and your teachings, you pushed your frustrations into the force.

“Thank you Captain, it’s very kind of you” you smiled, democratically before relaxing your shoulders as you took a deep breath. “But you must at least have some. It’s only practical not to let the food go to waste” you argued, pleased when a look of surprised came onto his face. Well if he was going to force you to eat, then you would do the same. The clones had such a big appetite due to the changes in their metabolic rate, that you could almost guarantee that he would still be hungry. And you didn’t mind sharing your food and time with him.

“Alright, verd’ika, I’ll accept” he nodded, soaking in your pleased grin. It made you look happier, more content than when he had first seen you. Like the stress of the war melted away for a few seconds before you were no doubt brought back to the cold, harsh reality of being in war time.

“So, do you know who the Senate sent to represent them?” you wondered, curious who it would be. You hoped it would be an aid from Naboo, the handmaidens were always a delight to be around and they had such good stories to tell. They were also extremely politically aware of the situation and would be a welcome ally in investigating the defectors and seeing if the information they held was of value.

“Peg Shar 1 and Chandrila from what I’ve heard” Alpha grunted, pulling out his datapad and going through the briefing.

“Senator Mothma is attending?” I asked eagerly, surprised at such a well-known Senator coming to these talks. She was an inspiring figure in the Senate, and was a fantastic orator. Mothma was someone you respected for her hard work and dedication to her people as well as the Republic.

“No, apparently she sends her apologies and has sent her aids. They both have, no risk of any Senators getting killed, just a Jedi and a few clones” Alpha shrugged, scrolling through the morning reports.

“I wish you wouldn’t say stuff like that” you sighed heavily, pushing away the extra food that had materialised by your side. The trooper who had been strong armed into delivering it had quickly made a fast retreat to return to his duties. “You and your brothers are worth more than you have been told” you said sincerely, hoping he would listen to you.

“Nice sentiments, but that don’t stop the reality of the situation” he retorted, setting his stern and firm gaze onto you. He placed his datapad down and crossed his hands in front of him, like he was preparing to give you the worst news of your life. “We are expendable. We were bred to be expendable. And if you die, well at least your sacrifice will be honoured. That’s the way of the galaxy verd’ika” he insisted, watching as your face clouded in hurt and anger. Not very Jedi-like emotions.

However, the conversation was ended as Commander Locks walked over to your table. “General, Captain. I believe we have negotiations to prepare for” Locks remarked, glancing between you both, feeling the tension that surrounded you.

“We’re coming, Commander” you sighed heavily, pushing yourself up from the table and picking up the trays to throw away.

“Here, fill the General in, Commander. I’ll catch up with you in a minute” Alpha murmured, taking the trays out of your hands. He regretted that he had caused your happy demeanour to slip away from you, but it was important to remember that he and his brothers were more than likely going to die in service to the Republic, it was what they were born to do. Never had there been any doubt about his loyalty to the Republic, it was just a matter of fact. And there was nothing the little jetii could do to stop that.

“You alright, General?” Locks inquired, noticing the forlorn expression that had crept along your face as you headed towards the bridge.

“I just wish I could do more” you murmured, hand falling to your lightsaber in comfort. If only you could do something to improve the clones’ treatment from others and the Republic.

“You do more than enough, sir” Locks replied, knocking his shoulder into yours. “Now, I’m confident that you’ll survive being planet-side with Alpha for the day. Just make sure he returns in one piece. He’s valuable to the war effort” Locks stated, lips twitching into a smirk.

“No promises.”

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

“Captain Alpha-17, sit rep” Commander Locks requested, as he transferred the report onto the display while he was stationed on the bridge. From the intel gathered by his pilots, there seemed to be an almost calm in the surrounding space that they occupied. If he was the type of man to be optimistic, he would say it was almost going well.

“Remind me again of the mission’s objectives?” Alpha grumbled into the comm, checking on his men around the room and covering the exits. Everything seemed to be going as expected.

“They sent the General to keep the peace during talks with defectors” Locks shrugged, eyes running idly over the report displayed on the holopad.

Alpha couldn’t help but glance at the argument raging in the middle of the room. “And what a great job she’s doing!” he grumbled, shaking his head as he saw the jetii right in the middle of it.

“I believe we are offering quite a decent deal Terss! We will not be offering full leniency for all of your crimes” Senator Aid Puk from Peg Shar insisted, cutting off whatever the Jedi had to say. You had to bite your tongue to stop any biting comment aimed at the Senator’s aid.

“Fortab, Terss, you came to the Republic looking for aid and refuge. If you were -” the aid from Chandrila started before they were cut short. There was a loud bang from one of the long winding tunnels that made up the building that you were meeting in. It was followed by a series of screams and blaster shots. The aides, as well as Fortab and Terss, looked around you in fear.

“Clock! Sit Rep!” Alpha demanded down his comm, as he quickly moved around the room to protect his Jedi.

“Captain! It seems we have an uninvited visitor to this meeting” you called, grabbing your lightsaber and standing in front of the doors where the noise was coming from. You could already hear the distinct sound of clankers marching towards you.

“No kidding sir, we’ve got reports of Grievous heading towards you. We’ll hold them off while you get to the ship” Alpha grunted, listening to the reports from the troopers in the entrance and exits, barking out orders to his troops to close in and defend the room and the path to the hangar.

