Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ahsoka swore there was still dirt under her nails left from digging the graves on that Force-forsaken moon. She could still see the faces of the men after she and Rex had removed their helmets… each one seared into her mind, closing the eyes of every last man they could pull from the wreckage. The smell of blood and smoke still lingered in her nose if she thought about it long enough. 

Neither one of them should have survived. Rex especially struggled with the guilt of being the sole clone to escape the crashing Venator. Part of her wondered if he thought, by now working to save as many men as he could, that he could somehow rectify surviving what half a legion couldn’t. 

She pressed two fingers to her temples in an attempt to massage the painful memories away, to drown out the celebration the Empire was putting on. The kriffing tyrants were proud of what they’d done to get where they are now. They were proud of how they’d done it, who they’d trampled to climb to the top — the Jedi and clones they’d murdered and tossed aside in the process.

Why she didn’t power the Holonet down, she didn’t know. However, it wasn’t long after, that the door to the cockpit hissed open and a slender, tanned finger did just that. 

“How many years in a row am I gonna catch you watching this garbage?” came a low, almost distraught, whisper behind her. She didn’t even have to look at the reflection in the transparisteel to know that it was Rex who was with her inside the Remora. His voice was so distinct.

Rex took a seat behind her, reached under her thigh, and swiveled the pilot’s chair to face him. He noticed the tenseness in her jaw and the crinkle between her brow markings, two indicators of tears that were long overdue. 

She dropped one of the knees that had been resting underneath her chin, looking defeated, and sighed, “I’m sure there will be an Empire Day in the future in which we aren’t together.”

“Do you just think we end up in each other’s company on this day by some coincidence?” Rex asked, leaning forward. Ahsoka squeezed her eyes shut and clenched her teeth, to which Rex shot out a hand to cup her knee. He hushed her gently, “Hey, now. None of that, okay? Not this year.”

Ahsoka’s lip quivered as Rex caught a tear with the back of his finger, grimacing. His skin was warm and the sensation was a surprising one, but something she found a familiar solace in. He wiped his hand on his pants leg and stood, holding his hand out for her to take. “Come on,” he said gently, “I can guarantee you that Pabu isn’t celebrating Empire Day.” She reluctantly stood, and was perhaps too eager to grab his bare hand. For a moment, Ahsoka was transported back to their days on the run together. The shock of his skin against hers was still as profound as it had been the first time. Her heart sped up just the same.

“Pabu is always celebrating something,” she remarked, following him off of his ship and back out into the waning day. 

Rex still held her hand in his and smiled, his eyes on her the entire time, “And why shouldn’t they? Just look at that view.”

Ahsoka peered out at the twinkling reflections on the ocean, the colors painting the sky, as well as the festivities happening in Lower Pabu. She couldn’t deny that it was breathtaking. Rex had yet to look at any of it though, still focused on her. Turning to him, she caught his attention diverting to his feet, the hint of a blush creeping up from under the collar of his shirt. “Where are the others?” she asked, changing the subject and therefore providing Rex with a topic to escape to.

“Ah, Echo’s still down by the water with Wrecker. I think Hunter went with Omega and Lyana to a kid’s event. And well, I’m sure you can guess what Tech and Phee are doing,” he answered, a cheeky smile causing his teeth to peek past his lips. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Ahsoka’s eyes roll so far back. Rex laughed, “Come on. We are going somewhere fun.”

When they didn’t turn towards the water or in the direction of his house, Ahsoka knew what he had in store, “You’re taking me to Echo’s bar aren’t you?”

Rex laughed, “Might as well be his, huh? I think it’ll be a nice way to end the day and it’s been a few years… About time you had your first sip of Tihaar.” 

Ahsoka put a hand over her hip, “I don’t think it’s a very good idea that we drown our sorrows with alcohol. Besides, I had my first taste of Tihaar years ago.” She winked and walked ahead of him.

He stood there in disbelief for a moment before jogging to catch up with her, “Wait, when? I didn’t give it to you.” Rex slowed once he reached her side and had an eyebrow perched high on his face. Whether his heart was racing from the slight jog or her wink, he didn’t know. Though, there had never been a day in his life when a little cardio had tired him. Winded, he continued, “And I wouldn’t think of it as drowning out our sorrows. We’re celebrating, too. Now tell me who gave you the drink. Was it Fives? Jesse?”

