Bly's head shot up, lifting from Thorn's chest as he heard movement.

"'hat," Thorn mumbled, tightening his grip around Bly's waist. The two of them were curled up in one of the medical beds on the cruiser. They had all gone back up together and made sure Fox was comfortable. Thire had gone to one of the barracks with the shinies to give them some attention, Stone went to do a holo-call with his batch, Wolffe was talking to his General and Thorn had laid down on the bed next to Fox and brought Bly with him so the 327th Commander could get some rest, hopefully without getting a nightmare. It had been working but it obviously didn't work well enough as Bly was now shifting.

"It's okay, you're safe," Thorn said, shifting into the mindset he usually does when his vod'ike get nightmares. Bly leant into the hand running through his hair instinctively as it felt warm and comforting but he quickly snapped out of it.

"What, no, I'm fine. I think Fox is waking up though," he said quickly. Thorn shot up at that, almost knocking Bly of the bed but caught him at the last second and the both turned to the bed beside them. Sure enough, Fox was slowly shifting in the bed. Thorn slipped out from under Thorn and hurried to the bed Fox was in, crawling in and wrapping Fox up in a hug. Fox shifted closer and slowly blinked his eyes open, getting used to the light.

"Thorn'ika," he mumbled, snuggling closer.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Thorn said, brushing Fox's hair back gently.

"You doing okay," he added quietly.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm guessing you found out what happened," Fox said with a sigh.

"Yeah, Faie commed me. We're back on the cruiser now, we came back up with Bly and Wolffe," Thorn said and Fox nodded.

"I um, I hurt Bly pretty badly I think," Fox said with a sigh and Thorn's eyes shifted up to the mentioned person who hurried over.

"Woah, hold up. You haven't done anything remotely close to hurting me vod'ika," Bly said. Fox turned his head in surprise, not having realised Bly was there. He sat up quickly and shifted back so he was leaning against the pillows, Thorn following as well. Bly quickly moved over and sat on the edge of the bed.

"What do you mean by that? Why do you think you hurt me," Bly asked in concern.

"You were upset and crying, because of me. What you had to witness because of me," Fox said quietly and Bly's eyes widened.

"Oh no. No, Fox no. You need to listen to me okay. Like actually listen to what I'm saying Fox'ika," Bly said firmly.

"Okay," Fox said slowly.

"That is not your fault. None of anything that has happened is your fault, or Thorn's, or the Guards. What that pathetic excuse for a Jedi said, was wrong, it was not your choice. I wasn't crying because I was hurt by you, I was crying because you were hurt. Seeing you like that, seeing just a fraction of what you went through, my vod'ika, it was horrible. I am your ori'vod, it's my job to protect you, keep you safe. I failed in that, miserably and no matter how much I wish I could, I can't go back in time to protect you. I broke down because I keep picturing it, dreaming about it and I haven't been getting enough sleep. I was tired and emotional and then hearing about what Rex and Cody did while knowing about what you've been through, it just tipped me over the edge," Bly explained. Fox felt relief flush through his body as he realised Bly wasn't angry with him, he didn't blame him for what happened. But it still upset him to know Bly had been struggling silently, most likely too focused on trying to overcompensate looking after them.

"You've been having nightmares," Fox asked and Bly sighed before nodding. Fox thought about it for a few seconds before letting out a breath.

"Look, the Guard trusts you, we all do because you've made it clear that you're trying to help us. The shinies seem comfortable with you and I will have to double check with them but we often have vod piles, usually a few times a week to help with nightmares and getting some sleep. If they're okay with it, you should join us. Cuddling the vod'ike is very soothing," Fox said and Bly sighed fondly.

"You two are very similar, you think alike," Bly said.

"What do you mean," Fox asked, glancing back at Thorn in confusion.

"I offered for him to join the cuddle piles as well," Thorn explained and Fox chuckle.

"Oh. I mean it is a pretty good solution," Fox said with a shrug.

