Pairing:Captain Rex x FemaleNurse!Reader Word Count: 3.1k T/W: fluffy ☁️ / slight mention of injury + blood A/N: I enjoy flirty Rex, what can I say?
Obi-Wan, Anakin, & Rex barely make it back to the ship— some jn worse shape than others. You tend to Rex and enjoy a bit of a different side to the Captain.
Pairing: Captain Rex x FemaleNurse!Reader (ft. the 501st) Word Count: 4.1k T/W: fluffy ☁️ A/N:happy 5/01 day andwelcome to a little series I’ll be updating every now and then! All parts will be able to be read solo or together!
Reader is assigned to the 501st as their main nurse; already knowing Kix she’s welcomed into the group pretty easily. Still intimidated about meeting Rex, the boys try and make her feel more at ease in her new situation, which helps once she learns Rex isn’t as scary as she thought he’d be.
Pairing:Captain Rex x FemaleNurse!Reader Word Count: 3.1k T/W: fluffy ☁️ / slight mention of injury + blood A/N: I enjoy flirty Rex, what can I say?
Obi-Wan, Anakin, & Rex barely make it back to the ship— some jn worse shape than others. You tend to Rex and enjoy a bit of a different side to the Captain.
“We need to leave… NOW,” you heard General Skywalker yell through the comlink which you were patched through on all channels being medical.
The bridge responded immediately, informing him that departure was about to commence as soon as they were clear of surrounding ships blocking the jump point. Yularen personally informed the Jedi that their squads should brace for further impacts before the ship turned about, making its way to clear space, this received a groan of annoyance from General Skywalker who always figured he could move double time than just about everyone else around him.
“With all due respect-” you interjected, swiftly being cut off by an aggressive jolt to the ship, no doubt from a direct hit, sending you across the length of the room into a rolling med-station; finding yourself settled on the floor when you opened your eyes, raising the comlink to continue, “but is Captain Rex aboard yet?”
You were met with static and the distorted sound of a lightsaber in action coming through the com, only making you shift your eyes as if trying to see the events somehow, in anticipation for a voice to respond, hopefully, a human voice. Your heart beat so quickly, you were certain even if someone spoke you wouldn’t be able to hear them over the repeating thud-thud pattern ringing in your ears amidst other sounds of war blazing around you.
“Yes,” Master Kenobi’s voice finally came through clearly. You let your body rest slouching against the hard metal still poking at your back, but knowing that Rex was on board eased you enough not to care about your own physical discomfort. Closing your eyes and exhaling a long-held breath as your head gently tapped back against the wall you had been tossed into moments ago.
“In fact,” Obi-Wan continued, bringing you to attention again, the tone in his voice wasn’t a positive one, “we’re heading your way now.”
With that short sentence, your heart took to racing again, that could only mean one thing: injury.
“I’ll meet you in the south corridor,” you responded, quickly picking yourself up off the ground, and heading for the exit.
The medic door swooshed open at your presence, opening up the sight of a flashing hallway. The emergency lights were in full force, spinning and whining the breach warning. The medical bay was always so calm in its setting, usually to try and keep patients at ease no matter the situation going on around them. The difference in atmosphere shocked you the first time you’d seen it. In fact, it still startled you, despite being with the 501st you weren’t used to being in the middle of war quite yet.
Bracing yourself against the doorway, as the ship groaned, tilting a little too quickly, you held on so tight your knuckles ached. Once the ship levelled again, you sprinted towards the south corridor, knowing that was the last ping location you’d received from the Jedi, but more importantly knowing that was where Rex was. You tried to keep your feet from tripping over random objects and even a few droids that had clearly missed the order to lockdown and strap in.
Coming to an opening, a four-way hallway joint, you saw General Skywalker and Obi-Wan, lightsabers drawn, sending blast fires off in different directions when they met the sabers. Chest rising and falling from how hard you’d run to the corridor, you looked around for the clone Captain. He was hard to find until General Skywalker turned.
“Rex,” you spoke his name to yourself in a relieved sigh upon seeing him alive and in better shape than your anxieties predicted. His frame was bent farther over than usual, you quickly identified a wound to the side of his abdomen as the cause of his need for assistance from Skywalker; but in true Rex form, he had one arm strapped around Anakin’s shoulders for support, meanwhile, his free hand was still sending off shots from his blaster. Anakin was the first to notice you, sensing your strong worry through the Force. He tilted his head to Rex at his side just in case you hadn’t seen him.
