#arc trooper jesse fic | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

vodika-vibes · 3 months

Note

I love your follower celebration idea. It's so sweet. I would love to put in a request.

Narcissus and yellow orchid, I'll let you choose any clone, bevause they all deserve love. And it can be that after months of unrequited love, f!reader is trying to move on, and he finds out about it.

I don't know. Something like that.

Please Watch Me

Summary: You've had a crush on Jesse for ages, but he doesn't really know you exist, so you're planning on moving on. Only, when he finds out, he takes issue with it.

Pairing: ARC Trooper Jesse x F!Reader

Word Count: 2592

Prompts: Narcissus - unrequited love, Yellow Orchid - New Beginnings

Warning: Jesse is kind of an idiot in this, but it's not malicious

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: So this was going to be a Fox fic, because I love him so much, but then I made myself sad about Jesse, and this was born instead. I hope this is close to what you want! ❤️

You learned, a long time ago, that life isn’t fair.

And you’ve, mostly, accepted it.

It’s why you agreed to join the GAR at your parents' loud encouragement. It was never your dream. But you’ve come to accept that most people don’t get to live their dreams.

It’s…fine.

You like your job well enough.

Or, well…you like the view, if nothing else.

Your gaze drifts from your datapad, which is running a diagnostic on a malfunctioning alarm, over to the group of men on the other side of the room. Your eyes linger on one man specifically.

ARC Trooper Jesse of the 501st.

Kind and handsome and charming…and so far out of your reach that he might as well be on Kamino still.

You glance down at your datapad, and sigh softly. As per usual, the diagnostic is moving at the pace of a teenager who has school that day. Nothing for it but to wait until it’s done, you suppose.

You slump against the wall, and allow your gaze to drift back over to the clones on the other side of the room.

It looks like they’re doing hand to hand combat this morning. Which has two perks for one. One, watching them spar is always interesting, though you never have the time to actually watch them. And two, they tend to spar shirtless and you’re something of a simple woman and enjoy the sight of very attractive shirtless men.

All of them. Not just Jesse.

You glance at your datapad again.

30%. You’re going to be here awhile. You should have brought a book.

You slide to the ground and balance your datapad on your knees, splitting your attention between the slowly rinsing number, and Jesse on the other side of the room.

You’ve been completely enamored with him for months now. Ever since the first time he came into your “office”, which is really just a small corner of the hanger sectioned off with crates to give you the illusion of privacy, and asked you for help updating his onboard computer since he was having a hard time with it.

You ended up having to replace the whole system, but he sat with you until you were done, cracking jokes and sharing easy conversation, until you managed to replace the whole system and run the update that he needed.

The crush started out small, just a little thing that you thought could be ignored.

But it wouldn’t. The more you watched him interact with the world around him, the stronger the feelings grew. Until you were laying in your cot late one night, staring at the ceiling, realizing that you loved him.

And Jesse.

Well, he didn’t know you existed.

Or, if he did, it was in the vague way that all of the men in the 501st knew you existed. As Tech Support.

It. Sucks.

And sure, life isn’t fair, and you’ve come to accept the fact that you’re probably going to get stuck watching the love of your life fall in love with another person, and you’ve promised yourself that you’re going to be happy for him.

Still, it would be nice if life was a little more fair.

Just a little bit?

You glance at your datapad again. 35%.

At least it’s not running backwards, that happened in the med-bay the other day and you just about ripped your hair out…and then verbally tore the entire Medical team a new one for downloading a virus on a military computer.

Rex promised that it would never happen again, when he came to save the medical team from your ire, but you have doubts.

After all, it always happens again.

You fold your legs and absently open a game of solitaire over the diagnostic screen.

Now that you’re thinking about it, maybe it’s time for you to make a change. Not with your career, you signed a contract and you’re stuck for at least 6 years, but with your personal life.

You can’t keep pining over Jesse, it’s not healthy. And you’re young and reasonably attractive, surely you can snag a date with someone?

Right?

The only problem, of course, being that whenever you consider someone to date, the only face that pops in your mind is Jesse. Which is wholly unhelpful. And you refuse, refuse, to try and get over Jesse by using one of his brothers.

That’s not fair to anyone.

You suppose you can always go to a club when you return to Coruscant. You are paid decently well, so you can afford a proper clubbing outfit, and a hookup might, maybe, help you get over Jesse?

Or, it’ll make everything so much worse.

You consider the idea for a moment as you absently move cards across the screen. It’s not a terrible idea, all things considered. You still have some friends from college who keep in touch, and they have been nagging you to go out with them.

And you have been neglecting your social life, what with the war and being assigned to the Resolute.

And your friends will be thrilled to go dancing with you.

Yes, this is an excellent idea. Maybe.

Eh. Maybe not. But it can’t hurt.

Anything is better than pining over someone who isn’t interested, after all.

“How’s the security system looking?” General Skywalker asks as he looms over you, a look of amusement on his face as he sees the card game.

You switch tabs, “Can’t tell you. The diagnostic is still only at 43%.”

“Slow system,”

“GAR standard,” You reply dryly, “It’ll get sorted, it’s just going to take time.”

Anakin sighs, “Of course. Well, we’re heading back to Coruscant anyway, Snips has some lessons she needs to actually sit for.”

“Do not miss those days.” You quip.

“Amen to that,” He glances at you, “Are you alright? You looked sad.”

“Ah, just…thinking.” You reply. You’re quiet for a moment, “I haven’t been on a date since my ex cheated on me in college, and I’m thinking of maybe putting myself back out there.”

There’s a noise from the other side of the room, and both you and General Skywalker look up to see Jesse laying on his back with Tup standing over him, both of them looking surprised.

“Well, good luck with that. I have to go…manage.” General Skywalker says with a sigh.

“Sounds like you have the harder job.” You murmur as he walks away. You look at your diagnostic one more time, and then sigh, and go back to your game.

At this rate, you’re going to be working until midnight.

Jesse is having something of a week.

Not a good one, either.

He rubs the back of his neck as he paces in Kix’s office. He is deeply, deeply agitated and he knows why. After all, he was fine until he heard her say those words.

“-I’m thinking of putting myself back out there.”

It had been startling enough that Tup managed to get one up on him and ended up beating him in the spar. And if he’s going to be honest, he’s still a little shell-shocked.

She can’t go out on a date. She just…she can’t.

“Jesse.”

It’s not allowed. Or it shouldn’t be allowed. She needs to stay near the barracks. Where she’ll be safe. Where he can keep her safe from the creeps on Coruscant.

“Jesse!”

Or, if she doesn’t stay near the barracks, she should at least go to places that are safe, like 79s where he can threaten his brothers if they bother her-

“JESSE!”

He jumps when Kix’s shout jerks him out of his increasingly spiraling thoughts. “What?”

“You’re going to pace a hole in my floor.” Kix says, irritably. “Sit. Down.”

Jesse obediently drops into a chair.

Kix glares at him a moment longer, and then he nods, “Good. Now. What is your problem?”

“You have a shit bedside manner, Kix.”

“It’s you. Get over it.” Kix rolls his eyes, “Why are you so anxious?”

Jesse eyes his brother, and then his shoulders slump, and he quietly says her name.

“What, did she yell at you for downloading a virus, because she’s not going to stay angry for long.” Kix says.

“No. She wants to start dating.”

“And? What’s the problem with-” He stops and looks up from his datapad to stare at his brother. “Oh. Oh. Vod, I’m sorry.”

Jesse grimaces, “I was dumb.” He admits.

“Well, at least you know. How were you dumb, though?”

“I got comfortable. She watched me when she thought no one was looking. And I thought…well, I thought she would wait for me.”

“Why the hell would she do that? Have you ever actually spoken to her before?”

“Yes!”

“About something not work related?”

“I…Not really, no.”

“Then why should she put her life on hold for you?” Kix asks reasonably.

“Stop being logical and tell me how to keep her from dating people who aren’t me!”

“Talk to her, you utter idiot.”

“What if she says no?”

“Well then, you’re SOL aren’t you?” Kix says, “Because if you think for a moment that I’m going to let you ruin her life because of jealousy-”

“What! No! I would never!”

“Good.” Kix turns back to his work, “Anyway, you should go talk to her.”

“Uh…”

He turns his glare onto his brother, “You’re not really going to make me do this, are you?”

“...do what?” Jesse asks warily.

“You are. You’re lucky you’re my favorite brother.”

“Wait-”

Kix gets to his feet and drags Jesse to his feet, before he propels him out of the room. He pushes Jesse down the hall, into the lift, down another hall, into the hanger, and then into the small room where she works.

“Wait, Kix-” Jesse hisses.

She turns her wide, confused gaze over the pair of men, “Is something wrong?” She asks cautiously.

“No.” Jesse says quickly.

“Yes.” Kix says at the same time. He pushes Jesse into the only chair in the room, and then claps his brother on the shoulder, “This is for your own good, vod.”

“What are you-?” Jesse doesn’t finish his sentence as Kix cuffs him to the chair, and then leaves the room.

She stares at Jesse wide eyed, her hand pressed over her mouth, “Um…hold on, I’m sure I have a set of lock picks in here-”

“You…why would you have lockpicks?” Jesse asks, so startled at her comment that he can’t even be upset at the situation.

She ducks her head, and Jesse just about melts when he sees the adorably shy look on her face. “I, well…I was bored, and I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to learn how to pick locks.”

“That’s…”

She ducks her head a little more, and Jesse wonders what person told her that she should be ashamed of herself, and he wonders if he can meet them and introduce them to his fist.

“It’s weird, I know-”

“It’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever heard in my life.” Jesse says determinedly.

Her head snaps up and she stares at him in surprise, “You…adorable?” She asks with a cute scrunch of her nose.

“Yes. Adorable. In fact, everything about you is adorable. How do you do that?”

“I…I don’t-I mean, I’m not doing anything special-?” She says shyly, “Oh, lockpicks…” She turns and digs through a drawer.

“You don’t have to do anything special. You just are.” Jesse says as he watches her dig through her things. He hesitates a moment, “Any guy would be lucky to have you.” He adds, sounding deeply pained.

“Found it!” She holds up a ring of lockpicks, and then offers him a slight smile, “And…not any guy.”

“Name one.”

“General Skywalker?”

“He doesn’t count seeing as he’s married, try again.”

“Like, all of your brothers who look right through me like I’m invisible?” She offers as she kneels next to him and starts working on the cuff.

“They have bad taste, all of them. Have you seen some of their tattoos?” Jesse asks.

“Says the man with the Republic cog tattooed on his face?”

“I have amazing taste,” Jesse says with a grin, “Have you seen my other tattoos?”

“I…have, yes.”

His grin widens, “Like I said, they all have bad taste, try again.”

She sighs and straightens once he’s free, “Okay. You.”

Jesse rubs his wrist, but keeps his gaze locked on her face, “That’s not true at all.”

She blinks at him once, and then again, “I beg your pardon?”

“Alright, so…I have a confession.” Jesse starts as he leans back in the chair, not wanting to crowd her, “I knew about your crush on me.”

Her face flames, and she presses her hands over her face, “I-”

“Can I finish before you say anything, please?” Jesse asks, his voice gentle, and he waits until she nods before he continues. “I knew about your crush, and I knew about you watching me, and I loved it.”

She lowers her hands to watch him.

“I suppose I got…spoiled. I assumed that you would always be there, and that’s on me, not on you. So…so hearing that you want to start dating again-” He trails off and shakes his head with a wry quirk of his lips. “It was something of a punch to the gut.”

“I…sorry-”

“Hey, no. No, you don’t have to apologize. It was a well needed punch to the gut.” Jesse says, “I never spoke with you, and part of that is because we’re both so busy, but part of it is…well, I’m something of a jerk sometimes.”