The names of brother’s long gone falling from Rex’s mouth so easily was a huge milestone. Yes, the pain was still there, and it always would be, but time had helped to heal wounds that had been left open for too long. She was glad they could recall happier times without the memories of those passed becoming tarnished. 

“I’ll never tell,” she teased, stopping at a fork in their path and allowing Rex to lead the way to the establishment. “What do we have to celebrate anyway?”

Rex pursed his lips, allowing her to shelve the conversation for now and answering her question, “Two years of cheating death.”

“We’ve done that our entire lives, Rex,” Ahsoka corrected, bumping herself into him playfully. The backs of their hands brushed and Ahsoka straightened her posture, looking at the winding path in front of them and avoiding Rex’s eye. This kind of thing was becoming more frequent between them. The comfort in proximity, the small touches that wouldn’t have been present if they still held any rank, the almost flirtatious banter…

He cleared his throat, “Yeah, well, Order 66 wasn’t designed for survival. The odds were stacked against us and we managed the impossible. Every day we press on, we continue to cheat death.” Ahsoka normally wasn’t so pessimistic, but it was difficult not to be on a day like today, however, Rex beat her to it. “I can still hear it, you know — the sound the Destroyer made when it finally… hit the ground. Sometimes, my ears still ring and I convince myself that I heard the screaming. I do hear it in my nightmares.”

“You’re still having them?” she asked quietly, the chatter and play of children beside them not even gaining a smile from her. Hunter stood by and gave them a nod as they passed, listening to Omega and Lyana speak over each other excitedly. 

Rex glanced back at Ahsoka briefly before looking forward, “Let’s just say you’re my good luck charm.”

Ahsoka looked up at him, at a loss of words to say. She’d been under the impression that his nightmares had gone away. Apparently, they’d started visiting him again after the two of them had parted ways for a spell.

“What I mean to say is, I know that you still blame yourself, no matter how many times I tell you that you don’t have to carry that weight on your shoulders. What we’re doing… we’re making a difference, Ahsoka. In you putting your life on the line to remove my chip… something you knew less about than I did, look what’s come of it. Look at what I’m able to do because of you. And what you're able to do with Bail and establishing this network. We’re able to teach others how to lead. It’s not about the lives we didn’t save, we can’t change that. It’s about the lives we’re saving now. And that’s something to celebrate,” he said, turning a corner. 

She bit her lip as she followed him into the lively establishment. It was bustling with people. They needed no reason to throw a party, apparently. Rex had told her about Pabu’s high-spirited nature many a time over their scheduled holo calls. 

The lighting was minimal, but neons in all colors hummed around them. This place looked how she imagined 79’s was on the inside. For a moment, she wondered what had become of the clone bar. She’d always wanted to take the boys up on their offer to let her tag along, but Anakin had discouraged it on both ends. 

They stopped at the glowing counter and the bartender approached him. “Rex! Good to see you, son,” an older Quarren man greeted, “I’m afraid your brothers have cleaned me out of your usual. I’ve placed another order for Tihaar, but there’s no telling when or if it’ll come in. All these party folk have left me with is Revnog and Spotchka.”

Rex made a face and turned to her, “There’s a chance you may not like either of those. Do you still want one?”

“Sure, why not,” Ahsoka beamed beside him.

He faced the bartender again, “No worries. Could I get two shots of Spotchka for myself and the lady?” he replied, holding up two fingers. 

“Sure thing,” the older man responded, leaving to help another customer. 

Music thumped in Ahsoka’s montrals and she was thankful for how advanced her hearing was. She wondered how Rex could hear anything at all with his ears. He then moved them to a spot by an open viewport, where there was less noise, and pulled out a stool for her to sit. Rex then found another stray stool nearby and relocated it beside her. The energetic music and dancing crowd brought a soft smile to Ahsoka’s face. Happiness was contagious on Pabu. 

