That Familiar, Yet Unfamiliar Feeling - Part 7

Came across another debate about the "inhibitor chips vs. no chips" storyline for the clones. Saw the usual complaint that the inhibitor chips are a cop out to absolve the clones of any responsibility for their actions.

Thing is...

For a long time, practically none of the clones knew their actions during Order 66 were influenced by programming via implanted brain chips. Omega was the first clone who for sure knew the chips were even a thing; Tech figured it out and Rex finally understood and fully accepted Fives' claims during Order 66; the rest of Clone Force 99 eventually accepts the truth; and I'm sure Rex got through to the clones who became part of his network.

But that's a tiny fraction of the clones who make up the GAR. (We find out over a decade later in Rebels that apparently the story of the inhibitor chips had circulated, but we don't know to what extent the story spread or if it was ever validated to the general public as more than a rumor.)

So, during Order 66 and for years thereafter, the clones thought they were acting of their own accord.

We never see the clones using the chips as an excuse for their behavior, likely because most of the clones don't even know about them.

And frankly, I find it even more tragic that these loyal, honorable men thought they had freely chosen to turn on the Jedi and others who had been their allies, genuinely thought they were stopping a Jedi coup, when they really didn't have much of a choice at all, not even the option to stop and think about what they were doing before they did it.

And even those clones who DO know what's going on are too horrified by their behavior to even entertain the notion of excusing themselves.

Just look at Rex's face when he's about to shoot Ahsoka. He's conflicted, he's terrified. Rex later talks about the chip and tells the Bad Batch it's not something they can control if it activates; but even then he's sharing that to convince them to choose to remove the chips, not to give them an excuse for their behavior.

And can any of us mistake Wrecker's shame over his actions while the inhibitor chip was activated as him justifying himself? He describes what it felt like, and we know as well as he does that he literally had no control over himself, yet he still apologizes for what he did.

AND THEN we have Crosshair, Mr. "Does it really matter when I got my chip removed?" -

Crosshair knows about the chip, knows what it was supposed to do, had it removed, and still insists that he was in full control of himself and his decisions all along. Even later, when he admits to making mistakes and having regrets, he never blames the inhibitor chip for his actions.

Basically - I have no issue whatsoever with the inhibitor chip plotline. I actually prefer it. Not even taking into account the fact that it makes a ton of sense that Palpatine wouldn't leave anything regarding something as pivotal to his plans as Order 66 up to chance, the inhibitor chips add another layer of tragedy and complexity to the clones in that while we the audience know they have more of their autonomy stripped away from them, as far as the clones are aware the chips don't even exist and they are in full control of their own actions; and the clones who DO know about the chips tend to acknowledge their effects while still not using them to justify their behavior or refuse any responsibility.

CHAT HEAR ME OUT FOR A MOMENT PLEASE 🤭

These are fun! Please feel free to send me asks about Crosslo (Crosshair/Arlo) 💚

Who fell first? Who fell harder?

Who is the one who fusses the most? Does their S/O mind very much?

What is their love language?

Has either OC ever gotten a hickey off the other? What was their reaction?

What is something they like to do together?

Who would ask the "would you love me if I were a worm?" question? How would their S/O answer?

Who likes forehead kisses? Who likes hand kisses? Who likes neck kisses?

Who is the big spoon? Little spoon?

If there wasnt enough seats, how would they sit? One on the other's lap? One on the armrest? One on the floor in front of them?

Who plays with whose hair?

Who is clingy?

What is something their S/O does that makes them flustered?

What is something they find hot about their S/O?

What is something they argue about constantly? Is it a deep-seated issue or something small?

How do they comfort one another when the other is upset?

Who is the better caretaker? Does their S/O like being taken care of?

Who steals whose clothes? Does their significant other mind?

They've had a major blowout. How do they handle it?

How good are they are communication?

Who handles the spiders? Who screams directions in the background?

Who typically tends to initiate intimacy first (this can be a conversation, action or anything)?

What is something - either character - doesn't like about the other?

Who said "I love you" first?

Who kissed who first?

Do they have any pet names for one another?

Who gets jealous most often? How does their S/O deal with that?

Who tends to drive on long journeys? Who navigates?

Do they trust one another? Are comfortable discussing their fears with one another?