"It is. I was just cuddling with Thorn and I feel like that is the greatest sleep I've had in months apart from when I was cuddling with you," Bly said. Fox's heart lifted, happy to hear his best friend and batchmate were getting along well.

"Thorn gives very good hugs. Second best only to my ad'ika's," Fox said.

"You know what, I'll take it," Thorn said, tucking his chin over Fox's shoulder.

"A-Are you okay. Thorn um, he explained what was happening with you," Bly said quietly. He paused nervously, hoping Thorn was given the green light to tell him about it and he didn't just throw him under the bus.

"Did you tell him everything," Fox asked quietly.

"Yes, your whole batch knows. They needed to know because they need to pull their heads out of their shebs and treat you better," Thorn said. Fox sighed but nodded.

"I'm okay, I promise. I slipped into a bad headspace earlier because I was overwhelmed with everything and I was worried I had caused you to break down. I'm not going to hurt myself though, I can't put them all through that again," Fox said quietly.

"While it isn't great that your reasoning for it is to not hurt others, it's better than nothing I guess. With time, you will choose not to do it because you want to live, you know you deserve it," Bly said, cupping Fox's face delicately. Fox smiled softly before leaning into the hand.

"I do want to live Bly. Despite everything we've been through, I love my family and I wouldn't change anything if it meant I would lose them," Fox said quietly. Thorn tightened his grip and smiled against Fox's shoulder, letting his eyes slip closed as he rested against his ori'vod peacefully.

"You two should rest, you both seem exhausted," Bly said and Thorn snorted.

"I have slept more in the past week than I have in the past few months I think. But for some reason I still feel so drained," Thorn said quietly, not opening his eyes.

"It will most likely be that way for a while, especially with you Commanders as you had the brunt of the responsibility and the stress. It's weighed on you and will take at least a few weeks, possibly months to be full rested," Bly said.

"Well that sucks," Thorn huffed. Fox held back a smile as he felt Thorn's weight slowly push against him more, his cheeks smooshing against Fox's shoulder.

"Come on, we should move to the barracks. Bly has a big bed that the three of us can definitely fit onto," Fox said, patting Thorn's head softly. Thorn whined and buried his face further into Fox's neck and Bly grinned.

"I'm glad you two have each other. That you were able to lean on each other when things were hard," Bly said, making Thorn's eyes finally slip back open.

"Fox was our lifeline, always," he said seriously.

"We all looked out for each other," Fox said quietly.

"He's modest," Thorn said, making Bly chuckle.

"He's right though, my bed is big enough for three," Bly said. Thorn grinned and sat up, raising an eyebrow at Bly.

"You're already hooked," he asked and Bly's cheeks flushed.

"Well, it's time for a Bly vod pile, let's go," Thorn said, slipping off the bed and holding out a hand to Fox. Fox rolled his eyes but grabbed Thorn's hand, allowing him to help him off the bed. Thorn watched closely, making sure Fox was stable.

"I'm fine, I'm not a frail old man," Fox said.

"And yet you're already going grey," Thorn snickered. Fox turned his head to look at his younger brother and levelled him with a glare. Thorn grinned mischievously but slipped behind Bly for protection.

"He can't save you," Fox said. Bly glanced between the two of them before ushering Thorn towards the door.

"Come on, less arguing, more getting to the bed so we can sleep," Bly said. Fox nodded and moved over, tripping slightly. Bly jolted forwards immediately and grabbed his waist to stabilise him.

"Hey, you okay? If you aren't feeling well, I can carry you. Or if you're hurt we c-."

"I tripped Bly, I'm fine," Fox said with a snort, straightening himself up.

"Let's go," he added. Bly was still nervous so he stuck close to Fox and Thorn quickly sent his comm message before following after them. It didn't take long to get to Bly's room and both Fox and Bly turned to go into it but Thorn stopped them.

"Come with me first," Thorn said.

"Where," Bly asked slowly.

