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tcwmatchmakingau · 10 months

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Date Night Pt 1

Pairing: Rex x f!Reader

Rating: SFW

Warnings: Just fluff, snogging is as far as it goes.

W/C: 3,300 (And my ficlet phase has passed).

Summary: Captain Rex of the 501st Legion led men into numerous battles. He had fought by the side of one of the galaxy’s greatest Jedi and received commendation from the Republic’s top leadership. And nothing terrified him more than the newest challenge Anakin Skywalker laid at his feet ... a date.

A/N: This was inspired by D's lovely ask as I was trapped in the airport about a double date with Rex and Cody. Here's the Rex chapter, featuring Cody, who will be up next.

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“Rex, you know I’d do anything for you. But this?”

Rex knew this would likely be the outcome, but he wasn’t admitting defeat just yet.

“Please Cody? I just … I have to go, but I just can’t get myself to go alone.”

His closest brother and commanding officer sat across from him in the mess hall of the Coruscant barracks, the 501st and 212th being on shore leave. All units not engaged in relief missions or suppressing the remaining Seppie forces were actually on leave, meaning Rex felt himself almost whispering, not wanting the wrong ears to overhear their conversation in the crowded room.

He’d never live it down if Torrent Company especially got wind that he was considering a trip to the matchmaker set up specifically for clones.

“You don’t have to go, though. It’s not mandatory. I know the transition to peace time is going to be tough, but they’re not forcing us into civvie life just yet.”

“It’s not that. General Skywalker is … insisting.”

“He can’t command you to go on a date. Just tell him no.”

“I can’t, Cody! You know the face he makes when you tell him no.”

“Then look the other way.”

Rex doesn’t have a rebuttal. Strictly speaking, Cody is right. But …

“Unless you actually want to go?” his brother nudges.

“I …” Rex paused, holding still as a statue for a moment until he released his breath in a huff. “Ever since his relationship with the Senator came out, Skywalker has changed. He’s lighter, happier. And I can’t help but wonder what that feels like. It was never in the cards for us before. I know some had it, like Cut, but I could never abandon my duty. Now that I don’t have to … I don’t know. What if Anakin is right?”

Cody smiles at him warmly before answering simply, “Then you should go.”

Rex levels his friend with a blank stare. They both knew that Rex would never take this leap without a wingman.

“FINE I WILL GO WITH YOU.”

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The office was nicer than he had imagined. Not that he thought it would be a dump, but it would seem his anxiety colored his expectations.

Cody sat by his side, the pair having already filled out the required paperwork digitally. He thanked his brother again for coming with him and though the only response was a dry side eye, Rex knew Cody understood what this meant to him.

The door behind them opened, and both men jumped to attention.

“At ease, gentlemen. You’re off duty, remember?”

A woman walked past to take a seat opposite the desk from them as they settled back into their own seats. Her casual attire betrayed the slightly impressive decor of the top-level office, but the warmth she exuded made it clear she belonged here.

“I’m Yen, and I’ll be the matchmaker assigned to you both,” she said, reaching across to shake both their hands. “Now, I’ve reviewed your applications and I have a few potential matches in mind, but first I want to hear from you, your expectations — both of this first date and overall.”

Rex turned to look to Cody, defaulting to letting his CO answer first, only to see his brother returning the expectant look. So, he started, laying it all on the table and earning a few laughs from the other trooper.

Cody followed suit, his own answer much shorter, though it’s a testament to the professional that she was able to even get as much out of the Marshal Commander as possible.

“Okay, well, I believe I now have everything I need. I’ll send over one profile each to avoid overwhelming you both, and if you’re amenable, I’ll set up the time and place and comm that over,” Yen confirmed.

Rex appreciated her approach, calm yet confident. He was still hesitant about stepping this far out of his comfort zone, but if she was leading the way, he could at least follow.

“Now, I do have to warn you that while I understand the appeal of a double date, I’ve found it can often lead to … unnecessary problems. I can see if the partners I have in mind would be open to going to the same venue, but I strongly recommend focusing on your date and not spending time as a group.”

“Problems?” This time, it was Cody who spoke up.

