Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

‘Running low on everything kind of puts a dampener on the will to fight and survive.’

Somewhere out in space. 



Cody could not really tell where as the nav computer had died two days ago and the long range communications having been hit by the blast which had rendered his ship incapacitated. Cody still wasn’t sure as to what had hit him. A blaster shot or natural phenomena? The only thing he was sure of he was adrift and nothing was pretty much working on the ship.



Cody was at the end of his rope. The time spent in the dark vacuum of space only by himself. The resources quickly fading to non existing. But the lack of everything wasn’t the real problem. Not really. It was the fact that Cody, was alone. Clones were not meant to be solitary.



Even during his imperial time, Cody had sought the company of his fellow clones just for the camaraderie if nothing else. Being there for each other even if in total silence. And no chip had managed to take that instinct away from them. Well, most of them.

“This is the twenty-third rotation accordion to my… chronometer….” Cody was taking a shallow breath as the air was running low with the rest of the resources. “I am almost out of food, the rations a few left only. The air is pretty thin right now and having trouble breathing.” Cody took another breath. “I have rationed water…” Cody swallowed hard. “But, there is not a lot left.”

Cody was keeping a record of the days passing. Of everything happening to him since day one having started the routine mostly to keep himself sane. But also in the hopes that someone would find the ship after he was gone. Perhaps deliver the data to his kin. To Rex. Because Cody did not want Rex to think he had simply disappeared from the galaxy without a word.

“I am only hoping this message will be found and delivered to the coordinates attached to the recording.” Cody felt the thin air making him drowsy. Having tried to sleep mostly or meditate at least to conserve the air and resources.

Cody checked the still functioning systems. Having shut down those still working to save energy. Except life-support. The automated distress signal was still on, thankfully. The beacon especially designed for each clone sending the signal on a low level secure frequency. Cody could only hope it was strong enough for the clones on Rex’s base to pick up.

Cody’s breathing was getting worse now and so feeling himself at the verge of passing out of all the talking Cody decided on one final message.

“Rex, know that I love you. And I am so sorry I could not keep my promise to you.”

With those final words, Cody fell into a deep unconsciousness close to a comatose state.

*

Rex was out of wits end. It had been three weeks since Cody left on the round trip after his mission of sorts. But there was no word from him other than the last message sent to the clone base stating he was leaving Tatooine. Having found what he was looking for. His former General.

But it should have taken no more than five rotations to get back. Especially knowing Cody most likely pushing the engines to the max. But there was no word, not a peep after that. And no Cody.

“Anything?” Rex was in the communications tower of the base half harassing the officers on duty while pacing around the general area.

“No Sir. Sorry, but there is nothing. No news.” Clip, the clone on duty told Rex. “We are in the process of boosting the scanners though.”

“Is that even possible with our current equipment?” This was the first Rex had heard of it. Well, not the plan but the implementation. As clearly the comms troopers had decided on doing it now.

“Well, we got some tech from our last heist of the imperial base but it needs to be adjusted to our existing ones.” Clip reminded Rex. As the base being of an older make and so with the brand new imperial tech it was difficult but not impossible but still needed to be adjusted to a level fitting the older technology.

Rex seemed to consider this for a moment. “Do whatever you can and keep me posted.” Rex patted the two men on duty only too glad to have such apt and quick thinking people working with him as he left the tower. Something he himself had not even remembered being so worried of Cody all this time.

*

“We have something Sir!” The comms channel having beeped into life just as Rex had finally dozed off after having meetings with his senior staff and then tossing and turning in bed while worrying about Cody.

“I’ll be right there!” Rex was up and about within a flash running through the corridors of the base to see if they had finally found their lost lamb.

Chapter Text

‘Lovers lost and found, the emotions so totally loud, one could shout out how good it all feels to have them back!’

“Cody, you need to rest!” Rex was adamant as the trip had taken a toll on the man. “You are not well yet!” It was like taking to a petulant child in Rex’s opinion.

Cody being the worst patient ever was trying to debate with the medics whether he was fit enough to be discharged from the med bay or not.

“I’m fine Rex. Tell ‘em I’m good to go! Please!” Cody was adamant though having had enough of sickbays to last him a life time. As this wasn’t his first round there either.

“For karks sake Cody! You were comatose when we found you in that ship. Malnourished, dehydrated… you need the rest and let all the nutrients get into your system to get well again.”

Cody simply glared at Rex for a moment there. Clearly, there was no arguing against Nurse Rex. Something of a nickname caught on since Cody’s last stint ending up in a similar situation. So the only other option then? To yield. Cody let out a soft laugh and offered his hand to Rex.