“See,” Rex teased, tapping her forearm, “This is much better than being holed up on the ship and listening to some Imperials kiss ass.”

That drew a surprised laugh from her, having never heard him speak that way before. She opted to join in on his fun, “Now what would Cody have to say about your language?” 

Rex’s half-smile graced his face and two small shot glasses of gleaming blue liquid were placed in front of them, “Lucky for me, Cody’s systems away on Tatooine.”

“I’m sure if he were here he’d disapprove,” she continued, smirking.

“Oh, there’s no doubt about that,” Rex smiled, picking up his shot glass, “He’d probably disapprove of this as well.” Ahsoka picked up her glass and mimicked how he was holding it up. “Here’s to one more year making the ISB’s lives a living hell,” Rex cheered, clinking the glasses and throwing his head back to down the liquid. 

Ahsoka tried to ignore the smell of the drink as best as possible before doing the same. 

Rex watched as her eyes squeezed shut and her nose scrunched upwards. Her shot glass was returned to the counter with an impact. Ahsoka contorted her face as she swallowed the liquid and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Stars, what did you say that was? That was awful,” she exclaimed. 

His chest boomed with laughter, “Spotchka. And yeah, it’s not my favorite either. No chance you’d like another?”

Plum colored lips fell open in disbelief, “You’re kidding right?”

Another hearty laugh came from Rex as he held up one finger to the waiting bartender. Ahsoka placed her hands on her thighs, “Do you come here often while you’re on Pabu?”

“Not too often to drink if that’s what you’re asking. Usually I’m here spending time with Echo while he has a glass or two of the good stuff,” he answered truthfully, throwing back a second shot of the foul liquid.

Ahsoka’s lip curled again, “I don’t know how you can drink that stuff. From what I remember of Tihaar, it was loads better.”

“Well,” he smiled, pleased that she enjoyed his favorite drink, “This isn’t Tihaar by any means, but it all does the same thing.” He downed another tiny glass of it and continued, “So you’ve been on Pabu for a day. What’s your favorite thing so far?”

She thought for a moment, “That’s a hard one. There’s nothing not to like. I definitely enjoyed the water. And the food has all been so delicious, but I think my favorite thing, by far, has been the company.”

Rex rolled his eyes, making that another first she’d witnessed today. Relaxed Rex was something she could get used to. It looked good on him. Or did he just look good? 

She’d be lying if she’d said that she’d missed the way the bar occupants, of all species and sexes, had been ogling him. How could she blame them?

He looked handsome under the low lighting, the colors of the neon signs bouncing off of him from various directions. The sun was almost fully set and it couldn’t have been a more flattering backdrop. She’d never seen The Captain Rex look so young or… soft in front of his men. Her drifting thoughts made her feel ridiculous. It had to have been a result of the alcohol, though she didn’t feel any less in-control. 

The brushing of Rex’s knees against her own brought her back to reality. “You're just saying that,” he claimed, his smirk having yet to fade. 

“No, I’m really not!” Ahsoka laughed. 

“Right,” he exaggerated the word, unconvinced, “Well, if you’re not going to drink with me, let me at least order you something to eat.”

“Rex, you don’t have to do that. I have my own credits,” she protested. 

“I insist,” he said, jaw flexing and clearly unable to be swayed. 

She must’ve liked something about that, with the way that made her lekku grow warmer. She was thankful for the minimal lighting, as she was sure her chevrons had darkened a hue or two. Her order was placed and Rex requested water for her and a Revnog for himself. 

Despite her efforts, Ahsoka couldn’t get over how gorgeous Rex looked. Island life agreed with him. The rosiness in his cheeks complimented him and she couldn’t tell if it was from all the sun he’d been getting or if it was from the alcohol. She’d come to terms with her attraction for him in the aftermath of the war ending, but this was entirely new. Her thoughts got the better of her. “So, now that you’re settled part-time, is there a special someone on the island?” she asked. 

Rex shot her a baffled look, “Kriff no.”

“What? Why not?” Ahsoka asked, relieved with his response, but trying not to let it show. 

