Sword and Shield 18
Tags: Bad Batch x reader (you), fem!coded, poly!relationship, multi-part series, nonhuman!reader
Part 17: Best Laid Plans
Warnings: Some mentions of sex, nothing explicit, discussions of polyamorous relationship
18: A Single Question
"It's as ready as it'll ever be." Tech leaned back from his screen, giving you a nod. "Our falsified records are now available to whoever might care to look."
You blew out a relieved breath. "Thank you, Tech. I guess now it's my turn," you said ruefully.
"Well, isn't it just clothes? What's so special about them?" Tech wondered.
"Rich people are stupid," you grumbled, "They have more money than they know what to do with, so they spend it on things like trying to look more interesting than they actually are. They're all bored, so they start finding weird things to be critical of. Like clothes."
You started scrolling through a holonet market to try to shop for some proper clothing. Hunter had decided that exploding onto the scene and catching attention right away would be the best option to draw out the interest of the Source. And even if the Source wasn't there anymore, he'd shrewdly pointed out, other Separatist sympathizers would be drawn to you, opening other doors to intel.
So, he'd decided with input from others that the dynamic would be that of a wealthy group that had bonded over mutual odd interests in different body modifications or weaponry and had formed a strange harem that traveled together. Everyone had come up with a fake background with your help, and Tech had created false records in case anyone decided to be curious enough to look you up. Plus, it would give you credibility as "new money" on the scene thanks to the Galactic War. No one would think it strange that a group interested in weaponry would make money off of the War.
It created enough intrigue at the very least, Hunter had agreed, and the nature of your relationships within the group would be more than enough to keep people talking. Echo had still been wary about it, but he'd seen the purpose of it, and he didn't seem to be opposed, per se. Just... hesitant. Unsure.
Letting out a whine, you finally sat back and closed your eyes, thinking. You'd probably have to go through it one by one, so you might as well start with Tech since he was in the room with you. His fabricated background was that of an technology expert, naturally. According to the records, he'd started off with an interest in weapons manufacturing and branched off eventually into dreadnought schematics and other experimental designs. Considering the possibilities for his background, he'd decided that he would come from a Midrim Planet that had developed quite a few manufacturing plants since the War had started.
Gazing thoughtfully at Tech, you started to piece together an outfit in your mind. Tilting your head, you grabbed your datapad and searched up a few ideas that started to form in your mind. Compiling a few outfits, you grinned in triumph and made the purchase.
Standing with the datapad, you headed off to find the others. A few hours later, you'd finalized your purchases and scheduled them to be delivered to the hotel you'd be staying at for the first few days on the planet while preparing for the mission. With a pleased nod, you went to go find Hunter.
You found him in the common room, going over his report to send to Captain Rex. He looked up as you entered, shuffling over to offer you a seat next to him.
"Finished, mesh'la?" he asked calmly, wrapping an arm around your waist.
You hummed absently, pushing the datapad toward him. "Well, I've found the outfits for you and the others," you started, eyebrows furrowing, "but I'm still not entirely sure what sort of impression you want to make with me? I've found a few designs that would go with the rest of your outfits, but each style sort of... they insinuate something different when put with the others." You pointed out the different styles you'd picked out.
Hunter leaned closer to take a look. He tilted his head, dark eyes surveying the outfits on the screen.
"You said that the type of wealthy people we'll be interacting with like mystery," he finally said slowly. "Why not all of these? If it's different each time, it'll add to the intrigue, don't you think?"
You blinked. "I guess. I hadn't thought of that," you said thoughtfully, pulling the datapad closer. Looking back down at it, you tapped your lips in thought. "But..." You blew out a breath, pouting. "I just hate attention," you whined, pulling at your hair. "I know I have to, it'll happen whether I like it or not, but I don't like it when people notice me."
Hunter chuckled, tugging you closer. He nuzzled your ear. "Don't worry, mesh'la," he murmured. "You'll be surrounded by five very selfish partners, hmm?"
You flushed, realizing how close he was at the moment. "I—" You bit your lip.
Hunter brushed his mouth against the shell of your ear. Was Cross right, mesh'la? What do you think will happen when we're all in a room together with you? For several days, even?
The low husk of his voice made you shiver, but you desperately tried to gather yourself. Turning your head, you gave him a wobbly pout.
