Part the Tide | Captain Rex (BOOK 2 of the CHANGING WAVES series)

41 | Now What?

21 BBY, Month 09

Rex and Joseta sat at the dashboard of the ship, arm to arm in their seats as they watched the blue streaks outside the window. Rex couldn't even focus on the beauty outside when there was a beauty ten times as great beside him. He glanced her way, eyeing her from the side. The slight down-curve of her nose, the deep brown eyes, her messy hair that was growing out from her bob—she was breathtaking. And then the small smile of awe planted on her face showcased her youthful look on life even after going through so much pain.

Rex slowly moved his hand until their pinkies brushed. Without hesitation, Joseta linked her pinky in his, shooting him a small smile as blush dusted her cheeks. He was so overwhelmed with happiness that they had crossed over into deeper territory in their relationship. But it was also daunting. Rex didn't want to hurt her or make it hard with long distance but they would have to with the different missions they would go on. And the last thing he wanted to do was lead her on. He really liked her, but he wasn't sure what would come from the relationship. His mind was either on this war in which he was created for and the woman in which he lived for.

"I don't want this moment to end," came her voice, softer than it had been in a while. It was edged with tightness. Was she sad? He looked at her, the tears brimming her eyes confirming his thoughts.

He slipped his hand into hers, squeezing it for comfort. "This moment may end, but this journey has just begun."

She gave him a soft smile, though her lips trembled slightly. "I am trying to be brave, but I am failing miserably."

"We will face this head on, though let's take our time," Rex said, running his thumb over hers. "We both have a long trek ahead of us."

Joseta nodded, scrunching her lip. "Yeah."

Silence settled in the cockpit. "What missions do you have?" Rex asked finally.

"After my team delivers the package to Rylann?" Joseta shrugged. "No clue, Captain. Maybe I'll get back to the lab again." She paused, Rex noting her eyes saddening. "I wouldn't mind taking a break from the field."

Rex nodded. "Whatever you need to do, I am sure General Tetra will understand."

"Perks of being friends with a Jedi general."

There was a hint of a smile on Joseta's lips which made Rex break into a grin. His face heated when he remembered he had kissed those very lips.

There was a call incoming on the dash. Joseta sighed, removing her hand from his grasp to answer it. It was Crest. Rex's gut boiled in jealousy. Crest was a guy who was going to spend time with Josie on missions. That didn't sit right with him.

The call ended and Rex realized in his frustration he hadn't even listened to the call. "What was that about?"

Joseta raised a brow. "I've been called to Kamino for an emergency. A Bad Batch one or something." She clenched her jaw. "It's bad enough that Rylann is getting off of leave to come."

"That can't be good."

Joseta was quiet for a moment before she bit her lip. "Where are you going?"

"Saleucami next," he said, taking a deep breath as if mentally preparing himself for battle now.

She slumped back into the chair. "So, we will have to separate again."

He nodded, grasping her hand again. "Unfortunately."

"I have a feeling we'll be okay, though," Joseta whispered, giving his hand a squeeze.

"How do you feel about Crest?" he asked. He tried to meet her gaze but she wouldn't meet it. "Jos ..."

"I—uh," she said, and paused, pursing her lips. She turned to meet his gaze finally. "Do you think that he is competition?"

Rex flushed, clearing his throat. "The thought had crossed my mind. Same with Hunter."

Joseta blinked. "Hunter?" She pursed her lips. "I won't lie and say I was oblivious to Hunter and how he treated me, but it was never reciprocated." She grasped his hand within both of hers, holding back a smile. "Crest on the other hand is not someone you need to worry about. He is like a brother to me." She patted his hand. "And to you."

Rex furrowed his brows. Now he was confused. "I don't understand."

"Crest is Giggles," Joseta said, pursing her lips, brows raising.

He blinked for a moment, wrapping his mind around the words. Giggles? Giggles was dead wasn't he? He quirked his head, shooting her a look. "How—"

"Kaminoans wanted him dead for some reason," Joseta said, a frown turning her lips downward. "Even after I successfully stabilized him."

"Have you found out why they wanted to?"

She shook her head. "I've been so busy that I haven't had time."

Rex's brows furrowed. "But wow. Giggs is alive. And I was jealous of him."

Joseta blushed. "It's hard to believe that you were jealous."

"Very." He chuckled. "I didn't realize at first, but I definitely was." He reached out and brushed a strand of her hair behind her ears. "It doesn't surprise me. You are beautiful, kind, fun, and an all around amazing person to be around."

She leaned into his touch, offering him a smile. "I don't ever know what to say to compliments."

"You don't have to," he said, leaning across the chair to plant a quick kiss on her lips. He pulled away, chuckling at her red face. "But a 'thank you' is often good enough."

"Thank you," she whispered, drawing her hand up to caress his. "I am very lucky to have someone like you in my life. You are so generous with your time and self."

She leaned forward, nose brushing against his. But before she could kiss him, she lost her seating on the chair, slipping down to the floor with a tumble. "Dartlebriffgal."

Rex burst into laughter, holding his sides as they started to twinge.

Joseta jumped to her feet, brushing herself off. Her face was more red than the Coruscant Guard as she sat herself in the chair in silence.

"Eight times," Rex managed to say as he wiped the growing tears in his eyes. Her head snapped in his direction. "You can leave the eighth tally on your helmet."

She blushed a deeper red if that was even possible and stood up. "I—uh ... I think I want to take a nap before we get there."

"Does falling asleep count as nine?"

She spun his chair around, her lips pursed and she looked a bit upset. Rex jumped to his feet, hoping that his teasing hadn't gone too far.

"I'm sorry, Jos," he said, but her hand grasped his arm, yanking him down.

Their noses touched again like a habit, her eyes boring into his. She used her free hand to pull his face down to meet her lips. He leaned down to kiss her back, but she pulled away. "Do you need tallies for every time you fall for me, Captain Rizz?"

Rex blushed, watching her as she retreated to the bunkroom. It would be impossible to tally the times he had fallen for her. There were too many times to count.