To Realize Too Late

Loss

Rex lay on his back in the snow, mind fogged with pain and delusions. He was vaguely aware of his hand clasped to his stomach, finding it hard to believe that, this time, may be the end.

Explosions, screaming and shouting filled the bitterly cold air as Rex lay silently, struggling to stay conscious.

A blaster bolt had found it's way to his abdomen, leaving him helpless in the snow, blood draining to mingle with the white powder.

He was dying. Of this he was sure, and with that acceptance, came the memories...

*Memory*

She stood there, hand on her hips in a defiant stance. She was angry, and Rex tried not to laugh at her feeble attempt to make her small form seem intimidating to General Skywalker.

"I am very capable to go with you!" She announced, arms crossed over her chest.

Anakin sighed. "Ahsoka, you know that I would like you to come, but it has been decided that-"

Ahsoka's crossed arms tightened, her big, blue eyes glaring up at her master. "Well too bad, Skyguy. I'm coming." She declared firmly, lips pulled into a straight line.

Anakin sighed, looking down at his Togrutan Padawan, then to glare at Rex who was attempting to stifle a laugh with his fist.

"Fine, Snips, you may accompany Rex and his squad." Anakin decided slowly, grinning at the clone captain.

"What?! But sure, I am perfectly capable of-"

"Yes, I know you are Rex, but Ahsoka needs someone to watch out for her." Anakin looked steadily at Rex. "Where there may also be less danger than if she went with me."

Rex grinned at the Togrutan, sure that Anakin had helped him score a point over her, but the young Padawan's mind was like a whip, making her quick on the comeback.

"Don't worry, Master. I'll keep Rex out of trouble." She smiled at Rex, whose mouth hung open in his helmet as his men snickered behind him.

"I'm sure you will, Ahsoka." Anakin smiled slightly, and Rex thought he was enjoying it.

"Besides." Ahsoka looked at Rex, face straight. "Rex has proven before that he needs some careful watching."

Rex reddened. That had been a mistake! And he had been an immature shiny. How did she know that? It must have been... Rex glared at Anakin, who just looked at him. Annoyed, Rex turned around and glared at his men, whose snickers had turned into a roar.

Seeing their captain turn, they were quick to stifle their laughter.

Ahsoka had save his life on that mission.

*Memory Ends*

Rex opened his eyes. Kix, the 501st medic, was next to him now, asking questions that he couldn't hear over the ringing in his ears.

Kix slowly and carefully removed Rex's helmet, but his voice sounded like distant static.

"Stay with me, Captain." Kix's voice penetrated the darkness as the medic fiddled with a bacta patch.

"Kix." Rex coughed, the sudden tightening of his stomach muscles causing pain to rip through his body. "Kix..." He whispered again.

Kix looked at him. "I'm right here, sir." He answered, finally tearing open the bacta pack.

*Memory Begins*

Rex stood in the LAAT/i gunship, holding onto the strap above his head.