What's an insecurity they hold about their relationship?

Describe how one character would cheer the other up after a hard day.

How would they describe one another.

Can they communicate private thoughts whilst in company? If so, how?

Which one of them gives "that look" when they other is acting like a fool?

How do they address a problem in their relationship?

How does each significant other view any exes and former relationships?

What is something that would break their hearts?

Who is more likely to avenge their S/O if they were hurt or killed?

What would be their ideal evening in?

Do they dance? If so, who's better?

What is a song that reminds you of the OCs' relationship?

Who sings to the other? Are they any good?

Who teases who? What about?

Who gets up early? Who stays in bed late?

Who's more likely to bring the other coffee or breakfast in bed?

What's the worst thing the other can say to one?

If they were ever in a life or death situation, who risks their life?

If it ever came down to it, who is turning to the darkside to save the other?

If they ever had less that 5 mins to tell their S/O something before never seeing them again, what would they say?

Is there a word or gesture that makes either of them melt?

Who's the romantic?

Are there any characters who ship them?

Who cooks? Who does the dishes?

Who eats healthier? Who's got the sweet-tooth?

What's something that they don't really care for but tolerate because S/O has an interest?

Who spoils who? Does their S/O tolerate it? Do they secretly enjoy it?

Who tends to be the level-headed one? Who is feral?

Who reminds the other to wear a coat when it's cold out?

Do they hold hands?

Is there a spot they tend to kiss or caress habitual?

Are they willing to show PDA? If not, is there a reason?

How would they describe their S/O in one word?

How would outside characters describe their relationship?

How would they describe one another in bed?

Would they ever answer the above question if it was asked to their face? How would they react?

Who tends to take the lead in intimate encounters?

Have they ever been caught in the act? What would be their reaction if they were?

Have they ever done it anywhere questionable?

Who is more vocal? Who is more experienced?

If they were to go shopping, who holds the bags? Who decides where they go?

If they went out to dinner, who is paying? Would there even be a discussion?

If someone were to insult their S/O, how would the other handle it?

If someone flirted with or showed an interest in their S/O, how would the other react?

Who knows the other better? Why is this?

Who's more likely to bail who out of jail? Would they give the other one shit for it?

Which - if any - other famous ship's vibes do they emulate?

Are they soulmates? Do they believe in that?

What is something they would never forgive the other one for doing/saying?

Who has memorised the other's medical history?

Also, are they each other's first contact in an accident?

What tropes could be applied to this relationship?

Did they have a meet cute? Or was it a train wreck?

Make their relationship into a list of A03 tags.

Who gets frustrated more easily? Who does the other calm them down?

Have they ever almost lost one another? How does it effect their relationship?

Their S/O is tipsy. How do they handle it?

Who gives the best gifts? Who gives the more thoughtful? Who goes for expensive?

If they ever lost one another in a public place, how do they find the other?

What's the darkest secret they have ever told one another?

Would they ever consider marriage?

Would they ever consider starting a family?

Who likes kids more? Who can't stand them?

There's a puddle in one's way. What does their S/O do?

One has hurt their leg on a hike. How does their S/O carry them?

Their pet has caused destruction. Who puts the pet in jail? Who defends the pet?

Who gives flowers to their S/O? What sort of flowers do they like?

Who reads the newspaper? Who wants to see the cartoons?

How do they wake their S/O up? Is it difficult to rouse them?

Who would burn the world down for who?

Who gives off "they said no pickles" energy?

Make a meme of this ship.

You can ask me about: Nikolai/Misha, Alekks/Erika, Katya/Marina, Hadrien/Art

Wow this was so fortuitous that I saw this post today because I just got the same comment on my most recent longfic from that exact ao3 user!

I was sooooo excited that someone wanted to make fan art for my fic and truly had no reason to believe it was a scam until I saw this.

Thank you guys so much for this PSA, literally saved my butt (and my wallet) 💕

I wouldn’t consider myself a particularly gullible person but I agree with what’s been said above. This is a very innocuous scam in that it truly just seems like someone interested in creating fan art for your fic, which is a dream if it were to happen for real.