"You'll see," Thorn said, continuing down the hall. Bly glanced at Fox who just shrugged and followed after Thorn so he did the same. Thorn stopped after turning around through the halls for a few more minutes and Bly frowned in confusion.

"Why are we in front of one of the barracks," Bly asked.

"You'll see," Thorn said with a grin, pressing the button to open the door, waving the other two in. Bly furrowed his eyebrows in confusion at how cryptic Thorn was being but walked inside and froze. His eyes widened as he heard giggles and he looked to the middle of the room to see that a few mattresses had been dragged from the bunks and piled along the floor with blankets and pillows. There were a few troopers sitting on the edges of the bunks while two were wrestling on the mattresses.

"Pin him down Wren, pin him down."

"Oh look, our special guest has arrived," one of them said and all the attention turned to him. Bly scanned over them all and he realised they were all still shinies, or at least they would be if they were in his battalion. They couldn't be older than eight or nine standard years old.

"Sup Commander," one of them said with a grin and Fox smiled softly.

"Hello vod'ika. I have to say, I'm not too sure why we're here," Fox said slowly, glancing back at Eddie in confusion.

"Thorn commed Codex and said we needed an emergency vod pile so we got everything said back. He said Commander Bly was our special guest for the night," Winter said with a grin. Bly blinked in surprise, turning back to Fox.

"Okay then. Bly, I would like you to meet our resident cuddle bugs. We have Wren and Clutz on the floor. Then Shooter, Winter, Codex and Shadow," Fox said, pointing out each of them for Bly.

"It's nice to meet you all," Bly said with a nod.

"And it's good to see you again Codex," he added.

"You remember me," Codex asked in surprise.

"CT-4615 right? You're the one Fox and I picked up on our way out of the Senate, you helped get Fox to the cruiser. You were a feisty one," Bly said, making Codex grin and the others chuckle.

"I am CT-4615 yes, but how do you know that? I never gave you my name and Fox mentioned my number once," Codex pointed out.

"I've got a good memory. I wanted to thank you in person once things died down so I managed to search and find your name. Marshall Commander privileges and all," Bly said with a shrug.

"Huh, interesting. By the way, you don't need to thank me for keeping my Commander safe. He's my ori'vod and he's our cabur," Codex said.

"Okay, I'll just thank you in my head," Bly said with a nod, making a few of the shinies chuckle.

"Come on, get on the mattress," Thorn said, nudging Bly forwards.

"I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. They don-."

"Vod, just get on the bed so we can sleep, we're waiting on you," Shadow said, flopping down on the mattresses and wrapping himself around Wren.

"I'd need to get my armour off," Bly said quietly.

"So get it off. Come on, I'll help," Clutz said jumping up. He went to hurry forwards but tripped over Shadow's leg and faceplanted.

"Meet Clutz, his name suits him well," Codex said with a grin. Thorn had already slipped out of his armour and piled it down on one of the beds so he flopped down beside Clutz and pat his back. Bly watched as Clutz and Shooter immediately swarmed Thorn, tugging him closer to the centre of the mattress and laying down on top of him. He saw as the tightness in Thorn's face and body just disappeared, his eyes slipping closed as he relaxing against the mattresses.

"This is so much better when the mattresses feel like a mattress and not concrete," Thorn murmured as he turned his head to tuck it into Clutz's neck.

"Come on, get off your armour," Fox said softly as he grabbed Bly's hand. Bly nodded and the two of them quickly helped Bly shed his armour. Fox's was already gone as they had taken it off so he was more comfortable in the medical bed. Once the armour was gone, Bly hesitated, looking back to see a couple of the others had also joined Thorn and he looked like he was already fallen asleep.

"You okay," Fox asked, noticing the hesitation.

"I'm not a corrie, I haven't been through what you all have. It feels like I'm intruding," Bly said quietly. He wanted to join them, he really did, it looked so comforting.

