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💜🌸~Rex Fluff~🌸💜
Rex is the type of guy who tries to make you laugh any chance he get.
Rex will protect you with his last breath.
Rex just wants to eat pizza with you while you both watch Homebuilding TV shows.
Rex and you will fight over bragging rights.
Rex will make fireworks for you on your first date.
Rex enjoys building dollhouses for his and yours daughter.
Rex can be a dick but a small dick with you.
Without You (Chapter VI)
pairing: Captain Rex x OC / OC x Original clone character
words: 3,1k
Summary: texting Rex and meeting Rio
Warnings: None. Some fluff
Ava stared at Rex’ message for a while. For so long it was all she ever wanted to hear from him - but now, and especially after that night at the banquet, she started wondering if she should in fact let go. She didn’t want to. She loved Rex with all of her heart. But if he felt the way he told her, if he felt bad about the fact that he couldn't offer her a future and the fact that they were away from each other for so long bothered him, perhaps it was time to let go. Perhaps their love for each other wasn't enough - perhaps, in the end, love does not always conquer everything?
Reading Rex’ message for the hundredth time, she accidentally scrolled down to some of his older messages and then started re-reading those. The entire history of a relationship, documented on her holo-device. She gave Rex her code after that night at the VIP room, where they ended up kissing all night, drinking cocktails and talking. Rex was a perfect gentleman, never pushed her for anything more that first night. He just really seemed to enjoy her company and he was genuinely interested to get to know her. It was first when they couldn’t hear the muffled sound of the music anymore, that they came to realise how late, or early it really was, and that 79s was closing - otherwise they could have just stayed there for hours on end. She arrived home feeling tired but happy - she couldn’t get that smile off of her face. She went to bed and tried to sleep, but every time she’d close her eyes she’d see Rex. Her lips were sore from kissing him all night, but it wasn’t that that kept her awake, it was this strange feeling, feeling almost foreign to her. The feeling that something is right. That he is the right one.
When she finally managed to fall asleep, she slept till early afternoon. Getting up, and heading to the kitchen to make herself some caf, she saw that her holodevice was blinking.
When she picked it up, a message blinked and it was from Rex:
Slept well?
She smiled. It was sent hours ago, so she wondered if he had any sleep at all. She went and made herself caf, and then sat in her comfy chair with her holodevice. She still couldn’t stop smiling, just thinking about the previous night and knowing that she was still on his mind the morning after:
Slept very well. But you’re up early, Captain!
She was still smiling, when she put the holodevice down, taking a sip of caf, and thinking about Rex. The way he kissed, the way his arms felt around her, his smell… when the device blinked again.
I’m always up early. Soldier’s life!
Poor little baby. Did he sleep at all? Why did he stay up that late with her if he knew he’d have to be up early?
Sorry to hear. Had I known I wouldn’t have kept you up so late!
Cyare, if it were up to me we would still be in that room. Who needs sleep anyway?
Indeed! She closed her eyes and let herself go back to the room, imagining how lovely it would have been to be there right now and with him.
I do! I’m tired today…
Sorry to hear. Anything I can do?
Hm, let me think..
Anything… ;)
I think you’ve done enough for now Captain :)
Well, if you change your mind, I’m here - anything you need - food, drink, massage… ;)
That sounds nice, I might take you up on that offer
Please do! Will I see you tonight at 79s?
I don’t know, I wasn’t planning on going there tonight..
I’ll be there…….
Oh!
In our room…..
Hm...
Waiting for you, cyare…
Butterflies. Actual butterflies in her stomach!
Well, when you put it like that…
She smiled the entire time during the message exchange, so much that her facial muscles started to ache. She wasn’t planning on going out that night, she was tired as it was and she had some work she needed to catch up on. But the idea of meeting Rex again in that room, to kiss him again and feel his arms on her was just too good to pass on. She couldn’t wait to see him again, she barely knew him but she felt like she needed to be with him every moment it was possible. Just as she was thinking about that another message came through:
I already miss you, and it’s only been a few hours
It felt like he read her mind, but more than anything it felt good because he felt the same thing - whatever this strange, dreamy state was that completely swept her off her feet, he was clearly going through the same.
How strange is that?
She took the holodevice in her hands, thinking how there are far too many hours between now and tonight:
I know. I miss you too.
------
A month and a half went by since the banquet and Ava was slowly getting back on her feet. Cody left Coruscant soon after, but not before he stopped by once again to check up on her. They had a nice dinner at her place and talked about some of the people he introduced her to. She knew Cody well before this and she knew how close Cody and Rex were, but she felt that she really got closer to Cody in those days. And she appreciated that - she appreciated how attentive and caring he was. She asked him why he was doing it, and why was he checking up on her, but Cody smiled, and just replied that that’s what friends do.
But deep down she knew that he was doing it for Rex. Rex was his brother, and Cody knew how much she meant to Rex - and Rex to her. And Cody knew that Rex would want for her to have someone to take care of her and help her as much as possible in this situation. But Cody never said that, and she appreciated it. They didn’t talk much about Rex that night, and she never told Cody about the message she received from him.
She started seeing her friends again and went out with D a few times. Not to 79s, though, none of her friends dared to suggest that, and she appreciated it.
One morning on her way to work she stopped by her favourite caf place to get her take-out, when she saw a few guardsmen standing in front. That was nothing unusual, the Corrie guard patrolled through the whole city, and she often bumped into them - also in her favourite place. Whereas their faces would sometimes tend to upset her before and remind her too much of Rex, thus bringing too many painful memories, she now barely noticed them anymore. As she placed an order she stepped outside to get some air while she was waiting. The air was slightly cool, and the sun was shily rising, creating lovely colours on the horizon. As she stood and got lost in her thoughts admiring the view, one of the Corrie guards took a few steps towards her. She could feel him coming closer, and looking in her direction, but she didn’t react and kept staring in a different direction. The guard however kept glancing towards her, turning his head away, only to look at her again the next moment, almost as he couldn’t help himself. In the end, Ava couldn’t really ignore him anymore and she turned her head and gave him a slightly irritated look. He was wearing his helmet, and he looked like one of the hundreds of other guards patrolling the streets. She wondered if she had done something wrong and whether that was the reason the guard was staring at her, but she couldn’t really think what it could be. She turned around to check if he was looking at something or someone behind her, but there was nothing and no one. She looked in his direction again and caught his gaze once again. He must have seen the now very confused and slightly irritated look on her face, and he took further steps towards her and took his helmet off. Ava silently gasped. She would recognize those warm, kind eyes and that innocent smile anywhere as he came closer to her:
“Ava, right?” - he asked.
“Yes. Maker, Rio, is that you?” - she asked even though she was quite sure it was the young trooper from the banquet.
“Yes.” - he smiled. “I’m surprised you remember!” - Rio said, looking genuinely touched that she would recognize his face and remember his name.
“Of course I do, you’re the only guardsman I know” - she answered teasingly. “How have you been?”
“Fine, I’m fine... busy. Everything is still new, and I’m learning so much. Getting to know these streets and people, getting to know other guardsmen, my commander...” - he answered. Honest and sweet, just as he was the last time she spoke to him.
As he was speaking Ava glanced behind him, and saw the other three guardsmen looking in their direction and whispering something between them.
“I think your fellow guardsmen are wondering who you’re talking to.” - she said teasingly.
Rio turned and caught them looking at them, as they quickly turned around and pretended that they were looking and doing something else.
He smiled.
“Well, none of us really know anyone here, so I understand why they’re wondering”
“Well, that’s not entirely true, you know me, Rio.” - Ava smiled.
Rio had that slightly embarrassed look on his face once again, something Ava couldn’t really figure out. She wondered if she was being too pushy, but couldn’t really understand what she was doing to make him blush so often. She was only trying to be friendly and helpful, but she’d hate it if any of her words or actions were too much for Rio, for any reason.
“Yes, I guess that’s true, I do know you. Seems like a long time ago, that night.” - Rio answered, shily catching her gaze.
“It was.” Ava thought how that night really did seem a very long time ago. Like a different lifetime, given her state of mind then.
“How’s commander Cody?” - Rio suddenly asked. She wondered what made him think of Cody all of a sudden, and whether Cody was one of the reasons he was hesitant to talk to her.
“I think he’s well, I hope he is. He shipped out soon after the banquet.”- she replied.