Thank you all again for this PSA. Thrusting it out a little farther into the universe to hopefully help some more people too 💕

AO3 / ff.net + Artstation 'concept artist' scam

FYI, I personally know two people who got scam comments from the same AO3 account today alone. They were very similar to the ff.net comments in this reddit post, and go something like:

As a concept artist, I really enjoyed your story! The characters were compelling, and the plot kept me engaged from start to finish. Your writing has so much depth, and I could really envision the world you’ve created. While reading, I got some ideas for potential artwork to bring your characters or key scenes to life. I’d love to chat more about a possible collaboration if you’re interested

The main difference between this and a previous wave of similar comments is that this is from a logged-in account as opposed to a guest.

I can't send a support ticket because I haven't gotten any comments from this particular account. Obviously, AO3 volunteers don't need to be flooded with more support tickets right now, anyway, and I'm sure other people have already reported this user. But do yourself a favor and just block Evelynaddison92 on AO3 like I'm about to. The account is 100% a scammer, and there are certainly more accounts like this on AO3, but that's the only one I know of atm.

That Familiar, Yet Unfamiliar Feeling - Part 1 & 2

Summary: Lost and adrift after the events of Order 66, Ahsoka and Rex struggle to find their place in this new reality. Both need to deal with the loss in their own way; as they help each other in this shared struggle, their relationship blossoms into something neither expected. As the threat of the Empire grows, can such a tentative, new connection be sustained? Or will they be torn apart by their duty to fight?

This is my first multichapter fic, I'm so excited to share with everyone! Prologue and Chapter 1 are up, and updates will be once a week on Monday or Tuesday. Hope y'all enjoy!

She likes to hug him and he likes to look at her.

For the kiss prompts, I would like to request another Fivesoka please! 💙

35. A kiss against a wall

Ah I had so much fun with this prompt and it got loooooooong! Thank you so much for the request. This fic inspired a ton of Fivesoka fix it head canons so I can safely say I WILL be writing more about these two in the future :)

This fic is set during TCW after Ahsoka leaves the order, but she returns sooner than she does in canon because Anakin has called her back... because reasons... This is also a fix-it scenario because well, Fives lives <3

Without further ado, full fic below the cut for some spiciness :)

Reunion

Pairing: Fivesoka

Word count: ~2,800

The halls of the Resolute were still and silent, the night cycle having taken effect several hours ago. Ahsoka felt as though she was a spectre, wandering the halls in search of some solace from the prickling discomfort that had settled into her bones after stepping aboard the vessel.

She did not regret her decision to return to the war effort. When she’d received Anakin’s call, she’d felt the gravity of his words even worlds away. He’d been rather cryptic about why he needed her to return, but she knew it was important.

After she’d arrived, she’d tried to entreat some answers from him to assuage the growing sense of dread in her gut but Anakin had been firm in his stance. All he would reveal was that he planned to tell her tomorrow, when Obi-Wan arrived with his fleet. He told her that his information required 'coordination', and the plan would require a 'precise execution'. He would reveal nothing more.

Ahsoka smiled wryly against the cool trepidation in her heart. She’d never seen Anakin so organized, nor so grim. Whatever was happening must be serious, but she trusted Anakin without question. She would wait until the briefing tomorrow, but that didn’t mean the wait would be an easy one.

She’d intended to retreat to her quarters and meditate before attempting to rest, but her feet had led her away from the officers’ quarters, in search of something else entirely. There was one person whom she’d been unable to reunite with since her return. Sadly, she couldn’t seek him out directly, for it would look rather odd of her to single one clone out over all the others. And a reunion amongst the other troopers was not the same.

Fives had been there, a part of her welcoming committee, so to speak, but they hadn’t said a word to each other. Ahsoka had barely glanced in his direction, and he’d stood at attention as procedure and protocol dictated. Beyond a subtle flare in his Force signature, he’d betrayed nothing, and Ahsoka was grateful for that. Up until now they’d kept their relationship a secret, and she intended for it to remain that way, for the time being.

Passing through another set of blast doors, Ahsoka realized she was indeed in the bowels of the ship now. She’d made her way down to the storage levels, and the hallways were lined with various alcoves, leading off towards other storage rooms housing more supplies. With a sigh, Ahsoka continued her walk, drumming her fingers against her thigh. When she's last been down here it had been for entirely more enjoyable reasons, accompanied by the one who's presence she yearned for now. She smiled at the memory, pretending it didn't color her cheeks with a pleasurable blush.

