Circling Stardust // CT-7567 Rex x Sera Fyst (ofc)
An off the books mission is the last thing Rex expects when Generals’ Kenobi and Skywalker hold a private meeting. The Senate doesn’t know. The Jedi Council is unaware. And even Kenobi and Skywalker are secretive about the specifics. Rex volunteers because it’s what he knows, and he’ll do anything for his General. But the moment he meets the woman accompanying him on this secret mission, everything Rex understands about the Jedi is upended. He starts to question his role in the universe, what it means to be a soldier of The Republic, and the life that might await him beyond the firing end of a blaster.
Overall Warnings: fake/pretend relationship, fake marriage, fluff, angst, ptsd, undercover missions, forbidden love, clone troopers speak Mando'a, sexual content, prophetic visions via the Force
Chapters (ongoing):
One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine // Ten // Eleven // Twelve // Thirteen // Fourteen // Fifteen // Sixteen // Seventeen // Eighteen // Nineteen // Twenty
ao3 // main masterlist
author's note: a huge thank you to @id-get-sleazy-for-ron-weasley for her work on designing the title and chapter banners, and for sitting on endless calls to help me edit this beast. my gratitude for you is infinite.
This is set place right before the Citadel Arc. This is Reader x Captain Rex fanfic!
Found frozen within a outdated cryopod in an abandoned facility in the outer rims, and wanted for unknown reasons by the separatists you are rescued by the 501st. Memory sapped and with nothing but your name left to you can you uncover the mysteries of your past that haunts you? With the protection and support of the 501st and its general Skywalker and commander Tano by your side you're confident you can unveil what happened to you before being frozen.
Chapter 1 Below
It was all so, cold. Unbearably cold. All sounds were incredibly muffled and fuzzy. And it was dark, quite dark. Where… were you?
“This pod has something in it!” The first clear thing you were able to hear, you clumsily reached out only to be met with numbing frost. You tried to call out but your throat was so dry that nothing came out.
“Well open it!” A voice similar to the first demanded, you felt so exhausted. So weak. A blast of warm air suddenly hit you and cracks of light flooded your senses, it was all too much. You felt on fire, you were blinded and it was hard to breathe. You gasped and coughed holding onto yourself for comfort through the pain.
“Kriff its a person! Quick a medic!” Someone shouted and their voice was deafening, you felt hands as hot as lava touch you. You weakly flinched and they ignored your attempts to get away. You were gently scooped into strong arms as you gasped to breathe. Everything was too hot now, everything was too loud, too bright. Everything was too much. And the air felt heavy and each gasp of air you sucked in was like gulping it. You were so so weak, and everything seemed to grow so so far away.
~ ~ ~
Beeps, you heard beeps. You groaned and it sounded like the croaking of a toad coming out of your throat. You slowly cracked your eyes and was met with dim lights. You felt a terrible weight in your lungs and as you shifted around, you realized you had a line of oxygen. You scanned your surroundings with sore eyes, seeing it was a white sterile looking room. A hospital room, but with no window. And the door’s window was covered with closed blinds, you were able to tell that bright lights were on the other side. The light burned and caused your eyes to water just looking at it. You turned away and felt the tug of the various cords and wires hooked to you. You still felt so weak. You heard the cracking of the door opening and the room filled with a blinding light, you screwed your eyes closed.
“Oh sorry” A familiar voice apologized, one of the voices from before. The lights dimmed back to a bearable amount, and you fluttered your heavy eyelids open. You glanced over to the owner of the voice, and if you weren’t so dead tired. You would’ve blushed. He was a handsome man, with a curly blonde buzz.He had a dark complexion, thick dark eyebrows and very kissable lips. He was also in mostly white armor with blue designs, the armor was scuffed seeing a fair amount of use.
“You must be confused” He spoke softly, coming closer to you. You realized you were simply staring at him for a little too long, but couldn’t take your eyes off of him. He dragged a chair that was out of your sight over and sat near the bed facing you.
“The names Rex” He introduced and held a hand up, “And don’t try speaking right now, I know you’re not feeling well enough.” He said gently with a small smile, he seemed so welcoming and comforting. You huffed in response, the only thing that didn’t bring too much pain. His smile widened at your huff.
“Glad to see you still have strength in you, I’ve been checking up on you. You gave all of us quite the scare back there” As he spoke he noticed your brow cock up in confusion.
“Ah right, they said it was possible…” He muttered to himself, glancing away in brief thought.
“I don’t want to overwhelm you while you’re still recovering” He started turning his attention back onto you, you grunted at him. His eyes softened at hearing the dryness in your throat and feeling the desperation of your grunt.
“I should let them know you’re awake-” He began to stand but you reached out far enough to grab hold of his hand. He froze looking at you, panting and struggling just to be able to hold onto his hand. You were still so cold, and his hand felt so warm. And you were scared and confused, and-
“Ple-ase… don’t go” You croaked out your head dipping low from embarrassment and your body screamed at you to settle back down. You didn't want to be alone, not even for a moment.
“Woah! Lay back down, you’re still hurt!” He rushed to your side and gently laid you back down. You refused to let go of his warm hand the entire time.
“I won’t leave okay?” He whispered and then cupped your hand in both of his. He sighed, settling down in the chair next to you.
“You’re still so cold” He murmured, rubbing a thumb against your hand. His hands were so warm and you suddenly became aware of all the cold aches in your body. You dryly gulped trying to ease your scratchy throat, and Rex noticed this.
“I’ll press the button so they can at least get you some water” He slipped a hand away from you and reached behind you. Hearing a buzz sound from behind your head, it was a faint sound but everything also seemed so loud. You were overtly sensitive to everything, you could swear you felt Rex’s heart beat in his hands. He took his other hand from you and you let out a creaky whine at the loss of much needed heat.
“Sorry” He muttered as you watched him slip the black gloves off his hands, gloves you didn’t even notice til now.
“This should help warm you up a little” He stated reaching out to hold your hand, it felt like a fire holding onto you.
“I’ll have them bring blankets too, you’ve been frozen for long enough” He seemed to say the last part under his breath, though you were able to hear everything he’s said so far. Your eyes fluttered closed as you focused on the heat of his hands, the gentle beat of his heart in his fingertips. His slow and steady breathing, the circles his thumb rubbed on your hand. How the cold aches left your hand. This was much much better than before.
~ ~ ~
You opened your eyes feeling warmth for what seemed like the first time, the lights were brighter in the room. You noticed layers of blankets were weighing you down, and you noted that breathing was much easier now. You grunted as you moved to sit up, feeling strength in your body for the first time.
“Hey there” A voice said groggily, you glanced over to see Rex. It looked like he had fallen asleep in the chair, and you felt butterflies bubble up. His upper body was out of his armor and in a tight form fitting black bodysuit. His eyes seemed to widen slightly looking at you, but quickly turned to a soft smile.
“You’re looking a lot stronger now” He straightened his back, his hands were still ungloved.
“Th-” You coughed and Rex immediately sprang to action. He grabbed a small cup of water that was with a tray of food nearby. He bent down and held onto your shoulder holding the cup to your lips.
“Here, drink” He softly said, pouring a small amount of water into your mouth. You began to gulp down the water greedily, feeling a small trail of water down your face. You reached up to hold onto his arm in your desperation for water, and he was still hot to the touch.