"You're no help, Hunter," you sulked. "I'm trying to make sure we have a successful mission."
He just chuckled, briefly kissing your cheek. "And I know you'll succeed. We'll be just fine." Leaning back, he nodded at your datapad. "Do what you think is best, Shiv. There's a reason we were assigned this mission."
You just nodded, turning back to find yourself a few outfits. A part of you hated having to remember how to interact with the bored, rich folk that Trench had ingratiated with to climb the ladder; and an even bigger part of you dreaded having to sell yourself to them all over again, even if it was in a different way now. But there was another, little piece of you that almost wanted to look forward to it. Look forward to getting to dress in something you chose for yourself, to being with the people that you loved and wanted to be around.
And speaking of which, you were currently more stressed about your boys than even the mission. You knew, could feel over the bonds, that all of them were getting a bit... desperate. After the close shaves of the past few missions and now having to tiptoe a bit around Echo, they were finding it difficult to keep their hands off of you. And you were trying to manage both the situation with Echo and gently staving off the boys at the same time.
With a soft groan, you slumped forward for a moment.
"You alright, mesh'la?" Hunter asked lazily.
You sighed and stirred, standing to stretch. "I'm fine, just tired," you said, setting the datapad down. "I finished, the stuff is going to be delivered to the first hotel we're staying at the day we arrive." Glancing at the time, you started toward the door. "I'm going to go take a nap before I do any more."
You'd offered to share your bunk with Echo, knowing that no one would find it strange since you'd done it plenty of times before with the 501st. He'd taken you up on the offer, and you'd both dealt with nightmares already. Though, to be fair, it wasn't as though you weren't used to that, either. You'd had your own dark past, and War was never kind to soldiers. Whether with the 501st or the Bad Batch, you'd always had to deal with nightmares.
Echo looked up as you came into the room. "Oh, Shiv."
You groaned, collapsing next to him on the bunk. Curling up, you let out a sigh and closed your eyes. "Gonna nap," you mumbled, already drifting off. "Wake me if you need me."
~
You tapped away at the datapad, trying to make a few last moment purchases. Wrecker carried you on his shoulders along with a few other bags as the group made their way toward the hotel. His laughter rippled through the humid air of Ral'shan.
You finally finished, then looked up with an owlish blink.
"Shiv." Hunter looked up at you. "You have the reservation, right?"
You nodded, noticing that you'd arrived in front of the hotel. It was nowhere near as luxurious as the one you'd be going to in a few days for the mission, but it wasn't anything to turn your nose up at, either. It towered up high in the sky, closer to the city center where all the common tourist attractions were. Thankfully for Hunter's sake, the room you'd been given was high up where there was less noise.
"Down, please, Wreck?" You patted his arm.
He reached up and effortlessly set you back down. "There ya go, Shiv."
You smiled up at him. "Thank you!" Taking a glance back the way you'd come, you walked into the hotel and headed for the front desk. At least, you thought with a mental sigh, you knew what to expect from your time in slavery under Trench.
"Welcome to Tiyerran Hotel!" The receptionist gave you a wide smile.
You smiled back, sliding your datapad across. "Thank you. Here's our reservation."
She took the datapad, scanning it into their system. Nodding, she handed it back to you. "Yes, of course, here you are! The name is under (Name), correct?"
You blinked for a moment, surprised that the reservation was made under your name. But then, when you thought about it, it made sense. No one else's name would really make sense for an undercover mission.
"Yes," you answered. "Thank you."
She nodded, then handed you a small pouch. "Here are the passes to get into your room," she said cheerfully, glancing behind you at the others waiting for you in the lobby. "The lifts are right through that door. Your room is on the forty-seventh floor. I see here that you also have a delivery that's been made to your room. Have a great stay!"
You gave her a nod, taking the pouch, then headed back toward the rest of the Bad Batch.
They turned to you. "Got it, Shiv?" Tech asked.
You nodded. "We're on the forty-seventh floor, lifts are back there," you said, pointing. “Should I carry a bag?"
They shook their heads. "Lead the way, Shiv, we'll follow," Hunter said, grabbing bags.
"Do we have to take the lift?" Wrecker groaned as you all got in. "Why did we have to get a room so high up?"
"Do you want to hold hands?" Cross jeered, no bite in his voice.
