And now begins the chapter with the new lady problems *devilish smirk*. This is dedicated to: ACEamazombie, Pinksaber13 (I love your review), Eregnar, CC-2224 Commander Cody, Guest: rubykitty, and Nelsersplitz. And now, onto the chapter…


Ahsoka had been giving Rex and Anakin the cold shoulder since that little incident—not so little in Rex's head—with the ruffian.

But Rex had bigger problems on his mind at the moment.

Specifically: how did one flirt with pretty brunette senators?

Surely flirting would make this situation less…tense (for Rex).

Sure, Senator Amidala had been speaking to him, but he couldn't tell whether they were "flirtatious advances" (it seemed to be all his men could talk about) or normal chit-chat—they weren't trained in that field of etiquette on Kamino.

Was it even right for clones to flirt with women?

Maybe Rex's "Captain" status would make it alright.

Rex looked around Senator Amidala's posh apartment, feeling out-of-place and too big for the humongous couch. He didn't know exactly why he was there—he'd told Senator Amidala it wasn't her fault that he broke his arm.

Just then, the doorbell rang, sending a loud buzz through the apartment.

Rex didn't know whether it was appropriate to answer someone else's door. They'd never had extensive training in etiquette on Kamino.

"I'll get it!" Padmé called from her kitchen. She rushed out to get the door. Rex watched in curiosity as she opened the door.

What's the General doing here? Rex thought, watching their small exchange.

"Hello Padmé," Anakin said jovially, hugging the small senator.

"Anakin!" Padmé said, not expecting his sudden hug. She was smiling, but her voice held a little bit of a warning that wasn't hard for Rex to miss.

Just then, Anakin looked up to see Rex sitting awkwardly on the couch. "Rex! I didn't expect to see you here." Anakin shifted, then moved to the couch where Rex was sitting. "What happened to your arm?"

"Broke it, sir. Don't worry, I've been through worse," Rex said, standing to salute him.

"Rex, I told you to stay seated!" Padmé said, rushing over to Rex's side. "I'm sorry, Anakin. It's my fault he broke his arm."

"What exactly went on to make Rex break his arm?" Anakin asked, coming closer.

If Rex didn't know any better, he would have thought that Anakin's body language was becoming a bit hostile. Nonsense, why would he be hostile toward me? Rex thought. Still, though, he couldn't help but wonder…

"Rex came looking for me, because he didn't know where you were," Padmé supplied.

Rex's face flushed as he called to mind the memory. There were so many other, heroic ways he could have broken his arm…

Rex, having been sent by Obi-wan to locate the missing Anakin Skywalker, was sent to the Senate apartments to ask Senator Amidala if she had seen him. As he was walking down the hall, he found Padmé, who asked him if he could carry in some ridiculously large plant to her apartment. Rex, being the polite soldier that he was, agreed to help her, thinking it would just be a simple task.

What he didn't realize, however, was that he had missed a step when carrying the thing down the stairs.

The fall was hard enough to crack his armor, break his arm, and bust his elbow and wrist in the process.

No, falling down a flight of stairs with a giant bush was not the most honorable—or graceful—way to break one's arm.

"No, Senator Amidala. With all due respect, it was my fault. I should have been watching where I was going," Rex said, trying to say something appeasing to her.

"How could you have seen where you were going with a giant bush blocking your view?" Padmé said, smiling lightly.

I guess it is your fault, then, Rex thought wryly. And who needs such a huge bush anyway?! You're indoors—not much space for a garden.

"Hello, Master," Ahsoka said, walking through a guestroom door and stretching her arms above her head.

Anakin resisted the urge to growl. First, his second in command unexpectedly shows up in his wife's apartment. Now, his ornery Padawan is taking naps in guest rooms.

All Anakin had wanted was some alone time with Padmé.

"Hi Snips. What are you doing here?" said Anakin, struggling to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

Padmé gave him a look that said he should tone it down.

"So, Ahsoka, is your headache better?" Padmé asked, turning towards Ahsoka a little stiffly.

"Much. Thanks," Ahsoka said, sitting on the opposite end if the couch from Rex.

The awkwardness was only building.

"Rex, again I'm sorry that you got hurt like that," Padmé said, walking to the good-smelling kitchen.

"No, it's fine. I'll just—" Rex stood up to leave.