She tilts her head, her arms folding in front of her stomach, “Jesse…what are you trying to say?”

“I’m saying,” Jesse pauses, “Begging, pleading…don’t take your eyes off me. Please?”

“Jesse-”

“I want to…to take you dancing and to the movies and out to dinner and…and buy you flowers. And I know that you have every right to tell me to kriff off but I’m really hoping that you won’t.”

She hesitates, “This isn’t just some joke that you’re playing on me, is it?”

“No, never. I wouldn’t do that to anyone, but least of all you.” Jesse says.

There’s quiet for a moment, and then Jesse speaks again, looking both eager and hesitant at the same time, “So…so what do you think? Can you give this idiot one more chance?”

She sighs, gentle and quiet, “Jesse, I didn’t actually have any hope of finding someone else.” She admits, “I’ve been in love with you since the first time you came in here.”

“I know.” Jesse smiles slightly, “I don’t know if I love you. I’ve never been in love before. But I know the idea of you with someone else makes me unbearably sad.”

She ducks her head with a small smile, “I don’t mind waiting until you know for sure.”

“Does that mean you’re willing to be my girlfriend?” Jesse asks.

She glances at him and nods her head slowly, “But…you’re not allowed to ignore me anymore.”

“Never again. This is a new beginning for you and me. A better start.” Jesse stands when he sees the small smile on her face and he reaches out to lightly brush his fingers against her cheek.

And then he leans in and presses his lips against her forehead.

She doesn’t react for a moment, and then, slowly, she wraps her arms around his waist. “Do…do you want to stay and watch a holo with me?” She asks, her voice soft and hesitant.

“Cyare, nothing would make me happier.”

#star wars #tcw #vodika-vibes follower celebration #arc trooper jesse x reader #jesse x reader #star wars fanfiction #x reader fanfiction #f!reader fic #answered asks

93 notes · View notes

arctrooper69 · 1 year

Text

Born for This

This is my gift for @starborncyare-deactivated202303 as a part of the @cloneficgiftexchange (which you should go and check out bc there are a TON of amazing fic authors).

Prompt: "Cyar'ika no." // "But it followed me back to camp!"

P.S. Sorry for posting so late tonight. I meant to post it earlier but life got in the way. Hope you like it though!

Holy crap I tagged the wrong person 😱😱😱 I'm so sorry!

Warnings: None?

--------------------------------------------------

"Where in the kriffing galaxy have you be -" Kix stuttered, cutting himself off as you walked through the door holding what looked like a large bundle of towels. Whatever you were carrying barely fit in your arms. "Uh...what is that?"

Before you could respond, the bundle began to wiggle and two long angular ears popped out of the top.

Kix's look of concern flipped to one of disbelief in a matter of nanoseconds.

Oh Force, not again.

Jesse and Hardcase had brought him an injured tooka the week before and it had wrecked havoc in his med bay when it got loose. Kix desperately hoped this wouldn't be a repeat of that disaster.

Though, despite his initial worries, he had to smile. You did look awfully cute sporting that wide grin of yours. He loved how the tip of your nose crinkled when you were truly happy.

Kix took a step forward, curiously peering at the creature cocooned in your arms.

Oh. Kriff.

He almost wished it was a feral tooka.

He slid his hand down his face and took a deep breath as he stepped back. "Cyar'ika," he said evenly, keeping his voice as calm as he could muster. "Please tell me that isn't what I think it is."

You looked down as the creature in question poked his head out from beneath the towel, large yellow eyes curiously gazing around the room.

"This little guy?" You cooed at the large cub. He barely fit in your arms.

"Little!?" Kix almost yelled, shooting you an incredulous look. "That thing is a gundark and could very easily tear you apart!"

As if on cue, the cub let out a purring growl before yawning, displaying rows of razor sharp teeth.

You frowned. "His name is Tiny and I don't think he likes what you just said about him."

Kix pinched the bridge of his nose, not quite believing the scene before him.

"You named it!?"

You nodded enthusiastically.

"And....what made you decide to bring it here?"

The gundark whined, knocking his head against your shoulder, blinking up at you.

"He was wandering around just outside the base. I think there's something wrong with his paw. He was limping and I thought you could help him!"

"It is a gundark, cyar'ika. Please get it out of my med bay before it eats someone."

Your expression fell. "But he's hurt! He doesn't have a mom anymore! We have to keep him!"

"No. Absolutely not. Go outside. Put it down immediately and go wash your hands."

"But he followed me back to camp! I think he thinks I'm his mom now. Please at least just help me patch him up!"

Kix sighed. Part of him wanted to yell at you, tell you that the cub was dangerous, that it could seriously hurt you. Kix had seen brothers be torn to pieces by these creatures. He could still hear their screams as they were eaten alive. He wanted that danger as far away from you as possible.

On the other hand, the amount of compassion you displayed towards this injured animal was the same kindness he'd seen you show daily as you helped nurse his wounded brothers back to health. You were born for this - he saw it everyday. Watching you be so gentle towards such a bloodthirsty creature stirred something inside of him. You were strong, he knew that, and as much as he tried to keep you out of trouble, danger just followed along behind, but you faced it head on with such a genuine, loving thoughtfulness. It was part of who you were.

Maybe it was time to act on those feelings that had been growing stronger day by day.

Kix chuckled softly as his hand grazed your shoulder. He smiled warmly, latching onto that growing sparkle of dedicated excitement in your eyes.

"Alright, cyar'ika. Let's see what we're working with."

--------------------------------------------------

@zoeykallus @ttzamara @nahoney22 @merkitty49 @viva-la-whump @agenteliix @dumpsters-little-matchbook @nekotaetae @ladykatakuri @loverofclones @heyitsaloy @padawancat97 @jambolska-grozdova @flyingkangaroo @melymigo @rain-on-kamino @jiabeewrites @my-own-oracle @dragonrider9905 @queenofspades6 @ordinarylokix @jupitersaturnapollo @queencousland101 @vampirerouge @southernbaguette @staycalmandhugaclone @dalu-grantkylo @dangraccoon @aconstructofamind @blueink-bluesoul @sol-oya-6116

If you want to be on my taglist, feel free to send me a message! Also, asks are open! Reblogging is very much encouraged and it makes me do a happy dance every time any of my writing gets reblogged 😂❤️

332 notes · View notes

the-bad-batch-baroness · 5 months

Text

Fortunately Unfortunate

Jesse x GN!Reader

Summary: Jesse’s number is drawn in a lottery, forcing him to participate in a cross-training event with the 212th, and he’s not happy about it. However, his view of the training mission changes when he crashes into your life, literally.

Pairing: Jesse x GN!Reader

Characters: Jesse, Rex, Cody, Waxer, Boil, Sinker, Violet (OFC)

Tags & Warnings: 18+, grumpy Jesse, vehicular accident, no injuries, clone jokes, bad puns, shirtless clones, fluff, humor, angst with a happy ending, implied sexy time offscreen, suggestive themes

Word Count: 9.2k

Author's Note: Apologizing now for the word count (my small ideas never stay small), and for the fact that this fic only went through two rounds of editing before posting... This fic was written for @snippy-tano as part of the @rare-clone-fic-exchange. I hope you like it sweetie, and I hope you don’t mind the additional side characters 😘 As always, please enjoy 💚

@clonexreaderbingo Square: Tradition

“You can’t be serious?” Jesse groans with an exaggerated eye roll.

“I am,” Rex answers. “Your number was drawn, so you’re going.”

Jesse grunts. “This program is stupid!”

“This program is tradition,” Rex retorts.

“Can’t you send Fives?” Jesse asks. “He loves this stuff.”

“Fives’ number wasn’t drawn, yours was,” Rex crosses his arms and scowls. “ You’ll just have to learn to love it too.”

“But–”

“That’s an order,” Rex interjects.

Jesse grits his teeth. “Yes, sir.”

“Good,” Rex hands Jesse a data-pad. “Your transport leaves in an hour. I suggest you take that time to adjust your attitude. Cody is a good friend of mine and I don’t need you giving him grief.”

Jesse takes the data-pad. “Yes, sir.”

Rex turns to leave and Jesse is left in the cargo bay alone. He sighs as he sits down on a crate to review his new orders. Every month, the battalions swap a few clones in the name of “cross-training”. The clones are picked at random via lottery, and unfortunately for Jesse, his number was drawn this month. Out of the millions of clones, why did it have to be him? It’s not that he’s opposed to cross-training, but he shouldn’t be forced to leave his own battalion to do it.

Jesse swipes through the data-pad and skims over the details. He’s been assigned cross-training with the 212th attack battalion, specifically their ARF unit. He scoffs. The 501st has an ARF unit, and a darn good one. There’s no reason for him to be shipped off-world to play ARF trooper with a different battalion. If the GAR wants to cross-train clones so badly, then he should be able to do it with his own brothers, not with a bunch of clones he doesn’t know.

Jesse sets the data-pad down next to him on the crate and shakes his head. He wants to make Rex proud, but his heart just isn’t in it. Even if meeting a marshal commander does sound interesting, he knows he won’t be working with him exclusively. He’s an ARC, and he wants to do ARC things, and go on ARC missions with Fives and Echo. It's a shame that he’s missing out on their newest assignment. It sounded like a wild ride, and he was looking forward to it.

The intercom speaker interrupts Jesse’s thoughts to notify him that his transport is boarding and will be departing soon. With a heavy sigh, he hops off the crate, grabs his data-pad, and makes his way to the transport. He straps in and closes his eyes, letting his mind go blank as the transport whirs to life and delivers him to his new temporary post. The time it takes to get there is just under one standard rotation, so he takes this time to try to prepare himself for anything.

The transport lands and as the ramp descends, Jesse raises an arm to shield his eyes from the bright sun and the dust swirling into the transport. He steps down the ramp and observes his new surroundings, which isn’t much to look at. It’s a desert planet with little to no vegetation, and the sun glares down hot onto his plastoid armor. He experimentally grinds his foot into the tan earth beneath him and it shifts like powder until he reaches a layer of rock underneath.

“You must be Jesse,” Cody says on approach.

Jesse looks up to see the commander and straightens himself to attention. “Yes, sir!”

“Welcome to the 212th,” Cody gestures for Jesse to follow him. “I’ve heard good things about you from Rex. He says you’re one of his best.”

Jesse follows next to Cody as they make their way to the command center. “Just doing my duty to the Republic, sir.”

“He also mentioned that you’re not particularly fond of this assignment,” Cody adds.

Jesse grimaces and tries to backpedal. “With all due respect, sir, I only meant that I’d rather not be away from my brothers at the 501st when they might need me.”

“Fair enough,” Cody says. “However, if the survival of the entire battalion rests on you being there at all times, then perhaps Rex should be demoted.”

Jesse scrunches his face with indignation and raises his voice. “Captain Rex is–”

Cody turns on his heels to face Jesse and crosses his arms in a silent word of caution.

Jesse takes a startled half-step back and holds his tongue. “Nevermind, sir,” he stammers with embarrassment.

The rest of the walk to the command center is silent. Jesse kicks himself as he realizes how far he stuck his own foot into his mouth. So far that he’s surprised he hasn’t choked on it yet. He doesn’t want to embarrass Rex, yet here he is picking a fight with a marshal commander. It’s definitely one of the dumber things he’s done in his life. But, when it comes to his captain, Jesse finds it difficult to control his emotions. Their history together is too deep not to defend him.

When they enter the command center, Jesse sees two ARF troopers in camouflage armor with colors matching the tan dust that’s been sticking to him since he arrived. He also sees another trooper in gray and white armor standing next to them. As he gets closer, he can hear them chatting away about something nonsensical. He eyes the three clones and mentally sizes them up; not entirely sure what to make of them yet, but he’ll reserve judgment for now.

