A/N
Sex scenes later. If you don't want to read move on.
Chapter Forty
Coruscant
The darkened Treatment Room was quiet, peaceful, soothing after the days work; Tod was taking Scratch to 79's again for his final night. These two weeks had flown and Scratch had been as efficient as she expected him to be, his character finally coming through. He was more Kix than Coric but still his own man. She still missed them — missed Coric, she corrected herself. Tod had invited her but the way she felt at the moment she would only bring them down. Then she heard the door open.
"Back so soon?"
"Hrumph."
Tod didn't do that but she knew another clone that did.
Captain Rex always came to check on his men, checking in on them making sure they attended, some were remarkably lax about follow ups, or when medics rotated in and out.
"Captain?"
The news about the Citadel had not yet reached here but he was expecting more troopers to be present.
"No, not Echo." He had barely been able to get the words out, before her reply
Captain Rex was, apart from their first meeting, the epitome of the professional soldier, but even he was affected by events. He had come as a professional courtesy; she would have to deal with how this affected his troopers being treated.
As ARC troopers, Fives and Echo were assigned to SOB, but he still came to see them; periodically they were re-assigned back to the 501st for specific missions. She liked them both; Echo always the quieter of the two. A'den said he was the better soldier. Fives tried hard to flirt with her, that suddenly ceased. If she didn't know better she could have sworn A'den warned him off. Echo was respectful, quiet, determined and knowledgeable. He treated her like his sister.
"Who's looking after Fives?"
"He wasn't injured."
"Physically?" She pressed him, her hands had started shaking again. She curled them into fists. "He's lost his closest brother."
"He says he's fine."
They looked at each other and he shot out of the room; she followed, struggling to keep up with him.
Fine, is the standard Clone response to avoid being treated, reconditioned or anything; she learned that from A'den.
"Where are his quarters?" Rex demanded, he had stopped, in the unfamiliar ARCs quarters.
She pushed her data pad in front of him, having made some house calls to ARCA Barracks at Kal's request, she knew the complex. Rex took off again, getting there minutes before her but Fives door remained stubbornly closed. Ryssa had heard Rex banging on it from the previous corridor, a "meat can", even a Captain, was an unusual sight in these Barracks and a crowd of Commandos were rubber necking, checking who was disturbing their precious sleep time.
Fives still wouldn't open his door.
Rex tried an access override code but it didn't work here. He went for his blaster.
"Rex, let me try" Ryssa put her hand on his; he flinched.
"Sorry."
She knocked lightly.
"Fives, its Ryssa ...Can I come in?"
Silence.
"Fives?" She knocked again.
Finally the door made a shucking noise and opened.
"Only you." The voice was gruff, the room dark, the one he shared with Echo. She blinked to get used to the darkness. Fives, still in his body suit, was on one of the bunks with a data pad in his hands. The door closed behind her.
Ryssa stood next to him. "Can I?" she put her hand on the chair
He nodded.
"I've just heard about Echo. I'm so sorry."
"So's everybody….. Sorry."
Silence.
She sat, waiting to see if he wanted to say anything.
"Can I get you anything?"
"No."
She could hear herself breathing.
"Rex…"
"Fek Rex!"
She had not expected to hear that.
Fives turned a datapad over and over, in his hands.
"Echo's?"
"Yeah?" He looked up. " How did you know?"
"By the way you hold it, the way you look at it." She pulled at her mothers necklace she had recently started wearing, with her gold band, the one that A'den gave her, threaded on it.
"Oh."
He turned it around again.
"I couldn't even retrieve his bucket…..Rex wouldn't let me."
She let him talk; she had learned some things from Suu and wished she was here now. She was so much better at this.
"This is all that's left of him, after giving his fekking life for some karking hyper lane codes."
She didn't need to know about the mission; she was more concerned about Fives, he had gone quiet again. They sat in silence for several minutes.
"They had a karking service for the Jedi, Piell," he spat the name out, "you know. But not for Echo. Not even a mention, or the other poor sods that fell but they had to have a fekking memorial for the Jedi. In the middle of the shabla mission."
"I…didn't….."
"He was still a man. Still deserved recognition...my brother."
She rested her hand on his.
"I know you think we're more than flesh droids."
Ryssa nodded. "Much more."
Silence.
"I'm the last you know?"
"Last?"
"Last of Domino squad."
"They were going to make us part of the clean up crew because we couldn't hack it."
"Really?"
"But we showed them. Rishi Moon, Kamino, ARC training, we were good."
