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coline7373 · 1 month ago

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hi, so I kinda fell out of the codywan fandom for a while but I really like your taste based on your fic rec lists I've found. Is there any chance you'd share a couple of fics you liked from last year? Maybe ones that aren't so obvious (like the ones with thousands of kudos are pretty easy to find). If not sorry for bothering you it's not a must of course!

Missile Toes and White Banthas by Ace Raven of Clan Chaos (Music_is_life_2788) (1K)

Lifeday comes once a year, but the trauma of family gatherings is eternal.

A holiday gift exchange written for a holiday gift exchange - it's exchange inception XD

Light-hearted lifeday gift exchange. Rex is out of ideas. Codywan is around the corner and at the end. Sweet and fun!

You be my detonator by Saerus2665 (1K)

“I see they’re just letting anyone on rescue missions these days.” Ben says this as if he’s not currently lying crumpled on his side in a pool of blood in a cold, damp basement. Cody rolls his eyes and does one last quick scan of the room, before stepping around the two bodies on the floor. Or: Agent Ben Kenobi winds up in a sticky situation after a mission gone wrong. Luckily, Cody's there for the rescue.

Spies Modern AU Codywan!!! Not Mr & Mr SMith, they are working for the same side ;) Funny, witty and filled with action. The author makes the most of those 1K

Father War by prouvairablehulk (2K)

We’re damned, after all, through fortune and flame we fall - and if you can stay, then I’ll show you the way (In which 2224 is Cody is Kote is Kote, but more emphatically; or, the Cody-is-Mithras fic that came from being obsessed with my Masters Thesis and Clone Wars at the same time)

Funny. Lovely. And a companion in my mind of that fic in reverse, where it happens to Obi-Wan. But here, it is Kote who gets a little godhood. As a treat.

most things may never happen: this one will by jaigeye (2K)

Cody looks at the bombs bursting overhead. It's friendly fire, and he's beneath it. The heat spewing from it is swift and lacks remorse. It'll melt metal through your hands. Meat doesn't mean anything to light. It goes right through.

This one isn’t codywan but, by God, if I’m recc-ing any fic, then I’m putting down this one as well. Cody-centric. Fantastic. And I do mean fantastic. About the clones and the droids in Star Wars, and the war and Cody and…

It made me crazy. Crazy.

Must . Read.

half-octopus stewjoni biology no-longer-WIP-now-published-HERE-on-AO3! by passeridae (4.9K)

"Say that again?" Cody pauses, halfway to armouring himself after his checkup, and looks over at Helix. Surely he'd misheard. Helix, eyes rolled towards the off-white ceiling of the medbay as if praying for patience, repeats, "I said, unless you've been having some exceptionally weird sex I don't know about, you've got a prostate tumour." "Weird sex," Cody parrots, his mind helpfully replaying the most debauched trysts he'd had with his General in the past few months.

The fandom’s usual take for Stewjon is that it’s a hybrid of space!Scotland-Japan and its people are dualsex (even though it’s more often wrongly tagged intersex, which is not the same thing). Not here. Here, stewjoni are half-octopi. They aren’t(?) were-octopi, but half-octopi. Read to find out how. I promise it works. Don’t be frightened by the tags.

What I really liked (other than this little pearl of worldbuilding), is the change to the usual mpreg trope. It’s not Obi-Wan, it’s Cody who carries. It’s not a secret, the main parties involved know about it straight away. Cody is not having A Crisis, the idea makes him happy. Just very refreshing all around.

Medical practices done right. “Normal” pregnancy happening off-screen for a value of normal. “Normal” birth. Started as crack taken seriously then somehow veers sharply off course toward the last part as it becomes bittersweet and happy and joyful and philosophical. Reflection on attachment, the circle of life and all that. Future unknown but ends on a positive note. Loved it.

Dawn by Serie11 (7K)

Obi-Wan had thought of many possibilities, of what his and Cody's life after the war would look like. A child hadn't been among them.

Trans Obi-Wan. Unplanned Pregnancy. Tatooine AU. Heartbreaking. Good ending, though. You don’t stay heartbroken, even if you keep on crying.

Your Smile In Stone by ecarian (8k)

Wooley: can we arrest people for yelling this early? There were two figures standing at the foot of General Kenobi's statue with their backs to Wooley, an adult with a hood, and a child with light hair. The child was pointing at a puddle of Temple tookas who were curled up in General Kenobi’s lap, lounging in the stone folds of his robes, the bend of his knee. Wooley: belay that. Child nuisance.

Clones overthrow the Empire and then… Well.

New Republic and all that. Sure. They are free, which is nothing to scoff at. But the Senate still voted for the end of the Republic and the jedi are still dead. Aren’t they?

The end… My heart, oh, my heart. Prepare handkerchiefs. By the buckload.

bell tower by smoosey (smooseys) (12K)

In gesture and word and deed, Obi-Wan had made it clear that he saw, in Cody, the same inpollutable, infinite thing that lit the stars. The same Force that had Obi-Wan supplicant his whole life long, luminous under daylight, luminous in the dark, luminous candle-lit, kneeling into the song of the Light. And Cody thinks a part of him has spent the long years since, too, on his knees – in grief, in penance, in duty, in love, and in his memory. But Obi-Wan is alive.

WIP, just once chapter, but what a chapter.

Between hallucinations and dreams, a real communication through the stars with the ghost of his former general or what the spirit of Cody, the purge soldier, concocted to protect himself, a poem, a delirium, a mea cupla screamed at the stars, a fantasy dreamed by a soldier eaten away by the horrors committed by his hands, the State he represents and the atrocities we undertake by ourselves, reality or imagination, metaphor of guilt and forgiveness or real and visceral torture.

PT-2224 made a mistake. Vader makes him pay. Cody is there and not there at the same time. An escape and a voluntary march of his executioner's body towards the final destination.

Incredible. Fantastic. A trip like no other.

Facile Felicity by br1ghtmouth (14K)

Primary functions are supposed to be useful: survive against all odds; shield one’s battalion; fight until the very last breath. Cody would prefer anything besides the bleeding heart he’s been dealt. Or: the General makes plans. Cody follows.

Very fun concept! Lovely characterisation! And, of course, my favorite No-O 66 AU!

True Plain Hearts do in the Faces Rest

by SpaceWall (21.9K)

“We won’t enforce whatever they put forward,” Adi said, “In fact, we won’t fight at all unless they guarantee the clones the right to pursue and refuse soulmate bonds as every citizen of the Republic may. (...)” “You could lose us the war.” “Or we could win it,” Obi-Wan pointed out, “and win it by deserving to, rather than by giving in to that which this order stands against.” Adi’s proposal to offer the senate a bald refusal passed unanimously.

I really liked this one and it’s partly because the codywan is not necessarily romantic. It’s not tagged as such and the connection only happens at the end so I think it’s up to the reader whether they imagine it happening later on or not. It wasn’t necessary for me.

Cody and Obi-Wan connected on the level of their souls. Nothing, not even romance, can be more meaningful than that.

It was heart wrenching at times and it made me reflect a lot. Not everyone get their happy ending. It’s also a great new take on the soulmate trope and what The Sign is (colorblind vs colored vision, tattooed first/last words, dream/pain/sexual fantasy sharing, ect. And now, A True Smile!!! Because you smile with your eyes, which are the window to the soul. Get it?)

Turn it on to a new kind of bright by rolo_rulu, Saerus2665 (41K)

Someone rolls him over onto his back. “Hnnngh…” Ben blinks his eyes open. There’s a man looking down at him, haloed in the bright light of the sun. (...) “Are—are you an angel?” Ben finds himself saying. He doesn't know if it's the heat or his poor instinctive attempt at flirting that makes him say it. The man squints at him, brow furrowing, clearly caught off guard. “Uh—are you a banana?” OR: The one in which Cody is a hot surfer and Ben’s a biologist who just so happens to be filling in for his brother at his summer job at a perfectly normal, definitely not shady, beachside banana-stand.

Some levity in this recc list!!!! There is no great plot with the Fate of the Universe at stake. This is one of these delightful type of fic that are just… fanfic-y. I don’t know how else to describe it XD

The premise is crackish. The execution is hilarious. The author and artist who work on this (check their accounts out!) were obviously having a hell of a time on this LSD trip together. It also has its sweet moments, its aching moments, moments serious or sad.

Fox is there and amazing. Vos too, stealthily. Obi-Wan is A Nerd and so loveable for it. Cody is so freaking cool. The story keeps throwing you off and making you laugh. The art blows. Uncomplicated and yet rich and varied. Have a grand old time, without becoming anxious about the Meaning of Life Itself.

Just… a cute, funny love story. Happening in a Modern Setting. This is the king of stuff I’m on ao3 for. Gold stars.

Six Months In A Leaky Boat by passeridae (47K)

The year is 1998. Australia is fucked to hell and back, but its neighbour New Zealand is doing surprisingly alright. Well, if it wasn't for the supply shortages, persistent earthquakes, and the government's increasing heavy handed attempts at censorship. Cody, a presenter at Radio Hauraki, is particularly pissed about that last thing. And he knows just what to do about it, too — all they need is a boat. Radio Hauraki started life as pirate radio back in the sixties, what's stopping them from going back on the waves? Also, if his coworker, Obi-Wan, could stop making his life a living hell that'd be great, but Cody is pretty sure the world will end for real before that happens.

Modern Dystopia happening in a 90’s Alternative Universe. Activism. Civil disobedience. The author must be from NZ itself because how else would they have so much knowledge about the slang, the culture, the places? Historical accuracy used like a punch to punctuate the story’s point. Fail gay men. Gay love.

I love the idea of a couple uniting while they are constructing something. This story, though, is less about the boat itself, but the journey they take toward that point. It’s mostly from Cody’s POV while the world, society and democracy is slowly imploding around him.

At first, he tries to obey the law because he doesn’t want to suffer from discrimination. But as the story goes on, he just can’t follow it anymore because to do so would be to let people die when he could have helped save them. And so he fights.

Various characters take this journey too, along-side him, in the background.

In an extremely vivid New-Zealand setting, with an original format (written, audio, pictures, links to songs…), a story all the more impactful by what we’re currently all living through, two men falling in love and many people rallying for Fairness and Justice.

Amazing.

|vidur viduvasario| by littlekaracan (76K)

There, peeking out from between the grasses, was the glittering and unmistakable head of a grass snake. Cody blinked. Twice. “I – “ he began, and realized he didn’t quite know what to say. “Forgive me, are you – the grass snake, there?” The grass snake’s head twitched – as if reacting to his voice. He saw a flash of its forked tongue, and – “That would be me, yes.”

Between fairytale, folks tale Shakespearean-flavored, and TCW medieval AU. Obi-Wan is not a were-snake or cursed or about to give Cody an apple. He’s just… a snake. And not. I cannot explain too much away without spoiling the story but it was great.

No big, galactic stakes. Just Cody living in a village with his many, many brothers and meeting a snake. That’s it.

Done so well I kept thinking about it for weeks afterwards. Lovely.

|slâfst du, friedel ziere| by littlekaracan (64K)

“Help me,” he whispered, desperate for something he could not understand, and could feel the dirt slowly trickling into the emptiness of his eyes.

A moment of silence, and the voice relented.

“Come to me,” it whispered, and he wanted nothing more. “Come to me, darling, and I will do my best.”

That author decided to slay their readers without mercy and I am here for it. Willing head on the chopping block. Chopchopchop.

2224 is starting to reach the end of his shelf life. Amidst a fevered dream (or a vision?), he embarks on a final mission. That he fails, of course, just like he failed at dying.

Past the reunion of two battered traumatized men, between a journey toward self-forgiveness and the acceptance of the horror of their past and present, a healing of the minds, while Cody’s body is hurling toward death.

Happy ending, of course. I couldn’t stand it otherwise. But boy, there was a knot in my throat the whole while. And that passage where Obi-Wan [insert spolier]... I had to stop to straight up cry.

|keep the wolves away| by littlekaracan (59K, so far)

They saw her around Mos Eisley, sometimes, lingering by the repair shop where her father worked or sitting atop the crates strewn about the street. She had strange eyes - aged and watchful and inquisitive, even more so perhaps than the other children around her, although all of them had grown up too early all the same. (...) There was something important that Reva Sevander had learned throughout the last hours she spent in what once had been a safe haven, lying atop her murdered clanmates and trying not to make a sound as the stench of their deaths grew more and more oppressive - nothing, least of all tomorrow, was ensured.

I have recc-ed this author and I will recc them again! This one is a WIP and it is announced codywan, which is why I gave myself permission to cheat by putting it there since where it stopped, it hasn’t happened yet. But, if it ever becomes finished, I know it will be as brilliant as the rest.

For someone who had many, many, many, many critics about the Kenobi Show, how they created the character of Reva (who, by all right, should have been awesome) and that hasn’t found a fic where I was able to enjoy her, I was absolutely bowled over by how much it made me root for her.

Yoda and Obi-Wan go to the Temple, before they decide to split to fight Sidious and Anakin respectively. They find Reva. They pick her up. And then, of course, someone has to take her with them when they decide to hide. Spoiler alert: it’s not Yoda.

It’s told from the POV of Reva and Obi-Wan broke my heart as well as made me want to shake him until his teeth rattle. I would be hard pressed to find a child in a fanfic described and characterized so authentically. Obi-Wan goes straight on the Depression Train, like in the show, but he can’t just lie down and let himself starve and stew in his nightmares, because there’s a child who depends on him. Two jedi in a post-jedi world. One who should be starting their journey, but didn’t, and one who should be passing the flame to the next generation, but can’t. Jfc.

The End!

That’s it folks.

When I received the ask for a codywan recc list, I was in a waning enthusiasm period for codywan fics (not the ship itself!).

Because I’m very picky and I have dozens upon dozens of criterias for codywan “fics I loved so much I bookmark them and recommend them to everyone”. I could read literally all week sometimes and not find one fic that meet all these (very subjective and personal, mind you!) criterias.

It’s not ungratefulness for people writing fics (are you kidding?), it’s a matter of taste. Without new canon being produced, fandom/ship tend to stagnate a bit in terms of narrative after a while. It happens to literally every fandom I have been a part of and is no critic of anyone or anything. That’s just the nature of things.

But, well. Then, the number of fics that scratch all my itches and that I haven’t read yet start to get smaller and smaller until, to find new gems, I have to plow through hundreds of fics first.

But I considered it a challenge to myself and my habits and accepted it gladly! To shake things up and find actual new stuff, I put the restriction on myself to look only for fics last updated between 2023 and 2024.

Because I already made a recc list in 2022 and I wanted to give what I hadn’t seen yet a chance.

As you can see, some truly amazing stuff came out of this! If with this list I manage to make you discover new fics, I will consider it worth it!

At the time I am writing this, there’s still plenty of fics downloaded and waiting to be read on my e-reader. But we’re reaching the end of the year so I’m stopping it there so that people can enjoy the fics over the holidays.

If I find new things, I will edit it ;) As always, suggestions are always welcome too!

Meanwhile, enjoy, leave kudos for the authors, and happy reading!!!!

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whispereons · 1 year ago

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Masterlist!

I'm Whispereons and I mainly write yandere Genshin Impact fics. The SAGAU is my long time obsession if it wasn't obvious.

For ease of convenience I will have this masterlist pinned with my works, taglist, and tags used on my blog.

Currently I don't have any rules to abide by. I enjoyed all the comments, reblogs, asks and submissions I received thus far!

Just a warning for anyone new, I advise you to make sure your blog has some form of personalization. Like a profile pic, a sentence saying hello in your bio or even just a single post saying you're human will do. It's to prevent you from getting the report and block combo when I do my spam/porn bot purges.

SAGAU works

Oracle!Reader - with my current editor @serpent-benediction (hopefully) fixing up the older chapters.

Followers Special: 1K

Inazuma:

City - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 Sea - Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Liyue:

City - Part 9, Part 10, Wilderness - Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18 City V2 - Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25

(Don't judge my old works too harshly, I really was new at writing!)

