#stuff rex wrote

[slotmachines-fearofgod]

Happy May 4th!

Hello again everyone! Been a second, but I wanted to post smthn for Star Wars day. Y'all Rexwalker fans come get y'all food

Anakin Skywalker was -

He was many things. A ball of fire and power. A boy heralded as a prophet by his people. The Chosen One, a being with unimaginable power just barely beginning to reach his potential. 

But there was something else lurking behind those eyes.

Rex hadn’t quite puzzled him out yet, despite their time together. By his side, Rex had fought all manner of evil, risked his life dozens of times, made the unlikeliest of friends, and more. And still, still, through all of that, Rex felt there was something he was missing. 

“I didn’t have a dad,” his general had remarked one day. They’d touched down to refuel and restock at a base on Endor, the thick roots of the planet’s trademark colossal flora entangling below Rex and Anakin’s feet. Rex had been working on his datapad in silence, overseeing the transfers in active time, when Skywalker spoke. 

Rex had looked up, puzzled, “I thought Jedi were taken from their homes as infants?”

His general had smiled then, the look almost cutting if it weren’t for the fondness in his eyes. Rex hated how, even through the thick foliage on this planet, the sun seemed to illuminate the sharp lines of his face. 

“Not me,” Anakin had puffed his chest out a little bit, like he was proud of the fact. “Obi-Wan found me when I was ten.”

Rex made a noise of understanding. Then he processed the first sentence. 

“I’m sorry,” he said congenially. None of the clones really had fathers, so he supposed he just didn’t care as much as a natborn would, cruel as that sounded. 

“No, I didn’t have a father,” Anakin had insisted. 

Rex looked up a second time, his face screwing back up, “What?”

“My mom didn’t see anyone before she got pregnant,” he shrugged and turned back to look out at the base like he didn’t just shatter Rex’s world, “She just woke up pregnant.”

So. Rex could apparently add ‘immaculately conceived’ to the list of things Anakin Skywalker was. 

His general never brought it up again, leaving Rex to wonder. Was he trying to gain Rex’s trust? Was it a slip in judgement? Perhaps Rex had seemed apathetic instead of professional, though he knew his general disapproved of both. 

Rex had a habit of thinking of his general. He didn’t really know why he wanted to understand the man so bad, except maybe to better manage his methods in battle. Rex and his men often found themselves having to adopt at any given second to a new and wild twist in a fight, be it a sudden upward leap of ten, fifteen, even twenty feet, or being flung off a building and having to blindly trust that they would be caught before their skulls met the ground. 

The first time the latter had happened, Rex avoided Anakin and Ahsoka for a week. He learned pretty quickly not to do that, as both the general and commander had a habit of throwing temper tantrums. A teenager raising a teenager. Rex wondered how the Jedi council could be so incompetently stupid. 

Sometimes, though, Anakin had a wisdom about him. A sort of knowing that came with either age or seeing too much too young. Ahsoka was beginning to get that look in her eyes, a fact that kept Rex up at night, but Anakin had always had it. He was brash and childish and so insufferably cocky, but sometimes when he spoke Rex felt drawn in by the gravity of it. The juxtaposition of it made him laugh. 

Once, Rex saw something he wasn’t supposed to. A private moment between Padme and Anakin - husband and wife. He’d been so embarrassed that he’d accidentally slammed the door shut, but the worst part was the way he ran. Literally. He’d sprinted out of the Senate rotunda, getting a comm from Fox later that some Corries were wondering if there was some emergency with the way he flew. He didn’t know why he did that, all he knew was that Anakin would almost certainly unleash that famous temper on him. 

His general came to his door a few days later, his head down and his voice low, and asked if Rex was scared of him. Rex had never reassessed his impression of someone so fast. Anakin had sworn Rex to secrecy and Rex obliged, telling Anakin that he had his loyalty off the battlefield as well as on. Anakin’s face lit up then and Rex’s stomach twisted into knots. 

He teased Cody and Bly a lot. 

They all did in their group channel. It wasn’t the official one, nor the batch one he knew they had without him, but one he and the command batch that had seen him to success used to keep up. Bly was hopeless, always airtight about his general until he had a few drinks in him, and then they were lucky if he only waxed poetry for an hour. Cody was…something. Rex had noticed it first with the way the 212th and 501st worked together. The way his brother would stare and stare and stare and finally one day Rex got curious and followed that stare, tracing it back to Kenobi every single time. Cody even blushed once - the sight so strange and foreign that Rex had to do a double take.

He wondered if that blush for Cody had begun with a strange feeling in his gut. He hoped not. 

At some point, Anakin began to seek him out. Rex didn’t really know how it started, just that he never did paperwork alone anymore and he usually had one, if not two, shadows. Anakin said one day that it was because Rex was raised in the military and he and Ahsoka were still getting used to it. Rex knew that Anakin never asked anyone for help or advice and called it total bullshit, though not to his face. Fives had laughed when he said it, so there must’ve been some truth in it. 

Rex got the feeling that, for as carefully as he watched Anakin, he was being studied right back. For one, Anakin never sparred with him. He pitted Ahsoka against him, sure. Sometimes he would watch the ARCs train, just sitting quietly in the corner with that sharp gaze. Rex always sweated a bit more on those days, more than aware of how Anakin was assessing his leadership. Anakin liked that the men were unruly, but not to the point of dysfunction. Rex always made sure to keep his back straight but his shoulders relaxed as an example.

Rex wasn’t surprised when Anakin came after him after Umbara. Cody had found him first, given his position on the planet, but to this day Rex still didn’t know how Anakin got from Coruscant to Umbaran airspace that fast. Despite his older brother already taking him to the med bay and Kix subsequently releasing him, Anakin insisted on getting him scanned. Rex obliged, as he always does, and ignored Kix’s look when he entered at his general’s side. 

It wasn’t until the scan came back clean that Anakin took a breath and Rex registered the slight wobble to his lower lip. Rex ushered them into his office before anyone could see their general like that. 

Anakin had thanked him, saying he was more sorry than Rex knew for leaving them. He told him he read the casualty reports, that Obi-Wan had made some noise of his own for leaving them with Pong Krell, that he would never leave his side again. 

And then he said something that haunted Rex for many nights to come. 

“I’m glad you killed him.”

There was a snarl in Anakin’s voice, the man himself busy pacing back and forth in Rex’s office like a caged beast. Rex could almost picture his mouth filling with fangs, gnashing and piercing to accompany the raw sound that emerged from his lips. 

“Just make sure it lasts longer next time.”

Rex had stuttered out an affirmative and Anakin had barely paid attention, possessed by some spirit of passion. 

Sometimes Anakin scared him. Not often, mind you. Just sometimes. Like on Zygerria, surrounded by slavers. Rex didn’t understand that either at the time. Anakin had never said a word. He hated Obi-Wan a little bit for taking that from him. Rex would’ve liked to hear the story from Anakin himself. 

There’d been blood on Anakin’s hands when he rescued them. 

Rex hadn’t asked. 

He wondered if that made him a bad person. A good soldier, maybe. But how far should his loyalty go?

Then he looked at the burn marks around the necks of the Togrutans. He thought of those they dropped into pits just to satisfy a sick curiosity. And Rex felt he understood then. There was something roiling in his gut, the opposite of the warm flutter Anakin brought about. He wondered if that was how Anakin felt.

Rex pondered all of this as he shivered and shook. Anakin trudged through the snow a few feet ahead, the flurry already picking up enough to blur his form. Rex wondered if he should tell Anakin to leave him, the ragged tear in his side slowing the both of them down enough that it would become a real problem soon enough. 

He wondered if Anakin would listen. 

“It’s not far!” Anakin yelled back, the sound almost lost to the wind. “I can sense the opening a few hundred feet away.”

Rex nodded blearily, too exhausted for words. They’d fought hard earlier that day, separated from their men when their ship had crashed over the icy landscape. Piloting was a workout, contrary to what most would believe, and Ahsoka had been the one intent on following Anakin into the thickest part of the firefight. Rex had overtaken her by a hair, telling her to fall back, and subsequently been shot down alongside his general. 

They’d grabbed what they could from the ships, Anakin having to help Rex out of his. His face had screwed up in dismay, prompting Rex to look down dizzily. Anakin murmured comforts before Rex swatted him away and told him to go get supplies while they waited for evac. 

Then the snow started coming down. 

They’d quickly deduced tents wouldn’t do much good in this weather. Anakin had piled Rex up with three jackets before shoving a thermal blanket at him, telling him to get suited while he tried to scope out anything nearby. Rex had nodded and Anakin dropped to the ground in a quick meditation. 

That led him here - nearly blinded by the sleet, bleeding sluggishly, and about five minutes away from face planting in the snow.

Anakin looked back again, Rex vaguely registering that it was probably because he didn’t answer verbally. Rex just ducked his head and clutched his side, stubbornly moving forward. 

It didn’t surprise him when his general dropped back, but he did think it was ridiculous. Anakin’s arm wrapped around his ribs, gingerly avoiding where he knew Rex was hurting. Rex huffed, the air coming out frosty white, but allowed it. He wasn’t sure he had much choice either way. 

He didn’t know how long it took them to reach the cave mouth. He wasn’t even sure they could call it a proper cave. He was more focused on the rhythm of his feet, chanting old marching songs in his head to keep himself moving. Anakin was quick to lead him over to the wall of the cave and set him down. 

Rex turned his head to the side tiredly, taking in their surroundings. They were in more of a hollow in the rockface, if anything. Anakin withdrew his saber, using the light to look about. The cove ended about fifty feet back, making Rex sigh in relief. He was surprised no critters were using it as shelter, but supposed he shouldn’t be ungrateful for it. 

Anakin came back to him quickly, pulling him up and leading him to the back of the cave. 

“Sit here,” Anakin said, his tone leaving no room for argument as he forcibly lowered Rex against the back wall. Rex allowed it, as per usual. “I’ll get the fire going and then we’ll look at your side.”

“Sounds good,” Rex huffed, taking off his snow goggles and tossing them to the side. He left his hat on for now, not having much hair to protect against the cold. “We need to get a canvas up to block the snow.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Anakin assured him as he pulled out a firestarter from their emergency packs. Rex grunted in affirmation, watching Anakin assemble everything carefully. His frozen fingers moved toward his own pack, intent on getting out his bedroll. 

“Stop that,” Anakin snapped. 

Rex froze, his hand just barely touching his bag. 

“I - just, I’ll take care of it, okay?” Anakin said forcefully. Rex wondered how he could make such a caring statement sound so biting. “Rest. Please.”

Rex grinned at him, making Anakin scowl, “Please? That’s new.”

Anakin looked back down at the fire, his cheeks still pink from the cold, “I got you into this mess. You don’t need to do anything else, okay?”

Rex huffed. Figures that he’d only take responsibility when actually forced to face the consequences of his actions. Rex couldn’t count the number of times Anakin had pulled a maneuver like this and he’d just worked it out on the fly, following after his general like the loyal soldier he was.

Anakin turned back to him when he was done, the flames burning steadily and casting large shadows in the cave interior. Rex watched, faintly amused, as Anakin sorted through their pitiful medical supplies. 

“Here,” Anakin sighed and reached for Rex’s jacket zipper, yanking it down before Rex could process the motion. Figures he wouldn’t be gentle, even now. “Can you get these off by yourself? I’ll go set up some sort of block for the wind.”

Rex nodded and Anakin hesitated, biting his lower lip. Rex zeroed in on the motion, never having registered how sharp Anakin’s canines were. 

“Go,” Rex said roughly after a moment, his eyes flicking back upward. He didn’t really register Anakin’s quick little inhale at the moment, instead flexing his hands to get some feeling back in them as he began to work the zippers. 

Anakin watched him for just a beat too long. Rex lifted his head, intent on saying something to break the silence, and Anakin jerked into action. Rex shook his head affectionately, amused at his general’s antics. He wondered why, even bleeding out in the middle of nowhere, Rex found himself unable to be truly upset with the man. 

Anakin probably would’ve said something insufferably cocky about how it was part of his charm. 

Rex shook his head, getting with the program and shucking off his layers, albeit a bit slower than normal. He winced as he peeled off the last jacket, the fabric coming away sticky with blood. 

Right. His pilot suit. 

His normal armor was easy to get off, even injured and freezing. He could probably even do it unconscious at this point. But pilot suits had zippers in the back, not the front, and he couldn’t get that without seriously aggravating his side.  

“Anakin,” Rex called, watching with great interest as Anakin immediately snapped his head over to face him. He was midway through hanging up one of their tents as a makeshift tarp. “My pilot suit - I can’t get the zipper.”

He’d intended for Anakin to finish his task, but the man approached him with almost frightening speed.

He let Anakin move him so he wasn’t sitting up against the wall anymore, his back instead facing the fire. Anakin’s hands fumbled at his neck before he paused, one palm resting at Rex’s nape. 

Rex held his breath as Anakin’s fingers traced the outline of his wound. He got it from the crash, some of the metal tearing and slicing into him. It looked ugly from what he could tell, half burned and half bloody but hopefully not in danger of getting too infected. 

The cold of Anakin’s hands felt good against the fiery sting of his torso. Rex couldn’t help but be conscious of every point of contact, both at his neck and side. He felt unspeakably warm despite the harsh bite of the weather.

“General,” Rex said, doing his best not to slur his words, “My suit.”

“Right,” Anakin said quickly, snapping into action, “Sorry.”

Rex hummed as Anakin quickly undid the suit, helping Rex shrug it down to around his waist. Rex made a little noise of pain as he pulled his arms out of the sleeves. Anakin’s face did that weird pinched thing again, Rex just barely catching it as he turned around. 

His injuries felt a lot more dire now that he could see them. Anakin himself surely had a few bumps and bruises, but he was the Chosen One. Rex was just the lucky clone stupid enough to become his captain. 

“Okay,” Anakin breathed out, his eyebrows scrunched up in concern as he pushed up the white tank top Rex had on underneath his suit. Rex tried not to react to the feeling of cold fingers on his skin, his stomach twitching under Anakin’s touch. His general, mercifully, did not mention it. “I’m going to finish with the tarp. Try to staunch the bleeding as best you can. I - I think the best thing we can do is cauterize it.”

Rex snapped his head up, his eyes going wide.

“I know,” Anakin said apologetically before Rex could get a word in, “But it’s too wide to stitch and some skin is already burned. Putting a needle through it could just invite infection or more tearing.”

Rex breathed out, closing his eyes and resting his head against the wall behind him.

“Alright,” he swallowed thickly, sweat dripping down the side of his face. He yanked his hat off, leaving it next to his goggles. “Get me something to bite down on while you’re up.”

Anakin nodded with a guilty look before shooting off to get everything done as fast as possible. Rex leaned forward with a groan, grabbing a package of gauze from the pile of supplies Anakin had left out and unripping it with a vengeance. He pressed them to his side firmly, swallowing a whine of pain. 

Anakin was back well before Rex was mentally prepared for this. The wind, however, was far better blocked with the tarp, for which Rex was grateful. 

“Okay,” Anakin said again. Rex wondered if he was nervous. He knelt in front of Rex, who had both legs splayed out as he panted against the back wall. Rex considered himself a terrible person for the imagery that followed that picture. “Lift your arm up.”

Rex obeyed, his eyebrows knitting together in concern when Anakin lifted his lightsaber. 

“Wait, Anakin -”

“It’s okay,” Anakin soothed, resting his hand on Rex’s leg. Rex wasn’t sure how to feel about the fact that it did actually calm him. “It may take a little longer, but that fire isn’t hot enough to get it done.”

“Take longer?” Rex asked weakly. 

“It’s a thin blade,” Anakin winced, “Just - you can do this. I know you can. Just stay like that, okay?”

Anakin had never lied to him before. 

Rex held his breath as Anakin unsheathed his saber, the blue glow contrasting the yellow-red light of the fire previously painting their faces. It was a thin blade, now that Rex was looking, and as he peered down at his side to do the math himself he realized Anakin was going to have to hit several different angles so he didn’t chop Rex’s arm off. 

Rex looked up when Anakin lifted a piece of leather. He raised an eyebrow before remembering his earlier request. He grabbed the leather with his free hand, which he would later register was cut from Anakin’s belt, and shoved it in his mouth. He met his general’s eyes with a stubborn courage he didn’t really feel and nodded. 

The pain was blinding. Rex threw his head back, barely feeling where it cracked against the stone and screamed into the makeshift gag, grateful at least that it was brief. He panted through his nose when it ended, barely registering Anakin’s attempts to comfort him. He just shook his head, indicating to get on with it. 

By the time it was fully done, tears streaked down Rex’s face. He spat out the gag, wincing at the teeth marks now embedded in the leather. 

“Fuck,” Rex groaned as Anakin began to tape up his side as best they could. 

“You okay?” Anakin asked, his voice rough. Rex nodded, patting him on the shoulder in thanks. Anakin’s frown deepened at the motion, though for once he didn’t seem to want to voice why. 

“Are you okay?” Rex asked, his throat gravelly and raw. Anakin looked up in surprise, pausing in his movements for a second. His eyes, usually alight with some excitement, be it glee or mischief or anger, seemed far away. 

“Yeah,” he said after a second, looking back down and finishing the patch job. “Our radios won’t reach the venator in this weather.”

Rex tried to peer over his shoulder but found his view of the landscape outside blocked by the tarp. Still, he could easily imagine the scene that they’d left behind, and with the way the wind seemed to be howling he knew it could only get worse. 

“Tomorrow,” Rex told him, fixing his eyes back on Anakin’s face. Anakin looked up at him, doubt in his face. That wasn’t like him at all. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” Anakin said softly, now done with Rex’s wounds but still hovering in his space. His eyes flitted about different parts of his face. Rex wondered what he was looking for.

“Let’s eat then,” Rex prompted him. Anakin blinked, like he’d forgotten that was an option. Rex’s mouth ticked upward at the motion.

“Okay,” Anakin breathed out, moving away after just a second too long. Rex couldn’t help but huff.

Rex was handed a ration bar before he could lean forward and grab his own. He nodded to Anakin in thanks before tearing into the thing. Anakin shared the sentiment, devouring his own bar in two bites.

“Thank you,” Rex said once he felt a little more solid and less liable to pass out mid-sentence. “Guess that lightsaber is handy for more than fighting, huh?” He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. 

Anakin gave him a weak smile, “Can’t say I’ve ever had to use it like that before.”

“And let’s hope you don’t have to again,” Rex sighed, slumping against the wall. Anakin followed the motion with his eyes, his brow furrowing in concern. 

“We should get some sleep,” Anakin said, moving to his pack and grabbing his bedroll.

“Agreed,” Rex mumbled, his eyelids already half shut. Anakin half-laughed at whatever look was on his face. 

For once, he allowed it as Anakin reached into his pack and got out his bedroll as well. He did raise an eyebrow at the way Anakin arranged them however, zipping together the two sleeping bags like a big cocoon. 

“Body heat,” Anakin answered his questioning stare without looking, instead stripping down out of his own jackets. Rex pitied him, wondering how he wasn’t melting now that the fire was going and the cave had warmed up. “That fire will go out eventually and you need to stay warm.”

Rex stared blankly for a moment. He let himself process the idea of sharing a sleeping bag with Anakin for a couple seconds before nodding, knowing it wouldn’t matter whether he put up a fight or not. He just had to make sure he stayed relatively sane and everything would be fine. 

