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goblininawig · 5 months

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Life Day on Daiyu

This story is a gift for @imarvelatthestars as part of the @cloneficgiftexchange ! I picked Nax, the Daiyu Veteran, and used these prompts from your list: Reader & clone creating new traditions together || Hand under the chin || Snuggles under a blanket || "Pretty girl"

Summary: Your heart goes out to the begging veteran, so you get him a job at the restaurant you manage. One thing leads to another, and soon he's a fixture of your life, and someone you want to celebrate.

Tags: Nax/f!reader, mild hurt/comfort, family drama, strangers to lovers, sharing a bed, domestic fluff, romantic fluff, Life Day fluff, fix-it of sorts, holiday fic exchange

Words: 4.9k

Rating: T

You saw him there most days, sitting with his painted helmet, empty neck up, hoping for a few credits to be tossed his way. He had long, graying hair and a bushy, grizzled beard to match. He wore the rest of his GAR-issued armor, scratched and scuffed as it was. He sat near the marketplace on your route to and from work. You tried to leave a few credits for him after your shifts, but he was usually gone by then.

“Hey, I was thinking,” you said, casually as possible, to Myndi Emadda, a Chagrian with dark purple horns growing from her elegant head tentacles. She owned the restaurant you managed. “What if we get that veteran from the market in here to wash dishes? Bet he’d be glad of the work.”

“That old bum?” she scoffed, looking briefly up from the datapad where the previous week’s earnings were on display. “What for?”

“I figure he’ll work harder than these other people who barely stick around for a week or two. You know it’s the job with the highest turn-over. A guy like that wouldn’t skip out on his shift,” you shrug.

Myndi rolled her orange eyes. “I guess if it’ll make you happy, let him try. These numbers are worth putting up with my new manager being a secret softie.” She finally made real eye contact with you and smiled. “Just keep the profits up,” she added, sashaying out the office door.

You won’t see her again for another week. But that suits you fine. Having freedom to run things your way is why you left your family’s restaurant business. Also, they never really stopped seeing you as a little kid. Maybe, one day, they’ll come around and actually listen to you, but for now, you’re happy here. Especially since it has given you opportunities to help people like this veteran…assuming he’s interested.

The following rotation, you left for work with plenty of time for a detour to the market. After dropping some credits in the veteran’s helmet, you return his grateful nod with a hesitant smile.

“Any chance you’re looking for work?”

He blinked at you, clearly surprised. Then he shifted uncomfortably on the hard duracrete, stretching his right leg out. He cleared his throat, and said, in a rough voice, “Might be. What’s the work?”

“Nothing much, just dishwashing at Myndi’s Cafe up that way,” you nodded down the street. “But it’s steady work with steady pay, and it’s yours as long as you’d want it.”

He swallows. “I – that’s – I could do that.”

You smiled and held out your hand, kneeling a bit so he wouldn’t have to stand to reach you, introducing yourself as you shook his hand.

“Nax,” he said, completing the introductions.

“I walk this way to work,” you explained. “I can meet you here tomorrow, about this time to walk you there, and talk you through everything. That sound all right, Nax?”

He nods.

“See you then,” you smiled again, then walked away, feeling his eyes on you as you went.

You commed your sometimes overbearing, but favorite cousin during your break, asking him to bring over some of his partner’s old clothes. He showed up with them on the following rotation, shortly before you needed to leave, and you snatched them from him hurriedly.

“Finally,” you complained, shoving them in a bag. “You’re gonna make me late,” you grumbled.

Brenko chuckled and leaned against your doorframe, completely unfazed. “You’re welcome.”

You made a face at him and then let out a reluctant, “Thanks.”

“Anytime, baby cuz,” he smirked. “Who’s the new boyfriend?”

You rolled your eyes as you shoved him out of the doorway. “It’s not like that.” You shut and locked the door. Then you turned and give him a hug. “Good to see ya.”

“Yeah, same. Don’t be a stranger, huh?”

“No promises,” you called behind you as you hurried towards the market.

Nax was waiting for you, helmet in hand, looking uncertain. You greeted him and then guided him to the back entrance of Myndi’s Cafe. There was a staff ‘fresher there with a shower, a few sinks, and several lockers. You pulled out the clothes from your cousin, and set them down on the bench.