"You were, you are."
"All of us."
"All of you."
"Now it's only me."
She felt her eyes burning at that and struggled with it. Her hands were shaking again; she squeezed them back into fists and the shaking dissipated up her arms making her shiver.
He turned to her, eyes haunted. "What will I do?"
"You'll survive?" She wasn't sure where that came from.
"I…"
"It'll be hard, but you'll do it because you'll do it for Echo and the rest of your Squad." She paused. "I know it's not the same, never will be but while you're alive so are they. And you have other brothers who care about you."
He looked at her, the look said that didn't matter.
"Tell me about your Echo, the one I didn't know."
She wasn't sure how long she spent with him but finally he broke. She held him. He would never admit it later and they never talked about it afterwards.
"Rex?"
He shook his head, "Not yet."
When they finished, she opened the door to Captain Rex still waiting. She shook her head.
Ryssa felt his eyes burning into her back as she walked slowly back to the Treatment Room, feet heavy, drained of any energy. She still had reports to catch up on; sitting back at the desk, she pulled out her datapad and started.
She was making an extra strong Caf when the Captain entered.
"Has he talked to you?" She enquired.
"No. He's still wound up. Blames me." Replied Rex.
"No he doesn't, not truly. But he needs someone to lash out at and you're the nearest. He really needs to keep talking to someone about it. Keep trying."
"We have our own ways of dealing with….loss."
She nodded, she understood that..
"Was it worth it?"
The captain looked up.
"The mission."
He looked at her, never spoke, shook his head and walked out. She called after him. "If you ever need to talk?" his arm raised in acknowledgement as he left. She really didnt feel like completing the reports but...
Ryssa knew it was the wrong thing to do; she continually advised others against it but the alternative was the rest of the night spent sleeping in the Treatment Room, which she didn't want. She was flagging, so she jabbed a short stim in, felt the chemical energy hit her system and whipped through her reports before heading home.
.
Ryssa had opened the door, walked into the darkened apartment, automatically slipped her shoes off and flung her coat over the chair before she realised A'den was waiting for her. She rushed to him.
"When did they discharge you?"
"Couple of days ago, fit for duty and then straight out on a Recce."
"You should have commed."
Her arms were around his neck now and no one was going to remove them.
"Protocol, you know."
Her forehead pressed to his; her thoughts with Fives.
"Hey," his voice soft; she heard similar voices all day but none exactly like his. "missed me?"
"You know I have. Always do."
"I didn't want to worry you."
"I always worry."
"I know."
He had that grin on his face that meant trouble.
"I missed you too."
The next moment his lips were pressed hard against hers, his tongue insisting her mouth open. The kiss was hungry, greedy, as he pulled her braid apart and tangled his hands in the wavy results. He pulled away, bringing her hair to his face and inhaled.
"I'd forgotten how good you smell."
Standing on tip toes, she hummed in response and nipped his neck, running her hands under his top, tracing the familiar lines of his muscles and scars. The scattering of hair on his chest. He felt just as she remembered. He pulled his top over his head, turning his attention to hers, the offending garments ended in a corner somewhere. Finally, with one hand in the middle of her back, he pushed her to the floor, pinning her with his mouth and body. Eventually he pulled away.
"Don't stop!"
She pulled him back into a kiss that almost devoured him in its ferocity; she needed to forget for a little while.
A'den knew something had happened but if this was what she wanted. His hands traced paths along her body from memory; her responses imprinted on him. The little noises she made belonging to him alone now; he relished how alive she made him feel.
That bitch had lost.
His only regret—he hadn't taken the bitch out himself.
Electricity coursed through Ryssa from his every touch; memories of the last few days expunged. His mouth traced paths he had taken before, her responses feeding his own need; the need to prove he was still hers. And she his.
Her body arched into him, pulling him in harder; his mouth took in her breast, little cries securing him to her.
Her bottom lip bitten, as his fingers gently traced their way along her ribs, down and in.
"Aaah!" She pulled his head back to her, moulding her lips to his.
Why would I need anyone else?
An unfeminine growl emanated from her, as he positioned himself between her legs. He knew exactly what to do.
Her hands in his hair and his name on her lips, she reached her climax. She was his.
He wasn't finished.
Pliant under his touch, he marked her all the way. He was feeding his own arousal; his own need growing.
The pale golden halo of hair spread around her head, as he pushed her arms above her, taking a deep breath, he finally entered her and breathed out. Watching as, she arched towards him, lost in him and his ministrations, he knew there was nothing and no one else in her thoughts at this time.