Anakin insisted Rex get situated before he climbed in. Rex took off the latter half of his pilot suit, wearing his boxers underneath. He did his best not to flush, knowing he’d be in just his tank and boxers, but in the end found himself too tired to truly care. 

Rex laid on his back, careful not to aggravate his side. Anakin made an approving noise above him before shimmying in as gently as he could, having stripped down to a similar level of clothing. Rex closed his eyes, intent on falling asleep just like that. 

“I’m sorry,” Anakin said quietly, disturbing the low crackle of the fire and the screech of the wind outside.

“What?” Rex murmured, not opening his eyes. 

“For this,” Anakin’s arm slung across Rex’s stomach, making Rex tense for a moment. Anakin’s hand lay on the covered wound, careful not to press down in the slightest. Rex cracked an eye open, seeing Anakin wide awake and staring at him.

“Don’t be,” Rex muttered, closing his eye again, “I would die for you. You know that.”

Anakin made a strange noise. It was choked, sort of strangled sounding. 

“It’s one thing to say it,” Anakin tried to joke. 

“Did you not believe me?” Rex asked, a smile playing on his lips. 

“I did,” Anakin sighed quietly, keeping his arm laid across Rex’s torso. Rex didn’t make a move to push him away. “It’s just…”

Rex stayed quiet, allowing Anakin to gather his thoughts. It was a couple minutes before he spoke, during which Rex wondered how he’d become someone that Anakin trusted like this. Anakin didn’t act like this in front of anyone Rex had seen. Padme, of course, being the one exception. 

“Once, when I was very young, I had a dream I was a Jedi,” Anakin whispered. Rex opened both eyes at that, turning his head to face him. Anakin’s eyes shone in the low firelight, that same distant look still lingering even now. “I dreamt I went back there, to Tatooine, and I freed all the slaves.”

“That’s a wonderful dream,” Rex rumbled, his hand coming up to lay on Anakin’s arm. Anakin seemed to untense slightly at the motion. “Is that what you want?”

“Yes,” Anakin said quickly. Almost desperately. “But I - I feel like a hypocrite.”

Rex frowned, “Why?”

“Umbara,” Anakin admitted. “Zygerria. Now this. I keep dragging you into things, Rex, and you get hurt. And you don’t have a choice but to do what I say.”

Rex scoffed, making Anakin’s eyes narrow, “It’s war, Anakin. Everyone gets hurt.”

“But not everyone has a choice,” Anakin said unhappily, looking away from Rex in shame. “You don’t have a choice.”

Rex sighed and turned on his side, grateful the uninjured one was the one closest to Anakin. Anakin looked up at him guiltily as he took his arm back, curling it up at his chest. Rex quickly weighed the pros and cons of telling him he looked like a kicked puppy before deciding against it.

“Do you have a choice?” Rex asked softly. Anakin’s face twisted, like he didn’t know how to respond. “You and Padme - “

“That’s not the same and you know it,” Anakin said harshly, taking Rex by surprise. He hesitated after that, reaching his hand back out to take Rex’s. Rex felt a little bit like he was getting whiplash, unable to keep up with the emotional whirlwind that was Anakin Skywalker. Still, he did not take his hand away when Anakin interlaced their fingers.

“I’m okay,” Rex told him, making Anakin sigh softly. Rex resisted the urge to run his fingers through his hair, afraid that asking for anything more than this would shatter the moment. He tried not to feel guilty about what Padme would think. “I’m not in danger of bleeding out and the wound was wide, not deep. We’ve got enough supplies to last and that storm won’t linger for more than a day. You know Ahsoka will be looking for us.”

“I know,” Anakin said unhappily. “Obi-Wan always said my antics were going to get someone killed.”

“But I’m not dead,” Rex said stubbornly, unsure where this episode of guilt and self doubt had come from. 

Anakin looked up then, and for the first time since Rex met him, he looked scared. 

“I wouldn’t let that happen,” Anakin said. Rex almost balked at the way he said it, like it was a fact. Like he would drag Rex kicking and screaming from the grave if it came down to it. 

“C’mere,” Rex mumbled, drawing Anakin in closer. He almost couldn’t believe he was doing this, but Anakin shifted and let Rex guide his head down to his chest. Rex put his ear to his sternum, allowing the steady thrum of his heart to soothe the other man. 

“The Jedi aren’t what I thought,” Anakin said abruptly. Rex had a feeling this was going to be another moment in which Anakin just dropped something on him, but didn’t stop his general from speaking.

“I’ve never not called someone my master, did you know?” Anakin asked, and just as he thought, Rex’s heart squeezed with his words. “Can I - tell me that’s not what I am to you.”

“It’s not,” Rex said easily. He knew Anakin could feel the truth of it pressed so close to his heart. 

“Good,” Anakin sighed in relief, pulling away. Rex let him go, withdrawing his own limbs and rolling back to laying on his back. It surprised him then, when Anakin made a disgruntled noise and scooted closer. He once again laid his arm across Rex’s chest, this time curling his hand over his shoulder and flopping over so he was half on top of him. 

Rex wondered if this was still about body heat. 

He didn’t deny Anakin a thing, though. Not when he’d just been so vulnerable with him. Rex got the feeling he’d seen something not many people got to see tonight. A hint at the core of who Anakin Skywalker truly was. 

It surprised him how much fear he found. 

Rex let out a breath, letting himself relax into the touch. It was sort of nice, if he didn’t think about who was on top of him or the fact that said person was married.

“Hey, Rex?” Anakin asked, taking Rex away from his thoughts. 

“Yeah?” he whispered. 

“You’re more than just a good soldier, you know that?”

“Thank you,” Rex said, smiling slightly.

“No, really,” Anakin huffed, the words muffled as they were spoken mostly into Rex’s neck. “I think I would’ve liked to meet you outside of all of this.”

Rex hummed, letting himself consider that. Of course, if there was no war, the clones wouldn’t exist. But he understood what Anakin was getting at. 

“Me too,” he said, feeling the curve of Anakin’s grin against his skin. Goosebumps sprang up in its wake. “Maybe we can go out sometime on shore leave. Get a drink.”

“I’d like that,” Anakin said before Rex could spiral out about how absolutely stupid that sounded. 

“Good night Anakin,” Rex said amusedly, mostly in lieu of saying something else embarrassing.

“Good night Rex,” Anakin sighed into his neck. “Wake me if you need anything.”

Rex laughed before letting himself fade into slumber, the faint traces of amusement ushering him along. He wasn’t sure that they’d ever mention this night again, but he found himself evermore fond of his general regardless. 

He wondered if that made him just as crazy.

[fountainpenguin]

"Wherever you are, whenever it's right, you'll come out of nowhere and into my life..."

---

New Factor It In chapter today!

Chapter 5 - “Vinculum”

Read on FFN || Read on AO3

Start from Chapter 1

---

It's foster family drop-off time for Rex (AKA Kid Math). Miah does her best to welcome him into the Pirakell home. That means introducing him to her sugar glider, discussing the crushing reality of being a burden to your absent parents, touring his new room, and dairy-free cupcakes! Huh. This is... not like life on Hexagon at all...

(First 1,000 words under the cut)

---

Vinculum

.:: January 3rd - Saturday - 6:16 pm ::.

“Whatever you do, do it devotedly, for in hesitation, you’ll find only weakness.”

(Ancient Hexagon proverb)

➕ ➖ ✖️ ➗

Psst! Look for the words sensory and hesitate

---

It’s a mild January evening outside the home of Miah and Milo Pirakell. Unfortunately for Rex Pemdas (AKA Kid Math), he’s arrived just too late to see the sunset…

The boy hesitates when Clarissa pulls open the rear door of her car. Miah can see that even from her hidden place behind the window blinds. He bites his bottom lip. “Milo,” she whispers, just loud enough for him to hear her from the kitchen. Her husband’s head pokes around the edge of the wall, ponytail dangling past his shoulder. Miah motions towards him with one hand. “He’s here.”

“Right. Uhh… Who’s here, again?”

“Our new foster placement. The 8-year-old boy. We set up the guest room today.” She manages to hold back an eye roll, even in jest. Milo can be spacy from time to time, but Miah has full trust in his ability to offer a safe, comforting home to a foster kid. Milo is a stay-at-home dad to their 3-year-old sugar glider, Misty. He does accounting work, and when foster children stay with them, he runs them to all their appointments. They split most of the chores 50-50, trying to keep their marriage an even partnership (Milo always anxious he’ll come across as sexist by asking her to handle more, Miah constantly fretting that she’s accidentally implied his remote job is any less important than what she does at the hospital).

Milo’s eyes widen like flying saucers. He looks like a lost, goofy puppy peering around the corner, and her oozing heart falls for him all over again. The two of them click like magnets. Always have. Milo is easily overwhelmed by the amount of information pinging his mind on a daily basis, so he leans on her steady form and analytical mind. Meanwhile, running 12-hour shifts as a nurse and midwife three days a week leaves her bitter and drained, so she needs to circle home in the evenings and find his loving arms and kindly soul. They’re a mismatch. He completes her. And he’s adorable, and she wouldn’t have him any other way.

“Oh!” he yelps. “The new foster placement! Right, right.” Milo scrambles from the kitchen so fast, he almost looks like he’s down on all fours. The open halves of his green sweatshirt flap behind him. He brushes his hands down his front. He doesn't leave a chocolate stain even though he was frosting cupcakes. Maybe he just has sweaty palms, not crumbs or icing on his fingertips. “H-he’s out there right now?”

“Yes.” Miah plays her nails very, very carefully against the blinds. She can only see the boy and Clarissa when she presses her forehead right up against the window, and if he looks up and locks eyes with her, he’ll probably think she’s a total stalker. The easiest thing to do is “pretend to be normal” as much as she can. Miah is an expert at passing through life as though she’s insignificant. Ha! She’s ‘Little Miss MIA.’ She sort of prides herself on how few people know her name.

Okay. Back straight. Friendly smile. Not too over-the-top. Is this okay? She checks her reflection over, tongue in her cheek. Chestnut brown hair dangles past her shoulders. She picked out hoop earrings the size of her fists today. Occasionally they snag, but her sugar glider likes to bat at them. It’s sort of her thing. A pink rayon shirt, black jacket thrown on top. Miah tugs the hem down. Quick breath in. Little hop on her toes. She’s totally ready. She watches through the blinds as Clarissa says a few words to the kid, who nods and holds his over-the-shoulder duffel bag more tightly to his side. A star-patterned backpack dangles from his hand.

So this is Rex…

Miah hadn't known exactly what to expect. Rex looks like he survives off veggie platters, dirt bike rides, and pixie dust. It's too dark to get a perfect look at him, but that feels right. He's both rugged and geeky, if it's okay to say that about your foster kid. There's intelligence in those squinting eyes. He adjusts his square glasses frames with all the poise of a kid who knows exactly what he's looking for. He wears a frumpy red hoodie, halfway unzipped to show a hint of blue shirt underneath. There's some kind of white logo printed on the blue, though she can't see what it is from here. Maybe a skull? Or a fish?

He's African American. At least, that's her tentative understanding. Clarissa relayed a few details after she and Milo confirmed they wanted to learn more about the placement. The state hasn't been able to track down any information about his family. Apparently Rex had denied his consent in the DNA test the state had pushed for, which frustrated several of the adults involved, but… Miah can see where he's coming from. Her mom passed away unexpectedly when she was only 13. Though she never knew her father, she'd been so shaken up by the whole "ending up in foster care" thing herself that she hadn't wanted the test either. The thought of getting answers to those lifelong questions completely burned her out.

Case in point: What if her father wanted nothing to do with her, or had remarried and started a new family and didn’t want her, or what if he lived outside the country, or had passed on like her mother had? Every option stung. Then it simmered. Then it burned. That small, twinkling hope that he might welcome her with open arms all too easily drowned beneath her anxiety. Year after year, she still opted not to know.

Rex won’t be the first African American child to stay with them. Although neither she nor Milo share that cultural background, Miah's arranged three small Kwanzaa celebrations throughout a decade of being a foster mom. According to Clarissa, Rex’s past two weeks (or at least a week and a half) have been inside the group home. That can’t have been a fun holiday. 

Just the thought of him ending up there prickles at her skin. Group homes are tightly structured, and if you’re only 8 years old and unfamiliar with the outside world, then sharing your space with several other loud children is probably the most scary thing that can happen to you. Miah can’t stand the thought of Rex spending some of his first weeks away from an abusive home in a dreary place like that… even though it probably was necessary when the state couldn’t even figure out where he had come from or why he didn’t exist in the government’s eyes. But it breaks her heart. Not a single family could take in an emergency placement over the holidays? 

I’d have done it in a heartbeat.

Well. Maybe. But Milo’s messy past, freckled with supervillains who used to use his dad’s home as a meeting ground when he and his brothers were young, leaves him unsteady on his feet once supernatural abilities come into play. This is his home too. Honestly, Miah’s a bit overwhelmed herself… by the fact that he said yes. Milo’s stayed faithful and hardworking even when some of their past placements showed small powers, like talking to birds or adjusting light levels, but flight will be new to them. Especially if Rex decides he doesn’t want to talk about it.

This should be interesting.

[Cnt'd on FFN / AO3 - Links at top]

[ask-jean-vicquemare]

i was asking because ive never used a radiocomputer . they sound cool

JEAN VICQUEMARE - "Oh."

He doesn't know what to say.

"Uh..."

Actually, scratch that, he has some idea what to say - wax poetic about the mechanics of the radio-computer. He just... can't. And so, he does the next best thing.

"In my line of work they're very useful for processing. Data storage. Paper work. Inter-Precinct communication. If there is a crime committed, and more importantly recorded, we can add the suspect's likeness to the system and other precincts then have access to that. You know... par," the word is dragged out as if he's thinking, "précaution... Sure."

[wanderingmind867]

Well, the results are in now. So to recap, this vote shows us the top five JSA members who should get books are apparently:

Doctor Mid-Nite (Charles Mcnider)

The Sandman (Wesley Dodds)

Red Tornado (Ma Hunkel)

Wildcat (Ted Grant)

The Atom (Al Pratt)

And you know, I would probably read books about all of these characters. But i already began plotting out an Hourman and Mister Terrific team-up book, and the book does not follow much of the established canon beyond 60s and maybe 70s comics (beyond the JSA being founded in the 40s, disbanding in the 50s and reforming in the 60s). Maybe I'll share those ideas soon, if anyone's interested.

I had one last poll idea here. So here's me continuing with all of my comics polls:

[bunji-enthusiast]

Bᴇᴇɴ ⵊɴsɪᴅᴇ

A/N… Rex is shameless, rrrrrgh. Wrote this with an energy drink and a dream fyi, so I’m still sleepy as shit.

the sun was shining and the birds were singing—which is what you’d be thinking if you were still snoring away in your beloved dreamland. but no, reality hits you hard as soon as you awoke. your gaze snaps to the man beside you, almost a little breathless; otherwise—out of it. then what happened last night comes rushing back to you, the memory makes you groan as you stretch, feeling the soreness not just down where it was; but virtually everywhere on your body. while you couldn’t complain about where you woke up, your body was hurting like hell. and it wasn’t even from last night alone. It was the entire goddamn week.

you telepathically curse the world. fuuuck.

however, you decide to check if you were really dreaming. you lift the blanket, your eyes razing over your spottily bruised skin; mainly on your hips. though to gods, you could feel some sort of warmth against the sensation of the bruises. you blinked slowly, a semblance of confusion crawls up your spine.

“holy shit.” you mutter, shifting so that you no longer were just laying down.

so you weren’t dreaming.

whatever you were feeling in your heart, or chest—this was just unreal. you actually fucked Rex.

you snort, holding your head in your hands. leaning against the headboard of the bed. well, atleast you were comfortable. because this was some bullshit.

there’s no way you actually did it, but the evidence was indisputably clear. you couldn’t deny it.

you were used to doing one-night stands, no strings attached. no feelings whatsoever involved, all purely for the moment of pleasure. however this was a different case.

Rex actually stayed. you weren’t sure how you were supposed to feel about that, or the whole thing in general. but he wasn’t awake yet—fortunately, so you could freak out about it in quiet silence. not have to be embarrassed. though that was not to deny you were already reaching that right now.

“you good?”

His hoarse voice snaps you out of your hazy daze, and you blink a few times when you fully register that Rex was—in fact awake. you let out a low squeak when you realize, groaning inwardly at yourself. “m’fine.”

“your lookin’ pretty red though.” he drawls, chuckling as he stretches his arms. this probably was nothing new to him, but this was certainly something new to you.

you did not like it. “guess we both know who to blame for that,” you bite, though there was no venom in your words. even despite the circumstances, you try to be a nice person.

“oh me?” he laughs, “damn. I’m hurt.”

however, even full well knowing he says that. it wasn’t true, he enjoys talking with you. so when he’s seen you with some less then inconspicuous assholes trying to pull shit on you last night at the square downtown. Rex most certainly didn’t take it well, he’s trying to be a better man sure, but that wasn’t stuff he takes lightly. even for a douche like him, and he recognizes it.

“like you’d be hurt by that.” you exhale, letting your shoulders deflate. despite being square as they’ll ever be when your in working form, you didn’t have the energy to muster something more. sometimes being around Rex made that part easier.

as per his cocky demeanor, he replies, “had me there, but damn, I didn’t know someone like you could moan so loud.”

“your a whiner.” you shot back with a grin, brow arched. Rex holds up his hands in mock-surrender.

“hey, I know game when I see it.”

“Oh do you?” you laugh, crossing your arms.

Rex props himself up on his elbows, biceps flexing against the strain of his weight. his tone drops low, “s’not meant to be an insult.”

you sigh, shaking your head. “I know. it’s just—“ you cut yourself off, now rubbing the back of your neck. “I’m just surprised.”

now that had him curious, Rex crawls over. for a moment, he hesitates, but against his usual gut instincts — he lends his hand for yours.

and you don’t stop him, of course you don’t. you should, but you didn’t.

“c’mon…” he questions, brows creased with concern. “you wanna tell me?” Rex will respect it if you decline doing so, but, he just senses like it’s something you need to get off your chest.

you take the moment, this transitionary pin willowed in oddly comforting silence. “it’s not like I haven’t fucked before, but usually… it’s all one-time thing with guys I’ve met just once.”

“Mhm.” he muttered, “but there’s more?”

you nod, “it’s always no strings attached, and they never stay—but you did.”

Rex pauses at that revelation, then chuckles. your prolonged sadness suddenly dissipates, wondering why he found it so funny.

“eh, shit. i get that.” he says, firmly pulling your hand closer, interlacing with his own. a lop-sided grin tugs at his lips, “i used to hop out a lot afterwards, but y’know i realized it just only made me shittier.”

you bark out a laugh at his comment, and honest to god that alone makes his heart swell. “I like getting to wake up to a face like yours anyways.” he adds finally, still grinning.

“oh fuck you.” you insult, but nothing behind it whatsoever draws any bite. usually they do of course, but now it’s just not working at all.

seriously, what the fuck was he doing to you?

“anytime of the day?” he interjects, looking straight at you. you shoot him a glare, but he doesn’t back down, instead inching closer to you.

oh my god, you think to yourself. Rex truly always had a way of subverting the mood, whether subtly, or otherwise in true fashion. it was a uniqueness only he could perform, frankly it had made you question once or twice why or how you even had a crush on Rex.

“have you got any shame?” you smile, watching as he drops himself right on top of you.

