Who Do You All Think Is The Solitary Clone?

Sure

So wholesome

25 Days of Life Day: Day 5 - Ice Skating with Hunter and Omega

Warnings: None

A/N: I really like the photos for this one 😂

“Wow, look at her.” Omega pulls her brother down so that he can see what she’s looking at.

Or who. It’s as if every nerve ending in Hunter’s body stands at attention. He can hear your heartbeat as it beats calmly as you glide on the ice, skating like no one is watching, despite the crowd of people also using the skating rink.

As soon as you glide right by him and Omega, he smells you and it takes everything in him to not close his eyes and moan at the smell of vanilla and warmth. It’s a very homey smell that makes him nostalgic for something he’s never known before.

“She’s really good.” Omega practically has stars in her eyes.

“She is, isn’t she?” Hunter smiles.

“Do you think I can get that good?” She asks, finishing lacing up her ice skates.

“Let’s go see.” Hunter holds his hand out to her and they start to glide on the ice.

The only problem is that Hunter has never been ice skating and despite being really good at pulling stunts, he’s not the most graceful apparently and wipes out almost immediately.

“Hunter!” Omega tries to catch him despite being smaller than him.

Hunter lands with an “oof” and starts chuckling, trying not to be embarrassed.

“Are you alright?” Your voice comes from above him and when he looks up at you from the ice, he feels like he’s looking at an angel, the sun is glowing perfectly around you and suddenly he’s lost his words.

When he doesn’t give you an answer, you get worried and lean down to check his head. “Do you know where you are?”

“An ice skating rink.” He answers.

“Good, and what is your name?” You ask again.

“Hunter.” He smiles.

“Hi, Hunter. I think you’re alright.” You grin.

The urge to tell you how pretty you are is way too strong. You help him up and start to back away a little bit to give him room.

“I’m Omega.” The girl smiles up at you.

“Hi Omega, it’s nice to meet you!” You smile back at her and introduce yourself.

“We’ve never been skating before.” She tells you.

You look at Hunter and he shrugs and nods.

“Well, I can give you some tips if you’d like?” You offer.

“That would be really helpful.” Hunter tells you, appreciatively. “But, I think I’m gonna sit here by the wall and watch if that’s alright.”

“Sure, but only while I teach her. Then, I’m coming back for you.” You wink at him and he goes warm all over as you and Omega carefully skate to the middle where no one is.

Who are you and where did you come from? He can’t seem to look away from you as you teach Omega how to properly skate and carefully.

“Is Hunter your dad?” You ask Omega.

“No, brother.” She replies, focusing on not falling.

“It’s okay to fall. As long as you get right back up.” You tell her, pulling her along a little bit so she can get used to the feel of her skates. “And don’t look down. It’s much easier if you keep looking forward.”

“He’s single too.” Omega grins.

You go warm in the face and laugh.

She takes your advice and within a few minutes has it down as if she was born to ice skate. Once she gets confident enough, she starts to skate in the circle of people.

You glide back over to Hunter, holding your hand out for him. “Come on.”

He looks at your hand, then Omega, then back at you. With a soft sigh, he takes your hand and you lead him out onto the ice. Immediately, he’s trying to not fall.

“Hey. Look at me.” You tell him, trying not to focus on the warmth in your face from noticing just how handsome Hunter is.

“You were uh, really good with Omega.” He makes conversation as you teach him how to keep his balance.

“Thanks, I teach the little kids here during the weekends.” You tell him.

“That sounds nice.” Hunter smiles.

“Thanks. I enjoy it.” You smile back.

“Omega tells me you’re single.” You chuckle.

“Did she now?” He gives her a look and she laughs, knowingly.

“I was thinking maybe after we’re done here, we could go get a bite to eat?” You offer.

He looks at you, a little shocked. “Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“I’d like that.” He nods, unable to stop smiling for the first time in a while. “We both would.”

TAGS: @grievouus @brynhildrmimi @madameminor @dumfanting @rain-on-kamino @misogirl828 @rexandechosandwich @corona-one @tecker @ladykatakuri @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @twistedstitcher27 @zoeykallus @maulslittlemeowmeow @littlemousedroid @arctrooper69 @rexxdjarin @agenteliix

Do you take requests? I would love to read something with Hunter where he teaches you how to fight :))) smut is also welcome

Hmm, thanks for the input 🔥🔥🔥

Hunter x Fem!Reader One-Shot - Show Me What You've Got

Warnings: Smut/Strongly Suggestive/Soft-Dom Hunter/Training Turns To Smut/Sexual Content/Dub-Con(?)/Dirty Stuff/18+

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You won't find much of a plot here 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, I'm so tired I could cry, so this is not proofread, sorry...

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You are much too self-confident, actually you already know that before you visit him, so far you never beat hunter in a sparring session. But you want to try out the few moves you learned yesterday. And who would be better suited for that than Hunter, whom you like to get close to anyway? The man is downright outrageously handsome, with his dark hair, that striking face, those firm muscles under his toned skin. Combined with that deep, slightly smoky voice, the way he moves and looks at you, a cocktail that always makes your heart beat faster and fills your nights with wild dreams. Hunter really likes to be alone. You know that because he always makes sure he has a training room all to himself in the barracks. Basically, Hunter withdraws from others at every opportunity rather than seeking their proximity. You know why he takes time off whenever he can, trains alone, and spends as little time as possible with other soldiers besides his own squad. Hunter's extraordinary senses cause him to be quickly exposed to sensory overload, with things that others wouldn't even notice. Being continuously exposed to everything in this way, you imagine, is very exhausting.

So you can understand his general reserve. Hunter is already waiting for you when you enter the training room. He has already spread out the large mat on the floor, which is supposed to cushion any possible falls. You examine him quickly, inconspicuously. Black muscle shirt, black sports pants, barefoot. Of course, he's wearing his bandana, as usual. He has bandaged his hands, probably he intends to go to the punching bag later, you have observed him secretly, fascinated sometimes. The flex of his muscles, the power behind each punch, his posture. You suppress a longing sigh at the thought. Hunter addresses you, snapping you out of your thoughts. "There you are. I've been waiting." You glance at the clock hanging on the wall of the room above your heads, and say dryly, "I'm five minutes early." Hunter smiles with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "I know, but you're usually in earlier than that" You blink, feeling caught. Does he know that you sometimes secretly watch him? But he distracts your thoughts again.

"You learned something new you wanted to try with me?" he asks curiously. "Um, yeah, right. Something Wolffe showed me." Hunter frowns briefly and asks, so casually it almost doesn't seem casual anymore, "Since when do you hang out with the wolf pack?" The way you look at him makes him feel like you're looking right into him and seeing through his curious question. So he looks down at his hands and pretends he needs to fix the bandages. Somehow you can't recognize his behavior for what it is at this moment. You shrug your shoulders and say, "For quite some time now, as a matter of fact, sometimes. Did I never tell you about it before?" "No, you didn't," Hunter says, clearing his throat and pulling his bandana a little tighter. "Well, now I've told you," you say lightly, unaware of why he's so interested. Hunter nods and says, "Okay, show me what you've got."

His gaze wanders along your body, your posture. Your black yoga pants hugging your curves, the shirt you wear is a little wider, but knotted in the back. Hunter is distracted and promptly lands on his back as you pull his legs away with a simple trick. He makes a startled noise before landing on the ground. Grinning, you bend over him. "Well, that was easy today," you say, amused.

"I wasn't fully on top of my game. That doesn't count." You snort and laugh softly, "Oh come on Hunter, no one on the battlefield cares if you're ready or not either". His eyes narrow, and he says suspiciously smoky, "Hmm, good point". In the next moment he's grabbed you, taken down your defenses, has you on your back and is on top of you.

"Damn," you curse softly and try to break free, but he holds you under him with ease. He grins at you and your heart really jumps out at him, but not only that, a gentle pulse has arisen between your thighs as your nether regions touch, and you feel every contact very clearly through the thin fabric of your pants. "Gotcha, once again," he says with a grin.

You smile back nervously. You are aware of how sharp his senses are, and he will notice the change in your mood and hormone balance very quickly. Finally, you see it in his face. His expression changes, the smile slowly disappears, he blinks and tilts his head slightly to the side. "That's new," he says softly. You don't even ask what he means, because you already know. You swallow and say just as quietly, "Sorry." You expect him to let go of you and seek distance, but he surprises you. Hunter grabs both of your wrists with one hand and pins them above your head on the mattress, his other hand gently moving to the back of your neck. "There is no need to be sorry, if you ask me".

He knows it's a daring move, but he cant help it, he has to take the leap and taste the waters.

Your heart almost jumps out of your chest as his face comes closer and closer. His lips touch yours, slowly at first, tenderly, and your pulse begins to race, your eyes closing. Hunter's tongue slides over your lips which automatically open for him, and as it slides in and touches yours, the pulse between your thighs intensifies. You moan softly into the kiss. Very clearly, you feel him slowly getting hard as his pelvis still rests on yours, between your thighs. The hand that is on your neck slowly moves down, over the fabric of your shirt, feeling your breasts, gently kneading them, probing. His thumb feels your nipples, which are erected, pressing through the thin fabric of your bra and shirt.

A shiver runs down your spine, a tingle spreads through your belly as he plays with your nipples through the fabric, still holding you captive beneath him and his kiss. Ever so slowly, barely noticeably, he moves between your legs, pushing his hard length through the fabric, rubbing over your pubic, sparking gentle, stimulating friction. Hunter's hand finally moves under the fabric, while the other still holds your wrists. You feel his bare fingertips on your skin, the rough fabric of the bandages on his hands as he pushes the cups of your bra up and off your breasts to get at the soft, velvety mounds beneath. Suddenly he straightens up, sitting between your thighs, and let's go of you. He points an admonishing finger at you with a dirty little smile and says, " Stay right there." You obey, not even thinking of contradicting him. He takes off the bandages, removes them from his hands and tosses them carelessly to the side before throwing himself over you again. He stops just inches away from your face, catches himself with his hands on the mat, and grins at you.

Hunter teasingly kisses your chin and the tip of your nose, then straightens up again, pulling your T-shirt over your head. "Be a good girl and come with me," he says in an almost whisper, close to your ear, just before he bites your earlobe very gently.

You swallow, but nod and let him help you up. Clad only in your panties, you follow him to a side chamber where other workout equipment is stored. Hunter leads you to one of the benches where people usually lift weights, puts his towel over it and gently but firmly pushes you onto it so that you are lying on your back in front of him.

With a little smirk, he says, "Good girl."