Self-aware Genshin Impact Series (incomplete): Warmth, Screen, Team Player, Over This Shit

Oneshots - Another Drink, It's tough to be a God

Normal Yandere Genshin Impact:

Venti/Barbatoes x EOS!Reader: Planned, Protection or Possession?, Control

General Yandere Posts:

Male yandere x fem reader: Insecurity

Tags to use to navigate my posts!

#whisp's amateur work - all of my writing

#sagau oracle au - everything related to my oracle!reader (was implemented late so the first tag is more reliable)

#a whispered response - me answering asks/submissions

#whisp's collection - my personal collection of my fav authors, artists, and anything else. My mindless reblogs aren't tagged with anything to avoid cluttering the tag system.

#peering into the whisp - if I get personal asks, this is the tag I would use

If you regularly sends asks with some way to identify you then I usually give you a tag too.

My taglist for my Oracle!Reader:

If you are in italics, that means I couldn't tag you! That could be due to you being shadow banned or having your settings set to hide you from being searched. I will keep this master list updated with each new user, I truly don't mind tagging you all. It's honestly a nice feeling.

@vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @liansh3ng, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @shellofthewell, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifoe, @goaudduck, @carminerin, @maddysflowers, @zenith-of-all-zenith, @crazydreamcat, @leafanonsforest, @grimreapersscythe, @leylanx, @sapphireknown, @help-whatdoimakemyusername

@zhonglisfruityass, @mer0n37, @victoria1676, @mochinessss, @sinnful-darling, @emilymikado, @pix-stuff, @esthelily, @luxie963, @emmbny, @starsofabundance, @kbar1013, @xxblackroses623xx, @chxrlxtteee, @aludicpoet, @yandematic, @atrcclovsxoxo, @0lshadyl0, @esthelily, @t-rex-red, @ck123, @steadybreadbluebird, @118gremlin, @stratonia, @time-shardz, @farelady-fate, @valeriele3, @francisnyx, @byakuren100, @waveto-earth, @flyingpansaurus, @silverstarred, @iamapotatoe, @ghosthii, @beloveddroplet, @uchihaeirin, @ibelieveinsleep, @idk098, @thefirstonetoeverlikemeback, @toramune, @haaaaaades, @horologiumwise, @melovaaaa, @alittletiredcry, @aphxdea, @atsukawolfcat, @desirabletravel, @pinkpainc, @eccedentesiast-sapphic, @yuyuzi-ling, @hyperfixationwhore

@juuuuuj101010, @avalordream, @kurayamioterasu, @tottybear, @koiikuno, @lynx-of-skies, @quacking-simp, @synthe4u, @kascar-chronicle, @hug4helios, @hug4helios, @silverstarred, @koiikuno, @ithoughtthinks, @remiivx, @lemonade7255, @melpomenelurks, @average-yandere-enjoyer, @mnhao, @fuji-sen, @altumsomnum, @hehothrowawayfae, @unofficialabortive, @magnum0pus2231, @xxnessinessiellexx, @multiliker, @intpessimistic, @kitsunelivesyet, @extremelytoastybread, @mercy-not-merci, @silvermoon617, @evaline-ethan, @fallintothechasm, @imgonnaeatthatglitter, @bunniotomia, @3noa3, @astro-stars, @beary-kalkus, @yourfavepookiebear, @original-person, @alexx197197, @dxprived4-starboys, @bunniotomia, @smokycoffe, @hydroarchon-furinaa, @armystaysatnct, @solunamare

#whisp's amateur work #a whispered response #sagau cult au #whisp's collection #peering into the whisp #official masterlist #For those wondering #The cat covering my blog is my dear Obsidian <3 #if he dies #I may actually drop Tumblr #but that's not going to happen as he's young and a housecat #he's living all 18 years estimated #and WOW I didn't expect to have so many liyue chapters #There's just so many people in Liyue that it makes it long #How do ya'll read my stuff??? lol

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thefandomsfervent · 1 month ago

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Assigning Cats to Arcane Characters

Let me know what y'all think <3 My friend and I just spent 20 minutes doing this for fun. Any characters you wanted to see that we didn't add?

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01-Silco - cornish rex but really bald

02-Singed- sphinx but wrinkly

03-Sevika - bob cat

04-Ambessa - smoke mainecoon

05-Vander - tabby mainecoon

06-Mel Medarda- melanated bengal

07-Viktor - oriental short hair but specifically havana colored

08-Jayce - orange tabby but his bottom lip got stung by a bee

09-Jinx - russian blue (but malnourished)

10-Vi - orange tabby but both paws were in an ant hill

11-Ekko - abyssinian with prominent white patch

12-Caitlyn Kiramman - blue point ragdoll

13-Tobias Kiramman (Cait's dad) - gray ragamufffin

14-Cassandra Kiramman (Cait's mom) - siamese seal point

15-Benzo - kurilian bobtail longhair

16-Claggor - munchkin tabby

17-Mylo - devon rex but black

18-Sky Young - longhaired tuxedo

19-Cecil B. Heimerdinger - flamepoint persian

20-Maddie Nolan - orange and white tabby scottish fold

21-Steb - turking angora with the longest whiskers you've ever seen

22-Loris - classic tabby but as a tom cat

╚═*✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*.·:·.✧-✦-✧.·:·.*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧*═╝

---------.·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ .Headcanon Masterlist.·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ .------------

------------‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙· Master Fic List *̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊--------------

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imabeautifulbutterfly · 10 months ago

Note

How about 17 and 46 with Rex??? Only if u want to!!!

Hello gorgeous @skyofnostars,

You're so sweet. Of course, I want to.

I hope you'll enjoy this one. I was debating on which way I wanted this to go, but I'm happy with how it turned out. Also the story got away from me, so enjoy the 1400 words.

Love oo,

The Kiss

Warnings: Angst, kissing, drunken state, loss of life, Krell era, comfort, misunderstanding, I think that's it. If I miss any please let me know.

Main Master List | Star Wars Fic Roulette

Rex sat in his office going over several datapads reviewing the reports from several Majors, Lieutenants and Sergeants, each discussing from their own point of view how the battle progressed. Technically, some of this should’ve been handled by the General, but right now … they had to deal with General Krell, and he wasn’t going to let his man have to put up with anymore of his tyrannical way of thinking.

His eyes looked over the list of soldiers that had been lost from Krell’s last battle plan, his heart tightening with each name, each brother now gone. Simply because that Jedi … no, he’s no Jedi. He’s a monster. A vile excuse for a man who was currently in charge, at least until General Skywalker came back.

The Captain rolled his neck side to side, closing his eyes, trying to silence the anger and frustration that had grown within him. Why did General Skywalker have to be called away now? No, why did they have to be stuck with a General that clearly didn’t care about his troops.

You slowly made your way to Rex’s office, you were dreading having to face Rex, not only did you have to turn in your own report, but on top of all the other issues between you and Rex right now, you were going to have to apologize for your actions on the field. Krell pushed your buttons and you lashed out at him, well not just Krell, but also at Rex, it wasn’t Rex’s fault, you knew that; but it was all too much. Then to make matters worse he was the one who saved you, when you were getting ready to punch Krell.

He stood in front of you, dressing you down in front of the General. Telling you to learn your place. You knew he did it, so the General wouldn’t have an excuse to step in; it was embarrassing and awful, but he did save you; saved you from a court martial or worse, at least.

Maker, why was it so hard to be around him, now?

For a long time Rex and you were friends. It was an almost instantaneous friendship from the moment you two met. Then one night, one stupid drunken night at 79s you accidentally kissed him, which simultaneously sobered you up and ruined the friendship you both had.

After that night Rex kept his distance, the first real conversation you had with him was when you were yelling at him and General Krell, and he yelled back at you. Which wasn’t even a conversation, really.

Yet, now there were no more options left, as much as he wanted to avoid you, he’d have no option but to talk to you. Especially, since you had concerns about Krell.

You took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

A moment was all you needed as you steadied your breath, before walking in. You stood at attention, waiting for Rex to acknowledge your presence.

He took a second to calm his nerves, his eyes refusing to meet yours.

“Lieutenant.”

“Captain, I’m here to give you my report.”

You held out the datapad to him, your heart aching, missing the camaraderie you both had once enjoyed. You missed it all, the joking, the laughing, the subtle flirting from your end, it had all stopped after that kiss.

He drew a clear line between you two and that was all there was to it.

“You can just leave it on the desk,” he focused his attention back on the report in front of him.

He wanted to look at you, he wanted to talk to you, but he didn’t deserve that. Especially, since when you drunkenly kissed him, it had been the most perfect kiss he ever imagined he could’ve had with you. He enjoyed the feel of your lips on his, the warmth from your breath gently washing over his skin, the weight of you in his arms, the way you made him feel, it was everything he could’ve possibly wanted. It was then he realized how much he cared for you. How much he wanted something more with you, but that wasn’t possible.

He felt as though he’d abused your kindness, your friendship. He felt ashamed to be near you.

You let out a sigh as you looked at him, “Will you ever look me in the eyes again?”

Rex didn’t have it within himself to answer you, much less to look at you.

You’d done this, you’d ruined your friendship. If you hadn’t been so drunk that night, if you hadn’t pushed the limits of your friendship none of this would be happening.

“I’m sorry.” You started, “I’m sorry for overstepping that night and kissing you,” Rex lifted his eyes to look at you, his heart tightened when he heard you regretted kissing him. His eyes took in all your features, studying each section of your face. Maker, how he missed your face, missed you. “Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for protecting me with Krell. I know I really put my foot in it and if it wasn’t for you stepping in and covering over what I said or was about to do …”

“Well you always manage to make my life interesting,” he smirked as he looked at you, “I’m just glad I stopped you off before you actually hit him. Truthfully, I didn’t want him to demote you or kick you out of the GAR, so I went a bit extra.”

“It’s fine, and you know, even if he didn’t react at that moment, I have a feeling he’s going to get back at me, one way or another. He may be a Jedi, but I think even he would think twice before going against someone related to one of the Republic Senators.”

“I highly doubt that would’ve phased him.”

“Probably not.” You smiled as you looked at him, “I am sorry about everything. I’m sorry I ruined our friendship that night and … I know you don’t feel comfortable around me …”

“Wait,” Rex held up his hand, “Do you think I’m avoiding you because … I’m mad at you or something?”

“Aren’t you?”

Rex closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, running his hands over his face, “No.” He stood from his seat and walked over to you. As he looked into your eyes, he felt his heart start to beat faster, he slowly reached up his hand gently caressing your cheek. “Cyar’ika, the reason I was avoiding you was because … if I didn’t I would’ve overstepped. The moment you kissed me, I realized I was in love with you. I’ve been in love with you this whole time. This entire time, I’d been taking advantage of your kindness and sincerity, just so I could get close to you. I’ll understand if you don’t feel the same way, if you regret kissing me, but I want you to know, I love you.”

“You love me?”

“I have. I do. For a long time.”

You closed your eyes, your smile reaching all the way to your ears as you leaned into his hand, holding his hand against your cheek. “Look at you, showing some actual good taste. I’m almost impressed.” You laughed, as you slowly opened your eyes to look at him, “Rex, I’ve loved you from the moment we met. Maybe I didn’t realize it was love at first, but now looking back … it’s the only thing that makes sense. I love you, and truthfully, I don’t regret kissing you. I regretted the fact it pushed us apart.”

His lips gently pressed against your forehead, his other hand moved to the back of your head holding you close, “I’m sorry for pushing you away. I should’ve talked to you instead of making decisions on both of our behalf.”

“It’s okay” your hands went to his waist and pulled him closer. “You’re here now.” You opened your eyes, pulling away slightly to look at him, “What are we going to do about Krell? I don’t trust him. If this continues you won’t have any brothers left, and not to mention …”

“Shhhh” he pressed another kiss to your forehead, cutting you off, “I know, cyar’ika. I know.” Rex pulled you into a hug, burying his face in the crook of your neck, “Right now, though. I just want to hold you in my arms and not worry about him. At least for a little bit.”

You didn’t fight him on it, you simply nodded, wrapping your arms around his torso as you pulled him in closer. There was time to deal with Krell, at least that’s what you hoped.

Main Master List | Star Wars Fic Roulette

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captainkirkk · 1 year ago

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✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

Shadowhunters

Enthrallment by smilebackwards

It does look a little bad, Parmela thinks, looking at it from outside. As more specialists had been called in for consultation, they’d decamped to one of the larger conference rooms—eschewing attendance at A, B, AB, & O: The Impact of Blood Type on Non Subject Specific Blood Magic, because this was vastly more interesting and potentially important—and there are a round dozen high-level warlocks clustered around Alec, poking at him with magic.

Or: Alec attends the Magical Inventions and Advances convention in hopes of recruiting warlocks for another Downworld Cabinet. The warlocks, however, are more interested—and concerned—by the blue magical aura following Alec around.

temporal fraternity by envysparkler

Damian clears his throat. “I require your assistance.”

The words come out easier with the benefit of practice and the knowledge that no one will remember them tomorrow. Today. Tomorrow-today.

The Umbrella Academy

cut me open and i still bleed red by aletterinthenameofsanity

Part 1 of the odds were never in our favor

Ben knows his fellow mentors pretty well, for how long he's spent here, behind the screens of the Games, watching as his tributes die.

Allison, from District One, has a way with the sponsors. Just a word placed here or there, stealthily dropped into conversation, and she can get her tributes the shit they need.

In his time as a Mentor, Klaus has developed a habit of drinking to get through the Games, and through the rest of his life, really- anything to avoid the truth of what's happening, the ghosts of the children he and Ben have sent to their deaths.

Very few people remember what Five’s name was before the Games. Caesar Flickerman and the Gamemakers nicknamed him that when he took out the entire Career Pack on his second day in the Arena.

Vanya’s the newest Mentor, the victor of the Seventy-Third Hunger Games.

Diego’s one of Ben’s oldest not-quite friends. A Victor from District Ten, he’d gone into the Games knowing how to kill an animal.

All the other Mentors Ben knows try never to get attached. Luther, on the other hand, doesn't forget a single name.

(A story of seven victors of the Hunger Games and the lives they live as Mentors.)

Danny Phantom

The Promised Land by redrobin1989

Danny Fenton has been running for years, from his abusive parents, from Vlad's experiments, from his freakish powers. He expected to be running his whole life until he found his way to a small town that felt like the home he'd never had.

M!ik

Study Dates Are Not Real Dates by StormySteady

A very important exam is coming up, and Asmodeus is trying his hardest to get Iruma and Clara to study for it. But his soulmates have other ideas.

Star Wars

Starlight, In All Its Forms by Soap_And_Lye

When Luke was eight, he was taken from his home on Tatooine and delivered into the hands of the emperor and his right hand.

When Luke was sixteen, he overheard the emperor's plans to steal a tiny Force sensitive child and saves him first, before being caught and dragged back to his masters' keeping.

When Luke was eighteen, he finds that same child on Gideon's cruiser, and spares both him and his family, including a silver clad Mandalorian.

And when Luke was twenty-four, he is captured by the Rebellion (captured or did he just let it happen? Really up for debate) and secretly sent as a prisoner to Mandalore, where Mand'alor Din Djarin rebuilds his planet and raises his son.

And the rest was history. Or the beginning.

Clone Wars

will you be an anarchist with me? by a_alene

Once the Kenobi floodgates are opened, they cannot be closed. Cody has apparently been keeping an itemized list of disagreements, and he is determined to tell Rex each and every one of them.

Kenobi refuses to listen to Cody’s input. Kenobi throws himself into battle with no regard for previously established battle plans. Kenobi uses the Force so recklessly and obviously that every undercover assignment is blown within the first few minutes. Kenobi is a hypocrite who berates Cody for sidestepping protocol, but flouts it himself at every opportunity.

CT-7567: bet you wish you had skywalker now

CC-2224: I wish for nothing but the cold embrace of space

Right. And he says Kenobi’s dramatic.

(Marshal Commander Cody and High General Obi-Wan Kenobi of the 212th cannot stand each other. Rex doesn't know why this is his problem.)

poetry is what you find (in the dirt in the corner) by fivecenturiesverse

(In which Cody becomes an anonymous poet after the war and his brothers find out.)

