Somewhere along the way, I apparently reblogged something saying I would do matchups, so let me clear the air-
I'M DOING MATCHUPS NOW
If you want one, just drop an ask in my ask box! Please be nice when you ask, if you're rude, I'll throw the request away!
I focus more on your personality and a little bit on your appearance, you can tell me things you like and dislike and maybe what some of your future goals are?
If you really don't want to be shipped with someone, don't be afraid to let me know, by default I pinky promise to NEVER ship someone with Alfrid (😖)
So send them in! If I get too many, I'll close matchups and do which ever ones are still in my inbox when i return to this!
"kill them with kindness" wrong. back stabbing🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
Summary: Tav misinterprets Halsin’s declarations, thinking he must not want her as much as she wants him. Can Halsin convince her of his love?
A/N: Well, my first Halsin fic is here! Based off this dialogue from the game, featuring a classic miscommunication trope. When I first came across this dialogue, I found myself rather disappointed by Halsin’s declaration, and I realized I was focusing on all the wrong parts of it. I couldn’t get the idea out of my head, so here we have a scenario in which Tav has done the same. This fic is so self-indulgent it should be a crime.
Warnings: Hurt/Comfort (emphasis on the comfort—I promise all’s well that ends well). Pretty spoiler free, except for the opening dialogue if you’re romancing Halsin and you want all that to be a surprise.
“Relationship?” A deep chuckle rumbles in Halsin’s chest. A sinking feeling settles into your gut. You weren’t sure what to expect when you broached the topic of a potential relationship, but a laugh? A direct blow from an enemy sword would have hurt less.
“Such terms belong to civilization—a little unfamiliar to my lips.” His words continued, but that soft smile, those kind eyes, the strong, steadfast shape of Halsin, it all begins to shift, distorting just slightly as traitorous tears prick at your eyes. A quick bite of your inner cheek reminds you to hold steady, to not let the tears fall—by every star in that gods damned sky, you are not going to let him see you cry.
“…you and I should each seek happiness wherever it lies…”
He’s still going on? You think to yourself. How long can one rejection take? You bite your cheek even harder, a coppery tang bursting on your tastebuds.
Halsin’s words echo in your mind, despite the fact that his monologue seems to continue, piercing your heart again and again, the pain stealing the breath from your lungs. You will yourself to take in another breath.
“Let others know the happiness of being with you.” Halsin smiles down on you, not an ounce of malice in those soft green eyes. The staunch difference between his kindhearted gaze and the red-hot pain radiating in your chest was nearly laughable. In fact, at that very moment, you were unsure if your next steps would include crying, laughing, or launching an all out assault on the mountain of a man before you—an action that would surely not work out in your favor given the comical size difference between you two.
In the end, it was all you could do to offer a small, meager, “I see.” It’s a notable effort to keep the emotion from your voice, but you’re proud of the attempt all the same.
A frown breaks out across Halsin’s face, his brows knitting together in confusion. “Have I said something wrong, my heart?”
Those two words are a slap to your face. You don’t trust yourself to speak, not again, so without a word you turn and make your way to your tent as fast as your feet can take you.
The fabric barely has time to fall in place behind you before the warm tears finally break free.
_________
Two days had passed since the incident. While you wanted nothing more than to mope about on your bedroll and avoid Halsin altogether, your situation doesn’t exactly allow for such luxuries.
Which is how you find yourself in the woods with Shadowheart, foraging for ingredients to top off your party’s supply of potions and tonics. Though you left early in the morning, the sun glares bright overhead now. Wiping a bead of sweat from your brow, you crouch low beneath a bush and scan the area for the bright violet blooms Shadowheart had you scouting for.
“I just don’t understand why you had to drag me out for this,” you fuss at your friend as thorns from the underbrush prick your side. Your clothing offers little protection against natures most irritating defenses.
“Surely there’s…someone more suited to this than I.” Your following scowl can’t be entirely blamed by the literal thorn in your side, not as thoughts of Halsin flash through your mind once more.
Shadowheart hums absentmindedly. “Yes, this is true. Halsin is more in tune with the forest,” she mutters, collecting something from the earth too small for your eyes to make out. A soft clink tells you the specimen makes it into the glass bottle. “I was actually hoping to talk to you about that,” Shadowheart continues, popping the cork back on the bottle and tucking it away.
“About what?” You hiss as another thorn embeds itself in your palm. You toss a scowl her way before distracting yourself from the conversation as you fiddle with removing the thorn. You’re not sure which hurts worse, the abrupt change in conversation topic or the wound in your hand. Impervious to your dirty looks, Shadowheart makes her way over to you.
“Well, you two were nearly inseparable. Absolutely enamored with each other—anyone could see it.” She takes your hand into her own to assess the damage.
“And now, well, if I’m being completely honest dear, you’re rather dour, you seldom leave your tent, or you’re looking for any excuse to get away from the party—sorry this’ll only hurt a second.” You wince as she pulls the thorn free and presses hard on the wound to stanch any bleeding. “And, well, Halsin’s been…unusually forlorn. Like a poor dog that’s been kicked in the stomach.”
With a scoff you withdraw your hand, taking care to apply pressure to it just as Shadowheart had done.
“I couldn’t care less what Halsin’s been doing.” The lie is ash on your tongue.
Shadowheart looks at you then, really looks at you. You try your best not to fidget under her assessing gaze.
“What happened?”
“I—“
“And don’t bother lying to me,” she’s quick to interrupt. “Save it for someone else. I know something has been bothering you.”
Resignation floods you. Leave it to Shadowheart to see right through your bravado and into your heart.
“I was a fool for thinking he could ever be happy with me.” The words are soft as they fall from your lips, but they burn your heart all the same. A firm weight falls on your shoulder as Shadowheart offers an encouraging hand.
“Tell me everything.”
_______
Halsin’s voice calls out your name from just outside Shadowheart’s tent. His low timbre still brings a tightness to your chest, but you will yourself to breathe normally. You’d been doing your best to avoid him since getting back to camp with Shadowheart, but you suppose now is as good a time as any to rip that particular bandage off.
“Yes, Halsin?” You ask matter of factly, not even looking up from the array of ingredients you’re currently sorting through. You pointedly ignore his gaze as he steps into the tent, taking up a majority of the albeit limited empty space.
Halsin clears his throat, clearly uncertain how to proceed. You two had always shared such an easygoing openness between you, but the last two days had left him scrambling for purchase.
“I was hoping we could talk,” Halsin smiles down at you, undeterred by your clear avoidance.
“Mm, we are talking.” You collect up one of the empty potion bottles, wiping at a smudge spot with the edge of your tunic.
Halsin forces a chuckle, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Of course we are, but, erm, perhaps we could go for a walk? Enjoy some of nature’s company for the evening?”
“That won’t be necessary.” Your tone is sharper than you’d intended, but the guilt passes over you in a second as you replay his words in your mind, his scoff when you so much as mentioned a potential relationship.
Halsin sighs. He had hoped that his 300 odd years of experience would give him a leg up in navigating this prickly conversation, but—as is usual when you’re involved—his heart and his tongue seem to be tripping over one another.
“My heart,“
That gets your attention. Your gaze snaps up to his, laced with venom.
“You do not get to call me that. Not anymore.”
Halsin feels his own chest start to cave in as the hurt flashes across your face—you master it a moment later, but the damage is done.
“I’m not sure what I’ve done to upset you,” he starts, but you interject again.
“It’s fine. I’m not upset,” you force some neutrality back in your voice. “You weren’t interested in things continuing between us, and that’s fine. Nothing to apologize for.” You gesture to the flap of the tent. “You can take your leave now.”
Halsin does the opposite, braving another step closer.
“Of course I need to apologize. It appears my words have caused some confusion. Worse yet, I fear they’ve caused you pain.”
At that, you still, finger pausing over the bottles set up in front of you.
“You must know that I would never intend to hurt you.” Halsin’s tone was bordering on pleading. “Even now, it physically pains me to know that I’ve hurt you so.” He draws a hand to his chest, moving as if to soothe an ache that’s nestled beneath the surface there.
You glance up to see the hurt now reflecting in his eyes. It’s enough to bring forth a sigh from your lips, your shoulders caving in as resignation takes over your body. Even now, you can’t find it within yourself to hate him, no matter how much easier it would make this.
“You’re not responsible for my feelings, Halsin,” you sigh. “They are my own.”
“No, but I do take responsibility for my words,” he counters.
“You don’t want a relationship with me and you said as much. There’s nothing left to be said.” Despite your best attempts, your voice breaks on the last word. You close your eyes, clinging to the blunt words, mentally rebuilding your armor to power through the rest of this conversation.
“There is so much left to say, my heart.” Halsin’s gentle words caress your face like the sun’s rays on a warm summer day. “I have so much left to say.”
You keep your eyes closed, focus on taking another breath, keeping your heart steady. “Then speak.”
“I love you.”
Your eyes spring open, and Halsin is before you, close enough to touch. A large, tentative hand reaches up to cradle your face. You don’t pull away, and that’s enough to bring relief to Halsin’s heart.
“I don’t understand,” you whisper, afraid your mere voice would crack the perilously thin ice you suddenly find yourself on. “You said—“
“That I would not keep you to myself,” Halsin is quick to finish the thought.
“That we should seek out other people,” you correct, a touch of anger shading the words as you step out of Halsin’s grip.
At that, Halsin’s eyes widen. “No.” His voice holds more sharpness than the druid had ever shown with you before. “I said no such thing.”
“Well, maybe not exactly, but the sentiment was there,” you grumble, the frustration seeping through at your hazy memory.
“That ‘sentiment’ is misguided.” His tone leaves no room for argument, but you do it anyway.
“Well, forgive me if I don’t have it memorized word for word—I was a little busy having my heart broken,” you snap.
Halsin pauses for a heartbeat and you watch the pain shine in his pale green eyes at your words.
“And I will never forgive myself for the pain I’ve caused you these last few days. But listen to my words now. I beg of you.”
Another heartbeat passes. He takes your silence as permission to continue.
“I don’t abide by these conventional rules set in place by society. My home is in nature, and I follow the path the Oak Father has set before me. These ideals of what relationships should or shouldn’t be, you’ll have to forgive me if they're all but foreign to me.”
Another wave of disappointment washes over you and you close your eyes in a futile attempt to deter the familiar pinpricks of tears. A warm, familiar hand caresses your face before tilting your chin up to bring your gaze to his.
“But trust me when I tell you that I have never met someone like you. My heart does not stir lightly. But it does for you. What I feel for you pales in comparison to those who came before you.”
There is no doubting the sincerity that lies in those soft verdant eyes.
"It feels as though I have been asleep in a centuries long dark night, and now I am finally seeing daylight,” Halsin’s deep voice soothes, each word repairing the aches and tears of your heart.
“There is no one else for me, my heart. Call it what you wish; you are all I want. Nothing would make me happier than to have you by my side for the rest of my days, if that is what you desire as well.
My love for you runs deep and true. Never doubt it, my heart.”