Nodding, you looked like a sprinter at the starting line, weight entirely resting on your tip-toes, your body bent halfway over and bouncing methodically, ready for immediate action at the sign to go. A hand on the wall, or what was left of it, you turned away with every rouge shot from the enemy- and one blast that was deflected by Master Kenobi.
Instantly realising that there was a life form where he sent the laser off his lightsaber, he chimed in, “what the blast is she doing in the middle of this action? We said we’d come to you!” Now being much more cautious about where he sent ricocheting shots.
Anakin knew there was no time to explain the reason for your immediate response, and if he did Obi-Wan would simple say feeling should be set aside, especially in the face of battle. But Anakin understood you…a little too well in fact. He’d seen the friendship between you and Rex grow and eventually shift into something more. He wondered if either of you realized it wasn’t just a liking anymore, it was love, he sensed it so clearly. He thought about warning Rex how much it can change someone, but he retrained, knowing that Rex could handle it, after all, the Jedi restrictions didn’t apply to his men or you, and most of all who was he to tell you not to give in to feelings.
“Here! I’ll cover you,” Anakin called, focusing only on you and Rex; timing it perfectly just like you were while waiting in the hallway for a clear cover to Rex’s side.
More than willingly you took the leap of faith when Anakin said it was clear, that you’d learned a lot during your short time at the 501st, one of which was: always trust the General. You ducked under Master Skywalker’s arm, momentarily squishing yourself between the two met as you set yourself in place of Anakin. Thanks to your height difference it caused Rex to bend over significantly more compared to before, but that didn’t bother him and you tried your best to stand as tall as you could. Holding onto Rex’s wrist draped over your shoulder with one hand, you wrapped the other around his waist, avoiding any touch to the wound he’d received, you looped your fingers through his utility belt. You felt him lean into you willingly, but you could tell he was still doing his best to stand on his own so you wouldn’t have to feel the weight on your shoulders.
“You made it,” you tried to smile, looking up at the clone helmet you knew by heart, but your eyebrows were still knit with worry.
“You doubted me?” Rex asked looking over to you; desperately trying to cover up the strain in his tone.
Smiling to yourself, you gently pushed your forehead against the helmet’s, closing your eyes, “never.”
“Alright lovebirds,” Anakin came to your back, shielding you, speaking over his shoulder, “let’s move out before Master Kenobi gets a clue.”
Even though they knew the Jedi rules didn’t apply to soldiers, he knew the topic was a tender one with Obi-Wan, so it was always in his best interest, and yours, to make the friendship appear strictly professional. You were beyond grateful for Anakin’s support and only wished he could have the freedom with Padmé as you and Rex had.
Walking along the unstable corridors, Obi-Wan headed to the bridge while Anakin made it his personal job to escort his Captain to the medical bay along with you. The ship was clearly being turned around, but there was another unexpected impact that shook the entire ship off balance causing you to nearly fall into the wall. Thankfully, Rex’s arm wrapped around you as a reflex, gathering you to his chest so you didn’t hit the hard metal; he stabilised the both of you with his other hand bracing against the wall. Despite him being the injured one, he was always catching you.
“What the kriff is Admiral Yularen doing up there?” You practically growled out of frustration, looking down at Rex’s torso which was suddenly closer than expected, but you still managed to keep focused on the medical situation. When you pulled your hand away it was covered in blood, things were getting worse, as you feared.
“He just likes to make things a challenge for us, isn’t that right, Rex?” Anakin said smirk dabbling on his lips.
“Ah, yes, sir,” Rex was giving his all to not groan as he spoke, but you could hear the strain and sense the pain he’d never say thanks to the force, you were certain Anakin had felt it too, being further trained in the Jedi, then again when it came to injury, you could sense it in a heartbeat.
“We need to get to the medical bay, now, General,” you spoke beyond medical reasoning and were now pleading with him through emotion.
Nodding, Anakin deactivated his lightsaber, keeping it in hand as he walked to the other side of Rex. Taking him by the arm, Anakin helped to get the both of you straight on your feet again. The medical bay was thankfully still intact when you arrived. Anakin asked if you needed any help, but he never got a full answer as you were preoccupied with getting Rex onto the table. It was only when Obi-Wan com linked Anakin that you turned back and gave a nod indicating ‘we’re good here, you can go’ to which he gave a respectful nod back, he knew you’d take good care of his captain.