“Good job” He took the empty cup away and wiped off the water trail on your face. The two of your eyes met as his fingers lingered on you.
“Thank you” You said weakly, and he pulled away clearing his throat.
“O-Of course!” He put the empty cup away and sat back down. You could feel his lingering touch still, and how gentle he was with you.
“Why…” You started and your gaze moved down to your twiddling thumbs, “why are you being so… kind to me? You don’t even know who I am” You asked with your newfound voice and strength. There was a moment of silence, and you didn’t dare to look up.
“You’re right, I don’t know who you are… So, what’s your name?” You glanced up at him and you opened your mouth to speak but paused. What, what was your name again?
“It’s… It’s uh…” You muttered as you racked your mind for it, why was this so difficult?
“Y/N” You said, unsure of yourself, bringing arms up to wrap around yourself as realization dawned onto you. You can’t remember much of anything, you barely remember your first name. Why?
“Y/N…” Rex whispered before his face turned serious, “I’m sure you have questions…” He seemed to look for the right words before continuing.
“You were found by me and my men on a mission, stuck in a cryopod.” His gaze shifted away from you.
“Cryopod?” You blurted out, feeling panic and confusion rising in you.
“Yes, we still don’t know for how long exactly but… you’ve been in cryosleep for longer than is protocol. There are… complications from that” You looked down at the blankets over you as you held yourself, feeling like you were about to fall through the floor.
“It seems one of the complications is memory loss… We don’t know if that is caused by prolonged cryosleep or… from before you were put into cryo.”
“Before…?” You breathed, feeling your chest growing tight.
“Y/N, what do you remember?” Rex softened his voice, placing a hand on your leg. His touch drew your attention back to him, you turned to him still holding onto yourself as if it was the only thing that kept you from disappearing through the floor.
“I- I don’t” You shook your head, feeling tears begin to form.
“I don’t remember anything” You whispered, trying to fight the lump forming in your throat.
“It’s okay, you’re safe” Rex reassured and you dipped your head low as you tried to wrap your head around it all. You’ve been frozen for a long time. And you have nearly no memory of your life before. You clasped a hand over your mouth as it hit you that you been frozen for years. Many many years, there’s a possibility that anything you had before was dead and gone. You felt so alone.
“You- you said you and your men?” You croaked out, and Rex nodded.
“Yes, the 501st of the grand republic army” Your eyes lit up with recognition, you remembered the republic. The 501st didn’t ring a bell though.
“And where did you… find me?” You asked and Rex laid back in his chair seeing you calm down slightly.
“Inside an abandoned facility on a remote planet… it… was a miracle that you were still alive. The power source was about to run out completely” Rex shifted in the chair.
“The boys are still trying to salvage what data they could scrape from the hardware there but… most of it was already wiped or been corrupted” He seemed disturbed by something, which made your anxiety worsen.
“There’s not much else I’m able to say, the general will come visit soon now that you’re awake…” His eyes betrayed his confident voice and you saw worry behind them, he stood up out of the chair.
“I shou-“ You reached out to him again like before and he froze up.
“I-” You quickly let go of him in embarrassment, he’s been the only thing besides this room and the unbearable cold you’ve interacted with since waking. You were scared to even lose sight of him, you cleared your throat.
“You never answered me on why you are so kind to me” Rex seemed a bit taken back but turned to you giving his full attention.
“Why wouldn’t I?” He shrugged and you relaxed onto the bed hearing that.
“I see” You muttered, feeling a ping of disappointment.
“I need to inform the General, it's been a pleasure Y/N” Rex gave a salute and then left the white sterile room that was your world. You sunk into the bed, your mind a whirlwind.
No memories, and you’re left with a nagging feeling you can’t name. And you grew heavily attached to a random man, who’s shown you nothing but extreme patience. You don’t even know what you look like, or who you are.
Staring at your hands you examined them trying to find a clue on who you were. But to no avail, you are left with only a growing number of questions all without answers. And who was this General? You immediately had the image of an uncaring older man come to mind, and you frowned. You were not excited about meeting the General. You sat in the deafening silence with a pout, feeling the cold trying to creep into your hands and feet.
This loneliness felt all too familiar. You hated it. Every footstep that passed your door made your ears perk up and caused a sadness to settle in your chest. You touched your face, mapping out your features. You wondered what Rex thought when he looked at you, what he saw. Your head shot up at the sound of footsteps approaching with intent towards your door. Your face contorted into one of pure confusion when the face of Rex popped in, but his hair and demeanor was completely and utterly different. Including the outfit, it was like an entirely different person with the same face.
“Wha-” You started but couldn’t find the words and your mouth was simply agape.
“Ah kriff” The man uttered, rolling his eyes a little, “Rex left out the clone bit huh?”
I would like to request a Rex one shot. Anything you come up with is fine just lots of cute fluffiness with my boy
anything for you, my love.
Caught Me By Surprise - Rex
Summary: It no secret to anyone that you and the captain share something more, something deeper than friendship alone OR the three times you catch the captain off guard with your affection and the one time he does the same to you, in return.
Word Count: 1,984 words
The first time...
Rex held his head in his hands, sighing as he thought about all the reports the needed filing, the faint glow of the holopad off to the side of the desk he was resting on reminding him of the task at hand. One he was more than reluctant to start.
He must have been so caught up in his thoughts, because he didn't hear the tiny little knocks that sounded on the door to his office. Nor did he hear the sound of the door sliding open and the light patter of feet that followed after.
In fact, he was so caught up in the exhaustion of being constantly shipped off to some part of the galaxy to fight battle after battle in a war that took the lives of so many and then having to come back and do kriffing paperwork, that he didn't see you gently setting a mug of warm caff, doctored just to his liking, on the corner of the desk.
You looked at him patiently, waiting for his mind to come back from whatever place it was in, not a good one by the looks of it. You had figured as much, actually, that being the sole reason you were even here, a mug of caff in tow. You had felt it. You whispered his name softly, finally startling him back to the present.
Rex blushed as he noticed you were in the room with him, wondering subconsciously how long you'd been standing there. He cleared his throat and sat up straighter, a little smile blooming on his face at just the sight of you.
"Sorry, what can I do for you General?" He questioned, easily slipping into the formality that he's so used to speaking to you with. You tsked lightly at this.
"No need for such formalities at this time, silly. We are technically off duty after all" you chided with a soft smile, one that Rex couldn't help but reciprocate.
"But, I felt like something was off, so I thought I'd bring you some caff, just how you like it, and make sure, y'know...that everything was okay" you shyly admitted to the captain. That's when Rex noticed the mug and practically moaned in relief.
"I don't deserve you. Thank you, really. I'm just tired, but I still have a few reports to finish before I can finally see my bed" he exclaimed dramatically, pulling a light giggle from you.
"I see. Well, I'll leave you to it then, Captain." you said, though you made no move to leave. Instead, you made your way around the desk, to Rex's side.
"Good luck with the reports." you said softly. As he peered deeply into your eyes, you leaned down and placed a delicate kiss on his cheek, smiling gently and then making your way out of the office.