"You're not. We like you, and most of your men. I mean I didn't at first, but I've seen how you've been helping Fox," Codex said as he walked over.

"It doesn't matter if you haven't been through the exact same thing as us, you've been through a lot on your own," Codex added, holding out his hand. Bly reached out and grabbed it nervously, allowing Codex to tug him over to the mattresses.

"You should be aware though, they're like sharks. Hungry, little sharks. I'm sorry," Codex whispered.

"For what," Bly asked in confusion.

"INCOMING," Codex yelled before shoving Bly forwards. Bly wasn't prepared for it so he couldn't stop himself from falling. Luckily he landed straight onto the mattresses. Before he could get up though, the was a war cry.

"FRESH BLOOD." And then he felt two bodies slam on top of him, making him groan.

"Winter, try not to give him a concussion," Fox said with a laugh. Bly squirmed around and managed to roll over on his back, coming face to face with a grinning Winter and then another face popped up above him.

"Hello there," Wren said with a grin.

"Uh h-hi," Bly said slowly.

"Welcome to what we like to call cuddle therapy," Wren said.

"Cuddle therapy," Bly questioned.

"Yep. Shooter and Clutz have Thorn, Shadow and Codex have Foxy and we have you," Winter said with a nod.

"Why is it called cuddle therapy," Bly asked.

"Because we cuddle the shit out of you and you go through an onslaught of emotions," Wren said.

"First you're confused and cautious then you relax a bit, then you get sad and cry and then you settle down and embrace the safety and the comfort of the cuddles," Winter said.

"Uh, I'm fine. I don't need to cry," Bly said.

"Everyone always says that," Wren began.

"And yet everyone always does," Winter finished.

"Yeah, but I really don't need to. I'm fine," Bly said.

"Uh huh, we totally believe that. That's why Thorn has recommended cuddle therapy," Wren said as he curled closer around Bly. There was some more shifting and Bly glanced around to see the others had shifted together so it was basically one big cuddle pile. Bly shifted back a bit and lifted his head, resting it on Fox's leg. He was effectively pinned then, Wren and Winter curled up on either side of him, there bodies pinning his down comfortably and their heads tucked into his neck. All the previous reservations slowly seeped away as he relaxed back into the mattress.

"There we go new ori'vod," Winter whispered and Bly chuckled lightly.

"Why does it feel like I'm being adopted," he said.

"Because you are. Don't fight it, just embrace it," Thorn mumbled sleepily from somewhere off to the left. Bly decided to take his advice and wrapped his arms around both of them, tugging them closer.

"You're very comfortable," Wren said, nuzzling his head further into Bly's neck.

"Thanks," Bly said quietly.

"You know, I've heard that pressure on the chest can ground you and be like a trigger release of emotions," Winter said. Wren nodded and the two of them seemed to move together, shifting further onto Bly, so he was completely covered. At first the pressure felt restricting but then sure enough it felt grounding.

"See, it's working," Wren said with a giggle.

"Wh-What's working," Bly asked with a sniffle. Wait, what?

"There you go ori'vod, let it out," Winter whispered and Bly felt Fox's hand drop down to run through his hair. His chest tightened with some sort of internal pressure and he felt a wetness on his cheek, making him groan.

"I was s-so sure I w-wouldn't," Bly choked out before letting out a sob.

"Everyone always is. There we go, just cry it out," Wren said. There was more shuffling and Bly glanced through teary eyes to see the others shifting over, piling on top of Winter and Wren and curling around him so they were all almost literally in a dog pile.

"Just cry it out Commander, you'll feel so much better," one of the troopers whispered.

"Close your eyes and let the emotions out," Thorn whispered in his ear and that's all it took for the sobs to come up tenfold. He felt the pressure release slightly from his chest as both Wren and Winter shifted, giving him some more breathing room. He turned onto his side and wrapped his arms around Wren who hugged him back, muffling his sobs into the youngers chest.

