Please be aware that parts of this chapter may be deemed M rated

Fifty Six

Rex held her hand the entire way back to the apartment. Onlookers noticed the clone and the woman, their stares oblivious to the young lovers.

"You're nervous?" he asked innocently as they rounded the corner to her accommodation.

"Me? No! Why?"

"Your hand is all sweaty," he smiled in return.

Gem quickly let go and wiped her hand down the front of her clothes. "Don't be ridiculous."

She fumbled with the data pad, pressing the combination all wrong when she felt his steadying hand over hers.

"Allow me," he stepped forward, his breath hot against her neck, sending every hair on edge.

He was right.

He knew her better than she thought.

She was nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time. The door slid behind them and Rex swung her around once again, but this time, he let his lips do all the talking.

Gem was on fire. They had parted under difficult circumstances and it had been weeks since she had seen him. In that time she had worked through the early stages of the pregnancy alone, and had more importantly, mentally worked through breaking the news of his child over and over in her mind.

Time and again she had thought of how to say the words.

Like; 'Darling, guess what? We're going to have a baby,' all happy and jovial.

No, that wouldn't do.

How about serious, and with a low seductive voice; 'Congratulations Captain, you're going to be a father.'

Shaking her head she thought of another way.

'Listen Rex, I'm knocked up and you're the guy who did it,' hands on hips and playful.

Or, 'Rex, you'll be glad to know your deece shoots live ammo.'

Great, she thought.

Just great.

"You'll know when to tell him," Olphina had offered, and she knew what she was saying was right. Sooner rather than later she thought. Sooner rather than later. Just not now.

It was time for action, not words.

The barrage on her mouth was intense. Gem could hardly breathe. Fighting against one another they stepped and stumbled towards the bedroom.

Reluctantly he let her go, "I need to get this armour off before I do myself an injury."

Pulling her along with him, they frantically undressed, Gem a little self conscious of her stomach, tried to hide the slight swelling by sucking in her waist hard. She needn't have bothered, he didn't notice. He ripped off his bodysuit which was systematically followed by his black shorts. She had little time to inspect his eager body as she went spiraling into the refresher, her back feeling the cold of the porcelain tiles.

"Mmmm," he mumbled into her ear as hitched her up slightly for leverage. She quickly placed her foot on the shower rest for support. His left hand trailing her flank, searching, exploring, rediscovering.

Gem closed her eyes, it felt so good, just having him there, the proximity of his body sending chemical surges through her entire being. She couldn't move, she was totally immobile to his touch. He continued to kiss her longingly. She opened her eyes and took in his body, his dark shoulders moving slowly, deliberately, his head angled and hand concentrated solely on pleasing her. She could feel a smile begin to creep across his mouth as he continued massaging the area in desperate need of release.

Gem took in a deep breath, releasing it slowly as his fingers began to move with more purpose. Rex stopped to watch her when she angled her hips back, drawing him out and raising an eyebrow.

"You're like a Zeltron on heat," he rumbled.

"If you're offering?"

Rex carefully let his hand drop, moving his torso forward and grinding himself against her, he asked, "Would you prefer something else?"

"As I said, if you're offeri - arghh,' she cried out as he entered her again and turned his attention towards her throat, she felt the skin underneath his lips burn with heat, her head lolling to the side to allow better access.

"I can't wait Gem," he growled.

"Then don't," she ordered as he pushed her hard into the tiles the water cascading over his shoulders. He quickly reached over and punched the faucet off, the noise and sensation of it hitting his skin an unnecessary distraction. He lifted her arms high above her head and held them there with one. Rex swivelled his hips a few times before she felt the rush. He released her wrists and she encircled his head, both panting and wet.

"Better?"

Breathless he replied, "it's a good start."

#

Gem could tell something was off about him. Rex seemed distant and on edge. Even after a repeat performance in the bed, he still appeared unsettled.

Was now the right time?

"Rex?"

"Mmmm," he said, his eyes closed.

"Want to talk about what happened on Kashyyyk?"

"No."