Rio seemed confused for a moment,
“You haven’t spoken to him since?”
Ava shrugged.
“I don’t speak to him that often, only when he’s here, which isn’t that often, actually.”
“Oh” - Rio replied, but she could see that his brain was working overtime trying to connect the dots.
“He’s just a friend of mine” - Ava added, hoping that would make things more clear.
“How are you friends with commanders?” - he smiled, his face finally relaxing.
“That’s a very long story, Rio.” - Ava smiled and felt the urge to change the topic quickly. “Have you had your day off yet?”
“I have it tomorrow actually.” - Rio’s whole face was now relaxed and smiling.
“Any big plans for the big day?” - Ava teased him.
“No plans. I’ll just hang out with them.” - he pointed towards the guardsmen, who were still looking in their direction. “Try to take a walk, get to know the city. It’s funny, even though we are out all the time, I still feel like I don’t really know the city, you know.”
“I see!” - Ava nodded. “Well, when you’re done with all the walking, and if you feel like eating afterwards, maybe I could show you a really great place with the best local cuisine?” - Ava felt like her heart all of a sudden started to beat faster. She wasn’t sure why.
“Oh, really?” - Rio smiled.
“Yes, of course” - Ava smiled back. “Even guardsmen have to eat, right?”
“They do. And some of them have never had a meal outside of their barracks, so you can imagine how excited they are at the idea of eating somewhere else.” - Rio winked. “Which means, you could also take me to the worst possible place on Coruscant, and I’m not sure I’d know the difference.”
“Oh I promise you, you’ll love this.” - Ava found him even more endearing. “The place is not too far away from here actually, so we could just meet here. Would 7 be okay?
“That would be great, thanks so much Ava.” - Rio said and put his helmet back on. She saw that the other guardsmen were now getting ready to move as well.
"No problem, Rio, I look forward to it.” - she smiled and waved.
“Me too!” - Rio said, firmly.
---
Rio’s eyes got bigger as they entered the restaurant. It was a nice place, not too nice, but Ava could see how impressed he was. It was only understandable - this was the first restaurant he’s ever been to. It didn’t take much to impress him.
Ava found his innocence endearing and touching at the same time. As they enjoyed their meal he told her a little about himself, but there wasn't that much to tell that didn't include his brothers, training, and Kamino. That was a deja vu feeling. Even though Rex was older and more experienced when she first met him, a lot of Rex’ stories revolved exactly around these topics. She found it very painful to see how the lives of these men seemed only meaningful when the bodies were needed on missions, when guns needed to be fired, and targets to be attacked. But outside of those activities, no one seemed to have bothered to think if these men had any other needs. Any other feelings.
The evening was wonderful, and Rio was an interesting conversationalist - even though he didn't have much life experience. He talked about his brothers, how some were messier than others, how he got along better with some than others, and how his brother Nin, who was his closest friend teased him about Ava the whole day when he told him that he was meeting her in the evening.
“What did he tease you about?” - Ava said, smirking.
“Just, you know… you’re a girl. None of us have much experience when it comes to talking to girls…” - Rio was slightly blushing again, but this time he kept his gaze on her. She thought she could see something new in his eyes, something she hadn’t noticed before. She wasn’t sure what it was, but it was different.
“You don’t seem to be doing bad, experience or not…” - she teased him.
“Oh, I don’t know about that” - he said taking another sip of the wine.
“How do you like the wine?” - she asked him. Rio had already had dinner for two and seemed like he could eat more. She was always fascinated by clones’ appetites and how much they could eat.
“It’s very good. But I’m not sure I would even know if had it been bad” - he chuckled, and she laughed out loud.
She felt good in his company. He was humble and honest and he wasn’t trying to be anything else. She could have stayed with him in that restaurant for much longer, but once the other guests started leaving, and waiters started cleaning their table she knew that was their cue to leave. For a moment she had a flashback to that first night with Rex, and how they didn’t want to leave the VIP room either, and how time went so fast... But she tried very hard to shake that memory away.
She paid the bill, again something that Rio was embarrassed about, but she knew that he didn’t get paid and she didn’t want to hear any objections. Rio said he had some savings and he wanted to pay, but she insisted. She wondered where could a trooper, fresh out of Kamino even get his hands on any money, but she decided not to ask.
Rio walked her home, even though she told him there was no need for that.
“What kind of a guardsman would I be, to let a young lady walk the streets alone in the middle of the night” - ha said, with a serious undertone.
She couldn't really argue that, and in all honesty, she enjoyed his company so much, that she didn’t mind spending more time with him. They walked in silence, and that felt nice. Just him by her side.
“Rio, can I ask you something?” - she said all of a sudden.
“Of course”
“I gave you my code, but I never heard from you. Had I not run into you yesterday, would you ever have contacted me?”
Rio was silent for a while. She could sense that he was thinking and trying to find an answer o that question himself.
“Probably not.” - he finally said.
She felt her heart sink, and she was surprised by that reaction. She didn’t say anything. They kept walking in silence for a while, and then Rio glanced towards her:
“I thought you were with commander Cody, and I would never….” - he stopped, but she understood what he was trying to say. She smiled, and nodded, not saying anything.
As they approached her building, she stopped and faced him. None of them said anything for a while, but she still couldn’t shake that feeling off that Rio looked at her differently ever since dinner. There was something in his eyes and the way how his gaze would linger on other parts of her face, moving from her eyes to her lips, along her jawline. She wondered whether he was aware that he was doing it. She didn’t mind.
“This is me!” - she said, pointing to the tall building in front of them.
He looked up.
“This is a nice neighbourhood” - he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been here.”
“It is, I like it here.” - she said. “I feel safe, although some of my neighbours would tell you that we should never completely relax and that some apartments and stores around here were broken into and robbed.”
“They would be right, you should always be careful” - he replied. “And not walk alone in the middle of a night”
She smiled. They locked eyes for a moment and she was now completely sure that she felt drawn to him. She didn’t see Rex in him; the way his cheeks blushed, the way he would hide his eyes whenever he got embarrassed, and that way he was exploring her face and every now and then gazing at her lips, all of that was something very unique, and something very Rio .
She took one step closer to him, although she didn’t know why. He did the same. She put her hand on his cheek and she could feel how he eased his head into it. She wondered if that was the first time someone caressed him like that. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, that look was there again:
“Ava” - he said quietly.
“Yes?” - she replied, still holding her hand on his cheek.
“I really want to kiss you now, but I don’t know if… if that… “ - he began to stammer in search of the right words, but she knew, she knew what he wanted and what he was about to say. He’s never done that before, and he was nervous. He didn’t know if it was appropriate. He didn’t want to overstep. But he was brave enough to say that he wanted it, and that fired something deep in Ava’s core. Something she hasn’t felt since… Since Rex.
Without saying anything, she put her other hand on his other cheek, and held his head gently for a moment, losing herself in his deep gaze. Then she came closer and gently brushed her lips against his. She could feel his whole body stiffen while his lips didn’t move. She held his head and slightly moved her lips away from his, waiting for a second to see his reaction. His eyes were closed. She touched his forehead with hers when he suddenly opened his eyes, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. They stayed like that for a moment, his body now pressed completely into hers. She could feel him breathing, his hands pulling her even closer as his nose touched hers. She moved her hands onto his shoulders and placed them on the cold surface of his armour.
Rio moved his head away from hers for a moment, just enough to catch her eyes once again, and they both knew. He hesitated for a split second, but then leaned slowly forward and pressed his lips against hers, pulling her close to himself, as she threw her arms around his neck. His lips were soft, and his kiss slow, gentle, and restrained. But she could feel him wanting more, as his hands were digging into her; she could feel something was waking up inside of him, as his breathing intensified and as his tongue gently touched hers - and she wanted it. She wanted him. More of him. All of him. There was not any doubt in her mind. As she kissed him, she moved and took one step away from him. Rio looked at her, releasing his grip around her waist, his eyes wide and clearly terrified, wondering if he had done something wrong:
“Rio” - she was quick to say and reassure him. “Would you like to come up?”