Rex gripped his side, nearly doubling over once the medical bay doors closed and he was alone with you. Taking his helmet off, you set it down on a nearby table. There was a bruise forming on his temple and his bottom lip had been busted pretty bad since blood was already drying over it. Touching the top of his hand with yours, he understood the silent gesture, you were telling him to let you take a look. Gripping the edge of the medical bed, he took a sharp inhale, holding his breath while you got a closer examination of the wound.
“We need to get you out of the armour,” you said, a professional commanding tone to your voice that he didn’t dare argue with, “it’s not as bad as I thought, but I need o stitch you up before you can move much more.”
Before Rex could have a second to even begin taking it off, you were on it. Since you’d specially been trained to heal and work procedures on clones before you were dispatched, you had a good deal of practice on how to manoeuvre the armour. It was considered extremely beneficial as it would minimize the time it took to tend the wound in action. Kix had helped you learn a lot of shortcuts to de-armour a soldier and it was certainly coming in handy now.
After you’d made a very neat pile of the armour from Rex’s waist up, you were in a near sweat. The armour was heavier than the training pieces and it amazed you how Rex and the 501st moved so easily in it. The utility belt was the last thing to go, without hesitation you reached your arms around his waist, bringing yourself chest to chest with him, while your fingers tried to find the clasp.
“You know,” Rex started, smirk on his face, “in a different situation-”
You could hear the flirtatious tone in his voice, and it made you feel hot, but you tried to convince yourself that was thanks to all the armour you’d had to move. Not daring to meet his gaze, which you felt was focused directly on you, your fingers finally found the clasp and you separated from him. Walking over to a mobile medical tray and grabbing what you needed, you bit your lower lip.
“I’ll leave you to shoulder off the top of your blacks,” you smiled to yourself, before looking over your shoulder, “since we’re not in a different situation.”
Rex had to give a small chuckle, getting to work on shouldering out of his black underlayer, letting it fall around his waist, as he hoisted himself onto the medical table, exposing his entire torso. The table was cold and while you weren’t looking he permitted himself a shiver, not quite feeling up to acting as tough as usual. Seeing you turn around and walk over with the medical tray, Rex raised his eyes, wary of what was on it. You shook your head, amazed at what scared him. He did as you requested and laid back like a good patient, but his eyes still lingered on you.
“This might sting a bit, but I promise it’ll help the pain,” you said with an apologetic tone, filling your palm with a cold gelatinous substance.
“I think I can handle-” Rex started, but once you began applying it, he sucked in a sharp breath, closing his eyes, fingertips curling slightly at the shock of pain sent throughout his body for a moment; when he opened his eyes, you were giving him an ‘I told you so,’ look, “alright, you weren’t kidding.”
Smiling to yourself, you figured that was as close as he was going to get to admitting that it hurt. Waiting a few moments to let it numb the section you’d applied it to, you began your stitchwork. Rex was glad all he could feel now was a bit of pressure while you worked along with all the other aches he’d acquired.
When you accidentally tugged tighter than usual, you saw Rex’s whole torso tense. Each muscle being outlined with the tension, “sorry, sorry,” you placed an open hand to his abdomen, comfortingly, closing your eyes at the stupid mistake, trying to keep calm yourself, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” he smiled, sliding his hand to touch yours, “at least I know I’m in the best hands in the galaxy.”
You opened your eyes, first taking in the sight of your hands clasped together, then you finally met his eyes.
“I don’t know,” you started softly, “I think Kix might be-”
“Trust me,” Rex interrupted, lifting his head for emphasis, “I’d rather be right here.”
The comment made you laugh, ‘poor Kix’ you thought, it seemed you were becoming the favourite and fast on the medical staff. Rex rested back and you returned to your stitching, despite how hard it was to let go of his hand.
“Well, you know, there are other ways to get my attention,” you bit at the inside of your lower lip subtly, in a bit of shock that you just said that to him.
Breaking into a half-smile himself, he had to playfully scoff, “didn’t know I needed that to impress you,” he caught your expression, a slight blush, “but believe it or not,” he spoke through a stifled groan, “I didn’t get this to impress you.”
“Well, that’s a first,” you perked an eyebrow, feeling more at ease to tease now that you knew he wasn’t in any critical, “believe it or not, but that’s a popular reason among your troops.”
‘Oh great,’ Rex thought to himself for two reasons: first, that his men were purposefully getting little nicks and cuts so they had an excuse to visit you and second because that could mean others had a romantical interest in you.