At least he was honest. She changed tact.

"Did you know I was recently questioned by HQ?"

"What about?" His eyes popped open, momentarily startling her.

"Udessi. They were concerned over some doctors inquiries over a set of artificial legs."

He smiled at her use of Mando'a. "Legs?" He immediately looked relieved and laughed.

"Yes, don't you think that's strange?"

"What I do think, is that I don't want, or need any complications for approximately," he strained to look over at the chrono, "seven hours." He flopped back down on the pillow, turning to face her, he raised an eyebrow.

"Hey? How's your Mando'a coming along?"

"About the same as your Oriian," she replied cheekily.

"They speak Basic on Oriis!"

She giggled as he lowered himself over her. "Let's see how hard you've been studying."

"Kiss."

"Yes please," again to another set of giggles.

"Gem," his voice deepened and a mock serious look crossed his face. She liked seeing him like this, happy, youthful, even if it was fleeting.

She cleared her throat, "Mureyca."

She obviously did well as he leaned forward and kissed her passionately. She was immediately disappointed when he stopped and continued her lesson.

"Neck."

"Videk."

He ran his nose along her clavicle as her hands moved up to rest on his shoulders.

"Chest."

Rex slowly began kissing her decolletage, his new mission her heaving bosom. She was lost in the passion. Gem's heart began to beat fast. He moved his mouth over a breast, taking the nipple between his soft lips and began sucking gently. Gem breathed out and replied, "Hallur."

Still attached, he scoffed and muffled, "uh-uh," giving his head a quick shake, releasing the skin with a loud smack.

"Rex!"

"HAA-lur," he corrected her, and quickly resumed his lesson.

Down her chest to her abdomen. Gem held her breath as he continued to move his lips over their hidden secret.

"Fek," she muttered.

He stopped and looked up. She glanced down to see him hovering just above her naval. "Belly?" His hand following his mouth, cradling and caressing her.

She swallowed hard, "yai."

His voice became deep, she could now hear him breathing slowly.

"Wet."

The blood was pulsing through her ears, pumping loud and hard throughout her entire body.

"Piryc," she whispered back.

Rex crawled up her body like a cat, his sinuous muscles flexing as he positioned himself perfectly between her legs.

"Jate Cyar'ika. Now, let's see how you do practically."

"I wasn't aware this was a Mandolorian test as well."

"Oh, but," he said sliding in and out deliciously slow, "this, is the most important part for us Mando'ade."

"I was under the impression that you were men of action, not words."

He pushed into her again, twisting his hips provocatively.

"Me'copaani?"

She had to think quickly, searching his eyes, as he moved again slightly, his jaw set with absolute control.

"Gar."

Rex looked at her, his eyes softening. "You have me, for as long as you want."

"Darasuum?"

"Elek," he replied, "forever."

#

"Where you going ner vod?"

Hardcase stopped dead in his tracks.

Jesse turned slowly in his bunk to see Hardcase dressed in his fatigues.

It was twenty one fifty.

"Shh Jess, go back to sleep."

"Are you heading out?"

"Go back to sleep, ner vod, I'll be back soon."

"Who you got covering?"

It was what they did.

They would wait until the late bed check then get another brother to cover them if they snuck out. The decoy brother would hop into their bed for the next night round by the duty officer, then head back to their own bunk to do the same. It was tricky, but they managed it more often than not.

The soldiers were nothing but industrious.

If there was a way around something, they would find it. They were 'Jango' after all.

"Chopper."

Jesse looked over and saw the similar bald head where Hardcase's would normally be and an arm raised in attendance.

"Where you going? Want company?"

"Out, and no," he said, getting more impatient.

"Leave him be will you Jess." It was Kix, his head hanging down from the top bunk.

"I just want to know that's all."

"Hey. Enough with the chit chat, I'm here to sleep NOT to get involved in a domestic." Chopper sounded annoyed.

"Lock it up Jess, OK? I'll be back soon. Don't worry," Hardcase said smiling.

He knew where he was going and tonight, he needed no company.

#