Rex launches forwards immediately and so does Bly, because he can admit to himself that he likes gifts. He likes gifts a whole lot more than Cody and Wolffe, anyway, who both act like martyrs who don’t need any material love. “Poetry, vod?” Bly asks, incredulous. “Cody’s right, you are going soft.”

“It’s by a clone,” Fox says, defensively, “it’s quite good, actually. For poetry. It made Sergeant Hound cry at the service.

#happy monday everyone xx #weekly fic round up #fic recs #my posts #sw recs #shadowhunters recs #m!ik recs #dp recs #tua recs #dc recs #misc recs #7 different fandoms on this round up and it doesn't even capture all the different fandoms i've been reading #just the ones containing fics i want to rec #goddamn

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ddesertmoon · 1 year ago

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Star Wars Fic Recs Feat. Time Travel

I think this is my favorite Star Wars trope… maybe just because sw is a tragedy and i want the characters to be happy.. maybe because I’m a sucker for the “reveal moment”… i don’t know.

Hopefully you all enjoy these as well!

(All fics are Gen unless otherwise specified!)

Back From the Future: Episode VI The Clone Wars by Ariel_Sojourner

“In which Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader travel back in time together to the Clone Wars era, have amazing adventures, and save the galaxy.”

Basically, Luke and Vader time travel and take over a clone battalion to change the major battles of the war. This is. A masterpiece. It’s insane. It feels like an actual, published story when you read it. It is told in a nonlinear way, so if you’re not into that, you probably won’t enjoy this. But I promise it’s one of the greatest fanfictions I’ve ever read, and there’s a reason it’s first on this list.

(Padme/Anakin and Obi-Wan/Satine, though neither ship is a focal point of the story)

there but for the grace of god by wanderlove

“There’s nothing particularly remarkable about Sullust.

Well, except for Obi-Wan’s time-traveling son. But, you know. Apart from that.”

I LOVE this fic. Young Luke is sent into the clone wars, and since he’s been raised by Obi-Wan on Tatooine, everyone assumes that he’s Obi’s kid. His appearance changes everything by causing the people around him to reveal deep secrets that would otherwise have led to the fall of the Jedi.

(Padme/Anakin and referenced Obi-Wan/Satine)

Old Masters, New Tricks by soft_but_gremlin

“Sixteen-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi finds himself on Lothal in the middle of the Imperial Era. He has no idea why he's here or what all these white-clad troopers are for, but after a rocky start with a little Mandalorian, he finds out that his friend Luminara is in trouble and vows to rescue her.

Sabine Wren has no idea what this other Mandalorian is doing on Lothal, but he looks just like former rebel Korkie Kryze and he's got lightsabers on his belt. He's either going to be a fierce but foolish ally, or the Empire's paying bounty hunters to track down Jedi.”

One of the few SW fics I’ve read where characters are sent FORWARD in time! This one is really great, and I reread it all the time. The heartache Obi-Wan feels when he remembers that all his friends are dead and the heartache KANAN feels when Obi-Wan does something that reminds him of the Jedi…. Amazing.

Free Jedi to Good Home by soft_but_gremlin

“Jango Fett expected several things from this hunt on Galidraan. Three hypothermic Jedi children stumbling into his camp was not one of those things.”

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka (and maybe a few others, later on 👀) are sent back in time to change the outcome of the massacre at Galidraan. This one is REALLY great and I especially love the sequel (which is currently unfinished but very suspenseful and exciting)

The Making of Mavericks by AppoApples

“Master Obi-Wan Kenobi couldn't let her just walk out into the galaxy without a lifeline. With Commander Cody and Captain Rex at his side, Obi-Wan tries to give Ahsoka some well meant advice. But the Force was listening and decided these four souls needed to blaze a better path. With all that has happened to them, waking up twenty-five years in the past shouldn't be a big deal, right?”

Time travel with Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Rex, AND Cody! FOUR people. Crazy. The classic “Obi-Wan is sent back to his childhood to change things before Anakin ever enters the picture” fic. It greatly surpassed my expectations for a time travel fic though! One of the best for sure.

Legacy by myrlendi (thehistorygeek)

“Three months after the Battle of Endor, Luke Skywalker goes in search of a rumoured Jedi temple in a secluded part of the Mid Rim. He finds within the temple nothing but a strange artifact, which unexpectedly brings him much closer to the Jedi of old than he ever thought he would be.

When Luke fails to return from his mission, Leia goes after him, retracing his steps to the ancient temple — and to the past, to the time of the Clone Wars and the waning years of the Old Republic. Under suspicion by the Jedi Order, the twins struggle to find a way back to their own time while trying to keep their knowledge of the future from affecting the past.”

Okay, time travel with Luke Skywalker is great (one of my favorite things!), but time travel with Luke AND Leia??? Perfect. I love when she’s included.. it usually leads to some very interesting interactions between her and Anakin.

Luminous We Are by AppoApples

“Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is filled with regrets when the Padawan he chooses is assigned to Anakin. When he discovers that it was Yoda's meddling that had prevented him from being a Padawan in his own youth, the betrayal runs deep. Wondering what could have been, a trick of the Force throws him back in time, where he learns to put his trust in the Force, not the High Council.

Redemption of Qui-Gon Jinn had he not been forced to take a Padawan before he was ready, and where the Order learns to take another course that put quite a wrench in the Sith plans. Start of the Clone Wars to 44BBY AU of the Apprentice books. Cheeky Obi-Wan and Mandalorian shenanigans.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi being adopted by Mandalorians is QUITE a popular trope in this fandom for some reason… I think it’s actually a tag on Ao3 now (don’t quote me on that). Anyway, this fic is one of the few where the time traveler is unable to rely on (very much of) their knowledge from the future.

(Obi-Wan/Quinlan)

The Kenobi Scandal by AppoApples

“One moment they are speeding on their way to Mos Eisley, only to be hit by a Force instigated sandstorm, and the next thing Ben Kenobi knows is he wearing his old armour with the Jedi insignia and Luke can't find the droids. What's a Jedi to do when he finds himself back before the fall of the Republic? Come up with a cover story more scandalous than time travel: ‘Luke, this is Anakin Skywalker. Anakin, this is my son, Luke Kenobi.’”

Amazing! I really like when we see the potential Luke has with some formal Jedi training. And although there is a cover story for Luke’s (and Obi-Wan’s, technically) time travel, there are still some lovely emotional outbursts :)

(Obi-Wan/Satine and Luke/Ahsoka)

Gone Are The Days by theycallmesuperboy

“While investigating an ancient Jedi distress signal in the Outer Rim, Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles are mysteriously sent back in time to the last days of the Republic, and stranded on Naboo, meeting two people Luke could only have ever dreamed of meeting: his parents.

Only, due to Luke's "quick thinking," the two are lead to believe that Luke and Wedge are just like them: a secretly married couple, due to Luke's status as a Jedi.”

Luke gets an opportunity to really get to know his dead parents, and Wedge gets to kiss Luke. I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope lmao, and combined with time travel? Zoo wee mama!

(Luke/Wedge and Padme/Anakin)

Significant Brain Damage by AppoApples

“Luke Skywalker finds himself in the past as Anakin Skywalker. Obi-Wan finds himself retraining his old apprentice who has permanent amnesia while also taking on Anakin's Padawan, being a General, a Council member -during a Galactic Civil War, and fighting for a Republic he's beginning to lose faith in. Clone Wars, no paradox, no easy fix it.”

I love this one so much. Luke has to kind of pretend to be Anakin.. but everyone around him just thinks he’s had some amnesia and a major personality change. I LIVE for the “why is Anakin so much nicer now” moments.

(Padme/Sabe and Obi-Wan/Satine)

Also you may notice that this is the FOURTH fic by AppoApples on this list… I love their ideas so much.

May Death Find You Alive by Must_Be_Thursday

“Anakin finds himself trapped in a nightmare, reliving the same day. He tries. He tries to change things, but it always ends the same.

With a broken bond and a dead best friend.

He's not sure how many times he'll be able to watch the life leave Obi-Wan before he loses his mind.”

Let’s switch it up! Groundhog Day style time loops are always fun, and this one saves the universe! So yay! Fr though, Anakin learns to trust Obi-Wan and it changes everything.

The More I Live The More I See This Life is Not About Me by K_R_Closson

“After touching a mysterious artifact, Cody's general is suddenly a child with the memories to match. Cody has to coax a suspicious adolescent back to base without alerting the nearby Separatists of their presence.

Reversing his general's age an easier fix than Cody thought it would be, but he didn't factor in the possibility that Obi-Wan might not want to give up his self in order to become General Kenobi again. It'd be easier to think if he didn't have an insidious voice in his head, whispering to him to distrust the Jedi.”

This one is technically just de-aging, with Obi-Wan becoming his thirteen year old self, but I consider it similar enough to time travel to be included, and it has a lot of the same tropes. It’s very well written, and the dialogue flows excellently with the descriptions.

what is necessary (for love and war) by hellowkatey

“His fingers reach for the hilt that has become as familiar as his own after that three-day journey back from Melida/Daan. He couldn’t stand to put the boy's saber down until he reached his quarters and reality finally set in.

Obi-Wan didn’t come back with him. Once again, he is without a Padawan.

The moment cool durasteel meets his fingertips, the overwhelming presence of Obi-Wan slams into him so hard the room begins to spin. Qui-Gon sinks to the floor, saber clutched in both hands and pressed tight against his chest as though it’s actually Obi-Wan he’s hugging.

‘You have to go back.’”

This time it’s Qui-Gon who is sent forward through time, into the clone wars. The time travel in this fic doesn’t really change anything (as in, it’s not a fix-it), but it gives some great insight into Qui-Gon’s character.

Chosen One (derogatory) by annathecrow

“Asajj Ventress, the chosen savior of the galaxy. Force help us all.”

VENTRESS is the one to go back in time. Isn’t that crazy??? Isn’t that an insane premise?????? It was SO fun to read.

(Ventress/Shmi)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back by K_R_Closson

“Ahsoka Tano told Din to bring Grogu to the Seeing Stone on Tython, and Grogu would be able to call out to other Jedi. Ahsoka Tano did not say that other Jedi might call out to him or that the pillar of blue light was actually a type of planetary transportation.

Din ends up on a planet he's never heard of with nothing but his armor and his child. A lot has changed but his mandate hasn't. He must reunite Grogu with one of his kind. But first, he has to help these ade win a civil war against the dar'buir who abandoned them.”

Din travels back to the war on Melida/Daan, where one of our favorite padawans was struggling to lead the Young to victory (hint: he’s a fan favorite who almost always ends up being adopted by Mandalorians). I really like this one! It’s less about changing the past, and more about character growth and relationships.

Bonus: Incomplete Fics

I wanted to separate these from the fics above, which are all complete.

from this moment hangs eternity by EvanHart

“If Luke – Force, his son – was talking about slave chips, something must have gone wrong in the future.

Or, a six-year-old Luke ends up in the middle of the Clone Wars, meets his father, and changes the fate of the galaxy on the way.”

I’m a real sucker for child Luke. Gotta say. He’s ADORABLE. and moments of gut-wrenching sadness interrupted by his little sunshine smiles?? Oh my god?

Chapters: 10/15

Oya Manda’lor! by Cloud__Chaser

“After giving up his child to Luke Skywalker, Din Djarin has found himself without a purpose. Filling in the gaps by completing bounties for Boba Fett, Din comes across a strange artifact that leaves him stranded in time.

Who knows, maybe Din's complete lack of knowledge of the world outside of the outer rim will lead to the fall of the empire before it even begins...”

Din basically becomes the most admired person on Mandalore in the span of like. A week. after he travels back in time. It’s really funny, and something I like to read when I’m in a good mood!

Chapters: 38/?

(Din/Jaster)

Also, it’s been over a year since this updated (as of the date I’m posting this), so beware, it may or may not be abandoned.

Sith Lord Swell by AMournfulHowlInTheNight

“‘Well, looks like we're all Sith Lords, now. I hope you've all been practicing your most menacing laughter for our first run in with the Jedi Council.’

Ben could only sigh and raise a distasteful eyebrow at the cross shaped, red lightsaber he was given. Down the line other students were also handling their new weapons and robes with a raised eyebrow here and quizzical expression there.

‘Really, uncle?’

‘Really. I don't want to compete with the local Jedi population.’

Why did Jedi politics and time travel have to be so difficult?”

Like most Star Wars fans, I’m not a big fan of the sequels (‘somehow, Palpatine returned’ my ass), BUT! This fic, involving a young Ben Solo and old Luke Skywalker, was a lot of fun to read.

Chapters: 13/?

There is another Skywalker by WabiSabi

“‘They couldn't narrow down the precise relationship due to some strange contamination in the sample. But when they launched a search in the DNA databank they found a match. Reliability of 50%, which only happens between parent-child and—’

‘Siblings,’ Master Kenobi completes, voice faint. ‘Full-blood siblings.’

The clone nods. ‘She was estimated to be around 30-years-old, so by process of exclusion, Leia Solo would be General Skywalker’s older sister by 9 years.’”

This time, it’s just Leia who’s sent to the past! Technically Luke lives as a voice in her head, but it’s pretty much just Leia. Also, I really like the premise that the temple runs a DNA test and assumes that she’s Anakin’s sibling. It’s a lot of fun!

Chapters: 10/?

Also, it’s been over a year since this updated (as of the date I’m posting this), so beware, it may or may not be abandoned.

Companion of the Ancestors by Omegarose

“Ahsoka finds herself in a strange place, out of contact with Obi-Wan and alone with the twins. The Force feels like it hasn't in years, and she runs into a man who has to be an idiot for the way he's acting like a Jedi two years after Order 66.

((Dooku, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka all meet each other when they're 19 years old. With the addition of the Skywalker twins and a slightly-younger (than Ahsoka remembers him) Yoda.))”

I love Ahsoka, I love Luke and Leia, I love Obi-Wan… I love this fic. All of the secrets and reveals and drama! So much fun!

Chapters: 10/?

You’re not able to read this fic unless you have an Ao3 account, but those are easy to make. If anyone doesn’t know how to make one, I’m happy to make a post explaining the process!

That’s all, folks! 20 fics is… a lot. And there are A LOT of characters in all that… So, sorry for the exorbitant amount of tags I’ll be using here. Happy reading!

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freesia-writes · 9 months ago

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Pets4Vets: Jesse (3/4)

Word Count: 4.5k - Jesse x Fem Reader - chapter 1 ~~ chapter 2 Master List + FANART BY @arcsimper5!! :D

“Well isn’t that adorable,” Kix chuckled, picking up the impossibly fluffy little animal from the plush bed it had been curled in. It looked at him with large eyes, tiny paws tucked beneath its chin, and the medic’s face softened. “Okay, that’s adorable.”

“It’s ridiculous,” Jesse corrected, gesturing helplessly. “A bogling? I mean… what is this?” he touched one of its legs, bare of fur and covered in leathery skin.

“It’s your new little friend,” Kix grinned, patting it fondly before handing it to Jesse, who held it awkwardly out in front of him. “Come on,” his brother goaded. “We both know you want to cuddle it.”

“It’s a her,” Jesse murmured, unaware of the knowing look from Kix at his side. “They named her Pookie but that kinda makes me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit.”

Kix laughed, “I mean, what are you gonna call her? Mortar Tank?”

“Fair enough,” Jesse said, tucking the bogling into her bed.

“That clinic girl picked the perfect little Pookie for you.” It was a warm tease, but Jesse’s face drooped a little. “What?” Kix asked.

“She piled me off on some coworker.”

“Why?” Kix tilted his head.

“She couldn’t bear to look at me after I saw her at 79s. She was pretty drunk. We danced for a bit. Then I walked her home.”

“And?”

“And that’s it. I mean, she asked me to come up, but… I don’t know.”

“She did?”

“Yeah.”

“And… you didn’t?”

“No.”

“...Why?”

Jesse sighed. It was a question he’d asked himself a few times since then. He wasn’t sure he wanted to share, but he hadn’t ever really kept anything from Kix. If anyone would empathize or have good insight, it was him.