Without You (Chapter IV)
Chapter III / Chapter II / Chapter I
pairing: Captain Rex x original fem character
words: 2,9k
Summary: Flashback to the first kiss with Rex and back home with Cody
Warning: Some angst, not much
The VIP room at 79s was completely different from what she had imagined. It was very simple - and it wasn’t just one room. It was one level up from the entrance and the dance floor, and it stretched throughout the whole floor. The hallway was long and simple, with a long glass wall overlooking the bar and dance floor on one side. As she glanced to the right, she noticed a few other doors along the entrance, and she wondered where they led.
Rex seemed to know his way around it. He was still holding her hand as they walked through the long hallway. There was no one else there, and she wondered why it was so deserted.
“Where is everyone?” - she decided to ask him.
He stopped and turned around to face her. There was a soft expression on his face and his gaze was fixed upon her. Slowly, Rex pulled her by the hand towards the large glass on the side. The view was amazing - a big crowd of familiar faces in different armour and uniforms, dancing, moving, talking and drinking. He moved and stood behind her, so close that she could feel his breath right next to her ear.
“There!” - he whispered in her ear as he pointed to the crowd beneath them.
Not moving her head and still looking at the crowd she smiled.
“I meant in the VIP room. Why is it so empty here?”
“Who did you expect to find here?” - he kept whispering in her ear.
She didn't dare to turn around and face him for some strange reason. It felt comfortable to feel him standing so close to her back, to feel his mouth and his breath right next to her ear.
“I...I don’t know. Other VIPs, I guess.”
She could feel him smile.
“I have a secret to tell you” - he said, still smiling. She kept her eyes fixed on the crowd beneath them, but she could feel that his presence and the surroundings were slowly getting to her. It was intoxicating and sexy. He was sexy. His presence, his voice, the firmness of his armour touching her back.
“VIPs are not really that interesting. In fact, some of them are quite boring.”
She smiled. The muffled sound of the music coming through the glass and the sight of the troopers dancing, in contrast to the solitude and silence of the room they were in, suggested that he might be right.
“Then why are we here, captain?” - she asked, and finally got the courage to turn and face him. His eyes were kind and piercing.
“I never said I was boring, Ava.” - he smiled enigmatically. “Come on, I did promise you won’t be disappointed.” - he said and took her hand again. She smiled, and followed him. They passed a few doors until he stopped and entered a code and a door opened. She gasped.
The colours in the room were most extraordinary. There were several lamps placed around the room, and each lamp emitted a different light colour. Every now and then each lamp would rotate slightly and the lights and the colours would crash into each other creating a vibrant and alive atmosphere in the room and an amazing colour palette on the walls. There were several big and cosy cushions placed around the room and a small bar in the corner.
Rex smiled when he saw her reaction. Ava was speechless, still looking around as she entered the room. Rex followed her and closed the door behind him.
“Maker, this is beautiful!” - Ava said, almost breathless, as she walked around the room.
“I was hoping you’d like it. I think this is the most beautiful room here. I come here often.” - Rex said.
“There’s something about this light…” she said, still looking around, admiring the discrete colours and the way they moved around the room.
“They are specially designed, the way they move... something about the composition of the colours, it’s supposed to put your mind at ease… to relax you…” - Rex said, as he went behind the bar and started preparing a drink.
“I can’t believe this room is here, right here, at 79s! How is this even possible?”
“There are several rooms like this, but I like this one best.” - Rex said, mixing a cocktail. Ava looked at him. A very discreet green light shone on him as he was mixing a cocktail and the sight almost took her breath away. He looked amazing in it. His olive skin was a shade darker, and his armour became light green with dark blue details. He was focused on the drinks he was preparing and every now and then he would raise his eyes to see what she was doing and smile. Ava smiled back, in fact ever since they entered the room she felt like she couldn’t stop smiling.
Rex moved closer to her, bringing two drinks with him. He handed her one, and she took it. He raised his glass:
“To the clumsy trooper!” - he said.
She laughed.
“To the clumsy trooper” - she raised her glass as well and clinked his.
The drink was delicious, a bit sour and fruity, but unlike anything she had tasted before.
“This is delicious.” - she said, exploring the drink. Just as she raised her eyes and was about to ask him what it was, he came closer to her and gently took her drink and placed it back on the bar. His piercing eyes were glued to hers, and she felt like she was hypnotized by his presence. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. She could feel his warm breath on her face, as he came really close to her, and put his hands on her waist. She closed her eyes and the next thing she felt was his breath on her neck. He inhaled deeply, taking her scent in like it was the most beautiful aroma he ever inhaled, and she felt like she was about to melt in his hands as he gently opened his mouth and started leaving a trail of light kisses along her neck and towards her jawline. She put her hands on his shoulders, partly because she wanted to touch him and hug him that whole evening, but also to support herself as she could feel her legs becoming weaker.
“So... “ - he said between the kisses along her jaw - “I hope you’re not disappointed in the VIP room.”
She opened her eyes and slightly moved her head away from him. He raised his head, and looked at her almost concerned that he said or done something wrong. Ava put both of her hands on his face and looked deeply into his eyes:
“This here surpasses all of my wildest expectations” - she said.
Rex smiled and just as she thought that she could never get tired of seeing that smile up close, his lips found hers. He pulled her closer and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, caressing her lower back, and she kept her hands on his face, feeling the freshly shaved skin under her fingers. His kiss was gentle at first, but they were both so thirsty for each other, her lips soon opening more for him, and his tongue gently wrestling with hers. She leaned into him and threw her arms around his neck, wishing she could forever stay in that moment. His lips were soft, his tongue gentle and his scent intoxicating. For a moment she felt like her feet left the ground and that there was no gravity pulling her down anymore, but as soon as he slowly moved his lips away from hers, she felt like she was involuntarily brought back to reality. While still keeping his hands tightly wrapped around her, Rex gently put his forehead against hers. She kept her eyes closed for a while, cherishing the magical moment he created. When she opened them, she saw those piercing honey eyes, gazing lovingly into hers.
----
She stepped out of the taxi, and Cody followed her after he paid for the ride. It was nice to talk to him and to spend some time with him, but she was suddenly in doubt whether she actually needed company that evening. Cody noticed that she was lost in her thoughts and came closer:
“Ava, everything alright?”
“Yeah, no, it’s just… It’s so nice of you to offer to spend some time with me tonight, I just… I’m just… you know, not sure…” - she was struggling to find words, and Cody just smiled and put his hand on her shoulder.
“Ava, if you want to be alone tonight, it’s okay, I’ll just take a taxi and go back to 79s. But it would be good for you to talk to someone. You said it yourself, you became a hermit, barely going out, barely seeing any of your friends… or people for that matter. That cannot help you get over…” - Cody stopped as soon as he saw the expression on her face. The idea that she needed to get over Rex was devastating. She wasn't there yet and she still didn’t even fully accept the fact that he was gone. It was too painful to even consider the fact that she needed to work on getting over him. Cody could see it, almost as if he could read her thoughts, but he knew that those thoughts could not help her in any way.
“Av’ika” - he said, keeping his hand on her shoulder, “why don’t we go upstairs? You’ll pour us a drink, we’ll talk a bit, I’ll probably bore you senseless so you’ll fall asleep easier, and I’ll be on my way back to the barracks as soon as I make sure you’re okay. It’ll do you good, I promise!” - Cody’s voice was soft and caring, and even though she still wasn’t sure company was what she needed that night she nodded.
As soon as they entered her flat, she realised how messy it was since she didn’t expect any company any time soon. She turned to Cody and as soon as she was about to apologize about it, he raised his hand and said:
“You don’t have to say anything, Av’ika, I live in the barracks among men, remember? This is the tidiest place I’ve seen in a while”
She found his reassurance charming, even though she knew it wasn’t true. Rex took her to the barracks a few times, and those soldiers were very tidy and clean. Their bunks looked spotless. But she smiled at Cody and didn’t say anything. She showed him to sit, and she went to the kitchen to pour them drinks.
“Wine alright?” - she asked from the kitchen.
“Perfect, yes, thank you” - Cody replied as he appeared at the kitchen’s door.
She poured two glasses and handed him one. Cody raised his glass:
“To the messy troopers” - he said jokingly.
As soon as he said that, a certain memory flashed in front of her eyes. She felt like someone put a dagger through her heart, and her first instinct was to kick Cody out, hide away in her room and cry for the rest of the night, replaying that memory in her head, but she fought against it. Cody was trying to cheer her up, and the fact that his face reminded her of Rex’ and that some of the things he said echoed the things Rex said, shouldn’t ruin that. So she smiled, and raised her glass:
“To the messy troopers” - she said, suppressing the painful memory of that first toast with Rex.
