#kix has good painkillers

[loyaltyandchaos]

"Why not? It can't get any worse."

Yeah, Skywalker might be a pain in the ass, but he could still heal with the Force. It was worth putting up with him for that. Cody was a comforter, and that would be just what he needed right now. Domino…well, they were never boring. Fives was too loud, but with Echo with him, Echo could make up for the noise.

Rex sighed heavily. It looked like he was going to have to deal with Kixx for a while.

"Yeah, good luck. At least someone has fun outside of Medbay…"

Maybe he could get some painkillers out of Kix? Then he could fall asleep and wake up feeling better.

"Oh, are you sure about that?" Judging by the increasingly sour look on Rex's face this wasn't the time to be making jokes, but that list of prospective visitors ... "I can just hear the protests now - 'this is a medical bay, not a party!'"

Although visiting Rex was one of the few things that would persuade the Dominos to go near medical when they didn't have to, Fives at least would likely be disruptive - if only because his way of helping feel better was to be loud and entertaining.

"I haven't actually seen Skywalker since you all got back ..." Anakin was not someone she especially looked out for, but now that she thought about it she hadn't even noticed him around. How odd! She frowned for a moment and then dismissed the thought, looking back toward Rex. "I'll see who I can chase up for you, OK?"

Footsteps outside suggested Kix as about to appear, and Thera jumped to her feet. "I'm clearing off before he starts asking questions about my health. I'll see you later!"

[wild-karrde]

This game has been so fun! Can't wait for the 300 followers celebration for some more awesome ficlets. I have a feeling it's going to be very soon!

"Are you flirting with me?" + Kix xD

YESSSSS this was such a fun prompt to end on! lt's been an awesome celebration and am so happy you've enjoyed it as much as I have. Thank you for the ask! :)

Rating - T (canon-typical violence, some suggestive discussions)

“GET KIX! THE GENERAL IS HIT!”

You feel gloved fingers pressing against the wound in your side, trying to stem the flow of blood. Jesse has his helmet off, and you see fear in his eyes.

“S’alright, Jess,” you slur. “Can barely feel it.”

He looks over his shoulder, snapping out a few more demands before pulling your tunic up, wincing as he examines the wound.

“I kriffing told you not to go charging out there. But you’ve got a lightsaber and know everything,” he mutters.

Your brain is working hard to formulate a snarky response, but the ringing in your ears is distracting. The Separatist tank had been a little closer than you’d anticipated, and Jesse was probably right, but you certainly weren’t going to admit that right now.

You hear shuffling to your right, and turn your head to see Kix scrambling down the embankment you’re leaning against. He looks you up and down before squatting down and digging through his pack.

“You’ve sustained some internal damage, but the most pressing issue is the gaping hole in your side that’s spewing blood,” he says evenly. You feel his gloved fingers graze your neck, pulling the collar of your tunic down as he injects you with something. The pinch of the needle is unpleasant, but a whisper in comparison to the roar of the pain that’s radiating through your body. You feel yourself start to warm, your muscles relaxing, and your brain goes fuzzy, the pain becoming nonexistent as your head swims. Kix is ordering Jesse to help roll you onto your uninjured side, and you feel strong hands rotate you. You wince as your head lolls hard, banging against the ground.

“We need to get this tunic off so I can bandage the abdominal wound,” Kix says to Jesse, and the medic starts carefully cutting your top off.

“If you wanted to get me naked, Kix, all you had to do was ask,” you mumble, and you feel Kix’s hands freeze on your shoulder. Jesse snorts loudly.

“What kind of pain med was that?” he teases, and Kix shakes his head as he wraps the bandage around your stomach with nimble fingers.

“Shouldn’t have been anything too potent,” he mutters.

Jesse surveys you and the way your eyes are lazily rolling around between the two of them. “Oh, I think it’s pretty darn potent. The general suddenly has a sense of humor.”

Kix shakes his head in annoyance. “Here, help me get them up. I can get them back to the gunship myself.”

“What and miss all the fun?”

Even through your brain fog, you can tell Kix is about to snap, but their bickering is interrupted by Rex barking orders from across the way.

“JESSE! WE NEED TO MOVE.”

Jesse turns, slipping his helmet back on. “You sure you can manage?” The question is genuine, concern sneaking back into his modulated voice.

“Yeah. Get going. We’ll see you back at camp,” Kix responds, hoisting his bag over his other shoulder as he slings your arm across his back, holding most of your weight as you slowly start to trudge back the way you’d come.

“Let me know if you need to stop,” Kix says quietly as he helps you along. You roll your neck to look at him, smacking your face against his helmet.

“Ouch,” you mutter.

He sighs in annoyance. “Jesse was right, you really shouldn’t have rushed out there.”

You huff in response. “You know, you really need to work on your bedside manner, Kix.”

“So I’ve heard,” he grunts.

“I’d be willing to help you work on that bedside manner,” you mumble boldly, wiggling your eyebrows despite the fact that your entire body feels increasingly more gelatinous with every passing second.

He pauses, whipping his head around to look at you. “Are you flirting with me? Right now?”

You feign offense. “Wha? Me? Flirt? Right now? Noooooo no nonono definitely not.”

He sighs, proceeding onwards. “Didn’t realize I’d be babysitting a Jedi today.”

You opt to remain silent for the remainder of the trek, instead having a philosophical conversation with yourself in your mind about how weird the word “jizz” is and how there has to be a better name for that genre of music. You feel like you’re making good points in your internal debate as Kix eases you onto a pull-down bunk just inside the gunship, beginning to check your vitals once more. He takes his helmet off, setting it just under your bunk as he squats down to examine your side some more. You’re staring at him, and you know it, and he definitely knows it, but you still can’t bring yourself to stop.

“You know, if I was going to flirt with you, I’d be waaaaay smoother about it,” you say, struggling to keep your saliva from leaking out of the corner of your mouth.

He raises an eyebrow at that, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Is that so?” he asks.

“Yup. I’d tell you how great your eyes are and how I can easily get lost in them. Or I’d talk about how I really think it’s endearing how long you take to cut the lightning bolts into your hair, even if it’s wildly impractical.” You chuckle and so does he. “Or how I like how your hands feel on my back when you brace me whenever the gunships hit turbulence.”

His hands stop moving, but his eyes don't meet yours. “You notice that, huh?”

“Yeah. And the way you always make sure I’ve got enough water to drink when we go out to 79s. It’s sweet,” you slur. Kix is watching you intently now as you continue on, completely unaware and uncaring about how your words are falling as the painkiller continues to keep you off-kilter. “I like how you smile into your drink when you’re trying to stifle a laugh at Fives and Jesse’s antics. I like how your tongue pokes out a bit when you’re thinking really hard.” You sigh deeply, allowing your right hand to flop onto his vambrace. “I just like you, Kix.”

He’s staring at you slack-jawed for a few moments before he shakes his head, chuckling quietly.

“What?” you mumble. “What’s funny?”

He takes your hand, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of it before placing it on your chest. “You’re drugged out of your mind right now, so I’m going to chalk this entire exchange up to that. We’ll see if you remember it and feel the same when you come down from your high.” He straightens, satisfied that your bandage will hold for the ride back to camp.

You snag his hand quickly before he’s able to walk away. “And if I do?”

He smiles down at you, giving your hand a light squeeze. “Then maybe we should get dinner.”

You grin like an idiot, snuggling back onto the bunk. “Then you’ll get to see me really flirt.”

He huffs a laugh. “I look forward to it, General.”

Thank you for participating in my 200 Follower Celebration! :)

[veneataur]

Whumptober 23/31

prompt: at the end of their rope

fandom: Star Wars

words: 490

tw: terminal illness

“I have to tell you, General, that I don’t approve of this,” Kix says.

“As you and many others have said so many times.” Obi-Wan’s voice is weary but strong despite the situation. “And we have talked about my decision.” He’s already changed out of the medical scrubs into his comfortable Jedi attire. It doesn’t fit him as well as it used to and Obi-Wan finds he can’t stop himself from pulling at various parts in an attempt to make it do so.

“Yes, and still I have to make my objections known. I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t.” Kix pulls a phrase at his choice of words, but he can’t think of anything better.

Obi-Wan sighs, finally giving up on his clothes. He’s just going to have to get used to it or get smaller clothes.

“Don’t ever think that you’ve done wrong, Kix. You’ve done far more for me than I could have asked for. My leaving is not a reflection on you. There’s simply nothing more to be done and if that is the case, then I’d rather not be in an infirmary bed when I could be doing something useful.”

“Right. You can still ask for help though if you need it, sir. Fluids, painkillers, anything. This isn’t the end.”

“Oh, I know.” Obi-Wan gingerly gets down off the bed, grabbing for the cane that was resting next to him. It’s nothing fancy. Anakin had fussed about getting him something really cool but Obi-Wan didn’t see the point. He’s not likely to be using it long.

His legs don’t like the weight put on them, but they’ll hold he decides after a moment’s pause to test them. Besides, Kix is watching him intently. And he feels like the medic might find some obscure rule to keep him here. He doesn’t say anything though.

He takes an experimental step forward. Walking isn’t something he’s done for a week and before then it was increasingly limited. It will become so again before he knows it.

With the cane’s support, he takes a single step. He feels good, accomplished until he thinks about the steps he has to take to get to the bridge. Just getting out of here is going to exhaust him.

He steels himself though, with a careful breath, and pushes forward.

With each step, his body protests his decision, just like everyone else has. When his calves start to quiver at the exertion, he tightens his grip on the cane and makes his steps just a little more certain before taking the next. He can do this. His body may be quivering and sweating, his lungs begging for a deeper breath that he refuses to give because he knows that they can’t handle it without a spasm that will end in a coughing fit that will make him keel over unconscious on the floor, but he keeps moving.

This is his decision.

[cyberfeather]

Yaypril Day 27 - Pirate, with Jesse and Kix

Kix can’t tell for sure why he asked to come to the site of the Venator crash, where so many of his brothers died. To get closure, maybe? To say goodbye to his vode, once and for all? To convince himself that this isn’t one giant joke, that he has really slept for decades and that all he’s ever loved is gone for good? It’s hard to tell. But this… This is exceeding all his expectations.

The words that have turned his world upside down are still ringing in his ears. The scanners of the ship have detected a lifeform under the ice. It appears to be in cryostasis. His fingers are still numb from digging in the cold for who knows how many hours, chasing after an impossible hope. His whole body is aching from exhaustion, but Kix barely acknowledges it. There are more important matters for him to focus on.

Jesse is here. Unconscious, hurt, still freezing, but he’s here, laying on the bunk Kix put him in. His vitals read all clear, although the medic can’t help but recheck them every five seconds. He is not losing Jesse, not now, not again. He’s already removed his inhibitor chips, not wanting to take any risk. The damn things have already stolen too much from him and his brothers.

When Jesse starts to stir awake, Kix finds himself with his heart in his throat and silent, happy tears running down his cheeks. He wants to reassure him, to show him that he’s not alone, but the emotion makes him choke on his words, so instead, he takes his hand in his. For a few seconds, Jesse looks around the room, clearly disorientated, until his eyes finally lock on him.

“Kix? Is that you?” He asks, before frowning. “Is… Is this a pirate ship? What are we doing here?”

“Calm down. It’s a long story, but you’re safe here, I promise.”

That seems to be enough to soothe Jesse for now. He’s high on painkiller and will probably be out of it for a while. Jesse still suffers injuries from the venator crash, not matter how long ago it happened, and Kix didn’t want him to wake up only to have everything hurting right off the bat.

Ultimately, he’ll have to tell him about how the galaxy has changed, about how they’re the last remains of a dead era, but his vod deserves to get some rest first. That discussion will have to wait for another time, when Jesse will be in full possession of his mind.

“You won’t leave again, right?”

Kix’s chest tightens at the question. It makes him wonder what Jesse thought happened to him, after the Separatists kidnapped him. The idea that Sidious might have led the 501st to believe he deserted, that he abandoned all his brothers without a second thought, makes him sick.

“Of course not. What happened… It wasn’t my choice. I never could give up on you or on our brothers. I won’t let anyone separate us again, I swear.”

This time, Kix just can’t take it anymore; he just has to hug Jesse, although he’s careful not to worsen his injuries as he does it. His sobbing only grows harder when the arc trooper wraps his arms around him too, dragging him closer.

“I always knew it. Always knew you’d come back.” Jesse whispers, like it’s a secret he can’t share with anyone else.

It makes Kix smile through his tears, moved by the faith Jesse never stopped putting in him. He closes his eyes for a second, just to bask in the happiness of being reunited with him, at last. The galaxy might still be a strange, new place he struggles to adapt to, but at least, now they’re together.

[hxdrostorm]

@ignobleknight​ has sent: [ DISCOVER ]  for sender to see receiver’s scars for the first time (for Rex!)

EXTENSIVE SCAR RELATED PROMPTS [Accepting, mutuals, SPECIFY MUSE]

[ DISCOVER ]  for sender to see receiver’s scars for the first time 

The painkillers given to him by Kix had yet to surge any effects on him. Much to his dismay, he was in a position that not much could be done, other than wait for it dissipate. Even though their most recent campaign was successful, it didn’t mean the members of the 501st Legion came out of it unscathed. Thankfully, Rex hadn’t sustained any life threatening injuries, but there would be new additions to his collection of scars.

At this point, one would be capable of comparing his marred skin to a ragdoll, of sorts.

The clone captain found himself in his personal quarters inside of the cruiser, waiting for the medicine effects to kick in. It didn’t take long for him to grow bored from just waiting, when he decided to have a look at his condition. Rex stood in front of a mirror and gingerly peeled off the upper half of his blacks, which was followed by him removing a good chunk of his bandages from the fresh wounds. By the time he exposed a good chunk of his torso, the pain was starting to diminish.

The sight was horrid to put it mildly, but he has seen far worse, in other clones’ bodies. His torso was decorated with both old and new scars, and he knew there were many others, spread out over the rest of his flesh. Rex didn’t have a reaction to the gruesome sight of his body. He also didn’t have the time to cover himself back up, when he heard the door open. The sound of it, prompted the captain to immediately look away from the mirror. To his surprise, he saw his general standing by the doorway. “General Skywalker.” Rex said calmly, as he stood in silence for awhile, as he tried to get a read on the jedi. “Is there something I can do for you?” He asked in the same tone of voice, as he held in his hands the dirty bandages he had effortlessly removed.