Hunter wanders down along your body, pulling off your yoga pants and murmuring, "I really need to smell and taste you." You blink, heat flooding your body the second you realize exactly what he means by that. Your pants land on the floor, then his fingers travel down from the base of your breasts to where your body is radiating the most heat. His fingertips ghost over the thin fabric of your panties, lingering on the wet spot, exerting playful pressure. Hunter is kneeling in front of the bench, head between your thighs, close to your pubic area, he takes a deep breath and shakily expels it. "Damn, what a scent!"

His cock is already twitching expectantly in his pants, your hormones, the luring substances your body produces in arousal, tingling under his skin, from crown to toe. His fingers finally wander under the waistband of your panties and pull them off as well.

You can't believe that you are lying practically naked on a bench in one of the training halls, Hunter's head between your thighs. He has reserved this room for himself, but it is not locked, someone could still come in. But this thought suddenly disappears from your mind when you feel his breath on your damp folds, and shortly after his lips and tongue.

He presses his tongue to your pussy, roaming through your folds, dipping into your sensitive, wet hole once or twice, making you twitch, before he focuses on your clit. His tongue, exerting perfect pressure, circles skillfully and nimbly on the bundle of nerves. You haven't noticed it yourself yet, but you're already sighing, moaning and gasping, fueling him in his efforts. Hunter feels exactly each of your reactions, knows exactly when and what causes your arousal to increase, and thus learns very quickly, to perfection, every pressure, every movement that sends you into ecstasy. You tremble with aroused tension, your thighs quiver gently. You are so horny, and yet a part of you is very aware of what is happening and can't quite grasp it. That's Hunter tonguing your clit as if he's been programmed to do just that. It feels so good, everything is tingling and vibrating inside you, your hands are gripping the bench above your head and clutching at it.

He is relentless. You hear the soft slurp, a repetitive soft aroused rumble deep from his chest as he holds your thighs apart with his hands. He's getting faster and faster, his tongue gliding over your swollen pearl more and more rapidly. Hunter is literally chasing you towards your orgasm. The knot that has formed in your belly loosens, a fiery tingle pulses through your clit, your pussy twitches and drips. Your moan is almost like a little scream. Hunter's tongue massages you through a prolonged, intense climax.

You dare only a brief glance and see his intense eyes, the pupils so dilated that his eyes seem almost black. His senses are full of you, your scent and your hormones have practically overpowered him. He lets go of your clit, just at the right moment, and you're just about to catch your breath when he moves further down and his tongue suddenly drills into your dripping opening and starts licking you out. "Hunter!" you exclaim, startled. Hypersensitive after climaxing, you twitch and tremble as he uses his tongue to fill you. He has to grip tighter to keep you from escaping his grasp and slipping off the bench with your twitching. You claw even harder with your hands on the bench. Hunter takes his time, absorbing every drop of your juices like a starving man. It takes a moment, but your arousal builds again. Suddenly his head comes out from between your legs and he takes a deep breath.

"What a feast, my good girl," he says in a voice rough with horniness. He straightens up, kneeling in front of the bench, his pelvis between your thighs, and you catch a glimpse of his hard length. His cock is thick, long, gently curved, the tip slightly red and swollen, leaking pre-cum. You lick your lips, knowing what's coming next, can't wait to feel him inside you. But you're also a little nervous. You know him, you know he won't hurt you, but this has all happened so suddenly and quite unexpectedly. As if sensing it, he looks at you and asks softly, "Are you ready for me, beautiful?" You blink, feeling a little breathless, but you nod and say, "I couldn't be more ready." He smirks, looks down, grips the base of his cock and guides the tip to your pussy. Hunter is hungry, very much so, but he takes it slow, applying only gentle pressure at first, prodding at your entrance, softly. You bend your legs and pull them up, opening your thighs invitingly a little wider for him.

Hunter applies more pressure, parts your wet folds and slowly advances between your slick walls. You watch him as he tenses his muscles. He licks his lips, looks down and watches in fascination as his hard length sinks into you. As he bottoms out in you, he closes his eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath. The feeling is intense, for both of you. For him as your wet heat closes around his cock, his senses full of you, and for you as he stretches and fills you. One of his hands moves to your hip and grips gently but firmly, the other moves to your pubic area. His fingertips gently glide over your clit, which is swollen, gently pulsing. Your legs clamp gently but firmly around his hips, showing him you're ready for more. Hunter smiles in satisfaction. He can definitely feel and smell your willingness. He knows that his fingers dancing on your pearl have got you going again. His hips pull back a bit and thrust into you again. A soft wet sound, accompanied by the impact of naked skin on naked skin, fills the room. He takes you slowly, but he gradually speeds up. You feel each thrust, erotically invading, combined with your pearl pulsing under his fingers, and you lean your head back.

Hunter watches you, your every movement, the way your breasts move with each of his thrusts, and again and again he looks down, watching your bodies merge. "This is so good, Hunter," you moan, pushing against his thrusts, using your hands on the bench to push. He's getting faster and faster. The accelerating, lewd sound of your bodies colliding with each thrust, mixed with your lustful sounds, is like music to his ears. The tension, the intensity increases, you feel it too. You automatically tense your abdomen, causing your pussy to close even tighter around his cock.

He lets out a half-swallowed moan. His fingers on your clit quicken, his whole body tense, hard as granite. You groan out in a near whisper, "So close." "Good girl," Hunter presses out breathlessly.

His thrusts become irregular, he bites his lower lip, his hand on your hip grips tighter. Your climax pulses through the center of your body, makes your pussy twitch, and your thighs shake. A curse comes across your lips. The next moment you hear him let out a deep, drawn-out moan, feel his warm seed coating your walls. Two-three more slow, firm thrusts and Hunter pauses, breathing heavily. You both catch your breath, only now noticing that everything here smells musty like an old gym, mixed with the distinct tangy, salty smell of sex. He leaves your body, gently cleans you with the towel. Then, finally, your eyes meet again. You look at each other for a moment, then both of you grin. "That was an interesting workout," you say, laughing softly. He chuckles and says, "That's something Wolffe sure didn't show you." You look at him cheekily and say, "How would you know?" Hunter frowns, his smile disappears, he doesn't seem to know quite what to say. You can see his shoulders tense. You chuckle and say, "You should see your face. Relax Sergeant, you're the only soldier who's been between my thighs so far."

Hunter's shoulders relax again, he raises a brow in amusement, "If you don't mind, I'd like to remain the only one in the future"

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@allsystemsblue

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@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

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@hated-by-me

@hunterxcrosshair

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@echos-girlfriend

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@sleepycreativewriter

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Transparency

A Bad Batch one shot

Pairing: Tech x GN!Reader

Warnings: SFW, mildly-descriptive injury, jealous reader, “I thought it was obvious” Tech, ex-Jedi reader, mutual pining

Summary: Y/n has had feelings for Tech for a long time, but they refuse to tell him. One day, the Bad Batch enlists the help of a bounty hunter for a mission for Cid. This bounty hunter is quite the flirt with Tech, and that really messes with y/n. Eventually y/n confides in Echo, who convinces them to speak with Tech.

Word count: 7.2k

Disclaimer: this was originally posted on my other blog @thereforepizza

"For as sketchy as this planet is, these fries are phenomenal."

Wrecker hums in agreement, his mouth full of them. Omega giggles and eats another fry. A gesture for silence from you causes Omega to focus as you grin devilishly. You wait until Wrecker shoves more of the food into his face hole. In a blink, you send a tickle attack at his side. He spits out the fries and falls out of his chair. The crash, heard by everyone, turns all eyes to your group of three. Omega roars with laughter, breaking the tense silence.

"Ha ha, very funny.” The gentle giant rolls his eyes. "I'll getcha back,"

“You declaring war, big man?"

Wrecker stands his chair up slowly and takes a long sip from his drink. You nearly miss the twinkle in his eye before he shoots out an ice cube that hits you square in the face. Gawking, you stand straight up.

“Oh, it's on—"

Not long later, the three of you stand in front of Hunter. Though he isn't technically the sergeant anymore, no one dares disappoint him. That's why none of you can look him in the eye, food and drink staining your civvie clothes.

"Someone wanna explain this to me?"

"Hunta, I gotta tell ya.” Wrecker puts both hands on his hips and puffs his chest out. "The owner was wayyyy too sensitive."

"We didn't break anything." You add this while picking a fry off of Omega's shirt and tossing it aside.

The kid laughs. "You shoulda seen Wricka's face when y/n threw a whole dish 'a ice cream on him!"

You and Wrecker simultaneously shush her. She smiles sheepishly. Hunter's look of disappointed hits harder than a well-planned punishment could, but behind him stands Echo, whose tight lips and glistening eyes fail to hide his amusement.

Hunter sighs. "You got kicked out of the diner, we'll have to pay for any damages caused," He hushes you with a look before you can argue, "and you're going to delay the briefing. Echo," He calls without looking back, "How dirty is the cargo bay?"

"Filthy,"

Wrecker and Omega groan, but you hold your composure, having learned a lesson long ago about complaining to a senior officer.

“I think Wrecker has some free time this weekend for that after this mission is finished.” He turns to Omega. "Tech has more to teach you about the ship's schematics. And y/n.” He raises his brow at you. “Cid has a few too many chores around here that might need attended to this weekend."

That's enough to make you show disgust on your face. It's not that you don't like to be around Cid... but you really hate being around her. Her force signature is laced with dodgy energy. Not to mention her gripey attitude about every little thing. Hunter seems satisfied with this and relaxes his stern expression.

"After all of this.” Hunter finally lets his shoulders slouch a bit. "Who won?" You smirk.

"Oh, it was definitely me, Sarge,"

Wrecker tuffed. “Nuh-uh! I got the last hit in!"

"But who ended up with more food on them? Not me,"

"Alright, you three. That's enough. Get cleaned up so Cid can brief us on the next mission, and make it quick."

On your way out, you shove Wrecker and dodge his rejoiner to irritate him. It works, and he chases you to the door before Hunter calls both of your names and tells you to straighten up. Like little kids, you saunter outside and return to the banter once out of sight.

"Another food fight?" Tech says as you approach the shuttle. It looks like he is completing the pre-mission systems check.

"Y/n started it!” Wrecker points at you, quickly followed by Omega's agreement.

Tech nods. “I assume you finished it then, Wrecker?"

You chortle, climbing up the steps of the Marauder. "The owner of the restaurant finished it."