Rex hums to himself, as if he truly was taking your question into consideration. then he shakes his head, “nahhh, I lost that awhile ago.”

you had to stifle a laugh, “you know what? that tracks.” you reach for his face, carefully holding it. though, his eyes were really… pretty. oh damn this guy.

“exactly.” Rex inhales, leans right into your touch and lets out a long sigh. “damn sure I’m not the only one though.” at that, you shake your head in disbelief. Rex wasn’t wrong though, but you were sure he outmatches you in that department.

hell—Rex was naked an entire fight, and he felt no embarrassment about it whatsoever. you point your finger right into his temple, “you… Rex are lucky I haven’t kicked you out yet.”

“guess I am.” he responds, its a note of simplicity in he says it that makes you envious. “you know what would happen if you did?”

you only smile, then decide to humor him, “what?”

“I’d be so sad.” he says, laying his head against your chest. relishing in your warmth, and you blush. feeling the heat rise in your cheeks and neck, he was so unfairly beautiful when it looked like he was at peace.

you decide to pat his head, threading your thumb against the sleekness of his hair. “that’d be a first, but i would feel too bad.”

“good,” Rex sighs, almost impossibly nuzzling in closer. he moans, “keep doin’ that, please.”

you almost shiver at the noise, laying your other hand against his back. you fully commit to carding your fingers through his hair. “you really like this huh?”

“feels nice.” he admits, and you roll your eyes in slight disbelief. nonetheless—you continue doing as per his request, taking residence in this little world of yours.

if this had been you and him way earlier, maybe five months back. you would’ve accused Rex of being replaced by someone else entirely, because this was way too domestic. while it was unusual, you didn’t mind it. you definitely wanted going to commit this softness to memory, because you weren’t sure if you ever were going to see this side of him ever again.

a soft buzz interrupts your stream of thoughts, and you realize it was your phone. so you stop your ministrations, you hear a low huff immediately.

he curses breathlessly, motherfuck—he was really enjoying that. “who is it?” Rex mutters.

“dunno, I’m lookin.” you respond, dragging your free hand up and down against his back. continuing on with your other, you check the notification—

“shit.” you cursed, groaning. “it’s my brother.”

he lifts his head up, Rex was surprised, “you got a bro?”

you nod at him, ripping your eyes away from the screen. “he’s just asking if I could come over to his place to help with his shit. dumbass won’t specify.” you roll your eyes, “whatever he means.”

“well that’s stupid.” he replies, raising a brow. Rex leans forward, taking the phone out of your hand. you stutter at his sudden action, but he only just sets it face down on the space of the bed beside you. he then returns his gaze to you, and leans closer, waiting for you to be able to say yes.

you were confused, but then the realization sets in. you couldn’t repress your smile, leaning forward to slot your lips against his.

Rex hums, trying to let his mind get muddled. your the one who pulls back, and he stops. “the dude can wait can’t he?” he asks, and you shrug.

“maybe,” you replied, sighing as you your forehead against his. “but I can’t just stay in here the whole time. I’m gonna get questioned, and damn thoroughly might I add.”

Rex just only groans, rolling his eyes. he leans back a comfortable distance, a light flickering in his gaze, “I could come with you?”

“But then that’d just make things weird.” you refute, squaring your shoulders halfway. at your words, Rex laughs.

“I’ve been inside you.” he grins, resting his hand against your chest as if to emphasize his point.

“pretty sure we’re past that point.”

[suiana]

(yandere! t-rex hybrid x gn! worker reader) (wrote this because i saw this one video where it said t-rexes actually had good eyesight n stuff...) (erm brief violent and murder description)

you thought he couldn't see you.

that's what you were told. they told you that he had poor eyesight, that you wouldn't have to worry about him seeing you.

you saw that he had a mask on. the guards probably put it on to block his nose, so obviously it wasn't that he smelt you. tracks? you and your friend were careful to not leave any obvious ones. noise? surely you two weren't that noisy...

so how on earth did he find you two?!

"haha... oh, your face is so cute."

the hybrid snorts, wiping away the blood on his cheek as he trudges towards you. you take a step back, trying to put distance between you and the volatile hybrid. with shaky breaths, you nervously recall the previous events that had happened for things to have led to this.

you and your friend were tasked to enter the t-rex hyrid's enclosure after hours to look for something that a scientist had previously left inside. a chemical of sorts, one that made the hybrids more aroused and violent.

the guards and higher ups all said that they had tranqualized him and that he wouldn't be awake. they even said that if by any chance he had woken up he would be in poor condition and you two would be able to escape easily.

that was far from the truth.

the second you entered his enclosure, your friend had informed you that he could hear something moving. that should've been your cue to leave but... you were naive and wanted to finish your task. you should've known that there was something going on when the scientists let you two in without any form of protection.

because unfortunately, a few minutes after that, you watched in horror as the hybrid ripped your friend to pieces, mercilessly taking your friend away from you. his screams ring in your ear, forever traumatizing you as his mauled body now lay just a few feet away from you and the hybrid.

which is what brings us to your current predicament.

"you... how did you find us?! they said you were tranqualized and-"

you nervously babble, pointing a shaky finger at the bloodied hybrid who smiles sinisterly at you. you watch as he shrugs, taking long strides as he licks the blood of your friend off his fingers.

"what? never expected me to find you huh?"

he snickers, eyes looking down at you as though you were some sort of ant. you could only let out a soft whimper as you try to back up, only to trip on a rock as the hybrid laughs cruelly.

"oh you really are so cute! look at you! all scared and shaking... do you think i'll kill you?"

the hybrid mocks, smiling at you as his sharp teeth make you dread what he may do to you. shit, those teeth look sharper than knives! it'll be like going through a meat grinder!

"p-please! i only wanted to retrive something that the higher ups told me to do! i thought you had bad eyesight and-"

"me? bad eyesight?"

the hybrid interrupts, pausing in his steps as he raises an eyebrow at you.

"my dear, my eyes are far from being bad. in fact, i think they may be better than yours."

he laughs at you, shaking his head as you feel helplessness fill your mind. what? his eyesight was... good? did the higher ups lie to you?

"that's how i found you two obviously. this damn... muzzle blocks my senses."

he grumbles, poking the mask that restricted his sense of smell. you watch in horror as he suddenly pins you to the ground, a crazed look in his eyes as you say your final prayers. shit... you were definitely going to die here, weren't you?

"i'm so glad those people kept their promise... wanted you for so long."

he mutters, his tail wrapping around your leg as you freeze in place. ah... so this really was a set-up from the very beginning.

"a-are you going to eat me?"

you stammer, looking up at him as tears prick your eyes. shit, so your employers really were sending you and your friend to your deaths, huh? did they run out of food? and promise? was this damned t-rex thirsting over you and your friend? did the higher ups promise to give you as meat if he did something?

you whimper softly, looking at the t-rex as your body shakes fearfully. meanwhile, the hybrid remained quiet for a second, processing your words before deadpanning at you.

"eat you? ah... so they didn't tell you, huh?"

he mumbles, pursing his lips together before snickering again. little did you know that your fate would've been worse than just being offered to the hybrid as a piece of meat.

"why would i eat my future mate?"

"huh?"

oh. so they offered more than just your body to him.

"oh... so you're not going to eat me?"

"well i will eat you, just in a... different way. i'll eat your friend for real though."

you maintain eye contact with him, fear leaving your body momentarily. you blink slowly, staring at him with an exasperated expression before he breaks the silence with his words.

"what? why are you looking at me like that?"

oh wow, maybe because he just admitted to wanting to eat you? sexually? ugh... you can't tell whether this was worser than just being mauled to death like your poor friend over there.

the hybrid notices how your eyes drifted towards your friend before he pouts. his eyebrows furrow slightly, and the corners of his lips point downwards.

"aw, come on! i'll treat you good, promise!"

you stare at him with a dead expression before replying to him in the most deadpan voice you could come up with.

"you literally live in a dinosaur enclosure."

"hey! it's not my fault that those humans took me away and placed me in here! besides... it's pretty comfortable. they give me food and i don't really need to hunt anymore."

he then pouts before sighing dreamily.

"you really are the prettiest... can't believe i had to adore you from afar."

he shakes his head before using one of his hands to caress your cheek. you freeze as you feel his sharp claws touch your skin. shit, were they always this sharp? and what the hell did he mean by adore? did he like you?

"a-adore me? what, are you in love or something-"

"love? yeah... i am in love with you... even if this is the first time we officially talked."

he mutters, hearts in his eyes as he continues to gently touch your face as though you were a delicate statue.

huh... so he loves you? no wonder he isn't eating you... yeah, you remember doing some tasks in his enclosure before this encounter. maybe that's when he fell for you. wait, didn't he also say something about a promise?

"hey the promise-"

"ah, i said i would stop trying to eat them if they gave you to me."

oh.

so the higher ups really traded you and your friend just so this dinosaur guy would stop trying to eat them.

you continue deadpanning at him before groaning. damn it, why did you have to be subjected to the feelings of this stupid hybrid?

[david-talks-sw]

Debunking more myths in the GFFA: the Jedi and the clones.

I wrote a post debunking the various myths about how "the Jedi condone slavery", a while ago. Something I had omitted (because it's such a big topic) was the following two statements that concern the clone troopers' relations with the Jedi:

"The clones were genetically bred to have accelerated growth, so they're technically child soldiers."

"The clones were slaves of the Jedi."

Both the above statements are inaccurate, let's explore why. 

"The clones were child soldiers"

Let's get the easy one out of the way first, because it's a logic that cuts both ways. If age is our only determination of the maturity of a Star Wars character, then Grogu is not a baby. He is aged 50, and is thus a middle-aged man.

Who cruelly eats the babies of a woman...

... and knowingly tortures animals for his own sadistic pleasure.

Of course, I'm kidding. Grogu's none of the above things.

The narrative frames him as a cute baby who does innocent baby stuff. Him eating the eggs is played off as comedic, as is him lifting with the frog. To this day, some fans still call him "Baby Yoda".

Conversely, despite the clones being 10/14-years-old, their actions, behaviors, way of thinking, sense of humor, morals etc, are all those of an adult.

Like, Ahsoka is technically older than Rex in this scene.

The scene doesn't portray them as peers, though. This isn't written as "a teen and a tween talking". No, Rex looks, acts and behaves like a grown-up and is thus framed as such by the narrative.

You can make the argument "they're child soldiers", but (unless you're doing so in bad faith) you'd also have to argue that "Grogu's an adult".

"The clones were the Jedi's slaves"

Nope. For all intents and purposes, they're in the same boat as the Jedi, who George Lucas stated multiple times had been drafted to fight in the war.

Again: both the Jedi (monk/diplomats untrained for fighting on a battlefield) and clones (literally bred en masse only to fight) are being forced to fight by Palpatine and the Senate.

Though, on paper, the clones were commissioned by Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, it was actually done by the Sith (who either manipulated or assassinated Sifo-Dyas then stole his identity, depending on the continuity you choose to adhere to). The rest of the Jedi had no idea these clones were being created.

So while the clones are slaves... they're not owned by the Jedi.

They're the army of the Republic, they belong to the Senate. This isn't exactly a scoop, they refer to the clones as something to purchase...

... and manufacture.

As far as the Senate’s concerned, clones are property, like droids. 

Like there's a whole subplot in The Bad Batch about this very point: after the war, the clones are decommissioned and left out to dry because they literally have no rights, they served their purpose.

The only trooper to ever canonically blame the Jedi for the clones' enslavement is Slick, who the narrative frames as having been bribed and manipulated by Asajj Ventress into betraying his comrades.

Also, the only canonical Jedi shown to ever be mean, dismissive or mistreating the clones in any way, is Pong Krell.

And it's eventually revealed he’s in fact a full-on traitor, hence why the story frames him as an antagonistic dick from the moment he's introduced. He doesn’t represent the Jedi in any way.

We know this because the other Jedi we’ve been shown are always prioritizing their clones’ lives over theirs, if given the chance.

Finally, if we wanna get even more specific... as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the clones belong to Palpatine. 

Palpatine who is a Sith Lord. 

Palpatine who arranged for the creation of the clones and had them all injected with a chip that would activate upon hearing a code-word...

... and forced them to murder their Jedi without hesitation or remorse.

When you bear all that  ⬆️  in mind and when you read this quote by George Lucas...

"The Jedi won't lead droids. Their whole basis is connecting with the life force. They'd just say, 'That's not the way we operate. We don't function with non-life-forms.” So if there is to be a Republic army, it would have to be an army of humans."    - The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005, 2020  

... narratively-speaking, everything falls into place.

Sidious knows that:

If he orchestrates a war designed to thin the Jedi's numbers, corrupt their values and plunge the galaxy into chaos...

If he wants to draft the Jedi - peace-keeping diplomats who’d never willingly join the fray - to fight in his war...

... then the only way they won't resist the draft and abstain from fighting is if they think joining the conflict will save lives.

So he creates a set of cruel, sadistic villains for them to face, opponents who will target innocent civilians at every turn...

... and instead of lifeless droids, he prepares for the Jedi an army of men... living, mortal people who, despite being well-trained, will be completely out of their league when facing the likes of Dooku...

... Ventress...

... Grievous...

... Savage Opress...

... or the defoliator, a tank that annihilates organic matter.

Thus, in order to save as many clone and civilian lives, the Jedi join the fray despite knowing that doing so will corrupt their values. 

And as the war rages on, a bond of respect is formed between the two groups.

Clearly, the Jedi don't like the fact that the Republic is using the clones to fight a war, but for that matter, they don't like being in a war, in fact they advocated against it.

However, it's happening regardless of their issues with the idea or personal philosophies. Said The Clone Wars writer Henry Gilroy:

"I’d rather not get into the Jedi’s philosophical issues about an army of living beings created to fight, but the Jedi are in a tough spot themselves, being peacekeepers turned warriors trying to save the Republic."

And bear in mind, the Jedi are basically space psychics, the clones are living beings that they can individually feel in the Force... 

... so the Jedi feel every death but need to move on, regardless, only being able to mourn the troopers at the end of every battle.

We see this in the Legends continuity too, by the way.

(that is, when the writers actually try to engage with the narrative)

Also, if you ask the clones, they’re grateful the Jedi have their backs.

When Depa Billaba voices her concerns about how the war is impacting the Jedi's principles, troopers Grey and Styles are quick to make it clear how grateful they all are for the Jedi's involvement:

So the clones aren't the Jedi's slaves. If anything, they're both slaves of the Republic (considering how low the Jedi's status actually is in the hierarchy).

Only I'd argue the clones have it much, much worse. 

The Senate sees the Jedi as "ugh, the holier-than-thou space-monk lapdogs who work for us"... but a Jedi has the option to give up that responsibility. They can leave the Order, no fuss or stigma. 

A clone trooper cannot leave the GAR! If they do, they’re marked for treason and execution. Again, they’re not perceived as “people”.

And it doesn’t help that the Kaminoans, the clones’ very creators, see the troopers as products/units/merchandise. A notion that the Jedi are quick to correct whenever they get the chance.

How The Clone Wars writers describe the clones' relationship with the Jedi.

George Lucas hasn’t spoken much about this subject aside from the quote from further up. But to be fair... the Prequels aren’t about the clones’ dynamic with the Jedi, so it makes sense that he wouldn’t talk on that subject so much.

He did mention that part of The Clone Wars’ perks is that he could:

“Do stories about some of the individual clones and get to know them.”

But that’s as far as it gets. 

So for this part, I'm just gonna let Dave Filoni, showrunner of The Clone Wars and the upcoming series Ahsoka, and TCW writer Henry Gilroy - both of whom worked closely with Lucas - take the wheel. They make themselves pretty clear on how the clone/Jedi dynamic is meant to be viewed. 

Here’s Henry Gilroy:

"In my mind, the Jedi see the clones as individuals, living beings that have the same right to life as any other being, but understand that they have a job to do."

"The clones see the Jedi as their commanding officers on one hand, but also, at least subconsciously, they look to them for clues to social/moral behavior."    

"Some clones may find themselves getting philosophical leadership from the Jedi that helps them answer some of the deeper questions of life."    

"We thought this was a great opportunity to show how the Jedi interact with clones. Specifically, Yoda in a teaching role of the clones, who were socially new, who kind of grew up— who were created to fight, and he really broadened their horizons and helped them realize there was a great big universe out there that was bigger than just fighting and killing."    

And here’s Dave Filoni’s comments:

"I truly believe that the Jedi try to humanize their clones and make them more individual, as Henry says."    

"I think we saw that in Revenge of the Sith, when the Clones were colorful and named under the Jedi Generals, and then in the final shots of the film with Palpatine and Vader near the new Death Star, the ships are grey, the color and life is sucked out. The Stormtroopers are only numbers and identified by black and white armor or uniforms in A New Hope." 

"The soldiers have become disposable to the Emperor."    

"That is something the Jedi would never do."    

"Yoda teaching the clones much like he taught Luke. ‘Cause that was kind of natural for [the Jedi], a natural instinct to take to these clones like they’re students."    

None of the above quotes from two different writers of The Clone Wars, who had many interactions with George Lucas, frame the Jedi and the clones’ relationship in a negative way. 

How much more proof do we need that "the clones were slaves of the Jedi” isn’t the intended narrative?

My point being that while the clones' ordeal is indeed horrible, the Jedi have nothing to do with it. The narrative of The Clone Wars always frames it as the fault of the Sith, the Senate and the Kaminoans.

If you go by the intended narrative, the Jedi were the clones' teachers and brothers-in-arms. The clones and the Jedi were not just comrades.

They were friends.

[ct7567329]

You Between Us ~ Rex and Howzer x Fem!Jedi Reader

Summary: You used to be a General in the GAR. Instead of fighting along side Howzer and the rest of your battalion, or joining Anakin and the 501st for a mission, you now live an isolated life on Takodana. An unexpected request for assistance from Rex and Howzer leads to more than any of you three could have anticipated. NO CLONECEST!!!!! Word Count: 6k Warnings: alcohol consumption, f/m/m threesome (18+ pls, the goal was for this to be filthy), brief mention of drug/substance use (literally only one line), little angsty bc post Order 66, NO CLONECEST, Howzer is a little possessive of his general, fluff A/N: so get this, i wrote almost this whole thing then it randomly vanished. i feel like the original version was better and i want to SOB but oh well. here's to everyone who wishes they could live out their wildest dreams with Howzer and Rex.

The golden haze of the Takodana sunset cast long shadows over the forest and along the edge of your hidden homestead. A cool breeze rustled the leaves, but inside the stone cottage, warmth glowed from a crackling fire, soft lights, and the forgotten, quiet holoprojector casting a boloball match. You hadn’t seen Rex in almost a year. As for Howzer, it's been longer. Yet here they were, armor scuffed and helmets off, each settling down on two futons facing each other, a low table separating them.

You rested on the third couch that boxed in the table, looking up at the boloball match across the room.

"Maker," Rex exhaled, reaching forward and holding a bottle of Corellian whiskey up to the light, "You’ve been hoarding the good stuff out here, huh?"

You smirked, picking up and swirling your own glass, "Perks of not being on the run every minute of the day. It's hard to maintain the mainstream liquor when you're dodging Imperial patrols."

Howzer chuckled, the sound low and familiar. He hadn’t changed much. The streak of gray in his hair was new, and the haunted look in his eyes hadn’t been there during the war. But his voice still hit like home, "I still don’t know how you managed to stay off their radar. Takodana isn’t exactly Outer Rim, middle of nowhere, wasteland."

