[Shaak]
Landing back on Kamino with Nova at her side she nodded politely at the men who greeted them. She could vaguely sense their curiosity as they looked down at her padawan but she brushed it off. They would all understand in time. "Shall we see if the Kaminoans have followed my instructions while I was gone, Padawan?" An echo of shock from the two soldiers had her padawan twitching and looking between the men with a sheepish look before he smiled at her.
"That sounds like a good idea, Master." Along their newly formed bond she could feel apprehension-dislike-wariness. None of the clones liked the Kaminoans and she understand why. The longer she was in their presence the more she had to meditate to keep her serenity. But it was not the majority of the Kaminoans she took issue with, only the scientists who considered the clones nothing more than products.
Greeting the guards and any of the men who spied her and her padawan she smiled when a few of them complimented Nova on his new 'uniform.' The boy was a little shy bu she could feel his apprehension ebbing as the older clones accepted him just as easily as before. Putting a hand on his shoulder as they waited for the lift she smiled when she saw him fiddling with the braided band around his wrist. "Once your hair grows out I will braid it properly." She said as she delicately ran her fingers through his short cropped hair. The boy smiled at her, excited by the prospect. The lift doors opened and one of the Mandalorians looked right at her before a faint smile crossed their face.
"Welcome back, Ori'jetii… jet'ika." There was a slight hesitance in the address but it was clear they were trying to be accommodating as Shaak and her padawan entered the lift.
"Vor'e, Sergeant Gilamar." 'Thanks.' Nova said politely, putting a name to a face for his master. The man nodded politely and the lift descended into silence.
Unlike before it was not filled with discomfort or a low level of suspicion. The man was completely passive in her presence, maybe even a tad approving as he watched her and her padawan. Once they were on their way again she looked to her padawan for an explanation.
"I'm not sure, master. Maybe because I was there?" It was certainly a mystery she would have to get to the bottom of. But not now. Now she needed to settle her padawan and check in with the Mand'alor to see if everything had been running smoothly in her absence.
"After we settle in why don't you go see your brothers and reassure them that all is well?" Nova beamed at her, his excitement and joy a bright spot in the force.
"I'll do that. Thank you, master." Shaak smiled.
"You don't need to thank me, padawan."
[Rex]
They'd been given some shore leave and all of Jaig squad was chomping at the bit to get out of the barracks. With tensions high and the issue of the strange chips in their heads still being investigated it was getting harder and harder to keep everyone in line. Thankfully his ori'vod, Silver, had sent along a location on Coruscant that was very accepting of clone patrons. If Winter squad vouched for it then Rex had no doubt it was safe enough for his men.
Wearing the uniform, rather than his armor, always made Rex feel a little exposed. But the place was still only newly accepting of the clones so he didn't want to push it. Next to him in the cab Jesse and Kix were snuggled up to each other, although they were being fairly discreet about it. They'd been talking quietly in Mando'a for most of the trip. "By the way, Captain." Jesse said suddenly, catching his attention. "I commed our Healer Adept earlier and invited her along. She said she'd show up around the same time we do." He turned to give the man a narrow eyed look, noting the sharply amused slant to his mouth. Kix smacked Jesse with the back of his hand, making the man flinch and rub at his chest with a pout.
"It's Lie'ika's choice what she does with her free time and who she chooses to hang out with." Jesse let out a huff and Kix gave him a stern glare. "Rex is a good man, honorable, he'll conduct himself appropriately." He would have been offended if Kix's tone had been accusatory but the medic spoke as if he were stating a fact. Rex gave him a nod in thanks.
By now he was starting to understand that each passing moment in Liera's presence was just reaffirming what he was feeling. It wasn't just respect or physical attraction, like he'd first thought. Holding her in his arms that night, letting her pour out her grief in the safety of his quarters, had felt comfortable. Almost natural. Not to mention she hadn't seemed to mind the closeness, and after he'd walked her back to her own quarters she'd called him her captain… He shook his head and tried to put it out of his mind for the time being.
Pulling up to the bar he paid the driver and joined the rest of his squad as they took the place by storm. The music was loud, but not unbearable, as they found a large and out of the way booth to snag for themselves upstairs. Jesse, wasting no time whatsoever, pulled Kix into his lap with an unrepentant grin as the others all groaned in good natured annoyance. "What? Now there's more space for all you di'kute." 'Idiots.' Came the amused reply. Kix just pressed his nose into the crook of Jesse's neck as his shoulders shook with mirth.