[nimsajlove]

Found you!

I finally found a almost okay way to save Dogma. Take this, I will go to bed now! This is related to this small series.

Ao3    Brothers-AU     Part II

„General, it is a pleasure to greet you again on Kamino.“, the steady voice of a Kaminoan echoed over to her. Ahsoka took one step over the rest of the ramp and looked up, Shaak Ti followed the prime minister half a step back. Ahsoka eyed her briefly, outwardly she seemed as calm and controlled as ever. But a little nudge in the Force was enough; she openly spread her grief in front of the younger Togruta. Okay, take a deep breath! She glanced at Rex, and he nodded curtly. Well, they were still on schedule. „I want to get this done quickly. The Jedi Council has been promised the clones by the Supreme Chancellor and I'm here to get everyone on their cruisers.”, she explained quickly and Lama Su nodded slowly and deliberately. „Of course, all cadets are ready to leave the facility. As well as the clone staff.“, he explained and showed the way, with stiff steps she followed him. As they stepped into the bright hallways, her stomach turned. No good memories clung to this place! But before Ahsoka could squint her eyes, two hands fell on her back. One was long and slender and exuded a deep energy that forced her body to relax. The other was rough and warm, she looked up and when Jesse nodded safely, her head calmed down. He knew where to go, he would help her! „And what about the rest of the men?“, she asked and her group stopped, Lama Su gave her a sharp look. „We don't have any other troops here. The embryos cannot be handed over to the Jedi yet.“, he tried to chide her. She wasn't a child anymore! Unasked, Jesse handed her a holoprojector. Why was he so well prepared? Why was she so badly prepared?! With stiff fingers she switched on the projector, it showed a picture of a helmet camera. It was maybe only a few months old and a small text at the bottom said it was from Jesse's helmet.

Lama Su looked at the room and folded his hands. „You were not allowed to enter there.“ „And yet you would have withheld these men from us. I demand all living clones and all preserved bodies that are in these halls!“, Ahsoka growled softly and when the Kaminoan showed no movement, Shaak Ti stepped closer to him. One of her hands rested on her lightsaber. „They are owned by the Jedi now.“, she clarified and Lama Su blinked angrily at her.

*~*

„That went pretty well.“, Jesse muttered and Ahsoka rocked her head thoughtfully. She was so damn tired! Her hand hurt again and the muscles of her bandaged thigh twitched from time to time after the long walk through the facilities in the city. Nonetheless, her gaze was attentive as she watched as clones of various colors pointed a mass of cadets at the cruisers. In between, some soldiers brought containers of stunned or dead clones back to their battalions. „It could have been worse.“, she admitted quietly when her comlink demanded attention. „We have got everyone on the cruiser, we can take off. Cody has assured me that he and General Kenobi will monitor everything else.“, the voice of Rex rang out and Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief, she wanted to get away from here as soon as possible! „We also have visitors.“, the Commander pushed after and Ahsoka hesitated. Visitors? „What kind of visitor is that?“, she asked alarmed and made her way to her cruiser with Jesse in tow. „Friends vod'ika, they're friends.“, Rex assured her and she could swear to hear him smile. Sighing, she cut the connection and quickened her pace. With Jesse's protective hand behind her back, she entered the landing bay and was briefly amazed at how empty everything looked around her. Then she spotted the people at the top of the ramp of the cruiser and with long strides she bridged the distance until two hands grabbed her by the waist and whirled her through the air.

„Only our Jedi could do something like that!“, Wrecker roared and Ahsoka saw from the corner of her eye how Jesse's shoulders tensed and Rex shook his head indulgently. „Watch out Wrecker, otherwise you won't make friends here.“, Echo warned, his smile taking the bite out of his words. Ahsoka grinned when she was back on solid ground and turned to Hunter. „What can I do for you?“, she asked, she was so happy to see familiar faces. Even so, her body seemed to think this was enough for a day. Her hand throbbed, her head ached. „We were worried and want to help, General Tano.“, Hunter explained calmly and even Jesse relaxed again, most of them could actually deal with Hunter. She wanted to answer, a hand pressed to her throbbing forehead, as a sharp voice preceded her. „General, sit down. Now.“, Burnes growled and came out of the cruiser to them. He didn't have his helmet on and his stubborn stare assured Ahsoka, that he would call Kix to it if necessary. She quickly turned to the Bad Batch, but Hunter was already studying her and then shook his head. „We're going to ask Commander Cody what we can do. Tell uns, when you are feeling better.“, he calmed her down and with that the Bad Batch disappeared quickly and quietly. Oh shit, she didn't mean to offend the men! But her head... „It's okay, they don't hold it against you. Listen to Burnes.“, Echo mumbled while he stepped to her side and Burnes nodded satisfied and went back into the cruiser, the others followed him. Hardly in the hangar, Jesse grabbed Ahsokas other arm and he and Echo pushed her onto one of the containers full of groceries and provisions standing around. Burnes had already opened his backpack and was holding a couple of pills in the palm of his hand. Without asking, Ahsoka took them and bowed to her fate. Her head throbbed and her leg hurt. Then he pulled out something else and handed it to her, it elicited a small laugh from the Togruta. She considered protesting, but then she took the unadorned teether and wedged it between her teeth. The weight between her jaws calmed her and her muscles relaxed again. Sighing, Rex took off his helmet across from her and eyed her critically. „You have to take care of yourself. We only just patched you up again.“, he mumbled and wordlessly she nodded, he was right. She had walked around too much today and maybe tried to get more into her head than she should. But this was more important than what was going on in her head. More important than the fact that she woke up bathed in sweat at night and found no rest on her own. She was glad of every waking second in which she did not have to see the hateful yellow eyes.

„General?“, asked another clone and Ahsoka looked up, Appo approached with quick steps. A blue arrow on a bronze background adorned his helmet. She gave him a smile, he was one of the few survivors from the 501st, who she had welcomed all with open arms. The council had given her without further ado Anakin's cruiser, which offered more space than her own. „The Chancellor asked for you. If you're not feeling well, then I'll-“ „No, it's okay, Captain.“, Ahsoka mumbled and started to get up. The painkillers seemed to hit slowly, and her head wasn't throbbing as hard for a long time. Still, a hand shot out and held onto her. „Take it easy, General.“, Burnes warned and grumbling, she sank back on her bottom, lacking the energy to argue with a medic. Not to mention Burnes or Kix, who were always on her heels. „I will talk to Chancellor Organa, you stay here.“, Rex mumbled and when Ahsoka didn't protest he patted her knee once, then he left the hangar with Appo. Well, if she was condemned to sit down, she would just have to take care of other things! She picked up her comlink. It took a while for Kix to finally respond. „Not now!“, he grumbled and it made Ahsoka smile, even if her eyes were suddenly very heavy. She gave Burnes a suspicious look, there must have been a sleeping pill in between! The medic returned her gaze like innocence itself. „Kix, get me when you wake the first one again. Yes?“, Ahsoka asked and her voice was suddenly quiet and small, she was so damn tired! She heard Kix laugh softly. „I will, don't worry. Thank Burnes for me won’t you?“ „Idiot.“, Ahsoka complained and switched off her comlink before she sagged against a shoulder next to her. Jesse. Echo sat on her other side on the container and pulled her legs onto his lap. „Sleep vod'ika, we'll keep watch.“, Jesse assured her and with a sigh, Ahsoka gave in and closed his eyes.

The first thing she felt again was the teether that was still stuck between her fangs. Then there was that warm hand that snuggled up against one of her montrals and satisfied she pressed a little against the warmth. Her head was bedded on something soft, did they got new pillows? No... A loud rumble and hasty apologies straightened her memories. The hangar. The sleeping pill. She had slept dreamlessly... Soft voices joined the noises around her and sighing, she carefully stretched her stiff legs, someone laughed softly. The sound ended with a low gasp. „Don't wake her up.“, one of the men warned, she was sure it was Hevy. „Be quiet yourself!“, answered oneother brother still a little breathless, Cutup. The noises grew louder, it sounded like a little scramble. Oh no... Puffing, she turned her head and buried her nose in the fabric under her head. The smell was familiar, her robe? „Carry on like this and I'll call Rex.“, Kix grumbled, was he here? Slowly the amount of noise increased, and Ahsoka rolled onto her back, panting, and rubbed her face with one hand. How long had slept? „Stay down, you don't have to go anywhere.“, Droidbait mumbled close to her, then it was probably his hand that was so comfortably warm on her head. Grumbling softly, she blinked up and took the teether out of her mouth, her head resting on Droidbait's lap. He greeted her with a warm smile. „How long have I been out?“, she mumbled and began to get up, his hands coming to her aid. Next to her feet, Kix leaned against the container and watched her, his critical gaze following every movement. „6 hours.“, Hevy commented and when Ahsoka looked down, she saw him and Cutup sitting on the floor. They both smiled up at her and she almost missed the worry in their eyes.

6 hours? „Have you started yet?“, she asked Kix and swung her legs from the container, her brothers on the floor got up again and Droidbait put the robe around her shoulders. Kix nodded. Kriff! „We started with Dogma, it's not like we had a lot of choice.“, he mumbled darkly and Ahsoka's heart contracted painfully. The 501st hadn't gotten many men back. Most of them would be buried in the next few days. „I'm sorry.“, she mumbled and rubbed her face again, the teether she slipped into a pocket of her robe. „It‘s okay. You just didn't have to endure it alone.“, Kix tried to comfort her. Ahsoka knew he wasn't mad at her. All of her brothers would have liked to relieve her and Jesse of some of the burden they had to bear. For exactly three days, all the men had known what Ahsoka and the ARC soldier had found on Kamino. „Where's Jesse?“, she asked and hopped off the container, Droidbait got up too. „By the cells, he wanted to keep an eye on them for you. Fives and Echo have joined him.“, Cutup explained and Ahsoka nodded, okay. With great strides she set off. „Was Dogma awake already?“, she asked Kix, he shook his head. „No, the medication should only fade in the next few minutes.“

*~*

The corridor outside the cells was more crowded than Ahsoka had expected. Most were unlocked, the older clones sat inside and in front of the cells on the floor and watched over their brothers. „Why did we choose this again?“, Ahsoka mumbled, she hated to see the men in the narrow rooms. Even if the bunks had been equipped with cushions and pillows. „Because the medbay is full with the injured of the past few days and confused cadets. The quarters are also almost overcrowded and here we have them under control, should the men be confused.“, Kix reminded her just as quietly and led them to a cell at the end of the row, on the way they met Echo and Fives. Droidbait, Cutup and Hevy stayed with them and Fives gave her a warm look. Jesse was waiting in front of the last door, he had his helmet on and was leaning in the doorway. „Hey.“, Ahsoka greeted carefully and put a hand on his arm. He looked tense. „He's going to hate us.“, Jesse whispered, even through the helmet he still sounded hoarse and tired. Kix put a hand on Jesse's neck and Ahsoka saw him lean into it and exhale deeply. „We can fix this. I promise.“, she tried to calm him down and pulled his helmet down to her for a gentle Keldabe kiss. Jesse's shoulders slumped, the weight of the equipment seeming to push them down. „Thank you. Thank you for staying with us.“, he muttered and Ahsoka tried to smile encouragingly, she didn't know if she succeeded. „Go and sleep a little, we were both on our feet too long. I'll stay here.“, she answered softly and Jesse nodded slowly, straightened up again and when Kix took a half step back into the corridor, he followed.

For a few seconds she watched Kix lead Jesse step by step. Guilt welled up in her at the thought of how long her brother had carried a huge burden almost alone. But now the others could take care of him, she knew that Kix would personally bring him to his bunk. A little reassured, she turned to the cell and entered. Dogma lay motionless on the bunk at the other end of the small room. All of this didn't look to uncomfortable, but her stomach still rumbled at the sight. Dogma's previous life had ended in a cell, was it fair that he should wake up in one now? The thought weighed on her mind and she leaned against the wall, listening to the noises from the hallway. The soft voices of the men formed a constant humming in the background, they radiated a calm that she had never known before! She had been surrounded by the clones for much of her youth, and pain and tension had never left the men's minds. The pain was there now, too, but above it was the certainty that the war was over. The final battles would be rather unspectacular without the Chancellor and Dooku. Downright easy!

A rustle tore her from her thoughts, Ahsoka turned her head and watched Dogma sit up with trembling arms, he blinked a few times in confusion before his gaze found her. He stared at her and Ahsoka's stomach contracted painfully, he looked so alone. Then suddenly a hard laugh escaped him. „Ha! I'm dead.“, he stated dryly and Ahsoka's heart slipped into her pants. What?! „Um ... no.“, she answered hesitantly and Dogma looked at her critically. Carefully he swung his legs off the cot and sat up properly. „With all due respect Commander, you are not particularly convincing.“ Was he joking?! Ahsoka slowly pushed away from the wall and took a tiny step closer. Dogma watched her closely, like an animal that is expected to be attacked at any time. „Dogma you are not dead.“, she clarified again and he seemed to want to reply something, but the beeping of her comlink interrupted him and immediately his mouth snapped shut. Sighing, she picked it up. "General, we will need more space.", one of the men reported and the sigh that was now escaping her was almost fond. Even if her stomach was still cold and hard. „Lay out my study, that of Commander Rex and Captain Appo's, with exercise mats. I don't think we all mind sharing the rooms with others if the children can sleep in a bunk.“, she decided and the trooper at the other end seemed to smile, it accompanied his answer. „Yes sir, it's as good as done.“, he announced and the connection was terminated. When Ahsoka turned her gaze back to Dogma, he seemed confused again.