Fox peeled his eyes open and lifted his head up off Codex's chest, glancing over at Bly to check on him. He was cuddled up safe and secure in Wren and Winters arms, crying into Wren's chest.

"It's a good stress release," Codex whispered into Fox's ear.

"I know, it's been sprung on me before. Just glad he's accepting it. He's been having nightmares since the day he found me," Fox said quietly.

"Oh. So, he's going to be a regular," Codex asked.

"It's up to him and you guys. You run the show," Fox said.

"If he wants to come back, he can," Codex said.

"But right now you're going to relax and get some sleep because we all know you need it," he added, patting the top of Fox's head.

"I'm going to let that go because we're having a cuddle session," Fox said with a sigh as he let his eyes close.

"I'm surprised you're not crying yet," Codex said.

"I had a breakdown earlier and cried tons," Fox explained with a shrug.

"Ah, makes sense," Codex said with a light chuckle.

"Alright, now shut up and sleep," he said.

"I so want you to say that to him when he's not half asleep in a cuddle pile," Shadow said with a chuckle.

"Try it, I dare you," Fox mumbled.

"Bly, how're you doing," Thorn called out.

"I'm o-okay," Bly said through sniffles.

"He's finishing up on the crying phase," Winter said.

"Yeah. I might need a new shirt though, because this one is pretty soaked. You cry just as much as Fox does. Maybe it's a batch thing," Wren said, making both Bly and Fox laugh.

"I think I like this cuddle therapy thing," Bly said, sniffling again as he calmed down. Winter was right, it did feel safe and secure, comforting. He let go of the last of the tension, sagging against Wren's chest.