You shrugged, leaning back into the cushions, "That's kind of the point. There's also plenty of ruins around here to hide in. Oh, and I’ve had help."

Rex shot you a knowing look. “You still have those old Republic sensors buried around the perimeter?”

“I upgraded them last year. You two actually tripped half my alerts on the way in.”

Howzer winced, “Damn. I thought I was being stealthy.”

You all laughed and it felt natural. Comfortable even. Like the galaxy wasn’t burning down around you.

Rex leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, “Still. You didn’t have to say yes. I know calling you into this mess puts a target on your back.”

You met his gaze, “You were always the responsible one.”

He chuckled, "You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“You wouldn’t have called if it wasn’t serious.”

He looked down at his drink, swirling it once before meeting your eyes again. “It is. The Clone Underground’s doing more than just hiding deserters now. We’re organizing larger operations. Rescuing others. We’ve got a network from Lothal to Tatooine now. But we’re stretched thin. We need safe houses. Supplies. Tactical minds.”

Howzer raised his glass toward you with a crooked smile, “That’s where you come in, General.”

You rolled your eyes, “Don’t call me that.”

“You’ll always be General to me.”

A brief silence fell, heavy with memory of your days in the field with the boys. The desperate sieges. The narrow escapes. Everything. But especially the way Howzer had stood at your side through it all, unwavering, even when the tide of the war turned dark.

And then came Order 66.

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, “I’m not the person I was during the war. I’m not even sure I want to be.”

Rex spoke gently, "None of us are. That’s not what this is about. We don’t need a Jedi. We need you. ”

You exhaled slowly, “For you boys, anything. I’m in.”

Rex smiled, and Howzer raised his glass in salute.

“Then let’s drink,” you said, lifting your own.

“To old friends,” Rex cheered.

“To rebellion,” Howzer added.

You smiled, “To surviving.”

The glasses clinked together with a soft chime, fire cracking in the background.

With the bottle nearly empty and laughter echoing through the room, the memories started pouring out.

"You remember the rain mission on Kampeera?" Howzer grinned, pouring another round, "The one where our transport skidded into that swamp and sunk nose-first?"

You laughed, “You skidded into that swamp. I told you the terrain was unstable.”

“You said ‘watch your approach.’ Not ‘don’t land.’”

Rex smirked, “I remember hearing about that one. The whole battalion smelled like bog rot for a week.”

Howzer raised his eyebrows, “You smelled like that longer, if I recall.”

You were laughing so hard you nearly spilled your drink, “It took days to get the mud out of my armor. And don’t think I didn’t notice you hiding in the med tent to avoid debrief.”

“I was injured!”

“Please! You had a sprained ankle!”

Rex leaned back, smiling wistfully, "It’s strange, you know? Talking about those days like they were good times. They shouldn’t have been. We lost too much.”

Your smile faltered, “But they were real. We were real. And we had each other.”

Silence fell again, heavier this time.

Rex stared into his glass, “I still remember the day I got the call from Howzer. Said something was wrong. That Fives—”

“Don’t,” Howzer's voice was quiet, the usual calm in his tone gone, “I still have nightmares about it.”

You watched him carefully, " But you resisted when the order came.”

He didn’t look at you, “Barely. Long enough to warn my men to stand down. Long enough to let you escape.”

Rex looked between you two, "You never told me that.”

Howzer’s jaw tightened, "I didn’t want to admit I almost failed. That I almost-" he finally looked at you, pain flickering behind his eyes, “I almost killed you.”

You reached towards him, placing a hand over his, “But you didn’t. That's what matters.”

Rex leaned forward, “We all have ghosts. But we can’t let them define us. That’s why we fight. Not to fix the past. But to make sure the future’s better.”

You nodded slowly, “Exactly! So how can I help you two?”

Rex hesitated, then took another long drink before answering, "Access codes. Supply runs. Intelligence from the inside.”

You raised an eyebrow, “You think I still have contacts?”

Howzer met your gaze, “You used to have a friend in the Senate, right?”

You blinked, caught off guard, “I-, That was a long time ago.”

Rex looked at you, eyes sharp now, “Are still alive?”

You sighed and rubbed at your temple, "Not exactly. Not in the way you remember.”

Howzer frowned, "What does that mean?”

"Senator Bail Organa of Alerdaan. He was always sympathetic to the Jedi and fiercely loyal to the Republic, but not to the politics. He actually helped me disappear here after the Jedi fell.”

Rex perked up, "Could he get us access to the location of clone prisons? Maybe find out where the Empire’s holding deserters?”

“Maybe,” you replied, crossing your arms, “But he’ll want proof you're worth trusting."

A new bottle was opened. The liquor was now a dark spiced rum smuggled from Ryloth. The warmth was more intense than the whiskey, sinking deep into your bones as the hours slipped away.

Howzer was fully relaxed now, his legs stretched out on the couch and his armor piled beside the end table in a neat stack. Rex's lower armor remained on, one leg cross over his thigh and his drink cradled loosely in one hand. You sat curled on the sofa, legs tucked beneath you, Howzer still on a separate couch to your left with Rex on the other to your right. The three of you faced the liquor bottle littered coffee table in the center of the small room.

The mood had shifted. The lightness of earlier now gave way to something more reflective. More intimate.

“You know,” Rex said slowly, topping off his glass, “you were always one of the few Jedi we actually liked.”

You raised an eyebrow, "Liked?”

He smirked, lazily waving his free hand in figure eights, “Respected. Trusted. Enjoyed. All that.”

Howzer nodded in agreement, “Most of the Jedi were distant and too caught up in rules. You actually encouraged us to have fun.”

You snorted, “I was constantly breaking the rules. I'm pretty sure the Council was one more infraction away from exiling me.”

“And we loved you for that,” Howzer retorted, gaze catching yours with something unspoken behind it.

Your heart beat a little faster as you looked at your glass, trying to laugh it off, “Well, someone had to keep you boys entertained.”

The moment didn’t break.

Howzer’s voice dropped, “I remember the last mission. Before the war ended. You kissed me good luck before we jumped into that canyon on Altirax.”

You froze.

Rex blinked, looking between you. “Wait, what?!”

You groaned, covering your face with your hands. “You weren’t supposed to remember that, Howzer!"

Howzer’s voice was teasing now. “Hard to forget when it’s the last thing you do before nearly dying.”

Rex choked on his drink, “You two were-”

“No,” you cut him off, “Besides, if giving him a quick peck while on the brink of death was the worst thing I did during my time as a Jedi, I'm sure the Council would have been thrilled.”

Howzer pressed his lips together, ignoring the smug smirk on Rex's face. “Well, this just got more interesting," Rex mumbled against his glass.

“And you’re drunk,” you playfully sing, briefly pointing your finger at Rex.

“Maybe,” he admitted, “but you can't make a statement like that then not tell us what worse things you did.”

You stared into the fire, feeling both their gazes locked onto you, "I forgot."

Howzer scoffed, “Coward.”

“Tactical retreat,” you winked back, taking a slow sip of your drink, "I'd hate to be the one to expose your innocent minds to my pre-trial shenanigans."

Rex peered at you from over his glass, "Are you suggesting we can't handle it?"

You shook your head, crossing your leg over your lap before lowering your voice slightly, speaking in a more flirtatious tone. A tell tale sign the alcohol is now completely to your head, "No. I'm suggesting I've got to keep some personal mysteries," you extended your arm out slightly, looking at your nails you painted earlier in the day before continuing, "like all the clubbing, death sticks, the threesome, sneaking alcohol into the temple, the street drugs from the lower levels."

You stopped, still looking at your hand, "but I suppose death sticks and street drugs could be the same-"

Rex and Howzer were gawking at you. Hard.

"Yes?" You questioned, casually topping off your drink.

Howzer and Rex darted glances between each other and you for a few moments, silently deciding who would could put words together first.

Rex took a long sip from his glass, his throat bobbing as his swallowed, "From a younger you, yeah, I could see most it," he huffed, tilting his drink to you, "the threesome though," he took another sip, "I wouldn't have guessed that one."

A deep laugh bubbled from your chest, "Hey, we were just curious young Jedi messing around with each other before trials before we were forced to swear to a life of celibacy."

Howzer nearly choked on his drink, "It was with other Jedi?! Please tell me Rex and I know-"

"Nope! Don't even think about it," you answered, crossing your arm across your chest, "Sworn to secrecy." You held back a grin, imagining how Rex would feel if he knew of your fooling around with Anakin back in the day. "Besides," you flicked your wrist, "it was horrible."

"Jedi having no game? Tell us something we don't know," Howzer sarcastic snorted, just barely over a whisper, earning a snicker from Rex.

You uncrossed your leg and moved to the edge of the couch, giving Howzer an annoyed look, "Oh, do share your experiences with threesomes and seducing Jedi since you known so much" Rex's laugh was quickly silenced when you snapped your head towards him and asked the same question.

"Can't speak for Howzer, but no. I-. No. No Jedi. No threesome. Never," Rex stammered, looking down at his glass, cheeks flushed.

Howzer took his legs off the couch and sat up straight, resting his arm on the arm resting closest to you and rolling his eyes, "It was a joke. If I ever got with a Jedi, I'm sure you'd find out somehow."

A small smile curled on the edge of your lip, completely oblivious to the fact your face was dangerously close to Howzer's. Noting this, Howzer leaned back into the couch cushion, nodding to Rex, "maybe someday, we'll get our shots with Jedi. Then, we'll report back to you on that. As long as you promise to have a good threesome then report back to us."

Shutting your eyes, you took a deep breath, "Howzer, you're drunk."

"Deal?" He held out a pinkie. You weren't getting away from this.

"Okay, deal," you sighed, intertwining your pinkie with his, raising your glass, "here's to sex with Jedi and good threesomes!"

Once again, laughter filled the air. "By the way," you added, "I don't think it's fair to assume the Jedi are lousy in bed."

Rex let out playful chuckle, "I can think of quite few men who had fond fantasies of you being quite the opposite."

A quick sip of rum suppressed your laugh.

"You're looking at two of them, cyar'ika."

The words slipped out before Howzer could stop himself. Rex snapped his head to Howzer, his stare shooting daggers at him.

All the energy from an exploding star couldn't even begin to compete to the sudden energy shift in the room.

"I- He doesn't know what he's saying right now," Rex grunted between gritted teeth, desperately trying to brush away Howzer's comment.

But Howzer slowly pushed himself off the couch and sat down next to you, his thigh pressed against yours. Rex stared at Howzer's every motion. Howzer grazed your shoulder with his knuckle, admiring the way you looked at his touch.

You felt every small shift of his body. His gaze kept dropping to your mouth and then back to your eyes like he was holding himself back by sheer force of will. You didn’t stop him nor did you want to. Everything in you was wound tight with both drunk desire and with long-buried longing finally surfacing in the moment.

But then, without looking away from you, Howzer spoke.

“Rex,” he said quietly, raising a suggestive eyebrow.

You glanced over to Rex, his expression unreadable. The reflection of the fireplace danced in his eyes, flickering between shadow and light. You didn’t know when he’d started watching, but he hadn’t looked away.

"It's funny," Rex huffed, setting his drink down, placing his hand on your neck. Your hand fell to your lap, his face growing closer to yours. When he was inches away, he turned to face Howzer, "our whole lives, we've waited for permission. For our general's approval. But now," he paused, returning his attention back to you.

Except he didn't finish his sentence. Instead, he leaned forward, placing his lips carefully on yours, making sure the first time his lips touched yours was slow and intimate. His mouth moved gently over yours, unhurried, as though he was memorizing every shape, every motion your mouth made, every small twitch from the corner of your lip.

You deepened it, tilting your head slightly, and his hand slid to your shoulder and down to your hand. The warmth of him running his palm down your arm gave you goosebumps. the solid strength behind that tenderness, made you press in closer.

Howzer loudly exhaled, attempting to catch either yours or Rex's attention. Neither of you pulled away. In another desperate attempt, he cleared his throat. You and Rex broke the kiss, looking up at a very impatient Howzer. Rex got the memo.

"I forgot what I was saying but," Rex continued, letting go of your hand and swiping his finger across your lip, removing the string of saliva between your mouths, "I've been thinking about doing that for a long time," his voice was more rough with each word.

You felt your breath catch and your heart stop. The confession lingered between the three of you as Rex retreated back to his original spot on the couch, taking his glass back into his hand. He studied Howzer for a long beat, then looked at you again. There was something in his eyes. Not jealousy. Not resistance. Just rawness. Emotion. Understanding.

"Kiss her, Howzer," he rasped, knowing those three words just changed the dynamic between the three of you forever.

In an instant, Howzer's palm was pressed to your cheek, forcing your attention to him. His gaze sent shockwaves down your spine as he placed one hand on your shoulder and one knee off to your side, softly shoving you onto your back. Your hair fell into your face as you fell back, extending your arm out to prevent the remainder of your drink from spilling. You dropped it anyway. The heat from the closeness of his chest against yours burned. Howzer inhaled deeply, hovering over your lips, realizing you had just as strong of a grip on his heart as you had through the war.

He knew that it was playing with fire. That he was going to wake up tomorrow hungover and still drunk in love with you, but he kissed you anyway. He wanted to feel the softness of you lips one more time., just like on Altirax. Digging your fingers in, you pulled Howzer closer and kissed him back even harder. Your touch softened and dragged upwards across his back until your fingers stopped along the back of his neck. He pushed further, exploring deeper into your mouth as ran his hands over your shoulders and down your back.

Pulling away for a moment, Howzer shifted to kiss your neck, drawing out a gasp as he pressed kisses along your jaw, not pulling away until you were both out of breath. Blinking up at him, you smiled, before turning your head to meet Rex's stare. He was dressed in only his blacks now, one leg propped up on the couch with his arm loosely over his knee.

“Rex,” you breathed. The way you said his name, so soft and sensual, made his mouth go dry. He poured the rest of his drink back and swallowed, placing his empty glass on the table in front of him before kneeling down in front of you. Howzer's lips continued sloppily trailing across your neck. Reaching out, you touched Rex’s cheek, dragging you fingers across his skin. Though it was only moment ago he got to taste you, he felt as if he was starving. Gentle motions grew quickly grew rougher, his tongue rolling over your bottom lip.

Giving Rex control, Howzer lifted off of you and removed his blacks, hoping to give you a surprise when you were finished with Rex. Instead, he watched as you reached out and curled his fingers around Rex’s neck to pull him close. 

Howzer rolled his eyes, grabbing the hem of your shirt and tugging it over your head, breaking the kiss with Rex. He swallowed, throat tight and heat flushing through him as you and Rex snapped a displeased glare at him.

"Wouldn't want to see her overdressed for the occasion. Right, Rex?" Howzer hummed, winding a piece of your hair around his finger.

You tried to steady your breathing. Something about the mix of the alcohol, the kissing, being exposed to Howzer and Rex, and Howzer's naked body just inches above you set a fire in your core.

Shifting slightly, you propped yourself on your elbows, pulling your hair off your back before turning towards Rex and looking over your shoulder at Howzer, "Care to do the honors?".

Howzer took his time unclasping your chest band, exposing your chest to Rex. Heat flushed to Rex's cheeks at he took the sight of you in. "Here," you offered with a gentle tone, carefully taking his shirt off, a satisfied grin on your face, "much better."

Rex's hands, began to explore your body, tracing the curves of your hips and the swell of your breasts. His touch sent shivers down your already weak spine. His thumbs brushed against your nipples, causing you to arch your back into his touch.

Howzer's hands moved lower, cupping your ass, pulling you closer to him. You could feel his hardness pressing against you as he pulled you onto his lap, straddling over his hips. You let out a soft moan, your hands reaching up to tangle his hair. His lips found yours as Rex continued to tease your chest. Howzer's fingers found the band of shorts, pulling them down.

Rex's lips left yours, pulling away to remove his lower blacks. Meanwhile, Howzer's fingers found your wetness, making you moan softly as he began to stroke you. Your body moved with a fluid grace against Howzer, your hips grinding in a slow, sensuous rhythm, muffled groans pouring from his lips.

"Hey," Rex breathed, snapping your attention away from Howzer. You gaze locked onto Rex's exposed length, pre-cum already beading at the tip. While continuing to sway your hips against Howzer, you placed your tongue at the base of Rex's throbbing cock, licking slowly to the tip, keeping your eyes locked with Rex.

Rex exhaled in pleasure at the sight of your tongue on his cock. Gripping your hair with one hand, he began to tug, thrusting his length into your mouth.

You choked as Rex bottomed out at the back of your throat. Pleased with his effect on you, he pinched your nipple with his other hand, curious how far he could push you. Instinctually, you carefully grasped his balls, massaging them gentle in your hand. It was all too much for him. He was close. Too close.

He ripped his cock from your mouth, placing both hands on your shoulders and shoving you off Howzer. Your eyes widened as your back hit the couch, cool air hitting your wet folds.

"Sorry vod," he hastily apologized to Howzer before positioning himself on top of you, lining himself up between your thighs.

Before you could prepare for Rex inside you, his balls were already slapping against your ass. You let out a yelp of pain as the sudden motions stretched your walls.

As Rex continued to thrust into you, Howzer knelt at your side. Wincing, moans kept flowing from your mouth, pushing Rex closer and closer to the edge.

"Oh!" you gasped, reaching for Howzer's hair, desperate to hold onto something. Howzer pressed his lips to your forehead, one hand massaging your breast.

Rex's movement's suddenly became ferrel, and with a few especially deep thrusts, you felt his cock twitch. "Kriffing maker!" Rex moaned, emptying his balls inside you. He stopped thrusting, his body collapsing on top of yours, his breaths heavy.

Howzer stiffened, slowly lifting his lips from your forehead, darkness glazing over his eyes as he stared down Rex. In one swift motion, Howzer slid his arm under you and flipped both you and Rex over. Rex gave Howzer a startled glance.

"Don't give me that look," Howzer scoffed, hopping on the couch behind you and gripping your hips. There was an added venom in in voice, "with all due respect," he paused, running a finger across your still drenched folds. His grip on your hip tightened as he felt Rex's cum on you. Something about Rex getting to finish inside you before him lit a fire in his core. Howzer tugged your hips up, lining his erection with your soaked opening, "you have a whole lot a nerve to cum in my general." He emphasized the "my", feeling you tense at his words.

"Howzer, please," you begged. You weren't sure if you were wanting him to drop the general title or impale you. Regardless, you got the ladder.

His thrusts were rough, yet perfectly placed. Perhaps it was the different angle, but you were taken aback by how different Howzer felt compared to Rex.

Howzer continued to violently shove himself into you, your breasts bouncing against Rex's chest with each thrust. You bit down on Rex's chest as Howzer hit the right spot inside of you, your legs on the brink of going weak.

"Please," you whined, barely audible, "I'm so close Howzer."

"Oh cyar'ika," Howzer moaned, increasing the speed of his thrusts and leaning into your back, placing his mouth against your ear, "let go." As if you were under his command, you did as he instructed, crying out his name as your walls collapsed around him.

He continued to fuck you while you crumbled underneath him, the sight pushing him over the edge. You whimpered as he neared his release, your orgasm pulsating around his cock. It was too much for him. Howzer pushed himself even farther into you, releasing his orgasm in one hard thrust.

Rex wiped the beads of sweat from your forehead while Howzer finished emptying his load into you before collapsing onto your back. The scent of each other's orgasms filled the room; the sound of Howzer's breaths loud in your ear.