And he was hers.
.
Ryssa blinked, the daylight bright from the windows; she stretched, remembering the previous night, the floor. Den must have carried her to bed. She turned over. He wasn't there, glancing at the bedside chrono, she shot upright as her mind registered the figures.
"Shit! Shit! I'm late."
Rushing to the kitchen, she hit a solid wall of muscle.
"Where are you going?"
"Work, I'm late."
"No. You've got a personal day."
"No, I can't."
"You booked it a while ago."
Ryssa's eyes narrowed, "What?"
"You booked a personal day. A few weeks ago."
He had taken the decision that she needed rest. He had seen the stim marks, recognised them; that was a conversation for later.
"What did you do?" Her eyebrows had drawn down into a frown.
"Just a little tinkering."
She sighed, unable to stay angry with him; she had nearly lost him. This time together was precious. The doctoring could come later. He pulled her up into a kiss.
"I've made breakfast."
"What is it?" The sweet spicy smell intrigued her, especially now as her stomach growled.
"Mealgrain, my favourite."
"Ugh!" Images of a gloopy milky mixture came to mind.
"My version. But you haven't got any fresh fruit, so I've had to improvise."
She leaned over; it looked nothing like what she used to have as a child. She could see nuts, dried fruit, sweet spices and what looked like several different types of grains, bubbling gently in the pan.
"It's nearly ready." He rummaged in the cupboard and pulled out some syrup; she produced the blue milk.
"I hadn't realised you were so …domesticated. You hid it well."
He snorted, "Kal taught us how to survive and it wasn't just killing things." He nodded at the bowl.
Ryssa blew on the contents and took a small spoonful, trying to get a little of all the ingredients on it. Tentatively she took a tiny piece; she knew immediately why Den liked it. Sweet, creamy, with a spicy hit and it would be filling. She felt it comfortably warm her from the inside.
"It's good."
"Told you so."
"Never doubted you."
"Yes you did."
"Yes, I did. Never again." She finished off the bowl. It left her feeling pleasantly full. "So as I'm off, I need to get some food in. Something for us to eat."
"If you say so, although I already know what I want to eat." The mischievous grin had spread across his face again.
"You've been with Mereel again."
Shrugging he admitted, "He was there, in rehab for me." And on the recce they did but he didn't want to spoil her happiness yet, by telling her they had found no sign of Brud. Anywhere. That he had been wiped off the face of the galaxy, as if he never existed. His parents were there but they had no children.
"Hey, you alright now?" Her voice brought him back.
"Yeah. What do you call a Gungan with two brain cells?"
"Don't know."
"Pregnant."
She sniggered despite herself.
"Come on, we'll go to the market." She slipped her arm through his.
"Forgetting something?" He nodded looking down.
She followed his eyes, "I'll have a shower and get dressed."
She had forgotten she was only in a T-shirt.
.
The local market was open and small, and she liked the stalls. Good quality fresh food and various other items. The smells and noises reminded her of when she had come here as a youngling, with Suu's mother. A normal life. She often thought that perhaps it was why her own Mother let her play with Suu and Brud; she missed them both. She was still waiting to hear about Brud from the CSF.
They wandered through the stalls, Ryssa greeting the stall holders of the one's she frequented; A'den watched everything carefully. He was used to this kind of market on his missions; he blended in well. But this was different; this could be his life. Mereel had said he couldn't cope with it. He'd be bored with it, bored with her. They'd argued, almost come to blows; Mereel thought everyone should be like him, experimenting with everything and anything. A'den knew that wasn't him now. The longer he was with her, the more he knew he had made the right choice; choice that may have been prompted initially by how the Kaminoans had tinkered with his genes but it still felt right.
Ryssa was haggling over some spices, when he first saw them; the CG. He and his brothers normally kept away from them and he wasn't sure how much Ryssa had interacted with any of them. He merged further into the background, watching them wander around. He couldn't place these two and for Shock Troopers they looked pretty laid back but he wasn't taking any chances. Fox was a little too cosy with Palps for his liking, and for all his posturing The Chancellor was not the Republic, or shouldn't be.
Ryssa paid for the spices and turned around, "I'll use these…." Then realised she was talking to fresh air, "Den? Where are you?" She looked around scared.
"Shab." Muttered A'den, as he saw they were coming towards her. He disappeared further into the shadows.
"You okay, ma'am?"