“You can shower in here, and change. Hopefully something will fit you. But, uh, you can’t wear armor to work,” you explained, with a shy smile. “There’s soap and stuff on that shelf. Use whatever you need. When you’re ready, head out that way,” you point towards the hallway that connects to the back of the kitchen. “Whoever you find there can tell you where I’m at.”

He agrees with a wordless nod, and you leave him to it.

The next time you saw Nax, he was wearing a button-up shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to expose his muscled, bronze forearms, and a pair of soft, black pants. He’d tied back half of his hair and trimmed his beard; it was still full, but no longer looked wild. You had to work hard to control your reaction. He looked incredible, and suddenly staying professional felt like a challenge. But you powered through the moment, and managed to keep yourself to an approving nod and a friendly (you hoped) smile.

“Okay, so this is Kile,” you said, leading him to the dish-washing area where the young human stood with his hip against the sink, looking bored. “He’ll show you through the basic process, and supervise the first few loads that come through. I’ll check back later,” you promised.

At the end of the night, when you locked up, Nax was waiting for you. He was back in his armor; the other clothes were folded up neatly and tucked into his helmet.

“Thank you,” he said gruffly. “Most folk won’t hire clones.”

You shrugged. “Their loss.”

For the first time ever, you saw a hint of a smile on his face, and warmth flooded your chest.

“Same time tomorrow?” you asked.

He nodded. “Mind if I walk with you?” he asked.

“I’d like that,” you replied.

He parted ways with you at the marketplace, and you wondered if he slept there, tucked away in some empty stall. The thought made you sad.

You and Nax easily fell into a routine of walking to and from work together. One rotation, when the weather had turned bitter cold, you knew you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if he had to sleep outside.

“Nax,” you said, shivering in the wind, “do you want to sleep on my couch tonight?”

He frowned. “Sure you’d feel safe with me there?”

You raised an eyebrow at him. “I know I won’t forgive myself if something happens to you in this weather.”

Nax looked genuinely surprised, and touched. His expression softened. “Thank you.”

He followed you to your small rental flat. It was nothing compared to your family’s home, but you’re certain that Nax was the last person who’d judge your simple, and, admittedly, a bit crummy, living space. Your main reasons for staying there were that it had been instantly available and was close to work. Being able to walk to the market and to work was a grounding, simple pleasure you secretly cherished. You had always driven to work in the past.

In the central room, you had a second-hand sofa, a holoprojector, and not much else. Nax looked huge, standing there with his broad shoulders. You offered him a seat, mindful of the limp in his right leg he tried so hard to hide from you. He settled into the sofa, stretching his bad leg out in front of him.

The kitchenette, to the left of the main entry, was sparsely supplied, but clean. Grabbing a glass of water for each of you, you joined him on the sofa. You sipped your water, feeling awkward.

“Are you hungry?” you thought to ask.

He shook his head, staring down at the glass in his hand.

“Well, if you get nibbly later, there’s stuff in the kitchen. Just poke around. Eat whatever,” you offered. “I’m gonna use the ‘fresher and then I’ll get you a blanket and all that.”

Nax looked at you and nodded, “Thank you.”

You nod back, trying to ignore the blush you feel heating your cheeks. “Sure.”

Washing your face and brushing your teeth gave you time to feel more settled. You left an extra toothbrush out for Nax, who was massaging his thigh when you passed through to your bedroom.

You dug through a box you never fully unpacked to find your extra bedding. You put a fresh pillow case on a pillow and take it with the blankets to the empty sofa. Nax exited the ‘fresher just as you finished.

“Well,” you said, “good night. Hope you sleep ok.”

“Thank you,” Nax replied in his deep voice.

You smiled at him, and slipped into your room, closing the door behind you. As you laid in bed, you reflected on how risky and stupid your family would say you’re being, to let a man you barely know into your home. But you don’t feel like you made the wrong decision at all.

The following morning, you stumbled out of your room, yawning and rubbing at your eyes. You were getting caf ready to brew when a rumbling, “Good morning,” from behind shocked you. You screeched and jumped around, heart pounding. Then you saw Nax and remembered why he was there. You sagged against the kitchen counter.