Taking it gingerly Cody reeled Rex onto the med bed he was still lying on despite his slight tantrum of wanting to make a haste exit from the place.

“Guess there is really no arguing against you is there?” Cody held Rex’s hand in his still with Rex softly stroking Cody’s.

“No, no arguments whatsoever. You my dear, will rest. And that. Is an order.” Rex had his best command face on, not that it had ever convinced Cody before…

Rex had finally calmed down of his worry after coming to the med bay for another visit only to find Cody in a state of frustration and fighting those who would take care of him. Then again, Rex had never been a good patient either. He was smiling too as clearly Cody was getting much better. Healing from his ordeal and certain brush with death. Again.

“I just hope this won’t become some habit of yours. Ending up here after whatever mission you venture out on.” Rex had a hint of a smirk there as he kind of warned Cody in the same sentiment. Even if Rex did not mind taking care of Cody and playing nurse for the man.

“Well, if I can get a nurse like you coming in here to take care of me and perhaps even give me a sponge bath? Then count me in!” Yeah, Cody was definitely getting all better and Rex could not help to feel relieved of it. And let a crooked smirk emerge.

“You know you almost gave me a heart attack for the umpteenth time!” Rex was serious again because Cody had been rather reckless lately. “I was so worried about you when you left without one single warning. Only to find that message and then later that you were on your way back…” Rex felt choked again as the past four weeks had been murder for Rex. Having lost the one thing he had finally gotten back.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Cody reached for Rex’s face, wiping the errant tear running down his cheek. “I am back now.” Cody wasn’t really assuring Rex with the comment but he was back. For good. “And unless you throw me out of an airlock, I will stay here with you.”

Rex looked at Cody. Really looked at Cody.

“You are sure?” Rex’s voice had a slight tremble present just then. “I mean, no more missions to find lost Jedi Generals?” Of course he was trying to make a rather poor joke of it. But, Cody had hardly warned Rex about what his mission was about. And besides Rex could not really blame him either. Knowing where his own General was. Something Rex really did not want to think about.

“No, this was the last one.” Cody chuckled.

“Good. Then I am happy. You my dear, make me happy.” It wasn’t the first time Rex had admitted as much. But he was sure it would not be the last time either. Being frustrated over Cody’s actions was one thing. But Rex loved the man and that was all that mattered. That and getting Cody up to par of course.

“So, you wanna play nurse then?” Cody was so getting better!

Chapter Text

‘Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?’

Cody was back in action once again. Running ops and missions. Planning the rescues and hit and run ops with Rex and the rest of the commanding officers. It was like the good old times except this time around the clones were doing it for themselves. And wasn’t that just a great thing!

Cody and Rex’s relationship had evolved since Cody joining in the cause. The two now even sharing quarters. The cause was going well. Well, as well as is it could with the Empire pressing back here and there. But the clones were holding their own in the fight. Freeing more and more of their kin each passing day. And helping some others too while out there.

And so, after time passed Cody had made a decision about the future. Their future, his and Rex’s to be more precise.

Having acted rather coy in setting up something and getting Rex all antsy once again with his secretive actions. Only this time it could not be helped. As Cody did not want to spoil the surprise.

*

The setting Rex had walked into was nothing short from those tacky holo dramas Cody loved to watch to get his mind off things. The dim lit room, the candle light, the flowers, the candy and chilled wine…

Cody was on his knees just as quickly as Rex entered the room surprising the man clearly. Rex letting out a gasp in surprise and quickly covering it with his hand. As this was not what he had anticipated at all from Cody’s sneaking around during the past week.

Cody smiled at Rex, taking his hand in his. “Rex.”

“Cody.” Rex’s voice a soft whisper too emotional to even speak properly.

“I know a lot has happened since, well, forever. But I want you to know I would not want to be apart from you ever again.”

Rex swallowed hard. The lump in his throat and the tears in his eyes… for the good reasons though this time around. Rex could only nod and Cody continued with his confession.

“And I have come to a realisation even if… well, that I don’t want to ever again be separated from you.”

Rex blinked the emotions taking him over completely now as he could only stare at Cody, not really sure what was coming next.

“Will you marry me Rexy?”

Rex should really have known better as to what Cody would ask. As having seen the traditional small commitment box in his other hand while holding Rex in the other. The actual words spoken out loud blowing Rex away totally and completely.

“Rex?” Cody was trying to find any sign of distress or objection in Rex’s eyes just then as he was silent for a long while

Then finally. A smile broke and the tears fell. Happy tears.

“Yes, Codes! Of course I will!”