As she passed the next alcove the Force crackled with warning, and Ahsoka was ready for the hand that shot out of the darkness, intending to catch her unawares. She allowed the assailant to grab her, but twisted away easily at the last second, spinning and catching the attacker across his chest with a glancing blow. Then she pounced on him and shoved him into the wall, with her forearm across his chest to pin him. She made sure to keep her strikes measured though, as she had a good idea who her mystery attacker was.

“Whoa there Commander, take it easy,” Fives’ familiar drawl filled her heart with warmth, and she couldn’t help the way her face broke out into a happy smile. “I just wanted to say hello.”

“Since when does hello require dragging someone into a dark, abandoned hallway?” Ahsoka quipped, leaning into Fives a bit and enjoying the fact that he’d chosen not to wear the top half of his armor for this clandestine meeting. His chest was warm against hers, and his goatee tickled the skin of her arm beneath his chin as he looked down, fixing her with a mischievous smile.

“I had to find some way to get you alone,” Fives rumbled, his smile transforming into a self-satisfied smirk as he obviously caught the way Ahsoka was already looking at his lips. Ahsoka cursed her eagerness but could not deny she was hungry for a kiss. It had been too long. Their separation had been of her own making but still, she missed him dearly.

As Ahsoka leaned in, tilting her head up, Fives bent his head to meet her, but stopped short of pressing their lips together. His breath was warm against her face, and when his bottom lip brushed her top lip it was all Ahsoka could do to prevent herself from grabbing his face and pulling his mouth to hers.

Frustrated, she murmured, “What are you waiting for?”

Fives chuckled and his hands settled around her waist, one slowly travelling up her side to grasp her shoulder. He moved ever so slightly, brushing his lips against the side of her mouth, his thumb tracing her hip bone beneath her battle dress. Ahsoka couldn’t help the soft sigh that escaped her lips, and she relaxed into his touch, practically falling against his chest.

As soon as she relaxed, Fives sprang into action. He grasped her shoulder and shoved her backward, flipping them around so that she was the one pressed into the wall, and he now towered above her. Ahsoka tried half-heartedly to escape, but ended up with her hands pinned as well, one beside her hip, and the other alongside her head. Fives pinned her hips with his, trapping her with the full weight of his body and ensuring every inch of their bodies were pressed together.

“That,” he rasped, grinning triumphantly from ear to ear. “I was waiting for that.”

And then he kissed her. It was passionate and rough and wanting, and Ahsoka couldn’t help the whimper that left her lips as deep desire flared brightly through her lower abdomen. Fives deepened their kisses quickly, swiping his tongue against her bottom lip, to which she gladly parted her lips, meeting his tongue with her own.

His grip on her wrists loosened and Ahsoka pulled her hands free, roaming her hands over his body and exploring every inch of him. She ran her fingers through his hair – shorter than usual, she noted – and over his shoulders to his waist, and then back up his chest. She could feel every muscle through his blacks, and once again basked in the warmth radiating from his body. She was always so cold when she was in space, but she was never cold when she was with Fives.

One of Fives hands gripped her waist tightly, pulling her hips against his as he slipped his knee between her legs, while his other hand worked its way up her body, enjoying her curves as he met them, before tracing the chevrons of her lekku with his fingertips. His lips travelled across her jaw and then down to her neck, kissing and sucking at her skin hungrily.

Ahsoka tried to stop the breathy moan his actions tore from her lips but found she could not, and Fives seemed only to kiss her more vigorously for it. She ran a hand over his head again, wanting to fist her fingers in his hair but was disappointed as she noted again that it was too short to do so. Instead, her hands travelled back down his body, before attempting to slip beneath the bottom of his shirt.

The second her fingers met the skin of his abdomen he grabbed her wrists again, wasting no time in pinning her arms above her head. He stretched his body out over hers, pressing her into the wall and ensuring they were nose to nose. His eyes danced playfully, and he didn’t even bother to fight the grin that split his features so pleasantly.

“Really Ahsoka?” He drawled. “Undressing me in the hallway of all places?”

Ahsoka made an indignant noise. “Do you want me to stop?”