“Kriff,” you managed weakly. “I forgot you were here.”

“I’m sorry,” Nax apologized from where he sat, his right leg stretched across the sofa.

You waved his apology away. “No need. I just wasn’t quite awake yet.”

You smiled sheepishly. Nax looked about as awkward as you felt.

You visited the ‘fresher while the caf brewed, and then poured a cup for yourself and your guest. Nax swung his leg down so you could sit with him, and you silently enjoyed your hot drinks together. When you were more awake, you decided to let yourself pry a little.

“Can I ask you something?”

“You already did,” Nax retorted, face serious, but his dark eyes twinkled with unexpected humor.

You huffed and rolled your eyes. “Okay, can I ask you something else?”

“Go ahead,” he replied. He sipped the last of his caf.

“Where do you usually sleep?”

Nax kept his eyes on his mug. At first you weren’t sure he would answer you, but then he said: “There’s a vendor at the market that lets me stow my extra gear under their booth during the day in exchange for guarding it at night.”

You bit your lower lip to keep yourself from ranting about how the vendor should pay him for guard work, not exploit his desperate situation. You forced yourself to take a few breaths before you reply.

“Well, if you’d rather, you can stay here. I’m not used to living by myself, so you’d be doing me a favor.” That was only a slight exaggeration. You hadn’t been on your own before you moved here, but it wasn’t all that bad. Still, you’d rather have a roommate than force him back out in the weather. The real cold season hadn’t even hit yet.

When you finally looked up, you saw Nax staring at you. “Why would you want that?” he asked, sounding genuinely confused.

Your heart went out to him. “Besides it just being the right thing to do?” you said at first, deflecting a bit. Then you softened at the look in his eyes, and added, “and I enjoy being around you.”

The grizzled ex-warrior didn’t seem to know what to say to that. He stared at you for a long moment, finally murmuring a soft “thank you.”

Once again, you left for work early to stop at the market, this time accompanied by Nax. The bundle he gathered from the muttering Gran vendor was pathetically small, containing as it did, all his worldly goods. It took all your customer service skills to keep from tearing into the three-eyed Gran and giving them a piece of your mind. Nax didn’t need you to fight his battles for him. And you didn’t need to foster ill will for him in the community. So you kept your mouth shut, and let yourself be silently grateful that he wouldn’t need to go back there again.

You and Nax settled into a cozy routine, starting your days with companionable cups of caf on the sofa. Little by little, you drew closer, physically and emotionally, and you would cuddle up to his warm side as you sat together. He was surprisingly handy, and fixed all the little problems with your flat that you’d been meaning to get around to someday: tightening loose screws and fiddly door panels. He didn’t know much about cooking, but that was your forte and it was a delight to share your knowledge with him. Soon he was surprising you with inventive meals of his own making. Living together put no strain on working together, and it was nice to have a companion.

You woke up shivering. The cold season had fully arrived, and the heat in your flat wasn’t working. Grumbling to yourself, you reached for your commlink, and sent a message to the building supervisor. But you only received an automated response: that the power had gone out for the entire block, and would be out until the city repaired the grid. Which meant you were in for a very bitter night.

Getting up, a blanket around yourself, you shuffled into the other room. “Nax?” you whispered, unwilling to disturb him if he was still asleep.

But he answered immediately, “Yes?”

“The power is out, so the heat’s out. Would you..wanna come shar my bed with me? I’m too cold to sleep.”

Nax didn’t hesitate. He stood and brought his blankets along to layer over yours. You smiled to yourself in the darkness and went back to bed. Nax joined you, his body heat instantly warming the little pocket of air trapped beneath the blankets. You gave a little contented sigh, and moved closer to rest your head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around your back, holding you gently. As you drifted back to sleep, you wondered why you hadn’t done this sooner.

When you woke up again, it was in a much more pleasant way. Nax was curled on his side, and you were spooned up against his broad back and thighs, one arm flung around his waist. The cocoon of blankets was warm with your shared body heat. Nax smelt like musk and shampoo when you nuzzled into the hair at the nape of his neck. He brought a hand up to cover yours, gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Good morning,” came his sleep-roughened voice.

