Chapter Text
Rex and his fellow Captains and Commanders sat in relative silence when compared to the absolute whirlwind of chatter and excitement in the mess hall. Cody sat beside him, staring somewhat forlornly at the day’s rations, Wolffe on his other side was scrolling his data pad, a crease between his brows as he studied it intently. Across from him sat Fox and Ponds. Rex was enjoying the silence stretching between them, it was comfortable and, as much as he loved his brothers, it was a nice break. He was brought out of his reverie but the sudden motions of a young Jedi Commander unceremoniously throwing herself down between Ponds and Fox, a grimace on her face, a pretty face Rex noted absently. She then turned her head and stared at Fox. He long, golden brown hair was pulled into a braid, but it looked slightly disheveled, as though she had been running her fingers through it, bags sat under her bright green eyes and a scowl formed as she continued to stare at the Commander of the Coruscant guard, and he continued to eat, either oblivious or ignoring her. The silence remained. Finally, it was Wolffe who broke it, sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose he placed his data pad down and folded his hands on the table in front of him.
“Malin…” he began, but she interrupted, her eyes never leaving Fox.
“If I told you I was going to commit treason, would you shoot me?” she demanded. Rex’s eyebrows shot up as Ponds and Cody both attempted to cover their laughter, Wolffe on the other hand just sighed again, suddenly resigned. Fox continued not to look at her.
“No.” he replied, taking a large bite of his lunch.
“What if I told you I was going to commit a murder?” she asked after a moment’s thought.
“No.” he responded.
“Arson?” this time he sighed and turned a baleful gaze on her.
“Still no.”
“You’re awful at your job. You know that?” she demanded, but Rex could see the beginnings of a smile on her lips.
“Yep.”
“What if I asked nicely?” she finally questioned. Fox stared at her for a second and then turned his eyes to Wolffe.
“Commander, can you please deal with your Padawan.” The Commander of the 104th was once again not given the chance to respond.
“How do you do it? Everyday?” she asked, finally Fox’s shoulders slumped and he smiled down at her.
“She’s been stuck on Chancellor duty.” Cody told Rex with a grin. “And she’s not coping well.” She turned to look at him with a glare, though Rex could see plainly there was no malice there in the way the corners of her mouth twitched in an effort to conceal a smile. The Captain was however, slightly baffled.
“General Skywalker speaks highly of the Chancellor,” he begun, and suddenly the green eyes gaze of the padawan turned on him and briefly he felt all the air leave his lungs.
“Do you know why that is?” she asked, almost coyly. Beside him Cody groaned.
“Please don’t.”
“There’s a particular word for it.” She told him, leaning in conspiratorially, and a wicked grin on her face.
“Malin.” Wolffe groaned again, but on the other side of her Ponds was chuckling and Fox was barely hiding a smile. Rex continued to stare at her, waiting for her to finish.
“It’s called ‘grooming’.” She told him, he frowned thoughtfully and the young Jedi watched a realization dawned across his face, she noted it was a very nice face, she knew they were clones, but they weren’t as identical as people assumed, she had already of course noticed his blonde hair. Cute, she thought. He cheeks had turned slightly red and she reached over and patted his arm that was resting on the table. Fox was now laughing, rare for him and shook his head. Rex’s wide eyed gaze turned on him and he had to rack his brain to think of an instance where he had ever heard Fox laugh.
“I’ll miss your company Malin.” He told her, a soft expression on his face.
“You can keep her.” Wolffe muttered, but there was a certain amount of affection on his normally stony face and Rex wondered what special Jedi skills this girl must have to have elicited such fondness from two of the hardest men in the GAR. Abruptly her commlink beeped and she groaned.
“I best be going. Gentlemen.” She stated, warmth in her voice, looking around the table before she once again turned her gaze on Rex. “It was a pleasure to meet you Captain.” This time he felt his stomach lurch under her gaze, butterflies, he believed the saying went.
“And you Commander.” He replied, finding his voice. Her face lit up and he was rewarded with bright smile before she turned, patting Fox on the shoulder as she left, his eyes followed her as she left, beside him Wolffe chuckled and made eye contact with Cody, who’s own face was alight with a mischievous smile, unbeknownst to their younger vode.