After cleaning up, you wait in Cid's parlor for the final arrival to show face before the briefing can begin. It turns out, Hunter's prediction is wrong. The one holding up the briefing isn't a part of your main crew. You seat yourself next to Tech at the bar and ask him about the ship's status. Simple small talk, which neither of you are phenomenal at, but you had made an agreement a while back to practice on each other to improve the skill. Today's subject is simple, so it doesn't take long to cover.

He turns to you after the previous topic is exhausted. "Y/n, I've had the intention of speaking with you about something rather serious,"

"Oh, no--did I break something?"

He smiles at the attempted humor, then opens his mouth to reply just as a tall figure enters the room. You both turn to watch the rugged woman stride to Hunter and offer her hand in greeting. The corners of Tech's lips turn down just a little bit, but you notice the wheels turning behind his eyes.

"What were you gonna say? You probably have time before the briefing..."

"No—it can wait," He says, getting up. "We do need to begin the meeting. This is a time sensitive operation." You stand and follow him to the rest of the group.

"This is Hunter, your team leader," Offers Cid. "I'm sure you know everything about everyone here, but you might wanna act like you don't so ya don't scare 'em away. They're like scared little bugs when someone knows a little more than they want them to. Trust me."

The newcomer chuckles and scans everyone. Her eyes linger on Tech as she smirks. "How's the weather up there, brown eyes?"

He tilts his head at her. "Seeing as I am only a few centimeters taller than the average height in the room, I would presume it is the same as at your level. On a different note, my mutations objectively are aimed at my brain. Iris pigmentation was not affected in any way when I was..."

"Explain it later, Goggles. We've got a briefing to get through. Go ahead and explain your brilliant plan." Tech eyes Cid for her accentuation of the word, but gives no further attention to her.

It's a standard product retrieval aside from the bounty hunter, whom you come to learn is named Portia, that is paid to help out for her experience dealing with this sect of pirates. She is impressive to look at, even making you feel meager, though you yourself are relatively tall. Her eyes are piercing and her lips thin. You notice her insanely intensive expressions as Tech speaks about the details of the mission and that her eyes rarely leave him. She doesn't take the time to observe the others—only Tech. For some reason that you don't understand, she strikes some kind of nerve in you.

"A recap," Tech says, looking up from the hologram blueprints of the ship. "Wrecker and y/n will quietly go to the bridge so that they can make a distraction and set the charges. From there while Echo and I disable the alarm systems. Once we are finished, Hunter and Portia will retrieve the item. We will all meet back at the Marauder in the hangar afterwards. It should take only an hour at most, and we'll be off their ship before the pirates have realized what happened.

"Unfortunately for you, Omega," Tech continues. "this mission is too high risk, and your bounty too high. You will stay on the shuttle for the entirety of the time and keep it ready for a quick takeoff."

Omega's disappointed is evident, but she keeps quiet and stoic, mimicking Hunter's stance per usual. After the briefing, you follow Tech to leave, feeling the cold look from Portia as you do, but something in you needs to guard him from her prying eyes. Is it the way she looks at him? Is the Force trying to warn you of something? Regardless, you don't waver, and instead, strike up a conversation with Tech. It appears that Tech missed the movement, but Hunter didn't. He meets your eyes with a frown but you don't respond.

The ride out to open space is awkward. No one knows what to say with the tension between the crew and Portia, who is oblivious to the dynamic change. Eventually, everyone but the pilot heads out of the cockpit to make an attempt at striking conversation over the blueprints of the ship. When Tech enters the room after the jump to hyperspace, you eye Portia, who greets the genius with a nod. He pauses and returns a similar gesture before turning his attention to his datapad.

"Well," says Portia. Her silky voice makes you tense. "Seeing that we have so much time to spend, why don't we use it to get to know each other? After all, you wouldn't be able to have a workable team if you didn't trust everyone, right? You'd fear betrayal."

The air goes cold. Each Batcher's eyes tell the same story: Crosshair. You recall the hatred in his heart even as you parted on the platform on Kamino. Before this, you might have considered it, but now you have no desire in getting to know Portia, nor do you want her to know you. But a part of you is curious about how she ticks. You want to understand where her interest in Tech comes from, and you want to know if it's her personality that dissuades you or something unseen. Your chest grows heavy at the thought of betrayal, so you shake your head and look her in the eye.

"Didn't work very well last time I tried to understand a shady individual, so I'm not interested. I'm sure the boys would love to get to know you though."

Portia's eyes widen, suddenly aware that she has struck the wrong chord. "Oh, I worded that horribly. I uh... read about him when learning about your team. I'm so very sorry that that happened. The horrors of war..."

You nod, jaw clenched. You can still sense Crosshair's pain from somewhere in the galaxy if you focus enough. The one whom you all called brother. You look at Wrecker, whose eyes are downcast. Out of everyone, Crosshair's demise hurt him the most. His sadness cries out for reconciliation in the force.

Hunter clears his throat. "We would appreciate it if you didn't mention him again."

"Not a problem. I'm sorry it went there,"

Everyone sits in silence, Portia now fidgeting awkwardly. After what seemed a lifetime, Hunter speaks up again. "Tech, why don't you teach Portia the mods you've made to the shuttle in case things go south? Omega, go listen in. You might get something out of it."

The genius nods and leaves with the bounty hunter and child in tow. Once the door hisses closed, Hunter straightens and looks directly at you. It doesn't take special senses to know he is confused. Echo and Wrecker exchange a glance behind him, Wrecker shrugging.

"What's with you today, y/n? You were fine till she showed up." He comes closer, talking quietly. "You sensing something we need to be worried about?"

You hum, shaking your head. Then with pause, you say, "It's something about her... I dunno. It probably isn't a threat." You gaze briefly shifts to Echo, whose eyes seem to be looking through your skull and directly into your brain. An involuntary nose-scrunch registers on your face before you can stop it.

"If anything, and I mean anything makes you think we need to abort the mission, I expect you to tell me. Until then, you'd better put what ever this is," He gestures to all of you, "away so your attitude doesn't affect this op."

"Yes, sir," you say. Hunter sighs and returns to his brothers.

To pass the time, and hopefully to sway your mood, you decide to to to the cockpit and join the three. Omega is listening intently as Tech explains certain controls to Portia, who stands by, making an occasional reply to prove she is paying attention. She acknowledges your presence and Tech turns, doing the same.

All of what the nerd is telling Portia is complete nonsense to you. You fly through experience and hours of training. Not once have you wished you knew the name of every instrument and toggle. Tech, of course, hates this, and takes every opportunity he can to get you to learn alongside Omega, but you have one advantage that the kid doesn't: you know how to distract the man.

Smiling, you sit in one of the chairs, spinning it back and forth a little as you recall one of the many instances you've gotten out of a specs lesson. This one happened by your asking Tech to tell you about the most prominent worldview of the planet you were fixing to visit. It took him a full hour to realize that you were no longer discussing the Havoc Marauder, but by then it was far too late to circle back.

You tune back into reality as Portia leans against Tech to adjust one of the controls, and your brows furrow. Was that necessary? No, you realize as she takes a little too long to leave his space, making eye contact with him the whole time. Definitely not necessary. She smiles. His cheeks flush as he mutters an apology. Your stomach turns.

Frustrated, you turn to a datapad to read up on the news, watching for certain names or anything that might be of interest. Your eyes are glued to the screen but you take in none of the information. After a few minutes, you glance back up at the two. It seems like they've finished talking about the shuttle.

They're speaking casually now about some of the planets they've both visited. Small talk. You taught him that. You tear your eyes from the sight and back to the datapad, replaying Hunter's instruction in your mind. The longer you sit there hearing them talk so freely, the hotter your temper becomes. You have to do a check of yourself, wondering where the sudden mood has come from. Crosshair doesn't hold a light to the way you're brooding.

The best course of action, you realize, is to leave. They don't need this negativity before a mission. You bid them farewell and leave. As you're passing through the main compartment of the shuttle, Hunter gives you a questioning look, but you shake your head as if to say, "Not now," and go to the back of the ship.

As you lie in your bunk, staring at the wall, one thing keeps drifting to your mind: the way Tech was looking at Portia. His eyes followed her, studying her. Like she is a masterpiece. You force your mind back to the plan. Back to the mission. The one that might earn your team enough credits to repay the debt to Cid. It is imperative that you don't let your focus wane even for a moment, but a strange fear keeps you on edge. One that says that you might lose your place on the team. One that says you might lose Tech. It doesn't make sense. One can't lose someone that they don't have, and one can't have someone that they don't first take a risk to become vulnerable with. You have never done such a thing, so you don't deserve to be jealous. That doesn’t change the fact that you are.

You get up an hour later, having somehow fallen asleep. As you mosey to the cockpit you pass by a napping Wrecker and Portia, who has her nose buried in a datapad. She smiles as you walk past, but you give no rejoin. You sit in the cockpit with Hunter, Omega, and Tech, listening to the hum of the shuttle. Every once and a while one of them will talk, but it's pretty rare. You keep your eyes on the stars until the object of the op comes into view.

With everyone suited up, Tech stealthily lands the shuttle in the hangar of the pirate ship. You split up into your groups and Tech gives one final rundown of the plan. You and Wrecker are the first to head out, and you do so with caution, bidding the rest good luck.

You and Wrecker make your way to the bridge swiftly, dodging bad guys. You lead the way because Wrecker mysteriously forgot to memorize the path on the schematics you were given days ago. Distractions come easy to the big guy, but your job is to get him to his soap box with utmost discretion. There are a few times you bump into a straggler and have to silence him with a wave of your hand, but by some miracle, you and Wrecker remain unnoticed. Once at the bridge, you pause on either side of the door, recomposing yourselves. You count down from three with one hand and hold your blaster at the ready in the other.

At zero, you cover Wrecker as he blasts through the door with an excited shout. In an instant, the ship is ablaze with fire and lights. Once Wrecker brings his part of the plan to full fruition, Echo announces his move on the comms.

You take out a few more pirates before ushering Wrecker to take over so you can set the charges. "Watch my back,"

"Don't have ta ask me twice!"

You rush into the bridge and unshoulder your pack which is stock full of charges, placing them on the panels. At this point in the plan, Hunter and Portia will have already arrived at the package's location, and Echo and Tech should be close to reaching the bridge.

You and Wrecker hold the bridge, which takes a lot of firepower and banter. The rank for who gets the most impressive kills is constantly wavering and the both of you stay tied for the majority of the time. You know you would win if Wrecker and you hadn't agreed that you couldn't use the force to throw people around in circles anymore. Soon Tech and Echo arrive, and the former sends Echo to work at the control panel to steal information to sell to Cid.

Tech turns to you in a moment of relative silence. "Has everything gone according to plan?"

