Ahsoka plodded along the corridor towards the Med Bay, trying her best to conceal the limp in her normally fluid gait. She had been on quarters rest and light duties since getting caught in shrapnel burst had taken her out of action. Most of the wounds had healed well but the one on her right hip and thigh was stubbornly taking it's time and the enforced down time was starting to drive her mad. All things considered; she was lucky to be even able to stand on her own two feet. The jagged piece of metal had cut her almost to the bone and nicked her femoral artery. Lying in the dirt, dust spiraling around her, her vision swimming and her montrals ringing with force of the explosion that had knocked her off her feet, it had taken a while for her dazed mind to register the pain her body was experiencing. Rex, her ever present shadow, had brought her attention to her dire situation with a jarring thud as he dug his gauntleted fist into her groin, pressing his entire body weight down on that single point in an effort to stop the bleeding. She had screamed then, swiping at him in an uncoordinated effort to get him to get off her as he roared for a medic, her feeble efforts glancing uselessly off his scuffed and battle worn armor, her blood staining his gauntlets and vambraces. Kix had appeared in her line of sight, sliding to his knees in the dirt beside her, swinging his pack from his shoulders in a practiced move. The Medic had jabbed a hypodermic into her neck and the chaos of the battlefield around her became fuzzy. She was only dimly aware of the hands moving over her and of being lifted and draped over an angular armored shoulder. She had protested weakly as the unforgiving plastoid had dug into her abdomen, the long, powerful, ground eating strides of whomever was carrying her, jostling her wounded body and making her feel sick. She had been laid gently on a stretcher at, what she assumed, had been the Forward Aid Post before the painkillers and blood loss had overwhelmed her and she had passed out. Coming around to find med-droids washing chilled bacta from her skin had been an unpleasant experience but warm, strong hands sliding behind her shoulders and neck and helping her to sit up had brought her eyes up to the familiar face of Kix and her fluttering heart had begun to slow. Like Rex, to her Kix was comfort and safety, a solid, infallible presence that helped settle her, not only physically but in the Force as well. She adored the softly spoken, kind eyed medic and she trusted him implicitly.

When she had become Anakin's Padawan and subsequently become a member of Torrent Company, Kix had been assigned as her 'personal' medic. Emergency treatment aside, any of her medical needs would usually be taken care of by him. She had grown up under his care, moving from petulant teenager to mature young woman and he had been there through it all with kind words and a gentle touch. She loved all of 'her boys' but Kix held a special place in her heart. Whilst not quite on the same level as Rex, he wasn't far away and should anything every happen to the Captain, she knew who she would go to. And now, said Medic had called her to the Med Bay for both a wound progress check and her bi-annual medical. Shuffling down the corridors of the Resolute, she grit her teeth in frustration at her lack of mobility. Her pent-up energy was making her jittery. Rex, her usual sounding board, had been called away with her Master on an engagement that she was being forced to sit out on and, on top of everything else, she had started her heat cycle. The cycle of a Togruta was vastly different from that of a human female. Whilst a human's cycle signaled a period of infertility, Togrutas's signaled a narrow window fertility and a readiness to mate. The surge in hormones made her restless and moody, prone to rapid and severe swings of emotion, aggressive and wanton one moment and docile and teary the next. She would normally train through it, exhausting herself physically before immersing herself in meditation. Kix, ever resourceful and seemingly unflappable, had found and prescribed her a herbal supplement that usually took the edge off her 'symptoms' but she'd run out of the foul smelling pills. The few times she hadn't been able to cope, Rex had been there for her, obliging her wants and allowing her her needs whilst remaining discreet. The first time it had been painfully awkward, and she had been mortified at her lack of control, but subsequently it had become a more comfortable arrangement. Whilst they had never actually 'done the deed' the dynamic of their relationship had changed but certainly not for the worse, the stoical blonde Captain becoming more attentive and less guarded with her when they were alone. She often wondered if Rex merely saw this as an extension of his Jedi sitting duties and therefore what they did was meaningless to him beyond simply helping her or if he saw it as something more? Regardless, he wasn't here now. Her lips quirked in a sardonic smile,

'The man follows me around like a bad smell and now that I could really do with him being here he's not around…karking typical!'