"I'm getting drinks. Echo, you come too. I'll need an extra set of steady hands." Once everyone had called out their drink of choice he and Echo went downstairs and placed the order. Rex was taking in the atmosphere, leaning against the counter as Echo watched one of the screens and commented on the meshgeroya match, when he felt a familiar force presence. The doors opened and Rex froze in place.
Liera smiled at a group of troopers as they waved in greeting. Her long braided hair was pinned around her head, almost like a halo, and seemed to give off a soft glow as she walked. The dress she wore had no sleeves or collar, it was held up by thin straps that showed off both her slender shoulders and collarbone. The fabric shimmered between a soft orange and a deep pink with a simple white belt at her waist. It had a form fitting top and a long flared skirt that stopped three or so inches before touching the floor. Alabaster skin glowed faintly in the low light, except for the dark patches that flowed from her shoulders down her arms. Rex recognized the symbols as the ones painted on her armor. Ka'ra help him, she actually did have tattoos!
Stopping to speak with someone she laughed and put a hand on their arm. Echo tapped his shoulder and he turned to the amused trooper, who was holding up half the drinks. Rex rolled his eyes and grabbed the other half. Before he headed up the stairs he sent out a nudge in the force. Liera's eyes snapped over to him and her smile brightened. She noticed his hands full of drinks and Echo at his side then signed 'I'll be there.' He nodded and headed upstairs to hand everyone their drinks.
A few minutes later Liera came up the stairs with a colorful cocktail in her hand and came to sit with them. "Hello, ori'vode, hello everyone!" She said cheerfully. Jesse and Kix brightened and made space for her between them and Rex as everyone else greeted her.
"Aww, you look so pretty vod'ika! Is that what you ladies were up to today?" Jesse asked, beaming at the young woman.
"Padme took Ashoka and I for some 'proper clothes,' according to her." She laughed lightly and Rex smiled in amusement. "I told her that I was fine with my uniform and armor but she insisted I needed something else for whenever we had shore leave. Or if I ever had to appear in public." She shook her head with a small grimace and took a sip of her drink, letting out a hum of approval at the taste.
"Is that alcoholic, vod'ika?" Kix asked, eyes narrowed. Everyone at the table snickered as Liera rolled her eyes.
"Of course it is. I haven't had a good drink in some time." She answered honestly. "I'm looking forward to relaxing." She glanced around the bar and a slightly disappointed look came over her. "It's just too bad this place doesn't have somewhere to dance."
"I didn't think Jedi knew how to dance." A playful look crossed her face and Rex tried not to stare.
"Where I come from dance classes were meant to help with footwork for saber forms and were mandatory for anyone who wanted to become a Diplomat. It was also a large part of Haasufeilian culture. They had ceremonial dances for almost everything."
"Speaking of your culture," Fives said with a grin. "You really do have tattoos exactly like your armor! What do they mean? If you don't mind me asking." Laying her arms out on the table, between their drinks, she motioned to her right arm.
"Starting at my wrist and going up; I have a stylized fern to symbolize herbal healing. The comet to represent physical healing, and the wing to represent spiritual healing. It means I am considered a fully trained Niihaamala, someone with gifts from the healing gods." Switching to her left arm she starts at the elbow. "This symbol is supposed to represent the star that was present the day of my birth. My name, Liera, means Starlight. The next symbol is for Hueeana, my mother, it's meant to represent a Whirpool. The last," she looks across the table at Echo with a grin, "is my grandmother, Eihmaia. Whose name translates to Echo." The man flushes shyly but smiles back.
"So why not have the star at your wrist, like the fern?" Hardcase asks curiously. Liera's face flushes pink and she sits back, letting her arms fall into her lap.
"Well… putting anything there would be… inappropriate. Since I'm not married and I have no children." Rex choked on his drink and had to turn away from the table to cough the burning liquid back up. A small hand pressed against his back and the pain in his lungs eased. When he turned around Liera was looking at him worriedly while the rest of his squad were giving him knowing looks.
"I'm fine." He said, waving her off. She nodded and turned back to the table.
"My sister's tattoos are completely different from my own. Her name, Hiena, means Rising Star, their term for a sun. Her symbol is pretty much the inverse of mine." There was a melancholic edge to her words in the force and Rex felt the urge to comfort her somehow. She smiled, and turned to Fives.