"No!" Wrecker protested, glaring back. "I just don't do good with gravity."
Echo patted Wrecker's arm. "It's fine, Wrecker, we should be safe in the hotel," he offered sympathetically.
"Thanks," Wrecker sighed morosely.
You, on the other hand, enjoyed the ride up the lift. Heights had never really bothered you, especially since as a weapon you often got tossed around. You got used to it, you supposed. You turned once the doors opened, and quickly found your rather large suite down the hallway.
"Whoa, this is really nice," Echo remarked as he walked in.
You had to agree. The suite had two giant beds in it, with a lounge area and even a whole caf and tea bar. A wall of transparisteel stretched on the other side of the room, offering a custom-tint system to adjust levels of privacy.
You gravitated toward the window, looking out over the city central. A few clouds scattered a bit lower than the windows, lazily drifting by.
"It's really pretty," you cheered, looking out toward the horizon. "Oh, and we're on the side facing the sunsets!" You pointed toward the horizon where the dual-star system would set in a few hours.
Tech came up beside you. "It looks like there's a few bars that are open for the whole cycle nearby," he noted, peering down at the ground. "And that area, according to my intel, is where we might find some interesting local cuisine."
Your eyes lit up as you turned to him. "Oooh, do we get to go try it? I love trying new foods! Do they have interesting street food?" You clapped excitedly.
"As far as I know, there's a whole street of vendors," Tech agreed with a similar gleam in his eye. He was always down for new experiences. "And there's even a specialty drink that I've wanted to try called a Blue Egg."
"Well stop chatting about it and help unpack so we can go," Hunter said dryly from the other side of the room.
You turned, hurrying over to help. After an hour or so of unpacking the bags you'd brought and the crates of things you'd ordered, you stepped back from the closet with a nod. You'd put together all the outfits you'd ordered and neatly hung them up so that you could easily pack and transport them when you moved to the other hotel.
Wrecker and Crosshair had set up the weapons rack against a wall. The electrospear you'd been given by the Poletecs had its own space on the rack as well. Hunter, Tech, and Echo had unpacked the other bags of personal items and casual clothing in the meantime.
"I'm going to get ready," you called, grabbing your clothes and heading to the fresher to change.
As you changed, you had to send a mental thanks to Captain Rex for putting in a request for getting you a functional wardrobe. Most of your clothes had somehow gotten ruined from missions, so you'd been down to just two or three pairs. Thankfully, the budget you'd been given for this undercover mission had also covered getting you some new clothes. You'd ordered them, of course, in order to be able to access them for the mission.
Taking a final glance in the mirror to make sure you weren't missing anything, you walked back out to open the fresher to whoever else needed it. Considering the warm humidity and the prospect of walking the streets and going to a bar, you'd decided to wear a pair of shorts and a loose, summery top. You'd pulled your hair back with a hairband but otherwise didn't have any other sort of jewelry. The off-the-shoulder top felt airy and comfortable as you moved around the room, grabbing a small bag to sling around yourself and keep some credits and your comm in.
"Whoa, Shiv, you look super pretty!" Wrecker stared at you with a sort of stupid grin, standing by the couch.
Color splashed across your face as you laughed. "Thank you, Wrecker," you said with a warm smile. You walked up to him, holding your bag. "You ready? I can't wait to try the food!"
He nodded. "Yeah! I bet it's not going to be as good as yours, though."
The way Wrecker's eyes followed you with infatuation kept the warmth in your cheeks, though. You wondered if he had taken a particular fancy to the flowery, loose top you wore. After all, the only outfits the Bad Batch had ever seen you in had been your combat suits for missions, oversized shirts and shorts on the ship, and the one dress you'd worn to the 79s. You'd never really worn anything this... civilian.
"I think we're just waiting for Cross," Hunter remarked, coming up with Tech and Echo. His eyes trailed over you appreciatively. "You look good, Shiv," he complimented with a small smile.
"Thanks," you answered shyly.
"I've never seen you wear a headband before," Tech said, tilting his head and gazing at the simple silver band in your hair. "It's quite nice."
"Thank you, Tech— oh, your shirt." You caught sight of a button that had popped loose on his shirt. Moving forward, you buttoned it back and smoothed the shirt over his shoulders to get rid of the wrinkles. "There."