Fives hummed low in his throat and kissed her deeply, rolling his hips against her as he did so. Ahsoka gasped and he pressed his tongue into her mouth again, kissing her for some time before they were both forced to come up for air.

“Of course I don’t,” he mumbled against her lips, and then kissed along her jaw to her lekku as he spoke next. “Though glad to know you care about what I want.”

His words snapped Ahsoka out of the lustful bliss she’d fallen into, and her eyes popped open, brow markings furrowing in confusion.

“What?” she murmured as Fives lavished her right lek with kisses, tracing the pattern of her chevrons with his tongue. “What are you talking about?”

Fives pressed a few more kisses to her shoulder as he murmured, “Didn’t seem to matter what I thought when you left.”

Ahsoka stiffened beneath him, the guilt of her departure settling deep into her gut, like a ball of durasteel chained around her sternum. Seeming to sense the change in her mood Fives pulled back. He released her hands which she dropped to his chest, and he placed his hands on her shoulders, holding her carefully and averting his gaze.

“I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean it like that.” Fives swallowed and then looked her in the eye. His eyes were stormy and sad, and Ahsoka could see the depth of his pain as she stared into the deep brown hues.

“I just wish…” he started before swallowing and stepping towards her, getting as close to her as was possible. “I just wish you’d said goodbye.”

Ahsoka’s heart broke in her chest at the cadence of his voice, so hollow and empty. She cradled his face between her hands, stroking his cheeks sweetly.

“I didn’t want to leave you,” she whispered, searching his face and trying to convey the depth of her contrition. “I’m so sorry, Fives.”

“No, no,” he shook his head and took a deep breath. “I know I’m being petty. I know there was far more to it than just you and I. But I…”

He sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest. “I really care about you, Ahsoka. And when you left without a word... and then I’m left to find out from an announcement from the General, without any contact or explanation.” He shook his head, brow furrowed tightly. “I know you had your reasons but-“

“I hurt you,” Ahsoka said quietly, nodding and caressing his cheek softly. “I know I did. I’m so sorry, truly, Fives.”

Fives nodded. His eyes still held sadness, but he smiled softly at her, reaching up to trace the white markings on her cheeks. Ahsoka smiled back, enjoying the way his fingers skimmed over her skin.

“It’s alright.” Before she could protest, he was shaking his head and speaking again. “Really, Ahsoka. It’s alright. I know there was more to it. Things are not often what they seem.”

His voice faded out and his eyes took on a faraway look as he rubbed his fingers absentmindedly over his right temple. His frown concerned her and Ahsoka looped her arms around his neck, holding him a little tighter. She could feel the muted distress in his Force signature.

“What is it?” she whispered, scratching her fingers over the back of his head gently. Fives dipped his chin and kissed her forehead. He took a deep breath.

“A lot’s changed since you left. The General will tell you more tomorrow.”

Ahsoka raised a brow marking, her curiosity flaring again as it seemed even Fives was privy to Anakin’s cryptic ‘news’.

“So I’ve heard,” Ahsoka said. “But no one seems willing to tell me what’s really going on.”

Fives shuddered in her arms, furthering Ahsoka’s concern. It took a lot to frighten him, and the way he pulled her tightly into his arms and peppered her montrals with desperate kisses had her heart hammering in her chest with worry. Before she’d suspected the news was serious. Now she knew something was wrong.

“Fives-“

“I can’t say more, meshla,” he murmured against her skin, continuing to kiss every available inch of her. “Please don’t ask. The less people who know, the better. I trust the General, and Rex. They have a plan.”

Ahsoka wanted to protest, to entreat Fives to honesty, but the resolve in his Force signature made her hold her tongue. Ahsoka cradled his face between her hands and brought his eyes back to hers. Behind the resolve, she could feel his distress thrumming in the Force between them, and she sought for some way to reassure him.

“I’m with you, Fives. I won’t leave you again, no matter what happens.”

Fives smiled, his eyes softening in a way she’d rarely seen before. He kissed her once, sweetly and softly before pulling back and fixing his eyes on hers.

“I love you,” he answered, softly and firmly, without any bashfulness nor uncertainty. “Whatever comes next I want you to know.”