“Negative, Captain, I’ll hold Grievous off while you evacuate the others” you argued, turning to the Captain as his large form came to your side. He already had his blasters out and was prepared for battle. He didn’t seem too pleased with your plan.

“The Jedi Council gave me orders to protect you, General!” Alpha growled, as a couple of your troopers short circuited the door.

“And I’ve given you an order, Captain! Get them out of here!” you snapped, before turning to the gathering behind you. “You lot, follow my troopers to the hangar. Do not wait for us and depart immediately. Maik, Shatter your squads will escort them to the ships and inform Commander Lock that Grievous is here” you instructed, and the two troopers closest to you saluted before beginning to guide everyone out.

Turning to look at Alpha who had stationed the men around the room, you raised an eyebrow at his annoyance in the Force. “My, Captain is that because of me or Grievous?” you asked, twirling the hilt of your lightsaber in your hand before steadying yourself.

“At the moment, it’s a tie” he retorted, making you snort in amusement.

“When Grievous comes through, he is mine. Concentrate our forces on the droids” you declared, taking in a deep breath, balancing yourself in the Force. Whatever happened here, you would not be adding another lightsaber to Grievous’ collection. A scream cuts off just in front of the barred exits and you readied yourself for the attack.

“Anyone lets the jetii be taken, you’ll be running laps around the Venator until I’m satisfied” Alpha growled, blaster aimed at the door.

“That’s a bit extreme” you muttered, flinching slightly as 4 lightsabers came through the metal, swiftly cutting a large whole in the blast doors. If there was any doubt it was Grievous here to collect you, you were certain of it now.

If you weren’t a Jedi, you would have felt fear consume you as Grievous and all of his cybotic limbs climbed through the hole and stood towering over your troopers. As it is, you let your fear out into the Force, you would not let yourself become distracted. “Ah, General Y/L/N, your lightsaber will make a fine addition to the many others of your brothers and sisters” Grievous stated, twirling the sabres in his grasp.

“If it’s my fate to go into the force, then so be it Grievous. But I will not allow you to massacre my men. I purpose a challenge, General. You will fight me, and me alone. If you win, I’ll go with you, but if I win, you will surrender to the Army of the Galactic Republic” you bargained, feeling Alpha’s unease next to you, as well as many of the men surrounding you.

“Why should I, Little General, when I’m going to take you anyway. Kill the meat-droids” Grievous ordered his droids.

There was a shower of blaster fire as you sighed heavily and ignited your lightsaber. “Very well, General. So be it.”

The clash of plasma against plasma hummed around the room, the angry buzz being heard even over the blaster shots. Fighting Grievous was difficult, the force of his hits was enough to make your knees buckle. Added to the fact that you had 4 blades to avoid instead of one or two. The heat from the blades could be felt from beneath your robes as you skilfully manoeuvred out of Grievous’ reach.

Looking around you, you jumped onto the table that held the peace talks and stared down at your enemy. “You will not find what you seek with me, General! Nor with any other Jedi that you may take” you vowed, jumping from a swipe to your legs.

“Such confidence for one that will soon be skewered on my trophies!”

You grunted, feeling the hit against your own blade as you tried to flip over him. One of his hands shot out to grab your leg, catapulting you to the side of the room. Pain flared up your side as you landed against the metal wall.

“General!”

Blinking through your blurred vision and the sudden heaviness of your limbs, you pushed yourself up. Your head was spinning and you struggled to take in a breath. Just as you finally managed to stand straight, a robotic claw grabbed at your neck, squeezing the life out of you.

“Cap-tain” you choked out, seeing the blurred outline of the Captain just behind Grievous. Gasping and spluttering, you managed to grip the hilt of your lightsaber before using the force to throw it behind Grievous.

“You will enjoy your time in my cells” Grievous promised, raising the hilt of a lightsaber and smashing it into your face. The metal dug into the fragile flesh of your jaw and cheek, and you felt the skin split, sending blood pouring down your face. With the last bit of oxygen in your body, you felt and saw the cyborg shudder, letting out a pained roar, before he was loosening his grip on you and collapsing in a pile of steel at your feet.

Looking up, you saw Alpha holding your lightsaber, prepared to strike another blow to Grievous and cut off his remaining limbs. You couldn’t help but stare, he looked like an avenging god as sparks flew from Grievous.

He scrambled on his two legs, yelling in outrage and screaming orders to the droids for him to evacuate to his ship. Alpha shot after him with his blaster, as the remainder of Grievous’ forces were defeated by your troopers.

“Alright, verd’ika?” Alpha asked, crouching in front of you.

“Never… better” you croaked out, your throat feeling like it was crushed. It brought tears to your eyes just attempting to speak.

Alpha took off his helmet and frowned heavily at you, before waving behind him for a medic.

“No… ‘m fin’” you grimaced, shaking your head and pushing yourself up onto your knees.

“Easy! You’re in no shape to move yet General. Grievous has beat a retreat, Commander Lock is preparing to engage him in the atmosphere. Let Dose take a look at you and I’ll handle the rest” Alpha informed, his gloved hand cupping your jaw gently and examining your wounds. Seeing your small nod, he hummed in satisfaction, squeezing your shoulder as he moved away to organise the return to the Venator.