"Thanks, Shiv." Tech gave you a nod.
You turned to give Echo an excited smile. "Ready, Echo?"
He nodded. "I guess so." Then he stepped toward you, reaching out. "Your hair slipped again." His fingers gently rearranged your hair in the front, pushing it under your headband. He glanced down at your face and seemed to freeze for a second as though he hadn't realized what he was doing.
But you'd caught sight of his sleeve. It was your turn to reach up and adjust his cuff. "Oh, there. Thanks, Echo. My hair always hates me," you sighed.
He nodded awkwardly and pulled back. "Uh, yeah. Thanks."
Cross walked out of the fresher. "Let's get this over with," he muttered.
Tech led the way this time, while you fell into step between Wrecker and Echo. Wrecker grabbed your hand, swinging it as you walked. "What's the first thing you wanna eat?" he asked excitedly. "I wanna find the biggest thing they have!"
You laughed at him. "I think I want something sweet," you admitted. "You, Echo?"
"Uh..." He thought about it for a minute. "Something... salty," he decided.
"I've heard that their spicy foods are quite well known in this area," Tech piped up.
"Spicy noodles!" you cheered, throwing your hands up.
Wrecker cheered with you, distracted from the lift. "Yeah, spicy noodles!" He paused. "Wait, noodles?"
Everyone walked into the lobby, laughing at Wrecker's confused protests. Tech led you out into the streets, dusk just beginning to fall on the city. The horizon had started to blush a few shades of soft pinks.
Still holding hands with Wrecker, fingers laced, you pointed at a few interestingly-shaped buildings as you walked along. You both dragged Echo into guessing games of how long it would take to scale some of the taller buildings, or how you'd do it. Finally, though, you all reached the vendors' street of the outside market.
Your eyes lit up as you bounced on your toes. "Oh, look! Wrecker, Echo, over there!" You pulled at Wrecker, dragging him over to a booth with some local skewers. Everyone except for Hunter decided to try the skewers, resuming your walk down the street. Thanks to the more casual civilian clothes you'd gotten for the boys, your group blended in with the rest of the tourists and locals mingling in the market.
“That one next!” Wrecker yanked you over to another booth.
You tripped, stumbling after him laughing. Cheeks flushed, you took the snack he offered with a smile. Your hands were still linked, swinging as you both took a bite from the food. Your eyes lit up at the salty crunch, and you had to do a little bounce of happiness as you savored the flavors.
“Now this is the best!” Wrecker shouted, already finished with his.
You finished the snack and hummed in agreement, licking your fingers.
“Shiv, look.” Tech pointed toward a nearby booth.
You squealed, dropping Wrecker’s hand and grabbing Tech’s. “Spicy noodles!” You cheered, yanking him toward the booth.
“Whoa— Shiv—“
Your eyes twinkled as you took the bowl from the vendor with thanks. Turning to Tech, you grinned at him. “I bet I can finish this faster than you can, Tech,” you challenged.
Tech grabbed his own bowl. “Well, let’s find out, Shiv,” he accepted, lifting the bowl.
Wrecker choked on his mouthful. “Spicy—“ he rasped, handing the bowl to Echo and coughing.
You lifted the bowl to your mouth and started unapologetically inhaling the noodles. The spice burst on your tongue, setting your mouth on fire. But you only started eating faster, absolutely delighted at the familiar sting of the spice that seemed somehow refreshing. Chewing the last of the noodles, you drank down the rest of the soup in the bowl and set the bowl down.
Tech looked up, still finishing his noodles. Finishing his, he set his down with a smile of defeat.
“Whoa Shiv, didn’t know you loved noodles that much,” Hunter remarked with a small smile. “You beat Tech.”
You had to laugh, grabbing a tissue and a glass of water. “I’ve always loved this dish,” you said with a shrug, clearing out your sinuses and your palate. You turned to the vendor. “Thank you so much!”
She gave you a nod and smile. “It’s good to see someone who enjoys good food. Have fun, dear.”
You waved, then bounced over to Tech and gave him a hug. “You did good, Tech,” you laughed, grabbing his hand. “Can we have something sweet now?” You begged.
“Here, Shiv.” Echo walked up, holding a handful of candied sweets. He offered everyone one.