Ahsoka was overwhelmed with feeling. She felt her insides go numb but at the same time she was convinced her skin was on fire. She wanted to cheer or shout or say anything at all, but she couldn’t find her voice. So, she kissed him hard, wrapping her arms around Fives’ neck and pulled him to her. Fives returned her affection, pressing kiss after kiss to her mouth as his hands explored her body. His hands slipped beneath her backside, and he lifted Ahsoka up, trapping her body between his own and the wall behind her. Reflexively she wrapped her legs around his waist holding him tightly as they kissed.

Fives hitched the skirt of her battle dress up above her hips, slipping his hands beneath it to touch the bare skin above her leggings. Ahsoka shivered with desire and dropped her head to nibble her way down his neck, huffing in frustration when the collar of his blacks got in the way. She changed directions, kissing up the side of his head and flicking her tongue over the shell of his ear before biting it gently. Fives growled quietly and pressed kisses to her lekku and shoulders.

“Kriff,” he muttered. “I want you. So much.”

Ahsoka nodded and pressed kisses into his hair again as he sucked a mark into the soft skin of her neck below her jaw.

“Yes, Fives,” she groaned softly, but shook her head as his left hand skimmed down over her breast and towards the waist band of her leggings. “Wait, wait. Not here.”

“Where?” Fives muttered between kisses, returning his hand to her breast again, his touch distracting her in the most pleasant of ways.

“My quarters,” she murmured between kisses. “Twenty minutes.”

“Twenty?” Fives exclaimed incredulously, pulling back and raising a teasing eyebrow. Ahsoka laughed and grinned.

“Fine, fifteen minutes,” she amended. “Just make sure-“

“No one sees me,” Fives nodded. “Sure thing, Commander. I know the drill.”

Ahsoka scoffed and slapped his shoulder good naturedly. “Don’t be so smug.”

“Hmm. You like it when I’m cocky,” Fives countered, adjusting his hands beneath her thighs, having yet to let her down from her perch between himself and the wall. Ahsoka rolled her eyes.

“Do I? Please tell me then, what else do I like? Since you seem to know so well,” Ahsoka harrumphed, though she kept her tone light to let him know she was teasing.

“I know exactly what you like,” Fives rumbled, leaning in until their lips were almost touching. “But I’d rather show you, than tell you.”

“Maybe you should do both. That could be fun,” Ahsoka murmured before she realized what she was saying. Fives snorted and grinned, finally taking a step back so she could drop down between him and the wall, settling back onto her feet with a deep blush coloring her cheeks.

“That can be arranged,” Fives drawled, grinning from ear to ear. Ahsoka shook her head but smiled, straightening out her dress before making for the door.

Before she left, something tugged at her heart, and she looked back over her shoulder at Fives. His words from earlier thrummed in her ears and in her heart, the magnitude of his feelings warming her from the inside out. She knew the feelings in her heart matched his, and he deserved to hear it.

With her heart hammering in her ears, Ahsoka turned back and took Fives’ hand in hers, holding it gently and running her thumb over his knuckles.

“Fives,” she murmured softly, meeting his eyes with a smile. “I love you too.”

Fives didn’t grin, nor chuckle, nor did he say anything at all. Ahsoka blushed as he smiled the softest smile she’d ever witnessed from him, and very slowly he brought their joined hands up to his lips. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles while holding her gaze, and Ahsoka felt her heart and stomach attempt to switch places as butterflies careened between her chest and abdomen.

“Go on,” Fives murmured, jerking his chin towards the door. His words were brusque, but his eyes were loving and kind. Ahsoka kept her eyes on his until she exited the room completely, her heart soaring in her chest as her world seemed to fall into place. The Force still swirled with malcontent, and Ahsoka knew things were about to get worse before they got better. But come what may, she knew with Fives at her side she could handle any hardship the Galaxy decided to throw their way.

Autumn-ready Ahsoka :))

Chaos and Order - Clone Twin Week

So I couldn't help it and wrote a tiny drabble for clone twin week. The prompt is Day Four: Chaos and Order, and of course I wrote it for Crosshair and Tech!

Hope you enjoy!

Var lath Vir Suledin....!! And so it did, vhenan -- I just imagine that at some point laughter returns to the two of them as the weight of their lives becomes easier to shoulder together.