Rex was stunned for a good moment, not even reacting until you were almost out the door. He quickly turned in that direction, reaching out with words that failed him at the last minute. You turned around one last time as the doors to his office slid open,
"By the way, you deserve nothing short of the world Rex. And don't ever think otherwise." You said firmly, but quietly. You meant it with every fiber in your being, little did he know just how much. He searched your face for any signs that you were joking, just saying this to get a rise out of him, but when he found nothing but kindness and, was that- love? - he found himself unable to breath once more.
Before he could even attempt a reply, you had gone. Rex quietly grabbed the mug of Caff and took a sip. Perfect, as if it would be anything less from you.
The second time...
The long debriefing had finally ended, much to Rex's relief, and most of the 501st have now either retired to their bunks or doing other various things. Only a few people remained in the room where the meeting was held, those few people including Anakin, Ahsoka, Obi Wan, Cody, and of course Rex himself.
"We head out again in a few weeks, Captain." Anakin says, addressing Rex as everyone else were busy doing their own thing. The thought made the captains bones feel that much heavier. Little did he know that the cause of the swish of the opening door would be the cure he needs for this problem.
Before Rex could reply to the comment, a new presence made themselves known in the room. First, he felt a warm hand on his back, then an arm resting against him to go with it, then a soft voice on his right side.
Rex was surprised, his reaction wasn't what he would have expected. Instead of getting rigid and tense, all soldier like, at the foreign feeling, he found himself melting into the touch.
"General Skywalker" you greeted "telling Rex about our upcoming mission?" you asked deviously as you began gently running your hand up Rex's back, resting on his neck, gently massaging his neck and the tops of the shoulders you can reach with all his armour on.
Rex's shoulders and neck began untensing, this new sensation of calm the only thing he could focus on. What was this feeling? His skin tingled where it met yours. You had completely numbed every sense except for your touch, the conversation being pushed to the background of his focus.
"I was trying to, but it doesn't look like he's very interested anymore" Anakin teases, this catches Rex's attention.
"I, uh- yeah right the mission, uh- I" Rex fumbles as your hand slides back down his back, your arm wrapping around him from the side and giving him a light squeeze. Rex sighs at this contact.
"It's alright captain, we can talk about it another day" you jest lightly, finally letting go of Rex, though he would prefer if you hadn't.
"I'll talk to you guys later, General, Captain." you bowed lightly, loving to see the smiles on their faces. Rex finally came down from the cloud that your contact had put him on, a blush evident on his cheeks.
"What was that all about?" Ahsoka questions, suddenly at Anakin's side. Rex jumps at this, prompting laughter from Anakin and his padawan.
"I'd like to know myself Ahsoka. It seems like our captain here might have a little crush on a certain General" Anakin teases more. Rex just shakes his head and lowly replies with an "I don't know", excusing himself from the room, much to everyone else's amusement.
The third time...
Rex felt like his head was about to explode. The lights, however dim, stung his eyes as he tried to find a comfortable position in this kriffing bunk, on this kriffing cruiser. He didn't know what brought it on, and he certainly didn't know how to make it better, but Rex had, quite possibly, the worst migraine he'd ever experienced in his life.
He had just gotten as close to comfortable as he had found in the last hour when the sound of his door hissing open and then shut just as quickly. He groaned quietly, hoping it wasn't one of his vod.
"Rex, love?" he heard a gentle voice call from his bedside.
Carefully, he lifted the side of the pillow covering his face, wincing at the light before focusing on the lines of concern etching your face. You reached out gently, placing a gentle hand on the cheek exposed to you.
"Fives said you weren't feeling good. What's going on? Talk to me." You pleaded gently, moving your hand away from his face, only to take up his hand instead, lacing your fingers together.
"M' head hurts" Rex said with as much strength as he could muster. I the room hadn't been as silent as it was, you don't think you would have heard the reply at all.
"Will you let me take care of you?" You asked in the same, delicate tone that you always used with him. Take care of him, he could get used to those words coming from you. He mustered up enough strength to nod, and you set to work instantly.
The first thing you did was make sure he had plenty of water and pain meds. Once that was all taken care of, you moved to make sure he was comfy, taking off the remaining pieces of armour Rex had not had the energy to finish removing from earlier in the day. Once the bed was made up and he was tucked neatly to one side, you turned the light off and carefully crawled into the bed next to him, reaching out for his face once more, thumbing over his closed eyes gently.
"The lights are off now, you can open your eyes if you want. Is this ok?" ever the cautious one with him, never wanting to make him uncomfortable.
"more than ok"he mumbled in conformation. That was enough to give you the confidence to complete the last step of your migraine remedy.
"Come here" You whispered, tugging his towards you. He complies willingly, settling to rest his head against your chest, your arms cradling him as your finger begin gently working at his temples.
"Get some rest, darling" you whisper, a warming sensation against his forehead following your words. The gentle kiss was enough to send him on his way to a peaceful sleep, wrapped in your arms. His new favorite place to be, he decided, before finally drifting off.
The one time he does the same to, in return...
This mission had been grueling, never ending. Many brothers had been lost, right in front of Rex's eyes, and to make matters worse, he had gotten separated from you in the midst of it all.
When the smoke cleared and everyone was gathering back at the transport ships to be taken back to the cruisers and you weren't there yet, Rex went into full panic mode.
He couldn't stop himself pacing back and forth in front of the ship, refusing to even step foot inside of it until you were back and safely in his arms, this much he made clear to anyone who dared to tell him otherwise. Anakin was one of those poor souls, much to Ahsoka's amusement.
Rex was sure he was about to faint when finally, he saw the glow of your green lightsaber. Without thinking in the slightest, Rex was rushing forward to greet you, arms open wide and tears of relief running down his face.
"Cyar'ika, I'm so glad you're ok" He sighs out, not even minding the term he used.
"I was so worried" He went on, holding you to him tightly, as if when he let go, you'd disappear again.
Before you could even reply, he was shuffling backwards slightly, and then crashing his lips into yours. You were stunned. Rex had never been this bold with you, kriff, you always initiated any sort of physical contact, not that you minded, but you were blown away.
He pulled back before you could reciprocate the kiss and looked into your eyes.
"I love you, so much." was all he could get out, too overwhelmed with this new emotion. One he's never truly experienced until you.
Instead of replying with words, you leaned up and kissed him, trying to emulate all that you couldn't say, all the love you had for the man in front of you.
You were interrupted by a smug cough coming from none other than Ani himself.
"Hate to break you two lovebirds up, but we really gotta get going" Anakin says, gesturing to the loaded Transport ship that was just missing the Captain and yourself.
You laughed, pulling a blushing Rex into the ship. He loved you. And you loved him. It couldn't get much better than that.
Request: no
Pairing: Captain Rex x jedi!reader
Summary: Five times you and Rex have given each other your necklace, and the one time you wear it for the last time
Warnings: major character death!!, angst, mentions of serious injuries, burning, blood, bruises
Word count: 3.2K
A/N: I always wonder why do I do this to myself .. anyway, my brain made me write this and put it out there. I deeply apologise for this feel free to send me ur therapy bills
TAG LIST (all star wars fics): @parker-natasha @romanoffstarkovs @just-deka
One.