“I don’t have time for it,” he responded, “Besides, there’d be an uncomfortable amount of secrecy on my behalf and, with what you and I do for… a hobby, I couldn’t expect anyone to understand. It wouldn’t be fair.”

Ahsoka tilted her head, “I guess that makes sense. Though, I wouldn’t call our line of work a hobby.”

Rex flashed her another grin, “I wouldn’t call it a living either.”

Their order was delivered and he paid, nursing his new drink. Ahsoka unraveled her silverware and found herself overthinking the choice to bring up Rex’s love life. Had she seemed too interested in it? Did he suspect she asked because she was interested in him? Ahsoka swallowed. She needed to find a way to take any suspicion away from herself. Scanning the room, she motioned her head towards a woman by the bar, “What about her?”

She’d never regretted a set of words more in her entire life. 

Rex almost choked on his drink. The look on his face told her everything she needed to know. As much as she wanted to stop, asking him more questions might give her the answers she so desperately needed. 

“Alright then…” she giggled and scanned the crowd dancing inside, “What about him in the green shirt?”

“Ahsoka,” Rex warned, sitting down his glass. The liquid was beginning to burn in his veins now. 

She stifled a fit of laughter, “I’m joking! The pretty Zabrak woman next to him, then.” Rex shook his head and placed his hands on his thighs, clearly vexed. 

Exhaling, Ahsoka sat up straighter, “Come on, Rex. Practically everyone in here has had their eyes on you since we walked through those doors!” She immediately closed her mouth. That definitely sounded suspicious. Why would she notice something like that if she didn’t feel something for him? She was karked. 

But Rex didn’t seem to be reading into it like she was. Instead, he was looking past her shoulder outside. What she’d said was true. There had been many eyes on them from the time they'd stepped inside the bar. “Believe me when I tell you, they’re not interested in me,” he said lowly. Normally, Rex would catch himself before saying something like that. The alcohol was getting to him and quick — Tihaar had never packed a punch quite like this. Revnog doesn’t play around apparently. 

Ahsoka’s lips parted and her food was forgotten as she surveyed the occupants more closely. Rex was right. She was a new face on an island of nothing but well-acquainted people. 

“Don’t look to your left,” Rex said, hearing himself begin to slur his words. Either it was enough for Ahsoka not to hear him correctly, or she’d just chosen to ignore his warning, but she looked at the man outside. Rex tightened his hold on his glass. Through gritted teeth, he growled, “He’s practically undressing you with his eyes. If he keeps looking at you like that, I’m gonna jump through this viewport and—”

“No,” Ahsoka rushed, looking down to see where his knuckles had turned white, “No. You’re not. You’re in no condition to pick a fight.” 

“Oh I could easily make quick work of him, alcohol in my veins or not,” he seethed, setting his jaw. 

Ahsoka stole another glance at the man. He was looking at her differently than the others. She toyed with a loop on her jumpsuit, wondering how anything about her appearance was enticing enough to elicit a response like his. “Rex, you’ve said it yourself plenty of times that the people on Pabu are peaceful. I don’t think aggressive negotiations would go over too well here,” she attempted to calm him, “And it’s not like I’m wearing anything revealing. I don’t understand the big fuss.”

Rex chuckled darkly, “I don’t think that matters to him, Ahsoka. Even in this, you have the power to bring any man you want to his knees.” From the rush of color flooding her cheeks, Rex realized he’d gone too far. He’d allowed his unguarded state to eviscerate his filter. He’d just admitted to his dearest friend that he considered her attractive. 

Ahsoka swallowed and shifted uncomfortably away from the man, picking at her food. Even in a drunken haze, Rex could read how put-off she was and he disliked every second of it. He moved to rise out of his chair, but Ahsoka put a hand out to stop him, “Rex, don’t. Please.”

“If he’s not gonna stop, I have no choice but to make him stop.”

“Kiss me then,” Ahsoka rushed, her lekku burning with the words. She hadn’t meant to say it, but she was desperate to keep Rex’s fists from making impact with the poor man’s face. Stuttering, she continued, “You know he doesn’t stand a chance against you. I-If he thinks we’re together, maybe he’ll stop.”