And then his lips are on yours, and every thought eddies out of your head, but one: Halsin loves you.
Pure joy and relief floods your body and you don’t even bother trying to stop the tears of joy that follow. Halsin pulls back from the kiss just enough to swipe the tears from your cheek.
“I love you, too, Halsin,” you whisper in the space between you as Halsin presses his forehead to yours.
“Forgive me, my heart. For the pain I have caused you.”
You smile up at that handsome face you’ve grown to hold so dearly. Your slender hand reaches up to caress his cheek, tracing the swirls of his tattoo. “Only if you’ll forgive my foolishness for doubting you.” You feel the shame rise up, bringing a heat to your cheeks.
“My heart, there is nothing to forgive,” Halsin murmurs before pressing another kiss to your forehead.
I'd like to dedicate this one to the amazing @amorfista
You are amazing! <3
Title: Flutter
Pairing: Hunter x F!Reader
Rating: M (suggestive language, swearing)
Warnings: Pregnancy, angst, mild panic, sickness, vomiting
7202 words
Summary: You've suspected your sickness every morning might be related to something more than you first assumed. When Tech confirms your suspicions, you have you find a way to tell Hunter...
A/N: This is a pregnancy reveal fic at it's core, established relationship between Hunter and F!Reader. Non descriptive reader, pet names in mando'a.
“You are pregnant.”
Tech’s simple statement caught you off guard as you exited the fresher, eyes widening at the goggled pilot. His attention was still firmly on his datapad, fingers dancing over the screen, expression set into one of concentration.
The words had been said without malice, without any emotion, really. Just a fact that he had decided to share, one that made your breath catch in your throat.
“W-What? Tech, I…”
Stumbling over your words, you looked cautiously towards Hunter’s bunk, your lover still thankfully asleep with his earpieces in, relaxed and even more gorgeous in sleep.
“You have not experienced a menstrual cycle in two standard months, you are experiencing vomiting each morning aligned with morning sickness and our store of corellian greembark slices has rapidly depleted despite your apparent distaste for them,” he explained quickly, eyes darting up to meet yours for a brief moment before returning to his data, scrolling through it.
Blinking slowly as you took in the information, you felt your stomach churn uncomfortably.
You’d been suspecting for a while, the tightness of your breastband one of the first giveaways, along with the almost constantly tingling in your nipples. When the cravings began and you found yourself sneaking out into the kitchen area to grab the barely touched jar of greembark, wincing as you bit into them and chewed the rough surface but unable to stop yourself from going back for more, you were almost convinced.
This assessment from Tech, along with the positive test you’d just used in the fresher, now discarded and wrapped in at least 6 layers of paper before being put into the trash, was the final piece of the puzzle.
“You’re… you’re right,” you sighed shakily, your throat beginning to constrict a little. The familiar pressure of tears forming in your eyes caused your breath to hitch, Tech’s expression changing to one of uncertainty as he looked back up at you, taken aback by your response. “You’re right, Tech, and… I’m so… I’m terrified,” you admitted, a tear escaping to roll down your cheek.
And you were terrified.
How could you not be?
You were on a modified attack shuttle barely big enough for the five of you, hurtling through hyperspace, on the run from the Empire who wanted nothing more than to capture Omega and kill the rest of you. It wasn’t exactly the best situation to bring a baby into.
“A normal emotional response, caused by hormone fluctuations and situational stress,” Tech shrugged, stepping back to allow you to pass towards the cockpit. “Are you going to tell Hunter when he wakes?”
Cold panic flooded your system, catching yourself on the doorway as you went to brush past Tech, your feet catching on the floor. Reaching out to steady yourself, Tech noticed the shaking of your limbs, the pure, unadulterated terror in your expression, and paused, his gaze firmly fixed on you.
He could read all of the signs of the impending panic attack, the reaction in your pupils, the slight pursing of your lips as you struggled to draw in breath, the drain of colour from your skin.
“Ad’ika, your physical state could harm the child if prolonged,” he protested against the behaviour, unable to understand what had caused such a reaction. Was it the discovery of your pregnancy? It had seemed so obvious to him for around a week now, he was unsure how the others hadn’t noticed. “I suggest you sit down. I will wake Hunter, and…”
“No!” you gasped suddenly, voice trembling, “Please, Tech…”
Reaching out, you grabbed onto his forearm, not missing the look of discomfort that flashed across his features but desperate to convince him. “You can’t tell him, you… I need time, to decide what I… If I…”
Trailing off, the lump in your throat grew more and more, tears streaming down your face now.
This decision was literally life-changing.
On one hand, the idea of having a child with Hunter, one the two of you had come together to make, was something that made your heart swell. He would be a wonderful father, you knew. You’d seen him with Omega and thought about it for some time now.
But on the other hand… If you were ever caught or killed, what would the Empire delight in doing to the child of an enhanced clone?
They would be tortured, experimented on, dissected…
The mere thought had bile climbing up your throat for the second time that morning. Pressing a hand over your lips, you released your grip on Tech and sprinted back into the fresher, barely making it in time to empty what little remained of your stomach contents into the bowl.
Kneeling in front of it, sobs began to rack your body, limbs trembling. The burning of your throat and awful taste of bile on your tongue made you feel worse, your back and chest aching from the second bout of violent vomiting.
It was all too much. The revelation, the thoughts about your future, the idea Tech might tell Hunter… He had a right to know, but…
“Not now,” you pleaded through your sobs, eyes creased shut against the world, your body going limp over the fresher as you cried, “not… I need time, I… please…”
The hand that found your back was firm, comforting and definitely not Tech’s, you realised as calloused skin slipped under your sleep shirt, deft fingers tracing soothing circles over your back.
“It’s okay, cyar’ika,” Hunter’s smooth, low voice rumbled over you, comfort and anxiety both flooding you in equal amounts. Unable to meet his gaze, you simply collapsed against him, sobbing against his firm, bare chest. Strong arms held you tightly as he lowered you to the floor, his other hand moving to cord through your sweat soaked hair, “Tech, you got any hydration packets?”
A murmur came from outside, unintelligible to you as Hunter cooed more words of comfort into your ear, careful as he picked you up and held you tight against him, carrying you out of the fresher and towards the bunk room.
“It’ll pass, mesh’la,” Hunter reassured you as he laid you in his bunk, sitting on the edge and taking a hydration pack from Tech, releasing the straw and putting it to your lips. A strong arm still held your shoulders, urging you to sit while he watched you take tentative sips, eyes bleary and unfocused, “Everything’s okay.”
“S’not though,” you managed after a moment, your breath hitching. Hunter noticed your gaze darting around the bunk, focusing on everything except him, his chest clenching a little. Were you still having nightmares? He could smell the fear on you, overriding everything else, hear the pounding of your heart, sense the tenseness of your muscles.
“It will be,” he reassured you gently, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to your forehead, sighing in contentment as your scent flooded him once more. “I promise you. I will never let anything happen to us, okay? You’re safe. We’re safe. Together, always.”
“Together, always,” you murmured automatically, lips turning up into a tiny smile. It had been your promise to each other, first made after your initial fumble together in the bunks after months of yearning turned into a relationship.
Leaving Kamino with your squad had never been a question, even if it had meant a blaster shot to the shoulder and a bounty out for your arrest.
None of it mattered. All that mattered was their safety. Omega’s presence had been odd, yet not unwelcome, and now you struggled to remember a time when she wasn’t with you, even war time memories hazed with her.
She was her brothers in every way and more; strong, principled, stubborn and brave, everything a soldier should be, and yet she still carried a childish innocence to her that betrayed her true nature. It was equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking, and she had clung to you like a life raft, clutching you at night and crying out her fears, listing off her dreams and plans for adventure, a piece of your heart shifting to accommodate her as a mixture of sister and daughter.
It was what had pushed Hunter over the edge, in the end. After Salucemi, after his conversation with Omega, you’d been furious he could have even considered leaving her behind, and even moreso that he didn’t discuss it with the rest of you.
What began as an argument turned into a bruising kiss inside your semi-private quarters in the medical bay, your hands pinned by his above your head as lips too soft to be real danced across your skin, lower and lower until you came together like puzzle pieces.
Belonging. It was the only way you could describe it. Hunter was like home, warm, safe and comforting. Familiar.
There were no regrets, just an immediate shift into a relationship which, by all rights, had been there before anything physical. He’d held you close in the morning, kissing you as you woke and making you a promise.
“No matter what, we stay together.”
You’d nodded, smiling brightly before kissing him once more, lost in the elation of your new bond.
“Always.”
Even now, curled up in his bunk as he stroked your hair and calmed you, the memories were as fresh as the day you made them.
You would never have guessed that a mere standard cycle later, you would be here, with Echo, your best friend and confidant back on Coruscant with Rex and the flutterings of life beginning to form inside you. What you wouldn’t give to have Echo here now. He always seemed to know the answer, to know what to do.
The pain of his departure hit anew, more tears slipping down your cheeks as Hunter passed the hydration pack back to Tech and crawled into his bunk alongside you, wrapping himself around you in a protective cocoon.
“It’s okay, cyare,” he breathed, littering kisses into your hair, hands smoothing over your sides, offering as much physical comfort as he could. “Whatever is wrong, we’ll get through it.”
The panic in your chest subsided slightly; at least he didn’t know, for now. Tech had not told him, it seemed, something you would have to thank him for later, in private, and your physical tells hadn’t become prevalent enough.
Nodding against him, you tried to relax, finding solace in his presence, allowing yourself to doze in his arms, even as other voices began to dance through the air around the ship, life returning from the sleep cycle.
“Rest,” Hunter murmured, lips grazing your forehead as he spoke. “We’ll be back at Ord Mantell in a few hours. I’ll wake you when we land.”
With your energy all but depleted, you could only hum in agreement, pressing your nose into the crook of Hunter’s neck as your eyes fluttered shut, security and warmth permeating your very bones. It wasn’t long before sleep overwhelmed you, drifting into a deep slumber against your lover’s chest.
*-*-*-*
Biting your lip, you waited impatiently, staring at the spinning circle on the holo comm, the droning ring seeming to go on forever.
You knew Echo was busy, that his main comm was off, and that using the emergency channel was not the best idea, but you needed to talk to him.
It had been two days since Tech had found you outside the fresher, his expressions whenever he regarded you a mix of curiosity and confusion. He was wondering why you hadn’t told Hunter, you knew, but he had been respectful enough not to tell him, your thanks portrayed in a nod towards him when you’d finally stumbled from Hunter’s bunk almost 9 hours after going to sleep.
The morning sickness had continued, but Hunter and the others were still assuming it was some kind of stomach bug, Wrecker making jokes about staying away from you while Omega gave you her doll, insisting cuddling it would make you feel better.
Even the small gesture had almost brought you to tears, concern written all over the young girl’s face before you’d drawn her into a hug, reassuring her you were okay, that you appreciated her thoughtfulness and you were simply run down.
But the time was ticking, and you knew it.