"Er, yes. Just looking for someone. He's probably gone to another stall. No problem."
Why had they singled her out? .
"It's the Doc isn't it—from the Treatment Room?"
"Er, yes."
Ah, that's why.
"Commander Thire, ma'am. You're doing a fine job looking after our brothers, ma'am."
"Thank you."
He saluted, and the two sauntered off.
She was now confused that as to why they had spoken to her, as Den had disappeared but as she turned around he reappeared, arms behind his back.
"Here. It's been a while." He produced a bunch of dark red Malreaux Roses, a rich deep red with an equally rich perfume.
"They're beautiful." She pushed herself up on tip toes and kissed him.
He pulled her to him, " Let's go home." He whispered in her ear.
.
"Commander, Why did Fox say we have to keep an eye on her?" The shiny was being given a tour of the districts.
"Links to Mandalorians."
"Ner Vod, we all have links to a Mandalorian."
"These are Spooks."
"Clone Intel?"
"Exactly, or rather their handlers, the Mandalorian Sergeants that trained them. Republic Intel aren't happy with the way they're being run."
"I know which I'd rather use."
"Me too brother, me too. But we have to follow orders. Just happy that I don't have to meet The Chancellor every week like Fox does." Thire shuddered involuntarily at that thought.
.
The door had barely closed before his hands had cupped her face and he was giving her a deep passionate kiss, before resting his forehead on hers. He seemed worried, distant.
"Den?"
He pulled her down on him, into a chair; straddling him, she now held his face in her hands. His hair curling softly around it. He'd be trimming it soon but she liked it the length it was, the hints of grey at the temples. She smoothed them with her fingers.
"I'm — I just know I have to be going soon."
"And?"
"I need you." His mouth hit hers again, desperation in the amount of force he used. His hand on her neck to keep them together, finally pulling apart, to press his forehead to hers. "It's never long enough. There's never enough time."
He was different. He'd changed, subtly.
"I'm here." She kissed him back, gentle, pulling his bottom lip with her, moving her hands to unbutton his shirt. "Let's make the most of it." He returned the favour with her top, his knowledge of her meant, it didn't take long before she was ready; he heard her stuttered sigh as she sank on him. It wasn't the most comfortable of chairs, being wooden and blocky but the angle was good for Ryssa, for Ner. He moved, slowly, trying to feel as much as he could; her arms wrapped around his neck, her kisses deep, a desperate tongue searching. He pulled away, moving her so he could reach her breasts; she automatically arched for him, as he held her. The familiar sounds as he twirled his tongue around one nipple; his rhythm became erratic, as the sensations were so different, in this position. He dipped one hand between them and felt her movements change, a slightly different angle, speeded up. He moved faster for her.
She was near.
"Den!"
Her hips slammed down on him, as she arched back, fingers digging into his biceps; holding her steady he kept going, so near the edge, she tightened on him.
"Gah!" His release came as powerful as it had ever been and his arms wrapped around her, his face buried in her neck.
.
Sleep normally came easily but not tonight; he still had something to to tell her. And he knew she would not like it. Selfishly he had kept quiet until he was nearly leaving. He felt her shuffle next to him.
"Ner."
"Huh, Huh?"
"CSF passed Brud's case to us." he felt her tense up, fully awake now.
"Why? How?"
"Kal's got an unofficial agreement with the CSF."
He heard her sigh.
"Nothing surprises me about Kal anymore. But have you found him?" he heard the hope in her question.
He swallowed, "No and there's something else. All trace of him has been wiped off every system. His parents are there. His grandparents but not him."
"Nothing?"
"Disappeared."
She was clinging to him tighter now.
"Normally only a slicer of Jaing's calibre would be able to do that or…"
"Or who?"
"Not who, necessarily but what."
"What?"
"The Republic, or one of its departments."
He could hear her breaths quicken.
"No, he has to be somewhere. It'll be a mistake."
"Jaing doesn't make mistakes."
She didn't answer, taking in the information.
"I'm sorry. Just be careful, especially around the CG, the red boys. They're a bit too close to the Chancellor for my liking."
"But they're your bro…"
"We may have the same genes but some of us are not brothers. You know who you can trust. Just be careful— for me. And we'll keep looking for him."
He felt the wetness on his chest, as she clung to him.
"Shhhh. Shhhh."
He stroked her hair, soothing her. It was the least he could do.
—
A/N
Boiled Mealgrain – inspired by this Tumblr post/641466422082600960/boiled-mealgrain