“This is Lieutenant Waxer and Boil,” Cody gestures with his hands. “They’re part of our elite ARF unit, Ghost Company, and will be conducting your training for the next few rotations.”

The four clones trade head nods of acknowledgement.

Cody turns to Jesse and the clone with gray armor. “I expect you to address them as you would a commanding officer, with respect. Follow their orders and do what they ask of you.”

“Yes, sir!” Jesse and the other clone affirm.

Cody nods. “I’ll leave you to it.”

A moment of silence passes between the four clones as an awkward air blows in.

Waxer is the first to speak up. “Do you guys have names?”

“I’m Jesse,” Jesse answers and stretches out his hand to shake that of the two ARFs. “With the 501st.”

The clone in the gray armor follows suit. “I’m Sinker, with the 104th.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Boil adds.

Another awkward silence passes between the clones and Jesse starts to question the validity of his new assignment. Perhaps this whole thing is a big joke and he can board the next transport off this dust bowl. He absentmindedly grinds his foot into the dusty floor, a habit he picked up somewhere during the war to keep him from running his mouth when he’s bored. If someone doesn’t say something soon, he might, and they probably won’t like what it is.

“Alright, boys,” Waxer says with a gesture of his head towards the door. “We’re heading out to the corral.”

“Corral?” Jesse asks, raising an eyebrow. “Are we learning to ride animals?”

Boil chuckles. “Sort of.”

Jesse looks at Sinker, hoping that he’s on his side about how crazy this whole thing sounds.

Sinker shrugs. “Sounds fun.”

The three clones head out of the command center, leaving Jesse alone in his bewilderment. When his brain catches up to him, he jogs up to the rear and follows them out to the so-called corral. Although, Jesse wouldn’t call it a “corral”. It’s just a barricaded motor pool full of AT-RTs. A part of Jesse is relieved that he doesn’t actually have to ride any animals, but his intuition tells him that whatever they have planned isn’t going to be as easy as he thinks.

Waxer stops in front of the barricade and addresses the squad. “As part of your cross-training in the ARF unit, you’re each going to learn how to ride an AT-RT.”

“Don’t you mean drive?” Jesse interrupts.

“No,” Waxer answers. “An AT-RT isn’t just some machine you can climb on and control. It takes concentration, skill, dexterity, and a mutual understanding between you and the walker. You don’t drive an AT-RT, you ride it.”

Jesse rolls his eyes. There’s a reason he’s an ARC and not an ARF. He doesn’t have the patience for these pansies, talking about a machine as if it’s a living animal. What utter nonsense.

“Shinies don’t even look at an AT-RT until they can show competency riding a living breathing animal,” Boil continues the explanation. “Since both of you are well-established and accomplished soldiers, we figured we could skip the live animal part and see what you’re made of.”

A smirk flashes across Sinker’s face and Jesse realizes he’s alone in his feelings about the training. He grinds his foot against the dusty earth again, feeling way out of his element. ARCs don’t “ride” AT-RTs, they infiltrate enemy lines, perform sabotage, steal secrets, and tip the scales of an assault. His last hope that he might get some in depth reconnaissance training has officially been dashed as Waxer opens the corral and ushers them inside to show them the AT-RTs.

“Do you name them?” Sinker asks as he inspects one of the units.

“Of course!” Waxer exclaims with a proud smile. He pats the side of the unit Sinker is looking at. “This one’s name is Sella. She’s a little glitchy, but she’s seen a lot of combat.”

If Jesse rolled his eyes any harder, they would roll right out of his head.

“Can I ride her?” Sinker asks, his eyes bright.

“Eh, not for your first ride,” Waxer says. “Like I said, she’s a little glitchy.” Waxer moves across the motor pool to another unit and pats the side. “Vala here will be a good starter for you.”

Sinker punches Jesse’s shoulder in excitement and heads over to where Waxer is standing. Jesse rubs his shoulder in mock discomfort, then crosses his arms. He’s still not convinced this is proper ARF training. He wants to be looking at charts and battle strategies, not galivanting around in AT-RTs. There’s nothing useful about this exercise that he can take back to his unit, unless they let him take the AT-RT as a souvenir, which he highly doubts they would.

“How about this one for you?” Boil asks while leaning against another unit. “Her name is Mina and she’s pretty gentle on the new guys.”

Jesse huffs and approaches the AT-RT. “Sure.”

The AT-RT training goes just as well as Waxer and Boil expect. Both Jesse and Sinker fall off their AT-RTs multiple times just on start-up, when the machine initially jerks to life. The breath is knocked out of Jesse’s lungs more times than he can count and he wonders if Kix can order him a replacement set if he ever makes it back to the 501st alive. The only buffer he has is his ARC armor and it’s not enough to prevent the litany of bruises from growing on every part of his body.

By rotations end, Jesse and Sinker manage to stay on their AT-RTs and even take a few steps forward with them. It’s been hard work, but they’re finally seeing the fruits of their labor and Jesse’s ego is just as bruised as his thighs. He gets it now. He understands what they mean by riding an AT-RT instead of driving it. It’s not like a starfighter or an ATTE that he’s driven in simulations. No, these things are like living animals and they need to be respected as such.

At the end of the training session, Jesse doesn’t stop for food at the mess hall. Instead, he hobbles to the medbay for some bacta, then makes his way to the barracks. He gingerly pulls his armor off, each flex of muscle a new sensation of pain. He winces and grunts until it all comes off and he stacks it neatly beside his assigned bunk. He pulls out a ration bar from his pack and settles onto the cot, mindlessly munching away at the bland bar while trying not to move.

Tomorrow, they’re taking the AT-RTs out on a fake reconnaissance mission. He’s not sure who decided that he and Sinker are ready to take the AT-RTs into the field, but he definitely doesn’t feel ready. He doesn’t even know if he’ll be able to move when he wakes up in the morning, let alone climb onto the back of an AT-RT and ride it out into the middle of who-knows-where. Just the thought of his legs doing that climbing motion again makes his thighs twitch in protest.

The next morning, Jesse wakes when the sun rises and its rays shine into the barracks. He was right, his entire body objects to him moving even one inch off of his cot, but he doesn’t have a choice. He feels like a cadet all over again. Like he just went through a rigorous course of simulations and he needs to go again. Those are days he wishes he didn’t have to remember. He’s much stronger now, and more resilient, but his aching thighs force his recollections.

Jesse swings by the medbay before meeting up with the others at the corral. He begs the medic on duty for anything he can give him to help soothe the pain. He’ll even take a muscle relaxer at this point, even if it makes him drowsy. The medic takes pity on him, tosses him a small bottle of painkillers, and threatens him not to mention it to anybody or he’d be returning to his battalion in a bodybag. That’s a risk Jesse is willing to take. Besides, Kix has threatened him with much worse.

Jesse downs a few of the pills, stuffs the bottle out of sight in one of his belt pouches, and heads to the corral. Everyone else is already there, and he hopes that he isn't too late that they make an issue about it. Luckily, no one mentions his tardiness, but Waxer does have a small grin on his face that makes Jesse suspicious. He wonders how much enjoyment Waxer and Boil get out of torturing their shinies with this training, because clearly they know why he’s late.

Waxer gives the squad a short briefing on their fake mission. He pulls out the data-pad with the map coordinates on it, their rendezvous point, the intel they’re supposed to be acquiring, and any enemy obstacles in their way. This is what Jesse has been after ever since the beginning of the cross-training. He studies everything Waxer shows them, eagerly consuming all of the information and stuffing it away in his brain to use later when he’s back with his own battalion.

After the mission briefing is over, they mount their AT-RTs, Jesse on Mina and Sinker on Vala. Waxer and Boil mount their personal AT-RTs, the ones they’ve been using since they became ARF troopers, and the squad heads out into the desert. Unlike Waxer and Boil, Jesse and Sinker do not have ARF trooper armor. Since the mission is fake, there is no need to outfit them. The squad looks rather odd up close, but from a distance no one can tell they’re mismatched.

The squad spends hours in the desert. The constant back and forth motion on the AT-RT has Jesse convinced he’s also going to need a spine replacement. He wonders how hard it will be to requisition and if there’s a special form he needs to fill out. He tries to pop a few more painkillers but as the AT-RT continues to lunge forward like a jack-rabbit, it makes the task very difficult. In all honesty, he’d rather be dropped out of a LAAT without a jetpack than do this full time.

Around mid-day, Waxer calls over the comms to let the squad know that they’ll be stopping for a break soon. He gives them the coordinates for the only known piece of civilization within ten klicks of their location, and they all head in that direction. Jesse can’t wait. His back, thighs, and butt all thank the Maker that he’s going to be able to rest soon, even if he has to fall off the AT-RT instead of hopping off. At this point, he’s not even sure his arms are still attached to his body.

As they approach their rest-stop, Waxer gives the order for the squad to halt. Waxer, Boil, and Sinker all stop relatively close together, but Jesse keeps going.

“Jesse, halt,” Waxer calls through the comms.

“It won’t stop,” Jesse calls back while pressing every button he can think of to try and stop.

“What do you mean it won’t stop?” Waxer asks as he watches Jesse move further away.

“I mean, it won’t stop!” Jesse yells.

“Hit the emergency brake,” Boil orders into the comms.

“I did,” Jesse answers. He refuses to panic, but the building is getting closer and his AT-RT is not obeying his commands. “I think there’s an electrical malfunction.”

“Great,” Waxer sighs. “Just steer her out of harm's way and we can figure it out.”

“About that…” Jesse pauses. His heart rate increases as the building is looking a lot bigger than it did a few seconds ago. “The steering isn’t responding either.”

“Bail!” Waxer calls as he starts his unit up and rushes over. “Bail, Jesse, bail!”

It’s too late. Jesse braces as his AT-RT crashes into the side of the building.

“Order up for table twelve!” the cook calls from the kitchen as he rings the bell at the end of the order window.

“Coming!” you answer, then rush over to grab the order.

“What’s the hold up?” the cook asks. “Are you daydreaming again?”

“Only everyday I’m stuck working here,” you sing back with a sweet smile.

The cook huffs. “Just make sure the customers are fed. You don’t get paid to daydream.”

“Yes, sir!” you answer with a mock salute as you balance the tray of food on one hand.

You turn around and roll your eyes before walking the food over to table twelve. You’ve been stuck working at this diner for four cycles now with no end in sight. It’s not the worst job you could have, but with the small amount you’re being paid with no raises in the near future, you’ll never be able to afford to go find a new one. It’s an endless cycle of work, work, work, and never any time for yourself or what you want to do. It’s agonizing, but it’s all you have.

The only reason you even have this job is to pay off your parent’s debt. They left you on this barren rock to go on their “galactic tour” and never returned. From what you know, they made a deal with the owner of the diner to ensure you had a place to stay, and in return, when you were old enough, you would work for him to pay off the debt. It’s definitely not the life you would’ve chosen, but it’s the life you have been given, and you should be grateful for even that much.

Your only solace is your best friend Violet. She also works at the diner and hates it as much as you do. The two of you became fast friends when you first started working at the diner and now you spend all of your free time together. Violet also doesn’t have any parents planet-side, so there’s an even deeper connection between the two of you and an unspoken understanding about life. At least you have each other, is what you tell yourself when things get unbearable.

“Tooka got your tongue?” Violet asks as she peers over your shoulder.

“Ah!” you startle. “Where’d you come from?”

“Table eight,” Violet answers. “You had that look in your eye again.”

“What look?” you ask.

“The dreamy and distant one,” Violet answers with a flip of her hair.

You groan. “That obvious, huh?”

“If you were any more obvious, you’d have a neon sign stuck to your forehead,” Violet laughs.

You sigh. “Don’t you want more?”

“More what?” Violet asks.

“I don’t know,” you answer. “More anything.”

Violet thinks for a moment. “Yeah, more sleep and more credits.”