„General?“, he asked hesitantly, so that was the inconsistency he was hanging on to… That was fine with her, maybe she could start here to convince him of his survival. „Yes.“, she replied calmly and evenly. The corners of Dogma's mouth pulled down, he frantically wiped his face with one hand. „But I was… dead! There was nothing there. There…“ He broke off, his hands trembled almost uncontrollably and he turned pale. Kriff, that here was almost worse than bringing Echo back to life. At least he hadn't doubted anything that much. „It's okay Dogma.“, she muttered, no reaction. He just kept shaking, his gaze fixed on the floor. Was that what she looked like when she had a panic attack? Ahsoka slowly approached the clone and crouched in front of him, he winced violently when her hand appeared in his field of vision and Ahsoka hastily pulled it back. „It's okay, you're safe.“, she assured, trying to sound as firm as Rex when he talked to her in the dark after a nightmare. Dogma swallowed hard. „But the others… And Krell. And Kamino!“, he managed and gritted his teeth, a violent sob shook him and Ahsoka hastily reached out to him, caught him at the shoulders and instead of flinching he sagged and another sob broke out of him. Ahsoka slowly worked her way up until she was sitting next to him on the bunk with his head resting on her shoulder. The fabric was wet under his cheeks. „It's okay, I've got you.“, she mumbled and was infinitely thankfull when she felt Dogma trying to take a deep breath. „You are home.“

[maulusque]

guess who just learned a whole lot about burns for a smut fic

it me.

so anyway now i have Ideas about how clone medics would treat blaster burns and they Definitely aren’t all going to make it into the fic because the blaster burn is honestly supposed to be an excuse for one character to undress the other

TW: burns, description of how severe burns affect the body (clinical, not graphic) and burn treatment

So, let’s assume that damage from a blaster bolt is basically a burn that is very small in terms of surface area, and whose depth depends on whether or not it was a direct hit, any armor you were wearing, the power of the blaster, etc. So you get 3rd and 4th degree burns that are like an inch square, which you don’t really see in the real world that often. I think any blaster bolt that comes into contact with a person is going to inflict AT LEAST a third degree burn (which means the epidermis and dermis are destroyed, basically the whole thickness of the skin), but usually would be deeper (4th degree), destroying muscle and bone and whatever else is in there. You’d only get away with a second degree burn if the blaster bolt just skimmed you and didn’t actually hit. Skin around the blaster wound would be white or black.

A skimming shot (2nd degree burn) would actually be the most painful, because once you get to 3rd and 4th degree burns, the nerve endings are destroyed so you don’t feel any pain. Which means that when you get shot with a full-power blaster bolt, you might feel a momentary flash of pain, but then nothing, and if the shot doesn’t immediately down you, you’d probably just keep going, and you might not even notice. Which. Imagine the angst potential of a clone trooper being shot 3 or 4 times and just. not knowing. Clone troopers who keep fighting despite being riddled with blaster bolts, right up until they collapse dead, never even knowing they were shot. Oof.

On the other hand, a weaker shot, say, one that hit a weak point in your armor or came from an underpowered blaster, might dissipate slightly on contact, meaning you’d still get the deep wound that wouldn’t hurt, but there’d be a small area of 3rd and 2nd degree burn around the opening, which would hurt like hell. A painful blaster wound would be a good sign, since it means it isn’t as deep.

Treating blaster burns wouldn’t be quite like real-world burn treatment, because real-world burns, especially severe 3rd and 4th degree burns, tend to cover a lot more surface area of the body than a blaster bolt would, because the things that tend to burn you that badly are not tiny and focused like a blaster bolt. Which means a blaster wound is probably less lethal than severe 4th degree burns, so yay for that i guess. Bacta patches, as well as the ability to cover the entire wound site easily without risking damage to delicate tissue, would greatly reduce the risk of infection.

Treatment involves excision (removal) of dead tissue, and usually for 3rd degree burns, skin grafts. 4th degree burns tend to need amputation- but I’m not sure if that would apply in a situation where the burn is deep but very small- instead of burning your fingers down to the bones (don’t go look at the wikipedia article for burns unless you want to see that), it’s just one small area of your body, with living tissue all around it. And since Star Wars has Magic Healing Juice, clone medics probably don’t need to go around performing amputations on everyone who gets shot in a limb. 

I think that burn treatment in the Clone Wars would be somewhat like this:

-in the field, slap a big ol’ bacta patch on it, to protect the wound and help stabilize the patient until further treatment can be performed (bacta would help the body handle the sudden physical trauma, as well as actively fight off any infectious microorganisms). Most blaster burns would probably heal okay with just a bacta patch (see: Rex on Saleucami), but really won’t heal properly without actual treatment. (Although Rex seemed to be just fine the next day, despite the nerve damage that immobilized his arm. My personal theory is that Kix used some sort of mega bacta patch, a step up from the standard. The little blinky lights on it indicate that it has electric components for some reason, so my interpretation is that somehow that bacta patch has Extra Features (tm) that allow it to regenerate nerves)

-once there is more time, the patient can be treated for reals. Removal of dead tissue could be accomplished by a medic with a scalpel, but it would also be interesting if there was a patch or ointment of some kind which was applied to a wound which would just, dissolve the dead tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue. Perhaps it involves some sort of microbe. Sort of like those tanks of tiny fish you stick your feet in and they nibble all the dead skin off your toes? Like that, but microscopic and for wound care. 

-the medic would then apply a burn patch, which is essentially a specialized bacta patch. The patch not only applies bacta to the wound, but also contains a pre-generated skin graft, so that as the wound heals, it incorporates the skin tissue from the patch into the healing wound site. The patch is not meant to be removed or replaced. Eventually, once the wound is healed, the top layer of the bacta patch is shed like dead skin flaking off a sunburn. These patches were developed specifically for the GAR, and can only be used on clones, since the skin tissue is generated from clone stem cells. The burn patches greatly speed up and improve burn treatment, since clone medics don’t have to go back in later and perform a skin graft, and subsequently monitor the healing of two wound sites, which would greatly increase the chance of infection. 

-Nerve regeneration does not always occur with the standard burn patches, and if it does, is not always complete or perfect. Many clones, therefore, have small numb patches at the sites of old blaster wounds. They may also suffer chronic cutaneous pain at those sites. Unlike in the real world, treatment for this would exist, but would not be available to clone troopers since clone trooper healthcare sucks.

-Nerve-regenerating treatments, like Rex received on Saleucami, are expensive, and are only used when the nerve damage is severe enough to be disabling (e.g. Rex’s arm). The special patches are particularly costly, and normally Kix would have waited until Rex was back in the medbay in order to apply a slightly less costly treatment for his nerve damage, but since they weren’t able to transport Rex and had to treat him in the field, and the nerve-regeneration treatments become less effective the longer treatment is delayed, Kix used the Mega-Healing Patch right away. 

-so post-engagement med-bays would have the following procedure: blaster wound patients who are well enough to move on their own (which is more of them than you might expect, since they’re not bleeding out or immobilized by pain), would line up in the med-bay, probably along a wall or in a designated area. Medical techs would go around, removing armor and blacks around wound sites and cleaning the area with water. They would then apply debriding ointment (the dead-tissue-eating stuff), and move on to the next patient while the microscopic pedicure fishes do their jobs. The patient would be checked every ten minutes or so to see if the ointment has finished removing all of the dead tissue. I think it would be cool if the ointment fizzed as it worked, due to the microorganisms releasing gasses as they metabolize dead tissue, and once the ointment stops fizzing, you know it’s done.

 Once that is done, the ointment is gently removed, and a burn patch is applied. The patient is assessed for further treatment, paperwork is filled out, painkillers given if the wound is less severe (and therefore painful), and the trooper is free to go. Troopers would probably be talking to each other and cracking jokes, singing songs, or complaining about being bored. Most of them aren’t even in pain. Medics aren’t at all reluctant to physically hogtie a trooper to prevent them from moving since it’s easy to forget that you’re wounded and start roughhousing with your brothers.

-improperly treated blaster wounds, i.e. ones that only received a bacta patch instead of a burn patch, would take much longer to heal, would leave a more noticeable scar, and would cause the skin and muscle of the healing wound to contract, which could be painful and limit mobility, depending on the location of the wound.

-which is why it is common practice to check your squad-mates for blaster wounds they may have missed after engagements, and it’s not uncommon for a medic to menacingly track you down like “I know you got shot, i saw it happen, now get your ass into my med bay before i write you up for clinical stupidity”

so ANYWAY there’s my Clone Wars Medical Headcanon of the day, happy new year. I’m going to go back to writing my smut and if anyone can guess the pairing i will be VERY impressed

MORE under the cut because i fell down a bit of a rabbit hole lol

OKAY so dehydration is a big concern with burns because the skin is what retains fluid and severe burns obviously damage your skin. Fluid leaks from the burn area, since the skin is no longer present to contain it, and this leads to loss of electrolytes and dehydration, and can be lethal. From my brief google foray, it seems that it wouldn’t be a huge concern for blaster wounds, since the surface area that is burned is very small. However, multiple blaster wounds would probably be dangerously dehydrating. Clone troopers in standard blaster wound treatment (i.e. the guys sitting around bored while the debriding ointment fizzes) are probably fine with oral rehydration, meaning that someone shoves a bottle of rehydration formula at them and makes them drink it while they wait. 

Patients with more severe blaster wounds are probably kept hydrated intravenously.

There are also potential complications during or after wound healing that are very interesting! Fluids continue to leak from damaged tissue while the wound is healing, and if the surface heals before the deep tissue, can lead to edema (basically, accumulation of fluid in body tissue) can occur. Edemas get worse with rehydration. If the wound doesn’t heal quite right, it can form a compartment, which is a closed space of muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, surrounded by a fascia, which doesn’t stretch. If fluid is leaking into the compartment, the pressure can compress capillaries and nerves, which is called compartment syndrome. Troopers would be told to look out for the symptoms after they are released from medbay. Symptoms include:

-severe pain, out of proportion to the wound, which does not respond to pain medication

-paleness of skin

-weakness or, in severe cases, paralysis of limb

-prolonged capillary refill time (takes a long time for capillaries to refill with blood)

This would have to be surgically treated. 

3rd degree burns in real life can take months or years to heal. Due to Star Wars Advanced Healing Juice, and clone trooper genetic enhancements allowing them to heal faster than standard humans, this time is reduced to weeks or even days (again, see Rex on Saleucami). 

[hellowkatey]

Febuwhump Day 24

Prompt: memory loss

Read on AO3

When Darkness Wins

It takes a moment for Cody's eyes to adjust to the bright lights of the med bay. He blinks a few times, taking a quick assessment of himself before he dares to move. An intense pounding in his head and soreness down his neck, arms, and legs let him know that whatever happened-- for some reason, he can't remember?-- he's probably in rough shape.

The lights above him dim, and he hears footsteps approaching.

"Apologies, commander," someone says. "I told the damned droid to turn the lights down, but you know non-sentients." Cody turns his head to look at the owner of the voice. It's a young woman with kind brown eyes and dark olive skin-- if Cody didn't know better he'd say she were a female clone of Jango, but obviously not. In either case, she's unfamiliar to him, but he supposes they could have gotten some new personnel at their last stop on Coruscant... Though, that leaves the question of where Helix is... "How are you feeling?" she asks, walking over to him and taking out a flashlight.

"Sore," he answers honestly. "My head doesn't feel great, either."

She waves the flashlight across his eyes, her lips curling with mild satisfaction. Now that she's close, he can make out the name printed on her smock-- Ledy.

"Well you did smash it against the side of fighter ship after falling from another fighter ship... so that's to be expected."

Cody's eyebrows knit together in confusion. Now, he feels like he's remember something like that. When he doesn't answer or react, Ledy's face turns serious.

"Commander... can you tell me your name?"

"Cody, ma'am."

She hesitates, pressing her lips together. "I meant your number."

"CC-2224."

"Okay good. And do you remember the accident?"

"No, ma'am."

"Okay... I will be right back."

Ledy strides swiftly from the room, leaving Cody alone in the med bay. He lays back, squeezing his eyes shut as his headache continues to rage. If only she'd administered some painkillers before running off.

Cody is mildly concerned he doesn't remember falling out of a damn ship, but he isn't too worried. He can remember everything else fine. He knows they're patroling Kooriva right now, a relatively low-stress assignment compared to the last few months. General Kenobi has taken it as an opportunity to give the men a much-needed rest-- extending liberty hours and allowing the veteran men to give extra instruction to the shinies they picked up last rotation.

Though the spirits have been up, Cody has noticed the uncharacteristically muted mood of his general. Just last week, they were reviewing strategies for General Unduli's next campaign and it as quite obvious he was not paying attention.

"Something wrong, sir?"

Months ago, Cody wouldn't feel comfortable asking such a direct personal question, but the campaigns as of late have really brought them to the point of being candid with one another. General Kenobi has gotten better about actually answering him as well.

"Not wrong, per say, just..." Kenobi sighed and looked at him. "The end of the war is near, Cody. I can feel it, but I'm unsure of how to interpret this feeling."

So Jedi stuff. There's not much he can do about that, but he is curious. Jedi stuff makes absolutely no sense to him, but it has been a huge strategical help. "Is it a bad feeling?"

"It's nondescript."

"So it could also be good?"

The general wagered this. "It's hard to say and difficult to explain, unfortunately. It's like..." He grabbed a half-filled glass of water and his caff. He scooped out some of the caff with a spoon and held it over the water cup. "The Force is like this water. Clear, easy to see through." He then let a few drops of caff fall into it. Cody watched the dark liquid spread and intermingle with the water, making it a very light brown. "But since the start of the war, the Force has become clouded," another two spoonfuls of caff. The liquid darkened again. He took another spoonful but this time tilted it so just a small drop fell from the spoon every few seconds. "And now it feels like there is a constant drip, every day, clouding the Force more and more." The water soon became dark brown, and General Kenobi held it up. Cody tried to look through the glass, but the image of the general's face on the other side was distorted and dark. He could hardly make out the details of his facial features. "So when I feel these feelings, it's hard to tell if they're good, bad, or just too clouded to see through."

Cody stared at the cup and then at the grim expression of General Kenobi.

"And... what if there is more caff than water, so to say? What does that mean?"

Kenobi looked at him and then took the cup of caff, pouring the rest of it into the water. The cup sloshed, immediately turning an inky black from the strong caff, and when it became still Cody sees that it is completely opaque.

"Then darkness will have won."

The med bay doors open and Ledy walks back in, a droid by her side this time.

"Pardon the wait, commander," she says, stopping at his bedside. The droid holds a tray of tools, none of which look pleasant. It's strange to Cody that a droid would be her assistant instead of one of the medical shinies. He raises an eyebrow.

"Is Helix out today?"

"Helix?"

"Well, yes, the lead medic."

Ledy nods and then picks up a scanner.

"Of course. Yes, Helix is otherwise occupied. Tell me, Commander, what ship are we on?"

Cody glances around the barren med bay. "The Negotiator."

"And who is your commanding officer?"