“I’ll have to do something about that then,” Rex tried to sound as disinterested in their intentions as possible, “I think a good strong conversation should do the trick.”
“Not going to lead by example on that one?” you repressed a giggle.
Rex gave a smile giving into your meaning. You had just set down your kit, letting him know you’d finished when your comlink chirped.
“Skywalker to Med– how’s my captain doing?”
You looked over your shoulder at Rex who was just sitting up, “he’s just fine, might be out for a day or two if you can spare him.”
“Lucky for him we’re headed back to Coruscant for a debriefing,” you could hear General Skywalker’s signature grin, “thanks for the update, Skywalker out.”
You were busy cleaning everything up when Rex came over to your side, “you’re not supposed to be up yet,” you said in a tone that tried to be commanding.
“So, I’m not free to go then?” Rex asked, “I don’t think it’s a good look for a Captain to be out for too long.”
‘As if a no is going to stop him,’ you thought to yourself, “just let me put a patch on it and then keep your blacks on over that so nothing is exposed to it,” you settled on.
Rex patiently waited while you retrieved the patch from a cabinet. Carefully placing it over the fresh stitches, you stood again, watching him zip up his blacks.
“I’d stay away from wearing your armour for a while, the pressure might do you more harm than healing right now,” you added, sounding a little closer to Kix.
“I’m not gonna lie,” Rex chuckled to himself, looking over at the bloodstained armour, “I’m a little shocked at how fast you got it off me.”
When his smirk met you a blush rushed to your face faster than a lightsaber could ignite, “I- it-” you stuttered, “it was part of the training, when- when I found out I would be working with clones. So you know it’s just practice that makes perfect.”
“Right, right,” Rex nodded to himself, smile still playing at his lips as he pushed himself up from the counter he’d been leaning against and headed for the medical doors which opened upon sensing his presence, “well, if you ever need some more practice-”
Rex slowly winked, turning to leave. Suddenly you felt like you could use some medical attention– the spare oxygen sounded nice.
Pairing: Captain Rex x FemaleNurse!Reader (ft. the 501st) Word Count: 4.1k T/W: fluffy ☁️ A/N:happy 5/01 day andwelcome to a little series I’ll be updating every now and then! All parts will be able to be read solo or together!
Reader is assigned to the 501st as their main nurse; already knowing Kix she’s welcomed into the group pretty easily. Still intimidated about meeting Rex, the boys try and make her feel more at ease in her new situation, which helps once she learns Rex isn’t as scary as she thought he’d be.
“Remember, they are your team, your family, and your friends,” Jedi Master Rig Nema told you in the elevator.
“Do I have to leave the hospital wing so soon?” you asked, shoulders slumped as you stared o the elevator floor.
“So soon?” Master Nema gave a silvery laugh, “it’s been years, and Kix asked for your transfer personally, which means they need more medical help. You’ll be doing a great service to many people.”
Taking a deep breath you nodded, meeting her eyes, “I know, Kix has been a great friend to me, I’m honoured that he’d request me, but…I just don’t know if I’ll fit in with them; I’m not a soldier, I’m not a hero, I’m not even a Jedi.”
“You don’t need to be,” Master Nema set a hand on your shoulder maternally, dipping down to talk to you as her species was much taller than the average human, “you just need to let them know that you are there to help in any way you can, respect and experience will get you far with Captain Rex.”
She encouraged a nod out of you, but you were still anxious, sad, and scared all at the same time, had you been a Jedi you knew you’d be scolded for it, but you weren’t so you felt every emotion as it hit you. You’d never been on a trooper cruiser, you’d never been in action, you’d never been off Coruscant, the whole experience was overwhelming. Everyone on board seemed to have a routine and you had no idea where you fit in. While you were looking around the hallway, trying to get a glimpse of open doorways, Master Nema repressed a chuckle at your childlike curiosity.
“Ah, Master Nema,” you straightened up and snapped your gaze forward at hearing the familiar voice.
A smile broke out across your face, “Kix!”
He greeted you with a wave as you approached, “always good to see you, Master.”
“Likewise, Kix,” Master Nema bowed, “I am honoured that you requested my…student.”
The pause stung, you knew what she wanted to say and you knew what you had wanted to hear. Padawan. It was something forever out of your reach. As much as you tried to push past the fact that you were now far too old to even be considered a Padawan, it was something you forever wanted.