Like he had anywhere to go…

"I have cookies, if anybody wants some," Padmé said, popping her head out of the kitchen.

"Oh! Cookies!" Ahsoka sprung up from the couch and bolted to the doorway.

"Rex would you like some?" Padmé asked, looking between him and Anakin.

"O-oh…um….No thank you, I'm fine," Rex said, slightly surprised. He couldn't help it—he'd never been offered cookies before, what was he supposed to do? Was there something special he was supposed to say, or something?

"You sure? Anakin and Ahsoka look like they're about to eat the entire plate." Padmé eyed the two Jedi in her kitchen.

I guess one cookie wouldn't hurt, Rex thought, standing again to walk to the kitchen.

"I was just starting dinner, if you guys want any," Padmé offered, passing Rex a plate full of cookies.

Anakin's eyes became brighter than stars at the mention of food—specifically, Padmé's food.

Why does she keep offering me things? Rex asked, trying to keep the puzzled expression off of his face. "I'm fine, but thank you." Was it rude to be refusing so much food?

"Oh, don't be such a bummer Rex! I'm sure Padmé could use some help in the kitchen. It's the least you can do after you broke her special flower pot." Ahsoka gave Rex an almost venomous look under her smile.

She is trying to give me hell over this, isn't she? Rex thought, shooting her a look as well.

Yes, Ahsoka thought in reply to Rex's thought. Rex started, but regained his cool when he noticed that both Anakin and Padmé were watching.

"If there's anything I could do for you, Senator, I'd be glad to help," said Rex, ignoring the look on Ahsoka's face. That didn't exactly sound right, Rex thought, frowning slightly. Almost reluctantly, he followed Padmé into the kitchen.

"Have you ever had soup before?" Padmé asked as she stirred an orange liquid in a pot.

The only civilian food he'd had was nuna and salad.

"Um…no, I haven't," Rex answered truthfully. He looked around him for something to do. Before he could ask if there was anything he could do one-handed, he felt someone was glaring at his back. Rex shuddered involuntarily as he snuck a look behind him.

Anakin leaned against the doorway, arms crossed and a forced smile on his lips. "Padmé, if you'll excuse us for a moment," he said overly politely. Padmé got a questioning look on her face, but nonetheless left the kitchen.

"Ahsoka, I'm going to be keeping you company for a while. The men are being…men, again," Padmé called to the living room.

"So, Rex…" Anakin said, ceasing leaning against the doorframe.

Uh-oh.

Rex knew that tone anywhere.

Anakin used that calm, cheery voice before he would brightly chew someone's head off.

"Yes sir?" Rex asked, trying to keep the quiver out of his voice. The last thing he wanted was to get scolded in front of the good Senator.

"So, I see you broke your arm? How are you feeling?" Anakin tried to ask nonchalantly.

There was absolutely nothing nonchalant about his voice.

Or stance.

Or look in his eye.

Rex felt like he was about to get scolded for something, although he didn't know exactly why.

Was this not the conversation we were just trying to avoid? Rex thought, slightly aggravated. "I'm alright sir." Yes, it's amazing what painkillers can do for you.

"Where was Padmé when this happened?" Anakin asked.

That question made no sense it Rex's head, but deciding he didn't feel like getting a court martial from the mood-swingy Jedi Knight, Rex answered. "At the top of the stairs." Screaming my name.

"Okay, good," Anakin seemed pleased with this information, and proved so by taking a cookie off the plate behind Rex. He chewed slowly.

Rex eyed Anakin, but didn't say anything.

"Are you two done talking? I need to finish dinner now," Padmé said, peeking her head around the door frame.

"Yep, we're done. You and Rex can finish making dinner," Anakin said, before Rex could get in anything.

Rex sighed.

He could tell this was going to be a long day.


I think I'm trying to push a pairing here.

I know, you all probably hate me by now, but I'm sorry. *makes puppy eyes* But I think the people who like What They Do in Their Spare Time have officially pronounced me as dead.

On the other hand, that poll is still up, and almost all the choices are tied in some way. I put the poll choice rankings and their summaries on my profile page. If something doesn't change, I'm going to have to take executive rule over this and choose one myself. (Ooh, I sound so mean now). But, other than all that, after this little section of Rex's awkwardness, I only have one idea left before I'm officially out. Anything is welcome.

~AAx