Before long, you’d not be able to hide the fluttering heartbeat forming within your belly, Hunter’s enhanced senses would make it impossible to hide. You didn’t want to hide it from him, but the uncertainty, the fear still clouding your mind was delaying your decision.
The moment the others had gone on their usual run to Cid’s to hand over their latest acquisition, you’d grabbed your comm and dialled Echo, needing to hear his voice, to tell him, to talk it out with him.
Part of you felt foolish and selfish to boot; he was working with Rex, helping brothers and deep in the heart of the enemy. Risking answering his comm opened up a whole realm of danger for him. Hesitating, you almost cut the call, images of him being captured and tortured flashing through your mind, fresh tears pricking at your eyes.
This was stupid. He shouldn’t have to deal with your issues, be your confidant. He had his own path to follow, and you couldn’t get in the way.
Hovering your finger over the disconnect, you almost pressed it when a familiar figure appeared before you, Echo’s almost omnipresent frown and pursed lips making your heart leap as he rolled his eyes, sighing deeply.
“Havoc, you’d better have a good reason for… Mesh’la?”
His features immediately softened when he registered your face, lips tilting into a momentary smile before fading once more, expression turning concerned as he noticed the fear in yours.
“What’s wrong?”
Those two words were the last crack in the dam of your emotions, tears spilling down your cheeks as you began to sob openly, wishing nothing more than to be next to Echo, to hug him and cry against him.
“E-Echo,” you managed between sobs, chest heaving, “I… I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean to… I… I just needed to… I needed you, I…”
“Woah, woah, slow down,” Echo cooed softly, his image shifting and flickering a little as he moved, eyes dancing with confusion, “first things first, is everyone okay?”
His words caught you off guard a little, head bobbing in an almost violent nod. You suddenly realised how dire you must have made this look, calling him in tears, sobbing and apologising. Yet more guilt flooded your system; he must have assumed something terrible had happened.
“T-They’re fine,” you hiccuped, more tears escaping even as you drew a shuddering breath, trying to calm yourself, “I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to w-worry you, I…”
“Ad’ika,” he chuckled softly, drawing your gaze back to his holo, “it’s okay. I’m glad everyone is safe. Just… the emergency line… what’s happened that you had to call me so bad? Hunter finally lost it?”
His laughter and the smile of his face lifted some of the weight from your heart, the knowledge he wasn’t angry settling some of your anxiety. Now, a new fear overtook you, your lip worried between your teeth once more as you tried to push the words out, saying it aloud somehow making it more real.
“I… I needed to… I’m sorry, Echo, I just… I needed to talk to you, I… It’s so stupid, I… I shouldn’t,” you rambled, sucking in a deep breath as Echo’s expression faltered slightly, confusion obvious. “I… I need to… Stars, I just… I’m… I’m pregnant. Echo, I… I’m pregnant, and I… I don’t know what to do, and I’m scared, and… I’m sorry.”
Echo’s face did a number of things as he registered your words, starting with his eyes widening to the size of dinner plates. His lips shifted into a tight line as he seemed to process the information, jaw clenching and unclenching. His expression seemed to cycle through shocked, angry, and sad, finally settled on elated as he laughed, lips turned into a radiant smile, making him look years younger in an instant.
“Vod’ika,” he began, voice catching in his throat, “you… you’re… you’re a buir, you’re… Force, mesh’la, this is wonderful!” he exclaimed, his delight pure and obvious.
It was enough to bring a smile to your lips for the first time since your conversation with Tech, soft laughter leaving you as well.
“Well, congratulations!” Echo offered, looking like he wished he could crawl through the comm and hug you, body shifting around with pent up energy, “Have you told him yet?”
The lump in your throat returned with a vengeance. Not trusting your words, you simply shook your head, eyes stinging once more.
“Ah. And that’s where being scared comes into it?” Echo guessed, tone gentler now. You nodded, his face slipping into a sympathetic smile. “Talk to me, ad’ika,” he pressed gently, eyes wide and open, waiting patiently while you found your voice once again.
“I… I just keep thinking,” you began, sniffing and clearing your throat, trying to keep your emotions from getting the better of you, “about what might happen if… if we ever get… if I ever get caught. The Empire, if they found out the child had a clone father… an enhanced clone father… they would…”
You trailed off, Echo’s expression darkening. Of all people, he was the one you had least explain about your fears of torture, dissection and betrayal to. He’d lived it, after all.
A moment of silence followed, Echo’s mind working in a way you could almost see.
“Is this what you want?” he asked finally, the question, again, catching you off guard.
“I… I don’t know,” you admitted, your chest tightening. “I’m just so scared, I keep having visions of being caught, of the Empire taking my child, and I… I couldn’t… Hunter wouldn’t cope, I wouldn’t cope, and I…”
“But is this what you want, ad’ika?” Echo repeated, his eyes earnest. “A child with Hunter, a child full stop… if there was no war, if there was no Empire… would you still want this?”
Almost without hesitation, you nodded, warmth spreading through your chest.
“I love him,” you admitted softly, swallowing hard, “and… I know he’ll be an amazing father. I just…”
“Mesh’la,” Echo sighed heavily, a fond look on his face that was underwritten by a deep sadness, one you’d seen many times before, usually when he spoke about his lost brothers, “that fear… it’s justified, don’t get me wrong, but…”
He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully.
“I’ve lost vode who wanted nothing more than to have a family,” he admitted after a moment, “ones who would have been amazing fathers. Heck, before Skako, I… I thought about it, about what it would be like to have a daughter, to be able to teach her Mando’a, to tell her all about her uncles…”
Tears gathered in his eyes as he spoke, his throat bobbing as he composed himself.
“You’re going to be an amazing buir, if you choose this,” he breathed, forcing a smile to his lips, “but this is your choice. You’re right, it would be dangerous, and if the Empire caught wind, the target on us, on you and Hunter, it would only get bigger. But… vod’ika… your wants, your needs, your happiness should wait for no-one and nothing. This war, this fight, it won’t last forever. All of us, we all need to grasp whatever threads of happiness we can, weave them into something worth fighting for when the days get tough. It’s the only way we’ll ever survive.”
By the time he finished, tears were trailing down Echo’s cheeks as well, the urge to reach out and touch him too much to bear.
Lifting your hand up to the holo, you let out a choked sob as he did the same, his ghostly hand next to yours. It wasn’t enough, but it was something.
“Stars, I miss you,” you sobbed, the words caught somewhere between a laugh and a cry. “I wanted to tell you first, to talk to you. You always know what to say, Echo. I miss you so much. We all do.”
“I miss you all too,” Echo croaked back without missing a beat, “you know how long it took me to get used to sleeping without Wrecker’s snores? Never thought I’d miss that…”
A laugh erupted from your lips before you could catch it, Echo’s face breaking out into a wide grin, chuckling along with you as the tension finally broke.
“I’ll trade you,” you offered with a wink, Echo pondering it overdramatically.
“I mean… the base here smells like sweaty ballsacs and metal. At least you can get fresh air when you land. Here it’s just… feet.”
It was so good to see him, to hear his voice, the conversation flowing easily as he updated you in their latest missions, how their small army was growing by the day.
Your catch up was cut short when the door to the medbay slipped open, both you and Echo’s holographic form turning to look at the intruder.
It only took a moment for Omega’s mouth to drop open, her eyes widening in delight.
“Echo!” she practically screeched, pushing through the door, an armful of snacks and some medical supplies dropped onto the table in seconds before she was cuddling up to you, her eyes wet with tears of happiness, “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Aw, ‘Mega,” Echo smiled softly, regarding her with a gentle, fond look, “it’s good to see you too. Hope Tech isn’t pushing you too hard on your studies.”
“I am merely pushing her as much as she requires me to,” came a short reply, Tech peering into the room, eyes darting between Echo’s holographic form and your own, tear stained face. “It is good to see you, Echo. I trust Coruscant is keeping you busy.”
“As always, Tech,” Echo nodded in response, another voice booming from the other side, Wrecker’s excited voice calling out.
“Is that Echo?”
“Now look what you’ve done,” the older clone teased, winking at Omega as she giggled. Moments later, Wrecker burst through the door, elbowing Tech out of the way and yelling his greeting at Echo, who rolled his eyes, silently glad he was not there in person, knowing that Wrecker would, no doubt, squeeze the life out of him in one of him signature bear hugs the moment they were reunited.
You shared one last small smile with Echo before slinking from the room, leaving him to catch up with his brother and sister, not missing the way Tech’s eyes lingered on you as you slipped past the door, surprised to see Hunter had not arrived back with them.
“He is gathering the last few items, and requested we go on ahead,” Tech explained without missing a beat, relief flooding through you. Nodding in thanks, you could practically feel the question bubbling beneath the engineer’s calm surface, the sparkle in his eyes betraying his easy demeanour.
“I’m going to tell him,” you whispered, casting a look behind you to check that Omega and Wrecker were still engrossed in their catch up with Echo, your lips turning up into a soft smile, “tomorrow. When we go for our break day.”
Tech merely nodded, tapping something into his datapad before turning to observe his siblings in the medbay, seemingly satisfied.
Feeling lighter than you had in days, you moved silently through the ship, leaning in the open rampway, simply existing in the moment. Fresh, cool air washed over you from outside, the setting sun bathing you in the last of its light. Closing your eyes, you inhaled deeply, sighing in contentment.
Your talk with Echo had done exactly what you knew it would, settling your nerves and clearing your mind. You were more grateful for him than you could ever express, making a mental note to put together a care package for him as soon as you could. Maker knew all the boys on Coruscant could do with a pick me up.
“Credit for your thoughts?”
Hunter’s low rumble never failed to make your stomach flutter pleasantly, eyes blinking open to find him at the bottom of the ramp, a hessian sack thrown over his shoulder. He was beaming up at you, deep tan skin glistening in the sunlight, caramel eyes flicking up and down your body.
“Just enjoying the moment,” you grinned back at him, his body relaxing at your reply.
“You’re looking much better,” he noted, carefully placing the bag onto the ramp before ascending quickly, one of his large hands moving to cup your face. You giggled softly as he tilted your face up to meet his, brushing his lips over yours.
“I have to say,” he purred, dragging his lips across your cheek, towards your ear, the simple motion sent a shiver through your entire body, your reaction to him always full of desire. “I don’t know what’s changed, mesh’la,” he breathed into your ear, sending more waves of want radiating through you, “but you smell divine.”
“H-Hunter,” you gasped as his lips found your neck, littering kisses over the sensitive skin. One of your hands came up to grasp his shoulder, arousal coursing through you. “The others…”
“Tomorrow,” he breathed against your skin, pulling back just enough that every word sent puffs of air tickling across your neck, “when we land, I’m taking you out into the woods, we’re going to camp, alone, and I’m going to ruin you.”
An unbidden moan escaped your lips, body trembling against his. It had been a good week since you’d spent time together intimately, your core aching for him.
“P-Please,” you managed, the word little more than a desperate gasp.
“Patience, cyar’ika,” he chuckled lowly, licking a stripe up your neck, “good things come to those who wait.”