“Well, I only wanted the best,” Kix tilted his head to subtly wink at you. It made you smile, Kix went through medical training with you, and even though his program was accelerated and he was sent off to the 501st, he still kept in contact with you, which you greatly appreciated.
“And the best you shall have,” Master Nema put a hand on your back, softly pushing you forward, “I know she will do great things.”
Now standing beside Kix, the sense of anxiety returned.
“I cannot stay long, and I understand you will be underway soon,” Master Nema stated, noting your furrowed brows, “I will always be in contact should you need me, but I have every faith you will be just fine.” Kix shifted, knowing that she was largely talking to you, but trying to avoid attachment at the same time. Sharing one last glance she nodded to you, “Goodbye,” Master Nema bowed to you respectfully, “and may the force be with you.”
You wanted to call out saying ‘Master, wait,’ but you never earned the privilege to call her such, all you could manage was, “and with you,” bowing likewise and watching her head for the elevator to take her back to the hangar floor. She’d be back at the Jedi temple and you’d be off somewhere unknown to you. It felt like your heart had lost a piece.
“It’s really great to see you again,” Kix suddenly spoke, snapping you out of your gaze.
“Oh, yeah, you too Kix,” you stumbled, trying not to show your teary eyes.
Kix noticed you swiftly lift your hand to wipe away some tears, but opted not to say anything, knowing we all deal with sadness in our own way, instead he offered some words that would cheer you up, “you’re not alone,” he placed a gentle hand to the top of your shoulder and gave you a most sincerely look, “follow me, I’ve got plenty of brothers I want you to meet.”
Nodding, you put on a smile and followed him a little way down the corridor until it opened up into a large common room. There were clones everywhere; it made you smile at how unique they all looked. It was so different from some of the reports that made them all sound the same. Tattoos, scars, haircuts, and armour modifications made practically all of them identifiable from each other. You took in the room, seeing a dartboard on the side of the wall with a group playing.
“You couldn’t even hit a clanker if it was three feet in front of you,” one teased another who was losing at the game, “how on earth have you managed to survive this war?”
On the other side of the room, you saw one with his nose in a book and a handprint on his armour, while another with a 5 tattooed was trying to talk to him. Kix let you observe for a moment longer and amused himself at your facial expressions when observing their occupations.
“Aye, Kix’s back,” one called out, “let’s meet the new shiny-”
They all came to attention and just as fast halted, seeing your figure standing next to Kix. You wore an outfit that was somewhere between a Kaminoan nurse uniform and a Jedi’s undergarment. Mostly white, with hints of blue, the uniform had the signature Kaminoan half skirt and pants with a metal belt that hugged the curve of your hips tightly with a blue gem in the centre, while the top half resembled a Jedi’s under tunic, fitted everywhere except for the sleeves, which flared out at your wrists. It had been gifted to you in order to match the colours of your new squad, but it was still a uniform you were familiar with as it had hints indicating your medical status, but clearly, the clones weren’t familiar with it at least not on a female human figure.
You waited for someone to say something, eventually looking to Kix, who was still amused, now by his own brother’s reactions. Finally, Kix spoke, “alright, you gawkers,” he clapped his hands, but their expressions didn’t change, “this is our new squad nurse, I’ve worked with her several times before and she’s the best of the best, she trained with Jedi Master Rig Nema on Coruscant,” Kix glanced around, rolling his eyes, looking to you and winking, he added, “and she’s force sensitive, mind-reader, so watch your thoughts!” With that they all snapped to attention, looking at Kix with an anxious expression.
“No, no,” you lifted your hands, concerned with how worried they looked, “I’m not a Jedi, so I can’t do those kinds of things.” You were partially lying, but you wanted them to feel at ease around you, not constantly worrying that you were reading their deepest darkest thoughts.
“So, you’re from Coruscant, you’re force-sensitive, and you trained with a master, but you’re telling us you’re not a Jedi?”
“Easy Fives,” Kix said, turning to you, knowing your past, “you don’t have to tell them anything if you don’t want to.”
Thinking it over for a moment, you pushed your lips together, giving Kix a look that you were okay, he turned back to face the company, “I’m not a Jedi,” you started, “and I’m not from Coruscant either. I was identified as force sensitive when I was a very small child, I was taken to the Jedi Temple, but…I failed the entry tests; I was too scared, too emotional, and empathetic according to them. It weakened my connection with the force in the way the Jedi look for it, especially now with the war.”
