(Bad Batch) Hunter x Reader: Off the Grid - Part 4
(Author’s Note: I’d like to credit @kamino-mermaid for information and tips on surviving off-the-grid!!!!
Hunter lives a secluded cabin life in the wilderness. Sometimes he catches the rest of the Batch on the radio waves or visits every now and then. He likes his life, but sometimes he can’t help but wonder what it’d be like to have a family.
But the harsh, secluded life he lives with his squad is no place for a wife and kids… Until one day Reader and Omega stumble onto his land. They’re on the run, and their past is shrouded in mystery, but he offers them shelter and protection. The Batch comes to their aid, and Hunter gets a taste of the family life he’s been dreaming of.
Word Count: 1,006)
Breakfast was a relaxed affair. The three of you ate and made small talk. Afterwards, Hunter took your plates and deposited them in a larger container for washing later. You once again offered assistance as a gesture of gratitude for his hospitality, but this time he accepted. You helped him take down the hanging laundry and fold it while Omega volunteered to do dishes. Hunter filled a basin with water from a pump outside and set it down on the counter.
“Here, use this..”
You noted the dish soap’s packaging. It wasn’t a typical plastic container. It was a glass bottle that had a label scribbled on by hand. Fabric was tied around the bottleneck with twine to seal it. “Do you make everything around here?” you asked in amazement.
He smirked. “Actually, I bought this from some friends of mine in town who sell homemade products. It’s less garbage I need to worry about disposing of.”
You folded another shirt carefully and set it down on the pile. “How often do you go into town?”
Hunter added another log to the stove and closed it back up. “Once every few weeks or so because it’s far to walk.”
“Sounds like a refreshing walk,” you said.
“It’s not bad in the warmer weather. In the winter, I don’t go nearly as often. I try to stock up on things I’ll need before the cold hits.”
“I can imagine.” You finished the last of the folding and carried the piles to his bed so he could put them away. It was difficult not to linger and get another look at the cozy bedroom. With the soft glow of the lantern and assorted animal furs, he must get good sleep there, you thought. When you emerged, you saw Omega motioning for you to stand beside her as Hunter pulled up a stool in the kitchen.
There was static and a faint voice speaking on the radio device that you’d seen sitting on the counter. He adjusted a dial, and the voice got louder.
“...I repeat, this is Tech.”
“I read you, Tech. This is Hunter checking in. What’s up?”
“Yeah, what’s up?” another man’s hearty voice joined in.
“Hello, Wrecker. Crosshair, Echo, do you read me as well?”
There was a sigh. “Yes.”
And another responded with, “yes, sir.”
The one who called himself “Tech” over the radio continued his message. “I am alerting you all of an incoming storm. Be prepared to be snowed in for the next few days.”
Hunter adjusted another dial when the static became unbearable and spoke into the mic. “When’s this supposed to start?”
“Within a couple of hours.”
“Copy that,” he said with a serious nod. “Thanks for the warning.”
“Also, on the subject of news, the missing person alert has changed,” Tech said. “The case of the missing woman and child has been reclassified as a kidnapping. It says that the child is in considerable danger.”
Your blood ran cold at his words. Your hand instinctively went to take Omega’s, and she looked at you with wide eyes and a frown on her face. Both of you held your breaths. Hunter stole a glance over his shoulder before responding to the update casually.
“I’ll keep an eye out.”
“As we all will,” the coiled voice added.
“Alright, that is all. As always, if there is anything you need, do not hesitate to contact me before the weather gets too severe. Tech, over and out.”
Silence fell over the cabin. Hunter dialed down the radio and shifted on the stool to face you and Omega. Those intense eyes found yours, both sending a chill down your spine and making your chest tighten at the same time. What would he do? Did he really believe the alert? Would he contact the authorities?
“You wanna’ tell me what’s going on?” he asked. He didn’t sound harsh or even irritated. Hunter glanced between the two of you as he patiently waited for an explanation.
“I promise, I’m here of my own will,” Omega spoke up, squeezing your hand.
“That, I can tell,” he said with a nod. “So, why is there an alert?”
Several seconds passed in tense silence as his question hung in the air. Omega lowered her head, unable to think of a response. In the meantime, you were searching your brain for something to say.
“Custody,” you blurted finally. “I mean...It’s a complicated custody situation. With my ex. That’s why we can’t go to the police. That’s why we’re on the run.”