"Y/n keeps cheating.” Wrecker grumbles.

"I do not!" You call to the big man whose back is to you now. "Anyway... yes. Everything's gone suspiciously well. Your preparation has paid off."

"As I expected," Tech nods, looking down at his datapad. "We should return soon. Hunter and Portia will be needing our help to reach the Marauder."

Echo jogs over to your group with a nod. "Alright, Tech. That's everything,"

"Good!" Wrecker comments. "I was gettin' bored. These pirates aren't as fun as the seppies,"

"You're always bored unless you have something to blow up," you nudge the big guy on your way out the door.

"Hahaha, I knew you understood me!"

"Let's return to the Marauder," Tech orders, cutting short your conversation. "Echo, take the lead. I'll cover the rear,"

Your group heads out far less discretely than you'd arrived. Tech informs everyone that a few of the doors are rigged by the pirates to close and lock up after sensing someone pass through. That feature is an unexpected consequence of the intruder alert sounding before Tech could disable it. This could either split the group or take out a couple of you. You follow Wrecker closely, ready for anything, feeling for any of these contraptions on the doors you pass through.

Having met minimal conflict and none of these traps by the time you reach the hangar doors, Echo turns to Tech and says, "I guess we've been pretty lucky, huh?"

“Please don't jinx us, Echo.” You pout. "We're so close."

"Jinx us? That would require luck—which doesn't exist, according to the likes of you." Though you can't see him, you know that he's winking at you. You stick out your tongue, knowing, of course, that he won't see it, but the intention is the important part.

A crash sounds from just ahead followed by a loud curse and the boys freeze but you instinctively move to action. The door ahead is slammed closed on Wrecker. He groans beneath the weight. With an outstretched arm, you usher the force to wedge the doors open and Wrecker lurches free on the other side. Your mind isn't as strong as it once was—with having little opportunity to practice these skills. You shout at the other two to get through as you hold the huge doors ajar, and Echo rushes through. Tech is shooting at more pirates.

Portia's forceful voice calls from the hangar, "You two need to get in here!" You huff and shoot her a glare. Your arms begin to shake from exertion, the doors weighing more heavily on you each second.

"We cannot leave anyone alive who has seen y/n's abilities, Portia. This wave is almost complete," Tech says, firing several more rounds.

"Use the force against them, then!"

"That would seem--rather difficult at the moment.” You strain, keeping every last bit of mindfulness on those blasted doors.

"Tech, fall back so y/n can shut the door. We'll cover you--" From nowhere, Portia rushes forward, cutting Echo off, to grab the backs of both Tech's and your armor. You try to hold your ground but lose your footing and exhaustion hits you in a wave.

"Portia, don't break her..." In a burst of weariness, you fall to your knees, giant doors slamming shut. "Concentration," Tech finishes, voice low. The annoyance in his eyes flashes before he refocuses and continues firing on the opposition. "We need to regroup three corridors to the left, where another entrance to the hangar is, but that seems to be where most of the pirates are coming from. Follow me--this way."

Tech takes off, informing the others of his plan over the comms. You gather your strength as quickly as possible, head beginning a torrent of pain. As you reflect while jogging directly behind Tech, you make a mental note to quit ignoring opportunities to meditate. Your group meets few pirates along the route Tech is taking you, but the issue is that his directions are leading you in the exact opposite way you need to be going. Years of experience in the Bad Batch gives you trust in the genius clone, but you worry Portia will be feeling uneasy with this path. Predictably, she speaks up.

“Sweet Techie, what the kriff are we doing? Do you know where you’re taking us?”

"I have studied this ship's schematics rigorously. If I am wrong, this path will lead us directly to the cargo bay which might easily be opened to jettison us into the vacuum of space, should the pirates locate us." Tech pauses to spare a glance at the bounty hunter and concludes. "But I'm rarely wrong."

After a few turns and a lot of stray pirates, your group reaches an empty hallway. Tech stops and turns to you, saying, "Now that your secret is out, would you please remove the cover for the air intake?"

"As you wish." You nod, grimacing at the exhaustion in your own voice. You gently set the vent cover against the wall and then launch those two up and into the ceiling, following them shortly after.

The maze of air ducts is large enough for you all to crawl through, but as evidenced by her hesitation, it takes a special kind of faith for Portia to follow Tech through the confines. "Hey Tech, I realize that this is a sound plan and all, but how much of this are we going to have to go through?"

“About the same distance as the halls we just traversed,"

"I suppose it's alright, Techie," says Portia. "The more time spent with you, the better."

He takes a moment to respond with a simple "thank you."

After an eternity, you arrive at the hangar. The heavy sounds of blaster fire lights up the ducts and you quickly open the air vent to allow Tech to go through it. Before he does, he refers to you. "There's no possible outcome that will offer a safe retreat if they discover who you are, y/n. You know what will happen,"

"I know.” You watch as Tech leaps out of the air duct.

Portia's voice fills in the silence. "So you are a Jedi, huh?"

"A common misconception," You counter. "No, Portia. I'm no Jedi. This is not a time for the Jedi, nor will there likely be again."

“No need to get all philosophical on me there, space wizard. 'No' would've worked just as well."

You squint at her as she descends from the vent but decide to soften her fall, following after. As it happens, Tech had led you to the other side of the hangar away from the firefight. He waits behind a few crates so that you and Portia can catch up. Blaster at the ready, you interpret his hand signals telling you to watch his back as he makes his way to the ship. You tell Portia to go with him and he agrees, though it takes a moment for the bounty hunter to catch on.

Once ready, they take off and you stay behind to cover them with blaster fire. Hunter comms, "Nice of you all to finally join the party."

"Thanks for having us," you reply, taking out a couple of stray pirates.

All is well until you feel a presence creep up behind you. You turn just as a very ugly pirate slams something blunt across your helmet. World spinning, you struggle to get to your feet, wondering where time went. He steps on you and kicks your blaster away, then he kneels and removes your helmet, saying, "What do we 'ave here? A nice little pet got seperated from the pack, 'ey?"

You laugh, spitting a bit of blood on his face, "You chose the wrong description there, buddy."

His nose breaks easily under your fist and you throw him to the ground. Without a second thought, you shoot him in the head and move on. The world is still a little hazy as you run to the shuttle so you take a second to focus and locate the rest of the boys. Tech says the shuttle is ready for dispatch, so those two have made it. Hunter is at the front of the line against the pirates and Echo and Wrecker are flanking him. Easy.

The boys begin to retreat and you stand near the Marauder to cover them as they arrive. Echo and Hunter make it aboard and are waiting on a trigger happy Wrecker to follow. You turn to the big man just as someone shouts.

"Detonator!"

Instantly you turn and catch the explosive as it flies at you. To your horror, it beeps its last. With all the strength you can muster, you hold it up with the force and contain the explosion. The energy from the blast is immaculate. What feels like years follow as you try to move the bomb away from the ship while still holding in the ball of fire. The pressure like a dying star threatens to break you as you strain.

"Throw it! Throw it, y/n, I'll cover you!"

Your resolve snaps and you throw the growing flame just as Wrecker tackles you.

. . .

Tech's distinct, comforting voice echoes through the room, waking you from darkness. Immediately you feel the throbbing pain of life return to you and you reject it. Blood rushes from your head as you sit up and reach for your blaster, the need to protect your team your first priority. Your vision is spotted but you can see a stranger hovering over you, trying to still you. You leap at them but something strong forces you back down. You don't have the energy to fight it.

"Y/n! Y/n, it's us. It's Echo, Portia, and Tech--relax. Fighting us will only waste your energy!"

Desperation overtakes you and you look around in a panic, "Where's... Where's Wreck..? There 's an explosion.” Your voice slurs as you grasp onto one of the arms that holds you down. "Where was an explosion! He ok? Where--'s he?"

"He is okay," says Tech, getting in your face. Your vision begins to clear and you trace his goggles with your eyes, finally focusing on his worried ones. "You need to breathe for me. Slowly. Big breaths... yes. Just like that."

"Where is he?"

"He's with Hunter getting a burn treated. By the looks of it, it is only second degree and over a very small area on his shoulder. He will be fine."

"Got lucky," Says Portia who stands nearby. "That was one hell of a blast."

"Alright, y/n," Tech says, a hand on your shoulder. The look he gives you is soft, but his voice is firm. "You've sustained injuries. You need to rest now,"

You huff with a little smile, trying not to seem too eager as you flop back down on the bunk. "Don't 'ave to tell me twice."

. . .

"How you doing, n/n?"

You sigh, setting your helmet on the bar. "As well as I probably should be. Took one hell of a nap on the way back here."

Echo chuckles. “You probably needed it."

You arrived back on Ord Mantell only an hour ago and everyone is off doing their own thing. Omega and Wrecker are getting their traditional after-mission treat of Mantell mix, Tech is working on the Marauder, and Portia and Hunter are talking payment for the mission. That leaves you, Echo, and Cid at the bar.

"Cid," you call. "Can I have that one drink you made me the other night? It was the one that wasn't super strong but was kinda fruity,"

She raises a brow at you from across the bar. "Alright kid, I know what you're askin' me for, but it seems like you need a lot more kick than that."

You shake your head. "No, ma'am. My body needs a break from my shenanigans."

"You could say that again. I heard your recklessness nearly cost me more credits than you're worth,"

"One," You counter, giving her a tired look, "I had nothing to do with rigging the doors. Actually, if the intel you gave Tech was complete, we could have avoided the situation entirely." You search for a sign that your words are affecting her, but there is none. She carries on fixing up your order. "And two: there's no way that little box was worth that much."

She squints at you. "D'you not get the briefing through your thick skull? That 'little box' is called a holocron. When I say it's worth more than you, I mean it's worth five--bounty included."

"A holocron?"

"It's what the Jedi used for--"

"Yeah, I know what it is,” you mutter, dumbfounded as Cid sets your drink in front of you. "I just... I'm surprised. I should've known."

"Well," Echo smirks. "You were pretty distracted the whole time."

"Googly eyes for Mr. Goggles again?" Says Cid.

"Yep," he takes a sip of his own drink. "And a bit jealous of a certain bounty hunter."

The lady looks at him with a little grin. "Is that right?"

You stare at them both in turn. Once they finally turn their eyes to you, you voice your confusion. "What?"

"Oh, so you think we're blind now too."

Echo laughs and sets a hand on your shoulder. "You've got as bad a poker face as my old Captain."

"Rex?"

"Mm. Man can't tell a lie to save his life," He smiles, then looks closely at you. For a moment you wonder if he's about to make a funny jab at your bruised face, but then he says, "When you're done with that drink, you wanna walk with me?"

