Pairing: Jedi OC (Adira Kiaan) X Clone OC (Commander Garren)
Word Count: 913
Summary: Adira wishes for a life she knows she can’t have. Fluff, Slow burn, Longing
“Kijara! Kijara!” “Madaa! Padraa!” The youngling in Adira’s arms squirmed and struggled, and Adira quickly set her to the ground. She watched the young Togruta run to her mother and father, throwing her tiny arms around them as they fretted over their child. Adira couldn’t help but smile watching them. The mother planted a kiss on the child’s forehead, cradling her as the father wrapped his arm around his wife, gently guiding them away. Adira’s smile faltered as creases formed along her brow, her head becoming plagued with thoughts. “Mission accomplished, sir.” The sound of his voice startled her, simultaneously causing her stomach to twist, bringing her back to reality. She turned to face Garren, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards. “It would seem so, Commander.” In a smooth movement, Garren removed his helmet and took a few steps to stand at her side. He nodded his head toward the retreating family she had been observing. “Makes it all worth it doesn’t it? All the fighting, the loss, the pain… worth it just to see that young’un returned back where she belongs.” When Gazer and Def brought the young girl to Adira, she didn’t have a clue what to do. They had caught her trying to steal some food from their stores. Poor thing was separated from her family during the initial Separatist invasion of the city, and somehow made it out in one piece, just to find their camp. Adira and Garren agreed it was best to keep her in the camp with a few men assigned to watch after her. “Sitter Duty” quickly became a much vied for assignment in the company, as once the child became acquainted with everyone, she was a light in each person’s lives. “I must admit, I’m going to miss the little rascal.” Her eyes shifted to his face, taking in every detail. It had been a while since his helmet was off. Though tired and worn, his eyes shone with pride, confidence, and… something else she couldn’t quite pinpoint. “We all will,” she replied softly. Something in her voice caused him to look at her, brow furrowing slightly. “General? Are you alright?” She forced a smile. “Of course.” Breaking off his gaze, she turned to survey the troopers who were going through the city, clearing out the now lifeless forms of the clankers, providing aid to the locals. The child and her family was no where to be seen. “Adira…” A firm hand gripped her shoulder, gently turning her to face him. “You know you’re an awful liar. What’s wrong?” His golden brown eyes pierced hers. A familiar feeling rose up in her chest, a feeling she got in moments like these, quiet moments, when it seems like there is no war. When it seems like the only people in the galaxy and beyond were her and him. When it seems like nothing else really mattered. He tilted his head and stepped a little closer. “Tell me,” he said softly. “Please?” There was a heavy silence. Adira sighed. “Garren… do you ever feel like… you’re missing something? Like, there’s a part to life that you think would make it better, worthwhile, but you’re not sure… you’re not sure because you’ve never known any better. You’ve never had the chance to look for it. I guess I just wonder sometimes what would happen if I did find that thing. How my life would be different.” Pink tinged her cheeks, and she let out a small laugh. “I’m sorry, I know that doesn’t make any sense.” Garren gave a small smile. “It’s like wanting something you know you can’t have.” Adira hesitated, before giving a small nod. “I understand.” That look that he had when he was watching the family returned. The same look Adira couldn’t quite figure out. “More than you know.” Adira opened her mouth, about to ask him what he meant, when his comm crackled to life. “Sir, we have an incoming transmission from Captain Kamno. Shall I transmit to your location?” “Negative, I’m on my way.” Garren chuckled softly as he disconnected. “Never ending is it? Want to come?” “You go ahead, I have something else to do.” “Sure, General. And, Adira?” He slid his helmet back on, and put his hand on her shoulder. “If you ever want to talk…” Adira smiled, nodding at him. “Thank you, Commander.” His hand lingered for a second, before giving her shoulder a light squeeze. And with that he was gone. Adira took a deep breath. She pulled out her holoprojector, and the image of Master Yoda appeared. Their conversation was brief. “Approve this, the counsel must.” “I understand.” She ended the communication, fighting back the lump quickly rising in her throat. This was the right decision. Her emotions had clouded her judgement for too long. All she hoped was that when she was reassigned, Garren wouldn’t revile her. She thought it would be okay, that, if she just ignored it, these feelings would go away. But the last few rotations were just too much for her to handle. At night, her head filled with images of things that could never be. A life free from the war. A life of peace. A life with her commander. In a moment, it clicked. Longing. That look that he had when watching the child, and again when he was talking with her. Longing. And she knew because it was the exact same way she looked at him.
Thanks for reading! I might do more writings with these guys. Honestly just did this to try to get over a writing block.
In one of his first battles, a grenade went off right next to him
He survived, but the heat from the explosion caused part of his helmet to melt into his skin, damaging the left side of his face as well as his ear
He’s a little hard of hearing now
One day an angry captain was yelling at him
“Are you deaf trooper!”
Quite fed up with this, he snapped back
“That’s right sir, Def! Def is my name sir! What can I do for you sir!”
The captain did not appreciate this, but his surrounding brothers did
He listens to orders the best out of everyone, but that doesn’t stop him from trolling others when the opportunity presents itself
He doesn’t have much of an opinion on the war. Is he bitter about his injury? A little, but hey, that’s the cost of battle. Could have been worse. And hey, least I got a cool scar out of it!
the background of the first panel is why this took so long i am a victim of my own hubris but if i’m gonna do all of these im gonna make them a learning experience
[Image ID: A digital illustration of The Clone Wars character Hardcase, from the neck up. The background is white, with his head framed by the leaves and trumpet-shaped red flowers of a plant in the genus Bouvardia. He’s facing right, in three-quarter view, grinning widely with his teeth showing, and looking off to the right of the viewer. The collar of his body glove/blacks is partially visible, framed by white negative space in the shape of leaves. End ID.]
I kind of lost track of time this month, so I forgot that @blackkatmagic’s July Rare Character Appreciation Day was coming up until two days ago. ^^; I’ve been wanting to sketch Hardcase for my SW flowers series, anyway, so I thought I’d combine the two. :D
Flowers from plants in the genus Bouvardia symbolize enthusiasm.