Being surrounded by handsome, virile young men and being without her usual coping mechanisms had led her to adopt a hermit like existence, barely leaving her quarters unless she really had to. She had learned very quickly where was and wasn't safe territory during her cycle. They gym and training salè for example were definite no-go areas. The presence of numerous males practically excreting testosterone from every sweaty pore was unbearable, her own pheromones cranking up in response. Rex had assured her that she smelt no different from normal during her cycle, but she wasn't sure if she believed him. Rex could be painfully blunt, but he could also be brilliantly tactful off the battlefield as well.

Polite smiles and respectful salutes greeted her as she walked down the corridors, the Clones obviously being careful not to react to the obvious discomfort their beloved Commander was in.

Entering the Med Bay she found it to be mercifully empty, the casualties from their last engagement either discharged or transferred to a more appropriate facility. As well as casualties there was also a distinct lack of Medics. The medic station and 'ward' was devoid of white and red uniform clad clones. The only sign of life was a steaming cup of caff beside the workstation that whirred quietly behind the desk.

"Kix?" she called.

"Ah Commander" said the Medic as he emerged from a private examination room to the rear of the unit, his new Lieutenants rank markings on his white collar.

"Right on time as always"

Treating her to a soft smile as he strode towards her, he scooped up the steaming cup before giving her an appraising look, rich amber eyes warm and gentle in his angular face.

"How are you feeling?"

"Still a little sore" she admitted, "and stiff"

Kix tilted his head, a small furrow appearing between his brows,

"Anything else?"

Ahsoka sighed and twisted the end of one lekku between her fingers,

"Just restless. Prolonged down time doesn't suit me…and…" she hesitated, feeling the colour rise in her lekku and cheeks, "…I'm mid cycle" she said, knowing the Medic would understand what she left unsaid. Kix nodded, draining the cup before blindly tossing it over his shoulder where it landed neatly in the bin.

"Ok. I can leave the health check and just examine the wound for now if you would prefer?" he said, picking up a data pad from the desk and beckoning her to follow him towards the private room with a tilt of his dark, intricately patterned head. She shook her head,

"No, it's ok Kix. Let's just get it done whilst you've got the time"

It was a rare occasion that the Med Bay was empty, and she noted that the Medic didn't look as tired as he had when she'd last seen him, obviously taking advantage of the lack of patients to catch up on both routine work and rest. He smiled at her over his shoulder,

"I've always got time for you Commander, you know that"

She returned it then dipped her head, looking away as she found her gaze drawn to the strong line of his stubbled jaw and the pulse point beneath. He stepped aside to allow her through the door before him and followed her through, quickly studying the data pad before putting it aside.

"Right then, health check first then we'll have a look at that injury of yours. If you need me to stop, just tell me"

The next half hour or so was spent going through the routine checks of height, weight, hearing, sight, blood pressure, mobility, co-ordination, lung function and blood chemistry, Kix carrying out each check with calm, kind professionalism, his touch assured but gentle. When he had checked her heart rate, the fingers of one hand on the pulse point of her wrist, the other holding a cool stethoscope against her chest, one knee pressed tightly against her thigh as he sat opposite her, she felt herself flush, becoming hyper aware of his proximity, warmth and scent as he leant towards her. He smelled clean and fresh with an undertone of citrus and a distinctly male quality that was uniquely him. Her fingers twitched as she fought the urge to reach for him and run her hands over the chorded muscle of his thighs, lovingly encased in the completely impractical but incredibly flattering standard issue white medical fatigues.

'Damn cycle'

If the Medic noticed, he didn't react, draping the stethoscope around his neck as he stood up with a half-smile down at her,

"Your BP is a little high and your blood chem slightly off but that's not unexpected considering your spell in the tank and your cycle. Other than that, everything is normal" he said, stepping away from her and tapping at his data pad.

"If you'd mind stripping down to your underclothes please Commander and jump up on the bed"

Ahsoka did as he asked, neatly folding her clothes and placing them on her vacated chair before hopping up on the bed and lying back, wincing as the movement pulled at her hip and thigh. Kix stood with his back half turned, washing his hands before donning a pair of gloves. He turned back to her, holding his hands away from himself and dropped his weight into one hip giving her a reassuring smile,

"Ok, quick top to toe then I'll check that wound. May I touch you Commander?"

"Of course, you can Kix" she said trying to relax. She gave him a sideways look and grinned, "Just make sure you warm your hands first"

His eyes sparkling with good humor, Kix made a show of rubbing his gloved hands together before placing them on her, starting at the tips of her montrals and moving down. As he checked and probed, fingers moving lightly over her skin and occasionally applying pressure where needed, Ahsoka closed her eyes and set her jaw against the sensations his touch inflamed, making her feel hot and tingly all over. She noted that he'd avoided her lekku (he'd obviously done his research) as he moved to her chest and abdomen, checking the four quadrants before pressing his fingers into the 'v' of her groin, being careful not to press on the scar tissue on her right side.