"You askin' her out, Cyborg?"

He shakes his head. "No, Cid. I'm not that brave."

You chuckle and lean with your elbows on the countertop. "I'm not quite your speed, bud."

Soon you set the empty glass within reaching distance of Cid and get up, moseying along with Echo quietly until you have left the parlor. In the street, you stroll for a while before either of you speak. It is getting dark out, but lights illuminate the area. Echo glances over his shoulder before finally addressing you.

"Y/n, I have to know something," He pauses and rests his hand on his hip. "Please don't let me be wrong because if I am, things might get really awkward."

You stare openly at him, praying in your mind, Please don't confess feelings for me, please don't confess feelings for me... All the while wondering where this might have come from. In your time of fighting alongside Echo, your chemistry has been strictly friendly. There is no romance. No, all of those cursed emotions have been directed at--

“Tech,"

"What?"

"You have the hots for him, right?"

"Thank the Force!" You breathe, bending over dramatically with hands on your knees. "I thought you were going to confess some deeply intimate feelings you've been harboring or some shit."

"Maker, no! Ew--well, not ew. You're not gross. I don't--" Echo stumbles. "No, y/n. I don't have secret feelings for you."

"Whew--" you huff and straighten to look him in the eye. "No, yeah. Tech. He's uh... yeah. I do like him."

Echo nods with a grin on his face.

"But he's definitely pining for Portia,"

His face turns sour and he squints at you. “You're not serious,"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

He steps closer and looks you up and down. "Damn, that blast really did get to you, huh?”

"Echo, what the kriff are you on about?"

"Tech is in love with you--and even if he didn't tell me every day, I'd still know. Have you seen him?"

Your eyes are wide as you search Echo's for any sign of a prank. No, Echo wouldn't make light of this. Breathless, face burning, you reply, "What?"

"Always looking at you. Every time you leave the room, he has something to say about you. He's constantly working on things to make your life easier." Echo shrugs. "He's liked you for a long time, but he's convinced you'd never date a clone. Thinks you're not willing to break that Jedi code that's been hounded into you. Obviously he was wrong."

"Obviously,"

"You gonna tell him?"

You glance at him, then down the street where you know Tech is repairing the shuttle. In a moment of fear, your head shakes. Then hope passes through and you think, Why not? Truly, what would the harm be?

Distraction, you realize, would be the deciding flaw. His focus will be taken away from important duties which could result someone getting hurt or killed. Your attachment will strip you of self control and you could become susceptible to the Dark Side's wily temptations. That is why you refuse to take action. In the end, with the lifestyle you live, romance could prove fatal.

A ping of pain hits your chest as you see just how close you are to that temporary happiness. Something in you has known all along that it is possible, but with reality... could you ever fully love him? What about his rapid aging? And if you ever want to start a family--that would be absolutely reckless. Omega is barely an exception to your morals. Children will never belong in this way of life.

"You know," Echo says, drawing your attention. "I'm sure Tech has thought about everything you're thinking about. Unless you're devising a plan to secure more Mantell mix. Go talk to him instead of moping around."

You let out a shaky breath. “Be my wing man?"

He gives you a smile. "I thought you'd never ask."

"Your hands are shaking,"

"Thanks, Echo. Real comforting," You glare at him as he enters the code to the bay door. You hear him chuckle before the door hisses open and you are blinded by the lights illuminating the Marauder. The person of interest looks up, light reflecting off his goggles just wrong. You squint, hardly able to see his small wave.

"Go," Echo whispers impatiently. You shoot him a look.

"You should be resting, y/n," Tech says, wiping his hands on a rag. "After your recent injuries, your body needs apt time to recover."

Clearing your throat, you reply, "I'll be fine. Had worse," You cover the distance to the shuttle with Echo close by. "How is she?"

"The Marauder did not receive much damage beyond cosmetics. I did, however, discover a hydrolic leak in this left compartment that has been seriously depleting her potential for a more efficient..." He goes on with terms that make your head spin. As much as you want to listen, all you can think about is your reason for meeting him. Your eyes drift to his lips far too many times, flitting to the grime on the forearms of his sleeves where he'd changed into something more disposable for the dirty job. You've never seen that shirt before and wonder how long he'd had it. Surely he didn't just purchase it for today. It hugs him very nicely though--that you don't miss.

"Tech, y/n," Echo begins. You snap your eyes back up. "It's been nice, but I'm gonna head back to Cid's and let you two talk about... important things." He emphasizes the last two words with a look aimed at you, which makes Tech pause. In an instant, and before you can find the voice to protest, he's gone.

"I suspect he is implying that--right. Small talk," He frowns after noticing a tired look from you. "I struggle remembering to use common 'lingo,' for conversational purposes."

"It's a learned skill," you offer, suddenly nervous. He nods.

"What did Echo mean by 'important things?'"

The gravity of the situation hits you and you hum, "It's uh... something about--" You regain yourself and stare at the ground a moment before warning, "I need you to realize that I might cry. Don't freak out."

His eyes shoot wide and he reaches for you, "What do you mean? Is everything okay?" You let him take your shoulders in his strong hands. What if Echo is wrong and Tech only sees you as a good friend? Worse yet--what if he is right? Your confession can mean you have to walk away from them forever.

"Yes and no?" Your breaths are shaky and throat tight as you whisper. "How do I say it? Kriff, Tech. I don't think I can."

"Did someone hurt you? Come here," He takes your hand and leads you to a few crates and you sit. He kneels before you.

"No," you finally answer. "I'm not hurt."

"If you cannot tell me, simply your assurance that I am not the cause of any of this pain will suffice... And if I am, I hope there is some way I can mend it." He hums, gently rubbing your knuckles with his thumb. You catch a glimpse of his concern just before your vision becomes completely clouded.

And in this moment, there isn't a single doubt in your mind as to why you feel what you do. His heart aches--you can sense it through the force.

With the last ounce of bravery in your chest, you say, "You are--but that's okay." Your head drops, tears rolling down your face. Finally, you mutter, "I love you, Tech."

His hand stills.

"I'm so sorry if you don't feel the same," You sputter, not daring to look at him. "And I'm sorry if you're interested in someone else--"

"Oh, y/n," he breathes. "That couldn't be further from the truth,"

Large arms wrap around your trembling form and you lean into him, feeling his warmth envelope you. Face buried in his shoulder, you breathe him in. He smells of dirt and a mechanic's shop tainted with a hint of new clothing. The weight from your shoulders falls to your chest but you ignore it for the time being. For now, you can be happy, finally in his arms, even if it's the last time. It takes a moment, but eventually, Tech speaks up, voice rumbling through his chest.

"I love you, y/n," He whispers as if speaking too loudly might scare you away. "And it's all I can do every day to not say something--about how your hair frames your face just right, or... or the way your voice can sooth even my most troubling thoughts. It grounds me some days. You are my everything. My stars, my happiness... my pain. I often wonder what life would be like if I were transparent, but I fear that we wouldn't be happy. Your spirit was meant to be free, but would it be if we are always in hiding? Always running?"

"I don't care," you say, pulling away to look him in the eye. The defiance is evident in your mind now. "I don't care about any of that. I've thought about the reality, but kriff it. We make our own destiny." You stand, and he follows.

His brows furrow for a moment of thought as his hand comes up to wipe the tears from your cheeks. Then his eyes light up, quickly followed by the corners of his mouth. His smile is contagious even if you didn't understand its origin. You look at him quizzically and open your mouth to talk just as he draws you into a tight embrace. You chuckle at his forwardness, returning the motion.

"You know what this means?" He asks breathlessly.

"What's that?"

He lets go just enough that you can see the soft smile on his face. "We've leveled up from friends to best friends."

"Best friends, huh?" You scrunch your face up and study his. "Do best friends kiss each other?"

He pauses, face turning a shade darker as he hums, "I don't know." He leans in close, breath fanning your face. "Shall we find out?"

With that, he kisses you with such a tender passion that you wonder if you’re dreaming. All your years avoiding love... it was worth it for this moment. You melt into the kiss, arms finding their way to drape around his neck. None of the stars can shine as bright as you feel.

“Yeah," you mutter catching your breath, lips brushing his. "I think they must."

You capture his lips again, and there you both stand, worries forgotten. It takes a while before you return to life again. When Tech reaches a decent stopping point on the shuttle's repairs, he cleans up a little bit and you stroll back to the parlor hand-in-hand. Hunter notices your approach from his place at the front door and a small, rare smile lights up his face.

"Finally spill your guts, Tech?"

The genius flushes and replies. “You knew?"

"I thought it was obvious," the man smirks. Then he claps his shoulder and says. "You'd better get some dinner before Wrecker eats it all."

So you join them inside and conclude the evening eating with everyone. Before long, you and Omega are stuffing food down Wrecker's chestplate when he isn't looking. You feel light as you laugh. Afterwards, the whole group sits in the parlor, talking about life. Portia finally gets to know everyone, just as she'd tried to on the shuttle earlier. As you veg, Cid strolls in and takes a seat nearby. She eyes you suspiciously, then mutters something to Echo who chuckles and nods. You don't need to hear them to know what they're talking about.

By now you can tell that even Wrecker has caught on, but it's probably better that way. As the evening grows later and the voices softer, you find yourself leaning against Tech, hardly fighting off the sleep. He finally convinces you to go to bed, and walks you to your room, stopping at the door. Just before you go in, he kisses your forehead and bids you goodnight.

// ~ // ~ //

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Wet - Tech first kiss

Title: Wet Summary: Tech doesn’t want to leave the planet Navya lives on, knowing they won’t ever go back there unless there is an incentive. So, for once, Tech follows his heart – after a little nudge from Echo, of course. CW: None! Tags (if I ever upload to Ao3): fluff, romance, Tech x female OC, no experience Tech, cause I mean do clones have experience??, first kiss, kiss in the rain

Echo sat down with a grunt before leaning back casually. It was silent in the Marauder now, unlike a minute ago when, for the first time in everyone's lives, Tech had argued with Hunter.

Tech was calm, collected, and would usually follow orders when given. If not, he would have a proper, calm, explanation for why an order was not logical, and Hunter would agree.

This time, Tech had no logical explanation. He had thrown some big words out in a painfully obvious attempt to sound like he had a logical explanation, but Hunter hadn’t bought it.

“That was intense,” Echo commented, earning nothing more but a ‘hm’ from Tech, occupied with data on his data pad.

Or, he looked like he was, but Echo could see him just scrolling mindlessly, eyes not taking in any information.