Half your body was sprawled over Rex, your cheek resting on his chest. He had one arm behind his head, one loosely around your neck, pullimg you closer into him. His breathing was steady beneath you, each inhale lifting you slightly. It felt like the rhythm of lullaby you didn’t realize you needed. The slow thud of his heartbeat pulsed against your ear, providing a comforting harmony.

Behind you, Howzer’s chest was pressed against your side, one arm draped on your spine, his fingers gently curled in your hair. His presence was quieter than Rex’s, but just as solid. He didn’t say anything after he finished, but you could feel the way he matched your breathing.

None of you had moved in a while. There wasn’t any need.

The passionate heat faded, replaced by something quieter and deeper. A stillness that held more intimacy than any motion could. After the actions of tonight, there was no armor left between you. No rank. No uniform. No obligations to duty.

You turned your face slightly, feeling the soft fabric of the blanket Howzer pulled from the back of the couch and draped haphazardly over all three of you. The air on your shoulder was cool, but Rex noticed your exposed skin, and pulled the blanket over. You felt him shift beneath you, just a little, tucking his chin toward your head, his nose brushing gently through your hair.

“You okay?” he murmured, voice barely more than a breath.

You nodded, feeling your lips curve faintly against his collarbone, “Yeah, I'm okay."

Rex didn’t speak again, but instead just exhaled slowly and let his fingers trace lazy, aimless patterns down your back. He didn’t grip or hold. Just touched. Light, reverent. Like he couldn’t quite believe you were really there.

And behind you, Howzer pressed a quiet kiss between your shoulder blades. Not possessive. Not urgent. Just present. A silent, steady kind of devotion.

His voice came next, low and rough with sleep, “You’re warm.”

You smiled, “So are you.”

He gave a faint hum of amusement and continued to kiss your back. You let out a content sigh as his kisses trailed to your cheek.

It struck you then, how natural this felt.

Not just the physical closeness, but the emotional gravity of it. You hadn’t meant for the night to unfold like this. You’d all just been talking, laughing and drinking, letting years of memory and unspoken connection come slowly, gently undone. There had been no plan. No confession. Just an understanding, quietly reached.

And now, you were here, held between two men who had known you in war, seen you in battle, and chosen to stay. You felt the weight of that truth settle deep in your chest.

You let out a slow breath and slid your hand up to the back of Rex’s neck, fingers combing gently through the short blond hair there. He tilted his head into the touch slightly, eyes fluttering closed.

“Because I'm a woman of my word” you sighed softly, teasing but tired, "would you two like to hear about this great threesome I had?"

He gave a quiet grunt that might’ve been a laugh, “Yeah, tomorrow.”

Your chest swelled with something warm and heavy. You leaned forward just enough to press a small kiss to his jaw, then settled again, cheek resting against his sternum.

Howzer nuzzled the back of your neck, “And I'll tell you about my Jedi sex adventure."

You softly laughed and felt Rex shift again, his hand brushing down your shoulder, pausing at your waist. His touch wasn’t asking for anything, he was just reminding you that he was there, and he was't letting you go.

You’d been so used to being strong. Resilient. Carving out safety on your own. And now, you didn’t have to.

At least not in this moment.

Behind you, Howzer adjusted, and you felt him draw up slightly, his lips grazing your hair. His breath was slower now, sleep starting to edge in. His thumb traced gentle lines over your hipbone under the blanket, rhythm steady. You could feel the weight of his head against the back of yours.

You closed your eyes and let the quiet hold you.

This wasn’t complicated. It wasn’t dramatic or messy. It was just real. Messy in the way that people are when they’re honest, when they trust, when they let the walls down and stop pretending they don’t need each other.

No one needed to say what now.

No one needed to make this more than what it was; Shared comfort, want, trust, a deep, mutual affection that had taken years to grow quietly between the cracks of war.

Your breath hitched slightly, not from tears, but from the sheer weight of being fully seen and still held close.

You shifted one hand back, threading your fingers with Howzer’s against your side . He curled his hand around yours without hesitation.

Would there would be questions in the morning? Maybe. Complications? Absolutely. But right now, you were here, between them, loved and safe.

The morning arrived slowly, like it knew not to intrude.

Cold air filled the room, but not too cold, thanks to the body heat of the two clone captains sprawled beside you. The couch definitely wasn’t made for three, but you’d made it work.

You were nestled in the middle, cocooned in a nest of wool blankets and worn cushions. One of Howzer’s arms was wrapped snug around your waist, his hand splayed across your ribs, rising and falling with your breath. He slept behind you, his cheek resting against the back of your shoulder.

Rex was in front of you, lying on his side, close enough that your legs tangled beneath the covers and your foreheads nearly touched. His arm had draped over your hip at some point during the night, and his other hand was tucked beneath the pillow. You could feel the quiet rhythm of his breathing, the subtle twitch of his fingers against your side when he shifted in his sleep.

You didn’t move.

None of you did.

here was no hum of a command post, no alarms, no rustle of datapads or orders shouted across the comm. Just the quiet, the warmth of two bodies pressed gently to either side of you, and the softness of blankets that smelled faintly of smoke and pine.

Your cheek rested against the curve of Rex’s shoulder. His skin was warm there, and smooth, save for the faint ridge of a scar beneath your jawline. You didn’t need to know the story. You already knew enough of them.

Behind you, Howzer shifted slightly in his sleep. His grip on your waist tightened for a moment, then eased, and his nose brushed the back of your neck. A low, contented sigh escaped him, almost too quiet to hear.

You closed your eyes again, letting yourself melt into the weight of them.

This wasn’t something you’d had during the war. There’d been camaraderie, yes. Deep bonds forged in the trenches and shadows. Late-night laughs in foxholes, shoulder bumps in passing, hands clasped in final moments before battle. But this was different.

You felt Rex stir slightly in front of you. Not fully awake, but just enough to turn his head so that his forehead rested against yours, skin to skin. His breath ghosted over your lips in quiet, steady waves. His hand shifted higher, resting on the dip of your spine.

You didn’t flinch or pull away. You didn’t want to.

It was strange how natural it felt. These men who had fought and bled and carried the weight of war with you were now curled against you like a buffer against everything outside. You weren’t sure what to call this or if you even needed to call it anything.

Howzer pressed a little closer behind you, his legs tangling more deliberately with yours. He was always warm and now that heat radiated against your back like an oven. You could feel the steady pulse of his heartbeat through the press of his chest to your spine, slow and strong. His presence wasn’t sharp or demanding. It simply existed, steady as the ground beneath your feet.

Rex didn’t move much, didn’t speak, didn’t even open his eyes. But his hand flexed occasionally. Just enough to remind you he was there. His thumb brushed slowly across the curve of your waist, a barely there motion, unconscious and constant. He was careful with his space, but not distant.

The quiet stretched on. Not heavy or awkward. Just full.

There was comfort in the way they fit around you, each in their own way. Howzer’s grip was instinctive, protective and anchoring, like he needed to feel you were real and close. Rex’s closeness was more deliberate, softer, a quiet presence waiting to be needed. Ultimately, they weren’t competing. Ultimately, there was no jealousy here. Only familiarity. Trust.

You wondered, briefly, how it had come to this. The war was long over. The Empire had changed everything. But somehow, the three of you had found your way back to one another; not in battle, but in the chaos after.

Rex shifted again, his hand brushing up your back before settling higher, fingertips ghosting along the curve of your shoulder blade. His breath hitched slightly, like his body wasn’t sure whether to wake or keep dreaming. He didn’t open his eyes.

You reached up and gently touched his wrist, grounding him.

The response was subtle but immediate. He stilled. Then leaned forward just enough for his forehead to rest more fully against yours.

Behind you, Howzer adjusted as well, nuzzling in with a soft hum against the back of your neck. His stubble scraped gently against your skin, and then you felt the warmth of a sigh ripple down your spine.

You were held on both sides yet somehow, it didn’t feel crowded. It felt right.

The warmth between the three of you was real, even if it existed outside the boundaries of what anyone else would call normal. But there had never been anything conventional about the bonds forged in war. And in the aftermath, when the war was over and the galaxy had lost its way, this was what made sense. Connection. Trust. Touch that asked nothing and gave everything.

It was some time before any of you truly stirred. Even then, it was gradual. A shift of hips. A sleepy hum. Fingers threading together. Rex opened his eyes slowly, blinking against the faint light, and for a long moment he just looked at you.

Then he smiled, barely awake. Just a flicker at the corner of his mouth. Enough.

You returned it, your nose brushing his.

Howzer was the last to speak, voice still thick with sleep, "We should do this more often.”

You didn’t answer. Just tightened your grip around Rex’s wrist and let your head fall back slightly against Howzer’s chest. The meaning didn’t need to be spoken aloud.

Maybe this wasn’t about romance between the three of you. It wasn’t about anything fragile or uncertain. This was something else entirely.

A promise, maybe. A refuge, maybe.

But that was something to figure out later.

Tags: @trixie2023 @shuckfaced-fangirl @blondelevy @clon3wh0r3

@melonmochiii @alice-in-wonderland111 @starrdvstkenobi @marvel-starwars-nerd @Simping-for-fives @horsegirl4561 @dominhoe-squad @Koskareevesismyqueen @thegirlwhosesilencespeakestloudest @katelynnwrites @pinkiemme @Youmaynowdothething @808tsuika @Dangerdumpling @ahsoka-padme @Stucky2k3 @Sarel-Lavellan @weragarisa @persaloodles @peacelandbread @raf-loves-everything @socloney @coffeeandtodd @gryffindorqueensworld @obiorbenkenobi @hannahhessica113 @smells_sharpies @Jedi-dreea @lightning-wolffe @ganondorf_has_greasy_balls

[dustmusings]

let me take care of you

Rex x F!Reader

word count: 5.7k

description: you have been suffering from depression for a few months and have shut yourself off from the world. a few weeks after getting laid off from your job, you get an unexpected knock at the door.

warnings: i'm gonna say this is 16+ just to be safe, heavily implied sex, depiction of depression, suicidal ideation, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, mutual pining - let me know what I've missed !

a/n: okay so this is sooooo self-indulgent it's actually embarassing. I wrote the first bit of this when I was truly going through it and... yeah, it's just Rex taking care of the reader hehe, with a bit of suggestive stuff but not proper smut. if that's your kinda thing, I hope you enjoy! (also this is the first oneshot that I've actually posted so gimme constructive criticism pls !!)

Everything felt foggy.

For the past months, your life had felt like you were just going through the motions. Wake up, go to work, come home, struggle to sleep, and repeat. You didn't enjoy the things you used to anymore. It had been too long since you had taken a walk in the park, since you had sketched or written, and it hurt that you couldn't seem to even try and do them. Like there was an invisible force stopping you, and yet, there wasn't. It was just your own mind, lacking in whatever hormone would make you happy.

You couldn't find it in yourself to take care of yourself properly, and ever since being laid off from your job a few weeks ago, you had gone into the worst of it. You weren't eating properly, you couldn't sleep, sometimes staying up all night even though you would lay in your bed and just pray for it to be different. You hadn't seen your friends in months, though they would try and check in on you. You always told them you were busy, but you knew they knew what was going on. You had been like this before, though this time it was worse.

You shut yourself off from the world.

You hadn't been out of your apartment at all in days when you heard the knock. You made your way to your front door, and your breath hitched when you peered through the little hole and saw who was behind it.

Rex.

The clone stood in the hallway, his helmet at his hip, looking down the hall, and handsome as ever. There was no way you were letting him in while you were in this state. You hadn't brushed your hair in maker knows how long, you hadn't showered in… maybe a week? and the last time you had brushed your teeth was probably 2 days ago. Your personal hygiene was sorely lacking.

You watched the Captain through the door, your breath fogging up the glass, and jumped back when the knocking of the door reverberated around your small apartment.

What is he doing here?

You hadn't seen Rex since you lost your job, though he was among the few people who checked in with you regularly, trying to ask about how you were or convince you to come out of the house. Your stomach churned at the idea of people fussing about you, and now one of them was standing outside your door. A particular one of them that, in any given other state, you would be dying to see.

Your deep attraction and affection for Rex only made this situation more uncomfortable for you, the thought of answering the door making you feel physically sick.

You then heard your name called from behind the door in a deep, questioning voice, and your knees went weak.

“Are you in there?” He asked, followed by another knock.

You wanted to reply, to say anything, but you couldn't find your voice. What would I say? You elected to just go back to your bed, let him leave on his own, and pretend he was never here.

You scooted backwards but caught your hip on a table, sending a pile of your precious books hurtling to the floor. You held your breath, hoping Rex had not heard the noise, but it was no use.

Rex called your name again, and this time, it was gentler, “…Please let me in”

Your eyes watered as you walked up to the door, your finger hovering over the button that would cause it to slide open.

“I'm fine Rex, you can go” You tried to sound as resolute as you could, but the quiver in your voice was obvious.

“Cyare… let me in. I'm not leaving”

The nickname hit you hard, and you truly felt like clutching your chest as it pulled at the part of you that desired the clone on the other side of the door like no other.

You had met Rex years ago, at the job you had recently been let go from, working as a civilian medic on Coruscant.

The Captain could rarely be convinced by his brothers to take himself to the medbay, much more of the suffer in silence type. However, once you had begun working there, he had started making trips there for every little bump and scratch, and sometimes even when he was in perfect health, he would go claiming a cold or headache. He had always had a soft spot for you, and though he'd never admit it, he made it obvious. Everyone around him knew, everyone around you knew, but for whatever reason, you hadn't cottoned on at all.

He found you exceedingly beautiful, obviously intelligent, and just the most wonderful and bright spark of a person he'd ever met. Though, that was far from what you were feeling like at the moment.

You had also been enamoured by the Captain from the very start. The moment he walked into the medbay and made eye contact with you, you were done for. Whether it was his loyalty to his men, his commanding presence, or his wonderful smile that did it, you didn't know, but you were kriffed from the beginning.

“I can't let you in” You said, leaning your forehead into the door.

“Why not?” He said in a hushed tone that you could barely hear.

“I- I'm just not feeling well okay?” You choked out, vastly minimising the issue.

“I dont mind Cyare, just let me in. Please” He begged, but you just shook your head, squeezing your eyes shut.

You and Rex had grown into good friends quite naturally. In his needless visits to the med bay, he would often stay after hours and help you clean up, and you would fall into conversation about anything and everything. You shared many opinions about a variety of topics and would talk about your respective favourite things. Rex found that he learned a great deal about the wider galaxy from you, and he could hear you talk about art for hours upon end.

You were a fantastic artist, absolutely brilliant in any media, but Rex loved your sketches the most. You had brought him to your apartment once after work, when he had practically begged to see your work. He liked the simplicity of it, creating life with just a few stokes of a pencil. Your drawings held such character, such joy, such sorrow, and Rex thought that they were always so uniquely you. For that, he loved them.

“Rex I-” You didn't know what to say. You sank to your knees on the floor, letting your tears silently fall down your cheeks.

“Please…” He said one more time, and you finally broke.

You reached up and pressed the button, and the door zipped open to reveal your defeated posture to him. You dared not look up at him. You didn't want him to see you like this at all, but the thought of looking him in the eye when you knew how dishevelled, how weak you looked, you couldn't stomach it.

“Oh Cyare” He said softly and closed the door behind him, sinking to his knees in front of you. He tentatively placed a hand on your knee and began rubbing his thumb back and forth. “What's happened? You haven't been in the medbay for weeks”

“I was laid off” You replied quietly.

“What? Why would they do that?” He asked, genuinely confused. You were a talented medic. He could see no reason for it.

“Money is tight. We are at war after all” You chuckled a little bit, knowing that much was obvious to Rex.

“What are you upset about? I'm sure there's somewhere else that would take you, you're a great medic” He asked so innocently that you could almost laugh.

“It's not about that…” You sighed, running a hand over your face, still looking down.

“What is it about?” Rex said softly, shuffling forwards so his armoured knees touched your bare ones.

“I just… I can't do it anymore Rex” You whispered, the first time you had freely admitted it to anyone before.

Rex tensed up. He brought his other hand up and gently grabbed your chin, tilting your head to look at you properly. The look in your eyes already told him the answer to the question he was about to ask, “Can't do what?”

“It. Life. Anything. I just want to disappear” You said, choking on your tears and overwhelmed by the thoughts that weighed you down. Rex's amber irises burned into yours with such an intensity, but not for long, as his arms made their way around your body, and he pulled you into his lap.

You cried into his chest, with him stroking your hair and holding you close to him with the other arm, scared that you would somehow get your wish and disappear in his arms.

He was at a loss for words. He couldn't understand how someone he thought was so wonderful and incredible could be harbouring such hateful feelings about themself. He feared saying anything that would upset you, and the last thing he wished to do was deny how you were feeling by telling you that you were wrong, so he just held you in his arms, silently letting you know he was there for you, no matter what. The sound of your crying was making his heart break, but he stayed like that until it died down.

“How long have you been feeling like this?” He asked tentatively, drawing back and holding your jaw so he could see your face.

“I dont know… four or five months, maybe?” You replied, and it felt like he had been stabbed in the chest.

How had he not noticed anything was wrong? He felt like he had failed you, that your friendship was for nought if he couldn't even tell when you were upset. He didn't place any of the blame on you, but he had to ask…

“Why didn't you tell me?”

You sighed, “I didn't want to concern you with it. It's for me to deal with”

“What? It's not just for you to deal with, of course I'd want to know if you're not okay. I'm so sorry I didn't notice” He said, his tone so heavy with guilt.

“It's okay, it makes sense that you didn't”

Rex almost took offence to the comment, but the small smile on your lips didn't evade him, “Why does it make sense?”

“Uh, I guess I was always happy around you” You admit, “You- Uh we’re good friends, you know? I like spending time with you”

Despite the comment about being friends, Rex's heart soared, “I like spending time with you too Cyare”

“Why are you calling me that all of a sudden?” You asked. You knew what it meant, you'd spent enough time among the clones, and it was impossible to escape when you overheard their unabashed flirting on your few trips to 79s.

“Um” Rex gulped, not feeling like right now was the best time to admit that he was wildly in love with you, “I don't know, I care about you, you know? Like you said, we're good friends”

You nodded, seeming satisfied with the explanation, and Rex breathed out a shaky breath.

“I'm sorry you had to see me like this” You looked down, playing with your fingers as heat rose to your cheeks.

“It's fine, I really don't mind. Besides, you still look good to me” He said, and your eyes snapped back up to his instantly, your breath becoming short. Rex thinks I look good?

“Thanks Captain” You grinned shyly, your face feeling positively on fire at the compliment.

“It's no problem” He smiled, then he became more serious, “Have you eaten today?”

“Uh- no” You looked away again, feeling ashamed.

“Alright, let me fix you some food then” He readjusted his hold on you and picked you up, setting you down on your couch. Your head was spinning from the intimacy of feeling his breath fanning over your face.

“I don't really have any food here” You admitted sheepishly.

“Okay, how about this then” He crouched by the couch so that his eyes were level with yours, “Why don't you go and have a shower, do whatever you need to feel a bit better, and I'll go out and get us some food”

“Rex… I can't ask you to do that for me” You spoke hesitantly, but he shook his head.

“You're not asking, and in fact, neither am I” He said with a playful glint in his eye, “Go and freshen up, that's an order soldier”

You giggled at him and took the hand that he offered to help you up.

“Yes sir” You saluted him and marched off in the direction of the refresher, earning a laugh from the clone.