“So why didn’t you get to go home?” the clone with a handprint on his chest plate asked with more sympathy in his voice than his counterpart.
Taking a deep breath, you began to feel a little more at ease as you told your story, “Master Nema felt that I could be of great assistance as a medic alongside her in the Jedi hospital wing. So, she let me stay, she trained me to be a nurse, how the force can be used as a kind of medicine, a detector, and an aid. Despite never being able to be a Jedi, I grew up in the temple, but I was never…well, that’s not very interesting, but that’s most of my story,” you concluded with a smile.
The clones took to you quickly, they began asking questions about your time on coruscant and of training in the Jedi medical wing. It made you happy that they were so interested.
“Ma’am have you ever worked on General Skywalker?” A clone asked, trying hide his smile.
“Oh yes,” you admitted, knowing he was their general, “let me tell you he’s a squirmer, I can’t get him to stay still for the life of me.”
The troops erupted with laguhter, which made you smile, feeling more and more a member of their family by the moment. After a few more questions, a command came over the intercom, Kix told you that you might want to find a seat, the cruiser was going into hyperdrive. You hadn’t even realised that it’d left the bay or the planet, which startled you a little. Nodding, you found a seat on the windowsill, you wanted to see first-hand what it looked like, having never been off-world.
You saw Coruscant as a little planet beneath the cruiser, for a few moments it just got smaller and smaller, until the stars stretched around you and blurred your vision of the planet, before turning into swirls of blue and black. Just like that, it was gone, you raised a hand to the window, a heavy exhale leaving you. You felt like a child leaving their mother for the first time, you knew you were stronger than this, but nothing could prepare you from leaving the only place you’d ever called home.
“You alright?” A voice asked behind you.
Turning in your makeshift seat on the windowsill, you looked up, “oh, yes, thank you,… um, Fives, was it?”
“That’s me,” he said proudly, sitting opposite from you, “so, never been away from home?” You nod in response, “well, don’t worry, we all kind of know what that’s like, with Kamino and all, but we manage and I bet you will too.”
“Thank you, Fives,” you tilt your head to rest it softly against the window watching the stars, there was a comfortable pause between the two of you, he already felt like a best friend, “hey Fives, how’d you all get your names if you don’t mind me asking?”
Setting his helmet down, he began to explain that it was just something all clones did before leaving Kamino, it was a way of having some individuality in the legion. He was kind enough to actually identify everyone in the room for you, sometimes he broke into a little story about why someone had that name, like Echo. Eventually, they realised what was going on and some came to personally introduce themselves to you.
“We should give you one!” a clone shouted out after Fives finished introducing you to everyone.
“But I already have a name,” you shrug, wondering why they’d suggest it.
“Yeah, but now you’re in the five-o’-first, you’re one of us,” Fives gave you a smirk that made you blush a little.
“Yeah, okay!” you agreed enthusiastically after they all chimed in reasons you should have one.
After a few good laughs about suggested names, they finally settled on one despite your hesitation and objection, they insisted that it suited you, so you complied. Asking if this was the ship you’d be on the majority of the time, you decided to familiarise yourself with the passages and rooms. Kix offered to take you to the medical bay a little later but could sense that you wanted some time alone to take everything in. Kix literally had to stop a group that offered to show you around.
The halls were big and bright, you liked how clear the instructions you’d received were; it was a whole layout of the ship, the only problem was that it was a tiny hologram picture projected from your wristlet. You’d never had one before, always familiar with a pad or screen, but since you were going to be on the ground and out in the field they needed a more compact version for you.
“Okay…,” you were staring down at the little projection, “so if I’m here…then I need to go- oof!”
You’d run right into the back of someone. Taking a step back, you were prepared to apologize profusely, mildly embarrassed that you hadn’t been watching where you were going, but the figure turned around and you went silent. He was a clone, but there was a presence you’d never felt before when you met his eyes.
“Careful there, girly,” his deep strong voice said softly and kindly.
“So-so sorry, sir,” you managed, “I’m not familiar with this layout and I’ve never been on a ship before.”
“Ah, a shiny aye?” Rex raised an eyebrow and smirked, it wasn’t condescending in fact it felt more flirtatious. You smiled slowly, trying to repress the blush rising, Rex chuckled, ‘a little flirting wasn’t a bad thing’ he told himself, assuming you were probably just being transported and he’d never see you again, “let me see where you’re headed, I’m sure I can help.”