"Cough please Commander"

She obliged him, unable to look at his face as his touch wound her tighter and tighter. He moved his hand to her other side,

"And again…good"

Kix moved down her legs, closely checking the muscle then turned his attention to her feet, forcing her to bight back a moan as he pressed his thumb into the arch of her foot. Again, he turned away,

"Top scores Commander" he said, returning to tapping his data pad. Behind him, Ahsoka blew out a breath between pursed lips and dragged her hands down over her face, willing her uncooperative body to calm down.

"Commander?"

She splayed her fingers and found him looking down at her with a concerned expression. She dropped her hands and forced a smile onto her face,

"I'm ok Kix. Carry on" she said, gesturing to her injury and relaxing back. One dark brow rose, a glimmer of doubt in his eyes as Kix gently laid his fingertips on her hip.

"You sure Ahsoka?"

"I'm sure. I need you to get me back on my feet and killing clankers before I lose my mind!"

She pushed a laugh into her words and leant forward to pat his forearm, as usual covering her discomfort with bravado,

"Carry on Lieutenant"

Kix scrutinized her face for a moment longer, then huffing a small breath through his nose he turned his attention to the scarring on her hip. It was a serious wound, the deep laceration moving from her hip, down the dip of her groin and across her inner thigh. She watched him as he tracked his fingers over her skin, having to roll her eyes to the ceiling and suppress a whimper as he bent forward, his strong, aquiline nose centimeters from her groin, expression pinched and concentrated as he pressed and probed at the scar tissue, moving the waist band of her underclothes aside to better see the healing laceration . His shoulder hovered over her chest, and she could see the muscles moving beneath the white material as he worked, the medics insignia which he wore with such pride emblazoned over the curve of his deltoid. He put one hand on her knee and turned her leg outwards, exposing her inner thigh for easier examination and 'hummed' in the back of his throat, his breath and the vibrations of his voice playing across her crotch, the thin material affording little protection again the sensory assault. Every fiber of her being screamed at her to launch herself at him, to pin him against the wall or flat on his back and take him to satisfy her own needs and urges. She felt hot, her consciousness focused entirely on the hand that moved between her legs and the very male presence looming over her. She had resisted every urge up until now, even defied taking matters into her own hands to relieve some of the tension thrumming through her body but now she was over stimulated, over energized and ready to snap. Kix was still absorbed in his task. His fingers felt like they were on fire. She bit her lip.

"It's not looking too bad Commander, but I'll prescribe you some more bacta gel and some phys-"

The back of his fingers brushed unintentionally against her center and she reflexively closed her legs, trapping his right hand against her. She hissed and arched into the contact, hands bunching in the crisp sheet of the examination bed.

"Commander!"

Showing considerable restraint, Kix had frozen in place, head whipping around to look at her with wide eyes, dark brows almost hitting his hair line.

"Kix…" Ahsoka almost wined, hating the pleading need in her voice. Kix straightened,

"Ahsoka, what are you…?"

He gently tugged his hand to try and free it from the grip of her thighs, but she tightened her hold, keeping him in place pressed against her. She rolled her hips,

"I need…" she grabbed his free wrist where it was braced against the bed, "I can't do this anymore, I need you to…please Kix"

Her markings had darkened, pupils blown wide and dark with arousal. Kix stared down at her, brows drawn together in a frown. She could see the conflicting emotions flickering across his face in the micro expressions she had learned to read and could feel those same feelings emanating from him in the Force. She pushed back, broadcasting her need and want and the Medic flinched, rich amber eyes going comically wide, drawing a sharp intake of breath. Swallowing hard, Kix shook his head,

"I can't Ahsoka"

Ahsoka snaked her other hand down over her chest, skirting over her abdominals before moving northward again and settling at the base of her throat,

"You don't have to do 'that'" she said, trying to keep the growl the was quickly replacing the whine out of her voice, "Just touch me"

She rolled her hips again for emphasis and squeezed. Kix's lips pressed together in a tight line,

"Rex –"

"Isn't here! Please…"