“I don’t know,” he admitted, running a hand over the tattoo on his face. “It just didn’t feel right. I mean, she was totally wasted.” He considered further, then continued. “And I just didn’t want it to happen that way.”

“But you want it to happen?” Kix needled. “Well, I guess she has a pulse and a brainwave, so of course you want it to–” Jesse smacked him, and he blocked a few more blows before retreating into the kitchen. “Alright, alright. So you’ve got some standards.”

“Di’kut,” Jesse muttered, grinning fondly as he picked up the bogling’s bed. “Pookie and I are going to bed.”

“Never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Join the club.”

* * *

Blaster fire. Clankers all around. Rex’s voice yelling over the comms. Orders and changes. Clones falling all around.

Utter chaos.

They were getting swarmed. Separatist tanks were lining up in the distance, deafening booms shaking him to the core. He saw Kix run past him toward a brother whose leg was bent the wrong way. Artillery shells began to hit, sending dirt and bodies flying. An impending blast loomed above them, its shadow growing as it fell toward the medic. Jesse opened his mouth to yell, but he couldn’t make a sound. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t do anything, and it was about to hit–

He sat up with a gasp, chest heaving below the sheen of sweat that covered his entire body. Adrenaline was coursing through his veins and nausea was slowly replacing the alarm that had jolted him awake. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Jesse rubbed his face in his hands, one last shuddering breath his best attempt to calm himself.

A small movement by his foot startled him, sending another wave of panic through his exhausted body. It was the bogling, staring up at him with her large, curious eyes. He sighed, laying down on his side and pulling his legs onto the bed. Pookie jumped up beside him, nuzzling between his arms and stomach until she’d made a perfect space for herself, then after circling a few times, she curled up against him. She radiated warmth and calm, and his pounding heart slowed a bit. Resistant at first, he slowly lowered an arm around her, pulling her a little closer. She took a slow, deep breath and let out a content sigh.

He slept peacefully the rest of the night.

* * *

“If no one is signed up for Acclimation Support this afternoon, I can go home early, right?” you asked, leaning over the receptionist’s desk with a hopeful look.

“Yes… but it looks like you’ve got one.”

“Just one? Can we reschedule it for next week’s? Make it Tosak’s problem?”

“You can’t pile everything off on him, you know,” she grinned. You’d shared about your fumble with Jesse, and she’d been as amused then as she had when she told you that he’d been sent home with Pookie. That was a hilarious mental image you'd spent a little time indulging in.

“Fine. Maybe it’ll be quick with just one on one.”

“Hey,” she said, growing somewhat serious now. “Remember why you signed up for this. I know you’d love to just clean kennels and hang out with us all day, but you’re making a significant impact in these troopers’ lives. After all they’ve done for us… they deserve our best.”

“I know,” you said softly, nodding twice before looking back up at her. “Even though you’re just saying that because you got railed by one last night.”

She burst out laughing, palming her forehead then shaking a finger at you. “Why do I tell you everything? That’s not fair!”

“Completely fair!” you returned, giggling uncontrollably. “Besides, you were just giving your best, right?”

“Get out of here,” she snickered, jerking her head toward the door. With a saucy little salute, you headed back to the yard. It was divided into a few different sections, one of which was a small fenced area used for meet and greets as well as the weekly classes that each staff member took turns leading. In addition to pairing troopers with an ideal service animal, the shelter also provided–

“Acclimation Support?” a voice asked behind you, and you looked up to see no one other than…

“Jesse?”

“Hi,” he said, uncharacteristically sheepish. You took it all in – his broad shoulders and muscular arms, both of which framed a tiny creature that could not have been more stark of a contrast. Perhaps his demeanor was affected by the fact that he was cradling a bogling named Pookie, but either way, you couldn’t hide your smile.

“Well hi cutie,” you cooed, stepping forward to pat her furry head. She’d been a favorite during her time at the shelter.

“I already said hi,” Jesse interjected, earning a snort from you.

“Good one,” you stepped back, crossing your arms over your datapad. “I can’t imagine you need help with this perfect little angel… So don’t tell me you came back to ask for something bigger.”

“No,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with the other hand. “I’m just thrilled with Pookie here.” The way he said her name was equal parts fond and mocking, a balance you were surprised he could strike.

“So how can we support you then?” you said, adopting your best customer service voice.

“I… uh… I was trying to read stuff on the holonet… and I asked my roommate but he’s useless…” The change in his behavior took you off guard, and you tilted your head curiously as he continued. “She doesn’t seem to like her bed a whole lot. And I’ve done all the stuff you said. And I got some… extra toys…” You could swear you saw a hint of blush on his angled cheeks, and you had to press your lips together to hold back a large grin. “She eats good and all, I just… I wanted to be sure she’s happy.”

“Well that’s… kind of you,” you murmured, softening by the second at the absolute vulnerability and care you were seeing. You cleared your throat, trying to focus. “Well, where does she sleep?”

“With me,” he admitted, quietly as though confessing a crime. “But I’m afraid I’ll crush her or something, and the instructions said to make sure the pet stays in its bed, so… is there a certain smell or toy I should put in there?”

You smiled, eyes shifting from Pookie to him. You’d heard about the various ways PTSD manifested as well as the options for it to be soothed. Your coworker’s words rang in your ears, and you were feeling disproportionately warm at how quickly he had let his guard down. Maybe he was trying to make you feel better for your own foolishness.

“What’s that look for?” he asked, a touch of defensiveness in his voice.

“No, sorry, no look,” you corrected quickly. “I was just thinking.”

“Do you always smile like that when you’re thinking?” His eyes searched your own, a slight smirk on his own handsome face. Handsome… Damn, he was handsome, in this new light especially. You wished you could remember more from whatever had gone down at 79s when you saw him.

“Only when I’m thinking warm and fuzzy thoughts,” you ventured, blushing a tiny bit yourself. Were you actually flirting with him?

“About Pookie or about me?” He wagged his eyebrows, and despite his return to the confident swagger he liked to put on, something about it was different now that you'd seen a small glimpse of a bigger heart beneath it.

“About this precious, sweet little thing,” you purred, stroking her silky back again then touching his arm. It felt familiar. That surprised you. “Oh, and about Pookie too.”

“Ha, I see what you did there,” he grinned. “So you get all hot and heavy with me once and you think you can just toy with me however you want?” You opened your mouth to reply, but he continued. “Because you can,” Now it was your turn to laugh, and you shook your head, stepping back to try to get your bearings.

“Alright alright, enough playing around,” you said sternly, but he was having none of it. “As for your request, I think Pookie is happy as a clam. I’m not seeing any signs of stress, and I think she’s sleeping with you because you need– because she likes it. She likes you.”

“What do I need?” he asked, genuinely curious and slightly apprehensive.

“Nothing, I fumble my words sometimes.”

He took a step closer, tilting his head and regarding you with a bit of a smolder that made your knees weak. What was happening to you? “I don’t think that was a fumble,” he pressed.

You looked up at him, giving a little sigh and figuring you might as well share. “A lot of these animals are here because they are particularly good at sensing emotional distress. So, if she’s a little extra clingy with you, especially at night, I would imagine it’s because you’re… not feeling great.”

His eyes dropped, scanning the ground around you as though trying to decide just how honest to be. Your guess was dead-on.

“Do you have nightmares?” you asked, even softer now. “A lot of vets do,” you added quickly. “It’s not really something that you can control or prevent."

His chest puffed a little, and you noticed that Pookie sat up in his arms a bit, reaching for his neck where she nuzzled in, making her tiny little sound. The trooper deflated in front of your eyes.

“Yeah,” he admitted. “I do.”

You couldn’t resist. You touched him again, a light brush of your fingertips against his forearm. “And does she help with those?”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“Good,” you smiled. “That’s what she's there for.”

He let out a little sigh, then lifted his chin, trying to assume his usual demeanor again. “Well, alright. Thanks for… everything. And, uh…” he ran a hand over his head. “If you’re ever looking for some fun again… 79s is usually the place to find it. If you want to… let me know… if you go.”

You grinned, heart flipping in your chest. “Maybe I will,” you said coyly, and the spark in his eyes was all the reward you needed.

* * *

Your fingers hovered over your comm, hesitant to press “send”. You were anxious beyond belief, then angry at yourself for being anxious, which only made it worse. It wasn’t a big deal. You were just going out with friends and figured you’d drop him a line in case he was going out too. Not a date or anything. Without thinking any further, and to spare yourself any further misery, you tapped the button, putting the comm on the table nearby as fast as you could as though that would make it all better.

Then you waited.

You insisted upon only water as you and a couple friends made your way to the bar. They laughed and agreed, having watched your antics when you’d gone a bit overboard the last time. A rough hangover was no stranger to them either, and ultimately, everyone just wanted to have fun. You were trying not to keep your eye on the front door, but you couldn't help it. Every time it whooshed open, your eyes darted over to see who it was. After a little while of stranger after stranger coming in, you gave up hope, shoulders slumping in the booth you’d taken with your friends, who had added a few troopers to your group. Jesse hadn’t responded to your message anyway. Perhaps you’d been too forward, although that seemed right up his alley. So maybe he just wasn’t that into you.

You returned to the bar for another glass of water, where a light touch on your back made you stiffen and turn quickly. There he was, looking more dapper than you’d yet seen him. Instead of the usual t-shirt or henley, he had a button-up over his jeans, the sleeves rolled to just below his elbows. Delicious. You didn’t realize how thirsty you were until you laid eyes on his forearms. And it wasn’t the kind of thirst that water would quench.

“Hey,” he said, leaning in to be heard over the music. Holy Hutt-spawn, he smelled amazing. You felt a little dizzy despite having had nothing but water. “I’ve been looking for you!”

“What?” you exclaimed, clapping your mouth shut when you realized it had dropped open far too quickly. “I was… Where were you?”

“Got a table upstairs,” he gestured to the balcony, where a couple of clones were watching the two of you with zero effort to conceal it. “I thought I was keeping an eye out but apparently I’m not the best lookout. Although Fives wouldn’t shut up so I was unfairly distracted… Anyway… You, uh, with anyone?”

“Just some friends who are…” You turned to check. Yup. Both of them were now elbows deep in clone. Well, tongue deep, more accurately. Surprisingly, it stirred something in you. A bit of a fire in your core…

“Quite busy,” Jesse finished, turning back to you with a grin. “Not a bad way to spend their time, eh?” His sharp eyebrows arched suggestively, and you allowed a laugh. “Although… I could think of a few better ways to spend it…”

You gave him a sardonic look, which he immediately responded to with that expression of angelic innocence that had charmed you before.

“What!” he defended, picking up a few drinks from the bar without taking his eyes from you. “I meant in deep, intellectually stimulating conversation! What were you thinking, pervert?”

Now you were fully spluttering, a mix of indignation and giggles at the sheer ridiculousness. He tilted his head to invite you to follow him, a satisfied smile brightening his eyes. With one last glance back to your friends, one of whom was nearly horizontal on the booth seat, you continued up the stairs, trying not to look at the way his jeans hugged his legs… and failing.

“It’s about time!” a clone yelled from the table as Jesse appeared with a few beers. “Save your schmoozin til you’re done being a delivery boy!”

“Watch it, or your delivery is gonna end up all over your head,” Jesse returned, passing the other mugs around the booth, which was filled to the brim with troopers. He slid the last beer toward his ornery friend, then turned back to you. “I’m not going to try to stuff you in here with all of them. Want to find a table somewhere?”

“I don’t want to make you leave your friends,” you admitted, appreciating his considerate offer.

“Oh, you want to meet them right away, eh? Are you going to introduce me to your parents next?” He soothed your shock by slipping a playful arm around your shoulders, and you had no issue with it whatsoever.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” you chided, giving him your best attempt at a flirty look.

“I would never,” he nodded somberly. “So look…” He pointed around the table. “Pretty boy with the luscious locks there is Tup. Don’t ask about the teardrop tattoo unless you want some emo sob story. The sharp-faced grump beside him is Dogma. Don’t ask him anything at all. Next you’ve got Echo and Fives. They’re a hoot. If you’re ever looking for a threesome… er, foursome... ech, nevermind. Next is Hardcase, who you’ve heard from already, and this dashing young man right here is Kix, who stinks up the apartment we’re so lucky to share.”

“Excuse me,” Kix interjected after a huge roll of the eyes. “Between the two of us, you’re gonna put that on me? With your gym crap everywhere?”

“I have never smelled bad a day in my life,” Jesse insisted, tucking you a little closer against his side and sending a wave of tingles down your spine. You had to agree… he smelled amazing.

“No, but everything you own smells like you washed it in cologne,” Kix clarified, grinning and holding up his mug in cheers before taking a swig.

“Bah. Don’t listen to him,” Jesse laughed, looking at you. “Do you think I smell?”

“Yes,” you answered, completely straight-faced. A flicker of insecurity was quickly replaced by confident affront, and he eyed you incredulously, earning a giggle as you continued. “You smell fantastic.”

“That’s the spirit,” he laughed, touching your chin with a few curled fingers so briefly that it left you wanting more. “So… let’s get a table.”

“Sit here,” the one called Echo offered, standing up behind the one you assumed to be Fives, considering the tattoo on his forehead. “We’re going downstairs. Fives got his eye on some Twi’leks.”

“I’ll have more than that on them in a few minutes!”

“Alright… Anyway, have fun with Jesse,” Echo nodded, clearing out of the way.

Jesse climbed into the booth, scooting both Tup and Dogma over as he pushed his way in, ensuring a bit of space for you beside him. You perched on the end, doing your best to look graceful, but you were fairly certain you looked like some sort of awkward bird.

“Ah, you’re half-cheekin it there, aren’t you…” Jesse muttered, pleased as you laughed at the phrase. “I mean… I’ve got a much more comfortable seat if you’re interested…” He patted his thigh, and you’d be damned if it weren’t the most appealing seat in the bar. Everything was going so well… Should you? “Don’t be shy,” he goaded, turning on that smolder that had a disproportionate effect on you. “We both know you’re not the demure little angel you’re pretending to be right now.”

“I am not pretending!” you exclaimed. “Can’t a girl be normal without being accused of–”

“Normal is boring,” Jesse interjected, pulling you up onto his thigh in one smooth movement. Holy kriff, he was strong. “There, is that so bad?”

You couldn’t resist. You nestled into him a bit more, making yourself comfortable as you rested an arm atop his shoulders. Whether it was your imagination or just wishful thinking, you could swear you noticed his eyes widen for a second, a look of surprise and delight ghosting across his face before dissolving into the smug grin he wore so often.

“Not bad at all,” you purred against his ear. His tiny involuntary shiver made you wonder what else you could do to make him come undone… But then again, you weren’t entirely sure how you’d like it to go down; he seemed the type that could make you see stars in eight different ways. You’d have to–

“Right? Did I get that right?” Jesse asked. Kark. He’d been talking and you’d entirely missed it, and now five pairs of brown eyes were on you, waiting for a response.

“Um,” you paused, cheeks reddening without your permission. “Sorry, what?”

He laughed, shaking his head fondly. “I said your main job was to match the animals with owners, but you sometimes do classes and training on the side.”

Wow, he had indeed been listening to the few details you’d shared. You smiled at him, then tried to look breezy as you nodded at the others. “What he said!”

“So if that’s your main job, is it just your hobby to be flirting with troopers on the side?” Hardcase again.

“No, I mean... He started it,” you snickered, tilting your head toward Jesse, who sniffed and shrugged.

“What can I say… They just can’t resist me.”

“It seems they’ve been doing a pretty good job–”

“Stow it, Dogma.”

You laughed, enjoying a bit of wandering conversation with the others before falling silent to simply watch. The dynamics between them were wildly entertaining, and you found yourself settling into comfort quite easily. It was a habit of yours to mentally pair anyone you met with animals from the shelter, and you had to resist the urge to interrogate each one to confirm your suspicions.