Bringing your wrist in front of you, Rex moved beside you, examining the map, hand on his chin. You were distracted by his proximity, you not so subtly looked over to observe his profile. Although you’d seen it before, he was different and you couldn’t explain why. You softly smiled noticing his short blonde hair, a personal modification. You could also smell a signature cologne that was different from everyone else’s. As your eyes came back down you were noticing just how much of his neck was exposed without the helmet on. A smirk came across Rex’s lips, he shifted his eyes over to you for only a moment, returning to the hologram.
“You really should work on keeping your eyes where they need to be,” Rex said, knowing it’d fluster you.
Lips parting with a shock at your own behaviour, you stared forward, uncertain how to respond, chest now rising and falling far more obviously than you wanted it to be. There was a burning blush on your cheeks that even you couldn’t repress.
Straightening back up, Rex pointed to a box on the projection, “you’re headed here, it’s the hangar bay, I assume you’ll find your transport there; we’ll be prepping for a mission soon, so I’m sure you’ll get your instructions for departure there. And if you need any more help before then…just find me.” Rex winked.
“Oh right- yes, of course, right,” you fumbled, still feeling embarrassed, “thank you so much, I- I will be sure to tell Captain Rex how helpful you were.”
Rex tilted his head amused as he watched you quickly walk away, shocked that you had no idea you were talking to Rex the entire time.
When you found your way to the hangar bay, you met up with Kix and the 501st. There was a routine squad check before you were sent on your mission. So, you fell in line with the rest of them once it was announced the Captian was present. You swallowed harshly, eyebrows furrowing up together, fiddling with your fingers behind your back as you stood amidst the rows of the 501st. Kix looked over to you with a subtle reassuring smile, to which you tried to convincingly returned, not wanting him to think any less of you just because you’d never seen action and that you were anxious that this Captain Rex would be like a drill sergeant because you were a “shiny” as they called it.
‘If only the clone I met earlier were the captain, he was so sweet and nice, and-’ Lost in your thoughts you stared down at the floor across from where you stood, biting the inside of your lip you questioned if this was the right call, if you were cut out for this, did any of them really like you, what if Rex– it was then that you realized you were the only one with your head down instead of snapped into attention. Looking up and to your left swiftly, you saw Rex making his way towards you, his signature Jaig eyes markings were far more intimidating than you imagined. You held your head high and tried to mimic the clones around you even though you stuck out like no tomorrow. Rex had been simply and quietly walking past them, but your throat tightened when he stopped a few paces after you and retrace his steps, walking backwards.
“What are you doing here?” Rex asked, placing his hands on his utility belt with commanding ease.
“Well, I’m,” you began, trying to read his expression, but it was nearly impossible with his helmet on, “I’m the squad’s nurse.”
“We already have a medic,” he countered, really asking for you to divulge more information.
“Yes, but-”
“I requested for her transfer, sir,” Kix joined in, still staring straight ahead as he spoke like his training encouraged, especially while speaking out of line, meanwhile you and Rex simultaneously looked over to the clone defending you.
“Why?” Rex questioned, his tone not mad, nor upset, he was just looking for an honest answer.
“I need the extra hands, and she has abilities none of us have which are most beneficial medically,” Kix continued, “she’s the best I’ve ever seen, sir, and I have confidence she’ll save many lives.”
Rex slowly tilted his head to meet your gaze which was switching between the two men in uniform eagerly, “I see. I trust your judgement Kix,” the Captain concluded.
You released a breath you’d been holding but sharply inhaled when Rex moved to stand directly in front of you. Straightening up once again, you looked up, an anxious look still across your face. Rex lifted his hands and removed his helmet, tucking it under his forearm and holding it against his side. You met his eyes; jaw nearly dropping, lips parting and eyes widening, you recognized him immediately. Blinking you waited, knowing that if you spoke it’d be “out of line,” as he outranked you and he hadn’t asked you another question. You panicked thinking how disrespectful you’d been not to address him as Captain easier in the hallway.
“Welcome to the Five-o-first,” Rex gave a half-smile, lifting his hand to shake yours.
Staring down at his open hand, a soft smile spread across your face. Happily, you brought your hand to meet his, and glanced up, truly meeting his gaze again, your smile caused your eyes to squint a little as you spoke through it, “thank you…Captain, I’m glad to be in such company.”