You let go of Tech’s hand and took one. “Thank you, Echo!” Holding the stick in both hands, you bit into the candied fruit. You closed your eyes as the flavor burst in your mouth and seemed to rush straight to your head.
Dusk had settled on the horizon, the sky starting to turn from pinks to reds and purples. Invested in savoring your snack, you missed the way the Bad Batch stared at the way the soft colors splashed across your figure, bathing you in the lights of the market. Your top fluttered in the light breeze, seeming to absorb the colors of the sunset.
You finished your snack and pouted a little at not having more. Still holding the stick, you looked up at the others. Hunter chuckled, reaching out to brush a few sticky pieces of candy from the corner of your lips.
“You’ve gotten a bit messy,” he said, a light of fondness in his eyes as he gazed down at you.
You let him brush it away, reaching out to grab at his shirt for balance. “Oh. Thank you.” You scrunched your nose as he brushed the last of it away, going cross-eyed trying to look down at your nose. “Is it gone?” You licked your lips, getting the last of the candy off.
“I think so.”
You looked up to say something when a noise caught your attention. Words freezing on the tip of your tongue, you tilted your head and perked up to listen. Turning your head, you started to walk toward the source of the sound. You barely realized that the others had glanced at each other and started to follow, too focused on the music that started to play.
Eyes widening, you paused and stared at a space that had been cleared in the market where a group of musicians began to play. Many of the tourists and locals had gathered around, clapping and singing. Many also danced, dragging friends or family into the circle and beginning to dance with abandon as the others watched on and cheered encouragement.
You hadn’t danced in so long, and the music lit up your heart and made you yearn for it. Glancing around, you saw a booth that sold some light, fluttery skirts and went to go get one. Slipping it on over your shorts, you bounced back to the others with a grin. Shrugging your bag off, you handed it to Wrecker.
“Hold this,” you said breathlessly, then ran toward the dancing group. You’d recognized the tune as a popular dance number, and just as you’d expected, a couple of people who knew the song had gathered. You joined, earning cheers as they gleefully ushered you into the circle.
You joined in the dance, your body falling back into the familiar movements. The high-energy dance involved spins and twirls within a circle formation, a pattern widely-common across the galaxy. Your arms lifted and fell with the rhythm of the music, and you turned to clap hands with the person beside you. Everyone grinned at each other, simply enjoying the carefree moment of life with strangers who did the same.
The group did one last circle before the music ended and you all bowed to each other. A burst of cheers and applause followed, and you laughed breathlessly. A tug at your skirt made you look down to see a little Twi’lek girl looking up at your shyly, her mother standing behind her.
You crouched, the skirt fluttering around you. “Well hello there,” you greeted softly, smiling at her.
She smiled back shyly. “Um— you dance really pretty, miss,” she chirped, her voice sweet like the sugar that still lingered on your tongue.
Your eyes widened. “Oh! Why thank you so much,” you thanked her, your heart melting. “I’m sure you dance just as well.”
She giggled. “My Mama says that giving flowers to dancers shows that you liked their dancing. Can I give you these?” She stepped closer, offering you a crown of summer flowers.
You clasped your hands in front of you. “Oh! I would be so happy to receive them!” you said breathlessly. Bending your head, you let her settle the flowers around your head. Looking back up, you reached out and gently clasped her hand in yours. “Thank you for the honor, little lady. I’m glad you liked my dancing,” you said softly.
She nodded, face lighting up. “Yeah! I hope I can be like you one day!”
You stood and gave her and her mother a polite curtsey, spreading your skirt a little. The girl’s mother gave you a grateful smile and nod, and the little girl waved and called a farewell as her mother led her away. Reaching up, you pressed your fingers against the slight ache in your chest.
I hope I can be like you one day!
“I hope you won’t have to, little one,” you whispered into the wind, then shook yourself. Turning, you ran lightly back to the others. You beamed up at them. “That was fun!” You reached up and took the flower crown, bouncing over to Echo. “I think I’m gonna crown you the new King of Summer!” You declared, settling the crown around his headpiece and clapping your hands with a laugh.
Echo took it with a resigned smile. “I guess Fives has done worse,” he said with a shrug.
“You dance really pretty, Shiv!” Wrecker said around his mouthful of snacks.