Rex’s features pinched together, a deeper rosy color tinting his cheeks, “‘Soka, you were jus’ trying to set me up with people. ‘M sure he saw every bit of that.”

With the way the man was staring, she was positive that Rex was right. Her mouth grew dry as she continued, “Just do it, please, before you—”

But Rex had already stood from his seat, bowed up and a determined look in his eye. Ahsoka’s heart was in her throat as he stepped around his stool. Except, he hadn’t tried to jump through the viewport or make a beeline for the door. He took the two steps needed to be face to face with her. 

He reached out with a hand to cup her jaw and inched ever closer. Her breathing hitched as the world slowed around her. The only thing that existed in that moment was Rex leaning in and his hand caressing her jaw. She shivered with the skin-to-skin contact and his fingers found themselves on her neck, knuckles grazing the underside of her lekku. Her gaze flicked between his lips and his eyes, unable to focus on one. 

A second hand found her jaw and she could feel the quickened beats of her heart. Rex was close enough now to where she could see the small flecks of amber in his brown eyes. She could feel his hot breath on her skin and the smell of the alcohol on his lips wasn’t bothersome like it had been when it was inside her glass. 

She craved nothing but him. 

Rex’s fingers trembled despite the liquid courage and the next moment, his lips colliding with hers. Ahsoka’s eyes fluttered shut as she finally released the breath she’d been holding. She didn’t place her hands anywhere because she didn’t expect him to stand there for long, but he had yet to stop moving his mouth against hers. Ahsoka continued to match him, a quiet whimper escaping her throat. She could feel Rex smiling against her and he somehow still maintained the passion of the kiss. He tasted like the Revnog he’d been nursing… bitter yet slightly sweet.

He moved one of his hands to grab hers, which was lingering unsure between them, and placed it behind his neck. Ahsoka’s voice was cracked and breathy as she spoke, “You have to stop kissing me like you mean it, Rex.”

Unbeknownst to her, he’d opened his eyes with her words to find the man still looking. Rex locked eyes with him as he moved his mouth hungrily against Ahsoka’s and glared from under his brow. The man then sat his drink down with haste and promptly left the bar. 

Rex’s eyes squeezed shut again as he continued drinking her in. His voice was broken, “‘Soka, I wouldn’t know how to kiss you like I didn’t mean it… It’s you… or it’s no one.”

She’d still be kissing him if her lips hadn’t stayed parted in shock. Only then did Rex still his movements and pull away, his own words shocking him to the core. He stood upright and was suddenly aware of the tent in his pants. Angling himself away and retaking his seat, he shook his head. With a furrowed brow he muttered to himself, “No… I didn’t mean… I didn’t want to say it like this.”

Ahsoka watched as his chest heaved, catching a glimpse of his swollen lips. The tingle on her own was telling that hers were as well. She brushed over them with two fingers before gathering herself. A take away box was requested of the bartender and given to her. She packed her food away quickly and put a hand on Rex’s shoulder, “Come on, let’s get you back home.”

Helping Rex stand, she looked up and noticed that her suggestion had worked. The creep that hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off of her had vanished. Rex took her hand and she maneuvered him through the crowd and back out of the establishment. 

They didn’t speak on the walk back to his house, not because they didn’t want to, but because neither one of them yet had the words to say. Ahsoka’s mind was running circles around itself. Rex had kissed her. She’d asked him to… but the way he’d done it… what he’d said to her. Her lips still felt tingly, like he was missing from them. She bit her bottom lip and tried to make sense of what had just occurred. Was it the alcohol or was it the truth? Did Rex return the feelings that she had long harbored for him? Her heart said yes, but she tried not to let it get her hopes up. 

A short walk later, they had made it up to the row of homes that Rex’s was on. He was situated between the shared home of Clone Force 99 and then Phee’s house. It didn’t go lost on either her or Rex the faint noises coming from Phee’s bedroom. Ahsoka was supposed to be staying with her while on Pabu, but had been dreading the arrangement. From what Rex had told her, she and Tech were very… active in their spare time. Ahsoka had just been too kind to decline such a generous offer. 