You pout. “Besides that.”

“What else is there?” Violet asks as she picks up another tray of food.

“Oh, you know…” you trail your voice quietly while bussing the table next to hers. “Like love and stuff.”

Violet snorts. “What? Love? Out here? In this dust bowl? You’re nuts.”

“I am not!” you retort. “It could happen.”

“Yeah, sure,” Violet rolls her eyes, “because gorgeous and attractive people just tumble into our diner like it’s a speed-dating site.”

“I–”

CRASH

The violent shockwave shakes the diner to its core and knocks both you and Violet off of your feet and flat onto the ground. You instinctively cover your head as pieces of debris and dust fall from the ceiling. The patrons in the diner start screaming and run past you to the diner exit as you lay on the floor, stunned by what just happened. You slowly open your eyes and look over at Violet, making sure she’s okay. She looks dazed, but nods and you both help each other up.

“Kriffing banthas!” you exclaim. “What was that?”

“I don’t know,” Violet says with a shaky voice, still in shock.

You turn around and see a gaping hole in the side of the diner and your eyes grow wide. A mess of twisted dura-steel, snapped electrical wires, and broken water pipes are poking out in every direction. You’re not sure what to make of it. You tilt your head from side to side trying to figure out what happened until you see a clone trooper’s body laying under some debris. You rush over, climbing through the rubble to get to the trapped man. He’s unconscious, but breathing.

“Violet, help me!” you call back. “He’s trapped!”

Violet climbs up alongside of you and you each grab an arm, tugging with all of your might, but it’s no use, he’s too heavy. You pant at the exertion and look around for anything that you could use for leverage. But before you can make your next move, three more clone troopers burst through the front door of the diner. They look around frantically before meeting your gaze as you wave your hands to try and get their attention. They must be with the clone that’s trapped.

“Over here!” you call out to them. “He’s over here!”

The three clones rush over and replace you and Violet. The two troopers in camouflage lift the debris and the third clone in gray armor pulls the trapped clone out from underneath it. They carry him away from the debris pile and lay him on top of one of the diner tables. The clone in gray armor pulls out a bag with a medic symbol on it and rummages through it. Finding what he’s looking for, he scans over the unconscious clone with the device, then sighs in relief.

“No internal injuries,” the gray clone says. “Looks like he just got knocked out. He’s lucky.”

One of the clones in camouflage shakes his head. “Of all the things to go wrong.”

“At least he’s not dead,” the other clone in camouflage says. “Try explaining that to Commander Cody and Captain Rex.”

The first clone in camouflage visually bristles.

“Um, excuse me,” you interrupt with a slight raise of your hand.

The first clone in camouflage takes his helmet off. “Apologies, I’m Waxer, with the 212th.” He points to the clone next to him. “This is Boil, also with the 212th, and that’s Sinker, with the 104th.” He looks down at the clone on the table. “And that one is Jesse, from the 501st.”

“Pleasure…” you say as you try to take it all in. There’s so many numbers and names, you’re not sure how you’ll keep them all straight.

“Wait, hold on,” Violet interjects, dumbfounded. “Y’all just crashed into our diner and you're exchanging pleasantries like you met at the local market?”

“Correction,” Boil says. “Jesse crashed into your diner.”

Violet’s jaw drops and she turns to you. “Are these guys for real?”

“I assure you ma’am,” Sinker says. “We are, in fact, real clones.”

You start to snicker and Violet throws her hands up in defeat. “You know what, I’ve had enough for one day.” She takes her dusty and torn apron off and tosses it on the ground with the rest of the debris. “I do not get paid enough to deal with clowns!”

“Don’t you mean, clones?” Boil asks.

“I meant what I said!” Violet yells back as she navigates around the debris to the exit.

You try to stifle a laugh, but fail. “Don’t worry about her. She’s just stressed. It’s not every day we get clones crashing into our diner.”

Waxer rubs the back of his neck. “Oh, yeah, sorry about that. One of the AT-RTs had a malfunction and Jesse couldn’t get it to stop.”

“I see,” you look down at the clone on the table and knit your brows with worry. You feel bad for him. It must have been scary, being stuck on an uncontrollable collision course and knowing you can’t do anything to stop it from happening. Well, at least for you it would have been scary. You’re not even sure if clones feel fear. It’s not something you’ve ever thought about, until now.

“We’ll fix the wall for you,” Waxer says. “Might take us a couple rotations, but we’ll get it done.”

“The owner will definitely appreciate it,” you smile. You’re not quite sure where the cook went off to, but he must have bailed when the wall was smashed. That coward. He talks a lot about your head being stuck in the clouds, but when things go wrong, you’re the only one keeping a level head.

“Can you stay with him?” Waxer asks. “We need to comm our superiors.”

“Yeah, sure,” you agree, then pull out one of the table chairs to take a seat. You didn’t realize how much your legs were shaking until you were sitting down and relieving them of their duty, but now that the adrenaline is wearing off, you’re starting to feel exhausted.

You watch Jesse like Waxer asked you too, but to be honest, you’re not sure what you’re supposed to be watching. You look him over from head to toe and take in all of his features. He’s wearing different armor than the other three clones, but it’s not the standard issue clone armor that you see in the news either. You’re not sure what it is. He’s got two thick leather skirt-looking things around his thighs, two holsters, and a big flappy thing across his shoulders.

You shrug and continue your examination. He also has some type of pouch on his chest that looks like it could either hold ammo or snacks. You figure both are important. There’s also an extra chest plate on top of the standard one. Must be for extra protection. You then look at the blue markings that adorn his arms and legs and wonder if they have any meaning. The last thing you look at is his face. There’s a huge GAR tattoo covering one side. Curious, but not bizarre.

You lean over his body to get a better view, when you hear him stir. You quickly remove yourself and wave your hand over his face to try and get him to wake up.

“Hey,” you call. “Wake up, Jesse.”

Jesse groans as he comes to. “Am I dead?”

You chuckle. “No, just got a little knocked around.”

Jesse hisses as he tries to sit up and raises a hand to hold the side of his head. “Ow, my head.”

“It’s gonna hurt a bit,” you say. “That was a nasty crash.”

Jesse closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “What crash?”

“You don’t remember?” you ask in concern.

Jesse opens his eyes, and as they finally focus, he sees the mess of twisted dura-steel and a crushed AT-RT within it. His body jolts at the memory. “The building!”

“Whoa!” you put your hands on Jesse’s shoulders to try and get him to calm down. “Easy, Jesse, easy.”

Jesse breathes heavily at the new surge of adrenaline, but settles down. He shoots you a quizzical look. “Who are you and how do you know my name?”

“Oh, right,” you laugh nervously then introduce yourself. “I’m a waitress here and your friends are just outside. They pulled you out of the rubble and told me to watch you.”

Jesse leans his head back against the table and groans. “Rex is going to kill me.”

“Who’s Rex?” you ask to try to keep him talking. Concussions are very serious, and without knowing if he has one, you don’t want him falling unconscious again.

“My captain,” Jesse answers. He drapes an arm over his face. “He’s the one that sent me to this desolate dust bowl.”

You chuckle at his disdain for the planet.

“Oh, sorry,” Jesse apologizes. “I guess this is your home, huh? I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“No worries,” you wave off the remark and smile. “I think it’s a dust bowl, too.”

Jesse chuckles.

“I’m sorry about your AT… thing,” you offer, trying to remember the exact acronym.

Jesse laughs. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t mine.”

You snort and then laugh along with him. “You’re funny.”

“And you’re pretty,” Jesse blurts out.

You stop laughing as you process what he said. “You think I’m pretty?”

Jesse’s stomach flips when he realizes his thoughts didn’t stay in his head. “Kriff, did I say that out loud?”

“Uh, yeah,” you answer nervously, your face feeling warm.

“Maker, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that,” Jesse apologizes, the embarrassment written all over his face.

“So, you don’t think I’m pretty?” you ask.

“Uh, no, I mean yes, well, you see,” Jesse stammers, then gives up trying to explain himself. He sighs. “I think my brain got scrambled in the crash.”

You chuckle and pat his arm. “It’s okay. I forgive you.”

After your short but awkward conversation with Jesse, the three clones reassemble in the diner to debrief the now awake Jesse. Waxer commed Cody, Boil commed Rex, and Sinker commed Wolffe, although from the sweat on Sinker’s face, you can tell who has the most commanding officer of them all. The consensus is that the GAR will pay for the damages and the four clones will repair the diner wall. None of them seem too thrilled about it, and you don’t blame them.

By the time the excitement has calmed down, and the materials to fix the diner are located, it’s nightfall and you are exhausted. You’re practically dead on your feet, body swaying with your broom while trying to clean up some of the debris on the other end of the diner. You’re the only staff member left to help clean up, so you chose to stay. Of course won’t be paid for any of this, but the faster the diner is back in business, the faster you can start getting paid again.

You dump another dust pan of rubble into the trash receptacle, then plop down onto one of the stools lining the diner counter. You yawn wide and lean your elbow on the counter, propping your face up as you close your eyelids for just a moment to rest. The moment must have lasted longer than you expected, because when you open your eyes again, you wake up in one of the booths with a blanket on top of you and another one folded under your head for use as a pillow.

It’s still dark out, the moonlight beaming in through the large transparisteel panes that line the front of the diner, and you sit up to get your bearings. There’s three clones nestled on the floor, all tangled up together in a mess of armor and limbs. You’re not sure how sleeping like that is comfortable, but more power to them. You realize Jesse is missing, and you pop your head up over the booth to look for him, hoping that he hasn’t wandered off somewhere and gotten lost.

You tiptoe around the sleeping clones, blanket hung around your shoulders to keep the desert chill out, and walk around looking for Jesse. He’s not inside the diner, so you walk outside. You really hope he didn’t leave to relieve himself and you’re about to walk in on something you’re not prepared to see, and luckily you don’t. You circle the entire building and you still can’t find him. Finally, you hear your name being called and you look up to see two legs dangling from the roof.

You shake your head and climb up the side ladder to join Jesse on the roof.

“You should be asleep,” he says, not moving his gaze from the horizon.

“So, should you,” you retort back. “You’re injured.”

“I’m fine,” he dismisses. “Barely even a scratch on me.”

You sit next to him and let your feet hang off the edge. “I was talking about your brain.”

Jesse chuckles. “That’s fine, too.”

“No more accidentally calling me pretty?” you jest.

“Not making any promises on that one,” he smirks.

You smile and fidget with the edges of the blanket. “Did you move me to the booth?”

“Hope you don’t mind,” he answers. “That counter was doing nothing for your back. Probably should’ve asked first.”

“Oh, no,” you dismiss with a wave of your hand. “I just wanted to say thank you.”

Jesse smiles. “You’re welcome, mesh’la.”

You don’t remember falling asleep on the rooftop, but when you awaken feeling like a rolled up burrito with Jesse’s arm draped across your side, the memories start to come back. You must have talked for a while before dozing off, because you feel like you barely got any sleep at all. The blanket wrapped around you is tight and you wiggle to try to get yourself free from it, but as you do, you start to roll away. You panic slightly before feeling Jesse’s firm hand stopping you.

“Going somewhere?” he asks, his voice rough with sleep.

“Thought I’d roll myself to work today,” you answer.

Jesse raises an eyebrow. “How’s that working out for you?”

You wiggle against the restraining blanket. “Ten out of ten would not recommend.”

Jesse snorts and sits up. “I didn’t want you to get cold or fall off the roof.”

“Appreciate it,” you strain out as you wriggle some more. “Please help me.”

Jesse unravels your blanket cocoon and helps you to your feet. You straighten your dirty uniform out and climb down the ladder to get the day started with Jesse trailing behind you. Violet is already inside the diner, chatting with the other three clones. She gives you a knowing look when she sees you walk in with Jesse, but doesn’t say anything. You’re just happy she’s here to help. When she stormed off yesterday, you weren’t sure if she was going to come back.