Eventually, the chatter died down, the weight of the late hour resting heavily across everyone despite the relentless thumping of the music downstairs. The loud volume was starting to feel more oppressive than enjoyable, but you didn’t want your time with Jesse to end. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to want it to end either. His arm had slipped around your waist at some point, holding you snugly against him from your seat on his leg, and you’d rested your head on his shoulder without a thought. It wasn’t til he turned to speak, his nose nearly bopping your own, that you sat up, realizing just how much you’d curled yourself around him.

“Sorry, I’m probably crushing you,” you stammered, starting to climb off of him. He dropped his arm, watching you rise to your feet, then pushed his way out of the booth to follow suit.

“First of all, I’d like to see you try.” A grin. “Second of all… You hungry?”

“Maker, yes,” you sighed. “But I’m also exhausted.”

“I gotcha,” he assured, reaching for your hand, which you were more than happy to give. “A couple quick ronto wraps then off to bed.”

“Sounds perfect,” you smiled.

“I know,” he winked.

* * *

You woke up feeling supremely happy, ecstatic that the night had gone so well with him. You’d enjoyed some conversation as the two of you walked to the food carts and continued it as he accompanied you home. Both of you had hesitated on the doorstep, you feeling unsure about inviting him up and him seeming to be formulating some kind of question. But neither was ready to speak up, so with some mumbled thanks and flirty sentiments, you’d parted ways.

You had it bad for this guy.

The next week found him at your work a couple more times, coming in under the guise of more questions about Pookie or referral procedures for his brothers who could use a service animal as well. You were delighted that he was going out of his way to see you, and the tenderness he’d revealed for both his pet and his fellow troopers was beyond precious.

Then he asked you out. On a proper date, he said, but if it ended up being not so proper, he’d allow it. So you’d gotten dolled up a bit and agreed to meet him at a corner, where he appeared with a speeder bike. Twenty thrilling minutes later, after tearing through the mess of Coruscant traffic while holding onto his waist for dear life, you found yourself on top of an abandoned building, watching the mystifying array of twinkling lights in every color blink at you from across the horizon.

Jesse stood behind you, wrapping his arms around your shoulders. You reached up a hand, resting it on his forearm, and tilted your head against his bicep. There was a funny rhythm the two of you had fallen into – he would be cocky and boastful, you’d call him out, he’d reveal more of his soft side, you’d swoon at it, then the process would repeat. But beneath it all was some sort of effortless admiration and connection, and you couldn’t believe you’d gotten so lucky.

“This is really pretty,” you murmured, content to lean against his warm body to fight off the chill of the night.

“Sure is,” he agreed, nuzzling his head against your cheek.

“I like you a lot,” you sighed. Your guard was down. You weren’t in the mood for games or teasing. He seemed softer than usual too, and you shuffled around to face him fully, still snuggled against his front. His eyebrows lifted a bit at your sudden closeness, and you tucked your arms around his waist. “Like… really like you,” you repeated.

He smirked at first, but it quickly melted into a broad smile of genuine joy that made your heart swell in your chest. His eyes cast about for a second, as though searching for the right answer, and the mix of insecurity and delight pushed you over the edge.

You squeezed a hand up between your two bodies and cupped his cheek, tucking your fingers behind his ear. Then without hesitation, you pulled his face to yours, pressing a tender kiss to his lips that was your best attempt to convey everything you felt. He inhaled sharply through his nose, tensing for a split second before his arms were around you firmly, face tilted as his lips melted into yours. Your head was spinning, thrilled at the softness of his mouth and the pounding of his heart against your own. It seemed to last forever, and when you finally separated for a breath of air, you opened your eyes to the sweetest sight yet. His own eyes were still closed, mouth curved in a small, dreamy smile. You stroked the side of his cheek, and he slowly opened his eyes, looking as blissful as you’d ever seen him.

“This is the best,” he whispered, and you chuckled at his shameless delight. He stroked a hand up the middle of your shoulders, curving it around the back of your neck and nestling his fingers into your hair. “I think we need to try that again though… just… something like…”

And then he was kissing you again. Again and again and again.

Best. Night. Ever.

Chapter 4 will be over on @spicy-clones because it's pure smut. ;)

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captn-trex · 4 months ago

Text

technical devotion, part nineteen: safety

a/n: I remembered I have a taglist this time lmao so yay. also just fyi, there's gonna be seven more chapters (after this one), which is funny to me in and of itself because this fic was originally only supposed to be like 10 chapters in entirety but... I have no chill apparently

warnings: mentions of blood & injuries, traumatic weight loss

last chapter | next chapter | master list | join the taglist

Echo’s day so far had been particularly monotonous. Every day had been for a while now.

He had skipped breakfast after another sleepless night, instead opting to stay in Kan’s office and monitor Imperial long range comms on the off chance he heard anything about rebels or prisons or anything else that they never talked about. After hours of tuning in and not finding anything, he dragged himself to the mess, and grabbed some caf before continuing on with his previous activity.

This had been his daily routine for a few weeks. He couldn’t bring himself to do much else.

When he walked past the command room on the way back to Kan’s office, he heard people speaking in hushed voices. He turned his ear to the door with a frown, but failed to hear what they were whispering about. He opened the door, and the two people hunched over the holotable shut their mouths when they saw him, looking very caught as they switched it off.

“What’s going on?” He asked, looking between Rex and Spider as they scrambled for something to say.

“Nothing” Rex said quickly, standing up straight, “What brings you here?”

Echo gave them a sceptical look, “I heard you two… whispering”

“Ah, right” Rex rubbed his neck awkwardly, not adding any further comments.

Spider gave him a look, “I think you should just tell him Rex”

“Tell me what?” Echo frowned, stepping into the room.

Rex sighed deeply, “Please don’t be angry when I tell you this, I just wanted to make sure our intel was correct before I got your hopes up”

Echo waited patiently for him to continue, trying to quell the irritation that was already bubbling up. Rex looked to Spider and nodded for him to leave the room. When the door closed behind him, Echo was growing impatient.

“What is it?”

Rex took a deep breath before speaking, “We know where Kan is”

A range of emotions washed over Echo. He was relieved, yes, also angry like Rex had predicted, but his worry was still taking over. Knowing where Kan was didn’t make her safe.

“How?” Echo asked.

“Senator Chuchi did some digging, one of the descriptions of the prisoners matched her perfectly, so we’re pretty certain”

“How long have you known?”

“Since… two rotations ago”

“And you didn’t tell me?” Echo crossed his arms, but Rex jumped in before it could escalate.

“Look, the plan was that Spider was going to go and get her, and she’d be back here before you knew anything about it. Like I said, I don’t want to get your ho-”

“Send me instead” Echo interrupted him, his voice firm as if it was a command.

“Echo” Rex said in a sigh, rubbing his hand over his face, “Spider was an ARF in the 41st elite corps, he’s got this”

“And I was an ARC in the 501st, I’m not seeing the relevance”

“It’s not about that. You know what I mean” Rex gave Echo a pointed look.

“Rex, please” Echo begged, his tone a little desperate, “Please send me instead”

“Echo, we… we’re pretty sure it’s her, but you need to be prepared for it not to be”

“I know, I know. I just-” He looked to his feet, “Please, I- I need to do this”

Rex didn’t want to give in, he really didn’t, but the pleading, broken hearted man in front of him was a hard one to disappoint, even when he wasn’t in this state.

“Fine” Rex conceded, “But I’m trusting you to be objective about this. I don’t want you ending up captured too”

Echo nodded, “Of course”

“Alright” Rex turned the holotable back on, revealing a map, “This is the place”

Echo drew his ship out of hyperspace, the blue streaks pulling back to reveal a planet that made it seem he hadn’t even pulled the lever. The surface was painted by swirling blues, punctuated by large white clouds, and for a moment it reminded him of Pabu.

A stern voice crackled through the comms, interrupting his thoughts and demanding clearance codes for landing. Echo obliged, transmitting the codes that Senator Chuchi had acquired. He waited with bated breath as they verified the authenticity of them, and his body relaxed when they let him know he was cleared for landing.

He brought his ship into the upper atmosphere, going over the plan in his head, trying to remain calm. He’d done things like this before, it would be fine. He was prepared for Kan not to be here, but that didn’t mean that he wouldn’t scour the entire building until he was sure she wasn’t.

His ship touched down on the landing platform and he took a deep breath, opening up the door and adjusting the stormtrooper armour that he was wearing. He stepped out of the ship, his eyes scanning the platform for anyone taking note of him, of which there were only a few mechanics glancing over as they worked on other ships.

Echo walked slowly, calculated, trying not to look suspicious by rushing about. He followed the map that he'd burned into his brain, heading for the detention block of the base. He nodded to the troopers that were stood just down the hall from the door he needed to access. Ordinarily, an access card would be needed, but Echo was able to bypass that necessity by way of his scomp.

He kept glancing over his shoulder, making sure the stormtroopers were still faced away as he cracked through the door's encryption. The door zipped open, and Echo pulled out his scomp, quickly darting through the door and putting his cybernetic arm back into place.

The cells that lined the hall were only ray shielded, so he could see through and into them. He peered into every cell as he passed, his eyes narrowing in on the figures inside to identify the one he was looking for. He made it though a few corridors before he came across a cell that made him stop in his tracks.

The person inside was curled up on the bench that lined the back of the cell, their knees pressed to their chest and their head resting against the wall. Echo almost didn't recognise her. Her frame was a lot smaller than the last time he'd seen her, her skin clinging to her bones in a way that made Echo’s heart lurch.

Once he had recognised her, he immediately slammed his fist into the control panel to lift the ray shields, ripping off his helmet as he rushed inside.

“M'aira”

Echo fell to his knees in front of Kan’s rigid form, taking her face in his hands. Her eyes fluttered, but didn’t open fully, as if she couldn’t, or didn’t have the strength to.

“Who- What…?” She muttered, an edge of fear and uncertainty.

“It's Echo” He spoke gently, not wanting to frighten her. Her eyes opened a little more at that.

“Echo” She whispered, “You’re here”. She sounded relieved.

“I'm here” Echo confirmed, leaning his forehead against hers, enveloping her in his presence, his safety. “I'm going to get you out of here Cyar'ika. Can you stand?”

As he guided Kan's feet to the floor, Echo noticed a small trickle of dried blood down the side of her neck, and bruising around the tiny wound from which the blood had spilled. Echo decided to put it to the back of his mind, focusing on getting Kan out of here before he dwelled on the state she was in.

Kan’s knees crumbled beneath her as she tried to stand up, and she slumped back onto the bench.

“I’m sorry, I can’t-”

“It’s okay” Echo assured, a hand on her shoulder, “Can I pick you up?”

Kan chuckled at her own joke before she told it in a weak voice, “I don’t know, can you?”

Echo shook his head with a small disbelieving laugh escaping his lips, “Still got a sense of humour I see”

Kan shrugged a little, her eyes fluttering closed at the same time. Echo took that as his sign that it was time to go, and hooked an arm under her knees and across her back, lifting her far easier than he would have liked. She had certainly lost a lot of muscle mass, which explained why she was so weak. Once again, Echo tried not to think on it for now.

Echo promptly made it out of the cell, making his way back through the halls that he had used to find Kan. They didn't make it too far before being intercepted, but Echo wasn't going to let up until Kan was safe again. An Imperial officer was walking along the same corridor as them, and looked up from their datapad as they were about to pass by.

“What is going on?” The officer asked, utterly perplexed by seeing a stormtrooper carrying a barely conscious woman.

“Prisoner transfer, ma'am” Echo responded, his voice unwavering

The imperial frowned and gave Kan a look of what seemed to be disgust, “Why are you carrying her?”

“She doesn’t have the strength to walk, Ma'am” Echo answered her, though he was aware that this situation was certain to become more of an issue soon enough.

The officer gave him a sceptical look, “Show me”

Echo’s arms instinctively tightened a little, staring down at the Imperial through the visor of the stolen helmet.

“That's an order, trooper” She said sternly, her brow furrowing further.

“Just do it Echo” Kan whispered into his shoulder.

He grimaced under his helmet, nevertheless obliging and bending down to place Kan on the ground. She was wobbly on her feet and gripped onto Echo's arm for some stability, ending up just leaning on him to stay upright. Echo did his best not to touch her in a way that would give them away, only letting her use his body to hold herself up.

“Hm” The Imperial hummed, “Okay, pick her up. I shall escort you to your shuttle.

“That's really not necessary Ma'am” Echo countered, immediately taking Kan back in his arms.

“I'll decide what's necessary” The officer snapped back, and Echo couldn't help but wince and roll his eyes at once. He'd figure it out, he knew he would.

He followed the woman out onto the landing platform, then directed her towards his ship. She didn't say anything at first, and neither did Echo, in his mind it was all going according to plan. He was climbing the first steps into the ship when she finally spoke.

“What kind of ship is this?”

He didn't bother answering, instead pushing her back onto the platform and rushing aboard to close the door.

He placed Kan down on the bunk at the back, as gently as he could in a rush. He immediately went about getting the ship in the air, ignoring the blasterfire that was now being directed towards the ship.

He made his getaway, pushing the lever to send them to hyperspace and sitting back, abundantly relieved. He let out a long breath, rubbing his hands over his face to bring himself back to the new reality that Kan was safe. He looked back at her, his heart breaking just a little to see her sat up and looking down to her lap with a despondent expression.

She looked so different, a shell of her old, ever-cheerful self, and it was almost too much for Echo to cope with. He approached her slowly, making himself known but not trying to startle her too much, then knelt in front of her. Her eyes flicked up to his, and they looked empty, such a stark contrast to the eagerness, the life, he usually saw swimming in them.

“Oh Cyar'ika” He brought his hand up and gently stroked her face with his thumb, “What did they do to you?”

Kan didn’t respond, and looked down to her fiddling hands, feeling a little embarrassed of the state she was in.

“M'aira?”

She then turned and laid down in the bunk, facing away from him and staring out of the back window. Echo sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed and bringing his hand to her arm to gently rub it back and forth, reminding her that he was there, that she was safe. He could feel her relaxing more and more under his touch, and when it seemed that she had reached the point of sleeping, he took his hand away.

Kan reached out and grabbed his hand, “Don't leave”

Echo’s heart ached at how small she sounded.

“I’m not” He reassured her, squeezing her hand gently before taking it away again.

Echo stood up and went about noiselessly removing his armour, his eyes never leaving Kan as he stacked the pieces on the floor next to the bed. Once he was stripped down to his blacks, he laid down behind her. He could see how rigid she was, and continued to stroke her arm.

“You're safe, Cyar'ika, you can relax” He murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

He once again felt her body ease under his hand, though this time she turned to look at him. Her eyes searched his for a moment, some unknown emotion fighting its way out to reach for him.

“Thank you for coming to get me”

Echo gave her a small smile as he brushed some hair from her face, “Of course M'aira, I'm just sorry it took so long”

Kan let her mouth form a small smile to mirror Echo's expression, just as a violent shiver wracked her body.

“Are you cold?” Echo asked immediately.

Kan nodded.

“Come here” Echo gave no room for argument, and pulled her body into his.

Kan relaxed immediately, the feel of Echo's body pressed against hers confirming that she was safe, that he was really here.

“You're always so warm Echo” She muttered into his chest, which brought a fond smile to his face.

He held her even closer, burying his face in her neck and taking in the scent that he had been missing for months. Kan did the same thing, taking in his presence in every way she could, gripping at his clothing with one hand, the other placed over his chest to ground herself to his heartbeat.

“I've missed you so much”

Echo's heart ached at the cracking of her voice, “I've missed you too Cyar'ika”

Kan lifted her head to look up at him again, “You keep saying that, Cyar'ika, it's Mando'a isn't it?”

“Oh” Echo blushed a little at getting caught, having been only half conscious of himself using it in the first place, “Yeah, it is”

“What does it mean?” Kan asked.

