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Bring yourself home safely, sweetheart
‘Mushy is as mushy does and, so what? What’s a little loving fluff between partners!?’
Rex was heading out.
The mission ahead difficult at best, the situation grim and the odds against them. Going undercover to enemy territory never a walk in the park. More like avoiding bad guys jumping from all corners during the hours dark. But Rex was the best of the best and his small strike team honed to the bones. So Rex wasn’t too worried about the op. Not as worried as his partner Hunter for some time, was.
“It’ll be fine Hunt. We’ve trained for the mission for a long while now, learnt all that we can about the planet and people and the base. Jesse, Hardcase and Fives are my best men.”
Rex was once again trying to convince the leader of the wayward group of clones, the man usually the one heading into danger without giving it a second thought was now suddenly all worried and pleading for Rex to be careful out there and to come back in one piece! Which would have been funny if Rex wasn’t so head over heels for the Sergeant himself, so he could hardly falter Hunter for being that way as well. After all, how many times had Rex himself watched with his own heart palpitating, and not in the good way either, when the Bad Batch had thrown themselves in harms way!?
“I know they are, Rex. But, you are still stepping into terra incognito. And I would have preferred it, if you had some back up, is all. Like my team.”
Yes, they had talked about it at length. Hunter, immediately upon hearing about the mission, having offered to join. But it was a covert op, minimal manpower so not to draw any attention to them. And so, it would only be the four clone troopers going undercover in disguise. End of conversation.
Rex chuckled, but he was totally touched by Hunter’s concern. This being the first serious relationship and all for them both, and so it was still rather unusual but it felt good just the same. Having someone caring for him and voicing their concerns when embarking on a mission felt good in many ways. They were supposed to be hardcore soldiers after all. But, love changed people. And changed they were, both Rex and Hunter. And who could blame them for caring for one and other?
Mushy. That particular word thrown about by the surly sniper, Crosshair. Lovey-dovey. Something Echo and Fives had teased them of being. But the other shoe had dropped as the duo had become an official couple soon themselves after Hunter and Rex having made it official and all. Different, but maybe in a good way as the apt assessment provided by Tech. None of them had any complaints though, as everyone deserved love. Especially during times like the ones they were living in. War, to be more exact.
“Honeybun, I promise to be utmost careful and before you even know it, I will be back and in your loving arms.” Rex smiled at Hunter who was standing with Rex in the platform, the Captain only waiting to embark.
Hunter seemed to contemplate on the comment for a moment longer. Not the mushy names they had for each other (Wrecker’s notes on their love lingo). But the being back in one piece and all.
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
“I’m holding you to that promise.” Hunter might have sounded threatening, but it was all said out of love.
Hunter then leaned into Rex, grabbing a hold of him rather tightly too while kissing Rex deeply on the lips. Hunter getting one final memory of the man to hold onto before his return.
The kiss did not go unnoticed by the several vod’e in the hangar. the hoots and catcalls soon following. With a few snide, yet affectionate ‘get a room’ comments in the mix.
They must’ve kissed for a long moment, both of them feeling rather giddy. Broken only off by the simple need to breathe. Seeing Jesse and Fives peeking at the top of the ramp, clearly wondering what the hold up for Rex was.
“Called it!”
Fives high-fived Jesse, both of them laughing. The topic of Rex’s and Hunter’s relationship having once again been the topic of discussion it seemed. Not that it was a secret an more, but them kissing in public was still news. Even if Fives and Jesse both had their own soulmates to care for. But this was Rex. So guess it was just how it was. The men talking about all things Rex. It was a sort of fanboying thing, done out of respect.
Rex smirked and Hunter could not help but laugh. They were a close-knit group these days, the regs and the Bad Batch despite the initial hostility and awkwardness in the past. After all, they were more similar than different as Hunter and the rest of his squad had found out. Especially since Echo having joined the team and so, all bad things had been buried with the hatchet.
“Go on, git! I’ll be there in a moment.” Rex hollered to the two.
The two then mock saluted Rex, but Jesse just had to make a kissy-face to Fives who responded in kind.
“I really can’t understand how Echo or Kix can stand those two.” Rex mock sighed, knowing better though.
“Love does change people.” Hunter smiled, knowing it had changed him for the better.
“Well, have to go. See ya in a few, sweetie.” Rex leaned in for a quick peck on the lips before reluctantly tearing himself away from Hunter and walking up the ramp.
Rex remained waving at Hunter before the ship took off from the hangar and up to the skies and space. Hunter waving back at him. Warming the Captain’s heart to no end knowing there was love waiting for him. A good reason if any to get back alive.
Indeed, it felt so totally good, being in love.