You were Med-evacced along with a number of your troopers back to your ship. The peace talks and arrangements were to be rearranged for a few days later, while an investigation would take place as to how Grievous had gotten onto the planet. The security scan and recon had not shown any hint of his or his army’s presence in the system. Perhaps Fortab and Terss hadn’t been as eager to give information to the Republic as they seemed.

“General, I must insist you rest!” Dose said firmly, coming into your curtained off bed.

You motioned to your horizontal position on the bed.

He scoffed, shaking his head and looking pointedly at the datapad in your hand. “And at least let me put some bacta on your injuries” Dose implored, used to your antics in the med bay. He just thanked his lucky stars that at least you weren’t as bad as General Kenobi.

“Dose, I’m resting and they’re superficial. Besides, I’ve taken that horrible concoction you forced me to take for my throat. I’ll be fine. May I be discharged?” you assured your Chief Medical Officer. You hoped he would release you soon, you had a mountain of data-pads to get through on your desk, as well as updating the Jedi Council.

“I’m not discharging you unless it’s into the custody of Commander Locks. At least then I’ll know you’ll actually be resting instead of working” Dose grumbled, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow at you as you huffed in return.

That would take a while, your Commander was still on the bridge and dealing with the fallout of your mission.

“Think I can help with that Dose” a voice from behind the curtain said. Alpha-17 came round the screen and looked between the clone and you. His eyes narrowed and this lips thinned at the sight of the scrapes still on your face. “Commander Locks has ordered me to escort the General back to her quarters” he informed us.

You groaned, accepting that this was now your fate. You’d get Locks back as soon as you could. As you were about to protest even more, the datapad in your hand was quickly swiped. You couldn’t help but gape at Alpha as he held your datapad out of reach. Kriff him and he’s large frame.

“And to not allow her to throw herself back into work until tomorrow” Alpha added, face firm as he looked back at you defiantly.

“Alpha! This is ridiculous!” you objected, watching as he hooked it onto his belt. You turned to Dose for support but he just said nothing and shrugged.

“Orders are orders. Now come on, sooner you get some sleep, the sooner you can return to the bridge” Alpha stated, offering you a hand and helping you get up on unsteady legs. Just how long exactly had you been sitting there on that uncomfortable bed?

“I’m the General” you reminded them both, unable to help the little pout that crossed your face. Your legs wobbled even more as your head spun at finally standing up. Alpha was quick to wrap an arm around your waist to steady you. The warmth of his strong arm seeped through your robes and helped soothe your aching muscles.

“Technically General, in this situation, with regards to the health of the men, I outrank everyone. Including you” Dose corrected, leaving you to do nothing but gape at him in surprise. Obviously you knew that, but you didn’t expect him to actually throw that back at you.

“You’ve been spending too much time with Kix.”

“Perhaps. But I agree with the Commander. I’m not passing you fit for duty until you come in tomorrow for the all clear” Dose insisted, crossing his arms and giving you a hard stare.

“Fine, fine! Lead the way Captain” you grumbled, squeezing onto the arm around your waist.

Alpha grunted in acknowledgement, all but carrying you down the corridors to your quarters. He didn’t say anything to you, just helped you along. The rest of his vods tried to come over and check on you but he waved them away. The little jetii needed rest and he was under orders to make sure she took it.

When you arrived at the door to your quarters, you typed in the code, rubbing your temples and being surprised to see that there was blood on your hand. Oh… you’d forgotten that you had refused to let Dose look at the wound and close it. Determined to get back to work and assuring that the Force would take care of it. Besides, your men needed it more than you did in that moment. If you weren’t mistaken, Dose had looked like he was going to have an aneurysm and had quickly typed something on his datapad.

Wait a minute! Had he been the one to inform your Commander of your inability to rest? Was they in cahoots about ensuring that you looked after yourself? Knowing the vode, it was almost a certainty.

Feeling the start of a headache, you could admit that they may be right. It was starting to ache and you were desperate to get to the small medic pack in your quarters to pop a painkiller and wipe away the blood that was still trickling down your face. Head wounds always bled more than other wounds. Is that why Alpha had looked so annoyed when he had given you a once over?

“Come on General, get in so I can clean you up” Alpha instructed, giving you a slight shake to help you focus on stepping into the peace and quiet of your room.

As soon as the door closed behind the pair of you, he gently settled you into a seat at your desk and knelt down before you.

“Alright ner atin verd’ika, seeing as you refused to let Dose treat your wounds, but you’re talking alright, I’m gonna assume you’d at least took something for your throat. Now where’s your med pack so I can take a look at these?” he murmured, gently prodding at your forehead. It made you wince at the sharp pain that shot through your head and he ran a gentle thumb over your tensed brow in apology.

“Over there, in the cabinet” you instructed him, pointing to your small refresher in the corner.

He nodded, and you took the opportunity to shed your outer robes. Using the Force, you guided them over to the laundry chute to be taken care of with the rest of your clothes. Closing your eyes, you couldn’t help but think back to what happened with Grievous, the feel of metal digging into your throat, cutting off your airways. You had been certain you were going to die, be it there in that room or later on in whatever scheme that Grievous had come up with.