As the clones start discussing their plan of attack, the two of you decide the best way to start the day is to eat a hearty breakfast. There’s a lot of work to be done and everyone is going to need as much energy as they can get. The cook never came back, but that’s of no matter, you know how to cook. In no time, a full breakfast and hot caf is served. You dust off some of the debris before placing the plates and mugs down on the table and everyone digs in.

Once breakfast is over, the four clones get to work hauling away the large debris pieces from the wall and the crushed AT-RT. You offer the use of the dumpster in the back of the building, but they insist that the GAR will come pick it up and you should use the dumpster for smaller debris. You don’t argue with them and set out with Violet to clean whatever you can of the mess inside the diner, making sure to wear gloves so you don’t cut your hands on any sharp pieces.

As the day continues, the desert heat begins to seep into the diner. The crash must have broken the refrigerant lines, but with the gaping hole in the side of the diner, the climate control wouldn’t be of much use anyway. You and Violet switch gears and make a refreshing batch of Tatooine Sunset to ensure everyone stays hydrated. You also put damp towels in the conservator to help cool everyone off during breaks. It’s barely midday and you know it’s only going to get hotter.

Soon enough, the clones start shedding their armor, at least the top halves of their armor. You’ve never seen a clone without their armor, but honestly, you haven’t seen that many clones to begin with. It’s when they start taking the top black portion of their bodysuits off that you really take notice. They’re jacked. You stand back in one of the corners, mindlessly moving your broom as you watch them work. Not a single piece of debris makes it into the dustpan.

Violet elbows you in the side.

“Ow!” you exclaim. “What was that for?”

“You’re staring,” Violet answers.

“Am not,” you argue.

Violet crosses her arms. “Four hot, shirtless men are flexing their muscles and sweating in our diner, and you’re not staring?”

You purse your lips trying not to give her any satisfaction.

“Well, I’m going to stare,” Violet says. “I mean, look at those abs. But the difference is that I can stare and sweep.”

You roll your eyes and push some garbage into the dustpan.

“You wanted more,” Violet says as she nonchalantly scoots away with her broom. “Well, more is standing over there with a giant tattoo on his head.”

You open your mouth to protest, but she’s too far away. You hate it when she does that. Violet always seems to know what you’re thinking before you’ve even thought it yourself. According to her it’s her gift to the world, but really, it’s just a nuisance. She is right, though, because Jesse does make your heart flutter. You’ve just met him, but it's like you’ve known him your entire life. Talking to him feels as natural as breathing, and for the first time, you truly feel fortunate for your job at the diner.

You lean on your broom and start staring again, watching Jesse walk over to the rubble, pick up a large piece, then carry it out of the diner and drop it onto the pile. Each movement he makes causes the muscles in his arms and torso to ripple with dramatic effect. The sweat that drips down his body only serves to accentuate how toned he is. Before you even realize it, Jesse’s looking at you and you nearly fall off your broom in embarrassment, but he smiles at you.

You continue cleaning up the diner while stealing glances at Jesse, but he also glances back. You want so badly just to sit down and talk with him more. Your conversation on the rooftop last night was a lot of fun and you both shared different things about your lives. You told him about your parents and how you got stuck working at the diner, and he told you about his battalion and how he got stuck going on this training mission. Both equally unfortunate, but now, it feels okay.

The late afternoon break comes around, so you and Violet make another batch of Tatooine Sunset, as well as some sandwiches. The clones inhale the sandwiches so fast that you’re embarrassed you didn’t make more. You offer to, but they turn you down, being grateful just for the opportunity to eat real food instead of rations. You smile and turn back towards the kitchen. Jesse follows you through the double-doors and leans his hot back against the cool conservator.

“Like what you see?” Jesse asks with a smirk.

You turn around to look at him. “The wall’s coming along nice.”

Jesse scrunches his nose. “You weren’t staring at the wall.”

“How do you know?” you jest. “Maybe I like walls.”

Jesse tilts his head to the side and folds his arms over his bare chest. “Are you sure you don’t like something else?”

You groan. “You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?”

Jesse gives you a devilish grin.

“Fine,” you sigh. “I like what I see.”

“I knew it,” Jesse says, a little too excited.

“Maker above, would you two please get a room!” Violet exclaims from the order window. “I’m so sick of you staring at each other. The closet is empty if you’re looking for a place to smash.”

“Violet!” you yell as your face flushes with embarrassment.

Jesse snorts. “That closet can barely fit a broom.”

“Then kiss or something,” Violet says. “Anything to get you two back to work.”

Jesse pushes off the conservator and heads towards the double doors. “You heard the task-master.”

“Wait,” you call. “Aren't you going to kiss me?”

Jesse stops and turns his head. “Do you want me to kiss you?”

You fidget with your hem. “Kinda.”

“Kinda isn’t a yes or a no,” Jesse says.

“Yes,” you correct. “I want you to kiss me.”

Jesse takes his hand off the double doors and walks over to you. Your eyes dart around as your nerves start to get the better of you. You can’t believe you just asked him to kiss you. You’ve never kissed anyone before. What if you’re bad at it? What if he doesn’t like it? What if you accidentally bite him? Maker, your stomach is in knots. Your breathing becomes heavier as he gets closer, but your nervous energy comes to a halt when he cups the side of your face.

Jesse smooths his thumb over your cheek and gives you a reassuring smile. He dips his head and tilts it to the side before pressing his lips against yours. His lips are warm and their touch ever so gentle as they melt into yours. You place your hands on his chest and all of your worries and concerns slip away as all you can think about is Jesse. You don’t want this moment to end, but eventually he pulls back, breaking the kiss, leaving you breathless and wanting for more.

Without a single word, Jesse turns on his heels and leaves the kitchen to go back to work fixing the wall. You stand there, alone in the kitchen, completely dazed by what just happened. You’re not sure if you’re dreaming or not, but you’re too afraid to pinch yourself to find out. You press your fingers to your lips, thinking about the kiss, and your body warms. You’re not sure how you can work now, but you do know that you’ll be spending every spare moment you have with Jesse.

Finally the repairs are complete and tonight is your last night with Jesse. Your stomach aches at the thought of him leaving. Only a couple of rotations ago, he crashed into your life and stole your heart. You didn’t mean to fall for him, but his soulful brown eyes and bright smile captivated you. Besides, the feelings are mutual. You don’t want him to leave, but you know he can’t stay. He’s a soldier, with things to do and places to go, and you’re just a waitress at a diner in the middle of nowhere.

You’re spending your last night together sitting up on the rooftop of the diner, legs dangling over the edge, as you gaze up at the moon and soak in each other’s presence. It’s quiet, like it usually is in the desert, and not a soul would dare to disturb this moment, not even Violet. You want your last night with Jesse to be a memorable one, and what better way to end it then with the way you started it; on the roof. It may be silly to some, but it makes the pain a little easier.

“You’re leaving tomorrow,” you say sadly.

“Yeah,” Jesse answers, equally feeling sad about his departure.

“I don’t want you to go,” you admit as your voice quivers.

Jesse wraps an arm around you and pulls you against his side, leaning his head atop yours. “I don’t want to go either.”

“Stay?” you ask.

“You know I can’t,” Jesse sighs.

“Please,” you plead while nuzzling into his neck. “Don’t go.”

Jesse’s heart breaks. He picks his head up and cups the side of your face, leaning in and closing his eyes to capture your soft lips with his own. You press your body against his, deepening the kiss until Jesse is laying flat against the roof and you’re straddling over his stomach. Your lips are locked as Jesse glides his rough hands over your smooth back, pulling your shirt in different directions as he maps out the plains of your body.

Jesse breaks the kiss for a moment. “Come back to Coruscant with me,” he whispers while ghosting his lips over yours before nipping at your bottom lip and pulling them back against his.

Now it’s your turn to break the kiss. “Jesse–”

“We could get an apartment,” he cuts you off before you can protest, then plants a gentle kiss on the corner of your mouth. “I’ll take care of you.” Another kiss finds its mark. “My vode will adore you.” A gentle suck at your bottom lip. “We’ll make lots of babies.” He smirks and you can’t stop the giggle from forming.

You sit up and release a soft sigh. “Sounds nice.”

Jesse reaches up and cups your chin. “But?”

You melt into his caress for a moment before removing his hand from your face. “But I can’t.”

Jesse bends his knees so you can lean back against them, then laces his fingers under his head. “Why not?”

You absently draw small circles around his chest with your fingers, the longing evident in your actions but missing from your words. “My home is here.”

“I could be your home,” Jesse reassures with a small smile.

You briefly smile back and tap at his chest. “What if something happens to you? I’ll be alone.”

Jesse knits his brows and frowns, fully understanding your hesitation. He’s a soldier, created to be expendable. His brothers die every day and no one bats an eyelash. There’s no guarantees that he’ll come back from his next campaign alive, but still, he wants this. He wants you.

Jesse untangles his fingers from behind his head and takes both of your hands in his own, kissing them tenderly. “I can’t promise tomorrow,” he admits. “I can only promise now.”

A single tear rolls down your cheek. “Then can I have you, at least right now?”

Jesse wipes your tear with his thumb, then flips you onto your back so he’s hovering over you. He leans down and presses his lips to yours once again, yearning to taste as much of you as possible. If this is his only moment with you, then he wants to remember everything. Every sweet taste, every curve, every bump, and every heavenly sound you’ll make for him as he ravages your body with only the moon above as a witness.

“Jesse,” you say his name breathlessly as your desire builds. “I want–”

Jesse places a finger against your lips to hush you. “I know, mesh’la,” he soothes while rubbing his finger across your plush lips before gently pushing it into your mouth, causing you to gasp. “We’ve got all night.”

The light of the rising sun pierces through your eyelids, rousing you from your slumber. The morning comes quicker than you expect and you groan as you sit yourself up on the hard dura-steel roof. You rub the sleep from your eyes and look over to your right, expecting Jesse to still be sleeping, but he’s gone. Your heart sinks and you whip your head around to make sure he didn’t get up and stretch his legs, but you don’t see him. He must have left before you awoke.

Holding tears back, you stand up and pat down your wrinkled and disheveled clothes, trying to regain some semblance of normalcy. But who are you kidding? How could you ever be normal again after a night like that? A night of romance, passion, and longing that made you feel everything and nothing all at the same time. You know this is for the best. He’ll go back to Coruscant, back to the war, and you’ll be here, working your minimum wage job.

You break at the thought. Dropping to your knees you begin to sob, grieving over what you let go of. You don’t want Jesse to leave. You don’t want him to be a one night stand. You want a life with him. Even if it means him being away for weeks at a time or that he may leave and never come back. That slim chance is lightyears better than never seeing him again, than never feeling his burning touch on your skin or hearing his deep voice whisper sweetly in your ear.

You have to go after him. You can’t let him leave, not without you. Maybe it’s selfish, but you don’t care. Burdened with the thought of never seeing him again, you wipe your face, pick yourself up, and head to the ledge. You grab the ladder and stare off into the distance, wondering if you’ll catch a glimpse of him, but you don’t. You may be too late. Regardless, you slip down the ladder, ignoring the rungs and land with a thud onto the dusty ground.

You’re breathing heavily, your hair is a mess, and your clothes are horribly wrinkled, but you don’t care. You push open the front door violently. “I quit!”

Violet looks up at you from where she’s mopping the floor and pauses to lean on her mop with a knowing smile. Love wins, she guesses, and she’s right.

You walk over to Violet and throw your arms around her. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

“I know,” Violet says as she hugs you tightly.

“I’ll miss you,” you whisper, the tears barely held back.