“Yes, assigned dates wanting to switch has been known to happen, which just creates bad feelings all around. Or people tend to focus more on their friend since that’s familiar and end up alienating their dates. I’ve found that outcome more common with troopers.”

The two clones share a look, and when Rex turns back to Yen, a knowing smile graces her face.

“Well, this is your area of expertise. We’ll play this your way.”

---------------------------------------X--------------------------------------------

A week later, Rex watched Cody walk to the floor with his date, trying to push down his annoyance over the fact that you still hadn’t appeared.

If he was being completely fair, you weren’t late. But he was already second guessing himself and each moment he stood there, on the edge of the room unsure of what to do with his hands, was another moment adding to his anxiety.

Rex was just about at his limit when the door slammed open. The woman in the threshold peered into the crowd, scouting as if she expected danger rather than dancing to greet her.

And suddenly, his nerves got better and worse.

It was you. He recognized you from the profile image Yen had sent him. You hadn’t stood him up and left him looking a fool. But he had a feeling he’d act like one because stars above he had never seen any creature quite as lovely. What the kark was he supposed to say to someone so pretty?

While Skywalker seemed to revel in going into situations blind, Rex usually did everything to avoid it. But he didn’t plan for this. Your holo was taken by a buffoon since clearly it did not do you justice.

Absently, Rex realized he should probably introduce himself. But he decided taking advantage of this opportunity to gather intel was the smarter option.

You weren’t timid so much as cautious in your movements as you slowly made your way through the room, clearly looking for someone but oddly insistent on not making eye contact, quickly looking away once people noticed your staring.

Finally, you turned and caught his eye across the room, looking away just as quickly. In only took a moment before you snuck another glance, but this time, you kept eye contact and tilted your head in question. Nothing could stop him from smiling softly at the gesture as he gave a quick, efficient nod. You sported a matching one as you made your way through the crowd to him.

“Are you Rex?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

You giggled, and it was so sweet he almost missed what you said. “Do I look that old?”

Shock flooded Rex like ice water. “Huh? N-No, you don’t. I mean, not that that’s bad. But you definitely don’t. You look lovely. Not that old isn’t lovely, but I, uh,” he floundered, trying to understand what just happened.

Your eyes grew wide as plates as you raised your hands, waiving them in front of you frantically. “Ah, no, don’t worry about it! I was just teasing since you said ‘ma’am’ and I’ve never been called that before and in fact the only people who’ve been called ma’am, at least that I’ve heard, have been older, so that was the first thing that came to mind and …”

Rex had never heard anyone speak that fast. He was impressed you had enough breath for it, but your rambling made your abrupt stop into pure silence jarring.

“Sorry, I was trying to be clever but I’m a bit too nervous for that, it seems.” You looked up at him but stopped just shy of actually catching his gaze. He wasn’t sure if that or the way you bit the corner of your lip as you offered a sheepish smile was more endearing.

“Please don’t apologize. I’m a bit out of my depth here, too.”

Rex had never and likely would never understand the Force as the Jedi talk about it. But as you shared a small, understanding smile with him, he swore he could feel something shift. It was significant, even if he couldn’t understand why.

“Well then, since neither of us seem to be doing too well with conversation, want to try dancing?”

“I doubt that’ll go better on my end, but let’s give it a try,” he says lightly, holding out a hand to allow you to pass.

You led the way to the dance floor, and his heart stuttered when you turned, looking up at him expectantly with bright eyes. He was only half listening to the instructor, just enough to get the gist of what to do. The rest of his attention was firmly occupied with getting lost in how you looked at him.

You looked at him like he was someone worth staring at.

Karabast, I’m in trouble.

“Ready?” You ask, sweet but pushy, nudging him out of his stupor.

“Uh, yeah,” Rex nods, stepping closer and taking hold of your hands. They were cold in his, so he held them just a bit tighter.

Fortunately, the class was geared for beginners, so the instructor started with basic footwork which solved one problem of his – he could focus on his feet instead of trying not to stare at you like a creep.

At least, for a bit. Damn his enhanced training; the steps were barely a challenge, leaving him looking down unnecessarily, unwilling to look up just yet but also aware that the longer he looked down the more awkward it was.