Until you has spotted Alpha behind the great hulking cyborg. Even gripping onto the last dregs of consciousness, you had trusted him, knew that he would save you. That was why you had given him your lightsaber, barely having enough energy to throw it but he had caught it. Had known what you wanted him to do and had cut Grievous down to size. Alpha had always had your respect and trust, but even more so after saving your life. Everything you had heard about him had been the truth, he was an exceptional soldier and a good man.

A hand on your knee brought you out of your thoughts and you blinked in surprise to see Alpha’s deep, honey brown eyes staring into your own. He looked worried and you couldn’t help but try and assure him.

“I’m fine, just thinking about today” you smiled slightly, shaking yourself a little and trying to bring yourself back to the present.

Your words didn’t take the concern from his eyes as he began to sort out what he would need to treat the scrapes and cuts on your head. “You did good. Believe me, I know what a bastard he is to fight, you did well. Don’t think about anything else” he told you, before running a critical gaze over your face. “In pain?” he asked, and you knew you couldn’t lie to him. He’d find out. So you nodded and allowed him to give you an extra shot of relief.

“Thank you, the shot that Dose gave me is wearing off” you muttered, feeling yourself relax now that you were in your quarters and the pain relief was kicking in again.

“Should have let him look at this” Alpha chided, cleaning away some of the blood surrounding the cut on your head.

“The Force would have taken care of it eventually, and besides there were more pressing cases than mine” you shrugged, thinking back to the screams that you had heard in the medbay. What was a few cuts and bruises compared to troopers who had lost limbs or blaster wounds in their sides? No, you’d much prefer the bacta supplies go to them.

Alpha scoffed and you couldn’t help but shoot him a glare, quietly demanding he explain himself. “Your heroism complex is gonna get you killed, verd’ika” he warned, tightening his grip on your knee to keep you from moving away as he got a particularly tough spot of blood off. It only caused more blood to trickle out of the cut.

“It’s my duty as a Jedi to protect those in need, to help those who suffer. If I have to give my life for that cause, so be it” you stated, echoing the values that you and the rest of the Jedi Order shared.

Alpha stilled, his shoulders tightening for a second before he looked away. “Sound like the vode” he murmured, focusing his attention on getting the bacta out and dabbing it onto a clean piece of gauze.

“Maybe we’re more alike than you’d think” you grinned, thinking back to the many similarities that the Jedi Order shared with the Vode. Both forced into a war that neither had asked for, their duties fighting against their values, to see their brothers and sisters die to protect a galaxy that was increasingly turning against them. It made your heart ache at all the pain that was being endured during this awful war. It was little wonder why the Force felt so heavy as of late, as though you were walking through tar. There was a great imbalance, and everyone felt it.

A hand cupped the back of your head, fingers slipping through your braid to keep your head steady. You pulled away as you saw Alpha raise the bacta to your head. Already you could imagine the sting that would cause.

“Quit squirming!” Alpha rebuked sharply, as he dragged the bacta across the cut on your forehead.

You scowled at him, biting back a wince as the wound was already starting to tingle from the bacta. Your neck and collarbone itched, you were sure the blood that had been running down the side of your face had dried and formed an irritating crust on your skin.

With large, calloused hands, Alpha tilted your head up a little so he could check the damage done to you. There was a scruff on your jaw, the skin all grazed from where you had caught the rough end of the hilt of Grievous lightsaber. The cheek was already bruising and he carefully slathered some more bacta onto the purpling skin.

“Gonna have some nasty bruises in the morning, General” he teased, cleaning the scrape on your jaw before tiding up the mess from the med pack.

“Thank you Alpha, for cleaning my wounds… and for saving my life” you said softly, reaching out to still his large hands with your smaller one. You looked into his warm eyes, seeing the surprise at your appreciation and at your touch.

“Someone has to save your shebs” he murmured, voice dropping lower as he glanced at your hand on his before meeting your gaze.

You swallowed nervously, the tone of his voice sent a warmth cascading through you. It was soothing, even if the words weren’t. It felt awfully like a promise to always have your back. Unable to help it, you bit your lip and raised your hand to cup his cheek, tenderly stroking along his cheekbone. You could feel the stubble against your palm, the rough edges teasing against your fingertips.

“I’m glad it was you” was whispered past your lips, not wanting to disturb this quiet moment between the both of you.

Alpha let out a small grunt, eyes zeroing in on the lip that was caught in between your teeth.

“Stop doing that!” he growled, tugging your lip out of your teeth with his thumb. He used it to run across your lip, savouring the drag against his calloused pad.

“Why?” you breathed, feeling yourself caught up in the lust and desire that was rolling off Alpha. You knew if another Force user would come in, they’d feel the same emotions coming from you as well. His large frame was kneeling in between your legs, and the trunk of his body was still wide enough to have you spread them to the point that it was a distraction now you weren’t concentrating on him fixing you up.

“Because if you don’t, I’m going to end up fucking you over this desk” he warned, his other hand coming to rest heavily on your knee.

“And that’s meant to stop me?” you scoffed, raising an eyebrow at him. You soon stopped when it pulled on your cut.