They’d made it inside Rex’s small home without much issue. Ahsoka, with Rex in tow, managed to find her way to the bedroom in the dark and sit him on the bed. She felt around on his nightstand for a lamp and turned it on once the switch was located. “I’ll get you some water and a stim for the morning,” Ahsoka whispered, turning and leaving the room. She’d spent enough time around the 501st to know exactly how to cure a hangover. 

Rex had given her a tour of his home earlier in the day and so she retrieved the items for him to the best of her ability. She still couldn’t wrap her head around any of it. How had they started the day as reunited friends and ended it like this? Instinctively, she wanted to discuss it with him, but knew she’d have to wait until tomorrow to get any answers. At this rate, going to sleep was going to be impossible for two reasons. 

Luck was on her side, as she found his medical supplies and returned minutes later to place the items on his nightstand. Rex had one leg under the blanket and looked like he was about to fall asleep sitting up. She smiled at his drunken state and switched the light off, “Alright, I think you’ve got the rest. If you need me, I’m just next door.”

Rex finally spoke once the darkness had surrounded them, “Don’t go, ‘Soka.”

Her rapid pulse returned with the nickname, as well as his request, “Okay. I can stay. I’ll just be on the couch, that way—”

“No,” he said and their eyes finally adjusted to the lack of light. He reached out and gentle fingers wrapped themselves around her wrist. “With me… Please.”

Her breath seemed to escape her again as she realized his full meaning. He wanted her to sleep next to him — to be there at his side when he woke up in the morning. There was a glint of moonlight in his eyes and she didn’t know how she could say no. Not a single atom in her genetic code could refuse him and she didn’t want them to. 

His bed creaked as he stood and she was on her feet in seconds. “M’ alright,” he assured her and moved to the closet. There was some rustling for a while before he reappeared, his blacks in hand. The top was offered to her and Ahsoka took it with trembling fingers. “Here, s’all I have,” he said, “You can change in the ‘fresher.”

Ahsoka swallowed thickly as she entered the adjacent room. She waited with bated breath until she was confident that he wasn’t going to fall or otherwise injure himself before peeling off her jumpsuit. The act of undressing was done quickly, as she wasn’t completely sure if Rex would need help or not. She pulled the top over her montrals and tucked the baggy article of clothing under her lekku. The hem brushed the middle of her thighs and she tugged down on the material. 

Taking a deep breath, Ahsoka pressed a button on the panel and exited the refresher. “Rex, do you need—” she stopped short. It hadn’t occurred to her when he didn’t hand her the bottoms that he’d intended on wearing them… and nothing else. 

Force, she wished he was sober. 

The moonlight coming in from the blinds showed just how chiseled Rex was. A large scar was situated in the middle of his chest, no doubt the work of that droid from earlier in the war. She tried to look away. Not even during their time on the run had she ever seen him in such a state. Evidently, it didn’t matter what lighting he was in — she found him alluring in every scenario. 

Rex was pulling the seams of the clothing to fit him correctly and she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. If the front of his blacks were any indication of how big…

“Kark me,” Rex cursed under his breath when he’d finished, looking her up and down, his knees nearly buckling at the sight of her. 

Ahsoka stepped forward and put a knee onto the bed, the hem of the borrowed top inching higher on her thigh. Rex’s throat bobbed and he moved a hand to cover himself. Ahsoka concealed a smile, the heavy tension making her feel similar to how she had in the bar. Here, however, the ogling looks of the man present were not unwanted. 

He climbed into bed and promptly pulled the blanket over himself, still in awe of Ahsoka. She followed his actions and rubbed her bare shoulder where his shirt was too large to cover. “Is this okay?”

Rex didn’t know how to tell her that this was more than okay, that this was what he’d only dreamt of since their time on the run together. His mouth had gone dry and his incoherent thoughts gave him only the ability to nod in that moment. His head hit the pillow so that he could admire her from another angle, but as soon as his muscles relaxed, he fell asleep. 

Even with the blinds closed, the sun still managed to light the bedroom. Rex woke with his brows knitted, already feeling the effects of mixing drinks he wasn’t used to. He rubbed his eyes and blinked before looking at the chrono by the bed. 