“Mmm-hmm,” you hummed in agreement. “I could get used to waking up like this.”

He squeezed your hand again, tighter this time, and you squeezed back.

Every day you spent with Nax made you care for him more deeply. But you weren’t quite sure he really let himself acknowledge your affection for him. He seemed to assume others would find him worthless, which you couldn’t blame him, after he’d been discarded by the Galactic Republic-turned-Empire, and treated like a soulless being by the very people he’d spent his life fighting to protect. It was awful. You hoped that one day, he would see himself for the loveable man you knew him to be.

“Want to go somewhere we can take hot showers?” you asked.

“Stars, yes,” he sighed.

You hired a transport to get to your cousin’s place. Brenko had eagerly agreed when you’d invited yourself and Nax over. You knew he’d be a pain about it, but the amenities, you hoped, would be worth the trouble.

“Come in! Come in!” he waved you and Nax through the doorway of the home he shared with his partner. Brenko pushed you towards the bedroom, “you can take the master ‘fresher. And I’ll show your friend here,” he paused to look over Nax’s impressive form, “to the guest ‘fresher.”

“Don’t tell him any stories about our childhood,” you called out to their retreating backs.

“No promises,” Brenko sing-songed, making you roll your eyes.

You found Brenko in the kitchen later, after you’d cleaned up and changed. He was making a huge breakfast. “Where’s the hubs?” you asked, tossing some chopped fruit into your mouth.

“He’s been at work for hours, dear cuz,” Brenko replied, stirring something on the stove. “He manages all the before-open prep these days.”

“Oh yeah? Uncle Brice finally let him take that on?”

“Well, he had too. He threw his back out and finally admitted he can’t keep up anymore. Honestly, it was a relief.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Think you and your friend will be at the Life Day party this year?”

You grimaced, but were saved from answering by Nax entering the room. Your cousin must’ve loaned him more of his partner’s clothes, because he was wearing a green asymmetric v-neck sweater that showed off his neck and as well as a glimpse of his impressive pectorals. You tried not to stare at all the exposed brown skin. Nax was looking down at himself in consternation.

“You’re sure your husband won’t mind me taking these?” he asked, apparently not for the first time by the way Brenko waved it off.

“I told you, it’s fine. I’ve been trying to get him to clear out his closet for cycles. You’re doing me a favor.”

He turned and winked at you. You pursed your lips into a frown to hide your smile. You really shouldn’t encourage him to dress up your roommate in ways he knows will pique your interest, should you?

Nax sat down at the large kitchen island beside you, and Brenko slid a couple of steaming cups over. You inhaled the caf scent deeply, appreciative of the excellent blend your cousin used.

“Almost ready with this food here,” Brenko noted. “Go set the table, will you?”

You grumbled, just because, but set out the necessary objects. Nax moved to help, but you pushed him back down to the stool. “Rest,” you asserted gently. “You have to stand at work all day, I don’t.”

Nax sat back down without protest, which meant his leg was probably hurting him, because of the cold. You really needed to find some salve or something that would help take the edge off for him, you mused as you readied the table.

Brenko sat down and ate with you. It was nice to see how well he and Nax took to each other. They bonded easily over work stories of kitchen drama and talking about you like you weren’t there. It would’ve been annoying if it wasn’t so endearing. You left feeling full from more than just a meal.

The power had been restored by the time you and Nax walked home from work that evening. When it was time to sleep, Nax came into your room to retrieve his bedding. Before he laid a hand on anything, you blurted out, “You don’t have to sleep on the sofa, if you don’t want to.”

Feeling hopeful, but also shy and a bit embarrassed by your lack of finesse, you bit your lip and looked down at the floor. You could feel Nax looking at you. Then you heard him step closer to you, saw his feet and legs appear in your line of sight, and then one large, strong hand was lifting your chin up.

You looked into his deep soulful eyes as he rumbled, “Are you sure?”

You swallowed, shifted closer to put your hands on his waist. “Yes.”

His hand left your chin to caress your cheek, and you leaned into the touch. “Alright.”

That night you fell asleep in his arms for the second time.