"What about your tattoos? Do you mind if I ask?" Immediately Hardcase jumped in, excited at the chance to explain his tattoos and how he wanted to add many more. They went around the table, laughing and joking with one another until he could feel the melancholy around their healer easing as a low level buzz of joy took its place.
Slowly over the course of the next few drinks Liera slid over the seat and was now leaning against his side, looking more than happy to be there. Rex looked down at her when her head finally rested against his chest before glancing over at Jesse and Kix. The medic gave him an amused look and signed 'at ease' at him before turning and distracting Jesse. Rex slid his arm around the slender woman, making it easier for her to lean against him, and felt a hum of contentment in the force.
"Anyone want another round?" Fives asked with a grin. Liera sat up and held out her glass with a bright smile.
"Gedet'ye traat'aliit vod." 'Please, squad brother.' The man's jaw dropped and he gaped at their healer, momentarily struck speechless. Liera tilted her head and pouted. Kriff, it was adorable. "Me'vaar ti gar?" 'Are you okay?' She asked, clearly concerned.
"N-naas, vod, what were you drinking?" 'I'm fine.' She relaxed and the smile returned.
"Pink Comet." Rex snorted in amusement and she looked up at him with a questioning brow raised.
"Suits you." He said. She giggled as Fives headed down the stairs.
"Oh, wait! I wanted to try-" She leaned over Rex's lap to look past the booth and he sucked in a breath of surprise. "Fives!" She called, but the trooper was already too far to hear her. "Dammit." Standing on the seat she suddenly launched herself over the back of the booth, falling over the balcony without a care in the world. While they all understood how the force worked and knew she'd be fine everyone still scrambled to look and make sure she hadn't hurt herself. Rex let out a sigh and waved the men back down, heading down the stairs to follow their wayward healer.
On the way to the bar he heard more than one verde either chuckling or exclaiming in awe over the crazy stunt the healer had pulled. Rex wanted to roll his eyes. It was such a typical jedi thing to do. Despite how she trained, bouncing off of walls and whatnot, she didn't usually use the force outside of the battlefield or the medical bay. He could only conclude that she was a little farther into her cups than he'd thought.
"…and a Citri-berry Twist." Liera stood next to Fives, grinning up at the trooper.
"I hope that was worth it vod. I bet the captain's going to be pretty peeved when you get back. It was pretty cool though." Rex stepped up beside the man and clapped him on the back, hard. Fives let out a surprised wheeze and looked at him with wide eyes.
"Not angry, but not happy either." He said, expression blank. Turning he pointed a finger at their healer. "No more jumping off balconies. You're supposed to be the sane jedi." Liera outright laughed at him.
"Whatever gave you that idea?" She asked with a mischievous grin. "My master was a Guardian, remember? Insane battlefield tactics were his bread and butter." Fives snickered and turned back to the bartending droid as he waited for their drinks.
"I think I would have liked to meet him." Liera gave him a sad look before her eyes dropped to the floor.
"I'm not so sure about that." A shiver of dread ran down his spine.
"What do you-" A sudden shout caught his attention and he turned toward the front of the bar. A pair of troopers were helping a third to his feet, liquid dripping down the front of his uniform, as two natborns humans sneered.
"Out of the way, clone!" The amount of disdain dripping from the man's voice made Rex bristle. "I heard the rumors but I didn't think they'd be true. This place must be really hard-up for credits if they're catering to meat droids." All around him the troopers tensed, watching the two men warily.
"You can't just barge in here like that! What the hell is wrong with you?" One of the off duty medics asked as he checked over the trooper covered in alcohol.
"I can do whatever I please. My father is a Senatorial Aide." As Fives took an angry step forward Rex signed for the man to stand down. The trooper grit his teeth and backed down, although his presence remained poised for action.
"Osik, he's bleeding pretty badly and I don't have my kit. Does anyone have something to stem the bleeding with?" The medic called out, helping the wounded trooper to sit down on a nearby chair. A splash of color rushed forward and Rex cursed as Liera immediately went to help the other medic. He should have expected it.
"I don't have anything on me but I can help." She said as she stepped closer to inspect the wound. Rex knew from experience that force users could purge alcohol from their systems and that emergencies could sober nearly anyone. Of course their healer was no exception.