His emphasis on the word ‘come’ had you giggling as he pulled away, pressing another gentle kiss to your lips as he drew back, eyes darting over your face, drinking in your features, noting your lust blown eyes.
“Kriff, you’re gorgeous,” he smiled dreamily, about to go back in for another kiss when the approach of quick footsteps had him stepping back, eyes fixed on the door as Omega came barrelling out, her smile wide and earnest.
“Hunter! I spoke to Echo!” she announced, Hunter’s smile slipping for a moment.
“You did?” he asked quickly, looking between the girl and you, not missing the flicker of guilt that passed over your expression. “Why did he call? Is everything okay? Does he…”
“He’s fine,” you reassured him quickly, squeezing his arm, offering comfort, “he was just checking in. They’ve picked up some more of the boys. They’ve got wind of Cody as well, and they’re following that lead.”
Hunter regarded you with a pensive look for a moment, stare so intense you almost felt like he was looking through you. Swallowing hard, you forced a smile to your lips, heart clenching before he hummed, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.
“That’s good, then,” he nodded finally. “Getting Cody on board would be a big step. He was one of the best strategists we ever worked with.”
Omega’s eyes lit up at that, her attention squarely on Hunter now.
“Really? Will you tell me about some of your missions with him?” she practically squealed with excitement, Hunter chuckling as he ruffled her hair.
“Sure, kid. Why don’t you grab the last bag, put it in my bunk and I’ll tell you all about it when we’re in hyperspace.”
She was moving practically before he’d finished speaking, giggling with excitement as she grabbed the bag and ran back into the ship.
You watched her pass with a soft smile on your lips, Hunter’s gaze still fixed on you.
“What’s in the bag?” you asked him after she’d disappeared inside, heart fluttering nervously as Hunter crossed his arms over his chest, giving you an odd look.
“How about I tell you when you tell me the real reason Echo called?”
Your stomach plummeted, eyes widening. Of course Hunter would know you were withholding something, his eyes soft but discerning as he watched your reaction. He must have sensed your fear, his posture relaxing a little, arms dropping to his sides.
“I…” you began, tears gathering in your eyes again.
“Cyare,” Hunter cut you off with a sigh, pulling you back into an embrace. “I trust you, implicitly, and I’m never going to be angry with you. I just… tell me. When you’re ready, okay?”
Blinking back tears, you nodded against him, forever grateful for his understanding.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” you snuffled against him, Hunter letting out a soft rumble of laughter.
“I’m okay, I guess,” he shrugged, earning him a playful hit on the chest as you gazed up at him, lost in the deep caramel of his eyes for a moment. His expression was soft and adoring, heat blooming into your chest.
“I love you,” you breathed, the hitch in Hunter’s breath bringing another smile to your lips.
“Love you too,” he murmured, leaning down to capture your lips in another chaste kiss, hands finding your hips and drawing your bodies closer together, “more than I could tell you.”
“You could always show me,” you teased, stomach twisting with desire as he growled into your mouth, deepening the kiss. You could have got lost in the moment, were it not for Tech appearing in the doorway of the Marauder, his nose buried in his datapad. He looked up only for a brief moment, rolling his eyes at the sight of you and Hunter stood nose to nose, a huff of frustration leaving him as he tapped furiously on his screen, the only other outward sign of his annoyance.
“We are ready to depart, if you are both finished with your very public displays of affection for each other,” he stated plainly, Hunter giving a toothy grin as his brother headed for the cockpit, leaning his forehead against yours.
“Back into the fray,” he sighed, one hand threading through your hair, holding the intimate position for a moment more. You allowed him to do so, sighing in contentment as you simply existed in the moment with him, happiness coursing through your veins.
“Until tomorrow,” you reminded him softly, his breath hitching again, “then you can have me all to yourself for a while.”
“Never long enough,” he grumbled good naturedly, slipping his free hand into yours as he pulled away, leading you back into the ship. “Come on. We should get inside before Tech starts lecturing us.”
With a giggle, you followed him easily, barely inside when the ramp of the ship began ascending. Making your way towards the medbay for take-off, Hunter clutched at your hand still, Wrecker wolf-whistling while Omega fake gagged at the sight, sharing a giggling fit with Wrecker while Hunter simply huffed at their behaviour, his soft smile still firmly in place.
“Alright, Tech,” he called back to the cockpit, the engineer firing up the engines, ready for take-off. “Time to get some R and R.”
“Oh yeah!” Wrecker shouted excitedly from beside you, high fiving Omega. Soon enough, you were hurtling out of atmo, Tech making the textbook jump to hyperspace with ease.
You were on your way. And the thought both terrified and exhilarated you.
Tomorrow, Hunter would know, and your lives would change, one way or another.
*-*-*
Hunter made good on his promise almost the moment you landed.
While you’d slept on the journey, he’d packed a tent up, along with the thickest bedrolls he could find. Also stuffed into the satchel he carried were blankets, canteens of water and enough supplies to keep you going for the day you intended to spend away, his comm tucked tightly into his belt.
You couldn’t help but laugh at his mothering of the others, contingency plans, schedules and timetables repeated over and over until even Tech was urging him to leave, insisting everything would be fine for a few hours.
Omega grumbled at first, disappointed she wasn’t allowed along on the trip until Wrecker reminded her that you and Hunter would probably be kissing, the thought enough to make her fake wretch and agree to more target training with her brothers, determined to show Echo improvement when she saw him next.
With a final wave goodbye, you and Hunter headed out into the woods, your lover leading you easily through the beautiful sunlit surroundings.
The planet you’d chosen was sparsely populated, a warm climate and soft, soothing breeze kissing your skin pleasantly. It felt wonderful, freeing. And with Hunter by your side, your hands laced together while you walked slowly under the orange and green painted canopy, sunbeams filtering through, it was perfect.
“We won’t go too far,” he promised quietly, “just far enough that we’re guaranteed some privacy. Tech spotted a good area, a little clearing by a lake as we came in to land. Said the nearest settlement was about thirty clicks away.”
You hummed happily, nodding as you allowed yourself to simply enjoy the peace and quiet the planet afforded you, your stomach quivering with excitement and nerves.
Ideas on exactly how to tell Hunter the big news were swirling through your mind, each more elaborate than the last. What would be the best way? Would he be happy at the news? Surprised? Angry?
Your heart clenched at the last thought, feet stumbling as a breath caught in your throat.
You knew Hunter would never hurt you, but the idea you might lose this, lose what you had together, sent a sudden icy chill down your spine.
Hunter stopped immediately, sensing the change in you.
“Cyare? What’s wrong?” he prompted gently, raising a hand to cord through your hair. Your eyes must have betrayed your fear, as even when you forced a smile, he regarded you with a unbeliving stare.
“I’m fine, just… tripped,” you murmured, Hunter letting out a low sigh.
“Mesh’la,” he frowned, eyes never leaving your face, “you’re…”
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
“You’ve been… different, this past week or so. I… I feel like something is wrong, but you’re not telling me what it is. I thought… I thought you trusted me enough to…”
The hurt in his voice made nausea rise up your throat, lungs stuttering as you drew in a sharp breath.
“I do, Hunter, I… I trust you, with my life, I just…”
Taking your hesitation as confirmation, your lover dropped his grip on your hand, sighing deeply.
“It’s okay, mesh’la,” he reassured you weakly, forcing a smile as he readjusted the bags on his shoulder, trying to keep his expression neutral, “I… I understand.”
“No, you don’t!”
You didn’t mean to shout, but the idea of hurting Hunter, the idea he thought you were having doubt was almost too much to bear. Spinning to look at your in surprise, his eyes wide, Hunter was staring at you, taken aback by your outburst.
“You don’t understand, Hunter! I’m trying to… I wanted to wait, to find the words to tell you that I… oh, Maker…”
The words caught in your throat, eyes watering as Hunter’s expression morphed into one of hurt and uncertainty, reading something else in your voice.
“If you want to stop this, I… I’ll respect that, but I… I just… I need to know why, cyare,” Hunter croaked, dropping the bags and blankets to the floor, arms hanging limply. “I… I should have seen this coming… the wanting to spend time apart, sneaking off to talk to Echo… I… I’m sorry. I promise, I… I won’t make this awkward, I…”
“No! Hunter, gods, no!”
You were openly sobbing now, tears streaming down your face.
“That’s not… not ever what I want! How could you… why do you think that? Is that…”
Your stomach churned uncomfortably.
“Is that what you want? You were waiting for me to break up with you? Are you… do you not want me any more?”
It was Hunter’s turn to let out a broken sob, his face crumpling.
“Fuck no, cyare,” he breathed, falling to his knees. It was like his world was crumbling around him, his resolve broken. For weeks, he’d been looking forward to this time alone, to be with his love, just you and him. How had it all fallen to pieces so quickly?
Reaching into his back pouch, he grabbed a cloth wrapped item, blinking away fresh tears as he desperately tore into it, hands shaking.
“This… this is my answer,” he managed, voice cracking with emotion as he threw the cloth to the side, revealing a small box in his palms. Cracked open, something was glinting inside. Your body froze, unable to process the scene for a moment. “This is why I wanted you out here,” Hunter continued, shuffling forward on his knees, not caring how small or pathetic he might look in that moment. His eyes were locked on you, desperation coursing through every fibre of his being.
“Hunter,” you breathed, trying to catch up.
“I know, it means nothing, not really,” he admitted, voice far too small, “that it’s not legally binding, that the rest of the galaxy won’t care, but… fuck, cyar’ika, I need you, forever. I want you, I… I want to marry you. Even if it’s just for show. I want you to be my wife. By my side, forever. No matter what… we stay together…”
His voice trailed off, eyes falling to the floor as he waited for your reaction. You were still frozen to the stop, too shocked to process his words until you heard the familiar cadence of what had become your call to each other.
“Always,” you choked automatically, the pure, unadulterated hope in Hunter’s eyes as he looked up at you, registering your reply making your heart skip a beat. “Together. Always.”
Finally finding your feet, you stepped forward tentatively, towards Hunter where he still kneeled on the forest floor, a blanket of orange and yellow leaves beneath him, streams of sunlight dancing across his profile. He watched your approach silently, lips slightly parted, sucking in deep breaths.
He was far too still, as if the slightest movement might scare you away, hands held out still, presenting the box to you. Bending ever so slightly, you saw a delicate silver band resting within the wooden rest, a single red gem sparkling on the top.
“Riddur,” you murmured, remembering Echo’s lessons, how he’d laughed as you and Hunter had exchanged a look and blushed, months before you even touched each other.
Hunter’s breath hitched, the smallest sob escaping his lips as you closed your hands around his, moving them up to your chest. He was confused for a moment, staring up at you with reddened eyes, waiting for your next move.
“Riddur,” you breathed again, closing your eyes as you leant down, pressing a kiss into his hair, “… and… and buir…”
Hunter did gasp this time, eyes widening more than you had ever seen them before. With his face mere inches from your stomach, he moved his hands down from your chest quickly, wrapping them around your waist. Turning his head to the side, he pressed his ear against your stomach, swallowing thickly as he listened closely.