"There we go ori'vod, just rest," Winter whispered, cuddling as close as he could possibly get.

~~~~~

"When was the last time you slept? I know everyone's been on Fox's case and the other Commanders but you've been under just as much, if not more pressure." Helix paused where he was sorting out some supplies in a cupboard and glanced up to see Wolffe leaning against the wall, looking down at him.

"Hello to you too Commander," Helix said, standing up and closing the cupboard.

"Wolffe is fine Helix. You've cried on my shoulder, I think we're close enough," Wolffe said and Helix blushed.

"Let's not remind me of that, please," Helix said with a wince.

"Why, it was cute," Wolffe said with a grin. Helix flushed even harder and quickly turned around to organise some random equipment on the top of the bench. He definitely wasn't trying to find a distraction as an excuse to not have to look at the Commander because he keeps making a fool of himself. Like seriously, what is it about him that just makes the waterworks start?

"It's late, why are you still awake," he asked.

"I've been having trouble sleeping but also I'm not feeling too great right now," Wolffe said. Helix's head snapped up to the side at that, switching into medic mode.

"What's wrong. Here, come sit down," Helix said, ushering Wolffe over to an empty bed. Wolffe followed along and sat down.

"Just feeling really cold for some reason and my bones ache a little," Wolffe said.

"Hmm, you might have a fever, or just might be really tired. I'm glad you came, it's rare for you Commanders to come to the medical bay. Like seriously, I cannot count how many time Fox, Stone and Thorn all tried to hide from me. It's like the medical bay was taboo or something. Although maybe that was because we had like no supplies and they thought if they got help the supplies would be gone and someone would die because of it," Helix said thoughtfully as he grabbed a scanner.

"Ok, that's dark," Wolffe said.

"Well, it's true. Sit still," Helix said and Wolffe did as asked. The scanner beeped after a few seconds and he looked over the data.

"Good news, it doesn't look like you have a fever. The data is showing that you're physically fine," Helix said, dropping the scanner down.

"Alright, that's good," Wolffe said with a nod.

"It is but it's also bad. You said you were cold and your bones are aching," Helix asked and Wolffe nodded.

"Okay, it might just be exhaustion but I'm going to run a higher level scan, just to make sure everything is okay and I don't miss anything. Lay down for me," Helix said, grabbing Wolffe's shoulder and directing him back. Wolffe nodded and shuffled properly onto the bed, laying down on his back. Helix grabbed a better scanner and scanned up and down Wolffe's body twice before checking the scan.

"Anything," Wolffe asked.

"No, still nothing. It might really just be exhaustion. I want to keep you overnight though, make sure there's definitely nothing wrong. I'm going to grab you a blanket to make sure you're covered and hopefully get you a bit more warm," Helix said before hurrying off. Wolffe shifted on the bed, fluffing the pillow and getting into a comfortable position while waiting for Helix to get back.

"Here, this should help you warm up a bit," Helix said, draping the blanket over Wolffe.

"It might, but I'm still cold," Wolffe said, his teeth chattering slightly.

"It's only been about thirty seconds Wolffe, you need to give it a chance to actually warm you up," Helix pointed out.

"Yeah but it's really cold," Wolffe said and Helix sighed.

"Alright, I'll go look for another blanket," he said, turning to leave. He was stopped however, by Wolffe grabbing his wrist.

"I have a better idea," Wolffe said.

"Which is," Helix asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I have heard that body heat is a good way to warm someone up," Wolffe said.

"Body heat," Helix said slowly.

"Yeah, care to join me," Wolffe asked, lifting up the blanket.

"You do realise I can just get you another blanket," Helix said, pointing behind him.

"Do you have other people to attend to in the next thirty minutes," Wolffe asked.

"Well, no. We only have one or two left in here and the other medics have them covered," Helix said.

"So you can lay down with me. You know, warm me up and maybe I might be able to get some sleep as well," Wolffe said. Helix sighed but nodded.

"Sure. You've looked out for us and helped a lot, I should return the favour," Helix said, making Wolffe frown.

"Well, no. This isn't something you need to say yes to, it was just a suggestion," Wolffe said, lowering the blanket.

"And I'm accepting the suggestion. So just shut up and scoot over," Helix said as he stripped himself out of his armour. Wolffe did as asked and lifted up the blanket again, allowing Helix to climb into the bed.

"Come here so I can try and warm you up," Helix said, shuffling closer. Wolffe rolled over and Helix wrapped his arms around him, holding him tightly. It felt a little odd because Wolffe was well built from fighting throughout he war, whereas Helix had a more slim build and was a lot smaller but he managed to make it work.

"You feel warm, maybe you do have a fever. Warm on the outside but cold on the inside," Helix said.

"Maybe. But this is making me feel better," Wolffe said with a sigh.

"Okay, good," Helix said, curling closer. Wolffe has helped him out a lot recently so he wants to be able to help him too, even just a little bit. Wolffe's arms moved to wrap around Helix and he held him securely. It felt nice, and Wolffe really did feel warm. Warm, and cozy. And was that, there's a hand in his hair. When did that get there? But, it feels really nice. And oh, when did his eyes close? Huh?

"Shh, Hel'ika. There we go, nap time vod'ika," Wolffe whispered, turning himself further and shifting so he was wrapped around Helix's smaller frame, holding him securely.

"Wh-What-."

"Just rest Hel'ika, I've got you," Wolffe whispered, raking his nails over Helix's scalp.

"M'not tired," Helix mumbled, all the while snuggling closer to Wolffe's chest. Wolffe leaned down and pressed a light kiss to Helix's forehead, grinning fondly as it made Helix's body relax further and it took less than a minute for Helix to drift off completely.

"Not tired my shebs," Wolffe snorted.

"I am a genius," he said happily as he realised his plan worked perfectly. Cub really is a genius sometimes, even if he's not happy his ad'ika has used this tactic on him a lot. He tugged the blanket off from his body as he was overheating a little and instead wrapped it around Helix as best as he could, making sure he was snug and secure.

A/N

Translations:

Ad'ika - Child
Shebs - Ass
Vod'ika - Little Brother
Ori'vod - Big Brother
Cabur - Protector/Guardian
Vod - Brother