They entered the living room and sat on the couch. Cody sat opposite of her, observing her carefully. She knew she didn’t look her best. She lost some weight, and her hair was a mess. She didn’t bother with makeup anymore, and her skin wasn’t perfect. Her face broke out in tiny pimples whenever she was under stress, and she had been under extreme stress those days. She became self-conscious about all of those things all of a sudden, and she tried to fix her hair and move her face away from the light so that he wouldn’t see the state of it. But Cody read her mind once again, something he seemed to have become very good at all of a sudden.
“Av’ika, you look great. But even if you didn’t, you don’t have to hide from me. I’m your friend, Av’ika, you know that, right?”
She smiled. Cody seemed to have had all the right words that night.
“Right. I just… I just don’t know anymore. I feel like I’m losing myself, my confidence, my…” - she stopped, slightly surprised at her own sudden admission and honesty. But then she looked at him, allowing the light to find her face again, and she felt safe and calmer in his company. He really did want to be there for her. She knew how important Rex was to him, and how close they were. He wanted the best for him, and seeing her hurt for Rex so badly, moved him. He wanted to help as much as it was in his powers. Almost as he felt responsible somehow.
“I don’t know who I am anymore…” - she continued. “And that might not just be related to Rex. I feel like I fell for him so badly that I lost myself completely.. And now, now that I lost him… I don’t know what’s left of me anymore, or who I even am…”
Cody didn’t say anything, but his eyes never left hers. He was listening carefully, and came slightly closer to her as if he wanted to comfort her.
“And then I keep thinking” - she continued - “that he perhaps was right to break up with me. He could see it even before I could. He could see that he became my whole world. And that’s not fair to anyone - no one should be forced to carry that kind of burden.”
Cody nodded.
“Av’ika, I’m not going to pretend I have any answers to your thoughts and questions. You two know best what went on between you, and why it didn’t work out. All I know is that you have to keep moving forward, ad’ika, there’s no other way. And trust me, I know what I’m talking about. I’ve known loss in my life…” - Cody said, his eyes still firmly on her.
Of course he had, she realised. They all did, all the clones. They all lost brothers, friends, people they grew up with, every day. Brothers they shared their lives with, their everyday, perished in front of their eyes. Hundreds, thousands of clones died every day, and those left behind had to fight on. Move on. Those losses weren’t the same as the loss she was experiencing - they were worse. And Cody experienced it dozens of times.
“Oh, Cody…” - she said. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, here I am babbling about my problems when you…”
“No, no, ad’ika,” - Cody interrupted, “I’m not minimizing your problem, your life is your life, and mine is mine - and they are wildly different, which is why we have different problems. But my problems do not invalidate yours. I’m just telling you that we all go through it and that one thing we all have in common is that we have to keep fighting. So you’ll have to do that too, ad’ika. And you will! I know you will.”
Maybe it was the wine she kept sipping as he was talking, or maybe it was just his soothing presence, but for the first time in a long time, someone’s words made sense to her, and they got to her. For the first time, she felt that she was smiling honestly, instead of putting a smile on because that was expected of her. And Cody could see that.
“Tell you what, ad’ika, what are you doing tomorrow night?” - he asked and took a sip from his glass.
That question took her by surprise. She couldn’t even guess where he was going with it, but she wished she did so that she could think of an excuse. She wasn’t doing anything tomorrow night like she wasn’t doing anything any of the nights these days.
“Okay, so while you’re thinking of an excuse, hear me out. There’s a banquet tomorrow in the city hall, a graduation ceremony for the newest Corrie guards. There’s going to be a lot of food, wine, senators, captains and commanders. And I’ve been spending all of my time with them ever since I arrived in Coruscant a few days ago. So someone else's company would do me some good. And I’m thinking doing something other than going to work would do you some good.”
Her mind was still blank and she still couldn’t think of an excuse. Going out and spending time with people wasn’t her favourite thing these days, and meeting so many fancy people in one place when she wasn’t at her best didn’t sound appealing at all.
Still, everything else Cody said and did that night did make sense. For the first time in a while. He appeared and he seemed to have known exactly what she needed to hear. He oozed with confidence and experience, and it was hard not to trust him. Perhaps somehow he knew what she needed, and perhaps the last thing on her mind, a fancy banquet in the fanciest place in the city, was exactly what she needed to do.
“What do you say, ad’ika?” - Cody asked. “Wouldn’t it be nice to dress up, come out and play again?” - he said and smiled.
She sipped the last drop of wine and suddenly she knew exactly what dress she should wear tomorrow night.
Without you (Chapter III)
Chapter II / Chapter I
pairing: Captain Rex x original fem character
words: 2,6k
Summary: Rex talks to general Skywalker, and Ava talks to a mutual friend. A flashback to their second meeting.
No warnings, or perhaps one warning: Break up pain and talking about a break up.
Hyperspace had always been chilly. It had a very specific kind of coolness, one that no ship could counteract with any heaters, no matter how strong. Rex was sitting alone in the briefing room, waiting for general Skywalker to arrive. He was supposed to give him the latest update on their mission, but as much as Rex tried to focus on his job, on the task that was in front of him, his thoughts would often wander off to that last meeting with Ava. The way they left things off bothered him. The fact that he couldn’t contact her anymore, hear her voice, hear how she was doing and tell her about his day felt even worse. Rex didn’t think it would be possible to feel lonely on a ship packed with his brothers, but for the first time in his life, that feeling was showing its ugly little head. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to admit to himself that that was what he was feeling, and even less sure that he knew how to tackle it. Normally, if he was conflicted about something, if he was unsure about something he was feeling, he would tell Ava about it. She would always ask the right questions, she was always able to put his mind at ease, to tell him to be patient, not to seek all the answers at once, and not to expect to understand everything right away. She would always say the right words.
But now, Ava was the one person he couldn’t ask for help, and being without Ava was the reason he needed someone’s help in the first place. He felt he was spiralling towards a spectrum of feelings he didn’t know how to handle and no soldier would ever want to admit that. Especially not a captain.
As general Skywalker entered, Rex was sitting at the table, his left leg bouncing. He quickly stood up and saluted the general, who immediately noticed there was something different about his captain.
“General Skywalker” - Rex started - ”Sir, we’re ahead of the schedule. We’ve established contact with our troops on the ground, and the situation is under control. They are however very pleased that the reinforcements are coming.”
General Skywalker said nothing as he observed Rex. Rex shifted from one leg to another.
“The main population on the planet are lizard-like creatures, very intelligent though, and as far as I gathered, very capable with weapons. They can be a tremendous aid in the fight, but they lack training and they lack weapons. Our men on the ground….”
“Rex!”- the general interrupted.
Rex stopped, slightly startled.
“Yes, general?”
“Are you alright?” - general’s eyes were piercing through Rex.
“Sir?” - Rex answered, pretending to be confused, even though he knew it’d be difficult to deceive him.
“I can sense many conflicting emotions in you. Something I never felt before. Is it the mission?” - Skywalker insisted.
Rex took a deep breath. The mission was well planned, and everything was running according to the plan and on schedule. He couldn’t blame it on the mission. But he couldn’t tell him what was really going on either. A captain, a soldier with an unstable emotional life was never an asset in the war.
“No, general, the mission is under control…”
“Then what isn’t?
“Sir?”
“Rex, I can sense a disbalance in you. You know you can’t hide something like that from me.”
Rex felt his heartbeat accelerate and he knew that the general sensed it right away.
“Sir, I can assure you that whatever you are sensing will not jeopardise the mission..” - he said, his voice less firm than before.
“That is not my slightest concern!” - General Skywalker’s face was serious.
“Good, sir…” - Rex attempted a vague smile.
“But that still doesn’t answer my question, Rex!” -
Rex took one step back and found a chair to sit on. General Skywalker was his good friend and someone who shared his personal feeling with Rex numerous times. Why was it so difficult to tell him what was going on?
“Sir, I don’t know exactly how to explain this…” - Rex started, his eyes peeled to the floor.
“Is it Ava?” - Skywalker asked.
Rex raised his eyes and the look he gave his general was unmistakable.
“What happened?” - General Skywalker came closer to Rex.
Rex hesitated for a second.