The fact that it was nearly midday would’ve hit him harder if it weren’t for the presence of water and a stim on his nightstand. Rex came to the horrifying realization that he’d made it through the night without jolting awake from his nightmares. That only happened when she was nearby. The last thing he remembered was kissing Ahsoka — fervently, like he was a man starved — and giving some degenerate onlooker his best clanker-killing stare. 

Rex began to feel more ill than just having a hangover. With his jaw clenched, he turned to look at the other side of the bed, praying that she wasn’t there. What he saw made his stomach drop. 

There beside him was Ahsoka, her bare shoulder staring back at him. His heart was in his throat now, sure to beat right out of his body. Rex spiraled. With both hands now on his head he racked his brain, trying his damnedest to remember. Vaguely, he could recall his hand in hers, passing Phee’s house. But that wasn’t the vital information he needed. 

They didn’t… He didn’t… Di’kut! Rex’s eyes squeezed shut. Had he at least given it to her good enough? She decided to stay rather than leave after he fell asleep. That’s a good sign, right? But not being able to remember it is not. 

Ahsoka stirred next to him and more of her shoulder came into view. She was definitely naked in his bed. He immediately shot a hand down under the blanket to check himself. Only his chest was bare, with his blacks slung low on his hips. The clothes he’d worn the day before were strewn on the floor between the closet and the bed. Undressing and redressing himself wasn’t coming to mind either. How could he have let this happen?

He scanned the room for Ahsoka’s clothes, but they were nowhere in sight. They were probably in heaps on the other side of the bed. Rex groaned and consequently saw Ahsoka blink out of his peripheral vision. “‘Soka,” he croaked. 

She hushed him and her voice still had some sleep in it, “It’s alright. I put a stim over there for you, remember?” 

More of her skin was exposed now and Rex had never hated himself more, “That’s the problem. I don’t remember leaving the bar… I’m so sorry, Ahsoka. Please forgive me.”

“Rex, how much do you remember?” she asked, oblivious to what he was insinuating. 

“I remember drinking and kissing you and… that rakeweed, but that’s it. Just please… Tell me if it was at least good for you,” he pleaded. 

Ahsoka’s mouth had fallen open and her lekku had darkened, visibly this time with the presence of daylight. She didn’t know whether to laugh or comfort him, but ended up doing both. She sat up and the blanket fell free from her. 

Upon seeing her in his blacks, Rex almost let out a sigh of relief, except it was a sight he never knew he’d needed until now. Ahsoka in his bed, his clothes hanging loosely off of her, bunched around her hips and…

Rex groaned again at the sight of her blue underwear, “Fuck.” She was something to behold, somehow more ethereal than she normally was, but he still didn’t have any answers. 

She giggled, “I believe your words last night were ‘Kark me’ if I’m remembering correctly.”

He finally sighed, “‘Soka, we didn’t—”

“No. We didn’t,” she confirmed before he could finish asking. 

Rex could finally breathe again and took that opportunity to use the stim and down the glass of water. No headache in the galaxy could rival the thought of having finally slept with the woman he loved and not remembered it. 

Ahsoka teased him once she saw that he’d finally settled, “Wow. And I was able to handle Jesse’s entire bottle of Tihaar better than you handled yourself last night.”

He shot an amused look at her, proud of himself for guessing the brother responsible and of her for handling her alcohol better than he had. His first time drinking came to mind and he’d not had such luck. Tihaar he could handle. Rex shook his head, still processing everything. 

“Do you want to talk about what happened at the bar?” Ahsoka finally asked, the topic having nagged at her even in her sleep. 

He turned his attention back towards her and a smile broke out on each of their lips. Rex’s half-smile pulled at the cheek nearest to her and she couldn’t help but tuck her bottom lip between her teeth. 

With more bravery than he’d had during all of the war, he asked her, “Would you rather talk about it or would you rather do it again?”

Ahsoka released her bottom lip and swiftly planted herself into Rex’s lap, eager to minimize the space between them. She dipped her head and found his lips with hers, squeaking excitedly when his chest vibrated with laughter and his hands found themselves under her shirt.