Echo thoughtfully hummed, a knowing smirk appearing on his lips.   

It was not like it had been a proper argument, really. Hunter had seen through Tech the second they had met with the locals. And Hunter had seen through Tech now too. What most likely had bothered Hunter was that it was getting in the way of their ability to complete their job. Their credits were running out, and they would have to refuel the Marauder soon, not to mention eat.

“So…” Echo hummed, wondering what approach to take. Hunter had taken the ‘annoyed’ approach. Wrecker was clueless. Omega too. So it was up to Echo to sort this out now. “Since when does a little rain stop a skilled pilot as yourself?”

Momentarily, all one could hear in the cockpit was the loud, consistent white noise of rain bashing against the hull. ‘A little’ rain was an understatement. It was quite literally pouring down out there, as if someone had opened a water balloon that let out endless supplies of consistent water. It forced one to squint your eyes and breathe through your mouth.

It was bad.

Normal, apparently, to the locals, who had warned them – but the warning had been more to make sure they dressed Omega in warm clothes, not to warn them that they couldn’t take off.

One could fly through rain, even this rain.

“As I mentioned, it would impede the engines’ ability to-“

“Yes,” Echo interrupted with a roll of his eyes, “so you said. Repeatedly.” Echo smirked when Tech looked away from his data pad to offer a stern look to Echo. “You might have been able to fool Wrecker, and you know… I do think Hunter is a little conflicted on whether you were truthful or not. But me? I’ve worked on those engines just as much as you. They can manage. And you can fly through it.”

Tech remained quiet. But his eyes also remained glued on Echo.

No words were said, but Echo still mellowed down. “Why don’t you just go to her.”

“No. I mean…” Tech cleared his throat and finally looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure.” Echo leaned forward, trying to catch Tech’s gaze but failing. “Tech. Maybe you’re not even sure of why you’re lying, or whether you are lying. But I am sure about one thing. Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it because you don’t want to leave.”

“It would be difficult to navigate through the rain,” Tech simply stated.

“Difficult but not impossible,” Echo said with a knowing smile.

“Something… else might be impossible.”

So he was aware.

Curious.

“I am not…” Tech turned to glance at his friend and brother, knee nervously jumping up and down, “naturally inclined toward showing feelings.”

“You have them though.” Echo leaned back in his chair again, crossing his arms over his chest. “Whatever is making you lie to Hunter, even yourself… access it. Decrypt it. And listen to the code.”

Nervously, Tech pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, leg continuing its nervous movement…

Then it clicked.

He stood, giving Echo one last glance that looked mildly grateful, before leaving the cockpit.

Echo smiled.

…

“But it’s raining!” Hunter had closed himself off from the others to try and calm down. He was not angry, nor had this been a proper fight between him and Tech. It was just that he was a little oversensitive, and when he himself had raised his voice, he had accidentally triggered himself.

Sharpening his knife in a quiet, dark room was his way to calm down.

But the closed door didn’t shut out all sounds from the rest of the ship. Especially not to someone with heightened senses. And he easily heard the faint beeping of the ramp being lowered to the outside along with multiple questions thrown around in confusion.

Standing, he left his dark compartment to investigate, a protective mode on.

“Where are you going?” Hunter asked with wide eyes.

With the ramp opened, the bad weather outside was obvious: darkness that made it difficult to see past your own feet, and rain slashing down on you if you left the comfort of a ceiling above your head.

He had to raise his voice again just to be heard over the noise of rain, but his need to protect his squad overpowered his sensitive sense.  

Everyone watched as Tech lifted the hood of a cloak that would do nothing in this weather over his head before saying: “The impossible.”

“What?” Wrecker and Omega watched with bated breaths whether this would become another fight. But then Hunter mellowed down. “Tech, at least tell me where you’re off to.”

Tech did nothing more but stare at his leader. “I’ll be back shortly.”

“Tech.” Tech paused one last time at his leader’s call. “Say hello to Navya for us.”

Tech blushed furiously, earning a smirk from Hunter before he granted the man an approving nod…

…

The darkness this storm brought with it did nothing to stop Tech from getting to Navya’s house. He had memorized the way the second he had first laid eyes on Navya, hoping that nothing would ever happen to this little village for him to have to use that knowledge and protect her.

He knocked on the door. Lights were on inside, and more turned on as Navya made her way to the door. Opening it, she already looked surprised as no one was out and about in this weather, and definitely not to go visit her. She sold technology, either in parts or made whole, and no one was quite interested in that when it rained.

“Tech?” she asked, lifting a lantern to get a better look. Her eyes widened, mouth forming an ‘o’ in surprise. “Tech! What are you doing?”

Too shocked to move, Navya stayed in the doorway. That was alright. Tech had no intention to go inside. That felt… improper.

But he couldn’t leave this planet without at least…

Admitting his own improper thoughts.

“Navya.” Water flowed down his face, seeping through the cloak and into his armour. Despite his enhanced DNA, he would feel a little off the next day from letting his body temperature fall. It was worth it though. “We are leaving.”

She blinked in confusion. “I know that, Tech. We said goodbye.”

“No, we didn’t.” Tech was well aware that that would confuse her even more. They had, in fact, shared a very proper goodbye. He had even waved at her from across the room.

She had smiled… She had stopped herself from walking over. And her smile had wavered and disappeared upon the realization that they wouldn’t meet ever again.

It had been a goodbye.

But not one he wanted.

“Not… Not as I would have liked it.” Tech cleared his throat.

“Tech, you should come inside-“

“I will be fine. This won’t take long.” He cleared his throat again. It wouldn’t take long if he could just get the words to come out. “I wanted to say goodbye.” Dammit. “But not a goodbye.”

Oh he wasn’t sounding very smart right about now. Maybe decrypting those pesky feelings he felt had made him download a virus.

But he wasn’t a droid. He didn’t even have parts on him.

He was human, and deep down past the intellect and awkwardness that came with being hyper aware of everything but emotions, especially his own, he knew that it wasn’t a virus, just a nervous stutter as his heart fluttered in the presence of her.

“I wanted it to be a goodbye lacking the outcome of us never seeing each other again.”

She stared in shock. “That would require the variable of your team coming back. That variable doesn’t exist.”

“Not without any other jobs bringing us here,” Tech agreed with a nod.

“This is such a remote place, you won’t come back.” Her gaze fell to the floor in pain.

“Wrong.” Tech adjusted his goggles awkwardly. “I can be the variable impacting the equation so the solution becomes different.”

Blinking in surprise, Navya stared at him once more. “How?”

“Like this.” Tech stepped forward once. “May I have permission to kiss you?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. But it was a good surprise. She had wanted to ask that question herself for a few days now. “Yes. You have permission.”

It momentarily looked as though Tech hadn’t thought he would get the permission, pausing to let his gaze flicker down to her lips questioningly. But then he leaned down, water trickling from his hood down onto her face as he pecked her lips once.  

That was it.

Just a quick peck. He’d seen people do that, but he had never studied it further. To do so would be creepy, and the data pads along with any information clones were given about humanity held very little info on physical contact.

She, on the other hand, had lived a full life. So when Tech stepped away again, out into the rain, she wasn’t satisfied with just the one little peck. She followed him out into the rain, immediately getting drenched, reached her hands up to his cheeks and pulled him in for a proper kiss. A deep one.

And two kisses.

And three.

It ended with a fourth, gentle, kiss to the side of his lips. At some point he had felt his body react naturally and had kissed her back, but he hadn’t been aware of his hands finding their way to her hips.

Yet, there they were.

And he smiled down at her, face red and heartbeat no longer stuttering, but beating with a radiating warmth that made him forget it was raining.

…

“So?” Echo sat back down in the cockpit, staring at Tech as he prepared the ship for take-off.

It was still pouring down outside, but Tech had finally come to his senses that the ship could handle the weather, and that his flying capabilities were good enough to navigate through the storm with ease.

The others sat down in the cockpit too, Hunter helping Omega strap in.

Just in case.

“So, what?” Tech asked innocently.

“How was Navya?” Echo asked.

Wrecker leaned forwards, an eager grin on his lips. Hunter and Echo had explained to Wrecker, and Omega in less detail, what was going on with Tech.

Obviously, now that Wrecker knew, he needed the full details.

Tech glanced to Echo, pausing his actions momentarily. Then he turned to catch even Hunter waiting impatiently, though the leader pretended he wasn’t doing so by pulling out his knife to play with.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

With a groan, Wrecker grabbed a hold of Tech’s chair and shook it impatiently. “Just tell us! Did you kiss her?”

Omega giggled at Tech looking rather rattled.

“I do believe that is none of your business,” Tech stated.

“That wasn’t a no,” Echo teased.

“We had a discussion that I should…” Tech glanced back at Hunter, who had stopped playing with his knife to listen in. He caught Tech’s gaze and tilted his head curiously. “That I should visit. From time to time.”

Hunter smiled and nodded his head in understanding.

“So how was it!?” Wrecker shouted. “The kiss!?”

Tech rolled his eyes. “It was…” He thought about it for a bit. “Wet.”

“Too much information,” Echo groaned.

“Why was it wet?” Omega asked innocently.

“Because-“ Tech went to reply, well aware that this was innocent enough to explain to a child. It had just been a kiss or two or three in the rain.

The others, however, had other things on their mind.

Very improper things.

They shouted out a quick ‘NO!’ to Tech, who looked around in confusion together with Omega.

credit I don't own tbb I only own Navya's character pink line divider by fic-dumpster

THIS IS EVERYTHING!! Thank you for writing this 🥹

Echo is my favorite out of all of them, and I feel like he does not get as much love as the others. I’m happy to feel included as a round Latina <3

♥️ 🖤

Request

Hello love! I’ve been enjoying reading your work over the past few days ☺️

Would you be able to write an Echo x Latina (brown) mid/plus size reader?

Echo and reader have been friends for a long time (reader is a part of the gang; and everyone sees them as a couple). Yet their insecurities prevent themselves from forming a relationship since they want the “best” for the other.

Somehow they do overcome their insecurities and end up together :)

Hunter is relieved 😅

Another thing I have never done yet 😅 I hope I can do this right for you, let me give it a try, sweetheart :)) You didn't really say if you wanted fluff/nsfw or suggestive. So I stayed fluffy with some soft body contact, hope that's okay.

Echo x Mid/Plus Size Latina Reader - Friends To Lovers

Fluff / Romance / Soft Body Contact

Sugar

"What's that supposed to mean now?"

Echo looked at Wrecker annoyed, he didn't like it when others interfered in his personal affairs.