"General Kenobi... why are you asking me--"

"Routine questions, sir. And what planet did you last step foot on?"

"Kooriva."

"Okay..." she stares down at her datapad, typing things in. "I need to do a brain scan."

Her behavior is offputting. When she raises the scanner he dodges. "I would like to speak to Helix. Or General Kenobi."

"I'm afraid they're... both otherwise occupied, commander. Just let me--"

"Both of them?" this sets off warning bells in his head. Of course, the general was also hurt-- he wouldn't have let Cody fall if he weren't already injured himself. If there's anything he can count on, it's General Kenobi putting himself in the line of fire to save the others. If Kenobi really is indisposed, then he needs to find him to give a report to the council. "I must see him immediately." Cody moves to stand, but Ledy presses a hand on his chest, holding him back.

"No, commander, that isn't possible. You must stay in bed."

"I must alert the Jedi council--"

"Commander Cody," she says loudly, sighing. "You're confused."

He blinks, cocking his head. "The only thing I'm confused about, is why you're trying to detain me when I need to be checking on my general."

Cody ignores her pleas and throws the blanket off his body, swinging his feet out of bed. He's in a medical gown but he doesn't care. Something strange is going on here and he is going to find out what.

But as he stands, a wave of dizziness and nausea hits him like a tidal wave, and the walls go sideways. Cody hits the ground hard, his vision going white as his headache spikes.

Ledy doesn't rush to him, only calmly walks around the bed. He watches three of her approach, crouching down and looking at him with a smug expression.

"You're confused, commander. The war is over. The Jedi are dead. Your general is dead."

And it rushes back. All at once. Painfully. Grevious. Utapau. Order 66. Watching the cliffside explode and Kenobi fall hundreds of feet to a pit of water.

They never found his body, though. And General Kenobi has survived worse than a bad fall. A part of him still feels like he's out there somewhere no matter how many times he's been told the old master would have resurfaced by now.

While usually thinking of the Jedi and the war and all of it makes him angry, now he just feels this sense of emptiness in his chest. Cody believes in the Empire, believes in the new order, but he'd be lying if there isn't a part of him that misses living and working alongside his brothers. Working with the Jedi even though they turned out to be traitors.

"Oh," is all Cody can say, staring up at the medic. Helix is gone. So is Kix. She finally extends her hand, helping him to a sitting position. His head still spins.

"You have a bad concussion. With this memory loss, I need to check for bleeds, commander. Preferably without you flailing around like an imbecile."

He nods, ashamed of his outburst. "Yes, ma'am, I will comply."

He climbs back into bed, and Ledy begins her scan. As he lays on his side he eyes Ledy's cup of caff, and is reminded of the conversation he thought was only a week ago but must have been several years back now.

Kenobi was right, he realizes. Darkness took over.

Cody swallows the thickness that has formed in this throat, pushing out the warm memories of the way things used to be. There is no room for him to be reminiscent anymore.

The Jedi are dead. The Republic has fallen. Long live the Empire.

[writer1]

Fear of the unknown

Chapter 16

You wake up to light blinding you, after blinking your eyes a few times you can finally see clearly. You look down at your chest to see it wrapped in bandages, you look around to see that you're in the medbay on the Coruscant base.

Kix comes walking in, smiling in relief when he notices that you're awake.

"Y/n! You're finally awake." You look at him confused.

"What happened?" You ask and wince at the rough and scratchy sound of your voice. It sounds as if you have a cold, Kix frowns.

"You don't remember." It suddenly all comes back to you, going on patrol, the bomb. And Rex transforming and going feral.

"Is Rex and the others okay!" You ask loudly, you don't remember seeing what happened to the others.

"Don't worry, they're all fine. Fives, Dogma and Jesse were injured but are already healing and Stutter was far enough away that he got away with a few scratches. Rex's Werewolf form left him with only a few bruises." You sigh in relief, glad that they're all okay.

"We were more worried about you, you've been out for about two weeks." Your eyes widen at that.

"Two weeks! How have I been out for two weeks?"

"Well, your injuries were extensive. It was to dangerous to put you in a bacta tank with the extent of your injuries, so you had to heal the old fashioned way." You nod, you can't believe that you've been asleep for two weeks. But you have on other question for Kix.

"Where's Rex? It's weird for him not to be here worrying his head off." You're worried, he worries about you regularly but now that you're hurt her not here, that's not like him. Kix looks at you nervously and sighs.

"When the bomb went off Rex transformed, he went feral. He gained control a little when you spoke to him but lost it when you passed out." What! Is he okay?

"What happened!" You're starting to hyperventilate, feeling a sharp pain in your chest, you're so scared. Kix comes and grabs your shoulder's.

"He's fine! Don't worry he's fine." You calm down and can finally get your breathing back under control. You're still worried.

"He ended up calming down and coming back to himself once General Skywalker and I got there to help you. He's mostly back to his usual self." You still don't understand why he isn't with you, all you want right now is Rex.

"Then where is he? Why isn't he in here?"

"He isn't here because he's still a werewolf. They won't let him in the medbay." What? That can't be right.

"You mean he turned into a werewolf again?" Kix shakes his head.

"No, he never turned human again. He hasn't been human in two weeks, I think that it's because he was scared since you were hurt." You can't believe that Rex hasn't transformed in two weeks, that can't be good for him. You're starting to feel an even worse pain in your chest.

"Kix, my chest is starting to hurt. I want Rex." Kix sighs.

"You're painkillers are wearing off, but I can't give you more for a few hours. I'm sorry y/n, but not even General Skywalker can get the heads of the medbay to allow him in." You growl, the pain is getting worse and all you want is your boyfriend. You don't care if he can't transform.

"I don't care, I just want Rex. Please Kix." You're starting to tear up a little, ready to cry. Kix sighs.

"I'll be right back, another medic will be in to check on you." You nod as Kix leaves, and you stiffle a sob. You hate being so weak, your wound must be bad if you're in this much pain after two weeks.

Kix is walking through the halls of the Coruscant base, searching for Rex. Ever since they got here to get you treatment, Rex has been hiding from everyone. He doesn't want anyone to see him as a werewolf, the only time he wouldn't hide was when he was trying to break into the medbay to see you.

He makes it to Rex's room on base and knocks on the door, he sits there for a few seconds before hearing Rex yell from inside.

"Come in!" Kix opens the door and walks in, immediately seeing the hulking form of his brother, sitting on his bed.

"Kix! Is y/n okay? Did something happen?" Kix can hear the worry for you in Rex's voice, it pisses him off that they wouldn't allow him to visit you in his Werewolf form.

"Don't worry, Vod. She's perfectly fine, she just woke up actually." Rex breaths a sigh of relief, happy to know that you have finally woken up.

"How is she feeling?"

"She's in pain, and is asking for you." Rex sighs and growls.

"They still won't let me in to see her."

"I know Vod, but frankly. I don't kriffing care, she's crying for you. Come on." Rex just stares at Kix.

"I'm allowed to see her? But I thought..." Kix growls.

"The heads shouldn't have kept you from her, and they had business to do today, so they aren't there. I'm not going to let y/n sit there in pain crying for you, now are you coming or not." Rex nods quickly, just wanting to be by your side.

He gets up of his bed and follows Kix out of the room and towards the medbay, not many of the troopers stare at him since most of them have seen him trying to sneak into the medbay. Some of the new shiny's gape at him, before their older Vod pull them away to explain it to them.

Rex just ignores them as he walks to the medbay with Kix, he's so relieved that you're okay. When you had fainted and would'nt wake up he completely lost it, thinking that he'd lost you.

They make it to the medbay and a civie medic tries to block the door, knowing that Rex isn't allowed in there.

"I'm sorry, but he is not allowed in here." Rex is done, he growls and moves up close to the medic, who quivers in fear.

"LET ME IN!" Rex growls in desperation, and the civie medic backs away and leaves. Kix pats Rex's shoulder.

"Good job." Rex nods and walks into the medbay, he immediately sees your weakened form laying in bed with your eyes shut, tears staining your face. His heart breaks when you whimper in pain, he walks up to you and grabs your hand. His own dwarfing your's, he kneels so that he's closer to you.

You open your eyes to see Rex, smiling and pulling your hand out of his so that you can pet the top of his head. He leans into it. Bringing his hand up to wipe your tears away.

"You're okay." He whispers and puts his forehead against your own, ears flattened against his head.

"I'm okay Rex, I'm okay." You kiss his forehead, your chest hurts pretty badly. You haven't seen the wound yet, with the bandages covering it.

"I thought I'd lost you." Rex whispers, pulling his head away. He strokes your cheek with his finger tip, being careful of his claws.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this sweet moment but you should try to transform, Rex, or they'll kick you out." Kix says and you agree with him, you don't want Rex to get kicked out.

"I can't, I already tried." You smile and reach up to pet the side of his head, the way he likes it. He sighs and leans into it, calming right down.

"Shhh, just calm down Rex. You probably can't transform since you were so scared for me." Rex nods, you're probably right. He's been so scared of losing you the past two weeks, and not being able to see you since you got to Coruscant didn't help.

A clone medic comes running in, not even blinking at seeing Rex's Werewolf form.

"Uh, we have a problem. The head medic's are back." You breath in sharply and feel Rex squeezing your hand hard, not hard enough to hurt you but enough that you know he's not leaving you again. No matter what. You try to hold back your whimper of pain from your chest, Rex leans down and pushes his forehead against yours, since he can't exactly kiss you.

"Kriff!" Kix exclaims, he thought that they weren't supposed to be back for a couple of hours.

"What do we do?" Kix sighs, trying to figure out what to do. It's not good for your recovery to be separated from Rex.

"I'll go stall them for as long as I can." The medic runs out of the room, leaving you, Kix and Rex to figure out what to do.

Taglist: @captainrexisboo @tobitofunction @pentaghasm @ohmsjedi @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life @ellie1366 @marine-captain-deku @reimet @commanderrivercc-3628 @ahsokatano-thetogruta

[angelwars11]

Title: Remembrance

Prompt: Vespers

Pairing: Jesse/Kix

Rating: G

Word Count: 2k

‘During battle, his senses become hyper-aware and then so numb afterwards that he can barely even feel the blood on his fingertips. It paints his hands in scarlet that once was inside of his vode’s bodies, flowing freely and keeping them alive. Kix hates that part—when he’ll exit a tent and stare down at his hands, and finally address it.The sensation of silent distaste surrounds him in white and black ghostly shadows of what once was.’

— 

‘To no man or being will I cause or permit harm to befall, nor will I refuse aid to any who seek it. These obligations I willingly and freely take upon myself in tradition of those that have come before me. These are things we do so that other may live.’ -The Medic’s creed.

This is day 2 of the ClonecestInJuly challenge! I finally finished this story, oh my lord; it took forever!! Thank you to all my beta readers/editors, @blazesurrender, @maplerosekisses, and @starimperial. You all did an amazing job and I really appreciate it. I hope you all enjoy this one! Lots of angst and tears and pain this time! *evil laughter*

*Warning: Very VERY brief mentioning about a suicide attempt

Fire explodes from left to right. Troopers scream in pain, in agony. Multiple howls of anguish and despair bounce across the damaged land as Kix runs to each and every injured trooper—checking on them to make sure they are still alive. If they are, they get a tag indicating whether they have minor or major injuries. Deceased soldiers receive black tags indicating death for those who will come to collect the bodies and bury them later. 

Kix almost falls to his knees when an explosion sends him forward. He growls under his breath and continues blasting away as he goes. White and blue fall to the ground like fallen angels from the heavens. It’s anything but graceful; they crumple unceremoniously to the ground in bloody heaps of tangled limbs. Kix kneels down, checks for their pulses, and tags them. He administers a small dosage of painkillers out of empathy.

“You’ll be okay. The other medics will come for you soon,” Kix reassures each one of them who is alive before he moves on.

It’s a never-ending cycle of dread, sorrow, and frustration, but he keeps moving. He can’t stop for long periods of time or other men who need him will die from their wounds. Kix cannot let that happen; he will save as many brothers as he can, even if he has to leave a couple with some painkillers and move on. ‘They will be okay’ he always reassures himself even in these dire situations. 

During the battle, his senses become hyper-aware and then so numb afterward that he can barely even feel the blood on his fingertips. It paints his hands in scarlet that once was inside of his vode's bodies, flowing freely and keeping them alive. Kix hates that part —when he’ll exit a tent and stare down at his hands, and finally address it. The sensation of silent distaste surrounds him in white and black ghostly shadows of what once was.

Kix is never verbal about how much he hates feeling the blood on his hands. Other times, especially after a hard battle like this one, he’ll make it known to everyone near him how broken he truly can be. Kix’s sight blurs with tears of absolute anger and hatred. He is angry that he's lost vode, and he despises this war for what it’s done to them, to him! More blaster rifles sound through the fog in the distance and droid poppers crackle nearby, too close for comfort.

The gun in his hands feels so heavy all of a sudden. He doesn’t want to hold it anymore; he hates it. He wants to drop it and run away, but he can’t because—I have to save them all! Kix can taste salt from the sweat dotting on his upper lip as it makes its way down and into his mouth. He doesn’t mind because it’s a distraction from all the blood, horror, and gore he sees beyond the black visor hiding his terrified features. 

He may seem like an emotionless soldier, but underneath he’s kriffing scared, petrified even. Kix has to hide all that unadulterated terror in the back of his mind and raise his walls up to protect himself from getting exposed to the wrong people.

Kix slams his heavily fortified facade up so he can save lives. 

Another brother falls to the ground in pain. He’s not dead, not yet, so Kix dashes across till he reaches the white armor decorated in contrasting red, and pulls him into a hiding spot to check him.

What lives am I saving? I keep losing so many! So karking many!

“It’s okay, udesii. Udesii, vod. You are going to be okay. Alright?” Kix kneels down beside the injured trooper and takes off his white med-pack.

This is going to be a long day.

...

Hours later, it's over. The sun has set and the temperature has dropped to comfortable and manageable levels. Gray clouds create a dark formation in the sky in the silence that is only broken by the occasional noise—moans of agony, the sounds of cleaning and quiet chattering, troopers walking the perimeters, or the officers debriefing with the Generals. Despite the silence the night carries, there is still so much going on.