Your heartbeat, strong, familiar, steady, was now accompanied by a fluttering sound, much faster, much smaller, but there nonetheless, alive, growing.
“Cyare,” Hunter choked, sobbing into your stomach as he held you close, his grip on your hips only getting stronger, “ad’ika… a baby, our… our baby…”
“Yes,” you nodded, openly crying again now, tears tinged with a happiness you had long forgotten, “I… I didn’t know how to tell you, I… I was so scared, Hunter, I… I want to be happy, but… I’m scared…”
You let out another sob as he clutched you tighter, pressing a kiss to your stomach, his face nuzzling into you.
“With the Empire following us, I kept thinking, what would happen if they caught us, if they took… took our child. I… I’m terrified, I…”
Hunter scrambled to his feet, arms dragging you into him. With his chin resting on your head, he soothed you, tears still rolling down his cheeks.
“I will never let anything happen to you,” he growled, “either of you. My aliit, my loves… We’ll protect you. All of us. Stars… I love you, cyare. Riddur…”
You don’t know how long you spent in each others arms, simply holding each other, sharing tears and love, the emotions flowing between you as easy as the kisses you shared, but when your legs began to tremble, Hunter gave a soft chuckle, pulling away and looking down on you with eyes still rimmed with tears.
His expression was pure adoration, your heart fluttering in your chest as he pressed one last kiss to you lips, chaste and sweet, one hand running over your stomach tenderly while the other bought the box in his hand back up between you, deft fingers finding the ring inside and offering it to you.
Raising your hand without hesitation, he gave you a sappy grin, slipping it onto your ring finger with ease.
“Riddur,” he mumbled, sweeping his lips over yours once more as he pocketed the box, leaving his hand free to tangle in your hair, holding you even closer.
“Riddur,” you repeated back to him, your hearts beating in sync for a moment, caught in a perfect moment in time.
“I love you,” he breathed against your skin, closing his eyes and simply breathing in your scent for a moment, “and now… I get the change. Your scent, it’s… different. It’s been driving me insane.”
His admission came with a small smirk, familiar heat flowing through your body.
“Guess I’ll have to get a rundown on how all of this works from Tech,” he murmured thoughtfully, raising an eyebrow when you chuckled.
“Well, when a mummy and a daddy love each other very much,” you began, giggling when he wrapped his arms around you and tickled your ribs, forcing you to stop as you bent double, peals of laughter ringing around the trees.
“Don’t be mean,” he laughed along with you, eyes dancing with delight as he finally let you go, a sigh escaping him while his eyes roamed your body. “I just want to know… if it’s safe to… you know… while you’re…”
“Perfectly safe,” you reassured him, tracing your fingers across his cheek, “as long as I don’t get squished or lay on my stomach when I get big.”
“You think I’m going to squish you?” Hunter teased, beaming at the flush lighting up your cheeks. “Come on, mesh’la, I know I’ve been eating more, but you don’t have to say I’m gonna squish you.”
“Dikut,” you retorted, letting out a shriek of delight when Hunter stepped towards you, turning on your heel and running towards the lake. Picking up the bags behind him, Hunter followed quickly, his cheeks hurting from smiling so much.
For the first time in a long time, he felt complete, sated.
a/n: i tried to make this gender neutral. which name is ur favorite? his pet name can be read here
crosshair
• "don't start something you can't finish, doll."
• the first time cross calls you doll it's in a mocking tone. instead of snapping back you flash a pretty smile and call him something sweet in return. his heart stutters, ears turning warm. once the shock wares off he's pissed. you think you can fluster him and get away with it? not a chance in siths hell. (crosshair is the type to think you flirting = mind games and i stand by that.)
echo
• "stars, you're an angel"
• the only medics allowed near echo are tech and kix, even with them he's reluctant to ask for help but you can tell when he's in pain. one trek in hyperspace the cold is really making him ache. you bust out some prosthetic cream you purchased and offer a massage. he's excited because your hands on his body is a dream come true but he's also wracked with nerves and insecurities. yet the second you rub his sore shoulders he loses all filters.
hunter
• "hey sweetheart, can i borrow your body spray? i want my blacks to smell like you."
• you quickly realize that strong scents, even good ones, give hunter headaches so you go on the hunt (hehe) for something subtle but sweet. one day you try a woodsy, fruity body spray and hunter is attached to you like a leech, flirting that it's 'sweet like you.' he's literally a golden retriever boyfriend... meaning he wants your scent on all his belongings cuz it reminds him of you. also he can literally hear your heart beat so,
tech
• "can you hand me the spanner? thank you, starlight"
• tech is unflinchingly honest. it usually gets him in trouble but once in a while it works in his favor. one day you're sitting in the cockpit together, you're telling him about your latest interest, when he blurts out that you look beautiful in the starlight. his first reaction is to apologize for interrupting you because he genuinely does care what you have to say but then you're kissing him and nothing else matters.
wrecker
• "you're too cute to be scary, little tooka."
• the first time wrecker compares you to a tooka you're sleepily nuzzling into his chest. the next time you're pouncing on him playfully. he doesn't even stumble, wrangling you in his arms with boisterous laughter. doesn't matter how tall, big, or otherwise intimidating you are, to wrecker you're his baby. (cue the strong must protect the sweet gif)
summary: Hunter has always treated you slightly different and Omega is determined to find out why
word count: 2.1k
!reader goes by she/her pronouns!
The bright suns of Plurax make you wince, your arm instinctively coming up to shield your eyes. Shuffling out of the Marauder, you’re about to follow Echo down the steps when a hand suddenly appears in front of you.
“Oh!” you abruptly stop, almost colliding with it. Looking over to identify the owner of the hand, Hunter comes into view, an amused smile playing at his lips.
Already on the ground below, he stretches his gloved hand up to you, offering some support as you exit. You give him a grateful smile “Thanks Sarge”.
Slipping your hand into his, Hunter gives you a small, reassuring squeeze and you continue your descent down.
You’re not sure why you were so surprised by the action, after all, this isn’t a rare occurrence. In fact, it’s the opposite. Whether you have to jump a few feet from a ship or simply walk down a landing platform, Hunter always offers you his hand.
Every. Single. Time.
Once your feet reach the ground, he nods his head and reluctantly lets his hand fall from yours. His grip on his helmet, placed neatly underneath his other arm tightens for a moment as he wonders if he should have said more to you.
Oblivious to Hunter’s internal worries, you walk over to the rest of the batch and listen to Tech’s recap of the plan.
Turning back to the ship, Hunter taps the command panel and watches as the Marauder begins to close. Sensing eyes on him, he glances over his shoulder to the rest of the batch, only to realise none of them are paying much attention to him.
Casting his gaze downwards, his eyes meet Omega’s, who peers up at him curiously.
“Why do you always do that?” she asks.
“So we won’t get raided,” he shrugs as if the answer is obvious “or worse, if someone sees a ship like this unlocked, they’ll steal it and get a few thousands credits for it, especially with the amount of upgrades it has”.
“What? No, not that” Omega rolls her eyes, returning Hunter’s ‘that should be obvious’ tone.
When Omega says your name, Hunter’s eyes go wide, his posture becoming stiff as she elaborates “You always help her off the ship… why?”. His eyes flick over to you as Omega talks, hoping you didn’t hear her say your name.
Thankfully you’re too busy listening to Tech, who’s explaining your part of the mission to you.
“Just to be nice, I guess” he mumbles his response, trying to keep his voice low.
“But you don’t do it for Wrecker or Tech or Echo… hey, you don’t do that for me either!” she exclaims, a tinge of annoyance in her voice.
Hunter shakes his head, his mind turning to mush as he tries to think of an easy explanation “Well, that’s because you don’t need help getting off the ship”.
It’s like he can see the cogs turning in Omega’s head, already cringing at his answer as she questions “... but she needs help? She can’t get off the ship if you don’t hold her hand?”.
Oh Kriff.
“Well, no, that’s not what I meant-” he starts but Omega quickly talks over him. “Is she not good with balance? Is it like how Wrecker doesn’t like heights?”.
Before Hunter can form a response, Wrecker loudly interrupts them, the mere mention of his fear getting his full attention.
“Heights?!” Wrecker repeats, drawing everyone’s focus to Hunter and Omega. Throwing his head back, Wrecker lets out a whine “Oh please tell me this mission doesn’t involve heights”.
“Plurax is a relatively flat planet,” Tech interjects, his eyes still fixed on his datapad “and considering our main objective is to extract the bacta pods found in the small medical facility, I doubt heights will be involved”.
Wrecker lets out a sigh of relief, his shoulders deflating. “Phew, you almost got me that time, Hunter” he chuckles.
Hunter nods, hoping to quickly brush past this entire situation. “Right, well let’s get this over and done with” taking his helmet from underneath his arm, Hunter places it on his head.
“But what about my quest-” Omega starts but Hunter cuts her off, acutely aware that you as well as the others are still listening “Later, Omega. All that matters right now is the mission”. With a sigh, she nods her head.
***
After successfully retrieving the bacta pods, the Marauder is quiet… for once. The hum of the ship speeding through hyperspace fills the silence as everyone gets some much needed rest.
Peering out of her room, Omega holds on to Lula the tooka doll as she scans the bunks. Wrecker sleeps in one, his arm obscuring his face and thankfully muffling his snores. On the other bunk, Tech is fast asleep and judging by the pile of blankets on the upper bunk, you’re asleep up there.
Tip-toeing past, Echo comes into view. He’s seated at the table, head resting on his arm as he mumbles in his sleep. Continuing on her journey, Hunter is the last person for Omega to see, his seated form visible when she approaches the cockpit. Slowly, she nears him.
From the corner of his eye, Hunter notices Omega, subtly watching as she quietly walks forward. “You should be asleep” Hunter’s voice cuts through the silence, making Omega stop in her tracks.
She sighs, giving up her attempt to sneak “But I can’t, I’m not tired”. Hopping up on the seat beside him, Omega keeps Lula close to her, curling up on the chair.
Hunter doesn’t reply. He knows how hard it is to go from being on high alert on a mission to being told to get some rest, adrenaline still coursing through your veins.
He remembers the first few missions he ever went on and how hard it was to rest, his senses too overwhelmed to even comprehend the idea of sleep.
“You did it again, y’know” Omega says, pulling his attention back to her.
“What?” Hunter has a suspicious feeling he knows what she’s talking about but he hopes if he feigns some kind of ignorance then hopefully she’ll drop it.
“You helped her back onto the ship,” she explains, some sarcasm in her voice as she teases “when we were leaving Plurax… she must have really bad balance if you have to help her all the time”.
Head dipping down, Hunter’s hair obscures his face. “Omega,” he groans “she doesn't have balance problems, it’s just… look, it’s better if you let this go, ok?”.
“But why?” she drops her legs down, leaving them dangle freely.
“It’s… complicated”.
“How?” she presses, shrugging as she mumbles “I’m just curious”.
“Yeah, too curious,” Hunter says with an affectionate scoff and shake of his head.