You stepped into the refresher and looked yourself in the eye for probably the first time in days. You did not look good. Your eyes held bags that looked so heavy that they could weigh down the skin they inhabited, your hair was a complete mess, and your skin was dull and lifeless.

You sighed, grabbed your hairbrush, and decided to start there. It took a few minutes, but soon, your hair was completely knot-free, and you stripped off and stepped into the shower. You took your time finding the perfect temperature, which ended up being almost scalding hot. You leaned your elbows against the wall, letting the water hit your back and relieving some of the tension you could feel there.

Now that you were actually in the shower, you didn't feel like leaving at all. Though, the idea of Rex being outside the door when you finished was enough for you to quickly wash yourself and your hair and hop out again. You brushed your teeth twice and moisturised your clean skin. Looking in the mirror, you looked a lot better than you did before you went in the shower, and you were eternally thankful for that. If you were going to see the person you had been in love with for years, you only wanted to look your best.

You stepped out of the refresher and headed for your bedroom with your dirty clothes in hand.

“Hey, are you-”

You jumped out of your skin when you saw Rex stood in the living area with a bag in hand, and he did too when he saw you with only a towel wrapped around you. Your eyes went wide, and you wrapped the towel tighter around your body on instinct, only fueling the less-than-pure thoughts that were spilling into Rex's brain. You looked so incredible, your hair dripping water over your body, which was seemingly glistening with its new cleanliness, and your towel left little to the imagination.

“Um yeah, you're out, cool, uh- I'll let you get dressed” He turned around and cursed silently to himself for being so awkward.

You just chuckled nervously, feeling utterly mortified, and made your way to your room as intended. You found a fresh oversized t-shirt and pair of soft shorts and slipped into them quickly, rejoining Rex in the other room.

He had taken off the top half of his armour, leaving just his blacks, the Republic insignia adorned proudly on his chest. The tightness of the top showed off his toned physique as if he wasn't even wearing anything, and you had to tear your eyes away from it.

“What did you get?” You asked quietly, sitting down next to him on the couch.

“Noodles, is that okay?” He asked, looking to you a little nervously.

You chucked at his demeanour, which was decidedly un-captain-like as he looked to you for approval, “It's perfect, thank you”

You both picked up the boxes that held your food and dug in, and your bodies turned to face each other as you rested against oppsite ends of the couch. It was good to have a proper meal, with actually nutritious foods. When you had eaten as of late, it had mostly been ration bars or random snacks you could find in your apartment. You hummed contentedly, and Rex smiled at you.

“Good?”

“Mhm” You smiled, swallowing a bite, “Thank you Rex”

“It’s alright” He said nonchalantly.

“I mean it, thank you for… taking care of me” You said, then looked down, “I'm finding that difficult at the moment, so it means a lot”

“Cyare” Rex moved towards you and placed a hand on your knee, “It's really no trouble, I just want to see you feeling better”

You looked up at him and gave a tight lipped smile, “Well, thank you anyway”

“No problem. You look a little more alive now, by the way” He teased.

“Hey! You're the one that said I looked good before, you cant take it back now” You challenged, and he smirked.

“I'm not taking it back. You just look even better now” He said, but his smirk dropped when you froze up at his comment.

“You dont have to say that just to make me feel better, you know” You said, looking down and taking your final mouthful of noodles.

“I'm not just saying it” He said quietly, and you looked up to see his light frown. You put down your food box as he continued to stare at you seriously.

“What is it?” You ask.

“It's nothing, don't worry about it” He said quickly and put his own food box down as he finished.

“Rex” You scooted closer to him so that your knees were almost touching, “What's the matter?”

“Nothing’s the matter” He avoided your eyes as he spoke, and you used the technique that he employed earlier on, gently taking his chin between your thumb and finger and guiding his gaze towards you.

“What is it?” You asked again, and his eyebrows pinched together as his eyes flicked between the two of yours.

“You're so beautiful Cyare” He said, tentatively placing his hand on your lower thigh.

Your breath hitched in your throat at the gentle touch, and you searched his eyes for any dishonesty but only found them to be as earnest as usual.

“I- I should've been telling you every day since I met you” He said, his voice breaking just a little as he spoke so softly, “I should’ve been telling you how much you mean to me, how much I care for you, how important you are” He stroked his thumb back and forth on your thigh, sending tingles up your spine.

“Rex” You breathed out in a whisper, your hand sliding around to cup his sharp jaw. He leaned into your touch, and you felt as if you could melt at the sight.

“Say something” He urged, his eyes pleading for a conformation that you felt the same way.

“I-” You didn't know what to say. You felt the same, but the words got caught in your throat. It felt wrong to truly admit to your affection for him after bottling it up for so long.

“Rex, I've always cared for you, far more than a medic should care for their patient” You admitted, and his eyes lit up.

“You have?” He asked, and you nodded in reply.

“And for the record, I think you're beautiful too” You let a small grin creep its way onto your face.

“That’s good to know” Rex smirked, bringing his other hand to your cheek.

He looked deeply into your eyes, the eyes that he always found so fascinating, and he leaned his forehead against yours before tilting his head towards your lips. You shivered with anticipation.

“Is this okay? I don't want to take advantage of you if you-”

“Just kiss me Rex” You whispered against his lips, your eyes fluttering shut. He didn't delay after that. With your permission, he couldn't say no.

His lips met yours tentatively, as if testing the waters, but as soon as he felt you kiss him back, he pulled you in more urgently. His lips moved against yours, melding together as if it was how they were made to be. You felt your need for closeness growing, and you pulled him towards you as you deepened the kiss. Rex slid his hand up your thigh, resting it on your hip and tracing small circles with his thumb as his other hand moved to the back of your neck, pulling you impossibly closer as he devoured your lips.

Rex pulled back, his teeth lingering on your bottom lip for a moment, and you both caught your breath.

“I can't tell you how long I've wanted to do that” You said, your breath still short.

Rex grinned widely, “Yeah? I can guarantee it's probably not as long as I have”

“Probably not” You chuckled, “Unless you somehow wanted to before you even looked at me for the first time”

Rex raised his eyebrows, “You've wanted to kiss me the whole time we've known each other?” He asked, and you nodded your head shyly. “Why didn't you say anything?”

“I dont know, I guess I just figured you wouldn't feel the same” You shrug.

Rex just shook his head with a smile and pulled you onto his lap “Oh, how wrong you were”

“Is that right?” You smirked, “I'd love to hear all about just how wrong I was”

Rex smirked back at you, and placed a kiss to your cheek, “I've wanted to kiss those pretty lips of yours ever since I laid eyes on you” He confessed, and your breath hitched as he continued to place featherlight kisses along your jaw. “I thought you were the most beautiful person I'd ever seen” He kissed down your neck slowly, gently nipping at you with his teeth at the point where your neck meets your shoulder, which earned a small whine from you, and you could feel him smirk.

“I've never felt the way I feel about you, about anyone else” He murmured against your skin, burying his nose in your neck and inhaling your scent.

His words were driving you crazy. They were all you had ever wanted to hear from him, and here he was, speaking them aloud as he kissed your skin so gently, as if you would break if he pressed any harder.

“Rex” You whispered, and he looked up at you, waiting for you to continue.

“What is it, Mesh'la?” He whispered back, his lips ghosting yours. You shuddered in his arms, your eyes fluttering closed, and he watched your every move with anticipation.

“Rex, I-” You leaned your forehead against his, needing an anchor before you spoke your next words, “I need you”

Rex's heart skipped a beat. Possibly a few beats. “What do you mean, Cyare?”

“Please, take me to the bedroom” You asked, begged, and Rex took action immediately.

He held you to him as he stood up, and you wrapped your legs around him tightly. He made his way to your bed quickly and gently laid you onto your back, crawling over you so he was holding himself above your body.

“You're sure about this, Cyare? If it's just a lapse in judgement because you're not in your right mind, I understand, no hard feelings” Rex stroked your cheek with his knuckles, looking into your eyes intently.

“Rex, please. My judgement is just fine. I want you. I've always wanted you” You said, the neediness so obvious in your tone. Rex's expression then settled somewhere between amusement and adoration.

“You want me?” He smirked, his lips hovering just above yours.

“Yes” You spoke breathlessly.

“Say it again” He commanded in a whisper, his amber eyes burning into your very soul.

“I want you, Rex”

He breathed out a shaky breath and brought his lips to yours, speaking between chaste kisses, “You have me, all of me. You always have. I've always been yours”

It was almost too much to hear. Your heart was pounding in your ears, and you thought you'd made it all up.

“I've always been yours Rex” You whispered against his lips, and his breath stuttered.

“You're mine?” He asked in a murmur. The flame of desire burning in his eyes was clear.

“Only yours”

He pressed his lips to yours with a newfound desperation, his hand trailing down your body and holding your hips in place as he slipped his leg between yours. You grasped at his body, your hands finding themselves underneath the top of his blacks, and he stopped kissing you to pull it off. You absolutely marvelled at the sight.

In all your time knowing Rex, mending up his various wounds, you had never had the honour of glimpsing at his form without a shirt on. You traced along a scar at the centre of his chest, “How did you get this?”

“I was shot” He shrugged with a grin.

“No big deal for a big important Captain like you, I suppose” You teased and matched his grin as he rolled his eyes.

“Shut up” He mumbled against your skin as he buried his head in your neck, leaving soft kisses and less soft bites. You struggled to keep small moans from escaping your lips at his touch, and Rex noticed you holding back. He wound his way up to your lips, pressing a short kiss to them before he spoke.

“Don't hold out on me cyar'ika, I want to hear you”

You bit your lip and nodded at him, then kissed a trail across his strong jaw, earning a soft groan. As your kisses made their way down his neck, and you brought your hands to trail down his body, he groaned more deeply. The sound was driving you insane. Before you could breach the top of his blacks, Rex gathered your wrists in his hand and held them above your head, your eyes blown wide with desire and longing, your breath ragged.

Rex just looked at you for a moment, committing the intoxicating sight to his memory. His other hand found your face as he shifted the leg that was between yours, earning a whimper, “Don't worry about that, just let me take care of you”

You shuddered at his words, your body tense with anticipation for what was to come.

He looked so perfect, angelic even.

Watching Rex sleep was never a luxury you imagined yourself getting the opportunity to indulge in, but with it right in front of you, you weren't going to let it pass you by.

You had slept for a little while, wrapped up in Rex's limbs, and held closely to his body. You had been completely at peace, every struggle and awful thought that usually plagued you was pushed to the back of your mind and there was only him, his presence enveloping you; his warmth, his scent, the feel of his skin against yours, his breath against your cheek and his chest rising and falling gently. Now, as you moved away from him and watched the cold light of morning creep across his features, you couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

You slipped out of his arms, a soft sigh escaping him in the process. Your heart clenched at the sound, only feeling your adoration for him growing once again.

You reluctantly tore your gaze away from him and went over to your desk, opening the left draw as quietly as you could. You took out your flimsi sketchbook and a pencil and made your way over to the chair that was against the large window overlooking the city. However, that wasn't the focus of your sketching today, not when there was a sight far more beautiful laying in your bed.

You opened up your small sketchbook and looked at the last thing you had drawn. It was a scene from the park. A couple sat on a bench at the edge of the man-made pond and smiling adoringly at each other. You smiled and pushed down the guilt at the realisation that you had drawn this over four months ago.

When you looked up to Rex again, your heart skipped a beat. The sun had risen a little higher in the sky and cast a golden light across the lower half of his face and chest. You took up your pencil and began sketching the view before anything could disturb it.

The sheets were pooled at his waist, showing off his toned physique in all its glory, especially as he slept with one hand tucked under his head. His features were relaxed, more relaxed than you had ever seen. His face often had a sternness about it that was undeniably militaristic, but that was nowhere to be found as he slept peacefully.

You had the outline and were now just adding the details. The small marks on his skin, some that you had fixed up yourself, and the large blaster burn in the centre of his chest. As you were adding some of the shadows to his face, you heard a small grumble, and your head shot up to see Rex opening his eyes, stretching his arms out.

“Don’t move” You spoke gently, and he looked to you, noticing your sketchbook in your hand as you sat curled up in your chair.

He smiled, a warmth spreading across his chest as he settled back into his previous position, “Like this?”

“Mhm” You hummed in reply, taking in the way the shadows on his face changed now that he was awake. “Relax” You laughed as you saw a small crease emerge in his brow.

He chuckled a little and relaxed with a contented sigh.

“Almost done” You said quietly, as if to not disturb your own work.

You quickly added the remaining shading, adding some small details of the bed and the room, wanting to capture the moment perfectly, so that should your mind ever forget it, which you doubted, it would be forever recorded. That was what you loved about using flimi over a datapad. The physicality felt more personal and permanent.

“All finished” You smiled as you closed your sketchbook and went to place it back in your desk.

“Hey! Aren't you going to show me?” Rex asked, and you looked back to him to see the crease in brow had returned.

“It's not very good, it's just a sketch”

“Cyare, I love your sketches. Please, show me” He spoke gently, an edge of seriousness to deny your self-deprecating words.

“Okay” You conceded, opening the sketchbook back up and sitting down on the bed to show him. Rex then grabbed you by the waist and pulled you into him, making you fall back into his chest as he laid down again. A delighted laugh escaped your lips at the sudden contact, and you looked up to Rex's face to see an equally elated expression.

He took the sketchbook from your hand and looked over the drawing of himself, his smile widening with each second.

“It's amazing” He said softly, meeting your eyes again.

“That's because it's of you” You smiled and brushed your nose against his, earning a small chuckle.

“No, it's… You make me look so…” He looked over the drawing and tried to find the right word to describe what he meant, “I'm not sure. It looks exactly like me, but… There's something else to it”

“Well, all the best things are made with love” You said before you could even really process what you were saying.

Rex’s eyes went wide as they snapped back to yours, “Love?” He questioned.

You shrank backwards, wanting the bed to collapse in on itself and swallow you whole, but Rex’s arm tightened around your waist, pulling you against him. You let the word hang in the air for a moment before clearing your throat and swallowing hard.

“Uh… yeah” You said awkwardly, looking away.

Rex said your name in a soft tone, pulling your focus back to him. He rested his forehead against yours, his amber eyes burning into yours, “You love me?”

“I do” You whispered, gnawing your bottom lip at the vulnerability of the admission.

Rex met your lips in a sweet kiss, slow and deliberate, and pulled away a few seconds later. He caressed your cheek with his knuckles before he settled his palm on the back of your neck. “I love you too” He confessed, and your heart leapt to your throat.

“You do?” You whispered.

“I do. I always have. It's like I said, I've always been yours” He confirmed, repeating the words he had said last night. You brought your forehead to his again and closed your eyes, taking in the sweetness of the moment.

“And I yours”

Nothing was fixed. You weren't back to being happy and full of life like you once were, but Rex had reminded you why life was worth living. You were reminded of all the things that made it worthwhile, all of the things you loved to do, the things that brought joy and colour into your life. If you could just take it one step at a time, one day after the other, you would get through this feeling, and best of all, Rex would be there to support you when you needed him.

[rex101111]

hey look, i wrote another thing! and it didn't take me half a year! its a star rail thing, check it out

[seokizaten]

The Gold He Holds [Zhongli] —⋆｡°✩

Chapter 3 [previous] [next]

Series Introduction: How shameful it is to be a mortal, falling in love with an Archon who had eyes for someone even before you were born?

Zhongli and the gold he holds will forever be stuck in the same spiral forever, and he is certain with that. Anyone who dares to get in between them will never be tolerated at all cost, making him act on impulse around Shi Y/N. 

After she passed in his arms during the Archon war from 3,700 years ago, he never left the old place of his heart. He always yearned for the same face, same scent, same everything. And seeing Y/N makes him feel sick, making him act that way around her.

Y/N on the other side spent the rest of the week crying while working, setting her charm away in order not to disturb the said man. After all, accepting rejection of your romantic confession wouldn’t be easy.

But Y/N is an intelligent woman who wouldn’t let emotions affect her work and relationships with others, so she knows how to handle herself. She can face Zhongli again like nothing happened, for sure. She spent twenty years of her life with a working brain, surely she’s going to have more of that.

She wrote a letter to Childe, indicating what happened. However, she is unsure of her friend’s whereabouts so she just delivered it to his home. Surely, his family wouldn’t open a letter from her, she is known to their place anyways.

Currently, she is headed to go to a commission assigned by the adventurer’s guild, wearing her glasses to cover her face of shame— momentarily. Of course, she isn’t the type to be ashamed of her decisions, come on! She can be remarked as the smartest woman in Liyue. 

She is tasked to deliver a package to the Wangshu Inn, it is not that heavy so she can handle it in her bag.She is headed to the Guili Plains as well, of course, that’s where she would walk in order to reach her destination.

She sighed, “Zhongli again.” She said and shook her head, this place now became a reminder of him to her. Guili Plains surely hold so much memory huh? Even the person from this century such as her held her own in this place.

But before she could reach the Guili Plains, she approached the statue of Rex Lapis that’s nearby. Of course, paying respects to him would always be her thing. Looking up at the statue, she made an angry face. “The man you painted yourself into doesn’t like me, Rex Lapis. I wonder if you’re like that in Guizhong at first too.”

She spoke to him, implying her idea that Zhongli looks like Rex Lapis. Hence, she thought that maybe they had similarities in their romance stuff as well. Maybe Rex Lapis hated Guizhong at first? Maybe that’s how Zhongli is to her right now. Who knows.

There she is, a woman in her uniform dress and a beret hat, hands on her backpack as she looks up to their Archon. She usually speaks to his statues, mostly about historical things that concern him. This statue by the boundary between Guili Plains and Mt. Tianheng is the one she usually visits. 

She placed some berries at the bottom of the statue, placed in a bowl made out of leaf. “Here’s an offering for you, Rex Lapis. Thank you for guiding me every time. I know it will just rot here again eventually, someone as powerful as you wouldn’t be able to reach out for me and the things I have after all. But even so, consider this as a gift of thought from me instead.” 

She bowed before touching the statue, bidding her goodbyes. 

Once she arrived at the Wangshu Inn, she took the stairs up and greeted the woman there. It is her first time visiting the place since, and she’s quite amazed by the building’s look. It is literally a historical place as well, built 500 years ago!

“Hello! I am delivering a package to Xiao.” Y/N said with a smile. 

The lady then smiled in return. “Hold on, I will be calling him.” With that she was left alone by the counter. She opened her bag and took out the package carefully, placing it on the counter.

While she’s doing so, Xiao arrived and looked at her from a distance. “You’re… what’s your name?” His voice called out, making her turn to look at him.

”Oh, hello. I am Y/N, from the adventurer’s guild.” Y/N said, Xiao approached her with an unsettling stare. “I was tasked to deliver this to you.”

Xiao accepted the package and it seems like he is analyzing her appearance, “Do you know Zhongli?” He asked.

That made Y/N groan mentally, how can someone just mention his name out of nowhere during her mourning days to her dead feelings?! “Ah yes, we’re doing research together currently. Why do you ask?”

Xiao shook his head, “Nothing, I just thought I’ve seen you around and I can’t seem to recall. Oh right, you’re the historian, aren’t you?” 

“Indeed I am, do you know Zhongli?” Y/N asked in return and he hummed as a response. “That’s great, we have a mutual friend. Consider me a connection if you ever need something related to history then.” She cheerfully said and left.

