One Last Order
It's been a while since I got into writing at all, let alone fanfics. But I had this thought last night and it's been bugging me since. I hope someone enjoys this. I know I enjoyed writing it :)
Pairing: CT-7567/Captain Rex x Reader (g/n, no physical descriptions, no use of y/n)
Mood: Angst/hurt. Post Order 66
Warnings: None really unless you're sensitive to bittersweet stories. SFW but mentions of intimacy with no details.
WC: 900 words
Summary: It was the hardest decision he'd ever made. But Rex was determined to see it through. He lost everything else. He couldn't bear to lose you, too. And so, he gives you the one order you hate the most ... the one he hopes in vain you'll follow.
Part 2
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It was for the best. He knew it. He couldn’t bear to contemplate the alternative.
Your home planet was on the edges of the Mid-Rim, far from any hyperspace lanes. You’d be able to resign — as a nat-born who had been assigned to the 501st for logistical support, you’d technically fulfilled your obligations to the army when the war ended.
The Empire wouldn’t waste its resources on retaining you. You’d be able to slip off its radar and quietly build a new life.
But with him … you’d never know peace. There’d be a target on your back. And he’d be the one painting it on, tainting your life with his.
“I … I couldn’t save my brothers. Please. Please let me keep you safe. Let me go.”
The pain etched into your eyes almost broke him. The tears you’d been so stalwart in holding back finally broke free, cascading down the lovely curve of your cheeks.
That he was the one hurting you twisted his gut, sending bile rising up to his throat.
But better a broken heart now than a life forever in danger, he thought, letting his own reasoning drown out your passioned rebuttal.
He never expected, never even thought he could experience anything like what he did with you. He was a soldier. A damn good one at that. He led his men with pride in service of the Republic, in service of freedom and peace. Fighting beside his brothers gave him a purpose he never questioned.
You shattered that certainty the first time he caught sight of your wry smile.
You stood toe to toe with General Skywalker, matching his stubbornness and determination when convinced you were right. Your ability and skill in your field — and your dedication to ensuring the troopers of his legion were as prepared and supported as possible no matter the mission — never failed to impress him, even long after he knew to expect it.
But that first smile. Watching you laugh in the mess with his brothers, holding your own against Fives’ incessant badgering, brightening Kix’s ever-gruff expression, calming and welcoming the newest shinies warmed him from the inside out. You never saw them as just clones. You treated them as comrades. As men. You gave them a soft place to land after facing another day of harsh reality.
It drew him to you, needing with increasing desperation to have that smile trained on him.
And when it finally did, when your eyes began softening at the sight of him, that warmth ignited into an inferno that radiated from his very core. He was shocked he didn’t burn you.
On the contrary, you only came closer, eventually curling around him in his small bunk, creating a bubble of warmth and light so precious that he’d almost forget you were on a ship in the dark, cold void of space.
He’d never betray his brothers, his mission. But you revealed a new way of living. Of loving. In your arms, he found solace after battle — a refuge he never wanted to leave but one that gave him the strength to each time he was recalled to battle. In your bed, he found a new purpose, a pleasure he would chase at every opportunity just to see you come undone for him.
And it soothed him, knowing with each step he took on the ground, you were back at command, tracking him, watching out for him.
So, no. He never wanted to leave your side. Without the GAR, without the 501st, his general or commander, he could dedicate the rest of his life to you. And, stars, did he want to. Every cell in his manufactured body wanted to take you into his arms and keep you there forever, giving you his heart, his very soul if you asked.
But it was too selfish.
For now, the Empire thought he was dead. That wouldn’t last forever. He may not be a captain anymore, but he was still a soldier. And he would fight against the Empire that stole everything from him. He would gladly give his last breath to free the brothers still trapped in its maw and the civilians caught under its boot.
It was a dangerous path; one he knew he had to take. But you would not be coming with him.
With one last sigh, he stepped in closer to you, his gloved hand gently caressing your cheek and wiping away a tear, only for it to be replaced immediately. Your eyes slid shut as you clenched your jaw, hardening your soft face and causing the corner of his own mouth to twitch up for just a moment.
You never were graceful when you lost a fight.
“I love you, ner karta. So, so much.” His words were barely a whisper, too scared that anything louder would shatter your threadbare resignation … and his. His lips were even gentler, barely pressing against the delicate skin of your forehead.
“Be safe. Be happy.” One last order from your Captain. He didn’t believe in any deity, but he prayed to every one he’d ever heard of and to the Force itself you’d obey.
Then, he hardened himself. With an abrupt turn, he left your warmth behind as he forced each step, letting his mind drift as his feet carried him further and further away from his heart.
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It's so funny, I usually prefer reading fluffy, comforting fics/ficlets or slow burn but with happy endings. But this just demanded my attention lol.
Part 2 is now done! It is spicy - or citrusy, for my fellow Tumblr veterans - reunion with Rebels!Rex.
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