Trying to simplify it, Omega begins listing out “Earlier you said that you do it to be nice but you only do it for her, nobody else! She doesn’t need you to do it since she doesn’t actually have any balance problems, hmmm and it’s pretty obvious you don’t like it when people point it out”. Hunter grimaces the more Omega goes on.
Thinking out loud, she furrows her brow “I wonder if she notices, I mean it’s pretty obvious so she must have by now…maybe I should ask her”.
“What? No!“ Hunter is quick to sit on the edge of his seat, facing Omega fully “You can’t do that, that’s a direct order”. Despite his pleading look, Omega simply raises an eyebrow, knowing she’s got him right where she wants him.
“Okay, I won’t ask her,” she complies before adding “but you have to tell me why!”.
Hunter sighs. A part of him is impressed, equally proud of her determination as well as cursing it. Sighing, he avoids her eye contact as he tries to explain.
“Well, since she’s not… uh, a clone… I just want to make sure… that, um… that she feels welcome” yes, Hunter is making this up as he goes. It’s true, of course but not his main reason.
Omega is not convinced, her face the epitome of disappointment. Not giving in, she replies “Yeah, that’s nice and all, Hunter but I don’t think that’s why”.
Hunter’s body deflates, putting his face in his hands. Even if he wants to, he doesn’t think he can get the words out. This is something he’s never had to verbalise before nor is it something he’s had to admit to anybody.
With his face still covered, he hears Omega’s voice “Can I tell you my theory?”.
He doesn’t reply and yet Omega continues “I think you like her”. Hunter can hear her smile in her tone, removing his hands to confirm his suspicions.
Watching for his reaction, Omega beams up at him. “And I mean like like her” she adds with the wiggle of her eyebrows.
Hunter keeps his face still, unsure how to react.
“I mean, it’s not a bad thing if you do,” she shrugs, offering some reassurance “I think it’s kinda cute, especially since she like likes you too”.
He freezes.
What?
Judging by the stunned look on Hunter’s face, Omega explains “I overheard her saying it to Echo, she said something about her heart racing whenever you’re around and being paranoid over it. I didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing at first but every time you do something nice for her, she gets all lovey-dovey so I think it’s a good thing”.
“Lovey-dovey?” Hunter scrunches up his face, not quite believing what his sister is saying.
“Yeah, like this” clutching her hands together, Omega tries her best to bat her eyelashes as she lets out a comically loud sigh before giving Hunter a goofy smile.
With a grin tugging at his lips, he dismisses “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her do that before”.
“That’s because you always look away!” she exclaims “ooh, I’ll have to add that to the list; you’re really bad at keeping eye contact with her”.
He rolls his eyes but the idea that maybe, just maybe you like him too distracts Hunter from properly deflecting Omega’s addition to her list. Even the idea of their being some hope that you feel the same way is enough to send Hunter’s head spinning.
Yawning, Omega hops down from her seat “I’m just saying, it would be a shame if you both like like each other but never tell one another”.
Hunter stays quiet, though he knows she’s right. “Anyways, I’ll try to get some sleep, night Hunter” giving him one last smile, Omega leaves him alone with his thoughts.
Taking a deep breath, Hunter leans back in his seat, resting one of his legs by the command panel as he looks out at the whirling blue lights of hyperspace. Hunter closes his eyes, trying to centre himself. Only you could daze him as much as this and make it feel so damn exciting.
Were the signs that you liked him back always there? For a guy with heightened senses, he presumed he would have picked up on it… but Omega is right, he doesn’t exactly hold eye contact with you. And whenever he hears the loud beating of a heart when you’re near, he hurriedly assumes it’s his own.
Speaking of his senses, he can tell Omega is still there, hovering by the doorway. He waits a few seconds, giving her the time to speak but she doesn’t.
Hunter knows where this is going, presuming she’ll either ask him to carry her back to bed or try to convince him to get her a snack. He takes his time opening his eyes again, turning his upper body to look at her.
Hunter can feel his stomach drop. His body automatically freezing as if you won’t see him if he doesn’t move.
You give him an equally bewildered look, a twist of anxiety in your gut. “Can we talk?” you ask, the words coming out quieter than expected.
Hunter has one main question on his mind: how much have you heard? And yet he doesn’t ask that question, instead blurting out “But I thought you were sleeping?”.
Is that a question? Or a statement? Hunter has no idea, his brain utterly scattered.
You smile nervously. “I was getting ready to go to sleep,” you reveal “I was just in the refresher”.
Pointing to the door to the refresher, Hunter’s heart lurches at how close it is to the cockpit, knowing you’ve definitely heard everything.
Clearing his throat, Hunter nods “Yeah, let’s talk”. It’s better to talk this through now, while everyone else is asleep.
He isn’t sure how this will go, still doubtful that you could actually like him back. But there’s only one way to find out. Hunter gives you a small smile as you sit where Omega was minutes ago. Once you’re comfortably seated, Hunter takes a deep breath and begins…
Hello. I left a request with Crosshair the other day, but seeing the down state of my boy Hunter in this new season I had to come here to leave another one. So the idea is Hunter x F! Reader (with established relationship?) where on the mission to capture the Pike, she gets hurt and has to stay in Pabu. So when he and Wrecker come back with the cadets, they have a moment of comfort together, you know? It's clear that Wrecker is trying hard to keep Hunter sane, so maybe the reader is too? Xx
Hello lovely! Thank you for the request. I had a lot of fun with this one - he looked so tired and sad in that episode 😔 x
Whispers of Home's Embrace
Hunter has always been calm and strategic, but with Omega's prolonged absence, he's unraveling at the seams, working himself into the ground. It's a good thing you're there to slow him down, and remind him that neglecting himself in the process isn't healthy.
Pairing: Hunter x f!reader
Word count: 2.1k
Warnings: slight spoilers for S3E02, fluff, sweetness, comfort, pet names.
Translations:
ri’vod - sibling in law
A light breeze wafted in through the open window, the late afternoon sun flooding the kitchen as you hummed along to the music from the small radio on the window ledge, adding the final touches of icing to the cupcakes you’d baked.
Capturing the Pyke who’d brought dishonour to Roland wasn’t easy, and you’d paid a small price for it. Whereas Hunter and Wrecker had their old armour to keep them safe, you didn’t, preferring the manoeuvrability you had with softer protection.
Unfortunately, that had meant the blow the Pyke had struck to your side while you’d been wrestling him into submission had cracked a rib. Hunter’s fist had met his face seconds later, rendering him unconscious. Still, the boys had insisted on returning you to Pabu before they took him to Roland and collected the information you all desperately needed.
With nothing but time, you’d turned your focus to more domestic tasks to drown out your worry. Hunter and Wrecker were more than capable, but it felt wrong for them to be without you. You’d been with them since the very beginning.
Lost in a haze of icing, you almost missed the sound of the front door opening. Quietly, you placed down the piping bag, fingers sliding around the hilt of the knife you’d left on the counter. You weren’t expecting guests.
Moving silently across the kitchen, you pressed your back against the wall beside the door, hiding yourself from view. As the footsteps drew nearer, you held your breath, tension coiling in your muscles. The familiar creak of the floorboards announced the intruder’s approach. Your grip tightened on the knife, your heart pounding in your chest. Then, a soft voice broke the silence, dispelling the tension like a gentle breeze dispersing fog.
“Hey, it’s just me.” Came Hunter’s familiar voice, concern evident in his tone. Relief flooded through you, and you released a shaky breath, lowering the knife as you stepped out of your hiding spot. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” Hunter chuckled, his expression softening as he took in the scene before him - the cupcakes, the radio playing softly in the background, and you, with a hint of flour dusting your cheek.
You shook your head, dismissing his apology with a wave. “No worries, it’s…”
“You live here!?” An unfamiliar voice interrupted your apology, and you watched Hunter step aside, revealing three young boys who were decidedly dirty and a little malnourished.
Wrecker barreled into the kitchen behind them, a giant grin on his face. “Smells good in here, ri’vod!”
Confused, you look at the three young boys and then back to Hunter. “Who are they?” You ask, wafting your knife in their direction.
“Regs. We found a bombed-out Imperial base. They escaped and were fending for themselves in the jungle.” Hunter gives you the short version, watching as you quirk an eyebrow.
Not wanting to be impolite, especially after brandishing a knife, you set the utensil down on the counter and introduce yourself.
“I’m Mox.” In return, the tallest of the three boys introduces himself before gesturing towards the other two boys. “This is Deke and Stak.”
“You’re pretty. Are all girls as pretty as you?” Deke pipes up, wide brown eyes focused on your face.
Amused by Deke’s straightforward question, you chuckle softly before replying. “Well, thank you, Deke. But trust me, plenty of girls out there are much prettier.” Your words earn a shy smile from the young boy.
“That’s a lie.” Hunter retorts, leaning against the nearest wall, arms folded across his chest.
Rolling your eyes, you offer him an amused smile. “You’re biased.” You fire back, holding his gaze for a moment. The simple action conveys a thousand words, and you can’t help but spot how much more tired he looks compared to the other week when you were dropped off. He’s been neglecting himself again.
“Well, if you’re done hitting on my wife, we can show you around.” Hunter breaks the moment, turning his focus to the three young boys.
“Wife? Aw, hell.” Deke mutters, earning laughter from Stak and Wrecker.
“Thought we weren’t allowed to get married?” Mox probes, narrowed eyes darting between you and Hunter.
“Technically, no,” Hunter answers him straight. “But things are a bit different here on Pabu. We’re treated like equals. We have the same rights as anyone else.” He clarifies, head tilting to look at you for a moment.
You smile fondly, remembering the quiet little ceremony you’d had right before everything had gone to hell. Echo, Wrecker, Tech, and Omega had been the only ones present for the union. Getting married had been an impromptu decision – during the war, neither of you had dared hope it would ever be possible - but you didn’t regret it for one second.
Sensing that you and Hunter might need some time, Wrecker offers the kids a grin. “C’mon, lemme show ya around.” He starts ushering them out of the kitchen. “We can get ya cleaned up, too.”
Pushing off the wall, Hunter goes to follow, but Wrecker holds a hand up. “I got this, Hunter. Don’t worry.” He offers his brother a smile before leading the boys away.
Gratitude curls through Hunter. He knows you and his brother have been going the extra mile for him lately, and he hates the burden that is placed on you both.
“Omega?” You ask quietly, stepping towards your husband, sliding into the warmth of his arms as he draws you into an embrace.
Hunter shakes his head and sighs. “Roland’s intel led us to the facility where we found the regs. Deke downloaded some intel from a panel – not much to go on, but we have a sector as a lead.”
Heaviness weaves through your body, and the hope that had been building dims into a small flicker. You’d keep hold of it, though. You weren’t about to give up. As you step back, you take Hunter’s hand, leading him out of the kitchen and towards the stairs. “They’ll be safe here. That’s something.” You insist, guiding Hunter upstairs and into your shared bedroom. He was in desperate need of a wash, some sleep, and a good meal in the morning.