Alpha shot you a heavy look that seemed to say ‘you asked for it!’ The hand that was cradling your jaw dragged your face closer to his. You could feel his warm breath fan across your face and you couldn’t help but let out a little sigh of your own. The feel of his strong hand guiding you sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

His eyes scanned your face, seeming to make sure you wanted this too. The gesture was enough to make you melt even more for him.

“Can I kiss you, mesh’la?”

And really, how could you turn down such a polite request?

Gripping onto his cuirass, you pulled him towards you, pressing your lips against his. His lips were rough against yours, dry from the circulating air on the ship but surprisingly tender as you both kiss. You would have thought he’d kiss you like his personality would suggest – all dominant and rough edges, taking control and pressing you against him. Instead he slows your hurried movements down, pressing gentle kisses to the corner of your mouth before teasing you into a more open mouth kiss.

You can’t help but sigh against him, letting him in and tasting the disgusting caf that he’d probably grabbed from the mess hall. He explored your mouth, coaxing your tongue to do the same as he gripped the back of your neck, angling you how he wanted you.

Pulling away, you rested your head against his, opening your eyes so that you could see him. He looked hungry. That was the only way you could describe it as you took in his reddened lips. You had done that. You had left your mark on him just from kissing him. It sent a small thrill through you at the thought.

“Can we do that again?” you smiled, relaxing into his hold. One hand had slipped down to your back, the other was gripping your thigh to keep himself steady.

Alpha scoffed, shaking his head at you before returning to kissing you, pulling away to press gentle and careful kisses along you jaw. As he made his way down your throat, you swiftly remembered that you were probably covered in blood from the battle.

“Wait!” you cried, hands coming to push at his shoulders.

Alpha instantly jumped back, eyes shrouding in hurt. He nodded, looking away from you for a moment before going to get up.

“No! I mean… I’m filthy. It’s probably not a good idea to kiss me there, I’m sure I’ve got blood on me. It would be horrible for you to have to kiss me like this” you rushed to explain, hoping to reassure him that it wasn’t something he had done to make you push him away.

Alpha cocked an eyebrow at you, looking at you like you had just told him that you could turn into a tooka. “Kriff, you talking about? Have to kiss you? Like it’s a damn chore?” he rolled his eyes, leaning up on his knees so he could look you firmly in the eyes. “I don’t care if you’re covered in blood and dirt and sweat. We’ve just come from a battle, do you think I expect you to be all clean and shiny?” he chided, before pressing a kiss to your throat, where you no undoubtedly had a dry patch of blood on you. “No, mesh’la. I can handle a little blood” he smirked, pressing kisses all over the column of your throat and sucking dark marks against your skin.

His words were reassuring and you lost yourself to the pleasure of him marking you up. There would be a number of bruises come tomorrow, and you could just imagine continuing your duties with the evidence of Alpha’s affection and lust decorating your skin beneath your robes. Your hands slid into his short, curly hair and tugged gently on the strands, feeling the small moan that he let out against your collarbone. Oh he liked that, didn’t he? Using that knowledge, you couldn’t help but guide him back up to your lips.

“I was busy” he grouched, and you couldn’t help but giggle at him.

“Be busy elsewhere” you instructed, reaching for his armour. Alpha stopped you, gently pushing your hands away.

“Better plan, you take off yours and I’ll take off mine. Save some time” he proposed, already beginning to tug on his spaulder. Shooting him a grin, you quickly stood up and began undressing from your robes, your fingers used to the nimble fastenings and knots that you used to keep them in place. Within a matter of minutes, you were left in nothing.

The cool air trailed across your body, your nipples beginning to harden at the feeling. You felt exposed as Alpha straightened up to look at you. It had been a while since you had allowed anyone to look at you like this, to experience your vulnerability. The last time had been with a fellow crèche mate just before you took your trials to be knighted. Both of you agreed that it was fun but nothing serious. Now, standing in front of Alpha, you wondered if you measured up to what he liked.

“Kriff! You’re beautiful, ad’ika. Prettiest thing I’ve seen” he breathed in awe, taking in the way you relaxed at his words, blush rising from your chest to your face. He couldn’t wait to trace that with his tongue.

While he was apprising you, you did the same to him. Alpha was gorgeous, there was no doubt about it. He was big and muscular, the strength clear to see in his bulging thighs and arms. There seemed to be miles and miles of pretty bronzed skin, his body was littered with scars that told just how brave of a soldier he was. How he withstood torture from Ventress herself and came out the other side. Trailing your eyes down from his broad chest and his snatched in waist, you let your gaze rest on his cock. It was just as thick as the rest of him with an average length. You knew you would be feeling him tomorrow.

“Like what you see, mesh’la?” he teased, reaching a hand to cup your breast. He ran a gentle thumb over your hardened bud, content to feel the weight of your breast with his hand. His other wrapped around your waist, pulling you into him and keeping you pressed against his warm chest.

“You’re gorgeous” you whispered, feeling small in his hold. It was obvious he hadn’t expected you to say that because he blinked in surprise.

“If you say so” he murmured, before leaning down to quieten any objections to his words with his mouth. He was like a solid wall of muscle and heat as he kept you close, running a hand up and down your side in a soothing motion.