“I’ll miss you too,” Violet answers with a tremble in her voice. She breaks your embrace and composes herself. “Now go, or you won’t catch him.”

You reluctantly let go of your best friend, and with tears in your eyes, you back away and leave.

“You got everything?” Waxer asks as he carries another crate into the transport that’s taking Jesse back to Coruscant.

“Hm?” Jesse snaps out of his daze. “Oh, yeah,” Jesse answers, and then pauses. “I… I left something in the desert.”

“I hope it wasn’t valuable,” Waxer laughs.

Jesse stares out towards the dusty horizon and sighs. “Priceless, actually.”

Waxer claps a comforting hand on Jesse’s shoulder. “Sorry to hear that.”

Jesse gives Waxer a half smile, but it quickly fades back into a frown. His transport leaves within the hour and he wonders if he made a mistake by not saying goodbye. He thought if he left without a word, it would be easier for both of you, but he was wrong. His chest feels tight and his heart aches. What he wouldn’t give to hear your voice one more time. He didn’t think it was possible to leave this dusty planet more upset than when he first landed, and yet here he is.

Jesse takes one last look at the place he initially despised, then turns to board the transport. It’s not just you that he left in the desert. He left his heart there too, on the rooftop of that old diner. He sits on one of the crates in the back of the transport and leans his head against the cold frame. He didn’t want this assignment. He didn’t want to come here. It could have been any other clone, but no, his number was drawn. The universe has a cruel sense of humor.

Before the ramp closes, Jesse hears someone calling for the transport to halt. Leaving his bucket on the crate, he makes his way back down the ramp to ask what’s delaying the departure, thinking it might be something mechanical. However, as he barely steps off the ramp and onto the dusty earth, he sees a speeder in the distance. He grabs a pair of scopes from a nearby clone trooper and dials in on the speeder. His breath catches in his throat. It’s you.

Jesse gives the scopes back to the clone trooper he took them from and starts walking away from the transport, his heart beating rapidly out of his chest, wondering if it’s really true or if the desert heat is playing tricks on him. Did you just want to say goodbye or do you want to go with him? He doesn’t dare let himself think the latter. You made it clear to him last night that you won’t go with him, but he wants to hope so badly. He wants to believe that it’s the only reason.

The speeder comes to a screeching halt a couple yards away from Jesse and he watches with bated breath as you jump out of it and sprint towards him.

“Jesse!” you yell as tears fall from your face.

Jesse smiles and opens his arms. You jump into them without a second thought and bury your face into his neck. He wraps his arms around you and lifts you off of the ground and onto his hips, one arm cradling your butt and the other securing around your back.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it in time,” you cry.

“You made it, mesh’la,” Jesse soothes as he kisses your cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye.”

You pick your head up and look at him through blurry vision, a small smile growing on your lips. “Not goodbye. I’m going with you.”

Jesse’s eyes dart around your face, looking for any semblance that you’re joking or maybe this is a dream, but he can’t find anything. “You’re coming with me? To Coruscant?”

You nod your head, afraid that your voice will crack if you try to use it again.

Jesse squeezes you tighter, terrified that at any moment you’ll be ripped away from him. He can’t believe that you changed your mind, that you’re going back with him. His thoughts race a mile a minute as he thinks about your future together. He has a stake in this war now, something worth fighting for that wasn’t thrust upon him by someone else or programmed into him as duty and loyalty. No, now he has you, and he will fight this war to make sure you stay safe in his arms.

“Let’s go home,” Jesse says as he carries you into the transport.

You smile and rest your head on his shoulder. “I’d like that.”

Masterlist

AO3

Tag List: @nahoney22 @commander-sunshine @sunshinesdaydream @padawancat97 @verndusk @starrrgazingbunny @coraex @lickylickylicky @homemade-clones @523rdrebel @clonemedickix @starrylothcat @mooncommlink @ladyzirkonia @stunkbiggu @cdblake1565 @ladytano420 @moonlightwarriorqueen @anxiouspineapple99 @clonethirstingisreal @dreamie411 @trixie2023 @novas-daydreaming

Join my taglist HERE

Tip me a tea on Ko-fi HERE

144 notes · View notes

wanderinginksplot · 8 months

Text

Fives + Overcharge

Fives x gn!reader (no use of 'y/n' and no pronouns). Romantic.

Word Count: 2,700

Warnings: self-doubt, mentions of lack of payment for clone troopers, ridiculous fluff, mild extortion

---

“Ooh, there he is!” your coworker Lanji whispered as she walked past you. She did a little shimmy, turning her movements into a dance as her head-tails swayed. The pretty Twi’lek was a favorite in the GAR’s mess hall, and more than a few troopers paused to watch her graceful actions.

You didn’t have to ask who Lanji was talking about - the trooper came into the mess for almost every meal when the 501st was on Coruscant. Of course, he didn’t have much of a choice. The GAR provided this food. Troopers were welcome to take their meals elsewhere, but they were responsible for covering the cost. That was tricky for beings who weren’t getting paid.

So you saw a few hundred similar faces every day working in the GAR’s Coruscant mess hall. It was a simple job and you liked it. Maybe it was a little silly, but you liked knowing that you were helping the Republic, even in something as basic as making sure the troopers were fed. Besides, your job gave you a different perspective on the army fighting against the Separatist droids.

It didn’t hurt that some of the troopers took the rare opportunity to interact with a civilian and used it to flirt. One of the most frequent offenders was a trooper named Fives.

Fives was a born flirt, and he was good at it. He had a line for every job you could possibly do around the mess hall, everything from compliments to more… suggestive options. He was handsome, too. All of the troopers were, but there was something about the way his humor shone across his face and intelligence burned in his eyes. And he was loyal, if you were to judge from conversations you had half-overheard between him and his brothers.

But you kept yourself from melting too obviously around him. Someone like Fives flirted as a habit, not as a way to start a relationship.

“There’s my favorite GAR employee!” the man himself crowed, breaking you out of your internal reminder not to overthink this.

“What gives, vod?” the trooper beside him asked, laughing despite the false outrage on his tattooed face. “So much for having my back.”

“You’re not an employee, Jesse,” Fives explained patiently. “Employees get paid, remember? Employees get credits. We just get paid in gratitude.”

Jesse nodded understandingly while you choked on air. You hadn’t been expecting Fives to do an impression of Chancellor’s Palpatine’s quavery voice, much less for that impression to be remarkably accurate. “Is- Uh, is this everything?”

“Yep,” Fives told you, leaning against the hip-height counter between you. He glanced you up and down in a leisurely study. “Unless you want to throw your comm frequency in. Or maybe a little more than that… Don’t you have a break coming up, sweetheart?”

He flirts with everyone, you reminded yourself sternly. Don’t take it seriously or you’ll look like an idiot.

“Nope, sorry,” you told him with a cheerful smile. “Just finished a break, actually. I don’t have another on this shift.”

A sly glint entered Fives’ eyes. “That’s okay, maybe we could do something more time-consuming. When are you done tonight?”

Your breath caught in your throat. This was more than simple flirtation, right? This was an actual invitation. Wasn’t it? Or were you misreading the situation again? He flirts with everyone…

“Fives, stop harassing people,” a stern voice cut in. When you glanced over, you spotted the tired face of Captain Rex. The captain lifted the loaded tray in his hands. “I have work I need to get back to.”

“Okay, Captain,” Fives agreed cheerily and you felt a little flat. If it had been an invitation, he didn’t seem too concerned with the interruption from his Captain.

You finished recording all of the items on Fives’ tray and offered him a smile. “You’re good to go.”

Fives picked up his tray but paused, leaning in to inspect the screen displaying the list of everything he had taken. With a comical look of suspicion, he glanced over at you, brown eyes dancing. “That looks a little steep. Are you sure you aren’t overcharging me?”

This was more familiar ground, and you found yourself relaxing. It was the line Fives used every time he interacted with you at the checkout area. You faithfully delivered your lines from the little script the two of you had subconsciously developed, offering the response you always did: “You don’t pay for any of this, the GAR does.”

“Just trying to be responsible with the Republic’s credits,” Fives told you. As always, the answer was given with a winning smile.

Unlike every other time, his playful manner was undercut by a loud groan from the line that was forming behind Fives and Jesse. “C’mon, vod, some of us want to eat today.”

Jesse shifted his weight nervously. “Fives, maybe we should-”

“I know, I know,” Fives grumbled. He glanced back at you, reluctance written across his handsome face. “Hope I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”

And then he was gone, leaving you to work your way through the long line that had formed. The dinner rush kept you so busy that you didn’t have time to be flustered about your most recent encounter with the 501st’s famous flirt.

When everyone was through the line with only a few grumbled complaints aimed your way, Lanji came back to your register. She made as if to jump up and sit on the rail that lined the checkout lane, but you gave her a warning look. Your manager was never happy when people sat on the rail and you had ended up scrubbing it for an hour last time. Lanji stopped herself, leaning against the rail instead.

“So?” she pressed, the delicate pink of her closer head tail curling as if to implore you for information. “What did he say?”

“I don’t know who you’re talking about,” you told Lanji stubbornly, pretending to dust your workstation.

“Fives, obviously!” she replied, far too loud for comfort.

You hurried to shush her, but no one had taken any notice. The noise of the troopers in the mess hall was louder than anything less than a shout. “He asked me when I’m done tonight.”

Lanji squealed, and that was loud enough to attract some attention from the dining room. You shushed her again, but she paid no attention. “And? Where are you going? Do you have time to change? I have some clothes you can borrow. Not that you don’t look fine in that, but you’ll want to dress up for a date-

“We’re not going on a date, Lanji.”

Her rose-colored face scrunched in confusion and disappointment. “What? Why not?”

“Because he didn’t mean it,” you reminded her, trying to take your own explanation to heart. “Fives flirts with everyone.”

“He doesn’t flirt with me,” she countered. Despite yourself, you had to admit that it was a good point. Everyone flirted with Lanji. She wasn’t done, however: “And I’ve asked around. He doesn’t flirt with anyone else here. Just you.”

There didn’t seem to be an answer to that. Lanji, to her credit, didn’t rub your speechlessness in your face. Instead, she just gave you a victorious smile and strutted away.

You were working the evening shift that night, and with the dinner rush past, you didn’t have much to do but think and mindlessly clean until it was time to close the mess hall for the night. One by one, your fellow mess hall workers left for the night. You were the lucky one who got to stay, finish the tasks that needed attention, then program the droids to do the overnight cleaning.

By the time you had completed your work, it was almost ten and you were more than ready to leave. It had been a long day, but it was finally your day off.

Which made it all the worse when you stepped through the GAR’s front entrance and realized you had left your ID badge inside.

“No… No, no!” you chanted, frantically patting at every pocket you had as if that would make the slim card materialize once more. It didn’t work and there was still no sign of the badge. When you paused to take a breath, you could picture it resting neatly next to the recorder screen of your workstation.

It was the perfect storm of consequences: you couldn’t get back into the building without the ID. If you left it there, the cleaning droids would read it as garbage and dispose of it since no lost items were meant to be kept at the checkout counter. The GAR charged over two hours of pay to get a new badge, and those were credits you didn’t want to part with.

And yet, you had no real options. All of your coworkers were already gone and you had no ability to program the droids to leave the card where it was. By the time anyone arrived to help, your ID would be long gone.

When you let out a singularly self-pitying groan, you heard footsteps and the sound of your name in a familiar voice. “Are you okay? What happened?”

It would be Fives, honestly. You forced a smile, though it felt more like a grimace. “I left my ID card inside. The cleaning droids will throw it away. And I can’t get inside without my ID card.”

Fives’ brow furrowed, but you shrugged before he could say anything sympathetic. “My own fault. I know better. This is gonna hang over my head all day tomorrow…”

“I’ll get it for you,” he offered.