"He-llo! Maybe this place isn't as devoid of class as I thought." The first natborn stated as he leered at Liera's exposed back. "Hey, sweetheart, what is someone like you doing in a dingy place like this with all the trash?" Rex saw her shoulders stiffen and felt her anger through the force. She placed her hands on the wounded trooper, ignoring the natborns, and the cut on the man's head quickly closed up. Not that the two behind her seemed to notice.
"You'll be okay. Try to drink lots of water and get something sugary in you. No more alcohol." She said gently to the trooper, who was watching her with awe. The medic beside her looked relieved and nodded, giving her a quiet thank you.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!" The first man reached for her and Rex moved without a thought. Grabbing the man by the wrist he tightened his grip painfully and shoved the natborn backward, stepping in front of Liera protectively. "What the kriff do you think you're doing?" Came the indignant squawk.
"Get out." He growled.
"I'll have you put down like a nix, clone! My father-" Liera spoke up from behind him, moving to stand at his side.
"Your father would be ashamed of you, when he learns you assaulted a soldier of the Republic in the presence of a Jedi." Her eyes were glowing in the low light, blazing with a righteous anger he could feel.
"You're no jedi!" The sound of chairs scraping the ground as every trooper stood up was louder than the music permeating the bar. The two natborns took a step backward as every able bodied man got ready to defend one of the few people who actually gave a damn about them.
"I'll say it again, since you didn't hear me the first time- Get. Out." Seeing nothing but enemies all around them the two natborns quickly turned tail and ran out the door without another word. Once they were gone Rex turned and flashed the 'all clear' hand sign, much to the amusement of the troopers.
Turning to Liera he looked down at her slightly bemused expression and flushed in embarrassment. He motioned for her to go ahead of him, so they could return to their table, and she nodded. On the way they grabbed everyone's drinks and headed back upstairs. Immediately Kix and Jesse dragged her in between them protectively. Liera's shoulders began to shake and everyone panicked for a moment before the first chuckles escaped her.
"Okay, that's not really the reaction we were expecting, vod'ika." Jesse said, looking confused.
"I'm sorry, you're just all so protective. It's sweet. I haven't felt this safe and welcome in a long time." She gave them both a quick hug.
Rex rubbed at the back of his neck, feeling self conscious. "I know you're strong enough to have dealt with it on your own, you're trained as a jedi, I just-" Liera shushed him, leaning over Kix to put a finger directly in his face.
"Hush. You're a natural protector, an elder brother, and ner Alor'ad. I get it." 'My Captain.' Rex's face turned red and the flash of heat he'd felt from before returned twofold. Liera's eyes widened suddenly in surprise and she slowly returned her hand to her lap, looking baffled. Across the table from them Hardcase spat out his drink.
"Ner!?" Everyone looked between the two of them and- wow. He really didn't want to get into it right now. Not in a bar… in front of everyone.
"W-was that wrong?" Biting on her bottom lip, looking uncertain, her gaze swept over the members of his squad and he wanted to groan. Ka'ra have mercy.
"Ner is… it's a possessive, vod'ika. Didn't you notice that we only call him Cuun Alor'ad or Te Alor'ad?" 'Our Captain or The Captain.' She turned to Kix, uncertain.
"But you and Jesse-?" She seemed to realize her mistake suddenly and her face flushed a dark pink. She turned toward him, looking almost frantic. "I'm so sorry, Rex! That must have been so uncomfortable for you!" Rex opened and closed his mouth a few times before he just gave up.
"I don't actually… mind." Looking around at the smug looks of his squad mates he wanted to slam his head against the table. "Why don't I take you back to the temple and we can have a talk?" Complexion still a dark pink she looked down at her hands for a moment before nodding and standing. Rex caught Kix's eyes and read the approval, then saw Jesse's glare and nodded at the unspoken threat. Holding his hand out for her to take he had to tamp down on his own embarrassment as she bid the rest of the squad good-night.
They caught a cab fairly quickly and asked to be taken to the Temple. Then Rex closed the divider so he and Liera had some privacy. Taking a couple of calming breaths he turned to regard her carefully.