The medical tents are a holy mess of different sounds, smells, and sights. The worst part is the distinguishable metallic scent of blood on surgery tools that have to be left out on silver platters. Not surprising at all; the Republic does not give aid to the 501st or provide appropriate sterilization, which means that microorganisms live on the blades of each tool. It disheartens Kix to be well aware of that disgusting and unsanitary fact. 

Kix is used to the smells, however, thanks to years and years of being a medic. It's fortunately —and unfortunately— a side effect of olfactory fatigue, which is also known as nose blindness. 

Kix stares at the glowing holo-pad with empty golden eyes as his finger skids across the glass. Numbers move about on the screen. There are many casualties and many designation numbers—names—covering his holo-pad. On and on until he reaches the very bottom and lets out a shaky breath. Exhausted and trembling, he places it on the nearest tray, like a pitiful coward who could barely hold in his lunch, and walks out into the lukewarm night. 

He stumbles as far away from the tents as possible, near a little grove of trees, and becomes sick. Kix trembles for so long with his clammy glove-covered palms on his knees and saliva slowly dripping from between his pale lips and sickly green covering the bridge of his nose. He says the blood doesn’t bother him, and it doesn’t, not on its own, but the number of men that died today does.

The green treetops up above sway as Kix slowly kneels in the sand near the pond, nearly as silent as the world around him. Nothing will bother him as long as he stays right here away from the others. He can still feel their blood on his hands, and his skin itches like holes cover every inch of it. He can still hear their cries of pain and agony, fear, and devastation—sounds that carry in range for miles, especially when one has lost a loved one. Kix couldn’t even begin to imagine how it would feel if he lost Jesse to the clankers on the battlefield. What if Jesse had died alone without Kix to be there for him?

 Kix closes his eyes against the negative thoughts. Jesse may not be with him right now because he's in a debriefing, but he'll come back and find Kix. He’ll search out his riduur like always, no matter where they are. Nonetheless, Kix feels so lonely that he digs his blunt nails into his skin until they create half-moon indents. Kix wants so badly for his cyare to come back and hold him, sing to him, and comfort him any way he can till the nightmare is over. 

The numbers Kix saw on his holo-pad left him pale and his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth like sandpaper.

Death count: Thirty-five men. 

Kix grunts and slams his hand into the ground. 

“Kriff,” He hisses in frustration. He lowers his head towards the soft sand under his body and breathes. The silence is broken temporarily by the wind whipping around him, the feel of it on his skin comforting, almost a physical touch.

The wind is practically hugging him.

“Kix,” A voice calls. A familiar, caring voice that almost always has an undertone of warm amusement in it. 

Jesse. 

He feels the sand under him shift as Jesse kneels beside him.

“Hey, you okay?” Jesse asks. He eyes the puddle of stomach bile a couple of meters away with concern before he glances at the medic once again; Jesse offers a sympathetic smile and his facial expressions soften a great deal. Kix stares at the moving sand for a second, blank and wide-eyed, before he turns his attention onto Jesse with eyes full of exhaustion and hopelessness. Jesse immediately pulls him into a consoling hug. 

“Okay, it's okay. I've got you.” Jesse brushes his hand back and forth along his back and makes small shushing sounds. “What do you need?” 

Kix tucks his face into the side of his neck. Hot salty tears roll down his cheeks and cross paths with the sweat and grime covering his face to create visible tear tracks. Kix tries to focus on breathing for a moment but the smoldering negative feelings return like an avalanche.

“There were so many that died, Jess. Force, I lost so many good men. All of them were good men. So man shinies...it was their first battle and they didn't even make it. It…it hurts to have to run, check them over the best I can, mark their bodies, and then keep moving. But the ones who died… Why do I have to leave so soon? Why can't I say goodbye to them,” Kix whispers into the junction between his collarbone and neck. 

Jesse's hand halts on his shoulder.

“You still can. Right now. A prayer for the dead, for our brothers who've marched on to join our aliit in tra.”

Kix blinks pensively before nodding without saying another word. Jesse is right. Kix can still have a Vesper and pray for their dead brothers. It’s safe to do so now that the battle is over and the surge of adrenaline has faded. Kix isn't needed right now; the patients are resting and the other medics are watching over them, which means that Kix is free to rest— or pray with his riduur. 

The two of them place their hands on their knees and bow their heads. 

Kix whispers solemnly, “Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum.”  His eyes flutter closed. 

 “Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum,” Jesse whispers after him. 

Kix opens his eyes and gazes up at the stars. Each one looks the same but they are all unique and different. Just like us clones. Kix opens his mouth and lets out a sigh that’s weary but resigned.

"Bongo." The first name. The first known trooper he tried to save. When Kix found him stuck under a huge pile of rubble he immediately remembered his name. The poor trooper was so scared; he thought he would die alone but Kix was there with him at the very end. 

He even held Bongo's hand as the life departed his gilded eyes. 

"Anzanti." The second name. A shiny who came to his med-bay once asking for help because he found one of their brothers trying to hurt himself in the ‘fresher. Anzanti was afraid and tried his hardest to distract their brother, Duros, while Kix stopped him from successfully taking his own life. Anzanti begged Kix not to tell the higher-ups, the Generals. He promised the medic he’d watch over Duros and would never take his eyes off of him.

Now Anzanti is gone. 

Who will watch over Duros? 

Kix knows that Duros did not die in the battle which means that Kix can find him and make sure he’s safe and well.  With Azanti gone there’s no telling whether Duros, with that knowledge, will try and hurt himself again. 

Kix makes a little mental note to search for Duros later. For Anzanti. 

Three more shinies. "LMC-211. Ennez. Sephi." Kix remembers their names only because he saw them on the list; like many names he’ll utter in remembrance tonight. 

And maybe a little more.

On and on and on till he hit the last name. 

 Kix swallows his grief. "Heart." His throat feels so parched without a drink of water. 

Jesse thinks he's finished so he opens his mouth to say something to console him but—"Echo," Kix pushes through clenched teeth. Jesse jerks up in surprise and then he sighs, soft and reminiscent.

"Hardcase," The medic groans out this one—a painful name to remember. A name that belonged to a spirited, uplifting, and crazy vod that now only two remember. Kix ends it with a choked off sob and his arms curl around his abdomen in grief; he leans forward and rocks back and forth to withhold the tears from breaking through his carefully constructed walls. Jesse raises his hand to steady him and console him but he aborts the movement when Kix makes a sound of abandon. 

Jesse sighs internally. Oh, Kix. 

"Dogma," Kix growls, irate. His fingers grab at the sand that falls away around his trembling knees and legs; Kix throws it in a frantic attempt to find another outlet for his rage. Jesse lowers his head, as he is angry too but holds it back and glares at the ground. 

Kix bites his tongue till it almost bleeds. So many vode. Gone. Gone! 

"Tup…" Tears trickle down his face in his grief; his shoulders shudder with barely restrained fury and quickly growing anxiety. Calm yourself Kix, come on! Come down. This isn’t you and you know it. Just breathe...in and out. Be at peace. His eyes flutter closed again and his chest lifts with each careful breath. 

Jesse watches him with pride, his eyes burning with that aching urge to cry in frustration. 

Kix tips his head back finally and stares up at the stars for who knows how long. Millions of them glow in the night, showing the way like a lantern. There are crimson, azure, white, gold, and orange ones. Each radiating star creates part of a constellation up there, and each one is massive, alive right down to the very core of their divine being. 

Jesse settles one hand on Kix's shoulder, and finally, Kix looks over at him and shivers involuntarily. Jesse nods in silent understanding.

"Fives," Kix whispers the last name almost as if he’ll get struck down. "I couldn't save him, Jess. I stood there and let him walk out of that 'fresher, I should've,” —Kix bites the inside of his cheek to stop the tears. “I should've stopped him from going out there, from getting killed."

"You couldn’t have done anything, cyare. Fives… He did something that got him into trouble, and if we had helped him in any way then we could’ve been arrested. We could’ve been taken from the battlefront and decommissioned. And I…I believe you did the right thing, Kix. Okay?" Jesse hugs him gently.

 Kix takes a sharp breath and tenses. 

"Stop blaming yourself for their deaths. You had nothing to do with it, and you weren’t the one who killed them. You tried your best to save them and that’s all that matters." Jesse breaks their hug in an instant so then he can stare at Kix firmly.

 "Did you kill them? Any of them?" Jesse asks. Kix looks down and Jesse grabs his chin softly and brings it back up. 

"Did you kill them?" He repeats, but this time plain-spoken.

"No. No, I didn't."

"Good." 

"But I miss them so damn much! I wish none of them died! I wish they were here right now, next to us."

"I do too darling. I miss them every day," Jesse whispers. He cocks his head to the side, and a small tear slides down the right side of his face. Kix reaches up immediately and wipes it away. 

It's silent, giving Kix time to think for a moment. 

"Where they are; they are marching ahead in Tra. With Gods, we cannot see. But we will join them when it's our time as well," Kix says. His eyes, hopeful. 

"Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la," Jesse whispers. He looks up at the sky in silence. 

"Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la," Kix echoes. 

Like that, the prayer is over. They whispered the names of the fallen and their loved ones and then they said ‘they are not gone, only marching far away.’ Afterward, the two of them remain curled against one another in the relentless sand; Jesse and Kix stare up at the heavenly skies above filled with gas giants and stars of pure beauty. The two troopers' fingers interlock together in between their thighs and then Kix rests the side of his head against Jesse's armored shoulder. 

"Thank you, Jess." Kix slowly closes his eyes.

Jesse leans over and kisses his forehead. 

"Of course, cyare." 

In the far distance, the planet’s second moon beamed down upon a vivid, tiny funnel-shaped flower called a Statice. It stands at least 28 inches in height. The flower features small, delicate petals that fluff together atop green stems in a beautiful soft shade of pink. The Statice looks spectacular under the soft glow of radiance. The petals of this flower are visibly ethereal in every way. 

Its pink shade stands for something. A special meaning. 

It symbolizes Remembrance.

[parkkrys]

Hardcase/Kix Jokes

Here is the first prompt! The second one will be up soon! I hope you like it and apologies for any grammar errors.

Translations will be in (here) for the Mando'a

Also thank you @blazesurrender for giving me the idea for this prompt! Readers go give them some love!! They are an amazing person

---------

Hardcase knew that Kix would be mad and in some ways he completely understood why. It was embarrassing to fall off the top bunk and to try and catch yourself with your hands of all things. He knew better and Kix was going to just give him that disappointed look that made him squirm in shame. He has always hated that look.

“Hey Kix!” He called out once he arrived to the medbay. He smiled as he watched Kix look up quickly, flashing him a smile before he went back to writing. Probably filling out a report which he knew Kix hated to do so he tried to always get them done and out of the way as quickly as possible.

“Hey Cyare (Beloved), I was wondering about-“

Hardcase winced as Kix immediately stopped, his eyes narrowed on his mangled wrist. “What did you do!?”

“I uh, broke my hand?”

“You di’kut (idiot), how in the kriff did you break your hand?” Kix mumbled and there was the disappointed look. He smiled as he looked over Kix’s shoulder. He was trying to figure out what he was going to say before he hissed in pain as Kix immediately started to do his doctor thing.

“Hey Kix?”

“Your lucky it isn’t that bad Hardcase, honestly what did you do? Did you fall off the top bunk or something?”

He couldn’t tell him. He couldn’t get the disappointed look twice in a row. “There was a pile up on Spaghetti Junction today.”

He watched as Kix looked up, confusion written all over his face. So, he pushed forward. “Reports say that four people were injured and three pasta way.”

Kix stared at him in silence and he couldn’t help the light laugh that left him as Kix blinked slowly. He stopped once the silence dragged on and he didn’t do well with silence. “Did you-“

“If you say another joke, I will not give you any painkillers.”

He closed his mouth as he looked away. “Sorry Kixy.”

“hey look here.” Kix whispered and he sighed as he looked up, jerking a bit when Kix placed a gentle hand on his cheek. “You may be a di’kut but you are my riduur (spouse). I love you cyar'ika.” (darling/sweetheart)

He felt himself melt as his face grew hot. “I love you two.”

“Good now tell me how you broke your hand.”

[silvermoongirl10swfics]

501st Legion OCs

Doc (CT-4153) - Medic. Doc has military regulation black hair and is clean shaven. Before the war, he was one of the medics responsible for training medics on Kamino. He trained Painkiller and Needle of the 212th. During training Doc became very protective of Needle, partly due to Needle fainting every time an IV or injection had to be administered. Seeing how close Needle and Painkiller became during training, Doc actually made sure they were assigned to the same battalion and he also used his sneaky skills in getting them both assigned to the 212th under Patch (his best friend from his own medic training). Doc appears mild mannered and calm. But if you mess with or hurt one of his ‘chosen’ baby brothers e.g. Needle, you had better run for your life. He is the living defintion/example of ‘never annoy the medic’. Once the war started, Doc could have remained on Kamino training the new medics, but he volunteered for active service and was assigned to the 501st. While he didn’t train Kix, Kix still finds it weird being the Lead Medic, so in charge of one of the medic trainers he knew on Kamino when he was training. Doc was named for all the historical dramas I watch and how every medic gets nicknamed Doc.

Jek ARC Squad of the 501st - the ARC squad I have added Echo and Fives to. This is the squad in the Vopak series Echo is a corporal of. There will be a reunion fic of Jek squad on Vopak. (I’m not sure if ARC squads exist in canon, but in the Vopak AU series they do now.)

Hefty (CT-5620) - ARC Sergeant of Jek squad. Bald with a scruff beard. Hefty has a tough guy persona, but if you are in his squad, you know he is really a softie. Has the bad habit of not sleeping or eating enough when he is stressed about an upcoming campaign or just generally worrying about his Jek boys. Once Echo and Fives were made ARCs, he snapped them up into his squad knowing they would be a good fit. Relatively quickly, he had Echo promoted to Corporal of the squad. He and Echo worked really well together and Hefty became protective of his little brother. After the Citadel mission when Echo was presumed dead, Hefty grieved the loss of his little brother, but carried on knowing he needed to help support a grieving Fives, just as Echo would have wanted. As the clones and Jedi left Coruscant Rex told Hefty that Echo was alive and was travelling on the Negotiator with Fives. In the privacy of his room, Hefty held onto a holo picture of the squad taken three days before the Citadel mission and cried because he was so happy that Echo was alive.