Echo cleared his throat, “It's like… sweetheart, or darling”

Kan let out a contented hum, her head coming to rest against his chest again. “I like it” She asserted, turning it over in her mouth again, “Hm. Sounds better when you say it”

Echo's chest filled with warmth, his heart feeling full, almost bursting at the seems as Kan fell asleep in his arms. This time, he'd make sure that's where she'd stay.

taglist: @darthnihila @cdblake1565 @bunny7567

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antianakin · 1 year ago

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Hi, do you have any fic recs for Clone War fics where Ahsoka (and possibly Rex?) recognize that Anakin is a bad general/Jedi? I recently started rewatching TCW after my last time watching it, back when I was still a preteen, and I'm just shook at how much of an asshole and horrible general Anakin is?? I am quite literally on episode 6 of season!

Most of these are taken straight from my previous fic rec list specifically for anti-Anakin fics (there's others in there where other characters like Obi-Wan, Padme, and Fives figure out Anakin's a piece of shit too if that's up your alley).

and the tide rises, the tide falls series by blackkat: This one probably is going to fit your request the most since there is a LARGE focus on Rex and Ahsoka coming to terms with the Tusken massacre and what this means about who Anakin truly is and their relationships with him.

Wasted Training by TheSecondBatgirl: This one has Ahsoka getting some revelations about that training Anakin gave her in TOTJ being perhaps not so great.

The Burden of Secrets by Peppermint_Shamrock: This might be more Anakin-positive than you were looking for, but it deals with Ahsoka finding out about the Tusken massacre and how she deals with that. It also is set just after the Rako Hardeen arc, so there's some mentions of how Anakin isn't managing his feelings about that in a healthy way, too.

"... if you remain his student" by peppermint_shamrock: This one fits within the "Clone Wars" timeline by a hair since it is set DURING Order 66 in an AU where the Wrong Jedi arc doesn't happen (or Ahsoka just didn't leave, I can't remember) and so she's at the Temple when Anakin marches on it with the 501st. Ahsoka has to come to some VERY quick realizations about her master and doesn't get long to really dwell on it.

The next two are not TECHNICALLY set "during the Clone Wars" because one is set post-Order 66 and one is a happy fix-it AU set post-war. I am including them because they do definitely have storylines about Rex and/or Ahsoka having to come to some realizations about Anakin, but they don't technically fit your request.

Slices of Happiness series by kj_feybarn: This one is focused more on Obi-Wan, but there's some stuff in here about Rex coming to some realizations about Anakin, too.

The Greater Crime by kj_feybarn: This is set post-Order 66 in an AU where Rex and Ahsoka meet up with Obi-Wan and Padme and they all go on the run together, so obviously Rex and Ahsoka find out the truth about what Anakin's done pretty quickly and struggle with that revelation. It also has a follow-up fic Cruel by TheStageManager that's more Ahsoka focused.

#star wars #ahsoka tano #captain rex #anakin critical #anakin skywalker critical #anti anakin #anti anakin skywalker #fic #fic rec

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pinahallowsevecloneparty · 4 months ago

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Pineapple's Halloween Clone Party 2024 MASTER LIST

October was crazy, so if you see something missing from this list or find a bad link, please let me know! 🍍

Demon Haunted by @reader6898 (fic-NSFW)

Devil You Little Devil by @tlmtwelve (art-NSFW)

Dragon Dragon Howzer by @tlmtwelve (art) Sea Dragon Crosshair by @noblelightfighter (art)

Fae Bad Batch Toxic Love/Ferngully by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf (art)

Frankenstein's Monster Frankenstein Echo by @cloned-eyes (art)

Ghost, Haunting, or Thing Unseen Bloody Crosshair by @tlmtwelve (art) The Ghost of You by @lightspringrain (art) Gree in a Dark Forest by @tlmtwelve (art) Haunted Jesse by @clonemedickix (art) Hissing Tooka by @tlmtwelve (art) Fox Just Wants to Forget by @tlmtwelve (art) Nightmare on Clanker Street by @lonewolflupe (fic) A Powerful Read by @apocalyp-tech-a (fic) Stir of Echoes by @lonewolflupe (fic) Tech with a Book by @apocalyp-tech-a (art)

Greek Mythology Centaur Wrecker by @tlmtwelve (art) Demigod Crosshair by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf (art) Dryad Mayday by @tlmtwelve (art) Erinys Dogma by @tlmtwelve (art) Gorgon Tup by @tlmtwelve (art) Healing by @clone-anon-after-dark (fic) Satyr Jesse by @tlmtwelve (art) Sphinx Tech by @tlmtwelve (art)

Headless Character Headless Aayla by @tlmtwelve (art) The Headless Guardsman by @eclec-tech (fic) The Headless Guardsman by @lonewolflupe (art) The Headless Guardsman (headshot) by @lonewolflupe (art)

Halloween Movie AU TBB Halloween Town, Part 1 by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf (art) TBB Halloween Town, Part 2 by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf (art) TBB Halloween Town, Part 3 by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf (art)

Mad Scientist Apple Alchemy by @apocalyp-tech-a (fic) Candy Apple Tech by @apocalyp-tech-a (art) Dr. Techyll and Mr. Snyde by @apocalyp-tech-a (fic) Tech with a Drink by @apocalyp-tech-a (art)

Merpeople Merman Hunter by @tlmtwelve (art)

Murderer Vibroblade Hunter by @tlmtwelve (art)

Pumpkins, Parties, Costumes, and Candy Candy Rex by @tlmtwelve (art) Clones in Costumes by @tlmtwelve (art) The Great Tech by @apocalyp-tech-a (fic) Holidays in Hyperspace by @frostycatblr-fandom-files (fic) It's the Great Lurca, Charlie Brown! by @apocalyp-tech-a (art) A Murder of Corries by @wolviecat (art) Mute Button by @tlmtwelve (art) The Operational Brains by @apocalyp-tech-a (fic) Precious Moments by @letsquestjess (fic) Pumpkin Omega by @the-little-moment (art) Tech-'o-Lantern by @apocalyp-tech-a (art)

Snake Naga Nemec by @tlmtwelve (art)

Spider The Spider and the Fly by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf (art)

Unicorn Unicorn Omega by @cloned-eyes (art)

Vampire To Thine Own Self Be True by @biscuityskies (fic-NSFW) Vampire Crosshair by @cloned-eyes (art) Vampire Hardcase by @lonewolflupe (art) Vampire Kix by @tlmtwelve (art) Vampire Tech by @cloned-eyes (art)

Werewolf/Shapeshifting Clone Phases by @clonemedickix (art) The Fox and the Hare by @523rdrebel (art) Full Moons by @lonewolflupe (art) Thire's Emotional Support Werewolf by @haybellewrites (art) Werewolf Echo by @tlmtwelve (art) Werewolf Wrecker by @cloned-eyes (art)

Wizard Tech with a Kitty by @apocalyp-tech-a (art) It's So Wizard by @apocalyp-tech-a (fic)

Wraith Something Goes Bump In The Night by @vodika-vibes (fic)

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tranakin-skywalker · 1 year ago

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Fuck it, fic rec list time!

I'm bored and can't sleep so here's a non-exhaustive list of some of my favorite Star Wars fics. I'm leaving the really well known ones off, wanna share some of the more obscure gems.

Not Placid Stars But Singularities by iceplanet

He stands before Sidious, head bowed, helmet pinching at the back of his neck where he hasn’t yet gotten the med droid to file down the sharp edges. Sharpness is another fact of life, now: the feel of metal digging into flesh defines his every motion. Given the time and the opportunity, he himself could probably have built prosthetics better than the ones he currently wears. “Your task, Lord Vader,” Sidious is saying, “is to transform this heap of antiquated softness into a palace worthy of our new Empire.” In the weeks after Mustafar, Vader must come to terms with his new body and the remnants of his past. In the process, he has a few conversations that he does not expect.

This one has everything I love: ghosts, mutilation, Vader being the saddest wettest murder meow meow, Sith Lord batshittery. What fun.

Skin Graft by HENST33TH

“ I hurt you.” killed her, Vader's stomach roiled. Bile clawed at his throat as he looked at her. He wasn't making any sense. Her face softened some. “ Dreams…?” she said. Padme thought she understood. It was sick, it was corrosive. He was unfaithful. For twenty years he was unfaithful. He hurt her children. He needed to spit it out. Explain. She deserves it. She needs to know. Vader needed to crack himself open. Padme needed to tear him apart. For her safety. He got out of bed. Twitching with the need. Shaking with the pressure inside of him. Taught like a noose. He stood before her. She placed her hands on his arms. “Then what, Anakin.” Anakin, Anakin, Anakin. Vader sank to his knees. Resting his head against her middle, he breathed. The shame clung to him and coated his throat till he was choking on it. “It’s so much worse than that.” all at once the future loomed over him. Daunting, a beast of its own. How can he explain it? *** Or, Anakin Skywalker gets thrown back in time. He has to learn: 1 how to have a body again 2. To curb his Raging insecure attachment style. 3. That his wife should be the one making the important galactic decisions.

A newer fic that I am quickly becoming obsessed with. The way it's written is perfect. The characterization is perfect. Everything about it is perfect imo. And the ending of this latest chapter. Masterpiece. I want 10 more.

Nameless, On the Edge of Nowhere by Taxonamie

Following the presumed death of the evil Emperor and his hulking henchman Darth Vader, the fledging Alliance stands on the verge of victory! But as they press their advantage against a destabilized Empire and manifest from the seeds of Rebel resistance, can this new government survive their own instability? Among the scattered Imperial forces of the second Death Star, Darth Vader's disapparence is not so final as they would hope. Worse yet, the Rebel Hero Luke Skywalker has gone missing! Alone and disadvantaged, what will Anakin Skywalker do to find his son? Will he walk the razor's edge of tentative alliance with the Rebel Forces, or succumb to the draw of Imperial power? Free from all Masters, can Anakin Skywalker learn who he wants to be, at last? Princess Leia Organa must navigate this minefield of clashing obligations and dripping grudges, all the while attempting to understand a heritage she hates, a brother she loves, and a mysterious mother she cannot understand.

I think this fic is the most successful at bridging the gap between Prequel Anakin and OT Vader that I have ever read. They genuinely feel like a continuation of the same character here rather than a disjointed Before and After.

trust displays by AshToSilver

Rex meets Luke and Leia for the very first time the night they are born.

I love how sweet but also horrifically fucked up this one is. Cannot express how much this fic has influences the way I write the clones.

in morsum ardeo by astarsdarkheart

A fallen Jedi and Lord of the Sith burns in a pyre on the banks of a river of fire. Something else rises from the ashes.

This series rewired my brain. Like, holy shit. Holy shit. I don't think I could ever actually choose a top favorite fic of all time, but honestly? This one makes a strong case for itself. It has haunted me every day since I first read it over a year ago.

Forever War by yujacheong

Vader has trouble distinguishing between the past and the present. Fortunately, it rarely matters in the context of the Empire's forever war.

Love me a good Vader character study.

this place loves what it eats by roadtripexpert

What could be called but isn’t death, or Leia Organa doesn't kill the man formerly known as Anakin Skywalker

I know I've already recommended this one but it is just. So fucking good. The note from my bookmark: Father-daughter roadtrip results in about as much murder and bitching as you would expect.

relieved to live in the wreckage by niniblack

When Obi-wan doesn’t follow Padmé to Mustafar, she’s able to convince Anakin to run away from everything with her. But this doesn't prevent his nightmares from coming true, and he's left alone in a hostile galaxy with the infants she begged him to protect. “Master Anakin,” Threepio says, still hovering in the doorway. “Might I suggest bouncing the children?” Anakin stops pacing around with the twins, head swiveling to look at Threepio. He doesn’t have to ask what the fuck Threepio is talking about; Artoo does it for him. Threepio seems to draw himself up as straight as he can. “I have conducted extensive research on the subject of human childrearing in anticipation of Mistress Padmé giving birth. Holding an infant and gently bouncing them in the parent’s arms is thought to be an excellent calming method.” “Oh,” Anakin says. “I thought you meant… bouncing them on the floor or something.”

The note from my bookmark: Single dad Anakin. Congratulations buddy, no one's ever done it worse.

Send the Whole Damned Thing Down the Drain by handstitchedanarchist

“Are you a conscripted soldier or a battle slave?” General Skywalker asks him one day. Rex thinks about it. And then thinks about it a little longer. And then he has to admit, “I’m not sure what the difference is.” The general looks distant and… sad? “Yeah, me neither,” he says.

This is another one that has greatly influenced the way I write the clones.

Gonna end the list here cuz my meds are starting to kick in and I feel like I'm going to fall over

#fic recs #pretty sure i only picked fics with less than 1k kudos #some of these are criminally underrated #not going to think about what this list implies about me lmao #there is definitely a running theme with the fics i chose

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arctroopertinky · 7 months ago

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Look Towards the Future Ch4: Still no Connection

Captain Rex x FemaleJedi!Reader

Words: 8.1k

Summary: You continue to struggle to connect to the force, Rex struggles to keep his distance. A battle ensues and people get hurt.

Warnings: Denying help / References to death / Destruction of homes / Near death experiences / Head injury / Unnamed character deaths

A/N: Don't forget to check out this fic on AO3 if you wanna read ahead of what's available on Tumblr!

AO3 Link / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter / Master List

The sun shown high above you, its casts stabbing through the air and landing on the manmade ground. The air was quite still, only light gusts of wind barely lifted your robe and disturbed your hair. You were in one of the outdoor jedi training grounds within the Jedi Temple. And luckily, to your delight, you were alone. You stood beneath The Great Tree to escape from the sun’s burning rays, in one hand you held a blinding helmet, and the other held a training remote. You studied the objects in your hands as you brought them closer to your face, they both have obtained many imperfections and scratches and bumps over the many years that they have been used by padawans and jedi alike, to hone and maintain their connections to the force. You were notified that the 501st was assigned to another mission, and you were to head there upon The Resolute the next day. Unfortunately for you, your connection to the force has not come back to you.. So, now you’re here, lucky enough to have found an open space to be alone, but unlucky enough to need to use a tool you haven’t needed since you were a padawan. You dropped your hands down, allowing your arms to become slack as you tilted your head back to let out a grand sigh. Your careful observations of the training remote was your way of stalling the inevitable, but you knew that you wouldn’t be alone forever. At some point someone else was going to need to occupy this space. And since your quarters wouldn’t be big enough to support a training session with such a tool, you knew that you needed to get this over with.

You turned on the remote, it immediately hummed to life as you felt its weight dissipating from your grasp. You freed the remote from your hand and it sprung into the air, slowly circling you, awaiting its target. With the blinding helmet now in both hands, you took another look at it, pretending to be interested in each of its imperfections and signs of use. With another sigh you slowly turned the helmet in your hands, your fingers danced as they worked in unison to bring it to your desired position. Then you paused to observe the inside of the helmet, before you slowly raised it above your head, and finally equipped it.

It was dark, the helmet completely blocked out all light around you. You blinked a few times to test the helmet’s effectiveness, and to your preference it made no difference if your eyes remained open or closed. You were completely blind to the outside world. Perfect. The training remote made a slight whoosh as it flew in front of you. It stopped a couple feet away from you and let out a couple of beeps, telling you that the training was about to begin. You blindly patted your hips until your hands located your sabers. You pulled them out and turned them on in unison. The hum of the sabers filled up the silence that persisted around you, and you took in a deep breath in preparation for the training ahead.

The moment of silence before the training commenced made you uneasy. You couldn’t see, and all you could hear was the vibrating hum of your sabers, and maybe the occasional gust of wind. The Force was still not your friend. With it, you would have been able to know where everything was around you, especially that floating ball in the sky waiting to start shooting you. But now? You felt lost, you weren’t even sure where the blades of your sabers were exactly despite the unending tone they emitted. Either way, you stood in a stance that made you seem as though you were ready to pounce. Despite the exact opposite being true, you convinced yourself that you could fake this until you made it. That the force would come back to you, simply with some practice and a fake bout of confidence.

The silence continued, and your anxiety heightened…

Then you were hit. A powerful sting coursed through your back. The sound of the shot ringing through your ears just after the sensation set in.

You let out a yelp as your back arched in response to the pain. You unconsciously jumped forward and you grit your teeth. You immediately re-assumed your fighting stance, but it contained less confidence than the last. Then, there was more silence again.