“We… we finished it, sir. It’s over, it’s over between us.” - he said, his voice low.
General Skywalker came closer to Rex and put his hand on his shoulder.
“I don’t understand, everything was going so well. What happened?”
Rex couldn’t really look his general in the eyes for some reason, but he felt the need to open up to him.
“This, this life, general. I just felt it wasn’t fair to her. I hardly ever saw her anymore. The missions took me away from her more and more, and I just….”
“And how often do you think I see Padme?” - General Skywalker interrupted.
Rex was one of the very few people who knew about the general’s relationship with Senator Amidala. He listened to his general talk about her countless nights, and how much he missed her. He knew how rare those moments where both of them would be on the same planet lately were.
“Not that often, sir…” - Rex replied, his gaze back on the floor.
“Rex, we can’t control the war, we can’t control who we meet and who we fall in love with. But we can control how far we’ll go to keep those people in our lives.” - General’s voice was patient and calm, while he kept his hand on Rex’ shoulder.
“Sir, I would do anything for her, but it’s not fair, it’s not fair to her. I can’t expect her to just sit and wait for me, I can’t give her the life she deserves…”
“Rex, don’t you think that’s for her to decide?” - Skywalker interrupted.
“I was just trying to make it easier on her, sir. I was worried the decision might be too hard for her, so I tried to help her…”
“Rex, only a man who loves a woman very, very deeply would do something like that. But that still doesn’t mean that it’s the right decision.”
Rex didn’t say anything. He was sure he made the right decision. A captain needs to be able to make a difficult decision regardless of the consequences. But he knew it would be difficult, and the severity of his feelings surpassed his expectations.
“Sir, it is different with us clones. I can’t offer her any kind of future, in fact, I don’t have a future. My purpose is to serve you and the Republic in this war, and anything else that comes into my life is just a distraction… an illusion of a life that can never be.”
“Rex, you cannot rationalise everything. I know you’re thinking strategically since you were taught to do that, but, Rex, you can’t do that, when it comes to love and feelings. Not always anyway.”
Rex was quiet, for the first time not knowing what to say.
“Do you love her?” - Skywalker asked, and lightly squeezed Rex’ shoulder.
Rex hesitated for a moment, wondering whether it was appropriate to talk about that kind of feelings with his general, no matter how friendly they were. But the warmth of general Skywalkers eyes and the light touch on his shoulder completely disarmed him, as he raised his eyes, and took a deep breath:
“Very much, sir!” - Rex replied.
---
She froze. Someone saw her and called her name, but she wanted to be invisible, she didn’t want to face anyone, especially not someone who knew her. But she walked past 79s, even though she kept telling herself that she didn’t want to face it, and she came dangerously close to it. It was almost as if something else, some subconscious desire to be close to the familiar, to their place, to the place where everything started, overpowered her and took over her actions.
“Ava!” - the voice called again, and she turned to face it.
Commander Cody was waiving from across the street, his broad unmistakable smile greeting her. He waved and showed her to come closer, over to him and other troopers in front of the 79s, but she couldn’t exactly move. She stood frozen, not able to move, or wave back. Cody tried to wave once again, uncertain whether she saw him at all, but then he took a step or two towards her as if trying to figure out why she wasn’t responding. She wanted to do something, she wanted to wave back, and tell him she was in a hurry and turn and run, she wanted to do SOMETHING; but she couldn’t. At that point, Cody already noticed something in her body language and he was crossing the street towards her, his smile slowly fading. As he approached her, she felt her tears overpowering her, but she tried to take a few deep breaths in order to compose herself.
“Ava, what’s wrong?” - Cody’s face was now firm and serious as he came closer to her.
She couldn’t speak, as she knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her tears from overwhelming her. She kept avoiding Cody’s eyes and kept staring at the ground.
“Ava, is it Rex, is he alright? Did something happen? I talked to general Kenobi just now, I know 501s are on their way to Gaftikar, but they couldn’t have arrived yet….”
“No.” - her voice surprised her. She didn’t want Cody to worry about Rex, not in that way, so she found the strength to speak up and meet his gaze. “No, he’s fine, nothing happened to him”
“Then what is it?” - Cody insisted.
“Oh Cody” - she felt now she could speak again, but she didn’t want to burden commander Cody with her personal problems. He’s always been extremely nice to her.
She met him the second night she came to 79s, secretly hoping she’d meet Rex there again. And lo and behold, the captain was there again, leaning at the same spot on the bar, this time talking to another clone. She looked at him for a while, until he caught her gaze, smiled and called her to come closer. As she approached the two clones, Rex put his hand on her shoulder and send her another disarming smile.
“Well hello again!” - he said, clearly happy to see her.
“Hello, captain!” - she replied, feeling shy all of a sudden, and not really knowing why. She could feel that she was blushing, and felt slightly embarrassed because of that. Rex kept smiling at her, his eyes kind and soft.
“This is my good friend, commander Cody.” - he nodded towards the man standing across them. “ Commander, this is Ava!”
She smiled. The fact that he not only remembered her name, but that he had already shortened it and given her a nickname, gave her confidence to look into Rex’ eyes and smile back. She shook Cody’s hand.
“Nice to meet you, Ava. How do you know our captain here?” - he asked her and took a sip of his drink.
“He saved me from a very clumsy trooper a few nights ago” - she replied and could see Rex’ smile widen even more from the corner of her eye.
“Oh, Ava is exaggerating, she certainly didn’t need saving, she can handle herself. Even when it comes to clumsy clones” - Rex replied, teasing her.
“Well, Ava” - commander Cody smiled - “you must tell us if more clumsy troopers bother you in the future. I can assure you that we will look into it.”
Ava nodded and smiled. She was fully aware of Rex’ hand on her shoulder the whole time, as the captain didn’t show any signs of wanting to remove it.
“So, how come the two officers are down here with the troops again?” - she asked, looking at Rex this time. “ I heard there is a well-hidden VIP room here that must be missing you.”
“Honestly I don’t know what to tell you, Ava.” - Cody replied. “Rex here insisted we came down here tonight, and I think I’m now starting to understand why” - Cody winked to Ava, and she felt her cheeks blush again. She wasn’t normally a shy person, but there was something about Captain Rex that made her feel like a schoolgirl realising that she’s having her first ever crush.
“Well, now that we came down here and saw what’s going on, do you want to go back with us to the VIP room?” - Rex asked, moving his hand that was resting on Ava’s shoulder, just slightly, almost as he was gently caressing her.
“Oh! Would I even be allowed there?” - Ava replied.
Both Rex and Cody smiled and looked at each other, clearly thinking of an obvious insider joke, but none of them said anything about it.
“Of course you would”- Rex said. “You’re with us”
“Actually, Rex old boy, she’s with you.” - Cody said. “I’m going to stay here for a while, I have some unfinished business. It was nice meeting you, Ava!” - Cody said and winked at her. He turned and waved at Rex and disappeared into the crowd.
Rex finally removed his hand from Ava’s shoulder and smiled at her again.
“What do you say then, want to join me in the VIP room? I promise an unforgettable experience” - he smiled mischievously.
Well, when you put it like that… Ava replied. “I’m still half expecting to find golden champagne fountains and I wouldn’t want to miss on that opportunity!”
“Oh!” - Rex said, showing her the way. “Then you might be disappointed.”
She followed him through the crowd of troopers and young girls, dancing or just chatting. All of a sudden, Rex took her hand as if making sure she wouldn’t get lost or separated from him. But the way he did it, the way it felt, like a most natural and logical thing in the world, completely disarmed her. She squeezed his hand back and followed him.
“Or not” - he turned and smiled at her again.
All these memories were flashing in front of her eyes, as Cody was standing in front of her, asking for an answer. She knew she had to tell him, she knew he would find out sooner or later, and that this wasn’t and couldn’t remain a secret. But it was hard, uttering those words out loud. This process, saying it, saying the hurtful truth, just made it even more real, and the reality wasn’t something she was keen on.
“Cody” - she started, finding her voice. “Rex and me, we…” - she suddenly felt quiet again, struggling to say it. Cody knew immediately.
“You broke up?” - he said, moving closer to her and taking her hands in his.
Ava nodded, taking that deep breath again, the only remedy she had against tears overpowering her.
“I’m so sorry to hear that, ad’ika!” - Cody said, squeezing her hands in his even harder. “I didn’t know!”