Quote (CT-1721) - ARC Corporal of Jek squad (was promoted after Echo’s presumed death). Quote is bald and clean shaven. He has two quote mark tattoos on his head above his right ear. His armour is painted in blue quote marks of varying sizes, he likes you to know who exactly he is if he is wearing his helmet. The front of his helmet has a single quote mark painted on it, covering top to bottom. The same is painted on the back of his helmet. He got his name in training because he quoted people and things he read, his batchmates gave him his name lovingly. After Echo’s ‘death’ and after Fives refused Hefty’s offer of a promotion to Corporal, Quote was promoted to Corporal and while he accepted his new rank, he hated it. He felt like he was replacing Echo, but he had looked up to Echo for the nine months he served with Echo (Quote became an ARC Trooper three months after the Domino twins). He also knew Echo would want someone who knew Hefty well to serve as his second-in-command of the squad and who would continue to look after the squad. Quote cried the first time he hugged Echo on Vopak.

Dace (CT-4135) - ARC Trooper. Dace has buzz cut black hair. He was the second member of Jek squad, Hefty choosing him personally. Dace didn’t mind Echo being promoted to Corporal, he actually laughed at Echo when he apologised for being promoted before Dace. Dace doesn’t care for promotions, apart from being given ARC Trooper status, he is happy at the bottom of the pecking order. He silently taught Echo how best to be Hefty’s right-hand-man and helped Echo and Fives adjust to being ARC Troopers. He was very proud of the Domino twins and also helped them with some of their chaotic schemes, privileges of not being a higher rank. When he heard about what happened on the Citadel mission, he hugged Fives and then went to the gym on the Resolute, where he punched four punching bags so hard they came loose from the chains holding them up. He was non-verbal for a week and then went back to his gruff self, if he was spotted keeping a closer eye on Fives, then nobody mentioned it. On his arrival to Vopak he kept a close eye on Echo, obviously reluctant to have the injured brother out of his sight. Dace laughed when Echo and Fives’ speeder ended up on the lake, happy to see the twins back to normal. The first time he saw Echo back in his ARC armour (that day on the lake) he cried.

Error (CT-5181) - ARC Trooper. Error has military regulation red hair and a red scruff beard. He was not named because of his hair colour, it was actually because every time he learnt something shocking, his facial expression would freeze, with wide eyes, representing/being a living embodiment of the error.code message you get on a computer. Error was made an ARC two months before the Domino twins and was transferred to the 501st, Jek squad from the 126th Battalion. He was so happy to have brothers the ‘same age as him’, as he had taken to calling Dace and Hefty the ‘goldie oldies’, which Hefty complained about, only because their armour was blue, not 212th gold.

Xerus (CT-2418) - ARC Trooper. Xerus has short blonde hair and is clean shaven. His batchmates are Patch and Fixer from the 212th. He loves that the 501st and 212th often work together as that means he gets to see his batchmates. While training on Kamino, he had initially wanted to be a pilot, but when he watched Commander Colt and some of the other ARCs train, he decided he wanted to be an ARC more than a pilot. After being assigned to the 501st and six months into the war, he happened to confess his aim to Rex while drunk. The next day, the Captain began training him and once Xerus distinguished himself in battle, he was given the official word that he was going to become an ARC Trooper. He liked Echo and Fives immediately and called them the ‘best of the 501st’. After the Citadel mission, he hid for the entire night on the Resolute when he cried himself to sleep. The next day, like Dace, he kept a close eye on Fives. Spent most of the journey from Coruscant to Vopak crying when he found out Echo was alive and travelling on the Negotiator. He and Tactless chose to live together on Vopak and live next to Fara and Quote.

Tactless (CT-2013) - ARC Trooper. Tactless has longish black hair he puts in a nerf tail. He became an ARC four months after the Domino twins. Originally from the 184th Attack Battalion, the same as Copy’s batchmates. He did not like Avid, Gloomy and Vex (Murk was the best of the four of them) and so Tactless may have rubbed in his ARC Trooper promotion and transfer to the 501st to the three Tango squad members. (He absolutely rubbed it in!) Tactless did not know Avid, Gloomy and Vex were the Cadets Echo and Fives spoke to about bullying Copy, once Tactless found out on Vopak. He would take the time, every day, to walk past Tango squad and would grin as he pointed to his ARC armour. As you may have guessed, Tactless is named Tactless because he does not possess a lot of tact. But I love my petty boy.

Fara (CT-6118) - ARC Trooper. Fara has military cut brown hair and has a scruff beard. Fara is the baby of Jek squad and is the most protected of the squad. Fara became a member of Jek squad two months before the Citadel mission, Echo took Fara under his wing and Fara hero-worshipped Echo. When Rex told Jek squad about Echo’s fate on the Citadel, Fara found a corner of the hanger and cried for a few minutes. After composing himself, he went to the ARC’s barracks and found Fives curled up crying on Echo’s bunk. Without saying anything Fara went and cuddled Fives for the entire night. Even though, thanks to Echo’s influence, Fara didn’t need to be watched over anymore, he let Fives be protective of him without a word. Four months before the end of the war, Fara was badly injured in a battle, Fives got him to Kix and then proceeded to have a meltdown in the middle of the Medbay. Once Fara was conscious he comforted Fives and pulled the older ARC onto his medical bed and they cuddled for the night. Once he heard Echo was alive, Fara spent the journey to Vopak smiling and helped Rex gather up pieces of ARC armour for Echo. Once he saw Echo, Fara hugged him tightly and was relucant to let Echo go. Once living quarters were chosen in the Vopak Temple, Fara and Quote made sure they lived next door to the Domino twins (Hefty and Dace lived on the other side of the twins). (Fara’s name was inspired by the lotr character Faramir.)

[darthrevaan]

Might I request a combined 15 and 21 with Rexsoka? (Ahsoka and Anakin are siblings, Rex is Anakin's best friend, Anakin does a stupid and winds up in the hospital)

(After five thousand years, I reply....)

I feel like this was probably intended to be a fluffy prompt, but I apparently cannot do fluffy right now? So we have this instead...

Set in an AU where the Jedi Order fell and the Republic became the Empire probably ten years or so ish before Phantom Menace.

~

Thereceptionist runs Anakin’s ID, butinstead of the expected green light, the screen flashes up red. Ahsoka feelsthe bottom drop out of her stomach. “There must be a mistake,” she saysinstantly, “He has trooper cover-”

“That only covers injuries sustained in theline of duty,” the receptionist snaps. “He’s on leave right now, so he’s notcovered.”

“But he just fought a Jedi!” Ahsokayells, louder than she means to. She can tell several people have turned tostare.

The receptionistjust raises an eyebrow. “Kid, theJedi are all dead-”

Anakin moansfrom where he’s slumped onthe floor, clutching at the stump where his right hand and forearm used to be,and Ahsoka panics. “Fine, run my card,” she says, slapping her own ID down onthe desk.

Thereceptionist rolls his eyes, but he does so; after a few seconds, it flashes upred. “Not enough to cover that much injury,” hesays, “You’ll need to go down to the General Intake Emergency Room-”

“He’s lost an arm!” Ahsoka bursts out, unable to containherself any longer, “He needs to see someone now!”

“Kid, this waiting room is for people withproper insurance, and they pay a lot for a calm, stress-free experience,” thereceptionist snaps, “Now if you can’t pay cash, you need to get to GeneralIntake-”

“Hold on there a moment,” a new, deep malevoice says. Ahsoka looks up as someone joins her at the desk; a man who looks alittle older than Anakin, with close-shaven hair and tan skin. “You can put histreatment on my cover,” the man says, holding out his ID card.

Thereceptionist begins to snap, “I’m not-”but the man cuts him off. “Just run it,” he says, and the menace in his voicesends a shiver down Ahsoka’s spine.

Thereceptionist gets the message; he starts to run the card. Ahsoka feels someone’s hand touch her shoulder, and she turnsto see a second man, his face so similar to the first that they could be twins.“I’ve got some bacta,” he says, “Let me take a look at that arm.”

Numb withsurprise, Ahsoka steps aside so that the man can get to Anakin. He kneels downright away and starts applying something to the cauterized wound on the end ofAnakin’s arm, andher adoptive brother makes a low moan that might be relief. “It’s a painkiller,”the stranger says, “Don’t worry, it’ll start to kick in almost instantly.”Anakin slurs something that sounds like thanks.

Ahsoka tunesback in to the receptionist’s voice ashe says, “Is this- you have Level Five- andapproved by-”

“Is it enough?” the man asks sharply.

“Uh,” the receptionist swallows, “Er, yes,more than enough, sir. I’ll call the doctor right away.” He presses a brightred button on his switchboard.

“Thank you,” the man says, “Make sure hehas everything he needs - and the highest quality prosthetic.”

“Of course,” the receptionist says, “I’llinform the doctor.”

Ahsoka feelsrelief flood her chest, followed by another round of nerves. Who is this man,and why did he just shell out for a complete stranger? She turns to look athim, but he’s staringdown the hall, clearly waiting for the doctor to appear. Below, she can hearthe second man talking soothingly to Anakin.

The doctorappears within half a minute, his face drawn and worried. The man with Anakinhoists him up to his feet as nurses with a gurney arrive, and he says somethingto the doctor that Ahsoka doesn’tunderstand, for all that’s in Basic. Some kind of medical code, she assumes.The doctor nods his thanks, then he and the nurses whisk Anakin away throughthe door into the hospital.

For a secondAhsoka feels lost, unmoored; she’sgot what she wanted, but she’s still not really sure how it happened. She doesn’teven realise she’s crying until the first man hands her a small piece of cloth.“It’s clean,” he says, “Promise.”

“She’s in shock,” the second man says, “There’sa café over there.”

“Right.”

Ahsoka letsthe two of them steer her over to the café,sit her down and place a hot caf in front of her; then she says, “Who are you?”

“Captain Rex of the Imperial 501st,” thefirst man says, “And this is our unit’s medic, Private Kix.”

“You’re Imperial troopers? Like Anakin?”Ahsoka asks.

“Actually, we’ve been working withCommander Skywalker and his unit,” Rex says. “We were scheduled to go out againtomorrow, in fact. But he said he had to take today off - couldn’t miss it.”

Ahsoka triesnot to start crying again. “It’s mybirthday,” she whispers.

Rex reachesout and puts a hand on her shoulder. “I’msorry, kid. That really stinks.” He hesitates for a second before asking, “Doyou know what happened to him?”

Sniffing,Ahsoka shakes her head. “We weregoing to go out and see a holo, but he said he wanted to head down to thebarracks to check on some things first. I don’t know what happened, but when hecame back he…he had…” She stutters to a stop, her throat choked, and simplymakes a gesture toward her arm.

“Okay. That’s okay, kid.” Rex gives hershoulder a comforting squeeze. “The bureaucracy may be a pile of kriff, but thedoctors know what they’re doing. Anakin should be just fine.”

“He said…he did say something about alightsaber,” Ahsoka says quietly. “That’s why I…I thought he must have beenattacked by a Jedi. The lightsaber was a Jedi weapon, wasn’t it?”

She doesn’t miss the way Rex and Kix share asignificant look. “It was,” Rex says.

There’s clearly something they’re not tellingher, but she doesn’t imagine they’ll spill if she just asks. “So…what now?”

“You drink up that caf,” Rex says, “I’vegot to make a call to my superiors.” He slides his way out of the booth andwalks out of the café; Ahsoka watches him from the corner of her eye as hedoes.

“Unfortunately there’s little else we cando but wait,” Kix says.

“Yeah,” Ahsoka murmurs. She knows no matterhow much she tries not to, she won’t be able to stop worrying until she seesAnakin again.

Rex comesback after about ten minutes, and they sit there together, the troopers buyinganother round of caf and some small cakes as they settle in to wait. Ahsokatries to take her mind off Anakin by watching the two strangers; they seem onedge, though they’re clearlytrying to hide it. She pretends to play with her datapad, watching them in herperipheral vision. Both of them are watching the crowd, small frowns on theirfaces and clear lines of tension in their shoulders.

What have you got yourself mixed up in, Skyguy?

After almostthree hours, a nurse comes to find them, and tells them Anakin is ready forvisitors. Ahsoka is out of her chair like a shot, and the nurse leads them at asmart pace through various corridors until they get to a private room with thename ‘Anakin Skywalker’ on the holodisplaybeside the door.

Inside,Anakin is lying on a hospital bed, staring up at the ceiling. His facebrightens as Ahsoka runs to his side. “Ahsoka!Are you okay?”

“Am I okay? You’re the one down an arm, Skyguy!”

Anakin’s smile is more like a wince. “Hey, onlyhalf an arm.”

Ahsoka has noidea what to say to that, so she just hugs him. Anakin wraps one arm aroundher, and they stay like that for a long minute before the door opens. Anakin’s head shifts and he asks, “Captain Rex?”

“Commander Skywalker. How’s the arm?”

Ahsoka pullsaway as Anakin says, “The damagewill heal enough for a prosthetic, given time.”

“Good.” Rex closes the door behind him andpulls the two visitor’s chairs close to the bed, then sits down in one. “Sorryto jump straight to it, but we need to get down to business. Ahsoka here saidyou mentioned a lightsaber just after your attack. I just had a chat with yourdoctor; he said your wound could have been from a weapon of that nature.”

“Were you attacked by a Jedi?” Ahsoka asks.

Anakin makesa face and shakes his head. “No. I thinkthis one was a Sith.”

Rex lookssurprised. “What makesyou say that?”

“His lightsaber was red. He was…” Anakinglances at Ahsoka, then continues, “He was a Zabrak. Red skin, strange blacktattoos all over him.”

“Interesting,” Rex murmurs.

“But what happened?” Ahsoka presses, “Why did he attack you?”

“He jumped me when I cut through the alleysnear the old Senate Building,” Anakin says. He glances at Rex for a moment,then continues, “He…didn’t really say why. Just leapt out at me from theshadows. I managed to avoid his first swing, got my blaster up and got a fewshots in, but then he got through my guard.” Anakin glances at his arm and thenaway, wincing. “But the blaster shots drew the attention of a passing patrol. Itold them to follow him, that I’d get myself to the hospital.”

“Anakin! You could have passed out beforeyou got home!”

Anakin lookssheepish. “I guess. ButI didn’t want that Sith to get away.”