Wrapping your arms around him as much as you could, you couldn’t help but moan into his mouth, wanting him to know that he was making you feel so good. With a small nip to your lip, he pulled away and guided you back into your desk chair. Letting out a whine of protest, he enjoyed your little noises as he moved away from you to grab a pillow from your bed. He placed it in front of you and answered your searching look with a grin.

“These knees ain’t as young as they used to be, ad’ika” he chuckled wryly, landing a kiss in between your breasts. You closed your eyes at the sensation, feeling like he was branding you, even with his soft kisses around the mound of your breasts. He gently grazed his teeth against your skin, causing you to jump a little. Your last partner hadn’t done any of this.

Threading your fingers through his hair, you helped guide him to where you wanted his mouth. Feeling the small grin against your skin as he enjoyed you taking what you wanted, you couldn’t help but tease him back by pulling on his hair and dragging a foot up his thigh.

“Patience, ner verd’ika” he hummed against you, before taking your nipple into his warm, wet mouth, gently sucking on the bud to harden it further.

“Alpha!” you panted, as he ran his tongue around you before giving it a quick graze of his teeth. You gasped, eyes shooting open to meet his darkened gaze and you felt a rush of wetness slip from your entrance.

He gave the other breast the same attention, lovingly laving the bud with his tongue before teasing you with a sharp pinch or tug of his teeth. Alpha seemed to want to learn every part of your body, his hands running over every expanse of your skin as he could.

With one last, loud suck that left your cheeks darkening, Alpha pulled away from your chest and gave you a filthy grin. “I want to eat you out, mesh’la, want to taste you as you cum in my mouth. That okay?” he challenged, raising an eyebrow at you as you gaped at him. What the kriff was you meant to say to that? Especially when it conjured up so many different images in your mind. Of Alpha fucking you with his tongue and fingers. Alpha pressing you over your desk and just eating you out until you could do nothing but slump against the desk. Of Alpha groaning into your cunt as he got lost in the taste.

“Yes… yes please” you managed to get out, feeling your arousal pool in combination with his words and the way your imagination used them to think of all the different ways he could have you.

“Good girl, I’m going to need you to keep these” he said, squeezing your knees before pushing them open and resting them on the arm rests of your chair, “open for me. Think you can do that while I taste this beautiful pussy?”

The cool air of your quarters left you shuddering as Alpha spread your legs wide. You weren’t sure if it was because of him or the praise that he dished out to you. Being called a good girl normally brought you nothing but annoyance, but the way that Alpha said it made you want to be just that. To be his good girl as he fucked you so well. Nodding your consent, you were left fully exposed to him. Yet Alpha never took his eyes away from the sight before him. It made your legs flinch in an attempt to close them, but Alpha was too fast and held them open for him.

“Ah, ah, verd’ika. I want to see all of you. You’re beautiful, bet you taste like it too” he groaned, before licking a stripe from the bottom of your entrance, all the way to your clit. He delighted in the loud moan that came falling from your lips as he began to swirl his tongue around your clit before dipping down and pressing his tongue into your sweet little cunt. He was right, you tasted absolutely delicious. He couldn’t believe you were letting him eat you out at your desk. That you trusted him to take care of you and your pleasure.

Humming slightly, he felt the way your hips shifted, eager to press against his mouth. But he wouldn’t let you, this was all about making you feel good, and he had so many things he wanted to show you first.

“Alpha! Fuck!” you cried out, the wet heat of his mouth making you feel like you were making a mess down there. Not that Alpha seemed to mind, in fact he was eager to catch all of the slick dripping out of you, not wanting to waste any bit of it as you continued to try and pull him closer to you. “Force, you… you feel so good” you praised, nails digging into the arms of your chair.

Your heart felt like it was going to pound out of your chest and you choked on a moan as he pressed one of his thick fingers into you. It was so much bigger than your own and you couldn’t wait to feel the stretch of him as he finally gave you his cock.

“Easy, verd’ika. We’ll get there, just feel how tight you are around my finger. How will you take my cock if you can’t take my finger, huh?” he soothed, pressing a kiss to your inner thigh before returning to your clit. He started a gentle suction, massaging the swollen nub with his tongue before pulling away to blow on it. You shrieked, feeling the swift change in temperature on your sensitive bundle of nerves.

He took the chance to slide through your folds and press another finger inside of you, curling them both up to find that spot inside of you. You cursed quietly as his thick, talented fingers found the spot he was looking for. Liquid pleasure shot through your veins and you couldn’t help but buck into him, although you didn’t have much leverage to chase his mouth and touch. You could only take what Alpha chose to give you.

“Clever Jedi, figured it out already. I’ll get you there, but only when I say” he praised, pushing your thighs a little wider apart and running a soothing trail down one as you groaned at his words. He was going to kill you, you knew it. Death by sex. It would be a beautiful way to go if only Alpha gave you what you wanted.

Seeming to read the frustration that was building in you, Alpha increased the pace of his fingers, thrusting into you deeply but always making sure that he was building you up to the edge. He curled his fingers up into you, rubbing against that spot that had you arching in the chair, your nails digging into the material as you clutched onto the back of the chair. The feel of his mouth and tongue on your clit increased, his tongue drawing maddening circles against your clit as he pushed you closer to your orgasm.