Another shot rang through your ears as a second stinging agitation set into your shoulder, causing it to bound backwards as you let out another yelp in response. Your uneasiness quickly turned to fear as you realized that you still had no connection to the force. You realigned your posture to the best of your ability, but your feet refused to keep still and maintain steady on the ground beneath you. Your heart rate increased dramatically as your breath quickened to an unnatural pace. This remote was winning, and you were making a fool of yourself.

Then you heard the remote zip around in an attempt to confuse you. Luckily for it, the force still hadn’t returned to you yet, so you were blind to its intention. Your head whipped around your environment frantically as you attempted to locate the machine. Your foolish attempt was to no avail, however, as you felt another piercing sting develop within your thigh, causing another cry to squeeze from your throat as that leg buckled slightly.

Sweat began to develop throughout your body as the remote changed its location once again. You considered moving proactively instead of reactively. Yeah… maybe that would work. But you had no idea when to strike the air. You took a stab in the dark and swung your right arm through the air, deflecting absolutely nothing. Before you could reset your position, another shot pierced that hand, the pain forcing you to drop the saber to the ground as you held the hand close to your chest. You heard your saber relinquish its blade, there was no way you were going to find it.

Now with one arm and one saber, you were left to tiredly assume your battle ready stance once more, panting and quietly groaning from the pain. The remote shot you in the back again, causing you to double over for a brief moment before you were finally able to lift yourself mostly back up. Then it shot you again, this time in the foot. You jumped at the pain, now left to favor your painless foot. The remote’s tempo was clearly increasing as you felt another stinging sensation bubble up in the side of your neck. Your pained hand cupped the spot of contact on your neck as you weakly waved your saber in a random direction. An annoyance began to resonate from within you.

Then you were shot again. The annoyance turned to irritation.

You were shot twice more. The irritation turned to anger.

Despite your desperate attempts, five more shots found their way into your body. Your anger turned to absolute fury.

You yelled out as you ripped the helmet off your head. Your pupils contracted to the harsh sunlight. When you spotted the remote you began seeing red. Without thinking you immediately hurled the blinding helmet at the remote, hitting it directly. The blinding helmet carried the remote as they flew away from you quickly before smashing against The Great Tree.

The throw helped your exasperated breathing slow down a bit, and you were able to focus on taking deeper breaths to calm down. After a few minutes, the anger dissipated from you. Your facial features relaxed significantly and you were level headed enough to take a look at the aftermath of your training session. You peered over to the tree, and you saw that the helmet was basically intact, the remote was what hit the tree, so it most likely cushioned the blow for the helmet. You cautiously limped over to the tree, the fear of getting shot again resonating within you once more. The training remote, however, clearly was not as lucky as the blinding helmet. You picked up the helmet to reveal the training remote was broken into multiple pieces, you must have thrown way harder than you realized.

You stared at the broken pieces of metal as you considered what you had just done. The leaves on The Great Tree obscured the remote slightly as the shadows casted danced back and forth to the tune of the wind. Not only did the force not return to you; you allowed a machine to control your emotions, and you allowed yourself to succumb to anger.

You let out a shaky sigh as you placed the blinding helmet in between your arm and your side, using your hands to pick up the broken shards off the ground. You winced at the dull pain you felt throughout your body. Luckily for you though, the pain caused from the training remote was quickly melting away. Once you collected them all, you tilted your head back slightly. Your heart rate was still elevated, and there was no doubt that some negative emotions remained within you. In an attempt to calm down more you bathed your face in the sun as a soft breeze melted against your cheeks. It felt nice, like nature was giving you a hug you so desperately wanted. The hot sun provided you with just the right amount of warmth. The breeze was gentle as it lifted your hairs ever so slightly. You felt serene, until you heard a voice.

Your body stiffened in reaction. You felt frozen in place, you could only bear to cock your head to the side at the exit to hopefully hear who was coming. Although still unintelligible, you could tell that the voice, no- voices were getting louder. You hugged the broken fragments in your hands a little tighter as you fixed your posture to look as though you were a proper jedi. The voices became louder and louder until Anakin and Ahsoka turned the corner.

“Master, I don’t really think that-” The master and padawan stopped in their tracks when they noticed you, their faces were full of surprise at first, but that quickly melted away into warm smiles.

“Master y/n, we weren’t expecting to see you here, what are you up to?” Ahsoka inquired.

You plastered a smile upon your face, “oh you know…” You weren’t entirely sure what to say next, “just uhh… training!” You said the last word with a bit too much faux excitement. Anakin cocked his head to the side slightly, one eyebrow a bit higher than the other.

“Yeah… I see you have a blinding helmet, were you practicing with a training remote?” Anakin asked you, avoiding your awkwardness. Your eyes broadened and a stark anxiety filled you as the sensation of the broken instrument in your hands became much more noticeable.

“Oh! Yes, I was…” You stated, trying to act collected. Anakin and Ashoka then clearly noticed the ruined mechanism in your hands. Both of their faces contorted to that of confusion and curiosity, they both then peered up at you in unison, their expressions piercing your heart through your eyes.

You forced that damned smile to remain on your face. “Oh, this?” You looked down at your hands, pretending that the sight wasn’t a big deal. “The remote got too close to my sabers, I cut it down by accident while I was wearing the helmet.” Ahsoka didn’t seem too fazed by your excuse, but you could tell that Anakin was thinking deeply. You observed as he carefully combed over the remote with his eyes. You knew that he knew that if your sabers really cut down this remote, there would be signs of melting near the ends of the pieces. You could see a twinge of concern in his eyes, but once again, Anakin kept his thoughts to himself, and instead allowed a friendly smile to brighten his face instead.

“Well, don’t let this cut your training short.” Anakin began, “I was just about to have Ahsoka practice with a training remote herself,” he pointed at the equipment in Ahsoka’s hands, “maybe you could show her a thing or two.” His smile cut into you as if you were butter. It threatened to give you a warm feeling inside, one that you welcomed, and one that you started to feel. But you were once again reminded of the broken components in your hands, all that has happened to you, and it all went away with a flash.

“Yeah! That might be fun, Master, what do you think?” Ahsoka asked. “I feel like we haven’t had the chance to get to know you yet.” She smiled. You knew that they were being genuine about wanting to spend time with you, but stress began to eat at you once again nonetheless and you struggled to maintain your smile.

“Thank you, but…” your eye contact began to waver a bit, “I really need to get going.” You stated very quickly. You practically squeezed yourself in between the two jedi as you began your speedy escape. You were about to turn past the exit before you heard your name called out behind you. You stopped and slowly turned yourself towards the other jedi. The fake smile of your face strained you more and more as you screamed at your eyes to stay on them. Their concern couldn’t be doubted.

“Yes…?”

Anakin was the first to speak. “Are you doing alright, Master y/n?”

You didn’t really know what to say. “W-what do you mean, Master?”

Anakin kept a hand on his hip, clearly looking somewhat uncomfortable at this confrontation. “I don’t want to intrude on something when it’s not my business, but for the majority of the time that you have been with us… you’ve looked extremely distressed.” Anakin took some steps toward you, increasing the anxiety that was burning in your chest. “And, uh… I just wanted to let you know that I know that something happened to your battalion.”

“You do…?” Your heart exploded at the reference as Anakin continued to approach you. Your fake smile survived, but you grit your teeth intensely underneath your happy exterior. The corners of your mouth becoming more sore.

“Yes, and I think I understand what you might be going through,” Anakin sympathized as he looked at you with care. You saw that he was about to place a hand on your shoulder. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as pressure built up in your chest. “And I think that-”

“Anakin.” You quickly interrupted, shocked by your own informal acknowledgement. Anakin and Ahoksa seemed just as surprised at the nature of your interruption. Not upset, per say, but you saw that their eyes were pretty damn wide, and their mouths were hung open slightly. Unfortunately, there was no going back for you.

“I’ll be okay, really.” You told them, determined to believe your own words. “I appreciate your concern, Master, but I just need some time to be alone.” You noticed their faces, they looked as though they did not believe you. You couldn’t even believe yourself, but you didn’t want to admit that.

“I just thought that-”

“I gotta go! Have fun training!” You forced a cheerful expression onto those words before you swiftly absconded from the confrontation. As you walked away, back facing the two jedi, your happy demeanor melted into one full of unease and panic. You had another mission tomorrow and the force still hadn’t returned to you. You were lucky to be alone during your training, you made an absolute fool of yourself with the remote. You looked like a damn youngling trying to wield a lightsaber for the first time.

And you pushed more people away again, people who actually cared. You weren’t as blunt with Anakin as you were with Rex, but the thought made your insides curl all the same. You wanted to be alone so you could focus on making things right, but something still felt so terrible. The uneasiness within you clawed at you and threatened another nauseating retch, but you maintained yourself just enough to avoid another mess.

The pieces in your hands jingled, grabbing your attention away from your worrying thoughts, curdling your mood into a vexed one. You noticed a garbage chute as you continued your heightened pace away. Without slowing down you made a sharp turn towards the wall and forced the components down the chute with a hefty push. They made a loud banging noise as they slammed against the door to the chute, and the echoed banging got quieter and quieter as they moved down the chute, never to be seen by anyone again.

You made your way back to your quarters. Inside, the sun and breeze no longer blessed your skin, now fiery hot with an acute frustration, but cold from prolonged loneliness. Nobody passed you in the halls towards your questers. Probably for the best, you looked like you were ready to burst. You wanted to cry, but you also wanted to punch a hole in the wall. You felt this desire to be alone, but it hurt all the same. You mourned your connection to the force, but felt no possible way to reconnect. People wanted to help you, but you pushed them away all the same. You are your own worst enemy. The thought tries to bubble up into your head, but you never let it surface. This is what you thought was best. But now? All you could do was wait, until the next mission inevitably came.

- - -

It was the next day, and you were approaching the dropship you would be taking to the site of that day’s mission. You walked towards the ship cautiously, acting as though it were to attack you at any moment. You climbed onto the dropship to see almost a dozen members of the 501st already on board, chatting the day away. As you didn’t allow the chance to interact with them much, you struggled to recall the majority of their names. But, you knew you saw Echo and Fives… and Rex. As your last foot made noisy contact with the floor of the ship, it alerted the clones to your presence. Some wore helmets, some did not. But you could feel their attention pierce you nonetheless as their heads cocked towards you and they silenced their dialogue. Rex, who was smiling before he noticed you, lost his carefree demeanor once his eyes locked onto yours, his expression turning into one of coldness, and a twinge of what you assumed may have been anger. After a strange moment of mutual observance, you swiftly looked away at anyone else. The silence in the ship troubled you.

Your hood was up, but you couldn’t hide from the sight of these clones. You stood at the entrance of the dropship frozen. Despite your years of training and experience, you had no idea what to do, or what to say to these clones. Luckily for you, the clones knew to salute their general. Once they acknowledged your presence they all returned to their own conversations. You noticed that Rex did not give you recognition. You pretended not to see him, but you saw him in the corner of your vision, extending his look upon you. You felt his eyes on yours for another brief moment, until he slowly turned back to his brothers. The laxed conversation that was occurring before you arrived returned to the ship, reviving a bit of your comfortability, despite the loneliness that began to ache from within.

All you could do now was continue to claim your spot to stand on the dropship. You acted as though you were focused on your own activities, but your eyes couldn't help but wander over to the soldiers when you thought they weren't looking. You saw them smiling, laughing, chatting, all something you wished you could be a part of, but you didn’t think you deserved that yet. You tended to look at Rex the longest as you reminded yourself of what you said to him a couple days prior. An achy feeling developed within you every time your eyes locked onto him. When he smiled at his brothers you mourned to take a part in it, you wanted to belong to troopers again. You, for a reason you still kept locked away from yourself, wanted to apologize to him, to go back to the way things were during your first mission together.

You then saw Anakin and Ahsoka come into view. When you spotted each other, you allowed a small smile to creep up onto your lips as you nodded at the jedi in acknowledgement. In response, they did the same towards you. They clearly respected your request to have some space, despite their clear look of affectionate care on their faces. Anakin especially seemed concerned as you noticed him peer behind you at the clones for a moment, his eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly before he looked back at you again.

They then found a spot to stand near you as the dropship lifted off and bounded towards its destination. To avoid looking at the troopers you decided to keep your eyes transfixed out the dropship and on the planet below as details of the ground became smaller and smaller, your focus slowly went out as the battle plans began being discussed.

Anakin was explaining the plan for the mission, but all you could do was look out the dropship as your hair and robe erratically rode with the wind. His voice echoed unintelligibly in one ear and out the other as you peered down at the destruction that the Separatists had caused to this planet. The sky was missing its apparently beautiful baby blue hue, as smoke blanketed the sky and turned it to a melancholic dark red. You couldn’t escape the smoky smell no matter where you were on this planet. As you flew over a small village you noticed that it had been completely flattened. If a residence still stood there, there was a major part of its structure that was damaged. Many standing buildings had giant holes in their walls or roofs, but many buildings did not resemble what they used to be. Most were simply rubble.

You read up on what was known the night before. Once again, you probably did not get enough sleep. You remembered waking up with the data pad next to you in bed, with you in your clothes from the day before. The plan was pretty simple: the enemy has been dropping explosives onto the rebellious villages of this planet. And many villages were being filled with mines to prevent the rebels from returning to their homes. It was Anakin and Ahoksa’s job to keep the enemies back, while you were responsible for locating and ordering the deactivation of any live explosives still primed to wreak havoc on the poor village the 501st was to be assigned to defend. You assumed that’s what Anakin was discussing at that current moment. Luckily you did your homework, or else you would have been more lost than you currently were at that moment.

“-Fives, Echo, you two are with me as well.” Rex’s voice suddenly cut into your dazed focus, causing your heart to skip a beat, and you wished it was in a good way. Where was he going to be? With Anakin, or Ahsoka? With you? The panic hotwired your thoughts to spin in a frenzy with the realization that a mission was about to begin finally hitting you. And you still didn’t have the force.

You managed to keep your back turned from the other passengers, but you could barely keep your frantic breath at a low volume, while your shoulders visibly heaved up and down over and over again. You were going to get everyone killed, weren’t you?

You couldn’t even think to look back to see if anyone noticed your episode, all you could think about was your inevitable failure as you shook in fear. Weeks ago you would have merely seen this as an obstacle to overcome. Now? You could barely handle anything anymore. You saw yourself as pathetic.

You felt a hand on your shoulder, your vision focused to see that the dropship had landed, the details of the scorched earth plaguing your eyes. Then, you turned around to see Anakin and Ahsoka close to you, concern deep in their eyes as they dived into yours. For a second, you thought to peer over at the clones, who had all seemed quite focused on getting ready, except for Rex, who was looking right at you. He looked worried… but also a bit angry about something, but right when your eyes made contact with each other, he quickly looked away to get back to preparing himself for the mission ahead, equipping his helmet right away.

“Hey.” Your eyes found Anakin, whose hand was the one connected to your shoulder. “Are you ready?” He asked, voice slightly raised to remain superior to the continuous deafening hum that the dropships emitted.

You quickly corrected your posture and fixed your eyes to look bold and self-assured. “Of course, Master Skywalker, let’s do this.”

You could tell that Anakin wanted to say more. But with the mission in tow, there was no time to argue. “I’m glad to hear it. Rex?” Anakin asked, prompting the Captain to look over at his General. “Are your men ready?”

Rex playfully scoffed, “what do you think?” Your eyes tried their hardest to skip over Rex as you looked to the other troopers. All of them clearly antsy to get on the field, barely able to contain their excitement for battle as they stood there in restless anticipation.

Anakin laughed in response. “Okay then, then let’s go!” The troopers let out a battle cry as they all sprinted off the dropship, despite their speedy pace, they were still quite uniformed. You turned to face the planet as the soldiers ran past you. You were face to face with a leveled village, Separatist droids could be heard in the far distance, with blaster fire also being audible, indicating that other Republic companies had already started their retaliation, and had hopefully already begun disarming mines as well.