You stared at the invitation in your hand, hot tears burning your eyes. Every year, your family threw a lavish Life Day celebration to which they’d invite anyone they wanted to impress, or do business with, as well as the entire extended family and close personal friends. The event was scheduled so that the least important guests were asked to come midday, the more important ones towards evening, with family and friends ending the night together at whatever late hour they chose. This year, since you’d decided to strike out on your own, you’d been relegated to the midday crowd. You had been dreading this event, thinking you’d be obliged to go, but now you’ve changed your mind. If they don’t want you around, you’ll just stay away.

“Nax, have you ever celebrated Life Day?”

The clone shook his long hair back as he answered, “No. The Kamanoans would’ve seen that as a meaningless distraction and expense. Besides, what’s the use of celebrating something with life in its name when you were created to be droid fodder?” he continued darkly.

You frowned slightly, saddened by what Nax has suffered in his short, accelerated life. But then you shrugged. “Well, you’re not a soldier now. Wanna celebrate it with me this cycle?”

Nax stroked a hand through his gray-streaked beard, “Like how..?”

You shrugged again. “Like whatever we want.”

Myndi’s Cafe was closed on Life Day since it was an unofficial planet-wide celebration. Which left you and Nax free to sleep in. You woke up in his arms and snuggled closer, resting your head over his chest to listen to his solid heartbeat. You couldn’t think of a better way to start any day, especially this one.

“I’m looking forward to spending the day with you,” you murmured once you knew he was awake by the way he squeezed you softly to say good morning.

He chuckled. The sound of it rumbled under you as you lay against him. “We spend every day together.”

“Hmm.. lucky me,” you purred.

Nax reached a large, calloused hand to your cheek. You blinked up at his dark-eyed countenance. “I’m the lucky one,” he declared solemnly.

His hand moved to your nape, and you leaned forward, bracing yourself against his broad chest. You pressed your lips to his. Nax held you and kissed you softly. You thrilled at the feel of his lips on yours. You’d kissed him before, on the cheek or forehead, but this was so much better. You smiled and curled back into his chest.

“That’s my new favorite way to begin Life Day,” you declared.

Nax’s chuckle rumbled beneath your ear. “Is that a new tradition then?”

“I think it must be,” you sighed happily.

“Hmm.. then may I suggest we get our traditional cup of caf and sit on the traditional sofa?”

You snorted out a laugh. “Sure, Nax. Sounds perfect.”

He snuggled beneath a blanket with you as you sipped steaming cups of caf, watching reports about Life Day celebrations across the galaxy on the HoloNet News. You sighed contentedly. Not even all the glittering displays of lights and decorations in glamorous places you’d never go could compare to the simple pleasure of being with Nax.

But the peaceful moment was broken by a knock at the door.

“Are you expecting someone?” Nax asked.

“No,” you said, standing and pulling your coat over your sleep clothes. You peek through the peephole. “It’s my cousin!”

You hit the control panel and the door swooshed open. You stepped back and let in Brenko and Corr, who wrestled a pine tree through the too-small doorway.

“What’s this?” you asked in amazement, looking from Brenko to Corr for an explanation.

“Well, you told me you didn’t have a tree for Life Day,” Brenko said, as if it should be obvious. “And we decided that was not okay.”

“Plus, I brought homemade puffcake and hot cider,” his husband added, going to the door to retrieve the box of pastries, a thermos, and a large cloth bag.

You smiled at him. “Well, you do make the best puffcake in the galaxy.”

“I do,” Corr affirmed with a broad grin. “Now, I believe you’ve yet to introduce me to your man.”

You blushed furiously at his phrasing.

Nax saved you from answering by stepping over to shake hands with Corr. “Nax,” he said. “Pleased to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Corr smiled. “I’ve heard good things about you.”

“Love the outfit,” Brenko snarked gently, propping the tree against the sofa.

You rolled your eyes at him, but then gave him a hug. “Thanks for this. It’s sweet of you. Intrusive and obnoxious, but sweet.”

He just laughed and hugged you back. “Anytime, dear cousin. You know you’re my favorite. I wasn’t about to let this day go without seeing you.”

“Kriff, guess I’m stuck with you,” you smiled, feeling like the day couldn’t possibly get any better.