Ahsokaberates him some more, but her mouth is working on autopilot. In reality, she’s perturbed for another reason. Anakin hasnever been good at lying, and while most of his story is the truth, she cantell the part about the Sith not saying anything to him is a lie - and she didn’tmiss the way he glanced at Rex just before he said it. Either he doesn’t wantto tell the truth because he did something that the Empire wouldn’t be happywith, and he can’t talk about it in front of Rex - or it’s the other wayaround, and something about that encounter is an Imperial secret, something shedoesn’t have the clearance to know.

Either way,the possibility that Anakin could be wrapped up in something to do with Jediand Sith scares her.

“That’s enough information for now; we’llorganize a full debrief in a few hours,” Rex says, standing. “Make sure yourest, Commander Skywalker. You’ll need your strength.” He nods, and then leavesthe room.

When they’re alone, Ahsoka says, “Alright Skyguy,cut the kriff. What really happenedbetween you and that Sith?”

“What- I told you what happened!”

“Yeah, and I’ve been able to tell when you’relying since I was ten,” Ahsoka says. “So spill.”

Anakin sighsand scrubs a hand through his hair. “Ican’t tell you, Snips. It’s related to a top secret Imperial mission. I don’t actuallyhave high enough clearance to know about it, not really; I only know so muchbecause I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He glances toward thedoor. “That’s why Rex and the other members of the 501st are here; to containthe situation.”

“What situation?”

“I just said I can’t tell you.”

“But you could at least give me a hint!”Ahsoka gasps, “Is there a Jedi here onAxxila?”

Anakin makesa face. “I can’t tell you, Ahsoka!”

“There is,” she says, and he shakes his head. “You’rebad at lying, Skyguy.”

“Ahsoka.” There’s no smile on Anakin’s facenow, and he takes her wrist with his one remaining hand. “This isn’t a joke.There are high-ranking officers crawling all over the planet right now, engagedin a mission no one is supposedto know about. And if anyone does knowabout it, those high-ranking officers will be wondering why, and who told themabout it. Get it?”

“Right,” Ahsoka says, sobering. “This isserious.”

“It’s about as serious as it gets, Snips.So don’t breathe a word about this toanyone, understand? We’ll come up with a cover story about how Ilost my arm. In the meantime, stay away from Rex and the other guys from the501st. They’re here to make sure this all goes smoothly, and they’ll do anything to keep the secret from getting out.” He gives her a hard look. “And I mean anything. So don’t trustthem.”

“Right,” Ahsoka says, nodding. “So, what dowe do?”

“For now, just let me handle it.”

She pouts. “So I just do nothing?”

“Yes. Do not drawany attention to yourself, okay?”

She sighs,but she nods her head. “Fine.Promise.”

He grins. “Good. Thanks, ‘Soka.”

After amoment of quiet she nods at his arm. “Isthat really okay?”

He does thesame trick of glancing at it for a second before looking away, and she can tellit’s really bothering him. No surprise there.“It’s not good,” he admits, “It’s…I think I still don’t really…believe it’sgone. But then I try to move my hand and…” He trails off, grief written plainlyon his face.

“It’ll be okay,” Ahsoka says, trying not tolet her voice sound choked. “We’ll get you a prosthetic and you’ll be good asnew, okay?”

He manages arough smile. “Yeah. It’llbe okay.”

She hugs himagain, and they spent the next hour together, just chatting, Ahsoka trying totake his mind off his arm. She always knew there was a possibility he’d get hurt in the line of duty, but thereality of it is even more horrible than she imagined.

A knock comeson the door, much sooner than expected. When Ahsoka goes to open it, she findsRex standing outside. “Sorry, kid,”Rex says, “But we need to do that debrief sooner than planned.”

“Oh.” Ahsoka turns back to Anakin. “Are youokay to do it now, Anakin?”

Anakin nods. “It’s fine. We should get it over with.”

“I guess I have to wait outside,” Ahsokasays.

“This may take a while,” Rex says, “Youmight want to go home.”

Ahsoka looksback to Anakin, who nods. “You go,Snips. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay.” With one last smile at him, Ahsokaleaves the room, stepping out of the way so Rex can enter in her place.

Out in thecorridor, Kix is waiting, clearly on guard duty, but trying to be casual aboutit as he’s currentlywithout his armour. “You need a lift home, kid?”

Ahsokaremembers what Anakin said about the 501st, and shakes her head. “No, thanks. I can make my own way.”

“Okay. But-” Then Kix cuts off, his eyeswidening as he spots something over her shoulder.

She turns.Someone in intimidating black armour is striding up the corridor, clearlyheading for them. Ahsoka has never seen anyone of his species before; he’s very tall, with thin lines cuttingvertically across the paper-white skin of his face. Red triangles like stylizedteardrops have been painted or tattooed under his eyes, with more markings onhis forehead. Ahsoka feels a chill of fear creep across her skin the moment shesees him, and she steps back, trying to make herself small.

The goldeneyes land on her anyway. “Who is this,trooper?” he asks, his voice a low growl of menace.

“Commander Skywalker’s sister, sir,” Kixsays. He’s come to smart attention, not looking at her. “She was just leaving.”

“His sister?” The man in armour stepscloser, his eyes locked on her, and Ahsoka fights the urge to run. “Not byblood, I assume?”

Ahsoka shakesher head, unable to summon her voice.

“Interesting. Very interesting.” Three moretroopers arrive behind him, these all in black armour that Ahsoka has neverseen before. The stranger moves his gaze to Kix and says, “Private, take threemore of your number and escort this girl home, then place a guard around thehouse. We don’t want anything untoward happening toher.”

Kix salutesand says, “Yes, sir,”and then the stranger is gone, through the door into Anakin’s room. The threeblack-armoured troopers go with him, and for a moment Ahsoka gets the strongesturge to rush inside as well, feeling for a second absolutely sure that she must protect Anakin from- something. Her fear lessens as soon as thestranger is out of view, and she clamps down hard on her feelings. She can’t interfere.

“Sorry, kid,” Kix says, “Looks like you’regetting an escort home after all. We’ll go meet some of my brothers; theyshould be downstairs.”

Ahsoka eyesthe door and asks, “Who wasthat?”

“A superior,” Kix says stiffly.

Ahsoka looksat him incredulously. “You don’teven know his rank or title?”

“Kid, you learn quickly in Imperial servicenot to ask too many questions,” Kix says, taking her shoulder and steering herdown the hall. “And you learn that when someone like that shows up,you don’t ask fortheir kriffing operating number. That’s the way to stay alive - and people whodon’t learn that usually don’t make it.”

Ahsoka cantell he’s tellingthe absolute truth, so she stays quiet all the way to the speeder.

[igotanaddixon]

Head cannons for how Fives, Jesse, Rex, Echo and Wolffe react to their girl friend's period? I imagine that they were never really taught about female reproduction, and that the vast majority would absolutely FREAK OUT when they first learn about it, and that it is actually normal. Thanks and keep up the good work. I always enjoy it!

Thank you for your kind words anon!! This is really sweet of you! Here it is! I really got carried away haha 

******************* 

Fives

- Hethinks you’re dying. Yes, this is an extreme reaction but he loves you so muchthat when he saw all that blood, which was just a little strain on yourbedsheets (that happens, this is no big deal) HE FREAKS OUT!

- He’safraid that you might be injured, that you might die and leave him alone.

- You’retaken aback by his reaction but this is not a bad reaction. Fives just cares somuch for you that he can’t help it.

- “(Y/N)!Oh Force, you’re bleeding! Oh no, no, no, I knew this would happen! You’re going to leave me, you…you…”

- Youhave to calm him down, shower him with love and then you’re able to explainwhat is happening. You explain that you’re just having your periods, that ithappens every month and that actually means that you are in good health.

- Fivescalms down until he understands that you are in pain every month for at least oneweek.

- Thetrooper then carries you in the bathroom, runs you a bath and changes thebedsheets himself because he doesn’t care about a little bit of blood. It is anatural thing and he will take care of you to ease your pain. He’s so gentleand caring with you.

- Fivestries to cook for you but he ends up burning the meal so he orders yourfavorite takeout. He tries to make you laugh a lot to make you feel better,this is an easy task as he’s always made you laugh.

Jesse

- Healso freaks out but is trying to stay calm not to scare you. He finds you onthe coach, groaning in pain as you’re waiting for the painkillers to work.

- “Hun…Are you alright?” He would ask as he sits next to you and runs his hand throughyour hair.

- Youanswer that you are in pain and this is when he sees the blood on your pants.

- Jessefreaks out internally like “OMG IT’S HAPPENING! EVERYBODY STAY CALM!” but hetries to keep a straight (not so straight) voice when he’s telling you.

- Youare really embarrassed and try to get up to change but Jesse stops you. Hethinks that you shouldn’t stand in your condition.

- Hewants to comm Kix. You are injured and he WILL call a medic.  

- Youhave to persuade him not to do that but he’s doing it anyway. Kix laughs whenJesse explains the situation and the medic has to explain everything to thepoor trooper. After all, Kix is a medic so he knows what periods are.

- Afterhis conversation with Kix, Jesse is really sorry. He should have listened toyou and he’s even more sorry when he sees how mad you are (thank you periodshormones to make us angry even at the sound of our own breathing).

- Jessethen helps you get changed and then cuddle with you on the coach while you twoeat ice-cream. The whole day is super lazy but you are not complaining becauseJesse is leaving small kisses all over your neck, cheeks, and lips.

Rex

- Rexenters the “captain” mode and tries to carry you out of your apartment to bringyou to a hospital. “I checked all the lights are off, the quickest way to thenearest hospital is saved in your holopad, I packed your bag, everything isunder control!”

- Inreality, he’s afraid for you and will do anything to make you well again.

- Youlaugh a lot as he’s trying to leave your apartment, carrying you bridal styleand caring a huge bag packed with clothes and other stuff. He looks like ahusband ready to bring his pregnant wife to the hospital.

- Hedoesn’t understand why you’re laughing and you have to persuade him to set youdown on the coach. You explain him what is happening and he’s listening to youintently.

- Hedoesn’t understand why no one told him about this! He knows that he will askKix a lot of questions when he’ll be back to the barracks.

- Hedoesn’t wait to be back and comms him. He mainly asks how to take care of youbecause he’s taking this seriously.

- Hisantics make you laugh a lot but this is really endearing and cute and adorable…Force, you love that man.

- Rexstarts by running a hot bath for you and carries you in your bathroom. Hewashes your back and shoulders, massaging them and leaving soft kisses all overyour upper back, shoulders and neck in the process.

- Afteryour bath, he helps you into new clothes (one of his t-shirts and a pair of hisboxers because it’s comfier) then he carries you back in your sitting-room andtried to cook. Like Fives, the captain can’t cook BUT he can bake! Padmé taughthim (yes, she did fight me XD). So, he baked your favorite cookies and ordersyour favorite takeout to spend the rest of the day lazily watching TV with hiswarm hands over your belly to ease the pain.

Echo

- Echoknew about this. He read about it and this man was PREPARED!

- Echobought everything you might need; emergency pads, chocolate, your favorite kindof books, rent movies for the evening, bought painkillers, new fluffy blankets,ice-cream and topping. EVERYTHING!

- You’reimpressed and very grateful because you need all those things to survive thenext few days.

- Echois the definition of a sweetheart and will do anything you ask. He wouldn’tmind carrying you around or spending hours cuddling you.

- Heloves to read to you as you lay on his chest on the coach or at night when youhave cramps.

- Backmassages! He’s the god of back massages and would do it for hours withoutcomplaining.

- Echoknows how to cook and he will spoil you with food. He wants to take your mindoff the pain and he knows how to do it.

- Thetrooper likes to kiss you all over your face to make you giggle and would doanything to make you laugh.

- Echolets you lay down on him because he’s warm and you’re craving warmth during thenight. He would never complain because he loves you with all his heart and isglad that you love him back.

- Hefeels like the luckiest man in the galaxy.

- Echoknows exactly what kind of painkillers you have to take and when. He keeps achecklist of all the things he has to do for you during your periods.

Wolffe

- Hesees blood, he freaks out internally then grabs you and carries you out of yourapartment without a single word. He doesn’t care if you protest, he knowsyou’re stubborn (who’s talking right haha) and he WILL carry you to thebarracks and into the med bay.

- You’rereally embarrassed because “Blast it Wolffe, I’m only on my periods!”

- Thewolfpack’s medic has to explain to his very angry and pissed off commander thatyou are perfectly healthy and experiencing something called “menstruation” or“periods”.

- Wolffeis confused then when he understands he’s embarrassed and still angry because“why am I not aware of this? “

- Hewould definitely comm his dad, I mean his general, to know what to do becausehe’s lost and want to do things the right way for you.

- Wolffemight be grumpy and angry all the time, behind closed doors he’s a realsweetheart and a huge teddy bear. He’s there all the time and he won’t let youdo anything on your own.

- It’snot suffocating though because love and care is evident in his eyes and healways gives you little kisses while carrying you around.

- Hedoesn’t know how to cook but Master Plo brings him everything he needs to takecare of you, including food.

- Hetakes note of everything and studies everything for next month.

- Wolffeis not that good with words but he knows how to prove his love to you. He’sgentle and caring, he caresses your face when you cuddle (yes, he let youcuddle him) and leaves little kisses on your wrists because he knows it soothsyou.

- Thewolfpack might tease him forever about this though.

***************

I got carried away, again ^^” Hope that you like it! 

[captaingondolin]

"Okay, that's-- that's a lot of blood, hang on--" for Fives and Echo? Gen, please. XD

(Sorry it took me forever and a day to answer this, hope you’re still around! You can read this here or on AO3)

Of all the damned days Fives could have picked to start obeying orders unquestioningly, this had to be the absolute worst, and Echo tells him as much.

“You knew you were walking into an ambush! You knew!” he yells.

Fives tilts his head just slightly in a way that tells Echo he has that shit-eating grin of his plastered on his face underneath the bucket. “Someone had to come save your ass.”

Their intel was flawed. Again. Echo thinks that if he makes out of this alive, he is going to have words with their intelligence officers. Words that will be delivered via plastoid clad fists. 

The 501st had been split up, thinking they could outmanouvre the enemy and surround them, but half the men had ended up in a narrow canyon, with armoured turrets on both sides and way more clankers than they were expecting.

At that point the battle had become a rescue operation. You could say a lot of things about General Skywalker, but he would always do anything in his power not to leave men behind.