Xiao just looked at her leaving figure, “Isn’t that…?” He mumbled and sighed. Zhongli mentioned her to him last time he headed to his place to speak about something, so it’s no doubt that she’s the one he’s talking about.

Y/N on the other side is now walking back to Katheryne, still the same route so she’d be surely reminded of the man again. 

Speaking of the man, she froze on her tracks when he saw him standing by one of the ruins they visited last time. In a pile of rock is where he stood, looking down on it.

Y/N’s eyes widened on that, what is he doing there?

Zhongli on the other side stares at the ruins of Guizhong’s usual place back then, reminiscing about the past he used to share with her. He looked down and sighed before walking away.

Y/N just stared at his figure, surely he didn’t see her, right? 

She started walking slower, making sure that the distance between them is far enough for them not to walk near each other. He looks formal even only by being himself, she thought. He walks with his tall figure who can’t seem to let go of his intimidating aura. 

It didn’t take long for him to reach the statue of Rex Lapis, the one Y/N visits. He stopped walking and looked at it, making Y/N stop and hide in the bushes out of shock. So this man is religious as well, she thought. Or maybe he’s just fascinated by the Archon who looks like him?

All those thoughts of hers were dropped upon seeing him bend down, grabbing the berries she left as her offering earlier. And he began eating them!

Y/N angrily watched him eat the berries she offered to their respected Archon, just what is he doing?! He is calmly, casually tasting the sweetness of the berries like he just picked it up from the bushes himself. If it weren’t for the shame she’s carrying due to his rejection last week, she would’ve come out and scolded him right away.

She gritted her teeth angrily, as hard as she could. “Come out now, Y/N.” He called, he knows I’m here?

She angrily stood up and walked towards him. “Why are you eating the berries I offered to Rex Lapis?! Those aren’t yours, respectfully.”

Zhongli just hummed, looking at her like nothing’s wrong. Y/N stood right next to him, looking up at the tall man angrily. “Tastes good.” He said, as if he’s trying to provoke her. 

“Excuse me?!” 

“Commission around the Guili Plains?” He asked, changing the topic, but she angrily looked away. “Or you’re doing your own research without me?”

He is acting so casually, as if he did not just drop the most heart shattering sentence last week. She doesn’t know whether she’d respond to him casually either, but alright. “A commission to deliver a package to the Wangshu Inn, Xiao told me he is friends with you.”

“Oh? He said that?” He asked so calmly.

Something is odd with him, she noticed that he is somehow nicer today to her. He is usually not into small talks outside the contract with him. But maybe, he is just being friendly since they’re acquaintances who just happened to pass by each other.

But he doesn’t want to be friends with her, that’s just so confusing.

“I-” Y/N parted her lips, “May I ask under the same concept? What are you doing here?”

Zhongli paused, “Just taking my casual walks.” He said as an excuse, placing the empty leaf bowl back on the ground, which made Y/N angry again. She closed her eyes and crossed her arms on her chest, looking away as if she’s hinting her extreme anger. “Since we’re supposed to meet tomorrow and we just passed by each other, would you like to proceed today with the research? That’s if you’re not doing anything, of course.”

She isn’t mistaken, Zhongli really is nicer to her today.

More than a month has passed by and Y/N was able to keep herself on track, acting casually around Zhongli. Just like the stereotypical intelligent woman, she can always focus on studying and being professional. The contract of theirs is almost done like a leaf in the wind.

At last, they’ve stepped further into their research. They’ve tracked the man’s identity, and how he is connected to the ancient Liyue.

Y/N sat in front of Zhongli in his place, with various papers on the table. This is the first time Zhongli has brought her in his place. He usually values his privacy, but he decided to bring her in for the sake of documentaries. He has many records, papers from the past, artifacts kept that have sentimental values, and Y/N is amazed by how long he’s been studying all these.

“Yuchen Zhang has no family as per the records I’ve read, and that’s what we’re supposed to find out.” Zhongli said, sighing. “Although, we came across the information that he is a fisherman. We could ask the fishermen casually, but that’s so ancient that they probably have no clue about the previous ones in the business.”

Y/N sighed. “I-It’s alright if we won’t actually figure out entirely, I just wanted to figure out why my intuitions pointed him out.”

Indeed, it’s actually so pointless to look for a person who existed millennia ago. She’s just figuring out the reason why she felt something upon reading his name, and Zhongli came to help her. 

For some reason, someone as smart as Zhongli, he also didn’t know how this lady convinced her. Maybe it’s because she's a history enthusiast? For some reason as well, he found himself getting closer to her, despite rejecting her proposed friendship, even her proposed romance. 

Each day, he wonders, just who is this woman without her origin? She is known as someone who grew up in Liyue, stayed at Sumeru for her studies, and she just appeared like a bubble two years ago. She said that she’s been in love with him for five years, how is that possible when he doesn’t even know who she is? And by timeline, she was at Sumeru two years ago.

He looked at her face as she read one of the papers he wrote about four thousand years ago. She has no idea that these findings are from the ancient himself, all she knows is that he is also a history enthusiast who happened to have another source.

But of all the things in her appearance, why would he stare at her face? She doesn’t even show that much facial expressions, but he reads her face like it is an open book from ancient times. Why is she slowly becoming relevant?

Why is she slowly getting through him?

He closed his eyes and sighed, “I’ll take a breather for a while.” He then stood up and walked outdoors. Luckily, his place is upstairs and just beside the sea. He can definitely take a well rest there.

He looked at the ocean, like he usually does. Shi Y/N is slowly sinking in his mind lately and he doesn’t know what that is. Surely, he isn’t experiencing that again. In 3,700 years since Guizhong passed, no one else was able to capture him like she did. But somehow, she is relevant, like really relevant to his senses.

With all honesty, he did an even deeper research about her. But even someone like him, he wasn’t able to track her past. He went through all the records, everything, but none happened to cross paths with her. 

So why is she relevant? Why are his intuitions pointing something to her? Why is she crossing his mind? Surely, he can’t have those feelings he had for Guizhong, right? He isn’t experiencing some human things again, now is he? 

His head hurts upon thinking, he placed a hand on his temple. Of course he isn’t in love with Y/N, he’s just curious about her relevance. He is Rex Lapis, he knows better than anyone so he can be definitely confident with that. 

Another to back up his final thought is that he is still stuck to Guizhong like he always has been, he will always be.

Y/N on the other side continued working, letting her partner in research go out and have some fresh air for a moment. Maybe he is exhausted all because of her, she simply can just blame herself because of that. 

She placed the paper down and grabbed her notes for the research, immediately rereading those she had collected with Zhongli so far. This research also fell under the two birds, one stone line. She is learning more about the history of Zhongli's findings while she’s getting the information about the man she’s looking for. 

However, she can’t help but think as well, who was Zhongli's wife to be back then? Why didn’t they get married? It seems like it is haunting him more than anything, it seems like he is stuck with her. It is beyond her business already but she can’t help but think about it. She must be a very lucky woman to have that Zhongli’s side.

She then stood up and stretched, and began walking around his place like a curious little visitor. Surely it isn’t a bad thing to take a rest for a while, huh? And walking around wouldn’t bite. However, she knows how to respect his privacy and space so she wouldn’t tamper with anything. She wouldn’t touch a thing or two.

She approached a bookshelf, analyzing the books placed there. The spines read about Liyue’s ancient history, which is expected because he is a history enthusiast. He must own loads of these books, who knows where they got them from? Because as far as she knows, she already read everything in Liyue’s history. 

Despite promising herself not to touch anything, one specific book caught her attention so she held it. It is hand painted in blue, with gold corners which look real. It has no title in front, nor the spine, which poked her curiosity even more. She opened the first page, “The Guili Assembly…?” That’s what she read.

She began flipping the pages, looking at the pages one by one. There are many illustrations of both Guizhong and Rex Lapis, showing that they’re leading this community together. She smiled upon seeing that, of course that’s them. 

However, a page caught her eyes, “Morax found himself infatuated with Guizhong…?” She whispered under her breath. So she was right about that romantic relationship between those two! She smiled in an instant, flipping more pages as she read through them like a child who’s interested in ice creams. 

However,

Another page caught her attention. It contains the information she learned from Zhongli, 

Guili Assembly’s name is derived from the names of those two Gods leading them; Guizhong, the God of Dust and Morax, also known as Rex Lapis, The God of Contracts. 

Somehow, she had shivers down her spine while reading. She knows that fact, of course. But what she’s eager to know is— where is the name of Rex Lapis in that Guili? She can clearly say that Gui is from Guizhong, but what is Li?

She wanted to know deeper, making her read the whole page.

Morax is the name of the God of Contract, however, he was called Rex Lapis as a respect. It labels like a name of might, dignifying his divine wisdom. In other ways, he is called Zhong Li by those he faced as his mortal form. 

Her eyes widened upon reading that part, and her hands held the book tighter. She immediately tried holding herself together, looking around the room if her research partner had returned— or the Morax as she suspected. 

Maybe he’s just named after this? But it’s odd how it mentioned that it is his mortal form. Everything just adds up to her assumption that Zhongli looks like the statue of Rex Lapis, and to Childe’s words to tease her; he doesn’t age, he is educated in history, and he reacted to someone’s name before.

Could his supposedly wife be— Guizhong?!

She began breathing heavily, nervously flipping through the pages even more. That is all possible, because they were told that adepties live among them even up to these days. Maybe Rex Lapis is him? But it just sounds so funny to accuse someone of being a God, right?

Flipping nervously, one page accidentally dropped a piece of paper. She immediately picked it up, it is a short letter written in mandarin,

钟离这个名字非常适合你，莫拉克斯。

(The name Zhong Li suits you very well, Morax)

Guizhong 

The more she flipped the pages, the more it revealed papers from Guizhong.

Zhongli is Rex Lapis, and Guizhong was his lover. And she is in love with their Archon! She, Shi Y/N!

She then heard footsteps from outdoors, making her hurry up. She quickly placed the book back and sat back down, acting like nothing happened. Zhongli sat back down in front of her casually. “Is there something wrong? You look uneasy.” He said, looking at her worried figure.

“I-” She stuttered, not knowing what to say. All that’s in her mind right now is that she is currently speaking to a God, the Archon of their nation, the Archon she worshiped her whole entire life with all her might. Looking at him right now sends her into a room of anxiety, he looks a lot like Rex Lapis, because he is Rex Lapis. 

Zhongli just sighed and grabbed a paper. “I understand, working a lot can be tiring. That’s why you needed to rest.” 

Still in shock about what she read, she needs to keep herself together, there's no way she is reacting this way like she doesn't know Zhongli. Could this man she had eyes for years be the Archon, really? That can’t be. 

Zhongli noticed the unsettling feeling she’s experiencing in an instant, she never reacted this way. “Y/N, are you alright?”

Y/N immediately stood up and walked farther away from the table, standing up while holding her chest in the distance. He can’t be Rex Lapis, I can’t be in love with an Archon. She repeatedly thought, moving uneasily. 

“Y/N-” Zhongli stood up but Y/N stopped him.

“N-No! Stay where you are, Zhongli. I-I’m sorry!’ She said, making him stop, standing right where he is. “I’m just experiencing anxiety attacks, and I am trying to cope with it.” She said, hardly breathing and trying to keep herself together.

Why am I reacting this way?! Why won’t my body calm down?! She can feel her chest getting deeper and heavier,

“Y/N-” Zhongli called out again but she stopped him again. 

“Morax.” She called in return, wide eyes away from him. That stiffened Zhongli’s figure in shock, 

“What?”

Y/N exhaled loudly before looking at him. “Your name is Morax, isn’t it?” 

Zhongli immediately chuckled. “Don’t ask such ridiculous questions, Y/N. You know my name and it wouldn’t be the same as the Archon-”

“Nobody’s name is the same as the Archon, because you’re the Archon, Zhongli.” She nervously said. “Could you tell me honestly, Morax. You’re the Geo Archon, right?”

Zhongli did not respond, he just stared at her like a man who’s getting interrogated. 

“You witnessed 6,000 years of Teyvat, won the seat to be Liyue’s Archon, that’s why you know history, right?” She asked. Zhongli just closed his eyes as he sighs, crossing his arms in front of his chest. 

“Alright, you found out.” He said, admitting defeat. “I am indeed Morax, Rex Lapis, the Archon of Liyue.”

Y/N just looked at him in disbelief. 

He then opened his right palm, revealing a… flying box crystal? “I knew you would figure it out eventually, I expected so much of you after all. However, I’d like to sign a new contract with you.” He said and sat down and grabbed a paper, preparing for his new contract. “A contract to keep the information you just learned.”

How can he be so casual about this?

“Zhongli, are you being real right now?” She asked in disbelief, walking towards him and sitting back down. “You just straight up admitted that you are a God and the Archon of Liyue, how are you so calm?”

“Hm? Why, how am I supposed to react?” He asked in return, writing the contract.

“So you’re really an old man?” 

Zhongli looked up and glared at her. “Old man?”

“You’re 6,000 years old, and you said your age is close to 29?” She angrily said, making him chuckle. 

Y/N stared at him as he wrote, So this beautiful man is indeed divine? She thought. Of course, no normal human being would be as flawless as him. If he is a human, he is indeed a perfect one. 

But what just sank inside her is the fact that— she confessed her romantic feelings to a God a month ago. It makes her feel sick upon thinking about that, that is just the most embarrassing thing ever. 

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. She now realized the reason why Zhongli wouldn’t entertain her feelings whatsoever. BECAUSE HE IS LITERALLY DIVINE! It makes her angry so much that she doesn’t know what to do. This is just straight up humiliation to her.

“Your signature, Y/n.” He spoke and handed her the paper.

She then grabbed a pen and looked at the paper… stared at the paper. 

For some reason, something just bursted the bottle inside her. 

Guizhong.

“Zhongli, I am sorry in advance for bringing something up like this.” She said, making the man raise one of his eyebrows. “But, you didn’t get married because… Guizhong passed away, right?”

He immediately looked away, not saying a thing.

“So it is true that Guizhong is your lover?” She asked again. “But why isn’t it written in history books that you and Guizhong were a thing? Why are you only painted as friends? As co-workers, who does something for people?”

Again, Zhongli did not respond, he just stared somewhere else with a rather… sad face.

“I understand now, the reason why I have no chance to fulfill my romantic needs with you. I am battling the spot with someone who’s… divine.” Y/N almost whispered. “Even in my short life, incomparable to Guizhong, I do not have a single pinch of chance, right?” 

Zhongli sighed. “Please, sign the contract.” 

Y/N then just cooperated and signed the paper. Maybe it is really how it is, her longing for this research revealed many things to her, including her fate in terms of romance.

[previous] [next]

[main]

This is a fanfiction based on Genshin Impact’s Zhongli, all made with my imagination. Please do not copy, translate, or repost to another platform without my permission!! —⋆｡°✩ Thank you so much!!

[disappearinginq]

I really wish I could be convinced that more people would be interested in non-ship stuff for fandoms I'm in.

Look, we all know we write for ourselves. I get it. I do. But my desire (ability) to finish things is hinged on feedback. My two longest fics that I wrote the fastest were because of audience engagement. And because I knew I had people I respected and liked reading, and I wanted them to enjoy the read, I wrote better.

Now I feel like I'm just stuck in No Man's Land of fandom, and while I have like a dozen things half finished, they never seem to actually BE finished because if the audience is me, then I know how it ends. There's not much point writing it down.

So this is basically my To Do List.

The Rookie - I just don't care about what 90% of the fandom cares about

1. Series of one shots that establish Angela and Tim's BFF status that may or may not lean Tim aspec because I'm me.

2. Pre series flashbacks to Tim in his time in service when he survives an airstrike that kills two of his friends and almost kills him.

3. Trauma Tim post season 6, because in rapid succession, he loses his job on metro, he witnesses his old team die in a way eerily similar to the way he was almost killed in the airstrike, had a friend commit suicide in front of him after confessing to being dirty, gets accused of being dirty himself, and is again almost killed in close quarter combat (among other things that will remain unmentioned here)

Slow Horses

1. Do not ask me why but I love the idea that Lamb potentially met River was he was a kid because he had to work closely with David Cartwright and River is always where he's not supposed to be

2. River goes missing, and for once, not his fault. Lamb has to come to terms that just because he pretends not to care, doesn't mean anyone buys it

3. Post season 4, somebody finds out that River is the last remaining son of Frank's assassin cult, and it goes about as well as can be expected. I fully intend to have Lamb use this line: "trying to detain you is like trying to nail jello to a tree".

Magnum PI (yes, I still work on these)

1. Finish Wrong Side. I actually have like another 10-15k words on it, but it's not in order or complete scenes, but it does include Thomas’s recovery and discovery that Hannah is the one who sold them out

2. I have like 6 other chapters to Bad Things Happen that I half wrote but then retired the card

3. Crossover with MacGyver because I thought Mac could use some down time in Hawaii after season 4 and the last half of season 3

Tracker 1. Colter goes missing during one of his cases, and I borrow heavily from an episode of Lethal Weapon wherein Colter will be held hostage in an illegal drug trial that he stumbled into and now finds himself an unwilling participant, and I drag Russell into it because that is how big brothers work

Hudson & Rex - honestly, I have the most written for this fandom, even though the fandom itself is pretty quiet, but it's most of a bingo card 1. Finish Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful because damn son it's been years

2. In no particular order, I have Bad Things Happen Bingo It's Not My Blood, Stitches, Caught in a Snare, Falls Through the Ice and three others that fit other prompts - a boating accident, Charlie finally finds himself at the bottom of a well (sort of) and completes his "Timmy and Lassie Scenario" bingo card, and where Charlie realizes he's developed claustrophobia after having a mine collapse on him, being locked in a freezer storage, almost crushed by a shipping container, buried alive, etc and gets stuck in an elevator with Jesse

[bunji-enthusiast]

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭

Wrote this super quick… had to get the thoughts out. I keep re-reading all the content on Rex x reader tag… (giggly sex is elite and I don’t see this utilized very often)💔

His body ran extremely sore from the constant missions, back after mother fucking back, Rex wasn’t at all given a break or a rest of recreation. Admittedly putting in the work was doing wonders for his strength, even despite all the lifting and bench pressing he does, he can truly put it to use as a hero; even though multiple times he himself does not believe that. At least he could feel good about it though, even if it’s the same old routine and the same old near death experiences.

However—

It was a completely different world with you, barely anything was expected of him as a hero. Rex could just simply… exist.

That made him feel super odd, and it was a first for him as well. He knew his old habits would fester at times, especially around you. But you were so fucking ethereal, and some part of him wanted to see just how much he could ruin you.

Watch as your mind goes blank, your thighs tremble as you try to keep your hold on his waist. He especially reveled in how your nails scraped down the duvets of the skin on his back, he’d always get a nice surprise the next morning.

What always throws him off guard however is how infectious your giggles are during sex, and admittedly; it just made him more comfortable and relaxed with you than anything. Rex can’t help but laugh too as he attempts to stifle his smile at your giggles.

“Jesus…“ he chuckles, firm hands holding you up against the bedroom wall. “Your ruinin’ it for me.” Rex complains with a feigned tone of disbelief. You smile at him, slowly lacing your hands around his neck.

“Sorry, sorry.” You repeat, eyes half-lidded as you stared at his face. Burning each and every detail into your face, god he was so beautiful. You could see why there was quite a few you know who liked him the way they did.