“Please… Please Alpha… I need to… I’m going to cum” you cried, winding your hand into his hair and keeping him pressed against you. Not that he wanted to get away. He could eat you out until the galaxy exploded and it still wouldn’t be enough for him.

“Hmm! Cum for me” he ordered, returning back to the maddening pace he set as you gushed around his fingers, as he finally allowed you your release.

Your vision whited out as you clung onto him as much as you could, feeling the shock waves of your orgasm as Alpha licked up your juices, pushing you into oversensitivity as he kept an arm against your waist to keep you pinned to the chair. Bucking your hips against his face, you couldn’t help but moan as he continued to drink down your slick.

“Alpha!” you groaned, slumping in the chair.

He chuckled, pulling away from you, and you couldn’t help but stare at him. His mouth was covered in your slick, a slight shine to Alpha’s face as he returned your look with lust blazing in his eyes.

“You were so good for me, verd’ika. You did so well. I want to feel you around me. Can I fuck you now, mesh’la? Show you just how strong you are?” he murmured, leaning forward to kiss you. You couldn’t help but groan, curious at the taste of yourself on his tongue.

“I want you, Alpha. Want to feel you inside of me” you breathed, cupping his face and pressing kisses all over his face. His nose scrunched up as you pressed a small one to the tip of his nose.

Carefully, he slipped his hands underneath your body, cradling you close to his chest before placing you on your desk. You smiled, enjoying how this large, terrifying soldier was so gentle with you. His strong, capable hands held you carefully, like you were a treasure he had found during this terrible war. But that wasn’t what you wanted. There would be time for soft caresses and gentle touches later on. Now though, you wanted to feel the strength of him pounding into you, want to feel protected and safe as he took you apart, only to rebuild you again.

Sucking a mark just below his jaw, you hummed playfully to get his attention as he ran his hands up and down your thighs. “You know, you don’t have to be gentle with me, I don’t break easily. I can take it” you told him, hoping he would understand what you were saying.

Alpha’s eyes darkened and a more predatory look came over him than any you had seen today. His hand came up to grip your throat, not near enough to hurt but a reminder of the strength he could use on you. Searching your face for any doubt or hesitation, he must have found what he was looking for because his mouth crashed into yours, a lot more forceful than your first kiss. This one was full of teeth and growls, pushing his way into your mouth and taking in the way you tasted against him. He wanted to be consumed by you.

As you were kissing, you were surprised when Alpha gripped your hips tightly and tugged you down until your bottom was nearly hanging off the desk. It was all you could do to scramble to wrap your arms around his neck.

“Gonna fuck you so good mesh’la! Not gonna want to sacrifice yourself after this. Gonna have you addicted to my cock” Alpha growled, landing a hard swat to your ass.

Cursing loudly at the flash of pain that sent through you, you tugged to bring him closer to you, wanting to feel just how passionate he was about taking you. From the way he was handling you, squeezing and pinching your sides until you were groaning in want, you knew that he was right to say that. You didn’t know how you wouldn’t become addicted to this, not with how good he was making you feel.

Pushing himself up so he was standing over you, he used his weight to keep you pinned to your desk as he rained a few more blows on your exposed ass. You would be feeling those tomorrow. Which was exactly what Alpha wanted. He wanted you to remember him when he would be undoubtedly sent back to Kamino.

“Alpha! You said you’d fuck me!”

“Oh? Am I not giving you enough, verd’ika? Am I leaving you wanting? Well we can’t have that” he smirked, reaching up to pinch your hardened buds and tweaking them sharply. You let out a loud moan that echoed around the room. “Gonna have to fill this greedy pussy right up” he groaned, spreading your legs and leaving you exposed to him. He raised a hand and laid a sharp spank onto your pussy.

“AH! ALPHA!” you cried out, feeling your entrance gush with slick as you tried to shut your legs and protect yourself from his harsh touches. “Fuck, please” you begged, reaching out to cling onto the edge of the desk. A couple more data-pads went flying onto the floor, none of you caring about anything else but each other.

“Greedy” he chuckled, laying a kiss to your knee before pushing them open and stepping in between them. He ran his fingers through your soaked folds, enjoying the small noises of pleasure that you let out at his soft touch to your core.

Reaching for his heavy cock, he gave himself a few pumps before notching the head of his cock at your entrance. You could feel the pressure of the dome shaped head just pressing teasingly against you. “Deep breath” he ordered, squeezing your thigh. As you did as he instructed, taking in a deep breath to try and calm how excited you was to feel him inside of you, he pressed his thick length inside of you.

Fuck! He was so big, stretching you so wide around his girth that you dug your nails into his shoulders, a moan tumbling from your lips. Alpha gritted his teeth, keeping in his own noises as he felt you flutter around him with each slow slide of his cock inching into you.

Finally, after his cautious pace, he bottomed out into you, the feeling of you clenching around him had him gripping your hips even tighter to try and keep you still. “Relax, ad’ika, otherwise this will be very disappointing!” he warned, squeezing his eyes shut at the pleasure that was shooting down his spine. He wanted nothing more than to thrust into you, hear you cry his name.

“Not my fault you feel like you’re going to split me in half!” you hissed back, hips beginning to squirm in his grasp as you wanted to move. The urge to buck your hips and press back into him was frustrating you.