Echo had heard the order over the comms. “Disengage now. All units, pull out. Torrent company, cover Carnivore battalion’s retreat. All units, pull out. Transport will be waiting two kilcks south. We’re getting off this damned planet.”

He wants to get out, of course he does. He wants to live. But he also doesn’t want to live at the cost of a brother’s life.

And exactly on that thought, Fives sways a little. “I don’t think I can stand anymore,” he blurts out, and then folds on himself like wet flimsi.

Echo catches him before he hits the ground, and lowers him ever so gently, a stark contrast to the noise of explosions and blaster bolts, and yelled orders all around them.

“Fives? What is it? Were you hit?” he can’t see scorch marks on the other’s armour, though he checks frantically.

Finally his fingers catch on torn fabric, because of course, they had to meet the only battle droid with decent aim, and a hit had made it straight for a gap in the armour, ripping easily through the undersuit, but maybe it won’t be too bad, maybe - “Okay, that’s- that’s a lot of blood, hang on-”

Echo is not a medic. They all have basic training, mostly in what not to do, but he has never been any good at keeping people alive. He’s way better at doing just the opposite.

He pulls on what little he can remember through the haze, and really, he should be better than that, he’s not a damn shiny anymore, but you can never truly tame the fear. You can get used to it. You can stare at your own face twisted in pain and in death and tell yourself that’s how you’ll go and there’s nothing to do about it. But this is Fives right there, who rushed in to save them, to save him. His vod, his batchmate.

The battle is slowing down around them, the men trickling out as best as they can, while Torrent company has set up shop at the back and is giving them cover fire as best as they can. It’s not enough, and too many brothers are dying. Fives can’t stand, and Echo isn’t sure he can carry him far enough without exposing them both to fire from the clankers’ turrets.

All he can do is try to keep Fives alive. He knows he has to keep him conscious, not let him go into shock, and to press the wound so he doesn’t lose any more blood.

Echo keeps repeating “we’re getting off this damn planet” like a mantra. “All units, pull out, all units, pull out. We’re getting off…” While one of his gloves gets soaked with blood, and uses the other hand to rummage in his belt pouch for bandages – they are rationing bacta patches and only medics carry them.

“We’re getting off this damn planet,” he says with conviction.

That’s why he likes his name now, though it might have started out as a taunt. He tries to comfort Fives as much as himself, and it works, up to a point.

After a moment, Fives starts slipping again, his head lolling back in a way Echo doesn’t like.

“No, no, Fives, stay with me, stay with me… We’re getting off this damn planet…” He repeats, trying to think of something worth keeping your eyes open for.

Fives let out a low chuckle. “You never change, do you?”

“I don’t see why I should. I count on saying my last words at least twice. Years from now, in a bed somewhere nice. Somewhere with a view. Hey, hey, Fives. What are you going to do after the war?”

“Probably fight another war, vod. Let’s be honest, none of us is going to die in a bed.”

“We karking are,” Echo countered in a furious whisper, “We are getting out. What do you want to do after?”

He carefully removes Fives’ helmet and passes a gloved hand on his forhead. He doesn’t want to risk removing any more armour, but he knows how much comfort Fives takes from touch. When they were children on Kamino, he was the most likely to initiate illegal cuddle piles in their quarters. Echo grumbled, but then helped him hotwire the sleeping tubes to let them get in and out at will.

Fives’ eyes have a glazed expression Echo doesn’t like at all. He keeps pressing on the wound, feeling blood pour out despite the bandages. At least he has some painkillers, so his brother isn’t in too much pain.

“Tell me what’s happening after this war.”

Fives sighs like he is only giving in to humour Echo, like he’s never actually thought about that. “I want to go somewhere hot. Somewhere dry where it doesn’t rain.”

“I like the rain. The sound always makes me sleep better.”

“Who said you were coming with?” Fives teases, but his words have no real heat.

“Hey!”

“Okay, okay, you can tag along,” Fives voice is getting fainter too quickly, but he smiles and keeps talking, “I want to tell the story of this war. Not the propaganda bullshit that’s on every holo,” he whimpers softly, the painkillers wearing out too quickly, and Echo takes his glove off to caress Fives’ head. He’s covered in cold sweat and shivering softly.

“Good luck with that,” Echo chockes out.

“I’m not afraid,” Fives replies, and they both know they’re talking about more than just what to do after the war. The expression on his face turns dreamy, or it might just be the blood loss, as he adds wistfully: “I like cadets. I mean younglings. I mean, I could train… teach. Teach. You know? Just… without giving orders, though. It would be cool to be curious, just curious…”

“You were always good with the younger batches, whenever we trained together,” Echo chockes out.

“What would you do, Echo?”

Even though he just asked it a moment ago, the question surprises Echo. He must confess, he’d never really considered the options much. Were there even options? He looks up, trying to come up with an answer.

That’s when he sees it, the most beautiful sight in the galaxy: the markings of Kix’s armour.

“Medic!” he screams, and that’s probably too loud since they both have their comms on, “Kix,” he breaths out, “Kix, thank the storms!”

Kix salutes, then ducks a blaster beam with ease and rolls close to them. “We were missing our favourite ARC troopers,” he says by way of greeting, “We thought we’d misplaced you. Maybe the 212th had stolen you.”

“Never!” Fives says, managing to sound outraged despite how much effort each word must take.

Kix tsks and swats Echo’s hand away. He takes out some bacta patches from his belt pouches and works in silence for a few moments.

Then he nods at Echo, “You did a good job limiting the bleeding. This will require a long holiday on Kamino, but it could have been worse. Now help me get him back, the last transport won’t wait much longer.”

Echo doesn’t ask Kix what he was doing on his own, then. He was looking for survivors. He must have only found them. Echo wonders how many of their vode they’ll see again. Then he blocks that line of thought, and focuses on not jostling Fives too much. It’s a good weight. It means they’re both getting back.

They decide not to send Fives back to Kamino after all. It’s not a good thing, they’re simply out of time and resources to transfer anyone not on the brink of death, even though the long necks are definitely the best at getting a vod back into shape.

It’s a good thing, because in the med bay of the Resolute, Echo and the others can visit.

“General Skywalker is taking a dip in bacta,” Fives informs Echo cheerfully as soon as the other walks in. “I heard him yell at Kix that he was fine right before passing out.”

Rex, who is sitting beside the bed, pinches the bridge of his nose. He’s clearly had enough of Skywalker for two lifetimes. He is also clearly hiding in the med bay to get five minutes of peace from running the 501st on his own. There’s a holopad open on his lap with a half-written report, but the Captain looks way too tired to be doing any work.

“I get throwing yourself in front of a whole battalion of clankers,” Fives goes on, “But yelling at Kix? That’s just plain stupid. With all due respect,” he adds quickly, glancing at Rex, who just shakes his head looking almost fond.

Echo laughs. “Your mouth sure is in perfect health. If only we could talk the Seppies to death.”

Fives looks down for a moment then. “Kix says I can’t even get out of bed yet.”

“You listen to him and rest,” Echo says, taking the place opposite Rex. He puts a hand on Fives’ forearm and squeezes delicately.

He means to stay only a while, but when Kix does the rounds a few hours later, he finds all three asleep, Fives in bed and the others still sitting up. Rex’s holopad has fallen to the floor, and Echo’s hand is still on Fives’s arm.

[swhurtcomfort]

Part 2/2 of this for the Anakin-whump anons!

Field surgery was never a best case scenario, Obi-Wan knew, but Kix had felt it would be dangerous to move Anakin more than necessary, and hyperspace was out of the question.

It sounded like the gist of it was that he’d broken his hip and a shard of bone had damaged the artery in his leg, which had bled significantly. In some ways the slowing of Anakin’s pulse from the hypothermia had probably helped him survive.

Obi-Wan had been waiting at the loading dock with Fives and Jesse when Cody’s rescue party returned. They had everything well in hand, and Obi-Wan felt rather useless jogging along behind the hoverstretcher.

Anakin appeared unconscious, but Obi-Wan thought he saw a flutter of his eyelids. Under Kix and Helix’s supervision, Obi-Wan and Rex eased Anakin’s shoulders out of his clothes, peeling sweat-soaked layers apart one by one. His trousers they cut away rather than try to move the leg. Someone handed Obi-Wan a heated blanket which he gently spread over the young knight. When he looked back at Anakin’s face, blue eyes were fixed on him.

“You’re going to be fine, Anakin,” Obi-Wan reassured him softly. Obi-Wan took one hand and held it while Helix slipped a needle into Anakin’s opposite arm. Obi-Wan would have felt better if there were someone here to put Anakin in a trance, but as things stood, drug-based anesthesia would have to do.

“I’ll see you soon, ok?” Obi-Wan murmured.

Anakin’s blue lips twisted into the tiniest of smiles. It only took a minute before his eyes slid shut again.

Obi-Wan gave Anakin’s hand a squeeze, then caught Helix’s eye and knew it was time for him to leave. It surprised him how easy it was to entrust his former padawan’s life to the two clones. He owed his own life to Helix at least two times over, and he knew Anakin’s faith in Kix was absolute. It wasn’t the best case scenario, but Obi-Wan left the medic’s station with a deep-rooted feeling of assurance.

Obi-Wan and Rex settled in to wait outside. Rex gave Obi-Wan a more detailed account of what had happened.

“…then he was quiet for a long, long while. Scared us half to death. Kix wouldn’t sit still. Then when the commander arrived and they lifted him out, he was in a bad way.” Rex shuddered. “You’re lucky you didn’t see him until after Kix had run a ton of warm fluids into him.”

Obi-Wan nodded as he accepted this information. “I suppose I am. But I can feel him. His presence is strong, even now while he’s unconscious.”

“The Force, sir?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “I sense he’ll recover quickly.”

They noticed Fives and the others had reconvened by the fireplace, looking morose. Obi-Wan noted with amusement that even Hardcase was among them, having somehow escaped Dogma’s supervision.

“They look like they could use some encouragement, General,” Rex pointed out tentatively.

“Perhaps you could offer them some,” said Obi-Wan, seeing Rex’s request for what it was. Rex nodded at this dismissal and rose to go speak with his men.

Obi-Wan was left alone at his post. He closed his eyes and attempted to meditate. It wasn’t too long before Kix beckoned him back inside.

There was some color in Anakin’s cheeks again. His leg was immobilized and wrapped in bacta gauze.

“Hi, Master,” said Anakin groggily, slipping back into using the old honorific that he’d outgrown not so long ago. Obi-Wan smiled.

“Hello, Anakin.” It came out like a whisper as he knelt by the cot. “I’m glad to see you’re doing—” Obi-Wan fell silent as he noticed Anakin had dozed off again.

Anakin drifted in and out for the next hour or so. When he was awake, he was either overjoyed to see Obi-Wan or giggling to himself (“Do you think Yoda is good at gardening, Master? He has green thumbs!”). Obi-Wan silently wondered if the clones had given him a little too much medication.

Obi-Wan thought that the loopy phase would be the worst of it, but he was wrong. When Anakin woke up properly there were tears in his eyes. He blinked them away, but Obi-Wan had seen.

“Oh, Anakin, does it hurt very badly?”

Anakin looked away and didn’t respond.

“I’ll ask if we can get you something for the pain,” said Obi-Wan starting to stand.

“No,” Anakin protested. Was that no, he didn’t want the medic, or no, he didn’t want Obi-Wan to walk away? Both?

His fingers twirled around the soft cotton of Obi-Wan’s sleeve, tugging to get him to sit back down. The gesture was so soft and unguarded that of course Obi-Wan obliged.

Anakin whimpered in pain, and Obi-Wan frowned.

“I’m getting Kix,” he said firmly. “I will be back before you know it.”

Obi-Wan was right, and Anakin settled down somewhat after a shot of painkillers. He was anxious to speak with his men, but since half the 501st was clamoring to see him, Kix thought it best that only Rex and Fives be allowed in. They kept their visit brief – Obi-Wan suddenly realized it was the middle of the night.

He briefly considered claiming a cot in the medic’s station for the night, but he was afraid that Anakin would take the gesture the wrong way. He could be so sensitive when he thought Obi-Wan wasn’t treating him like an adult—and he was an adult.

“See you tomorrow. Before my transport leaves?” asked Anakin.

“Absolutely. Sleep well, Anakin,” said Obi-Wan, giving his convalescent former padawan a parting pat on the arm.

It was laughable, really. Knowing Anakin, and knowing him, why had anyone thought they could pass the night like this?

Obi-Wan was jolted awake by a pang of distress filtering through their Force bond in the wee hours of the morning. He rolled off his sleeping mat and to his feet in a single fluid motion.

Anakin didn’t seem surprised when Obi-Wan swept back to the side of his cot.

“Are you alright, Padawan?”

“He-Helix says it’s fine,” said Anakin through chattering teeth. “I’m not crying, my eyes just won’t stop watering.”

He was shivering, though a glance at his monitors told Obi-Wan that his temperature was back to normal.

“You said Helix already checked you over?”

Anakin nodded. “Said it’s j-just a r-reaction. Still got some anesth-thetic in my system.” In addition to his jaw, his fingers were tremoring.

“Oh, Anakin.” He was sure now that the medics had given Anakin too high a dose. It was easy to do. Anakin’s abnormal midichlorian count meant his body processed things differently.

“It’s k-keeping me awake. You should go back to b-bed though.”

“I will stay until you fall asleep, unless you don’t want me to.”

Anakin looked up at him with what was clearly a silent plea.

Obi-Wan smiled.

He brushed Anakin’s hair away from his face and Anakin looked so relaxed that he continued the motion, stroking the former padawan’s hair. It reminded him of how readily Anakin had melted into his arms as a young boy, and how easy it had been to soothe him with gentle cuddles. A small part of Obi-Wan missed those days.

The tremors continued for over an hour, and it took nearly an hour after that for Anakin to fall back asleep. And then just because the Force was cruel, Helix had to wake him up to check his bandages. Morning was both a gift and a curse, for the awful night was over but Obi-Wan knew he had a full day of duties ahead.

Shortly after dawn the evac ship had arrived to take Anakin back to Coruscant.

“I’ll see you in two weeks, old man,” Anakin chuckled as they loaded him onto the ship.

“My credits are on at least four, and that’s if Che doesn’t ground you for trying to sneak out at two.”

“Very funny,” Anakin chortled. But as Obi-Wan withdrew, Anakin grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“Always, my very young former padawan.” Obi-Wan whispered back.