Wrecker sighed and said, "Well, listen, it's obvious that you two like each other."

Echo waved it off and said, "It doesn't matter, she deserves better than me."

Hunter spoke up from the background, "Stop it Echo, that's nonsense."

Hunter came walking into the main room of the Marauder and looked at his brother reprovingly.

"Stop making yourself so small all the time, you're a great guy, a damn good soldier and an even better person. She likes you, you like her, that's actually pretty simple."

Echo sighed and straightened up.

"I don't know" he said uncertainly "I really do like her immensely and we are good friends, but if I take one more step now I could ruin it all"

The ramp opened, preventing Hunter from giving Echo an answer. Echo's heart almost stopped when he saw you come into the Marauder. You were wearing civi clothes, a breezy summer dress that gently hugged your wonderful curves, not too raunchy, but not entirely innocent either. Your tanned skin glistened a little from the lotion you always used and that he loved to smell.

His gaze wandered along your body for a moment, he loved your curves so much. But he hurriedly broke away, threw you a soft smile and walked past you to the outside. Crosshair was standing outside, he had accompanied you to get a few things. When he saw Echo come out he nodded silently at him.

"Did you get everything?" asked Echo.

"Most of it," Crosshair grumbled.

"Echo."

Your voice tingled under his skin. He turned to you and saw you coming down the ramp to the outside.

"Yes?" he said almost tentatively.

"Can I talk to you in private for a moment?"

He swallowed, his heart pounding in his throat, but he nodded and said, "Of course."

You were nervous, Echo was so incredibly cute and you liked him way too much not to be nervous.

"I've been thinking," you began and your heart wanted to run away from you, it was beating so fast in your chest.

He looked at you intently and his gaze felt like he was crawling into your soul to cuddle with it, Echo always seemed to you like he could just slip inside you and heal all the wounds that had ever existed inside you.

"About what, Mesh'la?" he asked softly.

You felt heat rise in your cheeks, Mesh'la, whenever he called you that you got all warm, you knew what it meant and it was so incredibly flattering and sweet.

"About you and me," you finally said, bolder than you actually felt.

His eyes grew wide.

"Oh... I, did I do something wrong?"

You frowned, wondering why that was the first thing he thought.

"No. I don't know why you think that but-"

"I know I stare at you a lot but I would never presume to approach you inappropriately or-"

You laughed softly and interrupted him, "No, no, no. Echo, what I wanted to say is.... I'm incredibly fond of you, maybe a lot more than I should be.... I don't know... I just wanted to get that off my chest and," you interrupted yourself, shrugging your shoulders helplessly.

"Please say something," you finally said softly.

Echo took a step toward you, his hand wandering to your cheek and gently nuzzling it.

His head came closer and with a soft sigh, leaned his forehead against yours.

Softly, gently, almost whispering he said," I'm crazy about you Sugar, so blown away. For a very long time I've had a crush on you, but we both know I'm different and I always thought.... I always thought you could never love someone like me."

You let out a stuttering breath. You'd always known he liked you, but you hadn't known how much. His confession seemed to take the air out of your lungs and at the same time give your heart wings.

"Echo," you spoke softly, "I want to be more than friends."

His lips came closer, but before they touched yours he asked, "Are you sure about that?"

"Perfectly"

His lips touched yours, warmer and softer than expected, tentative, gently testing, then more intimate, confident and finally demanding.

His tongue opened your lips and began to hunt yours, each velvety collision a firebrand in your neural pathways, a tingling in your belly that spread in warm waves.

As you both broke breathlessly from the kiss, his arm moved around your waist, pulling you even closer to him. His forehead leaned against yours again and he smiled with his eyes closed.

Behind you a clapping sounded and an exclamation that could only be from Wrecker. You obviously had an audience, but for the moment you didn't care, even though you felt heat rising in your cheeks again.

Feeling his arm around your curvy body was a bit of a shock at first, you were never sure if he could desire you, you weren't one of those girls the guys hung up as posters in their bunks, you were a bit roundish. But Echo pressed you so tenderly and lovingly against him that you forgot any self-doubt and could just enjoy the moment.

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

I also rewatched the show recently 🥺

I was more emotional with the ending this time around ; more than when they originally aired.

I’m excited and nervous for the upcoming season !

Finished my TBB rewatch and I feel-

Training For Failure

A/N: I just needed a pep talk from Echo today. (Also, I love soft!Echo fics with all my heart, but I think sometimes people forget that he used to be a badass ARC Trooper and still very much has that vibe going on when he's not playing Mom to Omega 😂)

Warnings: Tough Love from Echo. Reader is feeling bad about themselves.

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"Come on, keep up!" Echo called out, glancing over his shoulder to see you jogging several paces behind him.

You gave him a thumbs up and a grin to hide the fact that you were dying inside. Or at least that's what it felt like. Were lungs supposed to hurt like this? With every strained inhale, the chilly morning air burned it's way through your chest.

Echo jogged in place, watching as you ran over to him, breathing heavily. He clapped you on the shoulder. "You're doing good so far!" He encouraged. "Here, drink." He tossed you a water bottle giving you a little grin. "Just around this bend and we'll be done our warm-up."

You choked on the water, spilling a mouth full down the front of your shirt.

"Wait, this is just a warm-up?" You panted in disbelief.

Echo chuckled, "Yeah, like I told you yesterday. We jog to the training gym, go a few rounds, and then walk back."

You inhaled and exhaled slowly, resting your hands on your knees to help soothe your screaming lungs.

"You okay?" Echo put a hand on your back, looking at you, brows upturned with concern.

Nodding, you gave him a thumbs up. " I'm good!" You gave him a grin and stood up quickly. A sudden wave of dizziness hit you out of nowhere and you stumbled to the side. Echo grabbed your upper arm, keeping you upright.

"Whoa! Hey, take it easy now. Hands on top of your head."

"What, are you arresting me or something?" you jokingly scoffed.

Echo rolled his eyes. "No. It helps the blood circulate better. Helps you catch your breath."

Nodding slowly to avoid worsening your lightheadedness, you obediently rested your palms on top of your sweaty hair. As weird as it sounded, it did help. Slowly the ache in your lungs began to let up, your breaths came more easily and the dizziness abated.

Kriff, you were out of shape. A heavy feeling of shame settled in your core, replacing the sharp sting of laboured breathing.

"Sorry for slowing you down," you mumbled, looking down at your feet. What had you been thinking when you asked Echo to help you train? You were so not going to survive this. "Maybe you'd get a better work-out on your own without me. I'd just kriff it up anyway."

Echo stiffened, "No. Stop." You looked up at him in confusion. His eyes were sharp and serious as though they could see straight through you. It was the same look he had on the battlefield. The look of a leader.

"Look at me." He gripped your shoulders between his flesh hand and scomp link.

"I am." You avoided eye contact.

"No," he moved the tip of his scomp arm beneath your chin, bringing your eyes up to meet his.

"Listen, I don't want to hear that kind of talk." He said firmly. "The only way to get good is to keep going."

You swallowed and looked away feeling a little intimidated and embarrassed. Echo pulled you back so that you met his eyes once more.

"I can guarantee that if you keep thinking you'll fail, then you will fail. I know it's hard and sometimes it hurts but you have to stick with it."

"I can't...." you whispered feeling defeated. Tears clouded your vision, threatening to fall.

"You can." Echo reprimanded. "You can and you will. You're strong." He paused, thinking for a moment, and sighed.

"It does help though, when you have a partner - someone who can motivate you and push you to your limits."

He paused again, breaking eye contact for a fraction of a second. "My brother Fives was that person for me."

He met your eyes again.

"Our squad - Domino Squad - almost didn't make it though training. We failed every simulation. We couldn't work as a team and even the instructors said we'd never make it; that we were failures. I started to believe them because what they wanted from us seemed impossible. I wanted to give up. But Fives wouldn't let me. Fives believed in us - he believed in me. 'We will not train for failure' he told us. He pushed us hard, dragging us all out of our bunks to practice again and again and again. Until finally we made it. Fives was right. We don't train for failure. We train to better ourselves and therefore to better our brothers - our squad."

"I didn't know that," you said softly, wiping your eyes, "I guess I could use a friend like that." Echo nodded.

"Fives was that person for me. I will be that person for you. I will not allow you to fail. Yes, you'll make mistakes, you'll fall on your ass more times that you can count but that's not failure. You only fail if you give up. Failure is a choice."

Echo's voice radiated confidence. You could almost feel it invading your own skin and bleeding into your bones. No wonder they made him an ARC Trooper. He was stern when he needed to be, confident in his abilities, and adaptable to whatever situation was thrown at Clone Force 99.

In addition to all that, Echo was compassionate. He truly cared for his teammates and for that you were glad - for that and everything else, you loved him.

"So what do you say we finish off this work-out?"

You nodded your head, giving him a small smile. "Sir, yes sir!"

Echo grinned, squeezing your shoulder. "Good. Then wipe your face and follow me."

You took a deep breath and began to run, keeping pace with Echo. "And I know a great smoothie place we can hit afterwards."

"Sounds like a plan."

--------------------------------------------------

@zoeykallus @ttzamara @nahoney22 @merkitty49 @viva-la-whump @agenteliix @dumpsters-little-matchbook @nekotaetae @ladykatakuri @loverofclones @heyitsaloy @padawancat97 @jambolska-grozdova @flyingkangaroo @melymigo @rain-on-kamino @jiabeewrites

If you want to be on my taglist, feel free to send me a message! Also, asks are open! Reblogging is very much encouraged and it makes me do a happy dance every time any of my writing gets reblogged 😂❤️

Third Time’s the Charm

Captain Rex x Gen!Reader One-Shot

Summary: The war is over, and the Republic has won. Rex signed up for a matchmaking service and you’re meeting for a third date. Basically just Rex fluff and him being nervous and awkward lol.

Rating/Warnings: SFW with kissing, making out, slight suggestiveness.

Word count: 1800-2000ish

Author’s Note: This is a two in one, baby! Not only is it a submission the the Clone Matchmaking AU @tcwmatchmakingau (pls read the other fics that have been submitted!) but also a prompt from @freesia-writes ! The prompt: “kiss me again, but- mphh" from the kissing prompts list. Idk how I feel about this one but I gotta get it out of my drafts.

Please enjoy and reblogs/comments are always appreciated. I just want to kiss Rex, okay? 💕

Rex was pacing, his nerves almost completely shot. He checked the time every few seconds, subtly breathing into his palm to make sure his breath didn’t stink. He smoothed out his civvies, hoping they weren’t too wrinkly.