Hunter makes a slight noise of agreement. It wasn’t the outcome he hoped for, but it still counted as a win. Inhaling deeply as you enter the bedroom, his shoulders sag as your comforting scent fills his nose.
Easing him down onto the bed, you kneel at his feet to remove his boots, wincing a little at the ache in your ribs as you set them aside. “I’ll start looking at the maps for that sector in the morning.” You vow. “Echo or Rex might be able to fill in some blanks for us too.”
Impatience rolls through Hunter. There was no time. It couldn’t be left until the morning. What if something happened and Omega was moved again? They wouldn’t have any leads anymore. “It can’t wait until then.” Hunter insists, attempting to stand up.
Unwilling to take any of his nonsense, you press a hand to his abdomen and shove him back down. “Yes, it can.” You insist, your tone catching Hunter by surprise. “I know Omega’s been gone a long time. I want our girl back as desperately as you. But what good are you exhausted?” You question, prying off the limited armour that covers his legs, stacking it nearly at the foot of the bed. “Finding her and Crosshair is of the utmost importance. But you cannot neglect yourself in the process.”
Hunter grumbles, but he knows you’re right. He sinks back into the mattress, allowing exhaustion to finally catch up. Your hands move with practised care, stripping away the layers of armour and padding. As you work, he watches you, a mixture of gratitude and worry in his eyes. You’ve always been the anchor, the one who keeps him grounded when everything else threatens to spiral out of control. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He admits softly, his voice heavy with emotion.
You pause, meeting his gaze with warmth and determination. “You won’t have to find out.” You assure him, leaning down to kiss his forehead gently. “We’ll find Omega and Crosshair. Together.” You vow. “Now, let’s get you a bath.” You rise to your feet, pointing at his undersuit. “Off.” You instruct, leaving him to follow your order as you move into the fresher. Plugging the tub, you turn on the taps. While a shower would be more efficient, it wouldn’t help him relax.
As the water fills the tub, you add a few drops of essential oil, knowing its calming properties will help ease Hunter’s tension. Returning to the bedroom, you find him obediently removing his undersuit, looking worn but determined. His commitment to the mission is unwavering, but you understand the toll it takes on him physically and emotionally.
Silently, you help him into the warm water, watching as the tension gradually melts from his muscles. Hunter leans back, closing his eyes, a rare moment of peace enveloping him. Sitting beside the tub, you run a wet cloth over his shoulders, gently washing away the grime, offering him a moment of respite from the chaos of the galaxy.
As you work, your mind drifts to Omega and Crosshair, wondering what trials they’re enduring and how you can help bring them home safely. The weight of responsibility sits heavy on your shoulders, but you refuse to let it crush you. You’ll do whatever it takes to reunite your family.
After a while, Hunter opens his eyes, meeting your gaze with a soft smile of gratitude. “Thank you.” He murmurs, his voice laced with exhaustion and affection.
“Anytime, my heart.” You whisper back, abandoning the washcloth to instead pry the filthy bandanna from around his head. With his hair free, your hand finds its way into it, fingernails scratching across his scalp.
A low moan slips from Hunter’s lips at the sensation, and he leans into your touch, eyes fluttering shut again. The warmth of the water soothes his tired muscles, and the gentle rhythm of your fingers through his hair lulls him into a state of relaxation he hasn’t felt in ages. As you continue to massage his scalp, he lets his mind empty. “You were right.” He admits quietly.
“Happens sometimes. Rare as it may be.” You drag your nails down the side of his head until your fingers skim the shell of his ear, changing gear to stroke down the plane of his cheekbone.
A small huff of amusement leaves him, and Hunter’s eyes open to meet your own. “Don’t undersell yourself, riduur.”
Warmth sweeps through you at the title. It would still take some getting used to. “No promises.” You tease, earning a tired smile from him. “Also, does this mean we’re starting up an orphanage?” You tease.
Hunter chuckles softly, his fatigue momentarily forgotten as he enjoys your playful banter. “Maybe we should. Seems like we’ve already got a few residents.” He remarks.
“Well, if those kids are anything like you and Wrecker, they’ll fit right in.” You reply, fondness in your voice as you reach for a small bowl sitting on the tub’s edge. Dipping it into the water to fill it, you lift it as Hunter tilts his head back, letting you pour the warm water over his hair. You take your time washing away the grime until the water cools before helping Hunter out of the tub, handing him a fluffy towel to dry off.
“You staying for a nap?” Hunter asks, giving his wet hair a rub with the towel.
“Of course.” You reply with a smile, reaching for another towel to hand to him. “Just let me clean up here first.”
Hunter nods understandingly, wrapping the second towel around his waist before leaving the bathroom. You quickly drain the tub and wipe down the surfaces, ensuring everything is tidy before joining him in the bedroom.
When you enter the room, Hunter is slipping into a clean pair of sleep pants. He looks more refreshed, the exhaustion still evident in his eyes but less pronounced than before. You can’t help but admire the strength and resilience he carries, even in the face of adversity.
Settling into bed beside him, you pull the covers over yourselves, the warmth of the blankets cocooning you both in comfort. Hunter turns to face you, his gaze softening as he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from your face.
You smile, reaching out to intertwine your fingers with his. “Get some rest, love.” You whisper, leaning in to kiss his lips tenderly. “I’ll be here when you wake.”
Warnings: canon typical violence, injury, angst with a happy ending, language
Summary: After a mission goes south, Hunter risks it all to get you back.
Thanks @starboytech for the request! Birthday requests still open!❤️🥰🫶
Four walls, one floor, one metal slab you assume is a bed, one small chamber pot you’ve decided not to investigate.
One broken rib, three gashes, one puffy lip, one bruised ego.
You’ve been itemizing your surroundings, counting your affects, trying to keep some semblance of composure. It’s what you’d learned in med training, the effects of shock can be the sneakiest killer in a crisis. From the moment that Trandoshan had grabbed you, you’d been doing your best to keep yourself on the other side of a panic attack.
To say the mission had gone sideways would’ve been a colossal understatement. It was well and properly fucked. Truly FUBAR as Wrecker would say. What was supposed to be a simple grab and go of some cargo (and information) from a small collection of pirates had turned into the squad attempting to infiltrate a fully operational pirate base, who dabbled in trading and selling live cargo. CID’s intel had been dated at best, or designed for failure at worst. The last thing you remembered was pushing Omega towards Wreckers outstretched hands, as Hunter screamed, clamoring for you as the squad ran towards the exit they had blasted open. You were running, legs striding, until you felt a singe, then burning pain in your calf. The tranq was fast, your vision fading to black before you even knew what had hit you.
That was, by your count, three rotations ago. The pirates had scarcely been by, only to throw food at your cell and offer vulgar remarks. From what you had gathered, you were the only live cargo aboard this section of the ship. There was no way of knowing where you were going, and no way of knowing what awaited you when you got there.
Honestly, you hoped Hunter and the rest of the batch had figured you a lost cause. You were vastly underprepared for any siege, and the danger these pirates posed to Omega made you sick. You had looked hell in the eyes before, and you’d do it again to keep them safe.
Hunter was, in Tech’s words, displaying the worst show of territorial protectiveness a clone had shown in his memory. In Echo’s words, he was kriffing irate. He hadn’t spoken since you were taken, instead pacing aimlessly through the hull of the Marauder, eyes glazed over, jaw tightened. Not even Omega had dared speak to him in this state, instead coloring pictures of their small family to give you when you returned. Tech had warned them that even with the tracker Wrecker had chucked onto the ship, they needed to be practical, but the look that flashed across Hunter’s eyes had softened the rest of the statement into a whisper. He was going to get you back, non debatable. Even as the ship blurred through hyperspace, tailing the ship to the best of their abilities, he had willed a thought to you. I’m coming for you cyar’ika.
One broken rib, one gash, two cuts, one broken heart.
You knew that even as the ship touched down, there was no way they were coming, you had hoped that even. Still, the thought that you’d never see them again, never lay in Hunter’s arms again, had you fighting back tears. A different pirate, a human man with a cybernetic eye that reminded you all too well of a clone you had befriended so many moons ago, had warned you that when they had completed inventory, you’d be taken to the highest bidder.
You hadn’t shown any crack of emotion the whole time, but wept the moment he left. It had all gone so wrong, so fast.
The ship rocked for a moment, a commotion coming from far down the hall. You had seen large crates of merchandise when you had first snuck aboard, and figured something had merely snapped loose. It wasn’t until the telltale sounds of blaster fire that you had even begun to think about this hell coming to an end.
It was coming closer, moving towards you. The sounds of yelling and blaster fire and body after body hitting the floor. In a flash, the door was flung open, and you caught sight of the silhouette of Hunter, Echo, and Wrecker standing against the smoke and sparks in the air.
Echo had moved to a panel near you, where you assumed the controls to the cells were held, and Wrecker stood near the door, ready for incoming threats. Echo had gotten the door opened in a mater of moments, and was now working on closing the main blast door to the detention area. Hunter had moved in immediately, taking one, two, three, big steps and closing the gap between you, careful to press you against his chest on the opposite side of your break.
“You came for me.” You wept, tears flooding from your eyes freely, “but Omega, the squad,”
“There is nothing in any system that could ever keep me from you, you understand? I would never stop looking for you, whoever had you would never know peace.” His words were rushed, angry, but his smoothing hands against your hair told you all you needed to know. Hunter was terrified, terrified that they’d have come all this way for you to already be gone, or worse, come to collect your corpse. You wanted to badly to rip off his helmet and kiss him, but given the circumstances, held back.
“This is cute and all, but we gotta move!” Wrecker’s voice came in loud as Echo managed to get the opposite blast door open. The four of you took off running, Hunter pressing against you as he cushioned any impact on your already aching body. It was working, you thought, whatever distraction Wrecker had planned and whatever interference Tech was running was working. You’d nearly made your way to the door Echo had opened, to what you assumed the rendezvous point was, when you were met with company. Most shots were met with a fast response from the batch, but a few were close for comfort. It was like deja vous, you were so close to freedom.
In a moment that had to have lasted no longer than four seconds, you heard Hunter turn around, before yelling “no!” And sidestepping in front of you.
The shot that landed in his chest would have hit you squarely, with no armor. You screamed his name, and Wrecker wasted no time picking up his downed brother, tossing him over his shoulder as if he was weightless. Echo slid into Hunter’s spot, urging you forward as you all moved to where the Marauder was waiting, engines already firing as Omega motioned you all foreword, eyes wide.
One shattered chest plate, one nasty bruise, two broken ribs. He was alive. He wasn’t wounded. You tried to repeat these truths to yourself as you worked on him on the tiny pull down stretcher the Marauder had. All your years as a med never made caring for those you loved any easier. You shakily applied bacta patches to the angry bruised spot on his chest, anxious to heal it before any internal bleeding caused irreparable damage. Tech is expertly piloting the ship away from danger, and last you saw Omega was tucked snuggle between Wrecker’s arms as he attempted to distract her from any negative thinking with Lula. Echo was up front with Tech, so it left you alone with Hunter.