It’s quiet in the Temple. You have to admit it’s rarely crowded in the halls. The Temple is quite a large building, and not nearly enough Jedi to fill it. And even if there were, at least half would be off fighting the war.
You’re grateful for the time you get to spend at the Temple. The long hallways always calm you down. No matter how long you had been away, it always felt good to come home to the Temple where you’d grown up.
It’s the place where you learned the ways of the force, where you’d spent hours reading everything you could find on the Jedi and their ways. You’d meditated in the gardens countless of times, and you’d found your family.
But most importantly, you met Rex.
He knew just as well as everyone else attachment was against the Jedi code. Still, you were pulled to one another by some sort of feeling you couldn’t explain. It made you want to spend every moment you got with him.
As your relationship blossomed, you knew you had to talk about the restrictions. You didn’t like it, but there were just some rules you had to follow, for both yours and Rex’ sake.
It didn’t stop you from occasionally sending a flirtatious wink his way, if only to watch his cheeks flush as he tried to remain focused on his tasks.
You were desperate for some kind of affection outside the safe walls of your quarters. When you were on a planet near the Outer Rim, and you waited as they refuelled your ship, you took the opportunity to check out the local market.
You found a beautiful, handcrafted silver necklace, and you just couldn’t leave it behind. When you got back to Coruscant, you showed the necklace to Rex, and you noticed how much he loved it.
When you wanted to give the necklace to him, he declined, saying it looked too good on you, that he couldn’t take it from you. So, you made a promise. The one wearing the necklace would give it to the one who wasn’t wearing it whenever they saw them, with the promise they’d be there to wear it again next time you’d meet.
Your walk around the Temple takes you through the silent halls. You don’t really notice where you’re going, your mind wandering off to other places. You turn a corner and see a door opening in the distance.
A few Jedi, Anakin, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, Mace and Yoda exit the room, followed by Rex and Cody. You smile at them and they all greet you as they go their separate ways.
Rex is deep in conversation with Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Cody, but briefly stops when you pass him. He takes the necklace off and gives it to you with a smile. You return the smile as you put it on, and Rex continues his conversation with the others while you continue your walk, the necklace bouncing against your chest with every step you take.
Two.
You’ve done it a thousand times before, but landing near a battle is still something that could get your anxiety up. That creeping fear that a well aimed blaster shot could take out your engines and send you to the ground a lot faster than you intended, would never ease.
You hold on tight as the ship starts its landing.
The 501st and the 212th were already on the scene, fighting for their lives. Everyone had thought that they would manage, but that was before the Separatists sent in reinforcements. Because you and your men were closest, you received an urgent comm from Anakin and didn’t hesitate before gathering all of your men and heading towards their position.
Once you’ve landed and everyone has left the ship, you start giving out orders. Even though you’re not near the heat of the battle, you have to yell to be heard over the shouts and blaster shots from others.
You send your men to the frontlines while you take your second in command to look for the other generals and commanders.
As you’re running through the chaos, you’re contacting Anakin. Luckily, he responds almost immediately.
‘We saw your ship!’ he says loudly. ‘We’re on the right side, near the trees!’
‘Copy!’ you shout in your comm and you wave your second din command over, making for the tree line in the distance. You glance at the troopers as you’re running, trying to find Rex. He might be next to Anakin and Ahsoka, waiting for you to arrive. But you know Rex, and it’s also very possible he’s in the front lines.
It takes shorter than you expected to cross the battlefield. When you make it to the trees, you quickly spot your fellow Jedi, and Rex and Cody along with them. Ahsoka is the first to notice you, and she waves at you as you’re running toward them.
You come to a halt in front of them, panting.
‘Thanks for coming so quickly.’ says Obi-Wan.
‘Yeah.’ you manage to say in between breaths. ‘What’s our status?’ you ask as you take off your necklace and blindly hand it to Rex, who is standing next to you.
‘We’re suffering a lot of casualties.’ says Ahsoka, not taking notice in you giving Rex the necklace.
‘You and your men are much needed.’ says Rex, and you turn to look at him. ‘We’re severely outnumbered.’ he says as he puts on the necklace.
‘We have a plan, though.’ says Anakin, and he starts explaining it.
Three.
It takes you a while to figure out what caused you to suddenly wake. You didn’t have any plans or meetings you had to attend to today, and you had planned on a relaxed morning of just staying in bed.
Your legs are tangled with Rex’, and one of his arms is swung across your stomach. Mornings like these are rare, and you wish you could stay like this forever.
No war, no pain or suffering, no Separatist this or Jedi business that. Just you and Rex, holding each other.
Occasionally, you hear soft snores coming from his side of the bed. You raise your hand to softly run it over his back. It’s only then, that you realise it isn’t his snores that woke you.
You comm is beeping furiously on the bedside table.
For one of the first times, you’re seriously considering just ignoring it. You didn’t have any plans today, you even declined Ahsoka’s offer of a training session, stating you needed your rest now that you didn’t have any formalities to attend. And with rest you meant staying in bed with Rex.
But what if it’s important? Says an annoying little voice in the back of your head.
You groan softly, reaching out to try and get a hold of your comm. You can’t reach it, but you also don’t dare to shift, scared of waking Rex. So instead, you use the Force and let your comm device land in the palm of your hand.
‘Yea?’ you say. It’s Anakin who answers.
‘Hey, Y/N, do you think you’ve got time to go over some maps with me? I’m assigned to traveling with Senator Amidala, she needs to go settle another trade incident. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but these maps sure do.’ he says.
‘Can’t Padmé go over those maps with you if she’s the going to the planet in the first place?’ you ask, not wanting to leave your comfortable and warm bed.
‘She’s on Naboo. I’m supposed to pick her up on the way there.’ answers Anakin.
‘Okay, fine. I’ll come see you at your quarters in a few minutes.’ you say.
‘Thanks!’ says Anakin.
You sigh and throw the comm device on the bed. You look to your side and see Rex is still asleep. It makes you chuckle. You could probably drop a bomb on the building, and the sound just wouldn’t wake him up.
You slowly untangle your legs from his and lift his arm so you can get up. You silently get dressed before hovering over his body.
Kisses are pressed to his cheeks, nose and forehead. Rex only shifts a bit, but doesn’t wake up. You take the necklace off and carefully place it around his neck. With one last kiss, you leave your quarters and head for Anakin’s.
Four.
You exhale sharply when you land on your back.
‘And that-’ says Ahsoka’s voice above you. ‘Is how you take someone out when you don’t have your lightsaber on you.’
A small round of applause comes from the younglings you’re teaching. Originally, they were Ahsoka’s class but she asked you to join her in some examples, and you agreed. Though she hadn’t told you just how many times she was going to throw you on the ground.
‘Impressive.’ you say as you take a hold of Ahsoka’s extended hand and allow her to pull you to your feet.
‘All right kids.’ you say to the small group of younglings in front of you. ‘You’ve seen how it works now. Pair up with someone else and go try it out yourselves.’
They all excitedly pair up and get to work. You smile as you watch them struggle, thinking back to your own training sessions as a youngling.
‘I’m pretty sure we weren’t that small when we were younglings.’ you say to Ahsoka.
‘You were.’ she says, making you raise your eyebrows at her.
‘I’m taller than you.’ you protest, making her laugh out loud.