See, this story made sense. It better explained why the two of you were in the situation that you were. Something clicked then in Hunter’s eyes, and you realized that he accepted this answer much quicker than the first. Guilt rose in your chest at deceiving him, but it would only be a short while… Soon, you and Omega could continue on your way and leave the poor man out of any further involvement.
“As a matter of fact, we’ve been here too long as it is,” you continued, and tears nearly pricked your eyes at the utterly heartbroken look on Omega’s face at your words. “We really should be going.”
“Didn’t you hear?” Hunter nodded in the direction of the radio. “There’s a blizzard coming. You won’t get very far, even if you leave this second.”
Omega looked hopeful as you considered this.
“Look, I know I should call the authorities,” Hunter said. “It just so happens that I don’t get any decent phone service out here.” He cracked a smile, and you couldn’t help but mirror it as he slid off the stool and headed for the front door. “It’s your choice, of course, if you want to leave. Just know that you’re both safe here and welcome to stay.”
Omega’s pleading gaze was locked on you, and you felt your shoulders sag as a defeated sigh escaped your lips. “Alright. If it isn’t an inconvenience, Omega and I will stay until the storm lets up.”
(Bad Batch) Hunter x Reader: Off the Grid - Part 3
(Author’s Note: I’d like to once again credit @kamino-mermaid for information and tips on surviving off-the-grid!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help! We have discussed the importance of raising awareness on useful skills that everyone can learn to survive in emergencies and unexpected situations.
Hunter lives a secluded cabin life in the wilderness. Sometimes he catches the rest of the Batch on the radio waves or visits every now and then. He likes his life, but sometimes he can’t help but wonder what it’d be like to have a family.
But the harsh, secluded life he lives with his squad is no place for a wife and kids... Until one day Reader and Omega stumble onto his land. They're on the run, and their past is shrouded in mystery, but he offers them shelter and protection. The Batch comes to their aid, and Hunter gets a taste of the family life he’s been dreaming of.
Word Count: 1,455
Warnings: Stranger danger, mentions of abusive relationship).
Your eyes fluttered shut, and for a brief moment, sleep welcomed you with open arms. It was a shame you had to beat it back with a stick. You forced your eyes open again with a huff, shifting into a sitting position on the floor and maneuvering so that the blankets would stay over your shoulders.
Omega was fast asleep on the couch with a quilt draped over her form. The sight was peaceful and helped soothe your agitation. The poor kid had been through so much, and you were glad that she was finally able to be fed properly and rest in a warm shelter. You had that stranger to thank. You didn’t even know his name, but he had shown you more kindness than you’d seen in quite some time.
Still, part of you was too afraid to let your guard down. Was the kindness a front for something more sinister? You couldn’t risk getting too comfortable, not with yourself and Omega at his mercy. She would be able to sleep, but you needed to stay awake and keep watch. It did ease your mind that he had retired to his own room for the evening. You’d be able to hear that wooden door creak open if he decided to emerge at any point.
You were absolutely exhausted. Sleep was relentless in beckoning you to return. You’d gone from freezing cold to the epitome of warmth and comfort within the last few hours, and that was after a most interesting few weeks before that…
Maybe you could shut your eyes for a few minutes...Just a few minutes…
“No,” you argued with the tempting thoughts aloud, though your words came out as a tired grunt. “Can’t do it. Can’t...sleep...”
- - - - - - - - - -
When you woke, it took a few moments to remember who and where you were. For several seconds, you glanced around in confusion. That had to be the deepest sleep you’d ever been in. It was absolutely beautiful. You dreamt of someplace warm and safe. Your belly had been full, and… Hm. It seemed that it wasn’t a dream.
After you regained your awareness, it occurred to you that Omega was nowhere in sight. You clutched the blanket tighter over your form as you stumbled to your feet. “Omega?” you cried, heart racing in fear. “Omega?”
“I’m right here!” she called, hurrying out of the back room.
“What are you doing?” You didn’t mean to sound angry. The panic was still in your system.
“It’s okay,” she replied calmly, understanding as ever. “I was just changing back into my clothes.”
“And where’s our host?”
“Oh, Hunter? He just went out to the freezer to get stuff to make breakfast.”
“You talked to him? You didn’t tell him about…?”
“No, don’t worry. We just talked about the weather. And you.”
You gave her an incredulous look. “What?”
She brought her hands up to stifle a giggle at your expression. It was hard not to smile back, but you stood your ground as the stern adult caretaker. Her change in demeanor took you by surprise as her smile faded and her eyes softened. “I can’t tell you why or how I know this, but...he’s okay. We can trust him.”