Shockingly to Rex, you had agreed to meet for a third date.

He was excited, yes. But also incredibly nervous.

Rex liked you.

A lot.

Rex never thought he’d get this far.

He didn’t know what to expect when he reluctantly accepted the first date match from Right to Love Matchmaking Service.

Rex had heard about it from some of his brothers but wasn’t sure it was for him.

Who would want a washed-up soldier? He also knew nothing about dating. Sure, he’s had a few quick flings and stolen kisses in the back of 79s when he was a cadet. But now, the thought of putting himself out there, looking for something serious while having strangers match him with another stranger… sounded like a recipe for disaster.

On the other hand, now that the war was over, companionship did sound nice. And a few of his brothers have had success with the service…

He continuously tossed around the idea, a few times half-filling out the Holonet application before deleting it, the fear of the unknown getting the best of him.

Rex even walked by the building once, Right to Love flashing in neon lights, almost stepping inside before his nerves sent him in the other direction.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, when Fives and Echo invited him to a “boy's night out” for drinks, that he was convinced.

Or more like the alcohol did the convincing for him.

One drink turned into two, then three, and somehow the conversation switched to the matchmaking service.

Both Fives and Echo had girlfriends now, having met through Right to Love.

Rex has met them a few times, and they did seem like good partners, and Fives and Echo were happier than he’d ever seen them.

He was proud of them for moving on from the war and finding happiness. Rex couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy sometimes, wondering if he’ll ever get to experience that, too.

Rex mentioned how he’s been thinking about signing up for Right to Love, and that’s how they persuaded him to fill out the digital application right there with them at the bar.

“Aw c’mon Rex!” Fives clapped Rex’s shoulder. “You should try it out. Anyone is lucky to have you!”

Fives took a large swig of beer, slammed it down, and pulled out his datapad.

“The application is easy. I don’t know how they do it, but they work some kind of magic. My girl is perfect, the woman of my dreams. I don’t think I would have ever found someone like her without them!” Fives shoved his datapad over to Rex, wiggling his eyebrows. “You don’t even have to go in person. Let us help you, vod!”

A few more sips of liquid courage later, Rex was pressing submit on his application while Fives and Echo cheered him on.

The rowdy night continued, and Rex quickly forgot all about it.

Rex didn’t remember he followed through until the next morning when a notification chimed on his terminal.

He woke from his deep sleep, still recovering from the night before, reading the message with blurry eyes and a headache.

Dear Rex,

Thank you for choosing Right to Love Matchmaking Service, where everyone deserves the right to companionship!

We have received your application and are processing your submission.

A matchmaking representative will be reaching out to you shortly. Have a wonderful day!

Rex’s brain almost short-circuited, the hazy memory of Fives and Echo helping him fill out the form coming back to him.

Those kriffing di’kuts!

Rex panicked momentarily, not sure if he was ready for this. But he thought of how happy his brothers were, and maybe it was finally time for him to step out of his comfort zone.

Rex commanded battalions alongside Jedi in life-or-death situations, and yet here he was, afraid to go on one singular date.

To Rex’s surprise, the whole process was easier than expected. The representative that reached out to him was nice, eased some of his worries, and answered all the questions he had. At the end of the conversation, the representative said they already had a match for him.

You.

To his even greater surprise, your first date went fine.

Fantastic, even.

Rex was an anxious mess leading up to meeting you in person, but you were kind, patient, compassionate, everything he would want in a partner.

It was almost like this matchmaking service did its job.

The next morning after your first date, you comm’d him asking to meet again, saying you had a good time.

Rex responded immediately with a resounding yes, hoping he wasn’t coming off as too desperate.

Your second date was even better than the first, learning more about one another, and you talked for hours.

You both hadn’t realized how late it had gotten and completely lost track of time. The restaurant you met at for lunch was now finishing up the dinner rush, you two the last ones in the eatery.

Rex walked you back to your apartment, and you hugged him as you said good night.

Maker, he couldn’t stop thinking about the hug. How warm and soft you felt against him. How he could smell the faint floral aroma of your shampoo. How your eyes shined as you whispered good night. He couldn’t stop thinking about you, Rex was completely smitten.

He was feeling the pressure now, waiting for you to meet him in front of the Coruscant Botanical Gardens where you planned to meet for your date.

Rex was low-key fretting about what came next. Another hug? Maybe holding your hand? A kiss?

Rex swallowed thickly.

He wanted to take things slow and didn’t want you to feel pressured into anything.

If a quick hug from you made him feel this good, he couldn’t even imagine what a kiss would be like.

He could feel his palms begin to sweat. Before he could spiral anymore, he heard his name.

You were walking toward him, a large smile on your face.

“Hey, Rex!” You waved, stepping up to him. You stopped, hesitating for a moment. Little did Rex know, you were having the same thoughts. Maker, he’s so handsome, I want to kiss him! I hope he wasn’t weirded out by the hug from a few nights ago…but he agreed to meet me again so I guess I didn’t scare him off…

“I’ve lived on Coruscant my whole life, and never been to the gardens. Funny how that happens sometimes.” You laughed.

Rex nodded stiffly.

“I’ve never been here, either. But I’m glad we can experience it for the first time together.”

You blushed at his words, Rex’s ears feeling hot at his admission.

You smiled again. “Me too, Rex. Shall we?”

The gardens were huge and seemingly endless, growing flora from hundreds of planets. Rex was able to point out some, recognizing them from the war. He was well-traveled because of it.

You enjoyed hearing him speak of his past, his brothers, and the sometimes downright insane feats he was involved with during the war.

Your conversation was always easy, like you’ve known one another for years. You couldn’t believe how perfect he was and how comfortable you felt around him.

Was it too good to be true, though?

You wandered for a while, keeping up conversation. You eventually sat on a bench in a massive greenhouse, admiring the lush greenery around you.

You were silent for a few moments, Rex wondering if this was his chance.

He wanted to kiss you. He was going to ask you. He was a soldier, no, a Captain, dammit! He should have the courage to do this!

Rex took in a breath, knowing he had to get over his anxiety and just take the leap. It was now or never.

You heard Rex’s inhale and you felt worry stir in your gut. Here we go, he’s going to tell me he doesn’t want to meet again. The classic “it has been really fun but…”

“I’ve…enjoyed our dates.” Rex turned to you. “And I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. So, thank you.”

You raised your eyebrows, meeting his gaze, surprised at his comment.

“Rex, you don’t have to thank me. I’ve been enjoying them too. I like you a lot.” You fidgeted a little, blushing. Maybe I didn’t screw things up!

You took your own breath, continuing.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for the dating service…I went on some bad dates a while back and was kind of fed up with it all, you know? But I’m glad I took the chance on you.”

Rex felt some confidence rush through his veins. “Really?” He asked.

“You’re easy to talk to, kind, a good listener. Not to mention a complete gentlemen. It’s hard to find that.” Your cheeks were hot at your own words, suddenly too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

“I like you a lot, too.” Rex’s voice was low, and you felt something brush against your hand on the bench, looking down, and saw Rex’s hand barely touching yours.

You moved your hand closer, and Rex took your hand in his. You thought your heart might leap straight out of your chest. His hand was calloused, yet warm. Comforting.

“You’re brilliant, remarkable. Not to mention the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. I…I’m so happy I met you.”

“Oh, Rex…you mean that?” You’ve never had a man say those words to you with such sincerity.

“More than anything in my life. Can…can I ask you something?” Rex was almost whispering. You nodded, eyes wide, wondering what he wanted to say next.

“Can I kiss you?” Rex was gazing right at you, his heart pounding in his ears.

Warmth blossomed in your chest, entwining your fingers with his. You couldn’t keep the grin from spreading on your face, and Rex saw how your features lit up like the Tattooine suns.

“Yes…Rex. I thought you’d never ask.”

Rex could see the colors of the bright flowers that surrounded you in your eyes as he leaned toward you.

Rex stopped centimeters from your lips, bringing his free hand to tenderly cup the side of your face. Your breath hitched at the gentle gesture, your eyes fluttering closed in bliss as he shyly brushed his lips against yours.

For Rex, the world melted away. Did he die and go to heaven? Because that’s how he felt when your hand moved to his shoulder, your unbelievably soft lips pressing back into his in a chaste kiss.

All of his anxieties dissipated, forgetting why was so nervous about this date in the first place, all he could think about was you and how lucky he was in this moment.

You pulled away after what could have been hours, your eyes hooded, looking up at him, smiling, realizing you were still holding hands.

“Rex…” The way his name fell from your lips, husky and almost sensual, ignited a fire in him. He wanted to hear it again and again.

Rex released his hand from yours, bringing it to your other cheek, cradling your head with both his hands now with such reverence you thought you might faint.

“Was…was that ok?” He murmured, wanting more, but didn’t want to push your boundaries in any way.

“Yes…kiss me again, Rex. Pleas-mph!” Rex quickly slid his mouth against yours, still cradling your head as your arms wrapped around him, your words cut short by his lips.

The kiss was deep, passionate, just like him. You sighed against his mouth, Rex using the opportunity to sweetly lick your bottom lip, politely asking for entrance.

You eagerly obliged, excited by his newfound confidence. His tongue entered your mouth, eliciting another satisfied sigh from you and a groan from Rex. Your body to trembled against his in fervor, feeling his muscles flex under your hands.

Your lungs began to burn, needing oxygen but not wanting this kiss to end.

Your mouths moved as one, gripping one another like you were the last two people in the Galaxy.

You let out a small whine as Rex pulled away, both your lips swollen from the intensity, your faces flushed and your bodies on fire.

“Wow…” was all you could mutter, as Rex’s hands fell from your flushed face. “That was…”

“Incredible?” He mumbled. You nodded in agreement, leaning into him. Rex wrapped his arm around you, still seated on the bench.

“I’ve been wanting to do this since we first met,” Rex admitted, his thumb slowly caressing your arm.

You were quickly turning into mush seeing this new, romantic side of Rex emerge.

“Me too.” You couldn’t help but giggle, giddy at what had just taken place.

Rex brought you into him, embracing you in a hug, silently thanking his brothers for making him take the plunge and sign up for this dating service.

“I think we’ve seen enough plants for one day. Want to come back to my place?” You asked, nuzzling against his chest. “We could make dinner and watch a Holomovie?”

“I’d love to,” Rex answered as you looked up at him. “I’d really love to.” Rex hasn’t been sure about much since the war ended, trying to find purpose and meaning in a new Galaxy.

He was sure about one thing now, and it was you.

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just watched the bad batch my manwife for whole season