You watch the younglings for a while, correcting them every now and then. They’re very good for kids their age, and you can tell they’re fast learnings. You’re wondering if one of them might become your padawan, and about all the things you could teach them.
Just as Ahsoka tells everyone to take a break while she explains the next useful movement, the door to the training hall opens.
The clones didn’t train much in the Temple’s halls, but they did on the occasion theirs was too crowded. Or if they had been near the Temple and didn’t feel like traveling far.
A couple of the 501st have entered the room, and you scan their faces for Rex. He’s the last one to enter and you smile at him as he makes his way toward you. When he’s almost reached you, he takes off the necklace.
Just as he hands it to you, one of the younglings gasps loudly.
‘You’re Captain Rex of the 501st!’ he says.
Rex looks at him and nods. ‘That’s right kid. Keep up your training and I might see you out on the front some day.’ he says and the younglings look up at him in awe.
You chuckle at their reaction and shoot Rex a wink. He smiles at you, waves at Ahsoka, and then returns to his brothers to start their training session.
Five.
You don’t get a lot of free time nowadays. So when you do, you use it well. You’re currently in the gardens, meditating.
When you were younger, you didn’t like meditating very much. You would much rather be working on your lightsaber skills, than sitting in one spot of hours.
But as you got older, you realised the importance of connecting with the Force, and you started to appreciate alone time more.
Luckily, the gardens weren’t very crowded when you arrived. You took place in your favourite spot, closed your eyes and slowed your breathing.
After a while, you noticed other people’s presences in the force fading away one by one. Until you could feel no one else’s presence, and it was just you.
You’re unaware how much time has passed, when you sense a familiar presence coming closer.
You smile, but keep your legs crossed and your eyes closed. You hear footsteps coming closer, until they come to a stop right next to you.
There must be no one else watching, because you feel how Rex presses a kiss to your cheek. You then feel something cold be placed carefully around your neck. You smile again and after another kiss to your cheek, Rex leaves again, and you continue your meditation.
Six.
This war had taken too much from too many people. Everyone was tired of it, and everyone just wanted it to end. You were tired, too. You’d seen too many of your friends die, and too many innocent people you couldn’t save.
You weren’t a soldier. You’re a peacekeeper. But you can’t remember the last time you actually referred to yourself as one, let alone feel like it.
Still, the war raged on, like a hot fire turning everything in its path into ashes, leaving nothing but grief and sorrow behind. The war was unforgiving, merciless, swallowing everyone and everything in its path.
You couldn't stand by and watch anymore. Especially when all the fighting got too close for your taste.
You'd been sent to a planet you visited a lot when you were a child. It was a peaceful, neutral planet. Until the Separatists came to claim it. The planet's original inhabitants didn't have the proper training or recourses to fight, so the Republic sent you and your men there.
When you got to the planet it was nothing but chaos. The Separatists had wanted to take control of the planet for its strategic location. It seems they would do anything to get their hands on it.
Including wiping out an entire race of people.
You couldn't let that happen. You had been right there to see so many people get injured or killed because of the Separatists. You wouldn't stand by and watch yet another peaceful planet be taken.
The Separatists were using a new kind of droid, one that could follow orders all at once because of one single command center. You'd sent your men to keep fighting on the front lines, and to protect the people.
You would disarm the command center, so their commands couldn't get to the droids on the battlefield.
But you weren't an expert on shutting down such a massive command center on your own. While thinking back to all the happy memories you made in the past when you visited this planet, the only option you could think of was to blow up the entire command center.
You didn't have any explosives on you, so you decided to fling both of your lightsabers into the power generator. At the time, you didn't even know if it would work. Turns out it did. Maybe it worked a little too well.
The blast was enormous. You successfully blew up the entire command center, and your men could pick the droids off like target practice.
But when your second in command didn't hear back from you, he sent a few men to go and look for you.
They found you near the center of the blast, severely injured and barely alive.
They rush you back to the ship and on the way back to Coruscant, while the medical droids aboard the ship do the best they can. But they're losing you, and it's unwise to move you at this point, so they keep you aboard the ship.
Having heard of your state, both Anakin and Ahsoka rushed to the ship you're on in the hangar.
They watch anxiously as the medial droids fuss over you. Ahsoka can see your body is as good as lost, but she can still sense your presence in the Force. It's all she can hold on to.
Meanwhile, Anakin is trying to get a hold of Rex. He'd been suspecting something was going on between you and his captain. He figured if anyone needed to be there, it's Rex.
'Yes?' says Rex when he finally answers his comm.
'Rex, you need to get here.' says Anakin, voice slightly breaking as he talks. He was so terrified to lose you.
'Everything alright, sir?' says Rex.
'It's Y/N.' says Anakin.
Rex is quiet for a while.
'Rex?' says Anakin.
'Where is she?' asks Rex, and they can all hear how he tries to keep his voice steady.
'On the ship in the hangar. They just arrived but they can't move her.' says Anakin.
'I'm on my way.' says Rex.
Anakin knew for a fact Rex was nowhere near the hangar, but he arrives there in mere minutes. He must have ran all the way here.
Ahsoka stops Rex before he can enter the room you're in. Rex is breathing heavily, pressing a hand to his side which is aching from the sprinting.
'Rex.' says Ahsoka softly. 'She's not-'
But Rex doesn't let her finish, he pushes her aside and enters the room.
He nearly breaks at the sight of you. Rex blindly reaches for something to steady him as he stumbles on his feet, and Anakin catches his arm.
Rex' eyes fill with tears as he looks at you.
This is not how he remembers you. This is not how you looked when you cheerfully waved him goodbye as your ship took off.
The robes you always wear are covered in dust and ashes. There's burn marks all over them. On some places, the fabric of the robes was completely gone, showing the burn wounds on your skin.
The side of your head is crusty with a mixture of dried blood and dirt. One side of your body is littered in bruises, from where you must have hit a wall.
'There was a blast.' mumbles Anakin. 'She blew up the generator and disarmed all of the droids. She saved an entire planet from the Separatists.'
Rex presses a hand to his mouth and mumbles something in Mando'a which Anakin doesn't understand.
He slowly approaches the bed, one hand reaching out to hold yours. His other hand is clutched around the necklace he wears.
This wasn't happening. You still had to win the war, get your own apartment for the two of you, tell war stories to new friends. This couldn't be the end of your story. This couldn't be his last memory of you.
Rex lets go of your hand to stroke your cheek.
Anakin and Ahsoka leave the room, giving Rex a moment of privacy.
'Wake up, mesh'la.' says Rex softly, voice breaking at almost every word he says. 'Wake up so I can give you the necklace. You promised you'd always be there to take it from me when we'd see each other.'
And you do wear the necklace one more time. Rex slid it around your neck, and buried it along with your body.
And every battle he fights in the future, he does in the name of his beloved General Y/L/N. There was no reason to keep it a secret any more. He'd dedicate every single fight to you. He owed you that much. He kept your memory alive.
Every night, his heart aches because of the absence of your shared necklace. The absence of your love, and your promise to always be there.
A/N:
If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rules
Here’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist.
Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading!
