( This is my first time writing a mini story to go along with my art piece. I hope you enjoy it! 🥹)
A soft exhale escaped Athena's lips as Tech pressed his forehead gently against hers, her eyes fluttering shut. He savored the warmth of her flesh, how her body shivered under the commando's fingertips as he gently traced the contours of her face, the pad of his thumb grazing her cheek. Their breaths mingled under the dim ambient lighting of the Marauder, knelt down together on the makeshift bed of blankets Tech had placed earlier on the cockpit's durasteel floor.
He was acutely aware of every point of contact between them—the soft brush of her hand against his shoulder, the gentle puffs of her breath against his skin, the way she leaned into his touch longing for more. The intimacy of the moment ignited a flood of sensations that overwhelmed Tech's mind. He had analyzed countless variables in missions, deciphered encrypted transmissions under duress, and took down countless clankers for the Republic... yet no amount of research on the Holonet or advice from Crosshair could ease how flustered he felt.
"Athena, I--" Tech murmured nervously, stilling his hand.
The hint of unease in Tech's voice did not go unnoticed by Athena. She pulled back slowly, opening her eyes to gaze at the goggled clone.
"You don't need to calculate this, Tech," Athena's voice was warm and reassuring to him. He felt her lean forward, brushing her lips against his, her free hand cupping the side of his face, "Let your instincts guide you."
Tech's eyes widened slightly at her words.
Instincts guide me?
He was used to analyzing everything—every scenario, every action, every decision, weighed and carefully calculated. Logic over emotion. That was how he'd always approached things in life, how the galaxy made sense to him.
But here, with her, it was different. She was asking him to feel, not think. To listen to some foreign, primitive part of himself. He let instinct take over—the way Hunter moved without hesitation during combat or how Wrecker reacted on pure adrenaline when danger struck.
Tech's lips connected with Athena’s, tentative yet growing in urgency, mimicking her movements. He leaned into her kiss, one hand sliding to cradle the back of her head while the other braced against the floor beside her. With deliberate slowness, he guided Athena onto her back. The metallic scent of durasteel and recycled air mingled with Athena's sweet fragrance. A mix of floral notes and something deeper that made his pulse quicken.
He settled between her thighs, his face flushed beneath his goggles. Tech broke away from the kiss, his breath ragged, gazing down at the Zygerrian woman he fell in love with.
Athena met his gaze, her emerald eyes soft and wanting. She gently lifted her hand, reaching up, her fingers settling on the band of his goggles. Tech allowed her to carefully remove it from his face, his expression briefly flickered with uncertainty. He'd never been the most comfortable without his goggles—the way he looked without them always seemed incomplete.
He felt vulnerable and exposed, but when her hands cupped his face....he felt strangely safe. Tilting his head to one side, a slight tremor in his voice from what was to come.
"Athena... I want you. I want this. But... I've never..."
He paused, swallowing. He knew Athena was experienced, and he felt inadequate. Afraid that he wouldn't be able to meet her expectations.
"Will you... guide me?"
The air in the Marauder seemed to still at Tech's vulnerable admission. His honey brown eyes studied Athena's expression, watching her hand move closer to his mouth. The sudden feel of her silver tipped thumb tracing his lower lip sent a pleasurable shiver shooting down his spine.
"We'll go slowly," Athena spoke in a sultry whisper.
Her words calmed the storm of uncertainty that had been brewing within Tech's mind. He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he focused on the feel of her touch against his face.
"Alright," he replied softly, his voice tinged with a hint of newfound confidence. "I... I'm ready."
Athena pulled Tech back into a kiss, and he met it with fervor, the earlier hesitation now replaced with eagerness. His heart thrummed in his chest as he deepened the kiss, feeling bolder with every moment as Athena guided his hand down her inner thigh.