You stared at him, unable to fight the surge of hope behind your ribs. The feeling deflated only a moment later when you realized the flaw in that idea: “The cleaning droids lock down the mess hall. You won’t be able to get in.”

Fives winked at you. “Let me worry about that.”

And then he was gone, slipping in through the heavily guarded main door. You took a moment to be jealous of him - the troopers all had access to the building literally encoded into their bodies. That had some horrifying implications, but it meant that they didn’t have to worry about ID cards or the potential of losing them.

You waited nervously outside of the GAR building for a long time… Far too long, actually. Even accounting for your own racing thoughts, you stood there long enough for Fives to have reached the mess hall and come back a handful of times.

As you stood staring fruitlessly at the entrance where Fives had disappeared, you tucked your hands into your pockets and wished you had thought to bring a thicker jacket. It wasn’t necessarily freezing outside - the nature of Coruscant’s climate control tech meant it couldn’t be dangerously cold - but that didn’t stop the shivers.

Fives had clearly been caught by someone or something. Was he in trouble? Worse yet, what could you really do about it? You couldn’t get into the building. That had been the problem in the first place.

You were muttering curses under your breath and kicking at random debris on the duracrete sidewalk when the sound of the door opening behind you made you whip around. Fives reached to steady you - unnecessary, but the warmth of his hands was welcome.

“Oh, you’re okay!” you told him, sounding breathless even to your own ears.

Fives furrowed his brows. “Yes? Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You took so long…” you explained, feeling sheepish. When you pulled your eyes from his face, you noticed that his hands were still on your shoulders and you shrugged them off.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Fives said. For a moment, you thought he was apologizing for his grip on you, but realized that he wasn’t nearly as preoccupied with it as you had been. Embarrassing. “I ran into one of my brothers, and he wanted to come along.”

“Did you get it?” you asked, sparing only a glance for the other trooper who stepped out of the building behind Fives.

“Yeah!” He sounded victorious. “Took Kix and I a little time to get around the droid lockdown, but we figured it out.”

After a moment of fishing in his pocket, Fives held up the small square of your ID and the tension disappeared from you. “Thank you so much, Fives! I don’t know what I would have-”

But Fives pulled the ID away as you reached for it, holding it out of reach. “Ah, ah. I think I deserve some kind of payment for such a good deed.”

Much as you hated to admit it - because it was a fair request, all things considered - your opinion of Fives dropped slightly at that. You sighed. “I have a few credits I can give you, but I can’t spare a lot.”

“I don’t want your money,” Fives told you, sounding insulted. “I want something cheaper but much more valuable for my payment. Just one little kiss.”

“A kiss?” you repeated blankly. Your heart was suddenly pounding, and you only hoped that he couldn’t see it in your throat. At the risk of sounding too eager, you filled your tone with suspicion. “A kiss where?”

“Wherever you like,” he replied, his eyes filling with something you didn’t fully recognize as he added, “Though I have a few preferences.”

You considered it, glancing at the other trooper to give yourself some time. Kix, you were pretty sure Fives had said. It was hard to tell for sure - Fives seemed to be the only trooper who had chosen to tattoo himself with a permanent label. “Aren’t you supposed to talk him out of stuff like this?”

Fives made an offended sound while Kix scoffed. “No one can talk Fives out of anything. Especially when he’s this determined.”

That made you smile, and you beckoned Fives closer. With a grip on his chin - in case he decided to do something cute that would probably make you fall in love with him - you held his face still so you could kiss him on the cheek. Admittedly, it did land a little closer to the corner of his mouth than you meant it to, but nothing that looked too suspicious.

When you pulled away, Fives looked a little dazed. He handed you the ID badge without further comment. You had tucked it safely away before he spoke again: “Your hands are cold. Let me take you for a cup of caf.”

“Fives, you don’t want that,” you said softly, hating the disappointment laying thick in your voice. “It’s fine to flirt with people and not follow it up with anything else. It’s okay - you don’t need to pretend you want something more. You’re just a flirty guy.”

Kix made a strangled noise before he gave in and laughed. Fives sent a betrayed look his way and he shrugged. “Sorry, vod, but that’s pretty accurate. You do like hitting on people.”

Your stomach sank at the confirmation of your suspicions. “Like I said…”

“Wait,” Fives pled. Despite your instincts, you turned to face him again. “I like you. I have for a while. The only reason I didn’t ask you out before was that… well, I didn’t think you would say yes. I thought flirting would be good enough. But it’s not. I want to go out. I want to talk. I- I want to know more about you and tell you more about me. So? What do you think?”

“You were really flirting with me?” you asked, feeling a little stunned.

“Yes,” Fives confirmed with a miniscule nod. “I wouldn’t have kept flirting if I wasn’t interested.”

Kix snorted and Fives glared back at him for a moment. “Okay, I might have kept flirting. But I wouldn’t have stopped flirting with everyone else.”

“Then I guess there’s only one problem,” you concluded.

“What?” Fives asked, looking distinctly nervous.

---

You raised a single brow and crossed your arms. “A kiss for my ID? Are you overcharging me?”

Fives beamed at your joke. “Sweetheart, compared to what I wanted to ask you for, that was the deal of the millennium.”

Author's Note - I'll admit, I struggle with Fives' characterization, but I love him and I'm pretty happy with how this turned out!

Thanks for reading! You can find other works on my masterlist or sign up for my taglist here.

Taglist: @rexs-wife @sugarpuffsstuff @stargazingthenightaway @just-some-girl-92 @kimageddon @ladysongmaster @carodealmeida @adriiibell @boomtowngirl @bitchylittleredhead @blck-omen @lackofhonor @captxin-rex @literallydontlook @salaminus @lucyhelena @808tsuika @ladykatakuri @bikerlorian @torchbearerkyle @frietiemeloen @tsedeshgishnii @buddee @justanothersadperson93 @leotatombs @mavendeb @rain-on-kamino @itsagrimm @captain-splock-you @dancingwiththeplanets @hummellchen @theclonesdeservebetter @cyarinka @ladyemxo @maulslittlemeowmeow @rosmariner @staycalmandhugaclone @coruscanticoffee @crookedwiings @eyecandyeoz @fordo-kixed-rex @musigrusi @lucyysthings @dinsverdika @bombshe77 @cawyden

#star wars #star wars the clone wars #star wars fanfiction #reader insert #reader insert fic #fives #arc trooper fives #ink's fics #captain rex #jesse #kix #501st legion

117 notes · View notes

toomanybandstocare · 1 year

Text

{How Jesse Falls Asleeps & What That Says About Him}

Program: Just how he falls asleep when he's deployed and when he has the luxury of being at home in your arms. Where feels safe and loved.

Pairing: Jesse x GN! Reader

Genre: Fluff

Counselor Notes: I am in so much pain rn and would love a cuddle from Jesse :( I feel like he would just wrap me up and squeeze me or rub my achy muscles.

Camp Resolute Masterlist

Jesse cannot go to sleep if the room is filled with mixed emotions or distress

He always ends the night on a good note, because he thinks it's important not to bed upset or mid argument/disagreement

If the barracks is too quiet, he'll make a crappy joke to make his brothers groan or have a pillow thrown at him

But when the barracks face the solemn silence of loss (either a brother, friend, or battle), Jesse will wait until the lights turn off to shed his tears and make his pain heard

Just because they were forced into the war and have to endure the pain of loss everyday does not mean these men aren't affected by it or mourn each loss

He wants his brothers to know this is a safe place to be vulnerable and share these emotions even if it's in the privacy of the dark

As much as he doesn't want to admit it, Jesse does struggle with frequent nightmares

There's absolutely nothing wrong with having to face them, but he's terrified that his mind has the ability to twist reality and those he cares about into images of horror

Needs a cool wash cloth on his stomach or the back of his neck to fall asleep again after a nightmare

Jesse sleeps almost in a bundle or whatever warmth he can find - pillows, blankets, a spare set of blacks

He just wants to something to support his aching muscles the few hours of the day that he can relax

This man is so chatty when the two of you are together

He loves to hear about your day and share any shenanigans the boys have gotten into or something that reminded him of you on one of the planets he just visited

You two tumble through all different cuddles during the night

Jesse just wants to feel your body tucked into his and match his breathing to your own

The way you two wake up is never the same as to how you fall asleep, which leads to a morning greeting of laughter

Jesse loves how soft you feel, regardless of tone or relaxed muscles, and how mumbly you get just before you slip into sleep

He gets all fluttery knowing that he's lucked out to be with someone so caring and loving

When you catch him sleep mumbling, it's always a string of your name mixed with mando'a compliments that make your heart go fuzzy

-> Jesse is incapable of falling asleep without making sure everyone is okay, comfortable, and safe. -> His needs and care come second when there's anyone nearby that could need his help. ->When he has the chance to spend the night with you, he wants to ensure that no matter the time of day that you know he is wholly devoted to you.

69 notes · View notes

spacemagicandlaserswords · 9 months

Text

Clone comfort fic recs please

Ok I'm going to need everyone's fic recs for your favourite clone period comfort fics.

Cause this is a really bad one. It feels like my uterus is tearing itself out of my body like a chestburster from Alien while simultaneously stabbing everything on its way out with the bluntest implements it can find. I can barely function or think beyond pain. Being disabled and chronically is fucking awful. I absolutely hate my body for putting me through this every fucking month.

85 notes · View notes

substantial-exposure · 3 months

Text

Anyone else have a playlist for their favorite clone?

What's ur fav song on it. I'm all ears 👂

27 notes · View notes

mandos-mind-trick · 6 months

Text

Kinktober Day 23 - Deepthroating & Facesitting

Summary: The bar is the easiest place to pick up strangers. Of course, they never quite know what they’re getting into.

Pairing: Jesse x reader x male character

Warnings: NSFW, 18+, monster AU, vampire!Jesse and vampire!reader, unprotected sex, oral (m and f receiving), deepthroating, facesitting, threesome, hair pulling, blood drinking, lots of blood, some gore (mostly just blood everywhere), character death (but you’ll like it), language, very brief implication of pedophilia at the end.

A/N: Yes, I did both prompts just because I can. I do love this one very much. Let vampires drink blood and fuck nasty!! 📣

MASTERLIST

“What’s a pretty thing like you doing alone in a place like this?”

A smirk forms on your face as a body slides into the seat next to you at the bar. You turn, the ring on your finger catching the light as you reach for your glass of wine. “What makes you think I’m alone?”

The man seated next to you is average at best. No taller than 5’8 with dull hair that needs a good wash and trim, an ill fitting suit that makes him look bulky and frumpy, and a patchy five o’clock shadow that makes him look more like a mangy dog than anything else. His cologne is strong, nearly making your eyes water as he leans in, resting his elbow on the bar.

“I don’t see anyone around.” He says, his eyes pretending to scan the area around you, but in reality he’s staring at your chest and the skin revealed by the deep v-cut in your dress.

“You’re bold.” You say, crossing your legs to reveal the skin of your thigh through the slit in the side as you swirl the wine in your glass. “I like bold.”

His tongue darts across his lower lip as he looks you up and down. “And you’re brave. I like brave women. All the more fun to break.”

You hide the look of disgust that passes over your face as you take a sip of your wine.

“She’s not so easy to break.” A voice says behind you, a hand slipping around your waist.

You can’t help the smirk as the man pales a bit, sitting up straight on his stool. You turn to look up at Jesse, leaning into his side. “Hello, dear.”

“Hello, love.” He smiles down at you. “Making friends?”

“Yes,” You turn back to the man. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.”

The man swallows thickly. “Brian.”

“Well, Brian, I’d like you to meet my husband Jesse.” You say, motioning to your tall, well dressed husband next to you. “Jesse, this is Brian.”

Jesse holds out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Brian.”

Brian shakes his hand, nodding. “Yeah.”