Rex’s expression softened, and the tough, firm Captain attitude briefly faded, his face relaxed when he looked at you. In that moment, he didn’t treat you like another soldier, instead of a hard handshake, he automatically tilted your hand, his caressing yours from underneath, thumb pressed gently across your knuckles. He wasn’t sure where it came from or how he learned it, he’d only ever seen it when Anakin helped Senator Amidala down steep stairs, or out of a cruiser. Rex caught himself staring down at your hand in his, he carefully pulled his hand back from yours, not harshly, just suddenly, subtly shaking himself out of it, he looked at you once again.
“Well, yes, we should get…going,” he said, placing his helmet back on and continuing his inspection of troops.
You followed his path with your eyes, even leaning forward, head striking out from between the line of clones to watch him as far as you could.
“I think he liked you,” Kix playfully elbowed your arm as he looked down to you.
Leaning back into proper position, you smiled to yourself for more than one reason, before answering, “you think so?”
“I’d say,” another voice chimed in from your other side, it was Fives, he was one clone down from you and there was a slight amusement in his tone, “I’ve never seen the captain so stunned.”
“Stunned?” You lifted an eyebrow pondering that word, “oh, then I’m not so sure-”
“Trust us,” Echo, who was directly beside you, placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, “we mean it in a good way; I’ve never seen him look at someone the way he looked at you, so take that as a good omen.”
Nodding to them, you could tell the line had been dismissed as Jesse came over to your little group from where he stood across the aisle, “See, not so scary, is he? What’d he say to you?”
While you and Kix began explaining the encounter to a few more clones who joined the conversation, Fives and Echo were waved over by Rex. As they left, it caught your attention; looking over your shoulder, you saw Rex standing with arms crossed, staring straight at you. His gaze made you quickly look forward once again despite the fact that his helmet was on, it felt strong.
“Sir?” Fives and Echo said in time, nodding to their superior.
Rex hesitated before pulling his stare away from you, “what do you know about her?” he asked them, not particular about who answered.
Fives exchanged a look with Echo and began, “well, she’s force sensitive-”
“A Jedi?” Rex interrupted with a frustrated tone, already drawing assumptions that you were undercover and they left him out of the plan.
“No, sir,” Echo hastened, “they identified her, but…she didn’t pass the entry exams when she was a child.”
“Ah,” was all that came from beneath Rex’s helmet.
“She trained under Jedi Master Doctor Rig Nema for her medical training though,” Fives added, “so who knows what tricks she might’ve still picked up. Could be quite useful in battle.”
“I’m not making her fight in our battle,” Rex said plainly.
“She’s coming with us though, isn’t she?” Echo asked, momentarily confused.
“She is,” Rex nodded, “but she chose the life of a medic, she’s a healer, not a soldier.”
“But Kix-”
“Is one of us,” Rex finished Fives’ thought for him. Seeing the troopers’ confusion, he removed his helmet to talk to them face-to-face, in a quieter tone he explained, “Kix is our brother, he was born and bred for battle, then he was medically trained. She’s not a soldier, she has abilities we don’t understand, but that doesn’t mean she should be forced to use them in war, she wasn’t trained like the generals,” Rex looked between the two, “understood?”
Fives and Echo again exchanged a look, now understanding what he meant as they looked over to you, bright eyes filled with an eagerness to learn about the trooper lifestyle, but an innocence that was soon going to be lost to war.
“Yes, sir,” they responded.
“Good,” Rex nodded, ending the discussion, about to put his helmet on when Fives coughed to grab his attention.
“What- uh, what do you think of her, Sir?”
Echo gave an eye roll, not impressed with Fives’ attempt at subtlety.
“What do I think of her?” Rex repeated, raising an unamused eyebrow. He knew what they were asking, but for now, he wanted to avoid the feeling that had stayed in the pit of his stomach since he first saw you.
“Well, all the men have given her a nickname so she feels a bit more like one of us,” Fives continued, “they decided on Angel,” Fives glanced to Echo when he noticed Rex staring in your direction again, “they picked it because she’s been so nice to us all, and she’s a nurse, so healing and all, and well maybe…” he paused, “some of them fancy she looks like one, you know from the moon of Iego?”
There was a part of Rex that was amused by the fact that his men were already falling for you and a part that related. Rex wasn’t sure what it was about you, but the gravity you had seemed to pull him in immediately. Everything in his life had been accelerated, his age, his training, his entrance into the war, he began to wonder if his emotions were too.