You eyed her skeptically for a moment as you considered her statement. “Okay then. You haven’t steered me wrong so far, kid. So if you say he’s cool, then he’s cool. But I’d still like to be cautious. We should give him the story we’ve given everyone so far.”
“Alright,” she said with a playful roll of her eyes.
Just then, the front door opened, and snow was blown inside. The one Omega referred to as “Hunter” walked in with a basket of ingredients tucked under one arm. His brown eyes met yours, and you had to admit, you thought they were beautiful the first time you saw them the previous night. They were intense, a reflection of the strong and skilled man they belonged to, and yet held a certain warmth.
“Hey, you’re up,” he said.
“Yep, finally,” Omega joked.
“Sorry, I didn’t get to sleep right away.”
Hunter proceeded to set the ingredients down on the counter, stealing a glance at you over his shoulder. “Really, it’s fine. Uh, your clothes should be dry now if you want to change.”
You were once again made aware of your situation. The quilt was wrapped around your bare form as securely as you could manage, though it kept sagging down around your shoulders a little. With heat rising in your cheeks, you turned and waddled back toward the other room.
You hadn’t gotten a good look at the place before because it was so dark, and you were so tired, but it had quite the cozy atmosphere. The room, which you presumed to be Hunter’s bedroom, was large enough for a full-sized bed, a nightstand, and a wooden wardrobe on the opposite wall. The decor was simple and rustic with only a few shelves holding trinkets.
You shut the door and took your time getting dressed. Omega’s cheery voice could be heard chatting away in the kitchen area. With the realization that your host could be trusted, your clothes back on, and the promise of breakfast, you were able to breathe a deep sigh and finally relax.
Walking into the main sitting area, you felt like a new person. Hunter had his back turned to you as he cracked several eggs into a pan. Omega was leaning against the counter, asking questions about the animals that he sees out in the woods on a daily basis.
“Um, Hunter?” you tested out his name, and he paused to look your way curiously. “Is...is there anything I can help you with? As far as breakfast?”
His brows rose in surprise at the offer. “Thanks, but I’ve got it. You’re welcome to have a seat and make yourself at home. Should be ready soon enough.”
You nodded. “Oh, okay.”
He resumed cracking eggs, and you sat down on the couch that Omega had crashed on for the night. “It seems you know my name, but I still don’t know yours.”
“My name is ________,” you said. Normally, you’d give a false name. That’s what you and Omega had been doing for the last few weeks, but it felt silly to do so in that instance when you’d noted that Omega had given him her real name.
“Nice to meet you, ________. You also, Omega.”
“Nice to meet you too, Hunter,” Omega chimed in. “How come you live out here all by yourself?”
You wanted to scold her for asking such a question when the two of you weren’t being so open about your origins, but Hunter didn’t seem to mind. He shrugged his shoulders as he brought the pan of eggs and sausage patties to the wood stove.
“A few buddies of mine and I decided to go off the grid last year,” he said matter-of-factly. “We all have skills… We’re all carpenters, hunters, fishermen. Figured we could live off the land if we wanted.”
“Just like that?” Omega asked in awe.
“Well, it was a process to move out here. Had to sell our old homes, build our own places. It worked out, though.”
“That’s pretty neat!”
“Yeah, I guess it is,” he nodded. You tensed as he looked your way, and you braced for the question you knew was coming. “So, what’s your story? How did the two of you end up all the way out here?”
Stick to the story. Stick to the story.
“We’re on the run,” you began, “from my abusive ex-husband. He wouldn’t leave me and my daughter alone, so we decided to make a life for ourselves elsewhere. It’s been a very difficult few weeks, and just recently, he showed up where we were staying. We had to get out fast.”
Hunter’s expression was unreadable as he listened to your explanation. Judging by the lack of immediate sympathy in his gaze that others usually showed, he was most likely analyzing your story. You knew very well that it didn’t entirely make sense. It didn’t explain why you took your supposed daughter so far up north with nothing but the clothes on your backs. No one else had questioned it, only offered minimal aid to help you along. Hopefully, Hunter would do the same.
“That’s very unfortunate,” he said, tone lilting with sympathy at last. “I’m sorry for what you both have gone through.”
Omega stayed silent. She never liked the lying part. Neither did you, but you felt the need to do it for the safety of you both. The room fell silent until Hunter announced that breakfast was ready.