“Thanks, Wrecker.” You gave him a smile. Then you turned to Echo, holding out your hand as the musicians started a summer waltz. “Will the King of Summer give me a dance?”
He stared at you for a minute, then glanced down at himself. “Uh— I... I don’t really know how to dance, Shiv.”
You just tilted your head, still smiling as you kept your hand outstretched. “Please? I’ll teach you.”
He hesitated, then reached out and took your hand. “Okay.”
You tugged him closer to the square, then turned to him. “Here. You put your hand on my waist here, and hold my hand like this,” you said, reaching out to put his prosthetic hand on your waist. Resting your hand on his shoulder, you smiled up at his nervous expression, the flowers hiding his headpiece a little.
“And we follow the rhythm of the music. Step back like this—“ You coached him in the simple waltz, leading him in small circles. Echo picked up quickly, finding the rhythm and starting to lead a little more confidently. It reminded you of how Fives had never had any sense of rhythm despite loving trying to dance whatever chance he got, dragging you and Echo into it if you allowed him.
Echo smiled down at you, the pinched look on his face easing. “I guess I’m getting the hang of it.”
“You are!” You encouraged. “Try to spin me under your arm.”
After a little flub which made you both laugh, he managed to successfully spin you under his arm and bring you back in. “Well I guess it helps to have a good partner,” Echo remarked with a chuckle.
“I’m the lucky one, then,” you agreed. “I have you, after all.”
The waltz started to slow to a close, and you stepped closer to Echo to just sway. You slid both hands onto his shoulders, and his fell naturally to your hips. Looking up at him, you saw something spring into his eyes, feeling his body tense under your fingers.
“Shiv,” Echo rasped. “I...” He seemed unable to continue, though a sort of desperation crept into his gaze.
“Echo?” you murmured.
The waltz came to an end, leaving you leaning against his chest as he froze, hands wrapped around your waist, staring down at you with strained eyes. For a moment you both stood there, on the brink of something. Echo seemed to hover there, then he sucked in a sharp breath and abruptly let go of your waist, stepping away jerkily.
“S-sorry,” he stammered. “I— thanks. For the dance.”
Disappointment welled in you, but you pushed it aside for the moment and instead gave him the best smile you could muster. Reaching out, you grabbed his hand and started to pull him back to the others.
“You learned to dance really quickly, Echo!” You cheered instead, turning to Wrecker. “Can I have my bag back?”
He nodded. “Oh, sure, here ya go Shiv.” He handed you the bag.
You took it and slung it back over your shoulder. “What’s next?” You asked lightly.
Well what’s he holding back for? Crosshair sniped over the Bonds. Clearly he wants Shiv.
“Why don’t we go try that drink Tech mentioned?” Hunter suggested, pointing toward a booth on the other side of the square.
“Finally, a good suggestion.” Crosshair started toward the booth, quickly followed by Tech.
“Aw yeah, drinks!” Wrecker grabbed Echo’s arm. “Let’s go!” He charged forward, ignoring Echo’s startled exclamation.
Hunter wrapped his arm around your waist as he followed at a more leisurely pace. Give him some time. If he has feelings for Shiv, it can’t be easy for him right now to admit it. He’s changed a lot since the last time he and Shiv were together. Plus, we’re here and he doesn’t know.
You looked down at your feet, letting Hunter guide you. You couldn’t help but feel that maybe it was just... you. You didn’t know if Echo had feelings for you at all, after all.
“No, mesh’la,” Hunter said quietly, turning you toward him. He leaned forward, his thumb brushing over your cheek. “You don’t see the way we all look at you. Echo looks at you like the rest of us do: like you’re the only thing he wants in the Galaxy. He’s just in the position we all were at first. Not knowing what to do, or if you feel the same, not wanting to ruin what you already have.”
You nodded, letting out a sigh. “Okay. I just...”
Hunter quirked a smile. “We’re all a little impatient, mesh’la. But it’ll happen, one way or another. Now come on, we’ve got to keep them from getting into too much trouble.”
You nodded and braced yourself, giving him a smile. “Okay.”
By the time you made it back to the hotel, Crosshair and Wrecker were drunk arguing while Tech and Echo tipsily rolled their eyes at the two and made sarcastic comments. You and Hunter gave each other resigned looks as the only sober ones, ushering them quickly back to your suite. Hunter sent Wrecker and Cross to the shower, while you went up to Tech and Echo.
