#they share one brain cell
Whyaretheysoextra!?
Simple Care
Pairing: General Adira Kiaan (Jedi OC) and Commander Garren (Clone OC)
Words: 919
Description: After a battle that severely injured the Jedi General, Adira Kiaan, she and Commander Garren became separated from the rest of the battalion when a heavy dust storm came through, causing them to fall behind and become lost. Unable to move and running out of water, they are forced to seek shelter at the base of a stone cliff, finding the storm to be interfering with their communications. After several days, Commander Garren is able to make contact…
***
“Roger that.” Commander Garren sighed as the commlink crackled into silence. Adira opened a languid eye.
“More good news?”
“As usual.” Garren resumed his seat next to the fire, grabbing a stick and jabbing the hot core, sending sparks into the dusty air. “Med evac can’t make it till dawn. That storm just hit their position hard, and with all the clankers crawling about, they can’t risk sending in a transport without aerial support. Support that can’t-”
“That can’t get through the dust storm, I understand.” Adira tried not to groan and she made an effort to sit up. In an instant, Garren was crouching by her side, hand hovering just above her back, other hand outstretched, which she gladly grasped and used to pull herself up.
“Easy there, General. Can’t have you hurting yourself more than as is.” She tried to turn a grimace into a grin.
“I just want to sit up, Commander. Besides, what’s a few more broken bones?”
“You should be resting.”
“What do you think I’ve been doing the past three rotations?”
“Besides trying to undermine my orders?” Adira let out a chortle that quickly turned into a cough. She tried suppressing it, but that only made her cough harder, sending searing, shooting pains throughout her whole body. She didn’t even notice Garren’s hand now fully pressing to her back, urging her to lean forward to try to get some air. “Kriff’s sake, Adira,” he muttered to himself. She didn’t hear his worried tone, focusing on breathing slowly and steadily, trying to recenter herself, similar to how she breathed while meditating. Not that meditation was exactly a favorite habit of hers, but it helped in situations like these. Garren reached to his bag, hand still supporting his general, pushing aside the used bacta patches and grabbing a canteen. Immediately, he could tell there wasn’t much, no more than a few sips. They might make it to the morning. But if there was a problem with the evac, or if the storm continued, they might be here for a long time. And with the closest water source being several klicks away, there’s no telling how long it would take to get some. Not that it matters, he can’t leave her alone. That’s why they were so low in the first place. He couldn’t risk leaving her now. She would say that she’s fine and can defend herself. He knew she could. But still, that nagging feeling-
His thoughts were interrupted by her shaky voice.
“Your orders? I hate to break it to you, Commander, but I still outrank you. Not dead yet you know.” Garren smiled and shifted closer to Adira, using his body to prop her up so her head was tilted back to his shoulder. He pressed the canteen to her lips, effectively silencing her.
“Yes, sir.” Just before he could tilt the last few drops into her mouth, she pulled back her head, lifting a weak hand to push the canteen away.
“You need to drink some too.” Garren opened his mouth to protest, but Adira cut him off. “That’s an order.” He hesitated, looking down at the canteen and back at her. The firelight cast dancing shadows across her dirty face, and for the first time, he noticed just how tired she looked. Not just of the planet, or of her injuries, something deeper, etched into her half closed eyes and creased forehead. The war left its mark on everyone. But through it all, she had always put her men before her. Making sure they were taken care of. Caring for others. That’s how she coped with the war. That’s how she found the motivation to fight another day. Cause if she didn’t care for her men, who would? Garren had fought by her side long enough to know all this. Which is why he swallowed the last few drops without arguing. Adira gave him a small smile.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“We’ll need to get more soon,” he murmured, voicing his concern from earlier. “If I leave now, I can be back before-”
“Don’t.” Her sudden firm voice caught him by surprise. He looked down into her gaze, meeting her wide eyes. “Please don’t leave.” Garren was caught off guard by her response, expecting her to agree with him. Not that he wanted to leave anyways, but what choice did they have? “Please. Garren.” She closed her eyes and shifted her head from his shoulder to his chest plate, so his chin hovered just above her hair. “Please stay with me.” Her confident tone that he was so accustomed to was now no more than a soft plea. Then it dawned on him.
She was scared. And she needed care. More than what a little water can give.
In that moment, he didn’t care that she was a Jedi. He didn’t care that he was a clone. He shifted, mindful of her injuries, pulling Adira close between his legs, allowing her full weight to crumple into his body. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, cradling her so her head tucked neatly in the crook of his neck and shoulder. She didn’t resist, closing her eyes, breathing becoming calmer.
“Thank you,” she whispered. In moments, she was softly snoring.
Garren leaned back slowly, so as not to wake her until his back was propped up against the rock wall behind them. Through the distant, dusty passing storm clouds, stars were beginning to peak through. Somehow, they seemed brighter tonight.
Thanks for reading! Just a lil’ fluffy piece for funsies. I might end up doing a full story with them, but for now, I just like to imagine little scenes like this. Something is to be said about a wholesome forbidden relationship doomed to tragedy in the end. Lmk if there’s something specific you’d like to see with these guys!