Kix hesitated, staring down at her like she'd growth a fourth head tail. Seeing him flustered for the first time since she'd met him would have been funny had the situation been different. He glanced over his shoulder at the door. She gestured and the panel light blinked on to indicate the lock had engaged. She could see almost see the cogs turning in that brilliant brain of his, thinking the situation through, trying to figure out how best to proceed as he turned slowly back to her. She assumed he would begin to look at her problem like a medical ailment and therefore come up with an appropriate treatment plan. Any further train of thought was muddled as Kix swore softly and moved his hand, spreading his fingers and pressing against her. Ahsoka gasped and closed her eyes as a jolt shot through her from toes to montrals as Kix continued to work his hand against her. She loosened her grip on him, allowing him better access and greater movement. She moaned quietly and rocked her hips against him before reaching down and taking his wrist, guiding his hand up then down beneath the waist band of her underclothes to cup her fully, skin to synthskin glove. His sharp intake of breath reached her hearing before he made a small noise in the back of his throat. She arched as his fingers found the sensitive nerve cluster near the top of her sex and she bared her teeth with a breathy hiss, shuddering as he continued to wind her tighter and tighter. Cracking open her eyes she saw him looking down at her, head tilted slightly to one side like a curious puppy, obviously uncomfortable but equally fascinated by her reactions. She sat up, snaked an arm around his neck and pulled him down to her, muffling his surprised expletive with her lips. Kix's immediate reaction when his brain caught up to what was happening was to pull away, but Ahsoka held him tight, slanting her mouth across his, probing his lips with her tongue. Digging her fingers into the back of his neck, she suckled on his bottom lip and his lips parted with a small sigh. She took advantage and deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue against his, devouring him with a fierce intensity that made the Medic shudder and release a small moan into her mouth. He tasted of caff and sweet warra nuts, the earthy smokiness and sweetness mingling on her tongue. His other hand had braced on her shoulder with the intention of pushing her away but now it slid around behind her neck, brushing against her rear leeku. Ahsoka growled at the touch and nipped at Kix's lips, drawing blood and a slightly surprised grunt from him. He responded by dipping his hand lower between her legs and sliding two fingers into her core. Ahsoka keened and bucked into his hand, her's fisting in his tunic as she writhed under his ministrations and when he curled his fingers, brushing against a staggeringly sensitive spot inside her she arched off the bed with a gasp.

"K-Kix!"

Unthinkingly her hand trailed down his torso to cup him through his pants, fingers curling around the now obvious ridge behind his fly. Kix immediately tried to straighten and drop his hips back to break the contact, but she held him fast by his tunic and quickly worked her way into his fly to take him fully in hand. Kix froze, a ragged inhale expelled with a breathy moan that fluttered over her sensitized montrals as she nuzzled at his jaw and neck, rolling her hips against his hand as she stroked him with hers. Already aroused despite himself, he hardened further under her touch. Gritting his teeth against the sensation, he began to work his hand against her again, his movements more assured but more frantic than before, stroking her lekku with his other hand. Ahsoka's groan of approval turned into a feral growl and she nipped at him again. She could feel heat building in her lower belly, her muscles beginning to quiver as every single rational thought was forced from her mind by the skilled attentions of the handsome medic leaning over her,

"Oh Force…Kix…don't…oh Gods…don't…stop!"

Kix, suppressed a groan as her grip on him tightened, too caught up in her own pleasure to be conscious of what she was doing to him. Rex had obviously approached him for advice when Ahsoka's hormonal impulses had started to become an issue and now he realized why the Captain always wore his armor when he was around her during her cycle. He had to hurry things along here, for his own sanity if nothing else.

"Yes Sir" he forced through gritted teeth and curled his fingers again, eliciting another high-pitched keen from her. He felt his chest tighten, the sensation not unlike when a LATT-I passed too close overhead, the sonics vibrating through his body. Beside him, his instruments began to shake on the table, clattering over the spotless duri-steel surface. Ahsoka writhed and bucked, toes curling as she wound tighter than a coiled spring, then Kix bent forward, pressed his lips against her exposed neck and ever so gently bit down…and the spring snapped. Her vision whited out and she arched, mouth open in a silent cry of extasy as she drew her legs up and together, trapping him again as her internal muscles gripped his fingers with surprising force, tremors wracking her body. The waves of pleasure seemed never ending as they crashed over her, forcing the air from her lungs as she trembled curling in on herself, clinging onto Kix like he was the only thing keeping her grounded. The Medic had sensibly pulled back to put some distance between him and her sharp teeth, her instinct to react to his bite by marking him with one of her own. Eventually the fog in her brain began to clear and she lay back against the pillow, air finally returning to her lungs in shallow pants she heard Kix blow out a long, measured but shaky breath. She relaxed enough to release him and he slowly withdrew his hand. She whimpered as the movement agitated her still sensitive nerve endings.