“Come on, you two,” you said with a fond smile. “Let’s get you ready for bed. Can you change?” You grabbed their night clothes.
“Course I can,” Tech said, beginning to fumble with his buttons. Despite being a little shaky, he managed to get them off.
Echo squinted. “Uh, I—“
You brushed Echo’s hands away. “I got it, don’t worry, Echo,” you reassured, beginning to unbutton his shirt. “You had two too many, I think,” you laughed lightly. “Here you go.” You handed him the pair of sleep pants and shirt.
“Thanks, Shiv,” he muttered, shuffling off to change.
“Shiv.” Tech’s shirt was halfway off, but he had a hand up against his forehead. “I can’t look down,” he admitted, grimacing. “I think I underestimated the Blue Egg.”
Lips twitching, you shook your head at him. “I told you not to drink two of them,” you scolded. “Here.” Leaning down, you unbuckled his pants and unzipped, then straightened. “Just slide them off and change.” Thankfully his sleep pants just had a drawstring waist, so there would be no complicated ties.
“Thank you.” Tech leaned forward and pressed a kiss to your forehead, then turned toward the beds.
You walked toward the closet, going to grab your own nightclothes. You’d gotten yourself a comfortable cotton shirt and shorts. But you glanced at the other option you’d gotten for when you went to the other hotel. Hopefully by then, you thought desperately, you wouldn’t have to keep warding off the boys. Heading to the fresher, you slipped in to change.
Crosshair sat on the toilet seat, head in his hands as he grimaced. Wrecker was in the shower.
“Here.” You offered Crosshair a small vial that Hunter had slipped you. “For the hangover.”
Crosshair took it with bleary eyes, downing it without a complaint. Reaching up, he grabbed your wrist.
You paused, turning back to him. “You okay, Cross?” you asked softly, running a hand through his hair.
He sighed, then stood. “I’m tired of waiting,” he grumbled. Leaning down, he tilted your chin up and pressed a lazy kiss to your lips. “He’s being stubborn.”
You shook your head, smoothing a hand across his chest. “Like you?”
He grunted, letting go of you as Wrecker climbed out of the shower. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”
You laughed a little, then handed Wrecker the other vial. “Here you go, Sunshine. Drink this.”
Wrecker squinted at it. “How many are there?”
You snorted, then uncorked it and lifted it to his mouth. “Here.”
He opened his mouth and let you pour it in, swallowing. “Ugh, it tastes horrible!” he complained, shaking his head and gagging.
“It’ll help tomorrow, I promise.” You patted his arm. Reaching down, you slid the skirt off and began to quickly change into the sleep shorts and shirt. Folding your other clothes neatly into a pile, you grabbed Wrecker and Crosshair’s discarded clothes and went to go take them to the laundry chute.
You’d just turned when Wrecker grabbed your waist and hoisted you up. You squealed in surprise, starting to laugh as he walked toward one of the giant beds.
“I’m tired,” Wrecker pronounced. He flopped onto the bed on his back, then rolled onto his side and pulled you into his chest, snuggling into you. “Gonna sleep,” he slurred, eyes closing. “Night, Shiv.”
You laughed softly, reaching up to brush your hand across his cheek. “Goodnight, Sunshine. Get some rest.”
“You alright, Shiv?” Hunter asked. “Need anything?”
You shook your head. “I’m fine. You know Wrecker, I’m not moving till morning anyway.”
“Fair enough.” Hunter shrugged. “Echo, just pick wherever you want. We all just end up where we end up,” he said.
Tech joined you and Wrecker in the middle of the bed, sliding up behind you and wrapping his arms around you, pressed into your back. Burying his face into your shoulder, he started to drift off with a mumbled goodnight.
You shifted a little. “Leave room for Crosshair,” you reminded Hunter quietly. “Are you going to take the top?”
He nodded, shifting across the bed so he sprawled above the three of you by the head of the bed. Adjusting pillows, he laid down facing you and draped an arm across Wrecker.
Echo stood by the edge of the bed, hesitating, when Crosshair walked out of the fresher. He walked up to Echo. “Move up,” he said shortly, pointing. “I’m by Tech.”
“Uh—“
You beckoned to Echo. “Here.” You patted your legs.