But it did. Brenko, Corr, and Nax got along splendidly as you all decorated the tree with the bag of supplies your cousin had brought along. It wasn’t anything particularly fancy: just lights and some old home-made decorations from when you were children that Brenko had pulled out of storage. To you it was the most perfect Life Day tree ever.

When they left, both of them hugged you fiercely and whispered how much they would miss you at the family party later. Whether or not it was true, it did your heart good to hear it.

Nax began to gather the dirty cups and plates, and you watched his easy movements, heart warmed by how comfortable he was here with you. It reminded you, with a jolt, of the surprise you’d planned for him, and you slipped into the bedroom.

You pulled out a box from the corner of the closet, and caught up Nax’s trooper helmet from where it sat on a table. Then you took it all into the other room and sat beneath the glowing Life Day tree. While Nax was busy in the kitchen, you started with the turquoise-accented helmet, centering it under the tree. Then you pulled a wide satin ribbon, also turquoise, from the box. You’d carefully lettered ‘Brothers fall but are never forgotten’ on the ribbon in Aurebesh. You draped it artfully over the helmet. Then you pulled out the little electric candles you’d bought, switched each of them on, and arranged them in a semi-circle around the helmet. Finally, you pulled the soft, gift-wrapped package from the box and set it beneath the tree branches to one side.

Stepping back to admire your work, you were joined by Nax, who had finished cleaning up. He wrapped his arms around you from behind as you leaned against his strong, broad chest. “Is this for me?” he asked, voice gruff with emotion.

You nodded and hugged his arms to you. “Life Day is for celebrating the people we love,” you said softly, “even if they’re not with us.”

Nax bent to place a kiss on the top of your head. “Thank you for always thinking of me.”

You twisted in his arms, looking up into his dark brown eyes. “I really care about you, you know.”

Nax lifted a hand to your chin, and pulled you into a gentle kiss. One led to another, and you pressed against him hungrily as his hand slipped around to the back of your neck to thread through your hair. You pulled him close, holding onto his shoulders, returning his kisses with eager affection. Nax pulled back to brush his thumbs over your cheeks, resting his forehead against yours.

When you’d caught your breath, you said, “That’s not your only surprise, you know.”

“Oh?” His eyebrows raised slightly and his smile grew. “That so?”

Rather than answer, you smiled mysteriously and stepped backwards, tugging him along with you. You bent down, and lifted up the package you’d wrapped for him.

Nax’s eyes grew wide. “This is for me, pretty girl?” he asked.

“Of course, silly,” you grinned. “Who else? Open it up.”

He made quick work of the wrapping, tearing through it with ease. Then he unfolded a sweater. To the untrained eye, the design might look abstract. But it was made to resemble his armor, and Nax immediately recognized it. “My – my armor. You made this?”

You shook your head. “No, I had to commission it. I’m not good at that sort of thing. Do you like it?”

He crushed you to his chest, the sweater pressed between you. “I love it,” he said in your ear.

You gripped him tightly in return. “I’m glad.”

“I have something for you too,” he added.

“Really!” Your heart leapt. You hadn’t expected anything.

Nax smiled, pressed a kiss to your forehead, and then went into the kitchen. From a high cupboard you never used (because you couldn’t easily reach it), he pulled something wrapped in a towel. Looking sheepish, he handed it to you.

You took it with two hands, and pulled the towel away. It was a plate from Myndi’s Cafe – one of the chipped ones that were always thrown out. On it was painted the evening sky as the sunset faded into true night, and the stars were coming out. In the center were deep violet silhouettes of yourself and Nax, walking hand in hand. Tears pricked your eyes at the love and effort he’d put into the gift.

“It’s beautiful,” you said, voice hoarse with emotion. “Thank you.”

“Happy Life Day, pretty girl,” Nax said, lifting your chin with his hand.

You blinked away happy tears and replied, “Happy Life Day, Nax.”

He captured your lips in a warm kiss, and you melted into him.

Hope you enjoyed the story! (You can also find it on a03 here.)

Happy Holidays! 💚❤️💙

#LDE23 #star wars #obi wan kenobi series #clone trooper nax #daiyu #life day #strangers to lovers #fluff fluff fluff #clone troopers #f!reader #goblininawig

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