Rex huffs as he rolls his eyes, leaning closer as he interlocks his lips with yours. Something strangled rips from your throat—half a whine and a moan as you roll your hips against his, vying for some pleasure in the friction. Rex hisses into your mouth, and you feel his hands tighten against the plush of your thighs, you almost stopped. But you don’t—you needed him bad, and you didn’t want this to stop.

“Fuhhh—“ you mutter, tightening your hold, wrapping your arms against his back. You hear him chuckle as he pulls back from you, and you inwardly kick yourself at the sudden loss of contact.

Your disappointment quickly fades as he holsters you up further, “keep your legs on f’me.” He muttered, and you obey him, watching as he tears away the top of his hero uniform.

You swear you felt your mouth water at the sight, and he smiles. “An irresistible dreamboat I know—“ Rex laughs, his tone dropping lower. “I didn’t get this body for nothing.”

A giggle escapes your lips, now curling your hand against the warmth of his neck. “And I’m admiring it, properly.” You enunciate with another roll of your hips, and you almost stutter when you feel the weight in his pants. His eyes seemed to almost widen as you did so.

“You that excited?” Rex says, arching a brow as he leans in closer. Removing the distance between you both, even if as close you could be, he always wanted to find someway to be even closer.

Hell—what better way then to stuff you full?

[roseaesynstylae]

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: No Prisoners, Chapter One

Hi, Rex. I’d be more enthusiastic, but I know who’s writing you, so I’m mostly just apprehensive.

(I’ve gotten my hands on PDFs of the books, which is very nice. Lots of new options.)

You know, if Traviss stuck exclusively to the clones instead of constantly embellishing her Mandalorian OCs and bashing the Jedi, I feel like we’d all be happier.

Please appreciate Traviss writing something I actually like. It’s so rare that I feel I must point it out every time.

Oh, I’ve heard of this scene. Excuse me while I brace myself.

Somewhere, Alpha-17 is growling, “I did not fucking raise you to think like that.”

…

Pardon me for a moment.

Okay. Okay. I’m calm. I’m fine. I’m calm.

Firstly, why is Pellaeon acting like Kal Skirata? Described as paternal, condescending, sexist… Traviss really can’t keep her OCs out of every single thing she writes.

Connected to that, thanks for ruining the character of a reasonably well-liked individual. When Pellaeon showed up in the Thrawn Trilogy, he was very much a military man, straightforward, and decent enough for someone working for the Empire. He was intended as the Watson to Thrawn’s Holmes, and his entire personality was very Watson-like. Now? He’s Traviss’s watered-down version of her most(in)famous Star Wars character and I hate it.

Secondly, I would be less angry if there was just one thing missing from that little excerpt. Can you guess?

“We do not expose flesh in this ship, not only because it’s unbecoming, undisciplined, and distracting, but because a ship is a dangerous place.”

Distracting.

She’s fourteen years old. Why, exactly, Not!Pellaeon, are you insisting a young girl cover up like that? If it was just “The ship is dangerous, please cover up,” I’d be annoyed by the way it’s done, but I could at least understand the reason. Traviss, what the hell were you thinking when you wrote this?

Also, why is Ahsoka just going along with this? This is the girl who was talking back to Mace Windu and the rest of the Jedi Council. Now she’s just rolling over? Traviss, you didn’t bother to watch a single fucking episode of the show, did you?

I already know the answer to that question.

Rex, your older brother-father combo is extremely disappointed in you. Alpha-17 is going to put you through your paces the next time he sees you.

Anyway, that’s that. There’s some other stuff about Pellaeon’s ex spying on possible Separatists, but there really wasn’t anything interesting in it, and that scene took it out of me.

First impression? I’m not impressed. Pellaeon and Rex have both been turned into assholes and Ahsoka’s OOC. Traviss, you’re hired by Disney to write for them. It’s one thing when fanfic is out of character, but you were brought on professionally. Your editor should have checked for their personalities and for continuity. You should have read and watched the media the characters you’re using come from. I mean, you didn’t watch the damn movies when you were hired to write for the franchise, so I’m not surprised, but still.

[zoeykallus]

Master List/Stuff I Wrote Part 6

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

_________

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

_________

MAUL

Maul x Fem!Reader - Damsel In Distress

The Bad Batch

The Bad Batch/Rex/Wolffe/Gregor/Howzer x Reader HCs - Proud Family Moment

The Bad Batch/Cody x Reader HCs - The Flinch

The Bad Batch x Afab!Reader HCs - Struggling With PMDD

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - Your Social Media

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - Abandonment Issues

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - Accidental Proposal

The Bad Batch x DominantFem!Reader HCs - Who's In Control?

The Bad Batch x Reader - Burnout

The Bad Batch x Fem!Reader HCs - Clumsy

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - Enemies To Lovers

The Bad Batch x Fem!Reader HCs - When I See You Dance With Another

The Dad Batch x Offspring!Reader HCs

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - A Restorative Hug

The Bad Batch x Fem!Reader HCs - Husband And Daddy?

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - Sleepy Mix-Ups

The Bad Batch x Fem!Reader HCs - The Sparring Partner

TBB x Gender-neutral Reader (Extended) HCs – Lost Something? Part 1 Of 5 Hunter

TBB x Gender-neutral Reader (Extended) HCs – Lost Something? Part 2/3/4/5

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - Crocheted With Love

The Bad Batch x Reader HCs - That Little Bite

HUNTER

Hunter x Jedi Fem! Reader One-shot - Perceptions And Senses

Hunter x Fem!Reader One-Shot - The Savior

Imperial Hunter x Fem!Reader One-Shot - Little Smuggler

Hunter x Fem!Reader - One-Shot - Love And Lotion

Hunter x Jedi/Reader - One-Shot - The Things We Do For Love

The Bad Batch/ Mayday/Rex x Fem!Reader Prompts – Confessions

Part 2/7 - Hunter

CROSSHAIR

Crosshair x Fem!Reader One-Shot - The Unexpected Gentleness

Crosshair x Fem!Reader One-shot (Smut)

Crosshair x Fem!Reader One-shot - Don't Let Go Of Me

The Bad Batch/ Mayday/Rex x Reader Prompts – Confessions

Part 3/7 - Crosshair

Crossher x Fem!Reader FF (Enemies To Lovers)

WRECKER

Dom!Wrecker x SubFem!Reader One-shot - My Naughty Little Girl

The Bad Batch/ Mayday/Rex x Reader Prompts – Confessions

Part 5/7 - Wrecker

TECH

Tech x Reader One-Shot - Loving Care

Tech x Fem!Reader One-Shot - Close And Real

Tech x Fem!Reader One-shot - AFTER THE FALL

Tech x Fem!Reader Smut One-Shot (Pollen Trope)

Tech x Fem!Reader One-shot - The Teacher

Tech x Fem!Reader – One-Shot – Distractions The Bad Batch/ Mayday/Rex x Reader Prompts – Confessions

Part 1/7 - Tech

ECHO

Echo x Fem!Reader One-Shot - Without Words

The Bad Batch/ Mayday/Rex x Reader Prompts – Confessions

REX

Rex x F!Reader One-Shot - My Love

CLONES

Crosshair x Afab!Reader x Mayday One-Shot - Keeping You Warm On A Cold Night (NO CLONECEST)

Hound x GN!Reader – One-Shot – Grizzer On The Loose

Rex/Fives/Hardcase/Echo/Jesse/Heavy/Kix x FTM Trans Jedi!Reader HCs - Who You Really Are

Wolffe/Rex/Jesse x Reader HCs - How They Fall In Love With You

[book-of-baba-fett]

Clone x OC Week: Day 1 - Intro/First Meeting

Captain Rex x Jedi!OC Talia Riva - from the fic Illicit Affairs

Note: So I had seen stuff for clone x oc week a bit ago, but life has been insane so I forgot about it until I saw a lot of stuff being shared yesterday and I wanted to participate but I had nothing for the Introduction/First Meeting prompt because I technically wrote Rex and Talia meeting already in IA but then the idea slammed into me "what if I wrote the meeting from Talia's perspective" and then BOOM months of writers block disappeared. This isn't beta'd and obviously all the dialogue was previously used, but it was fun to peer into Talia's head a little bit. Also special shoutout to the anon who sent me a message yesterday saying they missed Rex an Talia; this is for you. Thanks @clonexocweek for hosting an event for a community that truly does not get enough love.

Rating: This scene is just mature for some language and themes, but the overall fic is explicit 18+ !

Word Count: 2.3k

Talia knew how to blend in a crowd – much of her training had been spent teaching her how to get lost amongst people, make herself unnoticeable, or even manipulate the Force so she would be overlooked when she needed to be. It was a skill of hers she was confidant in enough to say she was good at it, which is why it was frustrating that she couldn’t shake this one drunk businessman.

Talia smiled up at the man pleasantly, masking the way she wanted to scowl at the obvious scent of liquor on his breath. She would nod and make agreeing sounds, while she tried to drown out whatever he was saying to her. She wasn’t even sure how he had cornered her in the first place, if he weren’t so drunk she would have assumed he had some special training of his own, but Talia supposed it was just the delusional persistence only an entitled man could posess.  She had been working the perimeter of the ballroom in Naboo’s Royal Palace, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary to try and see if the threat posed that evening was real or just false information. Her disguise as one of the Queen’s Handmaidens had been her idea with the support of the Council; the Republic presence was strong for the gala, and Anakin and Ahsoka were already out in the open as Jedi. If they wanted a chance to uncover any hazards to the evening, a bit of stealth was better than a show of strength. Just one of the methods Anakin and Talia frequently disagreed on, which was why he wasn’t aware of her attendance that evening. Perhaps it was her preoccupation with avoiding her fellow Jedi Knight that first allowed the man, whose name she purposely ignored, to corner her in the first place.

She had tried to excuse herself, citing some vague excuse of business but his persistence followed her into the hall, and Talia’s limited experience with men meant that she was running out of ideas on how to shake this guy while also focusing on her job. And she felt like she was about to lose all her sense of decorum if she had to listen to him talk about his starship modifications for a moment longer.

“Sounds fascinating, I’m sure you must be quite the handyman,” Talia cut the man off from his ramblings, hoping he would catch the sarcasm in her tone and finally catch the damn hint that she wasn’t interested. He was leaning on the wall beside her while looking down at her, and she was grateful in that moment that the dress she was wearing had such a high neck.

“Aww come on, I’ve been trying to picture what you look like without that dress on, and I think it would look much better on the floor of my –,” patience was a virtue for Jedi, but that was a skill Talia had much room to work on, which held true as she couldn’t hold her temper in and slapped the guy before he could finish his sentance. Perhaps it was a bit of an extreme reaction, but when the man just shook it off and smirked back down at her she was ready to swing again before she heard a clone’s voice calling down the hallway.

“Excuse me, miss; The Queen was requesting you,” Talia glanced to see a clone trooper walking down the hall; by his pauldron and kama she could guess he was an officer of some sort and Talia couldn’t ignore how perfect his timing was to be her literal knight in shining armor.

“Thank you, trooper. Could you escort me to her? It’s so crowded and I don’t want to keep Her Majesty waiting.” She turned back to the man, not at all trying to hide the relied and pleasure from her tone. “Apologies, sir, this conversation was truly… stimulating.”

She followed the clone down the corridor, and once they were far enough away she relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Maker, thank you. I’ve been trying to get rid of the slimo for the past half hour. I figured it wasn’t exactly appropriate for a representative of the Queen to deck one of the largest potential donors to her event, but as you could tell I lost that internal battle.”

“Not a problem, ma’am. All part of the job” The clone was still wearing his helmet bearing a Mandalorian design, jaig eyes if she remembered correctly, so she couldn’t see his expression but she could feel the smirk in his voice.

“I heard the troopers of the 501st were known for their quick thinking and heroics,” Talai started, for some reason unable to stop herself from rambling as the clone and her walked together. “Nice idea saying the Queen was summoning me, that’s the only thing he couldn’t have argued with.“

“How do you know I wasn’t telling the truth?”

“The Queen would send one of the other handmaidens, not a clone trooper.” She smiled up at him, searching for the eyes behind the vizor. “What’s your name?”

“Rex, ma’am.”

“Oh, so I have the pleasure of being rescued by the famous Captain Rex then?”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far-”

“About the rescue or the famous part?” OK maybe it was cruel to tease the officer on duty a bit, but Talia was enjoying her fun the one time a clone didn’t refer to her as ‘commander’ or now ‘general’ which she was still adjusting to. She was nineteen, dressed up in a gown on a night out at a fancy gala with a presumably handsome (considering what the clones looked like) man at her side; it felt like a touch of normalcy, a life she never would have so why not have a little fun and tease a little? And it seemed like she was slightly flustering the clone, as she could sense him fumbling for his words for a moment before he spoke again.

“I think he’ll have a mark from that backhand for a week. We could use fighters like you on the field with us.” Talia couldn’t help but chuckle at that slightly, if only he knew.

“Well, I don’t know about that. The truth is I’m not exactly great at these types of social engagements. I came to the hallway for some peace and quiet when Mr. Charm first cornered me. If only you had found me first,” ok her rambling had gone too far, some light teasing that ventured close to flirting was one thing, but she was definitely pushing her luck if she kept it up. “What I mean is, I owe you one, Captain.”

Talia was grateful that they finally arrived back at the ballroom, so she could be saved by the social ineptidude that had suddenly hit her. The gala was still in full swing, the voices and music bounced off the opulent marble walls. One could almost forget there was a war going on, had there not been troops posted at every entrance. The captain seemed to share her sentiments, as he surveyed the room shifting his weight between his feet.

“You know, you can stay and enjoy the party a little bit, I’m sure the food here is much better than your ration bars,” Talia suggested, knowing that the nutritional protein offered to troops was far from fine cuisine. Plus, if Rex serve dunder Anakin she knew the soldier deserved a break. “I’m sure the Republic won’t fall if you relax a little.”

“Hey Rex, anything going on?” Talia mentally swore as she heard Anakin’s voice; it was way too early for her cover to be blown. She couldn’t risk saying a goodbye, she slipped away from Rex’s side before Anakin could even notice her and disappeared into the crowd. She was on the other side of the room, behind a pillar when she finally glanced back to see Rex glancing around the room as Anakin teased him about something. Her moment of fun was good while it lasted, a break from work to enjoy herself a little but she had to get back to work and she had a feeling her true identity was going to be revealed before the night was over.

            Talia went back to the shadows after that, floating around the halls of the palace and watching over the ballroom as she felt necessary; perhaps the Republic’s caution wasn’t need and this was going to be just a Gala because as the night passed there were no threats to be found. She was standing against a wall, conveniently hidden by some decorative floral arrangement as she sipped on a glass of champagne when the Captain caught her eye again. She could tell her felt out of place, and she could feel the surge of panic that went through him as Representative Binks called his name. Talia set her glass aside, knowing it was her chance to return the Captain’s favor.

“Sorry to steal you away, Captain, but there’s some security info I think we should go over She steered Rex through the crowd and away from Jar Jar, who had already slammed into a waiter, causing glasses of champagne to shatter and conceal Rex’ escape.

“Well, I guess we’re even now.” The relief and gratitude were palpable on Rex’s voice,

            “Well, I wouldn’t be much of a lady if I didn’t return the favor,” Talia quipped, smirking up at him. “Besides, I haven’t had the pleasure of getting to know Representative Binks, but from what I understand he can be a bit – uh – overenthusiastic.”

Rex chuckled at that as they made their way into a long corridor. “That’s putting it mildly. He was told by Senator Amidala that he should receive combat training and he’s got it stuck in his head that I’m the one who should do it. I’m a good trainer, but I’m not a miracle worker. But I would gladly take his company over your friend from earlier.”

“Oh, Mr. ‘Invites-women-to-his-spaceship-so-it’s-harder-for-them-to-get-away’?” She cocked a brow at Rex as she leaned against the wall beside her. “Yeah, I don’t think he was a winner by any standard.”

“Are you sure?” Rex asked, mirroring her movement, and leaning on the wall across from her. “I think he almost won you over with the talk of his ‘personal modifications.’”

“Oh yes, of course. I was totally swooning over him; it was really rude of you to interrupt us.”. Her cheeks felt hot from how much she was smirking and trying to control her urge to laugh, she didn’t need to come off as a schoolgirl all because a man was talking to her but something about his charm was so effortless.

Rex motioned behind his shoulder in the direction of the ballroom, a grin tinting his voice. “I’m sure I can go find him again for you. I’d hate to think I ruined your night.”

Talia shook her head and softly smiled at him, “Far from it, Captain, you’re making this night a lot more interesting. Tell me, do you often go around parties rescuing damsels from terrible conversations with intoxicated men?”

“Only if they’re pretty blondes in black dresses.” Oh. Well, that was not as forward as she thought Rex would go, but Talia would be lying to herself if she didn’t feel her stomach twist at the compliment. She hoped her face wasn’t flushed completely red as she smirked back at him.

"Well, I guess I’m lucky that I fit into that box tonight, Captain,” she chuckled. Rex’s comm went off, making him mentally curse as he chided himself for getting so distracted on the job.

“Rex, it’s Jesse. Sid and Oak didn’t report in for their check-ins. Some of our guys have been having comm issues so it might be nothing but wanted to let you know.”

Talia was still new to being a Jedi Knight, but she had been training on the field long enough that she should have known just because a night seemed calm and that there was no obvious threat, didn’t mean there would be no threat. She had much to learn still, that was abundantly clear as she stood on the balcony after the fight with Ventress. Her gown had torn, which was a shame, but otherwise she was unharmed just exhausted with the threat of a migraine on the way with how much Anakin was going to annoy her about this. Luckily, he seemed distracted with checking in on how Senator Amidala was doing so for the moment it seemed she was reprieved. Rex was along the wall, being tended to by a medic so Talia took her moment to address her deceit now that her identity had been revealed.

“I do owe you an apology, Captain, for not being completely honest about who I am,” she said, awkwardly smiling to try and diffuse some of the tension she felt.

“Nothing to worry about mis—uh, Sir.” Rex insisted as his eyes met hers. Now that he was out of his helmet, her earlier presumptions proved correct and he was handsome. The blond hair was a surprise, she wondered if it was natural or if he bleached it. “I owe my apologies as well. I’m sorry if anything I did was out of line or – “

Talia laughed, raising her hands reassuringly at him. She couldn’t say what she was really feeling; that it was nice to feel like a normal girl at a party and having an attractive man call her pretty, but she felt that would cross all sort of appropriate boundaries.

“No, nothing at all; you made a boring party a lot more exciting.” She smiled at him and held out her hand to him. He accepted the handshake and returned a light smile as she formally introduced herself. “It was nice to finally meet the famous Captain Rex.”

--

taglist: @djarrex @justanothersadperson93 @paige6768 @saltywintersoldat @clonecyare @dinner-djarin @whore4rex @swlover2187 @collectoroffics @pinkiemme @twistedstitcher27 @frietiemeloen @a-c-lee @ashotofspotchka @galacticgraffiti @itsagrimm @rexandechosandwich @immortalhdx @queen--kenobi @stankferrik @aquaamethyst96 @mavendeb @alwayssnivellus @the-rain-on-kamino @staryskyforever @amyroswell @lucyysthings @manqoz @ilikemymendarkandfictional @punkpirate82 @paperplanes221 @saturnsokas @starstofillmydream @wild-karrde @purgetrooperfox @burningfieldof-clover @seriowan @samspenandsword @sunshinesdaydream @ariadnes-red-thread @babygirlrex0504 @arctrooper69 @cw80831 @dhawerdaverd