“No, well, it just happened, a few days ago.” - she replied.
“I see” - Cody said. “Where are you going now? Home?”
She nodded.
“Do you want some company?” - Cody asked. “You look like you need it, ad’ika. We don’t have to talk about Rex if you don’t feel like it. I just hate the idea of you going home alone, in a state like this.”
Ever since it happened she enjoyed her solitude. She avoided even D, and kept interaction with people at work minimal. But somehow, the idea of being in Cody’s company, knowing what a warm, calm and pleasant man and a friend he was, seemed very appealing to her. She squeezed his hands back, found his eyes, and just nodded.
Cody nodded back, smiled and raised his arm to hail a taxi.
Without you (Chapter II)
Part I
pairing: Captain Rex x original fem character
words: 2,1k
A flashback to the first time she met Rex
The first days were hard. She usually woke up pretty late, made herself a big cup of caf and went back to bed. The coffee and the silence in bed seemed to calm her mind, at least for a while. Hours later, she’d get up and shower, and then go out to eat lunch on her way to work. She usually took the long way to work - it helped her to get lost in the crowd and all the faces around her.
Sometimes she would see a clone trooper - usually a member of the Corrie Guard - and it always felt like someone had plunged a knife into her heart. They usually had their helmets on, which helped, but one afternoon she was standing in her favourite cafe waiting for her food when a Corrie Guardsman walked in. She noticed him and tried not to look in his direction, but then he took his helmet off as he ordered his food, and his face - Rex's face, those eyes, those lips, the high cheekbones - suddenly in front of her took her breath away. It literally felt like someone had punched her in the stomach, she felt so overwhelmed that she had to leave immediately, leaving her food behind.
She hardly went out and met with her friends anymore. D, her best friend, did call every night, but she lied to her that she was fine and that work kept her too busy to do anything else. That was partially true. Aveline worked as a data entry clerk at a government facility - she usually worked evenings, and on those days she tended to stay late at work, long after almost everyone had left. There were always others around, servers that needed updating usually in the middle of the night, but she'd put on her headphones and keep working late into the night, not bothering to talk to anyone.
Memories of Rex were everywhere around her. She met him at 79s almost a year ago. It was maybe the second or third time she'd gone there. It was D's bachelorette party and someone suggested going to 79s and dancing all night with the hot clones. Aveline had barely met a clone in her life at that point. She knew the Corrie Guards, but she had never had the opportunity to interact with any of them. When they arrived at 79s that night, nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. A crowd of young, incredibly handsome men, all the same height, build, the same face, but in a wide variety of outfits, hairstyles, and face tattoos, all sitting, drinking, or dancing together. It was the most exciting place she'd ever seen - and the thought that they were all soldiers, risking their lives almost daily for the Republic and defending the freedom she enjoyed every day made the sight in front of her even more unique. It wasn't long before D and the other women were mingling and looking for a trooper to dance with, while she made her way to the bar, and ordered a large drink. As she got her drink, she noticed a man next to her, leaning at the bar, enjoying his drink. He was also a clone, but he wore a different uniform than the other troopers. He had an extra piece on his left shoulder (a pauldron , she later learned) and what she first thought was a skirt (a kama , definitely not a skirt - and she came to like it a lot, because of the way the heaviness of it made Rex sway his hips in a very particular way when he walked, which she loved and often teased him about).
He didn't seem to mind just being alone that night. She immediately guessed that he must've been a high-ranking officer. Rex always had that aura about him. He looked like he just wanted to have a drink and relax. When he noticed her looking at him, he smiled at her, which made her a little embarrassed at first, but then she smiled back and looked away. She realised that she wasn't aware that she was staring at him, and she kept trying to avert her gaze from him - though every now and then she'd look back at him, curious as to what he was doing. But Rex was still just standing there, barely moving, enjoying his drink, not doing much. There was something strange about this situation. She'd originally wanted to join D and their friends on the dance floor, but it felt good to stay next to the mysterious officer - comforting. So she decided to stay there a while longer.
Just as she was about to take another sip of her drink, a young trooper passing by accidentally pushed her and she spilled her drink all over her dress. She gasped as he surprised her, feeling the cold drink soak through her dress and all over her cleavage. Before she could even realise what had happened, the mysterious officer grabbed the young trooper by the arm:
"Trooper!" - He said, his voice authoritative.
The young trooper looked downright terrified.
"Sir!"
"You pushed the lady and made her spill her drink." - The officer said.
"Oh, no, that's alright, really... " she tried to calm the situation down, especially after she saw the startled look on the young trooper's face. She was sure now that the mysterious officer was indeed a captain, and she felt bad for the young guy.
"So, trooper, what do you have to say?" - The captain said, seemingly not paying attention to what she'd just said.
The trooper looked at her with an apologetic look. He was incredibly cute.
"I'm... I'm sorry ma'am! Can I buy you another drink?"
She smiled and shook her head.
"No, no, thank you, that's really not necessary. It's fine!" - She said and looked back at the officer again, who still seemed genuinely upset. "There was hardly anything left in my glass anyway." - She lied, feeling the wet stain on her dress getting bigger. But the drink was clear and the dress was black, so she figured they wouldn't notice.
The officer looked at her slightly surprised, and she smiled at him. He was genuinely upset about this, she thought, wondering why.
The trooper was still standing there, looking at the officer, not quite sure what to do. So she sent him another smile.
"Just go enjoy yourself, really, it's okay!" she said, smiling at him again.
The trooper looked at the captain, and the captain just nodded. As the trooper left, the captain turned back to his own drink.
"Thank you!" - she said.
The captain looked at her and nodded.
"Your dress must be pretty wet," he said, not looking at her.
"What?"
"You said there was barely anything left in your glass, but that wasn't true. Why did you say that?"
"I didn't want him to feel bad. It was an accident." - she said.
The man seemed intrigued.
"Do you think I was too hard on him?"
"Well ... yes!"
He smiled enigmatically and continued with his drink. He nodded to the bartender and said something to him. A moment later, the bartender reappeared and placed a new drink in front of her.
“Oh, thank you, but there’s no need really..” - she turned to him, but he interrupted her.
“Please, ma’am.” - he nudged towards the drink and sent her a vague smile. “He did spill your drink.”
She laughed.
"Please, don't call me ma'am... Mister!" - she teased, and he turned his head to look at her, slightly surprised at her sense of humour.
"Rex. And please don't call me 'mister' either".
Rex had a disarming smile. Every time he flashed her a smile, she felt like everything around her disappeared. Rex's smile, the way it widened and lit up his face, was always her refuge.
No matter what was going on in her life, as soon as Rex smiled at her, she knew she'd be okay. The painful memory of that first meeting and the first time she had that feeling hurt now. Now that Rex was gone. Now that she didn't know if she'd ever see him again.
"Nice to meet you, Rex! My name is Aveline. I don't think anyone has ever called me 'ma'am' before."
" I don't think anyone has ever called me 'mister' either." - Rex replied.
"But they call you 'sir'?
Rex looked at her again, as if wondering how she knew that.
"The trooper from before..." - She said, reading his mind.
"Oh, right... I'm... you can say I'm his superior."
"You can say?" - she teased.
"Okay, I'm his captain!" - he smiled.
"Captain Rex!" - she smiled back. There was a nice sound to that, but she wasn't sure why she repeated it, and he looked at her and seemed to wonder the same thing.
"This is only my second time here," she said, "but somehow I was under the impression that captains didn't come here."
"You're right about that. We try to stay away. This is a place where troopers come to relax and enjoy themselves... they can't really do that with their superiors hanging around."
"And where do the superiors go to relax?"
"Hm... Not to a place like this, I think. But there's a VIP room here that's just for high-ranking officers."
She found that interesting and tried to scan the place quickly in order to guess where that room might be.
"Oh, is this a very special room then? With gold chairs and champagne fountains?"
He smiled.
"Not really."
"So, what's it like? What's in it?"
"Well, there IS a lot of alcohol being served. And there are comfortable chairs. Sofas too. But no gold!"
"No music or dancing?" - She asked.
"No." - he shook his head. "You can hear the music, but no, there's no dancing. I don't think the senior officers need to dance to relax.
"It doesn't sound like much fun."
"Well, you'd be surprised."
"So what brought you down here tonight, to the mere mortals?"