Alpha sighed, leaning forward to press his lips against your collar, sucking marks up to your neck before he managed to capture your lips in his own.

Returning his kisses, you tugged on his hair slightly so he could see your face. “You can move now” you breathed, smiling at him reassuringly as you wrapped your legs around his strong waist.

That was all he needed to hear, as Alpha pulled his hips back and thrust in sharply, sending you further up the desk. Alpha growled, pulling you back down to meet each slap of his hips against yours, not willing to let you get too far away from him.

You whined at the feel of his cock pushing through your tight walls, felt the way your cunt almost seemed to mould itself around his cock. It certainly felt like Alpha was carving his way into you, burying himself so deep inside that he was never going to escape.

“Hear you thinking, pretty Jetii” he grunted, one hand coming up to massage and squeeze your breast. He tweaked a nipple, chuckling at hearing you cry out at that before rolling his hips into you, his cock brushing that spongy patch at the front of your walls.

“FUCK! ALPHA!” you yelped, gripping his hair tightly and pulling him into a kiss. The pace that he set was leaving you breathless, each thrust drawing small sounds from your lips as he pushed into you.

Smirking down at you, he pushed your knees further into your chest, until you were almost bent in half but he didn’t slow the pace of his hips; continuing to fuck into you until it’s all you could do to hold in the scream of his name. Anyone would be able to hear just how well he was fucking you and you couldn’t let anyone find out about the pair of you. It was too risky.

“That’s it ner verd’ika, you’re taking me so well… good girl… such a good girl for me” he groaned, shifting the angle so he was slamming his hips down into yours.

By the Force! He felt so deep inside of you, like there was no more room for anything else but him. Crying out, you raked your nails down his front, unable to do anything but take him. All you wanted to do was squirm and writhe against him, but Alpha’s strong hands held your knees to your chest, as you felt heat rush through you.

“Close… so close” you gasped, eyes slamming shut as he continued to fuck you so good. You wouldn’t be able to walk tomorrow, you were sure of it.

“Me too” he panted out, one hand releasing the almost steel-like grip on the back of your thigh and reaching for the bundle of nerves at your core.

The noise you let out was something you’d never heard out of your mouth as Alpha pushed you closer and closer to your release. “Please!” you begged him, wanting to feel him release his seed inside of you, paint your walls white. “Want you to fill me!” you groaned, trying to pull him as close to you as you possibly could. At your words, his thumb brushed your clit just right and your vision went white, as every muscle in your body tensed as you shuddered through your release.

“SHIT! Mesh’la” Alpha snarled, slamming his hips into your welcoming clenching heat a few more times before he spilled inside of you. Doing just like you asked as he emptied spurt after spurt of cum deep inside of you.

Catching himself from falling on top of you, Alpha gathered you in his arms before falling back into your desk chair. He pulled you against his chest, both of you panting against each other as you soaked in the bliss of being together.

“So… that happened” you chuckled nervously into the quiet room.

Alpha groaned, running a hand across his face. “I knew you’d be one who liked to talk” he grumbled, arm sliding around your waist and holding you tighter against him. That brought an honest laugh out of you as you looked up to raise an eyebrow at him.

“Thought about this a lot, have you?” you teased back at him, sighing slightly as he dragged his large palms up and down your spine. It felt so relaxing and you couldn’t help but sink further into him.

“Well, it’s a good way to keep any annoying Jetiise quiet” he shot back at you. Humming in agreement, you pressed a gentle kiss to his pec, just above a scar over his heart.

“So what does verd’ika mean?” you wondered, propping your head up on your hand and watching as his expression softened, his cheeks tinting red at your questions. Interestingly, he seemed determined to keep silent. “Oh come on, it must mean something. I saw my men’s reactions to that. What does it mean?” you grinned, poking at his nose.

“It’s nothing” he grumbled, waving your hand away from his face.

“Please! Is it a bad thing?” you frowned, pulling away and pushing yourself up. Maybe the nickname was actually pretty offensive instead.

However you didn’t get very far, Alpha’s hands pulled you back down onto him as he gave a heavy sigh. “No, course not!” he huffed, rough hand dragging up to the back of your neck to keep you in place. Resting his head on yours, he scowled, before tugging on a strand of your hair. “It means little warrior” he said, twirling the strand around his finger.

“Oh, I suppose it makes sense. I am small compared to you, but I don’t know about warrior, I’m a Jedi. I’m meant to keep the peace. I bet the men didn’t know how I would react to being called that though” you mused, propping yourself up on his chest. “Hmm, verd’ika. I think it sounds rather cute. You think I’m cute” you teased, feeling warmth spread in your chest at that.

“You’re going to be insufferable” he groaned, but his lips twitched into a small smile and his eyes shone with his affection.

“Hey, you care about me, admit it! Otherwise you wouldn’t be looking after my shebs!” you reminded, hearing his huff of agreement before he pulled you into another kiss.

“Shut up, Jetii, never said I didn’t. But I still have orders to make sure you’re resting” he rolled his eyes, trailing kisses along your jaw.

“Hmm, I’m not tired yet, Captain. I think I might need some wearing out” you smirked back at him, rocking back onto his lap.

“Yes, sir!”

And when you saw Dose the next day, all he could do was just gawp at you.

“Who the fuck mauled you, General?”

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