You knew he’d pull through the second you removed the plastoid. Sure, his chest plate had been shot to smithereens, but it had done it’s job. Your own chest ached at the reality of how much danger you’d actually been in. How much danger he had risked just to bring you home.
His wounds were patched, bacta slowly working its way through his body. All that was left to do was wait.
You weren’t sure how long had passed, the inhabitants of the Marauder had moved to a restful sleep while you were keeping a vigil for Hunter. He woke up with a shaking breath, eyes wide, hand shooting out to grip the side of the stretcher, your name breathing from his lips like a desperate prayer.
“Shh, I’m here, I’m here,” you crooned, leaping up from your chair and moving to stand next to him, hands running across his sweat-damp face and hair. Your own wounds had been patched in the meantime, and your sudden movement had made you wince, but it didn’t matter now that you had tangible proof he was okay.
“Couldn’t leave you, had to come back for you,” he breathed, his eyes settling as he locked with yours. He pushed up a bit, leaning against the metal wall of the ship while he focused on you. “I couldn’t live with myself knowing I was the reason you were hurt.”
“Hunter, with all my love, how do you think I’ve felt waiting for you to wake up?”
“I’d take a blaster shot for you for less, you know that,” he sighed, but offered you an apologetic smile. The two of you settled into silence for a beat, you simply tracing your fingers over his knuckles while he watched you, content to see you alive and in his arms.
“I’d do all of this again, you know. Wouldn’t change a thing.”
Your brows furrowed as you looked at him, “What do you mean?”
“You know, to end up with you, to have you with me,” he brought your hand to his face, lips pressing sweetly on each of your knuckles, “I’d go through any kind of hell just for, just for the chance to have you in my life. Every banthashit choice, I’d do it all for you ten more times, cyar'ika.”
You had no words at first, just leaned over to him and tried to channel all of your possible love into a kiss along his hairline. The words came to you, slowly, and you murmured back, “I’d have them put me back in it. All for you.”
Summary: You get a visitor in your bunk for the night, and Hunter can't help but find it adorable.
Note: happy october everyone! i'll be posting 31 fics for 31 different characters this month!
Clone Troopers Masterlist
The sound of someone whispering your name and the feeling of that same person shaking you awake was the first thing you registered when you opened your eyes. The bunk area of the Marauder was still completely dark, indicating that it was not yet morning, so you were a little confused about the reason you were being woken up at this point.
Blinking your eyes open (and trying to keep them from immediately closing again), you could see the faint outline of someone next to your bed. “You need smmm?” you managed to croak out, voice heavy with sleep. There weren’t too many rules on this ship, but one of the ones that did exist (and was usually well-respected among the squad) was the one about not waking you up, unless there was a serious problem (like fire, death, or ambush).
In the haze of your sleepy state, you could hear Omega’s voice, and as the world came into focus you could see that it was indeed the young girl who had woken you. “What’s wrong?” you asked, immediately snapping awake when you noticed the tearful expression on her face.
“I had a nightmare,” she admitted softly. “And I know you said-”
You reached out to take her hand. “I remember,” you said, shifting so that there was more space next to you in your bunk. “Do you want to lay with me for a while?”
Omega nodded, immediately crawling in next to you. A little bit after she had started traveling with you and the Bad Batch, you had all had a conversation about nightmares. When the other members of the batch had left the area, you had softly offered that if she ever had a nightmare and she wanted some company or wanted to be somewhere else, she had full permission to just crawl into your bunk, whether you were in there or not. At first she had tried to say that your offer wasn’t necessary, but softened when you talked about having nightmares yourself, and the two of you agreed that even big kids could be scared sometimes.
“Do you want to talk about it?” you asked as she got settled next to you, and you wrapped your arm around her once she had gotten comfortable.
“Not really.” Her voice was soft and slightly shaky, and you just smiled as you brought your arm up to run through her hair, the soothing gesture bringing a smile to her face.
“That’s fine,” you whispered. “I’m here if you change your mind, but it’s okay if you just want to stay here too.”
She nodded, and you could see (even in the dark of the ship) that she was growing more and more tired. You brought your blanket up to cover more of her body than it had been before, and the sound of your soft hums guided her to sleep, with you falling back asleep right beside her.
***
As Hunter stared out at the blue streaks of hyperspace passing by, he tried to keep his fatigue at bay. If it were up to him, right now he would be snuggled up in his bunk, fast asleep as someone else took a shift making sure that nothing in the cockpit blew up while they soared between systems. But unfortunately it was his turn to spend half of the night awake, and that dream could not be a reality for another hour or so.
Well, if it was really up to him, he would be snuggled up next to you. While he did not yet have the official title of “boyfriend,” something serious was certainly developing between you and him, and sometimes the two of you shared a bunk (something he secretly hoped happened every night). He didn’t think his brothers knew anything about it, but he wasn’t sure.
By the time Echo stepped into the cockpit to relieve him of his “shift,” Hunter was yawning and could barely find the ability to stay awake. He nodded at his brother in thanks as he got up to head back to the bunks, but as he walked down the hall, he could have sworn that he heard Echo say something about not being able to sleep in his bunk, which he just barely acknowledged before stepping into the room. Suddenly, his brother’s comment made both more sense and less sense (if that even made sense at all).
Hunter’s bunk (as expected) was completely empty, but he finally found the answers to his questions when his head turned to look at your bunk.
Omega was cuddled up next to you, and the two of you had similar expressions of tranquility on your faces. He couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face at the scene, and there was a part of him that wanted to see if he could get into bed as well, to try and wrap his arms around both of you. But he knew (as did Echo, apparently) that he wouldn’t be able to do so without disturbing you, and so Hunter decided to sleep in his own bunk for the night.
As he fell asleep, he tried not to think about the fact that he had apparently not been as secret in his affections as he previously thought, and it was likely that everyone on the ship knew something about his affinity for you.
And of course, he also couldn’t stop thinking about how cute you and Omega looked cuddled up together.
- the end -
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The Bad Batch and Reuniting After Time Apart (TBB x GN!Reader)
Summary: It is inevitable you will have to spend time away from the Batch, but time apart makes your reunions all the sweeter.
Warnings: Mostly fluff. A little separation anxiety.
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Hunter
Although Hunter doesn't enjoy being away from you, he accepts that there will be times when it's necessary. When you get back, he greets you with the most endearing smile and a loving embrace. He seems collected on the surface, but deep down he is thrilled to be with you again. He squeezes you more than usual, his kisses linger a few seconds longer, and he can’t take his eyes off you, smiling like a fool when nobody is looking and basking in how his brothers and Omega greet you so warmly upon your return.
On one occasion, you had to leave the group for a couple of months to help a friend. It was the longest you had been away since you had met them, and Hunter was secretly worried, but he trusted in your ability to handle whatever challenges you faced. He had seen your strength and determination countless times, so he just had to be patient. He busied himself with looking after his siblings and making sure they were cared for, silently hoping you would arrive back sooner than expected. Omega was the first to spot you when you returned, and she eagerly rushed over to say hello, followed by her brothers. For the first time, Hunter felt such an overwhelming sense of family and belonging that he had to fight back the tears. To conceal his wet lashes, he embraced you tightly and planted a tender kiss on your lips, welcoming you back, to your home and your family.
Echo
Whenever you have to venture out alone without the team, Echo is determined to remain practical to stave off the rising concern about your safety. He creates a checklist and guides you through the potential dangers and escape plans. Emergency contacts follow the immediate potential perils, as well as call signals and safe spots in each sector of the galaxy. It gets to the point where you can recite them all before he does, finishing with a kiss on his cheek and a promise to stay safe. That is all he needs to settle his concerns, that one little promise. When you're expected to return, he waits for the others to greet you before finding a secluded spot for the two of you to talk in private.
You received a call to attend to pressing matters concerning a loved one. Fortunately, you were able to maintain contact with Echo while away. Each night, as the stars drifted in their rotation, you both snuggled into your beds and talked for hours, sharing how your day had been and counting down the time until you could reunite. Upon the arrival of the much-awaited day, Echo ensured they reached the assigned port early and made extra arrangements to make sure they went unnoticed. You arrived to a whirlwind of smiles and hugs from his siblings, each of them eager to share their recent news and ask about your travels. Echo waited as the tales were exchanged, and once aboard ship, he found you both a private corner to embrace away the distance you had felt for the past few weeks.
Wrecker
Wrecker absolutely despises being away from you, but damn he loves that first sight of you again after time apart. The swell of love that surges through him is only surpassed by the way it feels to have you back in his arms. Without fail, when you reunite, he runs towards you, lifts you off your feet, and spends the rest of the day with a huge grin on his face, unable to resist squeezing you tightly at every opportunity he gets.
A complex mission required you both to split up for a few days, your separate skills needed with the other group. Deprived of any form of communication or assurance of your well-being, Wrecker fell silent, craving your presence and the serenity you always brought. Time seemed to crawl, but finally, you were reunited, and he held you as if you might vanish if he loosened his grip. Back on the ship and in his bunk, he engulfed you with his arms, his cheek touching the crown of your head as you recounted the progress of your mission, and eventually, you both drifted off to sleep, entangled in one another.
Crosshair
Crosshair has a habit of hiding his emotions, but as you become closer, he starts to open up. When you have to go, he withdraws, fearing his brothers will mock him if he admits he misses you. Whenever you're gone, his mood plummets, not to the point of bothering his brothers, but enough for them to take notice. Rather than teasing him as he expects, they encourage him and cheer him up until you return.
During a chaotic mission, with every risk and peril imaginable, you had been split up. You had only just been able to communicate that you were safe before the transmission cut completely. Despite your reassuring message, any calm within Crosshair melted. The mission was irrelevant; his sole focus was on ensuring your safety and he embarked on an almost self-sacrificial fight to find you. The moment he laid eyes on you he wrapped you in a tight embrace that made you fear something terrible had transpired in your absence. He pulled away slightly to place his forehead against yours, unconcerned about his siblings' judgments; the other half of his soul had returned safe and sound, and his family was back together again.
Tech
When you're away, Tech does his best to maintain a sense of normalcy. He occupies himself with his projects until your presence returns and he no longer feels that something is missing inside him. He knows you'll only leave if it's absolutely necessary, and each time he wishes you well and ensures you're prepared, offering a comforting smile as you leave.
You had left to visit some loved ones and would be away for some time. Tech felt fine at first, but after that month mark, he noticed himself growing irritable at the void inside his heart. Rather than letting it defeat him, he seized control and resolved to create something for you. He started making recordings just for you, capturing the tabletop games he played with his siblings during their hyperspace travels and the fascinating planets they explored. It reached the point where he made recordings while tinkering with his latest project on the ship, his voice filled with nostalgia and love, all but whispering those private thoughts into the aether in the hope you might hear them. The night of your return, he shared the recordings he made. When it reached the videos of him talking to himself about how he felt about you, you pulled him closer, smoothing the pads of your thumbs over his cheeks before you kissed him.