Crosshair settled on the other side, using Tech’s side as a pillow and folding his hands over his stomach. Echo glanced at everyone, then crawled up on the bed by your feet. He hesitated.
You reached up and tugged at him, pulling him down so he sprawled on top of you with his head against your stomach. Wrecker tossed his arm across Echo’s back with a snore, earning a quiet wheeze as he trapped Echo against you. Echo’s eyes widened, but you just sighed and settled in.
“Night, everyone,” you murmured contentedly, feeling your eyes drift close as sleep settled.
“Night,” Hunter mumbled.
Cross grunted.
“Night,” Echo said quietly.
You fell asleep, surrounded by warmth and happiness.
~
Everyone had scattered for day two. Tech had headed to the local library for some information, unsurprisingly. Hunter had decided to stay in the room for a while to get some rest. Wrecker had dragged Echo out, saying something about a weapons shop.
Crosshair, though, had turned to you. “I’ve got a plan. Let’s go.”
Though curious, you’d just grabbed your bag and followed after saying bye to Hunter. He’d waved you both off, heading back to bed.
You’d pulled on a black summer dress with a flower pattern, knowing it would be hot out and wanting something loose and comfortable. Catching up to Crosshair, you reached out and grasped his fingers, not wanting to lose him. He glanced back at you, then huffed a little and grasped your hand. A pulse of happiness washed through you as he held your hand, lithe fingers curling around yours with that deft confidence.
“Where are we going, Cross?”
He pulled you out into the streets, heading for the shopping district. “Out,” was all he said. As you walked, he pointed out in his quiet way different sights around the city. You enjoyed the stroll through the streets, delighted every time Cross would point out something small but interesting that most people wouldn’t have seen at first glance.
He stopped by a shop and grabbed a brunch for both of you in boxes, then led you toward a more quiet area where a bridge sat over a river. Finding a spot, he sat on the railing of the bridge and handed you a box. Legs swinging over the edge, you bit into the sandwich with a happy hum, listening to the river rushing down below and looking over the town square in the distance.
“So. About Echo.”
You turned to look at Crosshair. “Echo?”
“I happen to know that Tech is planning to make a stop while we’re in town,” Cross drawled, not quite looking at you.
“A stop?” You were starting to sound like an echo.
“There’s a particular shop that sells some... interesting things.” His eyes slid over to you. “And all of us besides Echo have put in special requests.”
You choked on your sandwich as you remembered something Crosshair had said before. Something about toys. And making a stop to get you some. And judging by the way Crosshair’s eyes glittered, you were absolutely correct in your conclusion.
“I—“ You took a drink, blushing. Setting down the sandwich, you pressed your hands to your hot cheeks.
Crosshair chuckled. “I think this might have to become a group seduction, cod’ika,” he remarked.
You sighed, picking your sandwich back up. “Well, I think you might be right. It’s not like I know how to seduce anyone anyway.”
I beg to differ. Hunter remarked lazily across the Bonds.
You almost choked again. At least let me eat! You wailed mentally, embarrassed.
“Well then, now that we’re agreed.” Crosshair finished his food, picking up his drink.
To what extent? Hunter pointed out.
“Well I don’t mind if you just act normally, besides... well,” you offered. Besides sex. Because that was the obvious line to be crossed. “Poor Wrecker. He’s been trying so hard ever since the flour incident.”
Then you propose we stop holding back in our interactions and comments. Hunter said.
In other words. Tech piped up unexpectedly. We should be flirting with Shiv more obviously.
Despite yourself, you had to burst into laughter. Shoving your hand over your mouth, you tried to stop giggling to no avail. Does anyone here know how to flirt?
Harsh, mesh’la. But Hunter sounded amused.
I thought we did. Tech said confusedly.
Showing off your knowledge isn’t flirting. Crosshair grumbled. He turned to look at you. “Your dress.”
You blinked, looking down. “My dress? Did I spill something?”
“It would look better on the floor of the room.”
You froze, lips parted and color splashed across your cheeks. You’d never in a thousand years ever expected to hear the sniper say something like that.
I believe that’s far closer to seduction than flirting. Tech snipped.
“This is going to be a disaster,” you groaned into your palms.
Did you have to do everything yourself?
Part 19: Upcoming
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