Much love,
Marit
Hi!!!! How are you? Hope everyone is good! This time I make a Rex one-shot, 'cause I have this idea a while ago and I need writing it and I LOVE REX so I said "why not?", so here it is. Hope you like it. ALSO I'm working on another tbb x reader story but I'm on a block now and I haven't been able to move forward 💖
Summary: Rex is left behind on a mission, he is hoping someone will go for him but after all, he is just a clone. After losing your friend Echo you refuse to lose the love of your life.
Warning: Mention of blood, curse.
Words Count: 1714
"Capitan, what is your situation?!".... No respond
"Capitan Rex?!!!" You start to feel dizzy, you were assigned to the five-oh-first as a second general for this mission, Anakin decided to divide his men into two groups, to be able to fight on two different fronts. you had promised him that you will take care of his men, and for you, that means that everyone comes back home safely.
But the situation was too difficult, and you were forced to go back, they were outnumbering you and you were not going to risk the lives of the troopers in a battle that they would obviously lose.
Almost all your men were back in the ships, but there's one unit left "Rex? Jesse? Anyone, where are you guy?" You said one more time through the comlink... No respond.
Then you saw them, white and blue armor running to you, you jumped off the ship and help them to the board, counting so nobody stays behind, one, two, three, four, five... There's is three left
"No! Put me down! He can't leave him there, we have to come back!" You hear someone screams. You turn and saw Jesse carrying or almost dragging fives, you run to them "Jesse, Fives!" A knot in your stomach, where is him?
When fives hear your voice he stops fighting and Jesse puts him down, you notice the blood gushing from the wound on his leg "General? General, please! We-we can't leave him, he's out there, we..."
"Easy fives, easy, calm down" you put his arm around your shoulders to help him get to the ship, Jesse holding him up from the opposite side. Two more men, just one left.
"General... We...come back, he...hurt" Fives stammered, the loss of blood getting to him.
"Jesse, what happens?" "They ambushed us, they came out of nowhere...we-we tried to stop them, General, as much as possible, Fives was shot in the leg, they almost shot him in the head, if... If it wasn't for..."
You were almost in the ship when you hear the weak voice of Fives "Rex... Ca-captain Rex" your heart clenched, you forgot how to breathe and the knot in your stomach became so big that you felt like throwing up "He.. pushes me... got shot in the back...he..." you help Fives boarding, then he passed out his brothers screaming for Kix, you turn to Jesse, you don't wanna ask, but you have to.
"Jesse, where is he?" You couldn't see his face through the helmet, but he was definitely avoiding your eyes, you put your hand in his forearm "Jesse! Is he...?" He looks at you "I don't know, I...I couldn't carry the two of them... I..." he put his hands to his helmet, clenching in an act of grief, your heart goes faster "He yelled at me to leave! tha-that I had to take my brothers home! I have to leave him! I have to!" Your heart stop, Jesse keep talking but you weren't listening anymore, It can't be happening, you have to go for him, you can't lose him, not like you lose Echo, you wouldn't let that happen again, not with Rex.
"Jesse" he looks at you "Where? Where did you leave him?"
-----------
Rex wakes up with a distant scream, he reaches for the blaster and points at the entrance of the cave, his shoulder hurt, and a burning sensation grows through his spine.
He managed to confuse the enemy, calling their attention so they wouldn't find the general and his brothers, in the process another shot hit his shoulders and he has strained an ankle when he fell but could miss the enemy and find a little cave to hide in. His head hurts and his eyes feel heavy, but he can't sleep right now, he needs to be alert if someone comes back looking for him, a sad smile on his face 'if someone comes back, he was just a trooper, a clone, just one man among thousands, no one is going back for him, his brothers love him, he knows that it, but they couldn't just disobey orders.
Orders... his thoughts went back to the last orders he could hear from his comlink 'Captain bring your men back to the ship, now!' If he only had listened to you, he hadn't been ambushed, Fives wouldn't have been injured and maybe they were all on the ship by now, flying back to the Venator, joking, and after dinner, he had been able to sneak up to your room, and have spent the rest of the time together reading something, watching a holo-movie or just talking until you both fell asleep hugging each other. Maker, what wouldn't he give to see you right now? for hugging you, for kissing you one last time, if he had known that that morning would be the last time he would kiss you he would have done more than just pink your lips.
At the bottom of his heart he still hoped that you would go for him, he knew that you would do it without thinking, but that meant leaving the rest of his men exposed. One of the things that had made him fall in love with you was that you didn't see the clones as tools or simple weapons, for you each and every one of the GAR members were human beings who deserved the same respect as any Jedi or Senator, you treated his brothers as if they were your own, you took care of them on and out the battlefield.
You always planned your strategies to obtain the least possible trooper losses, and he knew that you would not be foolish enough to risk the lives of more of his brothers for him, even so, the thought that you were abandoning him broke his heart.
Then he hears something, lifts the blaster one more time, hands trembling, the footsteps get closer, he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, remembering you, the color of your eyes, the sweet sound of your voice, the touch of your hands, the promise he made to you, his heart crying for you one last time 'I'm sorry, my love I don't think I could make it back home' then he opens his eyes, ready to kill or die.
"Rex?" He freezes, was that your voice? was he delirious already? He holds his breath, blaster still pointing "Rex, are you there? It's me, (Y/N)" "(Y/N)?" "Rex!" You rushed to the cave when you saw him he was still holding his blaster, but the moment he recognized you it fell next to him, he tried to get up to go towards you, his legs didn't respond and you managed to catch him before he fell.
"Makers, You are alive! Damm it, Rex!" You hugged him tight, a small hiss of pain left his lips, you separated quickly "Shit, sorry! Are you ok? I saw a lot of blood out here I almost thought you were..." "I'm fine, just two wounds and a twisted ankle, the boys..." "They are fine, they all make it back, they must be on the Venator by now"
His gaze lock on you, he couldn't believe you were there, in front of him, your hair a little messy and your face and robes dirty, he cups your cheek with one hand, eyes full of adoration "What are you doing here?" You chuckle in disbelief "I came for you, idiot, You think I would leave without you?"
His heart skips a beat, and at that moment he realized you were there, really there with him, you left all behind for him, you were on a hostile planet, with just a lightsaber and almost zero possibilities of finding him, but there you are, all just for him, he stops thinking and just leaning to kiss you, not a quick kiss like the one you share before a mission when no one is looking, but a passionate one, a kiss full of love and despair, he kisses you like you're going to disappear in the next moment, you respond the kiss with the same passion, passing your arms around his neck, one of his hands in your back, the other one move from your cheek to the back of your head.
You break the kiss to take a breath and press your forehead against his. You cup his cheek and felt tears welling up from his eyes "Rex what happens? Why are you crying?" he put his hand over yours squeezing it "I didn't think you would come back for me, I didn't think I would ever see you again" the tone of his voice made your heart clench "Of course I came back for you, Rex" "But I'm just a-" you cut him "Don't, I know what you are going to say and you know that is not true, so look at me and hear me very carefully" you stare at each other.