Rex smiled again.
"You know we don't see it that way..."
"I know, I know, it was a joke..."
"Oh, it was funny!"
"People used to laugh when something was funny..." -
Rex laughed out loud. That was the first, but not the last time she made him laugh. She remembered how distant and lonely he looked when she first saw him leaning against the bar that evening, and just a few minutes later Rex's whole face seemed to have transformed. She could always tell when a man enjoyed her company.
"They just have better beer here than in the VIP lounge." - he shrugged.
She smiled and nodded.
“And more interesting people!" - he added and looked her straight in the eyes, a look that went straight to her heart and core. This was the moment she felt it. She immediately felt butterflies in her stomach, something she didn’t experience that often with men she just met.
As soon as he said that, D and her friends reappeared and tried to drag her onto the dance floor, but she felt it was difficult to leave the handsome captain. At the same time, she knew it wasn't fair to her friends to keep ignoring them, so joined them on the dance floor, looking over at the captain every now and then as she danced, and meeting his gaze every time.
It was a magical evening, and she remembered every moment, every second of it. Of their first meeting. Of that first conversation. Of 79s. All the memories were attached to this place. The first conversation, the first smile, the first kiss in the VIP room a few evenings later, the first 'Do you want to go back to my place....".
She couldn't even bring herself to walk past it now, even though it was on her way home from work, as all those memories were just too painful now.
So, normally, she'd take a long walk home or, if it was getting very late, call a taxi. But tonight, tonight something got into her, and she turned into the street she knew would lead to 79s. As she got closer, she could see the familiar faces standing outside, just across the street and hear the muffled sound of music coming from inside. She stopped for a moment and observed them, clones, laughing and talking, some of them flirting with some girls. She wanted to just walk by, but now, now that she saw Rex's face in every one of those troopers, she found it hard to avert her eyes and keep on walking.
It took her a while to gather her strength and move, and just as she turned to continue walking home, she heard the familiar voice behind her:
"Ava?"
Without you (Chapter I)
pairing: Captain Rex x original fem character
words: 1,5k
warnings: break up, pain, 18+
Sometimes you have to let go to get it back.
She had a feeling that something was wrong. It was always the little things - the way he often seemed distant; the way his mind would wander off in the middle of a conversation; the way he sometimes avoided her gaze, the way he often tensed under her touch, and the way he made love to her. Once insatiable passion now too often just a chase for a release.
She came to the restaurant earlier, finding a spot where she could be invisible while waiting for him. Despite knowing that this day would break her heart, she knew she just had to endure it. She observed people around her - one table with a woman and a small child, another with two older people, holding hands across the table. It felt like someone punched her in the stomach real hard - that'll never be us now, a thought entered her mind and lingered for longer than necessary.
Then he appeared. When their eyes locked he stopped for a moment, as if hesitating. Then he moved, slowly and cautiously. As he approached the table she stood up, although she didn't know why. It was an awkward moment - normally she would throw her arms around him and he would lift her up and kiss her, but she knew - they both knew - this wasn't one of those moments. So they just stood there for a moment, eyes locked, till she finally nodded, showing him to sit.
"Hello, Rex!"
"Hello, Aveline"
She raised her eyebrow and he noticed it, not being able to look her in the eyes anymore. It was the first time he had ever called her by her full name. Ever since they met and she introduced herself, he gave her a nickname, a sign of affection, and ever since she had been his Ava. We're back to official names now , she thought.
"So, Captain " - she said as he lifted his head again, looking equally perplexed by her choice of words, "Shall we get this over with then?"
Rex was quiet for a while, the look on his face difficult to read. He seemed nervous and fidgety in his seat. Aveline never saw him like this before, in fact. Rex was a man who always seemed to have things under control - that effortless charisma and aura that could draw anyone in and make them follow him. A sign of a genuine leader. But looking at him now, his hands under the table and his eyes desperately avoiding hers, she almost couldn’t recognize him. She was almost ready to reach for his hands across the table, to reach for him, to ask him what was wrong, and if there was anything she could do when he spoke:
"Ava, I never... " - he began, stuttering. She was surprised to find that he was struggling to find the words. This was definitely more difficult for him than she thought it would be.
"I never wanted to hurt you in any way, you know that, right?"
As she was about to say something, a young trooper passing by spotted Rex and approached their table. He stood at attention in front of him and raised his hand to his temple:
"Captain!"
Rex moved his eyes from her and onto the soldier and saluted him back.
"At ease, trooper!"
"Sir, yes, sir" - the young trooper nodded and went back to his table.
Rex was quiet for a while, but she kept looking at the trooper who went back to the table where two other troopers were sitting. They were all wearing white, spotless armour, and she knew they were shinnies - a term Rex taught her. She observed them, as the trooper who saluted Rex told the others that Captain Rex was in the restaurant, and they all looked in his direction. Rex was very respected - she knew that. He was a good man and a good captain, and it was obvious just how admired he was by the troopers. That didn't make the situation any easier, though.
“Ava!” - he spoke again, and she moved her eyes away from the troopers and looked at him. He looked tired, she suddenly noticed.
“I’m going back to the front tomorrow, and I don’t know when I’ll be back. In fact, I know it won’t be for a while.”
She was quiet, feeling her body stiffen, as she barely moved since he arrived.
“It makes it more difficult every time. To leave you here. The missions… are becoming more and more complex, and… well, dangerous. All of this…” - he stopped for a moment and glanced toward the young troopers, who were still clearly starstruck by the esteemed captain sitting a few tables from them.
“...all of this is not fair to you!” - he said, his eyes glued to the table again.
“To me?” - she finally spoke, her voice surprising her. It was low, almost like a whisper.
“To you, mesh’la! You shouldn’t go through this because of me, you shouldn't be waiting, worrying about me…you should live your life..”
“You think I’ll stop worrying about you just because you’re breaking up with me?” - she interrupted him, her voice now more coherent.
There it was. Breaking up. She said it. One of them said it! The unspoken words that lingered between them for far too long now. They were released and they became real. Far too real!
“Yes. With time, mesh’la…”
“Don’t call me that!" - she snapped, surprised at her own reaction. All of her deepest fears were being confirmed, and as prepared as she thought she was, it was difficult to just sit across from him, the man she adored, and hear him call her Ava, and mesh'la , all those names, all those words, spoken in their most tender, loving moments, now painful reminders of a time gone. Of times changed.
Initially, Rex looked hurt by her outburst, but then he gathered his thoughts.
“With time, I hope you will. I won't be back on Coruscant for a long time, and I don't want you to just sit here and worry about me, Av...” - he stopped himself from saying her name, looking almost embarrassed.
“Don’t you think that is my decision to make, Rex?” - she finally spoke, finding the last traces of strength in her voice.
Rex looked at her confused.
“Perhaps I don't mind worrying and waiting, did that ever occur to you..? Perhaps I don’t mind at all, because.. because... “ - her voice was breaking. She promised herself that she wouldn't cry in front of him, so she stopped and took a deep breath. But she could feel her body tense, her hands starting to shake, and her throat getting tighter and tighter.
“Because that’s what you do when you love someone, Rex!”
He looked at her, and she was taken aback by the sadness in his eyes. They were tender, and now, quite teary. Even though Rex was mentally the toughest man she had ever known, there were times when all she saw in his eyes was a child, a young innocent child made to grow up far too fast.
He didn’t know. Prior to her, he was only in one relationship, with a medic who followed him and his battalion everywhere. This was the first time Rex had ever been in a long-distance relationship, and she realized that he did not know how to cope. But she knew that Captain, her Captain , was perfectly capable of making difficult decisions, and once he had, he stood by them. Explaining to him, pleading with him that they should try and endure wouldn't bring her far. He made up his mind. Having to make it because he wanted to protect her, even though it was clearly hurting him, made it so much more painful for her.
She could now feel that she was incapable of uttering a single word without breaking down, and she could no longer bear the sad look in his eyes. She picked up her bag and got up. Rex reached for her as if he wanted to touch her, but he stopped himself, almost like he didn't dare to.
“Mesh’la….” he said quietly, and she moved her head away from him, feeling a tear was about to roll down her cheek. She hated to leave him like this. She could see that he wanted to talk to her, to make sure that she was okay and to try to make things easier for them both. But those young troopers who idolised their Captain shouldn’t see him like that, upset and distraught, and they shouldn’t see her cry next to him either. There was nothing to be done, no words left to be said. Nothing that would change the outcome and she knew that.