As the last of the troopers made their way off the dropships, you finally leaped off as well. Your heart was pounding in your ears as your anxiety ate away at your focus. All you could think to do was jog over to the village, desperately wanting to turn around, to run away and hide. But alas, your legs carried you over to the entrance of what was a village, where you saw your company of troopers… including Rex.

You tried your hardest not to look at him, to act natural… but everything was already becoming too much for you, too overwhelming.

“What are you waiting for, General?” You heard Echo inquire. You snapped out of your trance, realizing that you had zoned out a bit as you looked off into the distance. You blinked as you turned your head to face the trooper.

“I-I’m sorry, it was nothing, I will get started right away.” You stated defeatedly. You didn’t even bother coming up with an excuse for your late start, you just wanted to curl up into a ball and hide. Either way, you were here now, and you had to get started. You took a couple steps forward and positioned yourself in front of the troopers. The scorched earth and ashes crumbled and cracked beneath your feet. You set your legs a shoulder width apart, and angled your hands towards the earth, attempting to sense the mines. One moment turned to several as the force failed to guide you towards your objective. Your heart raced even faster as a panicked tension began to etch onto your face.

“General, we don’t have all day, I suggest that you quicken the pace, General Tano and Skywalker cannot hold off the enemy forever.” A clone started coldly.

You turned your head towards the source of the comment, and saw Rex. He was standing up straight, with his arms crossed in front of his chest. His helmet was on, but you could tell from his proper posture there was a twinge of impatience within him, and maybe even some annoyance as well. You couldn’t hold back the way your eyebrows arched in anxiety at your failure, and surprise at Rex’s tone. Considering all of your previous reactions, hearing Rex speak to you with such callous professionalism was not something you totally expected, despite the way you brushed him off the other day. He was so kind to you before, he was so different in this moment that you half expected another clone to be under that lifeless mask. You then noticed that you’ve been looking at the Captain for way too long. You promptly looked away from him, and placed your eyes back in front of you.

“Of course, C-captain. My apologies.” Was all you could muster. You tried to sound as professional as possible, but at this point you couldn’t hold in your obvious uneasiness at the situation. If any clone noticed your distress, they said nothing as they stood around impatiently awaiting your guidance.

You were out of time waiting for the force to return to you. Panic was still biting at you from within, but you forced your eyes closed nonetheless. You then slowly raised your hands back up to their previous position, and you took a deep breath in… and you let it all out. Again and again you did this, decreasing your heart rate with each successful exhale. As you relaxed further the sounds of troopers talking amongst themselves and the blaster fire in the distance all melted away from your ears. You haven’t felt this serene since before you lost your battalion, but you still couldn’t sense those damn mines. Tensing your eyebrows a bit, you reached further into the abyss, trying twice as hard to sense a single explosive beneath you. You just had to focus a bit more… Yes, just keep reaching in, and…

Your relaxed state was interrupted by a sudden force aggressively pushing your stomach, causing your back to fly to the ground with a gasp, knocking your head against the ashen earth beneath you. Blaster fire and shouting cut back into your awareness. You needed a brief moment to catch your breath as the wind was literally knocked out of you on impact. Your head was spinning rapidly but you managed to open your shut tight eyes. The blackened sky was whirling around you as you noticed a figure in the corner of your eye. You looked over to see several troopers standing over you, and Rex kneeling close to you. Oh, but he wasn’t just kneeling next to you, he was ON TOP of you. Head still twisting, you weakly lifted your head up to peer down your body. But all you could see was Rex’s armor in the way of anything below your stomach. His crotch plate dug into you as he straddled your abdomen, generating a dull pain in that area. His legs were bent as they laid at your sides and ran down your legs in paralell.

He must have pushed you, but why? You then noticed a large figure outline his helmet from behind. Straining your head to the side, your swirling vision couldn't prevent you from knowing what had come for you. It was an armored assault tank. And in front of it was a blackened mold in the ground where you stood just moments ago. Holy shit.

“HEY.” You looked back up at Rex, whose helmet was twice as close to you now, almost too close. “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?” He belted at you as he violently shook your shoulders. “HOW DIDN’T YOU SEE THAT COMING?” His voice strained over the sounds of explosions and blaster fire occurring all around you. All you could do in response was stare at his visor in shock. Your eyes were wide open, your arms limp, lying on the ground, trapped under the Captain.

“I-” What should you even say right now? “I don’t know…” You admitted. Your response did not quench the Captain’s thirst for an answer or calm his anger. He immediately leaped upwards to stand, and he grabbed your arm and pulled you up harshly.

“MEN!” Rex called to his troopers. “WE NEED TO GO. NOW!” The clones nodded in response as they promptly faced towards the entrance to the village, where they entered prior to the violence that was occurring. But alas, the tank was still approaching your company steadily, now with dozens more battle droids accompanying the mechanism as well. You pulled out your lightsabers and ignited them, but you were still dizzy, leaving you to helplessly watch as your men got shot down or blasted by the tanks, or both. Your mouth hung open as your bottom lip quivered. You knew that if you ran into the fight without the force, you’d be dead in a second. Just like that, gone. Rex seemed to understand that as well. You looked over to see him blasting at the enemy with his DC-17s. But his feet were dancing indecisively, unable to decide which way to run. You peered over to the troopers on the ground, freshly dead from the enemies that were coming your way. These men trusted you, and you couldn’t protect them. What should you even do now? What could you-

You were abruptly taken away from your thoughts by the sensation of someone grabbing your arm and sprinting away, forcing you to pick up the pace as well. The stinging sensation of your skin pulling took you away from the sights and sounds of troopers dying around you, and you looked over to see Rex, forcing you to follow him deeper into the village with the surviving troopers. You tripped over your own feet as the planet was still spinning around you. But Rex did not stop for you. He tugged at you tighter each time your legs threatened to fail. He did not look back at you, he simply kept you going. Mines went off all around you, killing troopers as they followed, but allowing you to live.

- - -

Rex felt as though he was running forever. While physically fit, nothing could prepare him for the strain he put himself under to get him and his troopers away to relative safety. He managed to find an alleyway and smashed his back against the wall of a broken home with his hands violently gripping his pistols. The walls were gray with ash and soot. While he and his men were able to hide within the confines of the alley, much of the building was on the ground, contaminating the natural dirt and grass with ashen gravel. All Rex could hear was his own heaves and the heaves of his troopers… and yours. He thought that this was going to be easy, going back to the way things were before you both met. But when he saw you enter that dropship, all he wanted to do was say hello, and see how you’re doing, and TALK to you, but he knew that wasn’t what you wanted. And that made him... angry? At first Rex was sad, but after not speaking to you for a couple of days, his sadness turned to this tickling agitation that he couldn’t shake. He’s sure that you noticed when you stepped onto the dropship, the look of contempt he gave. It made him feel guilty, feeling that way. But he couldn’t help it, he felt selfish.

The village was only about a couple square miles in size, a way out of the village was in sight, a forest thick with charred trees was just beyond the village. But the enemy was within earshot, almost too close for Rex to order his battalion to make a run for it. He didn't want to risk any more needless death. He looked over at you at that thought. Your back hugged the wall with all its might. Your eyes were wide open, lips flattened and pale as they stuck together tightly. Your chest rapidly raised and lowered as your frantic breathing could clearly be heard through your nostrils. Rex didn’t know what to say to you. You did not want him to involve himself with your issues in any way, you made that clear. Besides, there was no time to console each other, he had to get himself and his company out of this hellhole.

The only other problem with making a run for it to the forest were the mines. Rex gave you the time you needed to sense the locations of the mines, a generous amount of time if you were to ask him, but you couldn’t even point out a single one. As Rex caught his breath he considered your abilities, or lack of them. You were a Jedi master, respected enough to have been given your own Captain and battalion in the past. There must have been more going on with you than you simply struggling to cope with the loss of your battalion, but what? What was Rex having a hard time understanding here? Why were you unable to complete your task for this mission? He looked upon you for another moment, before relieving his back from the crumbling wall, and cautiously walking over to the edge of the alley.

Putting one of his pistols away, he gently gripped the corner of the wall, and slowly peaked his head over the corner. What he saw was horrific. Dozens upon dozens of battle droids marching towards him. More tanks were on the way as well, with two more accompanying the one that had attacked them initially. Upon a closer inspection it was clear to Rex that the droids were not completely sure where they were. Many were marching towards him, yes, but many split off to march down other streets, dodging the mines they placed along the way. The droids must have had the location of the mines put into their heads somehow, as Rex saw them all avoid certain parts of the ground flawlessly, they didn’t set off a single one throughout the entire search. Rex couldn’t say the same thing about his men, however. Many were lost during the marathon for cover as they stepped on mines. Many mines were extremely close to each other as well, causing a chain reaction that killed more men than what one mine would have done by itself.

Rex quickly whipped his head back into the alley to avoid being spotted by the droids. There was no time left to come up with a plan, there weren’t enough soldiers or firepower left to fend against the Separatist forces, they had to go now.

Rex whistled quietly to get his men’s attention. They all promptly turned their heads to face their Captain, all except you. But you were obviously brought to attention, as your shoulders stiffened against the wall in response to Rex’s call, but you kept your head down, your eyes kept out of the Captain’s sight by your Jedi robe’s hood.

“Men,” Rex started, as quiet as he could be, “we don’t have the numbers to fight back, and we certainly don’t have the firepower to put up a good fight either.” Rex paused, unsure of how to give the next order. ‘It looks like we’re going to have to make a run for the forest.”

A quiet uproar livened up the crowded alleyway. Troopers bickered amongst themselves and stirred restlessly. Rex’s eyes scanned his soldiers, but then found their way over to you, who seemed to have no physical reaction, at least not one that Rex could see.

“We won’t survive!” “We need to fight back!” “We need to hide!” “There must be another way!” Rex heard his troopers dissent. His eyes whipped to each of his brothers, silently trying to convince each and every one of them that this was the best option, that all others would lead to certain death.

“We have a Jedi!” Rex heard a brother aggressively whisper. As his eyes struggled to find their way over to the source of the retaliation, he heard you starkly stiffen up, rubble crumbled to the ground as your back slightly slid up the wall in anxious reaction.

“Yeah, and what has that got us? We’re FUCKED.” Another brother retorted. The troopers were huddled so closely together that Rex couldn’t make out who was saying what, but his eyes promptly moved over to you when he saw your head turn towards him. Now your hood no longer obscured Rex’s view of your face, and what he saw was a terrified woman. Your pupils rapidly danced as they looked at nothing in particular, but desperately tried to find something. Your bottom lip hung into an obtuse frown as it quivered repeatedly. Your eyes were red, with moisture accumulating in the corners of your lids. You were holding back tears.

“We got stuck with a useless one!” Suddenly all of the animosity Rex had been feeling about you dissipated in an instant, with a sharp anger joining Rex in its place.

“SHUT UP.” Rex hissed at his brothers, barely able to remain quiet enough to avoid grabbing the Separatists’ attention. “I gave you all an order and I expect you to LISTEN. This is not the time to blame ANYONE.” Silence filled the crowded alleyway in a reluctant adherence to the Captain’s orders. Rex was perturbed at his sudden outburst. But, before deciding to say more, Rex took an extremely deep breath in, and let it out slowly, completely contrasting your shallow and quickened heaves.

“On my command, we’re going to run towards the forest as quickly as possible. If you have to, blast any clankers that get in your way, but speed will be your only friend here.” Murmurs roused in the alley, but quickly dissipated. There was no point in arguing with the Captain now.

Rex looked over at you. Your anxious demeanor had still not subsided. Rex’s breath hitched as he raised his hand up towards you. He paused, his fingers twitching slightly in uncertainty before he finally urged his hand to place itself gently on your shoulder. You tensed up at the contact, you gasped quietly in surprise as you nervously looked over at the Captain, needing to look up slightly due to Rex’s superior height.

“Hey,” Rex stated, trying to sound as nice as possible, “I know you hit your head earlier, can you run by yourself?” He felt stupid, mothering a Jedi like this, he could barely even keep his eyes on yours, despite the fact his helmet was hiding him from you. But he couldn’t help but feel the need to intervene when you looked like this, Rex wanted to be sure that you could survive this mission.

You took a moment to respond, your eyes were on him at first, but then slowly made their way elsewhere as you became lost in anxious thought. It was clear that you had no idea what to say to him.

“I think I can.” You responded, with what Rex assumed was confidence in your words, but plagued still with some shock.

“Good.” That would have to be enough. Rex’s hand lingered on your shoulder for a moment, as though something prevented him from letting go, before he retreated himself towards the streets of the village, stopping right before he would be visible to the Separatists. Rex peered around the corner of the wall, and the droids were much closer. They would have to run now, or they’d be spotted almost immediately.

“On my signal” Rex ordered. His troopers promptly readied themselves for the sprint of their lives. They put their blasters away, and inched themselves closer to their Captain, shoulder to shoulder, impatiently waiting for the order to retreat. Out of the corner of his eye, Rex saw you approach the edge of the alley as well. You still seemed quite distressed to Rex, but your body language told him that you were as ready as you could be for this. It was time.

Rex aggressively waved his hand towards the street multiple times. “Go, go, go!” He signaled. Rex was used to hearing war cries behind him. But he and his men knew that a quiet escape was their best bet. Rex bounded out of the alleyway first, gradually more and more feet could be heard contacting the graveled floor beneath him. The wind howled in his ears as his breath slowly became more and more labored over time. He did not dare look back at his men or at the Separatists, his eyes remained locked onto the forest approaching him from the front, that was all that mattered now. Even as he felt explosions begin to go off near him, he did not slow down.

Then he heard a shot, then a scream from one of his brothers.

Another shot, another scream.

Rex slowed his pace slightly as the blaster shots he heard from behind became much more frequent. His natural instinct was to help his brothers, but once he noticed other troopers begin to pass him out of the corners of his eyes, he realized stopping now would be no use. There were too many of them, and not enough of him and his company. If he were to stop now, he would most certainly die.

- - -

Rex made it to the forest. The sound of blaster fire and explosions were widely inferior to the sound of his blood pumping in his ears. Despite the devastation that occurred behind him, he hoped that most of his troopers made it as well. There was still no time to stop, however. While the tanks would be unable to traverse through the thick trees, the smaller battle droids could still march their way towards Rex and the others on foot, and there were still dozens upon dozens of them. They would have to keep running.

Rex panted as he felt this body begging him to stop. His ears maintained this obnoxious ringing that he couldn’t seem to be rid of. But none of this stopped him, he just kept running… until he literally couldn’t anymore. Rex halted abruptly in his tracks, his feet dug into the earth as they tried to carry him an extra few feet. His arms waved at his sides in a desperate attempt to regain his balance. His vision swirled as he looked down. He almost ran off a cliff.

Its depth was unclear as the thick trees obscured the bottom. Rex heard his brothers gasp and stop abruptly as they also discovered the cliff blocking their way. Rex found himself panicking for a moment before allowing himself to slow down his breathing. This was bad, yes, but they could still run either to the left or to the right, along the cliff. The Separatists were straight behind them, so most likely none would be blocking their path if they were to take an alternative route.

Rex was just about to turn around to signal to his brothers his desired direction to escape, when a sudden force pushed into his back. Rex felt his feet leave the ground, his entire body turning over in slow motion as he was pushed off the cliff. He couldn’t even react until it was far too late, his body was falling fast by the time his arms reached upwards in a futile attempt to grab the edge of the cliff. Rex’s eyes immediately tried to find another way to survive the fall, completely forgetting that something pushed him off of the cliff in the first place. As his body passed the top of the tree line he could barely hear something crash into the trees as air howled wildly in his ears. His hands desperately grasped at the air, but he was too far away from the trees and nothing was around for him to grab onto.

Rex looked down and saw that a lake was fast approaching, maybe he was going to survive this after all. But there was no time for him to properly prepare. The blue body was rapidly getting bigger and bigger. He barely managed to straighten himself as much as possible as he hit the water at full speed. The splash was a deep noise that rattled in his ears. Bubbles popped all around him until the chaos his fall caused melted away. The water hummed as he floated aimlessly within it, relaxing him as his eyes shut, his limbs sprawled out, ready to rest.

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