"You are not just a clone or just a trooper, You are the most wonderful man I have ever know, right now you are the most important thing in my life, Rex, I don't know if I could have carried on with my life if I had lost you today, I already lost my best friend and I am not going to lost the love of my life too" Rex's eyes widened in amazement, you usually said nice things to him when you were alone, but you had never called him the love of your life, this new title moves every cell in his body and he didn't realize what he said next "I love you" this time your eyes widened, Rex was never open and direct with his feelings, you couldn't help but smile and reply with "I love you too" and kiss him again, a more delicate kiss, but full of affection
"Let's go, Rex, we have to tell Anakin to pick us up and you need medical assistance right now" you put his arm around your shoulders to help him walk, "Let's go home", he doesn't say anything else but when he looks at you one more the only thing that could think was 'I'm at home, wherever you are that's my home'.
Writing can be so much fun if you're really invested. You can spend hours and nights marveling at the words that seem to pour out your fingers and onto the page and all your characters are interesting individuals... and just as easily you wake up the next day and know that some of the worst garbage ever written by any human in history may have been your doing and wonder why you even bother
this is , finally, the request @angelwars11 made me for my 500 celebration (took too long to write it, i know)
she asked for a Cody-Rex hurt/comfort - sick fic, but i have to be honest here, i never wrote or read a sick fic so i tried my way. I think i made the hurt/comfort trope justice a bit.
a major thank u to @deakysgurl for being so kind to be my beta in this, even if she’s not into Star Wars.
warnings: after Umbara arc, hint of sickness.
(didn’t remember if Cody is actually older than Rex so i made it my own way)
___________
If I was dying on my knees
You would be the one to rescue me
And if you were drowned at sea
I'd give you my lungs so you could breathe
“No!”
Krell, Hardcase, all those men, Waxer... Not again, I'm not losing you all again, not again... Umbara again...not again, no!
Rex woke up screaming, drenched in sweat, his eyes wide open with fear... all images of Umbara's failure still in his head.
It was a nightmare, all those memories in his head again, memories of many brothers being killed, memories of his men who trusted him with their lives dying for an idiotic reason.
Just a nightmare, just a nightmare... he whispered trying to calm down, his heart still beating fast and his breathing irregular.
I need to calm down - easier said than done, he repeated quietly to himself.
It was far too early to get out of bed. But he was already awake and terrified that he would sleep again, afraid that the same nightmare might haunt him again or worse, that he would never wake up again.
After that disastrous campaign, after that fatal mistake, everyone suffered from nightmares. He was the one who suffered the most, not that he had told anything to anyone, not even to Cody, although he was probably the only one who would better understand right now. Something inside him broke forever, he wasn't the same. And maybe he never would have been.
He started to feel sick a few days later, but he didn't care. He blamed the lack of sleep and intense working hours, after all the war never rested, so why should he do that?
He didn't even care when he started to have a slight fever, it was all due to stress, he thought anew. Even though initially, Kix advised him that he should have stopped and started taking care of himself, he didn't listen.
“I am the Captain, I have duties“ He replied, almost annoyed, only to be reprimanded by the latter.
“You can't fulfill your duties if you die, captain” That was the harsh answer the medic gave him.
Unfortunately, he could not hold him against his will, so he had to let him go.
As expected, he started to feel worse the night before. Dizziness, excessive sweating, even vomiting a couple of times. In the morning he looked like someone who had been swallowed up by a feral hungry beast and spat out immediately afterwards. But still, he decided to carry on. He would have slept afterwards.
I have duties... He kept repeating himself.
Just outside his quarters, Cody was waiting for him. It wasn't unusual, he used to do it when they had a meeting together, but this time it was clearly different.
“Kix told me…” It was the first thing Cody said to him, and from the look on his face, he certainly wanted to know more...
“I'm fine, Cody. Trust me” He answered him quickly and started walking to the strategy room.
Cody looked at him for a moment, he looked like he was burning and had little drops of sweat on the sides of his head. No, he wasn't fine.
“You don't look good, Rex. Why didn't you come and talk to me?” Cody asked frankly while keeping up with his brother's pace.
“It's just stress. There's nothing to worry about. It would pass, as usual.” Rex tried to tone it down, forcing a smile.
“It's not like that. Kix told me you started having a fever days ago. Again, promise me you'll get some rest after this? Okay?” Cody pressed on.
“I am not a child, I know what I can do and what not” Rex replied visibly altered, stopping in his tracks and facing him.
He might be sick, but he didn't need his older brother to babysit him.
“Kriffin' hell, I'm worried about you…” Cody reacted.
He was damn worried about his brother, Rex was a little younger than him so he felt he had to be a good example, the burden of being the big brother was on him, he was his ori'vod afterall. But he also knew he couldn't force him to do anything, he'd always been damn stubborn.
“We'll talk about it later…” Rex concluded, entering the main room first, Cody followed him.
Only they didn't because Rex passed out in the middle of the discussion about the next battle strategy. He was delirious and trembling when Cody knelt before him, terrified to see his helpless brother.
Rex was frightened of who knows what and feverish as he tried to push away anyone who came near him, eyes closed and shallow breathing.
Obi-Wan and Anakin, also caught by surprise at first, did everything they could to help and took action immediately.
“Call Kix now!” Anakin barked at a nearby trooper as he knelt beside Cody, while Obi-Wan hurried out to get help too.
“What happened?” Anakin asked promptly to the Marshal Commander.
“I don't know much, Sir. All I know is it's been days, even Kix warned him to slow down, after Umbara... well, he hasn't slept much since” Cody said. True to his words, he didn't know much but he knew his brother was sick and he was absolutely sure of that, even though that di'kut didn't want to talk to him.
“Since then? Why didn't he come to me... or to you, to talk? Why do you have to be so stubborn? Huh, Rex?” Anakin answered, his last words almost whispered.
“I think, as far as I know, he didn't want to let you down, Sir, after the last mission he was sure it was partly his fault, so he thought he had to make it up to you, somehow.” Cody said while looking at his brother still unconscious on the floor.
Rex was shaking a little and while both Cody and Anakin were trying to take off the top of his armor to give him more room to breathe, they tried to reassure him even though maybe he couldn't hear them.
“I knew it” Kix groaned as he entered the room followed by Obi-Wan “I knew I had to tie him down to the bed two days ago” He added as he made his way over to the other two.
“Sir, Cody.” Kix said once he approached them “Nice thought taking his armor off, but now I need you two to help me take him to the medbay and probably tie him up for real this time” He continued, instructing them on what to do next.
Cody and Anakin went into action immediately, lifting Rex's body and promptly following Kix.
Once there, he was finally put on a cot and left in the capable hands of his medic.
“If I may, sir, I'd like to stay here until Rex wakes up.” Cody asked Anakin promptly, even though he wasn't his direct superior.
“Of course, you can, I'll inform Obi-Wan don't worry, but as soon as he wakes up, please let me know.” Anakin asked, visibly concerned.
In the following days, Cody didn't leave that room even to eat, and when Kix ordered him to rest, he refused.
….
“Get some rest, Cody. I assure you he'll be all right when you come back." Kix said one afternoon, entering the medbay for his usual checkups and finding the Commander half asleep on an uncomfortable chair.
“With all due respect, you're not my doctor and I'll only get some sleep when Rex wakes up” Cody replied with too much annoyance in his voice.
“All right, whatever. But if you change your mind, I've got some empty beds you could use... I mean…” Kix casually said as he continued his rounds with his other patients.
