An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
By Amphitrite / morethansky
Pairings: Tech/Wrecker, Echo/Fives, Wrecker & Tech & Echo, background Crosshair/Hunter Rating: Explicit eventually, but Teen this chapter Word count: 4,500 Content warnings: Discussion of past character death (Domino Squad)
As Echo starts to integrate with his new squad, Tech and Wrecker are surprised and intrigued by the reg culture he brings with him. But when Echo begins to teach them about their people’s customs and open up about his past, the two of them learn a sobering truth: For the clones, love and death are inextricably entwined. Shaken by the prospect, Wrecker asks Echo to teach him the regs’ marriage rites so he and Tech can be bound forever.
Two years later, after Wrecker’s greatest fear comes to pass on Eriadu, the haunting wedding ink on his skin becomes his last remaining link to Tech. Or so he believes—until an inadvertent glimpse of familiar linework beneath the uniform of the clone operative hunting them changes everything.
“But…we're not bonded like you and Fives were,” Wrecker protested. “It’s different.” He tilted his head. “Isn’t it?” Echo frowned, trying to parse out what he meant. “Doesn’t matter if you’ve had a ceremony or not,” he said. “I’ve seen hundreds of brothers fall boots over blasters for one another. I know what it looks like when vod'e are in love.” “I have never come across an adequate descriptor for what we are to each other, in any language,” Tech said, “But Wrecker and I have long been a subunit, and Hunter and Crosshair have wished to be one for an even longer time.” Echo shook his head. “Love comes in many different shapes and forms. And it’s different for us than it is for the natborns. We have bonds stronger than they do, and we also have much shorter lifespans. We love how we know to, when we can. That might look different to you than it does for the 501st, or for any other brothers. There isn’t any strict definition.”