[Liera]
Her heart was pounding in her ears by the time she finally had the courage to look at the captain. Rex gave her a reassuring smile, his expression open. She could sense apprehension, nervousness, concern, and embarrassment. But beneath those surface emotions was a strong beat of affection, loyalty, and respect. It wasn't that she hadn't known the captain was having certain feelings around her, it came with her natural abilities. She had sensed his arousal a few times but always brushed it off. Sentients had very fleeting flashes of emotion that could often be driven purely by biology. She herself could admit to finding certain people very attractive and subconsciously reacting to them. What she hadn't expected was how deep those feelings ran, how conscious they were.
"Where do you want to start?" He asked, voice calm. Liera shrugged, unsure. Rex let out a fond sigh that had her wrinkling her nose at him in amusement. "Where would you start if I were a patient?" Liera frowned.
"I… really don't want to think of you as a patient right now. But, I think I know where we can start." Shifting closer she reached for his hand and gently took it. Looking down at their hands he slowly closed his around hers. Carefully she opened herself to him, lowering her shields and allowing him in. "There's something I wanted to tell you from the first moment we met. I was afraid to say it because I was worried how you might take it." Rex blinked at her, surprised, and motioned her to continue. "Rex, your soul is beautiful." She felt his surprise-pleasure-embarrassment and hid a smile. "It's like a warm sunset. At least, the way I see it."
"…that's what I feel like to you?" He asked quietly. She nodded and carefully sent him the images and sensations she experienced whenever she looked at his force presence.
"Brave, loyal, protective, kind, generous, and strong. You take care of others because it's the right thing to do- you care." Even with his dark complexion she could tell he was blushing. Raising his hand he cupped her face gently, almost reverently.
"I was wary of you, at first. But over time I learned to respect you as a medic, as someone who cared about my men, my brothers. As someone who treated us as real people. After the Blue Shadow Virus thing I couldn't stop thinking about how fierce and determined you were to do right by everyone." He chuckled. "Then the Queen tried to give you a title as a reward and you practically hid behind everyone." His eyes were bright with mirth and it made her heart race. "It was adorable. You never did anything for yourself, it was always about helping others." She shook her head.
"That's not true. I've done a lot for myself. Standing up to the Jedi Council was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I'm glad I did. The 501st has become my family, something I never thought I'd have again." Rex's hand tightened around hers, squeezing gently in reassurance.
"There's something I've been meaning to ask you but I wasn't sure if I should." Rex stated, looking torn. "I want to invite you into Jaig Squad but that would mean putting yourself in a lot more danger out in the field. We're the ones who have to keep up with Anakin." Leaning into his hand she laughed lightly.
"I would love to be part of Jaig Squad, although my ori'vode might have something to say about that." Rex snorted in amusement.
"They'd be glad they could keep an eye on you even more than before. The only problem with being part of Jaig Squad is that you wouldn't be in the medical bay as often. You'd have squad responsibilities." She frowned.
"If I'm on the field I could save those who were hurt before it's too late." And if she had time between each campaign she could still do her therapy sessions with the men and help out in the medbay. "I'll join Jaig Squad. I want to do more."
"I'll let Anakin know when I see him next and update the paperwork. You know this means you'll need an actual military rank, right?" She huffed.
"Great, now the men will be calling me sir all the time." Rex's laugh was a pleasant sound, she could get used to hearing it.
A tap on the window alerted them and Rex let her go to open it. "We're here. Can't get any closer with all the extra security." Rex thanked the driver and paid him before helping her out of the taxi.
"I'll walk you to the door." He offered, holding out his arm for her to take. Snickering she looped her arm around his and they set off together. After a few minutes of silence he looked down at her, she could feel his apprehension but it was being overshadowed by determination.
"Liera… I know that we're currently at war, and we can't have any distractions, but I wanted you to know just how much I admire you." Pulling him to a stop before the stairs she turned to him fully.
"It's clear we both care about each other, Rex, but there's something you need to remember." He looked at her in confusion as she climbed a couple of stairs. Reaching up she placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm a free woman, not a jedi. If I want to start a relationship I can." Carefully one of his arms wrapped around her waist as his other hand went to cradle her neck.
"Thank the Ka'ra for that." He muttered before his lips met hers.
The kiss was slow, gentle, and sweet. The force felt electrified and for a brief moment it was as if they were one being, rather than two. Breaking apart for breath she looked up into his bright amber eyes. "Ner Alor'ad." 'My Captain.' He chuckled.
"Ner Cyar'ika." 'My sweetheart.' As he let her go he twined his fingers with hers and lifted their arms so he could kiss the back of her hand. Neither of them could stop smiling.