"Commander?" he said quietly, his voice sounding strained,

"Mmm…"

"Ahsoka?"

She looked at him, eyes sleepy in a face the picture of satisfaction as a purr rumbled in her chest and immediately frowned when she registered his pained expression. The Medic's dark brows were pinched together, and he looked flushed as he breathed carefully through his nose, his hands braced on the bed beside her. A nick of red showed on his lips from where she had nipped him, and his instruments and data pads lay scattered around the small room. Embarrassment and guilt hit her like a charging blurgg, the warm, fuzzy, contented feeling coursing through her replaced by a chill like ice water had been flushed through her veins.

"Oh Force, Kix I'm so sorry…I…"

Kix gave her a small smile, trying to look both forgiving and reassuring but still only managing discomfort,

"It's ok Ahsoka but..er..could you let go of me…please?"

Her markings knit together in confusion and then she became aware of a warm, firm…something, in her hand. Kix had closed his eyes and dipped his head, leaning heavily on the bed. She looked down her arm from her prone position,

"Oh! I…"

She went to withdraw her hand but stopped. Now it was her turn to be curious and she studied the tanned, glistening maleness in her palm. Her hormones were still singing through her system and there really was no point in being embarrassed now. It was far too late for that. She curled her fingers slightly, adjusting her grip and Kix flinched with a hiss, shoulders hunching forward. She did it again, drawing her fingers up his length and he rewarded her with a short, closed mouth groan.

"Kix…did you…er..?"

The Medic caught her meaning and shook his head,

"Would you like to?" her brazenness caught her by surprise and Kix's head snapped up, eyes wide and jaw slack,

"Wha…? No, I-I'll erm" he stammered as his face reddened impossibly further. He took a deep breath and composed himself,

"I'll deal with it thankyou Commander"

Ahsoka sat up slightly and nuzzled him as he remained bent over her and whispered in his ear, allowing her lips to brush the lobe, "You helped me out Kix, let me return the favour. After all it's my fault you're in this state"

She kissed his cheek,

"It was incredible by the way. Thank you" she murmured and pulled back slightly, smiling at the small sound he made at the back of his throat. She waited a few heartbeats to give him time to pull away, but he just blinked owlishly at her. She could feel his hesitation, the internal fight to do what he though was right versus what his body craved. When he didn't immediately step back, she began to move her hand and Kix instantly elicited a deep groan and leant into her, his hands bunching in the sheet. She lay back and pulled him with her, nipping and kissing at his jaw and neck, scraping the nails of her free hand over the short fuzz of his patterned scalp.

"Ah-soka…you…I…we" he panted, then swore as a gentle twist of her wrist made him rut into her grip.

"Shhh, just go with it" she soothed and kissed him again, slowly, deeply and passionately, the copper taint of blood mingling with the taste of caff. She smiled against his lips as he gave in and returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm, moaning softly into her mouth as his hips began to move, rolling himself against and into her hand. He slid one hand behind her neck, cradling and caressing where her rear lekku met the base of her skull and she ran hers down over his broad shoulders, massaging the firm muscles that began to quiver beneath her fingertips. He shuffled his feet and adjusted his stance, his movements becoming more fevered. He broke the kiss and leant his forehead on her collar bone, the sounds he was making changing in pitch and regularity, a frantic, garbled litany of random words and curses in various galactic languages. The hand behind her head turned to brace on the bed as he tried to keep his weight off her. Typical Kix, always thinking of others first.

"I…I'm…" he stuttered. She nuzzled his head,

"It's alright" she crooned, "It's ok, let it happen"

She tightened her grip and twisted, caressing him and pressing her finger against the sensitive nerve cluster at his base and Kix immediately stiffened and thrust forward, arching over her with a guttural groan, his body shaking as warmth spilt over her hand. Releasing her grip, she wiped her hand quickly on the sheet then wrapped her arms around him and held him as he leant heavily on her, his heavy breaths feathering across her shoulder and chest from his position against her collar bone. She ran her hands over what she could reach of his back and shoulders, gently caressing the base of his skull, allowing a purr to rattle through her again, the cadence and frequency naturally soothing as he finally stopped trembling.