Jesse smirks, slipping his arm back around you. “Don’t look so scared, Brian. Plenty of men like to stare at my wife.” Jesse cups your chin, tilting your face up towards him. “She is beautiful, isn’t she?”

Brian gulps, nodding. “Yeah. She is.”

Jesse runs his finger across your wine-stained lips. “And sometimes, when the mood is right, I don’t mind sharing.” He releases your face, turning to look at Brian. “That is what you’re after, isn’t it? A night of pleasure with a beautiful woman?”

Brian nods again, his breathing shaky. “Yes.”

Jesse grins. “Perfect. Though, I do have to warn, we come as a package deal.”

Brian looks between you, his eyes trailing over you before they flicker to Jesse. “Like...together?”

You nod. “Yes, though his involvement can be as little as you like. He does enjoy sitting and watching as much as he loves being involved.”

Jesse steps behind you, wrapping his arms around you. His hand presses against your stomach, his chin resting on your shoulder. “What do you say, Brian? You want to fuck my wife?”

Brian licks his lips, staring at Jesse’s hand on your stomach. His eyes trail upwards until he’s staring at your face, a small smirk tugging at your lips. A smirk tugs at his own, just for a second, barely long enough for you to catch it before he’s nodding. “Yeah. Yeah I would like to fuck your wife.”

Jesse smirks, pressing a kiss to the side of your neck. “Excellent.” He releases you, reaching into his pocket to toss a stack of 20s on the bar before offering you a hand. “We’ll take our car.”

Jesse leads you from the bar, Brian following close behind. You climb into the cramped back seat with Brian, sitting right up against him. He wraps an arm around your shoulders, your hand dropping to one of his thighs. He tastes like cheap beer as he kisses you, eagerly shoving his tongue into your mouth. You resist the urge to roll your eyes as his other hand lifts, wrapping lightly around your throat. You meet Jesse’s eyes in the rearview mirror, an amused glint shining in them as he drives to the hotel.

You stumble into the elevator with Brian, his hands clutching at your waist desperately as he pins you against the wall. Jesse presses the button for the correct floor as Brian drags his lips to your neck, sucking at the skin. Jesse stares at you in the reflection, your hand lifting to tangle in Brian’s hair. You stare back, lifting a leg to hook around Brian’s waist. He’s hard, cock pulsing against your side.

You stumble out of the elevator, Jesse leading the way down the hall to the hotel room. Brian is handsy, keeping his hands on you as you wait for Jesse to open the door. His hands are clammy and you can smell the sweat beginning to form on his body. It’s revolting, but you’ve smelled worse.

You lead Brian into the hotel room by the hand, probably the nicest he’s ever been in. You turn to face him, running a hand down his front to palm him through his pants. He lets out a groan, bucking into your hand.

You lean in close to his face, nipping at his bottom lip. “Take your clothes off.”

He pulls away from you, tugging eagerly at his tie. You slowly remove your jewelry, kicking off your shoes. Jesse closes the blinds, getting the room set up comfortably before beginning to undress himself.

Brian’s eyes are on you as soon as your dress pools around your feet, leaving you in nothing but your lacy undergarments. Brian tugs his pants down, the bulge obvious in his briefs.

“Someone’s excited.” Jesse says, trailing his hands over your sides. “How do you want to do this? You want her to suck your cock? You want her to sit on your face?”

“I don’t eat pussy.” Brian says, tossing his briefs to the side.

You fight the urge to make a face, Jesse swooping in to save you as he kisses you.“Well, lucky for her, I do.” He says, tugging your panties so they drop around your feet. “Suck his cock, baby, while you sit on my face.” He murmurs before laying himself down at the foot of the bed on the floor.

You saunter over, eyes glued to Brian’s cock. Jesse still has his pants on, likely to prevent Brian from feeling bad. You position yourself over Jesse’s face, lowering down until you’re on your knees. His hands hold your hips, situating you over his mouth before lowering you completely. You let out a gasp as his tongue drags through your folds, your hand closing around Brian’s cock.

You pump him a couple times before dragging your tongue along his dick. His eyes are glued to your face as you stare up at him, flicking your tongue against his tip. His lips part in a groan as you tease his cock, Jesse’s tongue doing wonders on your clit. You take him into your mouth, his cock heavy on your tongue despite the small size. You bob your head, mirroring Jesse’s rhythm as he sucks at your clit.

Your thighs clench around Jesse’s head, his hands squeezing your ass as you grind against his face. You’re glad it’s unnecessary for you to breathe as Brian tangles his hand in your hair, pushing you further down his cock until it hits the back of your throat. You continue to stare up at him as you moan around him, taking his cock deep in your mouth.

One hand grips Brian’s thigh while the other holds the top of Jesse’s head, your hips grinding against his face as he pushes you closer and closer to an orgasm. Brian is close as well, precum seeping down your throat as you continue to suck his cock as deeply as you can.

“Fuck, baby.” He groans, tugging hard on your hair.

His cum is salty and musky as it spurts down your throat, your hips jerking against Jesse’s face as he sucks at your clit, sending you into an orgasm. You moan and whine around Brian’s cock, wrapping your hand around the base and pulling yourself free. Your head falls back as you continue to grind against Jesse’s face, a breathy moan leaving your lips.

You pull yourself off his face before you get overstimulated, Brian sitting down on the edge of the bed.

“Fuck, that was good.” He groans, watching you as you pull yourself off Jesse’s face. His hand is pumping his cock, trying to get hard again.

You can see the bulge in Jesse’s pants, large and obvious as he sits up. His face is glistening with your juices as he grins. “Fantastic isn’t she?” He says, wiping his face with the back of his hand.

“Fuck yeah.” Brian says, leaning over and kissing at your neck.

His hands trail up your body, pawing at your breasts. You crawl into his lap, straddling him as he tugs harshly at your nipples. You hiss out a breath, covering his hands with yours as you grind on his lap, slicking his cock with your juices. He curses against your throat, sucking another mark on the skin that will be gone by morning.

You can’t help but smirk, guiding his hands down to your ass as you continue to grind against him. He begins to get hard again, poking at your pussy as you drag your hips against him. Jesse sits himself in the chair in the corner, his hand stroking his cock. You hold his gaze, a smirk tugging at his lips as Brian bites at your neck.

You can’t help but roll your eyes, letting Brian maneuver you onto your back on the bed. You let your legs fall open, revealing your glistening pussy to him. He groans as he stares at it, manically stroking at his cock as he crawls between your legs.

He’s only half hard as he presses into you, his hands holding your hips as he thrusts into you. You groan, hands closing around his wrists as he sinks into you as deep as he can. He begins moving with short, shallow thrusts, his hands moving to the bed to hold himself up. You let your arms fall back to the bed, framing your head as he moves, quiet moans leaving your lips as he ruts into you.

“That’s it baby.” You moan. “Just like that.”

He’s loud, groans and moans tearing from his lips as you squeeze around him, finally growing completely hard inside you. He’s not going to last long, you can tell as sweat beads on his forehead, his hair damp from the exertion of his thrusts.

“Fuck, you’re so tight.” He groans. “Such good pussy.”

You tilt your head back, meeting Jesse’s gaze. His hand is slowly stroking his cock. He’s got that glint in his eyes again, a smirk tugging at your lips before you let out a moan that would make a pornstar jealous.

Brian’s hips stutter as you squeeze tightly around him, his cock throbbing inside you. You grin at Jesse, fangs glinting in the dim light of the lamps in the room. He rises from the chair as Brian continues to fuck you, moving to the end of the bed. You drag your hands up Brian’s arms, circling them around his shoulders before pulling him down against you, angling his neck right at your mouth.

You meet Jesse’s gaze as you sink your teeth into his throat right before he can cum. You tear into his throat, cutting off his surprised yell as you rip at his artery, soaking your chest in blood. Jesse pounces from behind, sinking his teeth into the other side of his neck, sending more blood dripping onto you.

Brian struggles but he’s trapped between you, his body jerking as you drink his blood. He tastes exactly how you’d expect, musty and sour, but it’s still blood and you’ve been thirsty all night. Brian’s body goes rigid before he goes limp, his heartbeat slowing in your ears until it stops. You drink the last of the blood that flows onto your tongue before pulling back, Jesse shoving his body to the side where it falls in a heap beside you. You stare up at Jesse, your face and chest coated in blood. He stares down at you, blood trailing down his neck from his lips.

“He didn’t even make me cum.” You say, pulling Jesse down against you. Brian’s blood smears from your body onto his but you don’t care as you press your lips to his.

“What a weak man.” Jesse groans, his cock throbbing against your stomach. “You should have seen it from my angle, rutting into you like a dog.” His arms cage you in, one hand cupping the back of your neck. “You are a goddess. You deserve to be treated as one.”

You wrap your arms around his shoulders, pulling Jesse closer. “Then show me how I deserve to be treated.”

He smirks, shifting his hips until his cock presses against your entrance. You’re slick and wet from the thrill of feeding, and from the unsatisfying rutting you had been forced to endure. He eases into you, stretching you still despite the fucking you had just been doing. You moan, clinging to him as he works you open.

His lips press against yours, smearing more blood on your face but you don’t care. The bed is soaked, and so are you, but you can’t find it within yourself to care as Jesse slowly grinds his hips against yours. He groans against your lips as you clench around him, pulling his cock deeper into you.

He begins thrusting into you, slow and deep, his pelvis brushing your clit with every movement. You moan into his mouth as his fangs catch your tongue, your blood dripping in his mouth. A shiver runs through him as he’s reminded of the night you turned him all those decades ago. He sucks on your tongue, snapping his hips harder against yours. You pull back with a moan, head tilting back as pleasure rushes through you. His lips trail down your neck, licking at the blood on your skin.

“Jesse!” You cry, nails biting into his shoulders as you wrap your legs around his waist. “Don’t stop!”

“Never.” He groans against your throat, getting close himself as you squeeze around him. “Anything for you, mistress.”

You mewl at the title, pulling his face up so you can stare into his eyes as you cum, body trembling as white hot pleasure rushes through you. His lips part in a moan, eyes rolling back as he cums, spilling into you. His hips jerk as he fills you, body falling against yours. He wraps his arms around you, holding you close to his chest as he whispers praises in your ear.

He pulls free of you once you’ve come down from your high, rolling off of you and tugging you into his chest. You rest your head on his shoulder, trailing your fingers through the blood on his skin.

“His wife will thank us when the police search his house.” You muse, draping a leg over Jesse’s.

He hums, fingers tracing your back. “So will all those women.”

“And the poor girls.” You say, getting comfortable against his side. “Another successful night.”

“I agree.” He murmurs, kissing your forehead. “Another creep removed from the world.”

Taglist:

@kaminocasey @rosechi @mxkyrie @bobaprint @star-trekker-0013 @padawancat97 @bamfahsoka @rain-on-kamino @thrawnspetgoose @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @wolffegirlsunite @dukeoftheblackstar @starrylothcat @sev-on-kamino @freesia-writes @anxiouspineapple99 @wings-and-beskar @dystopicjumpsuit @littlemissmanga @madameminor @eris-k @clio3kantarella @moonlightwarriorqueen @sleepingsun501 @originalcollectionartistry @maddiedrmr @idontgetanysleep @sinfulsalutations @clonemedickix @523rdrebel @deejadabbles @starqueensthings @multi-fan-dom-madness @wizardofrozz @mythical-illustrator @sunshinesdaydream @mooncommlink @lickylickylicky @sweetheartsnips @ghostperson69 @captain_rexs_cyare @jediknightjana @jedi-hawkins @dalu-grantkylo @cw80831

#star wars #star wars fic #the clone wars #the clone wars fic #arc trooper jesse x reader #lieutenant jesse x reader #x reader #clone thirsting #kinktober 2023

133 notes · View notes