Why was dancing at 79s hard but this was too easy? Maybe it was his brothers’ fault. Yeah, that had to be it. They complicated everything else, why would dancing be different?

“I’m glad they’re really breaking down the basics. I usually have two left feet,” you offered, and it felt like relief in the midst of battle washing over him.

“Same. I’m not usually much of a dancer,” Rex replied, beyond grateful that he wouldn’t have to rely on one of the awful pickup lines Jesse had insisted on teaching him when word inevitably got around what he would be up to tonight.

“Oh? Then what made you choose dance lessons for tonight?”

“I, uh …” He hesitated. The truth was it was an option that Cody was open to and both Boil and Fives insisted it was the best idea. “Honestly, my brothers talked me into it. Said it would strike the right mood.”

“The right mood?”

“N-not like that! Well, actually, I’m sure Fives meant exactly that. But that’s not what I mean. I mean —”

“It’s OK, Rex.” He should be more upset that you’re laughing at him, but there’s no malice in your eyes as they smile along with your lips. “I know what you mean. It’s fun, but easy enough that we can talk.”

“Not sure I’m doing so well with that second part,” he grumbled.

“I’ve got no complaints,” you reassure with a soft squeeze to his hands. “Besides, I’m very much enjoying being on this side.”

“This side?”

“Oh yeah. I’m usually the one tripping over my tongue meeting new people. It’s not just my feet — I’m clumsy all over,” you proclaim almost proudly, earning a chuckle from him.

“You don’t seem clumsy to me.”

“You’re sweet, but I’m literally holding onto you right now. Hard to be clumsy with support, though I do like to consider myself an overachiever.”

Rex let out what was probably his first genuine laugh since starting this whole endeavor. “Well, I’m happy to act as support as long as needed.”

Your lips twitch to the side, and if not for the mischievous spark in your eyes — a sight Rex had learned from his men usually meant nothing but trouble — he’d assume you were upset. Confused, he waited for you to continue.

“Happy to act as support? Are you sure?”

Everything about your tone is screaming that he’s out of his depths. You’re plotting something, that much is clear, and he’s not sure what. And he certainly can’t reprimand you the way he does wayward troopers.

Still, nothing to do but jump in at this point.

“Yes …?”

Your smile broke free from the tight, wry curve of your lips to engulf your entire face.

“In that case …” You stepped closer to him, pulling your joined hands behind your back, forcing yourself into his arms. Chills slid up his arms along with your touch as your hands finally settled on his shoulders, leaving his splayed out against the expanse of your back. “Better that we dance like this. More secure, you know.”

The boys would often tease Rex for how easily he would flush. It was something he cursed his whole life, always envious of Cody for his incredible composure. Now, however, despite feeling the heat in his own cheeks, the sight of your eyes refusing to settle on one place, least of all him, and the awkward shift in your stance, he understood the teasing.

You were adorable when flustered.

But more than he enjoyed seeing you worked up, he desperately wanted you to be comfortable with him. And he wanted to show his appreciation that you took the first leap of faith. So he stepped just a little further into your space, slightly tightening his hold on you so you could feel him support you.

“Sure. Just tell me if you want me to let go.”

“I don’t think that’s gonna happen.”

It wouldn’t be right to say conversation flowed. There were still awkward bumps and turns. But you were gracious about them, and honestly guilty of a few yourself, which helped Rex lower his guard even more.

It didn’t hurt that you seemed to pick up the footwork just as easily as he did, letting him lead you around the floor easier than he anticipated so he could fully indulge in how you pressed ever so lightly against him as you lead the conversation.

It was mostly small talk, getting to know you staples. But you never made him feel awkward or like you didn’t care for his answer.

In fact, he had never felt so tall before being the center of your attention.

Sooner than he realized, the class ended, and the dancers began dispersing. A quick scan of the room made clear that Cody and his date already cleared out. When, he wasn’t sure. But it left Rex standing in the middle of the floor with you in his arms, looking at him expectantly … and he had no clue what to do.

All he knew was he wasn’t quite ready to let you go.

