We'll Get Though This Together (A Rexsoka Fanfic)

Doom

"Buzz droids incoming!" Came Tucker's voice over Ahsoka's comm.

Ahsoka internally groaned. Of course there were kriffing buzz droids, the things were relentless and hard to shake off. "We just need to distract them long enough for Skywalker and Kenobi to get to that command ship. Do what you need to hold them off , everyone understand?" There were multiple responses and she nodded. "Okay. Let's get to it."

~

Rex pulled out a few grenades from his belt and was ready to launch them at the three tanks when blue blaster bolts whizzed through the air, and it wasn't from the Wolfpack or Torrent. Clones in green and gray armor with a yellow triangle on the chest came storming in from all directions. It was the 125th, but more specifically, Doom's Unit. A few clones from the Unit rappelled down from some buildings and placed grenades and EMPs along the area of the tanks and droids.

The grenades exploded the tanks and the EMPs disabled the surrounding droids. In a few moments, the tanks and droids where gone, and the final wave won. Rex put the grenades back onto his belt and took off his helmet when he knew for sure it was safe. Commander Doom and the Jedi Generals Tiplar and Tiplee came over to him and Wolffe. Plo Koon arrived, too, but a few minutes after Doom's Unit came.

"Well, how are things here?" Doom asked as he took off his helmet, revealing his gelled, slicked back hair and clean shaven face. Very different compared to Rex, whose hair was more overgrown than usual, same with his scuff, plus he had dried blood that dripped out of his right nostril and went down onto his top lip.

"We're good now. Thanks for the support." Wolffe said and Doom nodded.

Rex swallowed hard at the sight of Doom. Memories of Kamino and their little torture session came back to him. The scar across his chest from the blade Doom had cut him with felt like it was burning into him, making itself known again. It's fine. He's fine. He got it removed. Shab, get a hold of yourself. But the flashbacks kept hitting him. He put his helmet back on to be in the safety and security of it. He furrowed his brow and closed his eyes, trying to make them stop.

Jesse slowly walked over to him and spoke within the private internal helmet comm. "Are you okay, sir?" He asked.

Rex sighed. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"Because they just left and are over there doing a sitrep and your not part of it. Is it Commander Doom?"

"No. It's nothing. Just got distracted, that's all."

Rex felt bad for lying because Jesse was there on Kamino and knew about the whole situation. He reluctantly walked over to the commanders and took off his helmet again.

"...we did. Nice of you to join, Rex." Wolffe said.

"Eh, sorry. I was—" Rex paused for a moment, "—on a call." He was on a roll with the lies at this point.

"Anything we need to know?"

"No."

About halfway through the sitrep was when Rex and Doom made eye contact for the first time since Kamino. It was very brief, but that was all it took. The flashbacks flooded him again and the fear, adrenaline, and pain came back. Everything in his body screamed at him to run and hide, but he couldn't. He had to stay put and not make a fool of himself for randomly running off. He was fighting his own battle in his head, and he was losing.

"I... have to go." He said, and he immediately turned around and speed walked away. Wolffe rose an eyebrow and watched as Rex went into a small alleyway. Since Wolffe had no idea of what happened between Doom and Rex, he was very confused.

In the secluded alley, Rex grunted as he chucked his helmet at a wall in front of him and it ricocheted. He put the base of his hands to his forehead and exhaled slowly. He dropped his hands down and pressed his back against a wall. He slowly slid down and he hugged his knees to his chest. He clenched his jaw so hard it made his head hurt, but it could've been from the time he face planted into his helmet. Get a grip, he told himself. He'd usually have Ahsoka or Cody to help through hard times, but now he had himself and his alarming thoughts. Breathe... just breathe... But everything in his mind screamed that Doom was dangerous and that he was out to get him. Rex slapped that thought down before it turned into something worse. Don't. You have a job to do. Now go out and do it. Easier said than done.

Rex could hear footsteps approaching and his heart rate increased. The steps got closer and closer and more distinct. He didn't recognize the walking pace, so it could be anyone. But it wasn't just anyone. It was Plo Koon. Plo calmly walked over to Rex and got down on one knee. "What's wrong, son?"

Rex didn't know what to say. He didn't know if he could say it. He was afraid of opening up. He stared at his feet and simply shrugged. He felt a hand go on his shoulder and he swallowed hard.

"Did something happen?" Plo asked.

Rex blinked a few times before subtly nodding and he forced himself to find his voice. "A while back." He said softly.

"I saw the way you looked at Commander Doom. I'm assuming it deals with him?" Rex nodded. "Whatever the situation was, he's still guilty about it, believe me. You can take all the time you need, but remember that this is still a war zone and we need you. We're almost done here, a few more areas left. The Separatist command ship is being destroyed as we speak. It'll be over soon and then we can wor—" he was cut off.

A voice, a clone's but they didn't know which one, cried out, "INCOMING!" just before a loud explosion sounded through and the sound of dirt and rumble pelting down.

Plo stood up, grabbed his lightsaber, and held out his hand. Rex stayed put for a second before he grabbed his helmet and took the outstretched hand. Plo hauled the clone to his feet saying, "K'oyacyi, Rex."

Rex nodded, rammed on his helmet, and took out his Deeces as they both ran around the corner and back onto the battlefield. Engines roared from above and Rex thought it was Seps, but it was some Republic bombers. An air strike team. Up ahead was where the explosion had come from. More Armored Assault Tanks appeared from the buildings and B-1 battle droids and SBDs were there too. In his helmet comm, Rex heard, "Admiral Trench had been killed, the command ship destroyed. We need you all to clear out so we can drop the bombs." All the clones and Jedi started to to turn back die cover. "But don't worry, the bombs are just big enough to do their job, so it won't be overkill. Oddball, out."

Everybody took cover as the bombs dropped and explosions rocked the earth. Their helmet cut out the loud noise, and Rex felt back for the Jedi who had to deal with the ear-splitting rattles and booms.

A while later, Oddball's voice cut in again. "All clear. We'll finish up here on Corrie, you go grab a larty and head back to the cruisers for some much needed rest. Take care vode."

Fives chuckled. "Good old Oddball, eh?"

"Yeah, we owe him one." Echo said.

"We owe him a lot more than one."  Jesse commented.

Rex tapped into Wolffe and Doom's comm. "Sorry for... rushing off like that."

"It's fine." Wolffe said. "You carry the whole five-oh-first on your back, you're bound to break from stress alone. No need to apologize."

"If anything." Started Doom. "I should be the one to say 'sorry.' And I am, Rex. Truly. I still think about it almost everyday and it doesn't get easier."

Rex sighed. "I accept your apology. But it's in the past now and I guess that's what matters."

"Well, it makes me feel better knowing you don't hold a grudge."

"No. I don't... and I'm not entirely sure when, but I'll recover."

"I'm assuming I'm missing something important?" Wolffe asked.

"You are. But we'll save that for another time. Right now, let's get a larty and spend five hours in the 'fresher and leave the rest to the bombers."

"That's the best plan I've heard all day."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Doom asked. "Come on."