As she turned around, her feet felt heavy, and she was uncertain if she would find the strength to move. But she made that first step, followed by another, and then another and she reached the door and stepped out of the restaurant. The moment she felt the cold air hit her face, tears rolled down her cheeks uncontrollably. She pulled her coat closer to her body as she rushed back to her flat, losing herself in the endless crowd.
If you're still doing fluffy blurbs... Rex? And cuddles on a rainy day?? It's rainy and cold here and all I can think about is snuggling on the couch reading with warm tea... Maybe even a loth-cat furbaby?
(order 66 never happened. It's my sandbox and I choose the canon)
oh my gosh, hello love <33 it was pretty cloudy & rainy here so i finally got some inspo to write this for you. i hope you enjoy the cozy & fluffy vibes. :’))
“you close enough?”
the blonde’s eye twitches as the soft murmur floods his ear. eyes snap open, and you’re face-to-face with pools of warm honey, glistening with admiration.
“it’s my day off doll, let’s not tease too much, all right? i get enough of it from my brothers.”
with that sentiment, the blonde nuzzles his head into your collarbone, arms wrapping tighter against your frame. he’s nearly enveloping you’re entire body, head, neck, torso, and one leg draped across your body. the heat is a blanket itself, waves of warmth radiating from the tangled bodies.
your hand drifts to his skull, fingers massaging his scalp, “well, you deserve a day off. you work nearly eight days a week, and that’s still not enough for the republic.”
there’s a hearty chuckle that vibrates within his chest, flowing so sweetly from his lips, “you know how it is baby, i’m savin’ lives out there. it’s all for the efforts of the war.”
outside, the rain drums against the viewports, streaming steadily down the transparisteel. thick, flint grey clouds hang in the atmosphere, not a single speeder or shuttle in sight. the world was still, the only sound the white noise of the drizzle.
“well,” you lean forward, pressing a tender kiss to his temple, “you definitely are a hero, rex. although, heroes need their days off. every once in a while.”
"and you know what else a hero needs?" you sense his smile against you, in the junction of your collarbone and neck.
"what, love?"
"all the cuddles in the world, from his special girl."
"you're ridiculous."
"i love you, doll," there's an exhale, one brimmed with bliss and happiness.
"and i love you, rex."
"see, i knew you'd say it. just like how i knew you wouldn't say no to a lazy day, all cuddled up, just watching the rain."
starry eyed | captain rex
word count: 800+
warnings: just some flirting!
prompt: “Rex and reader fluff”
“who’s idea was it to host this gala?” you mumbled, running a hand through your hair as you stared blankly into the wardrobe, “ahsoka, i have nothing to wear.”
“i’m sure you’ll find something,” the togruta giggled, her laughter bouncing off the walls of your quarters. she came up behind you, resting a hand on your shoulder, “if you’d like, i can always pick out something for you. we’re running short on time and i believe you still have to wash up.”
swiveling on your heel, your eyes widened, a gasp tumbling from your lips. your fellow padawan and best friend, ahsoka tano was absolutely gorgeous. her crystalline blue eyes glimmered, her lashes accentuated with just the slightest bit of mascara. her traditional beads were replaced by a dazzling bejeweled headpiece, the emerald and diamonds glittering in the light.
an emerald gown adorned her body, complementing her complexion. there was an intricate pattern woven on the bodice and sleeves. the satin covered her arms up to her wrists, giving ahsoka an elegant yet alluring aura. although she was a couple years younger than you, the gown suited her maturity.
“ahsoka you look-” you breathed.
“thank you,” her lips curved into a wide smile, “the gown was borrowed from senator amidala. anakin had to go pick it up from naboo and he almost lost it. there was a lot of commotion about transporting it here but it’s here now, and i love it.”
“it really suits you!” you beamed, “i mean it, ahsoka.”
“why thank you,” you could sense the joy bubbling up in the togruta, “well, what are we waiting for? go wash up! i’m sure your date doesn’t want you to be dirty!”
“yeah, yeah,” you rolled your eyes playfully, strolling into your refresher, “you better not screw me over, ahsoka tano!”
“i could never!” ahsoka teased, shooting you a wink.
turning on the water, you sucked in a deep breath. you weren’t quite nervous, but you were jittery, feeling tingly from your head to your toes. tonight, the jedi council was hosting a gala to celebrate the successes of the war. although the war was still ongoing, the jedi wished to praise of the efforts of the republic, as they were close allies.
almost every senator was invited, along with several esteemed generals and commanders. even the chancellor was granted an invitation. a menagerie of jedi masters, knights, and their padawans would be in attendance as well. it was a highly anticipated event, creating an eager buzz in the streets of coruscant.
your date for the night was none other than captain rex himself. he was to be your escort, as well as your dance partner. since you had fought in many battles alongside rex, you weren’t nervous. after all, the two of you knew one another quite well, joking on shuttles or eating together in the mess halls. a part of anticipated seeing a new side of rex, one where he was not fighting or under extreme amounts of stress. you were curious to his more relaxed, playful side.
wrapping a towel around your frame, you padded out of the shower, combing through your hair hastily. you figured you would keep it natural, as you didn’t have much time to get ready.
quickly, you applied on a minimal amount of makeup. besides, you would be too busy dancing and drinking to pay any mind to your appearance. exiting the refresher, you eyed the gown that covered your bed, arching a brow.
“is this what you picked?”
“you had no other options,” ahsoka shrugged.
your fingers grazed the silk, “are you sure i’ll look good?”
“you always do,” ahsoka snorted, “the clock is ticking, (y/n). come on, let’s get you in this dress.”
ahsoka helped you into the gown, zipping it with steady, careful hands. the gown was a plain black, with an off the shoulder cut, the material seemingly glossy in the light as it flowed with every movement. the back was open, the hem sweeping along the floor. there was a slit that ran up mid thigh, giving you an alluring yet elegant aura.
“you’re beautiful,” the togruta’s eyes glimmered with admiration, “absolutely stunning.”
“thank you,” it was difficult to find words as you gazed at your reflection in the mirror. it was almost as if you didn’t recognize yourself as ashoka placed a simple diamond necklace around your neck, placing matching earrings in your palm.
“it’s time, let’s go meet up with your date.”
the two of you left your quarters, your heart racing. as you descended down the the magnificent marble staircase, anxiety swelled within you, your stomach churning. perhaps attending this gala was not the best idea. you couldn’t help but feel so self-conscious with every step. did you look all right? was the gown good enough for a gala?
as you reached the bottom of the stairs, your heart nearly stopped in its tracks.
there stood rex, donned in a crisp white suit. medals lined his chest, gleaming gold and silver as an imperial blue sash stretched across his top half. his platinum blonde hair was freshly cut, as it always was. yet, you couldn’t stop staring. rex was handsome, so utterly handsome.
“good evening ms. tano,” rex bowed, earning a giggle from ahsoka.
“good evening captain.”
rex’s eyes fell on you, his jaw practically dropping, “g-good evening, ms. (y/l/n).”
you were just as speechless, “good evening, captain rex.”
“you look,” his rich brown eyes glowing with admiration, “you look absolutely radiant, (y/n).”
the emotion dancing within his depths was something far different than you had ever seen before. the captain was in sheer shock at the sight of you, completely astounded, a dumbfounded smile painted on his features.
it was almost as if he was starry eyed, drinking in the beauty of the night for the very first time.
“thank you,” a blush spread through your cheeks like wildfire, “you look quite handsome yourself.”
a bright, wide, grin plastered the captain’s features, his eyes crinkling, “thank you.”
ahsoka cleared her throat, “come, let’s make our way to the ballroom.”
rex offered you his elbow, and you graciously accepted it, a warm feeling seeping into your chest, pure bliss rippling through you.
“i have the most gorgeous woman on my arm,” rex’s words filled your ears, his voice soft, ”i don’t know about you, but i am quite overjoyed that i get to dance with her too.”
“i have a feeling that we’re going to have a wonderful evening,” you placed a chaste kiss on his cheek, “because i have quite the dashing captain as my date.”
out of the corner of your eye, you couldn’t help but notice the way rex’s cheeks reddened, his grin even brighter than before.