“Do you walk home?” he asked, immediately realizing what he had said and groaning. “No, not that. I mean, do you mind if I walk you home?”

You laughed at him, but again, it was a soft thing without a trace of mockery. “I’d love that, thank you.”

If asked right then, Rex would say that laugh was his favorite sound. But he didn’t let that thought linger too long.

You looped your arm through his and laid your opposite hand on top, taking him aback with how comfortable you seemed around him even without the pretense of dancing. Though you stopped right at the line of too forward, a courtesy he was grateful for.

And it appeared a more strategic choice than he first gave you credit for. With your arms woven through his, you were able to lead the way and keep pace with him easier. You walked to the inter-level lift and rode it down a few levels to more modest apartments before meandering through the streets for a few blocks, chatting softly the whole time.

“This is me.” You waved your hand absently to the building behind you as you turned to face him. You were looking at him like that again, like he was the only thing in this galaxy worth looking at. If he wasn’t careful, Rex could easily grow addicted to that look. “I had a really nice night. Thank you, Rex.”

“No thanks needed, mesh’la,” Rex said softly, hearing the endearment slip in before he really registered it. It fit, though, and he was willing to bet you didn’t speak Mando’a. “I had a good time, too.”

He felt like time itself was suspended. Like the two of you existed within a ray shield and nothing outside mattered. He felt himself pulled closer to you until he was standing with barely an inch between you. Glancing past your eyes for just a moment, he felt his breath catch at the sight of your chest just missing brushing his as you take heavy breaths.

Usually, clarity felt cold when it washed over him. This, however, was warm, fueling his courage just as much as the realization that you could feel the gravitational pull between you as well.

“Can I kiss you?” he whispered, bolder than he felt as he leaned down but still not trusting his voice as he invaded your space and reveled in the proximity, eyes constantly searching for any sign of hesitation.

There never was one. You tilted your head back, bringing your plush lips almost up to his.

“Please.”

It was the sweet, needy, breathlessness of your plea that made Rex vow then and there to do anything to hear you beg for his kisses again.

It was the soft give of your lips, the insistent yet gentle pressure you applied and the succulent yet swift swipe of your tongue against his that made him vow to give them to you as often as you asked.

Gods above, there was nothing so wonderful in that moment as your kiss. It wasn’t hot and heavy, as his past experiences had been; those one-night stands nothing more than moments of stolen pleasure speaking only to present need.

This was the opposite, chaste in all but promise, speaking without words of your passionate intentions.

You pulled away, and he should have let you go. Rex had always prided himself on being respectful, doing the right thing. And yet, the only thing that felt right was to chase your lips with his, looping his arm around your waist to pull you in closer.

Reason eventually won out, as it always did for him. Keeping his hold on you, Rex pulled back and rested his forehead against yours. “Sorry.” His breathing was heavier than expected, and he questioned if his conditioning was really lacking, or if your kisses would always steal his breath. “Got a little carried away.”

You shook your head against his, and only then did he realize you had tangled your hands in his jacket, fisting in the fabric tightly. He couldn’t pull away without applying some force, and that knowledge buzzed pleasantly through him.

“No you didn’t. Not that I didn’t want, anyway.”

A worry line appeared on your forehead as you turned to glance at your front door over your shoulder. Your lips pursed, and while he wouldn’t claim to know you well, he could hazard a guess to your conundrum.

Gently, Rex lifted a hand to turn your face back to him before pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. He wasn’t sure, but he could swear he heard you sigh.

“Goodnight, mesh’la,” he offered, and to his relief, he saw you relax. You stepped back, out of his arms, and he was surprised by how much he didn’t like that. “I’ll comm you tomorrow?”

Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough if that’s how you would smile for him every time. “Yeah, I’d like that. Goodnight, Rex.”

Captain Rex of the 501st Legion led men into numerous battles. He had fought by the side of one of the galaxy’s greatest Jedi and received commendation from the Republic’s top leadership.

But no victory had ever felt as good as walking away from your apartment that night, one successful date under his belt and hopefully many more with you on the horizon.

#tcw matchmaking au #clone matchmaking au #501st Legion #212th Attack Battalion

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