Stroking the blond curls slowly, Rex wondered if he had ever felt happier than in this very moment, a sleeping Anakin with his head in Rex lap, still on the couch of the 501st’s break house with everyone having skedaddled… somewhere.

Rex wasn’t sure where.

He just knew that they had promised to look after the twins, enthusiastically telling Anakin that the twins deserved some ‘uncle and auntie’ time before disappearing with the baby bags of items for the kids, leaving Rex and Anakin.

Initially nervous, clearly a tad overwhelmed despite leaving the twins with others before, Anakin had stared at the door they had disappeared at for a while before Rex had gently drawn the other into a conversation about speeders.

Easiest way to distract Anakin Skywalker?

Talk about tech.

Seeing as at the current moment they were having a minor issue of there not being enough speeders, it had been the right choice as Anakin was enthusiastically telling Rex all about the speeders and motors he was currently fixing.

The Jedi council had managed to find the other a job he would like, mechanic, as Anakin didn’t have an interest in rejoining the Jedi order seemingly, Ahsoka certainly did not, she spent her time generally helping out. But maybe Anakin had already joined?

Just not as a Jedi Knight?

Rex wasn’t sure and he hadn’t had time to ask before Anakin had winded down, becoming tired. Noticing, Rex had guided the other to his lap and told him to rest with a quiet voice despite Anakin apologizing.

Babies were demanding, being a single parent, even with so many people willing to babysit and help, was exhausting and Anakin deserved the rest.

Stars, he had missed his General and sitting here, playing with the man’s hair as he slept was soothing.

Seeing him safe, seemingly content and here, with them.

Though it hurt to consider just how lonely the other must have been on Coruscant. But there was nothing Rex could have done about that or about his General.

Honestly, he was rather sure that back then, had they approached Anakin, he would have blown the plan wide open and informed the Senate in a fit of thoughtlessness. He adored his General, loved him but… Anakin could sometimes be too impulsive.

It could be a boon on the battlefield, against droids that adapted to tactics and battles, it kept them from realizing what was going on and giving the GAR the upperhand. But in normal life… well, sometimes not so good.

Now they didn’t have to think of that, now Anakin was here and… single.

Rex flushed at the thought, looking away as he swallowed thickly.

Kark, just because the other was single didn’t mean he had any interest in males and certainly didn’t mean any interest in Rex.

‘Its enough to just be his friend, enough to be there for him, to hear his voice, to know he’s here… I won’t ask for more. I don’t want to loose what we have.’ Rex thought shakily. He could love the other without that kind of relationship.

As long as Anakin and his kids were happy… that was all Rex needed, to see the other blond smile.

The thought had his lips twitching, a slightly wry smile coming to life. ‘When did I get that sappy?’ He couldn’t help but wonder as he looked back down at Anakin, stroking a fingertip gently along the other’s jaw. ‘How are you able to make me turn so sappy?’ Rex thought was exasperated and yet… also fond.

Settling in, Rex simply watched Anakin sleep, content in the moment with what he had and the life he was trying to build.