"You ok?" she asked. Kix pushed himself up slightly and turned his head to look at her. His expression was difficult to read, even to her, as he searched her face for a moment before he stood up fully and turned away slightly to adjust himself and scoop a packet of wipes up from the floor. In silence he wiped his gloved hands, then the bed then handed some to her before peeling off his gloves and dumping them in the bin. Ahsoka sat up and swung her legs off the bed, the Medic's silence ramping up her returning feelings of embarrassment now tainted with regret. All trace of the brazen, wanton mature female she had been before gone, replaced by an unsure young woman who was realizing she might have made a huge mistake.

"Kix?" she tried again,

"I'm fine Commander" he said formally but with no trace of disdain, tidying the mess of scattered instruments off the floor and glancing around trying to locate his data pad. Ahsoka dropped her head into her hands, covering her face. She had put the Medic, her friend, into an impossible position and now she had damaged their relationship. It wasn't enough she had involved Rex in all of 'this' but now, thanks once again to her complete lack of self-control, she had dragged Kix into it as well. She felt ashamed and dirty. Weight depressed the mattress either side of her legs and she looked up to find Kix almost nose to nose with her, his hands on the edge of the bed.

"I don't like it when your head drops Ahsoka" he said softly, lifting her chin with one hand.

"I'm so sorry Kix. I shouldn't have-"

His fingers moved from her chin to her lips and silenced her.

"What's done is done Ahsoka"

"I shouldn't have…" she tried to say around his fingers, but he silenced her again,

"I should have rescheduled this when you told me you were in heat" he dropped his hand and tilted his head, "If there is any blame to place in this, it's on me. You allowed your instincts to take over, there's nothing wrong with that. Just so happens this time I was here instead of Rex"

Ahsoka's stripes flushed dark blue and she dipped her head,

"You know about that?"

He smiled,

"Of course, I do. Rex came to ask for advice after Zeffo. I had to give our dear Captain some swift training in Togruta physiology"

She gave him a look that clearly said 'really?' He nodded,

"In order to treat you if I'm not there or… for this"

Ahoska crossed her arms and leant forward on her knees,

"It's shameful"

Kix immediately dropped to his haunches in front of her, warm hands coming to rest on her knees. He looked up into her face,

"No, it isn't Ahsoka and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. You are not human and should not always be expected to act like one. You can't deny what you are, nor should you be required to. If Rex and I can assist in order to keep you safe and sane, then we will. I, for one, see it as part of my duty of care for you, both as your Medic and your friend. You have nothing to be ashamed of"

Ahsoka was silent for a moment, looking at her hands in her lap and the short, claw like nail that topped each sienna finger.

"Did I hurt you?"

Kix blinked then chuckled,

"A little" he admitted then his lips curled slightly, and he pushed her lekku back from her face, "But that's ok. You rectified that quite quickly"

"But-"

Kix sighed,

"You didn't force me to do anything Ahsoka. Was I uncomfortable at first? Yes. Do I feel violated? No. Do you?"

Ahsoka shook her head, lifting her eyes to meet his. For the first time in days she felt grounded…calm and more like herself. The nervous, jittery energy that had been making her skin itch and her muscles ache had dissipated and she finally felt a degree of peace.

"No. I…wanted you to…needed you to. I feel safe with you Kix. I trust you"

Kix stood and handed her clothes to her,

"I'm honored Commander" he said, offering his hand to help her off the bed. When she'd hopped down, he stripped the sheet in one easy, practiced movement and bundled it into the laundry chute. Turning, he found Ahsoka fastening her boots. He stooped to help her as the obvious stiffness in her right side hindered her movement. Securing the last strap around her ankle, he stayed on one knee before her, tapping his data pad,

"Right, some bacta gel, mild painkillers, glucosamine and immuno-support supplements, some of our 'special pills' and another round of physio. West is in the dispensary and Rafe will do your physio. Between us we'll have you back on the front lines in no time" he clipped the pad back on his belt and looked up her with a soft smile. Ahsoka bent forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. He was solid and warm, so different from the cold, angular plastoid armor that usually encased the bodies of the clones, yet so familiar.

"Thank you" she whispered. Kix returned the embrace,

"No thanks necessary but anytime you need me Ahsoka, I'm here"

She squeezed him,

"I know. Can I count on you to keep this between us?"

Kix pulled back slightly so her could look her in the eye and feigned hurt, seemingly appalled that she'd even thought it necessary to ask the question. His expression was tempered by the good humor and kindness that glimmered in his eyes.

"Of course, Commander" he winked, "Patient, doctor confidentiality"