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It was only hours later after everything had calmed down and he had finally taken a moment of just stop and breath in slowly, just feeling relief flutter in his veins as the 212th and General Kenobi swooped in to relieve a visibly flagging Rex of command that Jesse went looking for Kix.
Everything had gone to shit from the moment General Skywalker left and gave command of the 501st to a Jedi General with the highest success rates that had only come from the loss of countless Vode under his dismissive command. So, they had known to be wary of Krell well before the arrival of the gunship and its door had slid open to reveal the monster.
If he stops his hunt now, he'll be forced into dealing with emotions that Jesse knows there isn't much time for him to have a breakdown and it would absolutely nuke any of the morale that his vod had left or were mentally rebuilding should he have a public meltdown. He'll be forced to think about the younger Vod he's failed to protect, like Dogma whose time from Kamino onward to now seems to be full trauma that led to him to trying too damn hard to follow the orders of a demon that haunted their waking hours. A past for which only Tup is privy too, but would never spill because their bond had been strong enough to withstand constant scrutiny from the others, including his own. Or which of his blaster shots was an unforgivable killing shot into orange paint.
He needs to find Kix.
This personal little mission is the only thing holding back the break Jesse knows is coming and will get ugly if he doesn't find a quiet space to ride out the rising tide soon. But first, he wants to make sure Kix is at least alright, but to Jesse's annoyance it is like he's seemingly vanished.
After what seems like an eternity, he finds room that he hopes isn't currently occupied and slips inside as the first tears begin to slip down his face and he rips his helmet to toss it to the side as silence begins to fall around him. Somewhere nearby someone's breath hitches at the noise and in the dim lighting, he finally sees Kix sitting hunched over on a box of supplies. His hearing picks up the sounds of panicked breathing and Jesse knows immediately that his partner had also been looking for a place to hide away for a bit.
Relief and sadness burn, Jesse goes over to him and wraps his partner into a strong hold. Kix stiffens at first, then slowly begins to relax once he glances over to see who has joined him.
"Don't worry, Kix. I'm here."
After a few moments, Kix finally moves and wraps his arms around Jesse's middle as Kix buries his face into his neck and shudders hard before whispering. "So many are dead, but I'm so glad you survived."