Cody was tired, yes, but he felt like he owed it to him, to Rex.
He wanted to be the first one to insult him as soon as he woke up. He'd never seen him this sick before, and it haunted him.
Rex woke up five days later, still light-headed with painkillers and a burning sense of unease. He tried to move but he felt tired and numb, he was aching everywhere and could barely see. He had restraints, that he could feel. Someone had tied him up.
“What in the karkin’ hell happened.” he thought at first.
Then he saw Cody, asleep in a chair next to him. He tried to call him, but his voice was struggling to get out, so he waited and tried to calm himself down. He didn't want to sleep, he was just confused.
About thirty minutes went by, but Cody finally woke up. The first thing he did was to check on his little brother, finding him awake but barely conscious.
“Rex... Rex, how are you feeling? Can you hear me?” He tried to ask. He was bloody worried.
“I'm fine..“ It was the only thing Rex answered. His voice still hoarse but a little smile appeared on his face.
“Oh thank the Maker..” Cody relaxed but then added “And anyway, what the hell were you thinking, you could have died.” He said with a slight pinch of voice.
“Codes...I don't think, I mean, i didn’t..” Rex tried to talk again... but damn it, he was getting tired already.
“Right, you didn't think... you reckless, inconsiderate son of a…” Cody raised his voice but then he stopped.
He didn't want to cry, after all, he was the big brother, but he was scared.
After all, since the incident and the mission that had cost both of them significant lives, the nightmares tortured him too, but he had to stay strong for everyone, it was his duty as Mashal Commander.
“Rex, I don't want to lose you...not after everything that happened…” He quietly added.
Rex looked up at him and for the first time, he saw his ori'vod scared, really scared. Cody had never been scared.
“I'm sorry, I shouldn’t have..” He tried to talk again but he couldn't finish the sentence. He could feel the tears coming out and tried hard to keep from crying.
“Yeah, you shouldn’t have…” Cody said to him. “..I'll always be there for you, you know that, right?” He added as he moved closer to the bed where Rex was and hugged him as close as he could.
"Yes... I know," Admitted Rex, trapped in his brother's embrace. "Just... can you take these ridiculous things off me first?" He added.
Cody stepped back and they both looked at the restraints that Rex had on both wrists.
“Yeah, I'm sorry... actually it was your medic's idea” Cody answered, offering him an embarrassed smile.
“Kix..” Rex groaned “I knew it”
“Look, they were necessary, he wanted to make sure you didn't run off on him again” Cody informed him.
“Of course..” Rex sighed and said nothing more.
“I'll go get him, okay? So besides taking these off, we' ll see how you are. And then I'm off to inform Skywalker” Cody said again, taking the situation in hand, instinct kicking in.
"The General? Why?" Rex asked surprised.
Sure, Skywalker cared a lot about his men, but he didn't expect him to care. He had other things to think about at the moment.
"He made me promise to let him know when he woke up. Let me tell you, he was seriously worried." Cody told him.
For Cody, it was a fairly normal behaviour, but he understood Rex's shock, for the whole society they were nobody and few of them were treated like living beings. So when someone cared about them, at first they were always suspicious.
“Ah, don't worry about that now, I'll go get Kix, alright?” Cody added on the way out.
“Codes..“ Rex called him again when the other one was just outside the door.
“Yeah?” He replied worriedly.
“Thank you.” Rex said in a low voice...
“It is my duty, vod'ika “ He smiled at him and then rushed to call Kix.
Seeing Cody smile even for a bit was a sight that Rex wanted to remember forever, just like when they were cadets and everything was easy, just like before the war.
______
as usual, if you like it, reblogs are love so as comments, advices & more.
Request: “Kix, Jesse and Rex saying goodbye to eachother as they go their separate ways on Mandalore” -@0277dnd
So it turns out that Kix goes missing in search of more information about the chips… the wookieepedia page is an interesting read on the matter, so I changed the request a little, but Kix is in still there!
Thank for requesting and I’m so sorry for the delay on this!
WORD COUNT: 712
XXX
Rex wondered if all of this would be worth it, in the end.
He stood on the command deck of the cruiser, Jesse silent beside him. After all their years together, they now faced what seemed to be the final days of the war.
It was a slim chance, he knew, that the fighting could finally end. Or maybe, even if the odds were at last in their favor, Rex was too jaded to hope for any positive outcome.
Even if they won, this war was all the clones knew.
What was next then, for the brothers that survived endless months of massacre and battle?
Rex couldn’t decide. Not for the first time, he thought that those who had already perished may be more fortunate ones than those left behind.
And who was left, really? His brothers were spread across the galaxy, most of his friends dead.
Fives had died in his arms. Echo had been put through hell. Waxer died knowing his final act had been against his own men, on the orders of a Jedi they were supposed to trust. Hevy, who had sacrificed himself as a shiny still.
Kix, who was gone without explanation.
For all Rex knew, he was probably dead too.
The last time they had seen each other, Rex thought, disregarding the egregious use of last- because how many last times had he experienced with his brothers- Kix had been quiet, more serious than usual. As the war raged on, this too, seemed to be commonplace.
He had spoken of Fives, of what he had discovered.
He had insisted on removing the chip in Rex’s head, and had told him to wear his helmet until the hair grew back, just in case.
Kix had said this was his mission, and he was gone soon after.
Now they faced the end of the war. Now they faced a Sith lord and a planet under tyrannical control.
If anything was to comfort Rex, it was Jesse beside him and Ahsoka in control of the operation.
General Skywalker had appointed his former padawan in good faith, and the 501st welcomed her back with open arms. Although her presence significantly improved their odds on Mandalore, Rex hoped that her return would lighten the General’s spirits in these dark days.
For all of these reasons- and for the shadow that had fallen over the galaxy, Rex knew that this battle would be a defining point in the war. Jesse’s accompaniment proved this too- he’d stuck by Rex’s side more than usual, both of them quietly seeking each other out as they approached Mandalore.
The ship gave a lurch, then the bright stream of stars stopped as they dropped out of hyperspace, depositing their forces on the war-stricken planet. After placing his helmet carefully on his head, Rex turned to look at Jesse.
Jesse, still free of his bucket, reflected the concern that Rex was already masking in his shining golden-brown eyes.
“Be safe, Captain.”
It meant nothing, because they were about to head into one of the most dangerous battles of the war, and of their lives. There was no safety, and in fact, it was their duty to be unsafe.
But that meant something in itself. This was goodbye- whether they lived or died, only the Force could know, and it certainly wasn’t up to them. That Jesse acknowledged this, that he chose to tell Rex to “be safe” of all things, indicated the barest hint of worry and farewell.
Rex clapped a hand to Jesse’s shoulder.
“You too, solider. Good luck out there.”
***
It was too simple, Rex thinks. All of it.
What he should have told Jesse- anything instead of the faintest gesture of his concern. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for sticking by me and doing the right thing even when I couldn’t. Please don’t die; I won’t be able to take it if you die. Why didn’t I tell you to remove your chip- why were you there with me when the Chancellor ordered-
There are too many possibilities, too many mistakes made too long ago. The Seige of Mandalore was so many years ago. It’s just Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor now.
What Rex wouldn’t give for more time, or a better goodbye.
