Hey bestie! I love your work and as I've gotten to know you better, you've been an amazing friend ❤️
I was wondering if you could do some hurt/comfort/whump with f!reader x Tech! Maybe they have crash landed or been captured together or something. Perhaps they don't necessarily get along with each other but this situation forces them to work together and they discover that maybe the other isn't so bad. ❤️ Thanks!
Crash Landed 🌊
🫧 Pairing: Tech X Female Reader
word count: 5.9k
Prompts: none
Summary: After you and Tech crash land in a remote Jungle, the two of you need to put your heads together and work as a team. Which is sometimes easier said than done.
warnings: Hurt, Angst and Comfort Whump Trope, Mentions of Injury to Reader and Tech, reader has a fear of blood, Kinda Enemies to Lovers, Reconciliation, Talks about Feelings, Huddling for Warmth, Heated First Kiss, Female Reader. Not proofread.
authors note: I love this idea! I hope I did it justice. And by the word count, clearly I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for being and amazing friend @arctrooper69 🩶
You awaken, dazed and confused, your head heavy as your eyes adjust to the dim, smoke-filled surroundings. What's that smell? Is that... smoke? What happened?
Your body aches with every movement as you manage to sit up with a hefty groan, feeling the weight of gravity pull at your limbs. Rubbing your eyes with your hands to focus, you realise that everything is on its side, the walls of the shuttle caved in, sparks flying from broken control panels. What a mess. But, you're sure you were not alone before this happened.
“Tech?” you call out, your voice croaky before you start coughing, as if your lungs had filled up with smoke.
No reply. “Please don’t be dead, please don’t be dead,” you mutter to yourself as panic sets in, the memories flooding back. The mission, the Imperial's, crashing. Yes, that’s it. You crash-landed. But where? And where was Tech?
Luckily, your thoughts are answered as a torch shines in the distance, followed by loud clattering as if objects were being moved. You squint through the smoke, trying to ignore the acrid scent of burning metal. “Ah, there you are,” Tech says as he comes into view, his armor scratched, and his goggles a little skewed on his head.
“What happened?” you ask as he approaches you, another spluttering cough escaping your lips.
“If you take a look around, it will become apparent that we have crashed,” he replies. Ah yes, still a pain in the neck even after both of you nearly died.
You and Tech had rarely seen eye to eye. Since you joined the squad months ago, he always seemed to be on top of you, trying to prove you wrong or point out mistakes. It was tiresome. And now, unfortunately, you were stuck with him.
Rolling your eyes, you were in no mood for his tone and began to stand. However, as soon as you did, your leg gave way, your knees slamming to the floor. A cry of pain escaped you, making Tech look up from his cracked datapad, his eyes widening with slight concern. “Are you injured?”
“Obviously,” you grumbled in reply, stretching out your legs to assess the damage, but you didn’t see anything at first. It wasn’t until Tech crouched down in front of you that he spotted it.
“You have a laceration on your calf,” he said, his voice calm but concerned, inspecting the wound closely, and you did a double-take at his words.
“W-What? Is it bad?” You tried to hide the panic in your voice, but if there’s one thing you hated, it was blood.
Tech didn’t reply straight away, his eyes inspecting the wound closely, but your nerves began to eat away at you. “Tech, is it bleeding?” You asked quickly, your chest heaving as the fear started to creep in.
“Yes,” he confirmed, not making eye contact with you before he stood again, “I shall look for a medkit among this rubble. Stay here.” Well, it’s not like you had anywhere to go anytime soon anyway.
You wanted to call out to him, you wanted him to stay with you, but that would be inviting him to babysit you. Just because you were scared didn’t mean you wanted Tech to take care of you, which he probably would not do anyway.
Luckily, he wasn’t gone long and returned with a battered medkit. Some vials were smashed inside, and some tools were of no use, but you were glad that the bandages were untarnished. You had to look away as he started to dress your leg, cutting away the loose fabric to your pants before he skillfully wrapped it up. “That should do for now. Can you stand? We need to get out of here as it wouldn't surprise me if this shuttle imploded at any minute.”
Comfort was not his strong suit, clearly.
“I’ll try,” you began to haul yourself up your feet, but again, you were too weak. “No, no, no, I can’t.” As you were about to fall once again, Tech tucked himself under your arm, a hand steady on your waist as he kept you up.
“I will have to carry you.”
“No!” You squeaked. No way in hell were you going to let him carry you around. No way you wanted to appear more of a burden than you already are.
He raised an eyebrow, unmoved by your objection. “This is not open to debate. You can not put weight on your leg.”
With a frustrated sigh, you relented. “Alright, fine.”
With a wince of pain shooting up your leg, Tech manages to slip his arm around your neck, hoisting you over his shoulder with little effort. Each step he makes sends a jolt of unbearable pain through your leg, but you grit your teeth, holding back any sign of distress, more focused on figuring out how the two of you will get out of this mess.
You escape the shuttle, and the scorching sun immediately washes over you, its heat oppressive and suffocating. The air is humid and sticky. Great.
"So, where are we?" you ask awkwardly, still draped over his shoulder as he trudges onward.
"Uncertain," he replies, which does nothing to ease your nerves.
After a few minutes of walking, he finally sets you down on some dry grass. The sun beats down, forcing you to shield your eyes with your hand as you survey your surroundings. From the looks of it, you’re stranded in a jungle, with a vast expanse of open water stretching out before you. You could be literally anywhere.
“I suggest we find shelter, food, and a water source promptly. Since you are in no state to do anything, this task falls upon me,” he says, not once meeting your gaze as he speaks.
"Are you trying to blame me for hurting my leg? If I'm not mistaken, Tech, you were the one who pushed us into that shuttle," you retort, anger bubbling over.
"I am not blaming you, although if it was not for your mistake on the mission I would not have had to intervene." He trails off, not seeming to care at the dirty looks being sent his way. "I am merely stating facts." He says simply, tucking his datapad into his pouch before glancing down at you.
Deciding to keep your mouth shut for now, you refrain from arguing, knowing it won’t solve anything. Instead, you let Tech take the lead because, as much as you hate to admit it, he's right. You are in no state to do anything at the moment.
Tech leaves you alone for a while, giving you one of his blasters as a precaution before returning around half an hour later, announcing he found a suitable place to set up camp. You simply nod before glancing over at the crashed shuttle. “Is there anything we can salvage from that at least?” you ask aloud, drawing Tech’s attention back to you before casting a glance over at the debris.
“Perhaps. But we will have to be quick-." Before he can finish his thoughts, a sudden explosion rips through the air as the shuttle suddenly erupts into a burst of flames, sending debris flying in all directions. You both watch in shock as the flames engulf the wreckage, leaving nothing salvageable. Never mind.
Once Tech had led you to a secluded spot under the protective canopy of towering trees. With careful movements, you managed to shift your weight onto your knees, the pain radiating from your leg causing you to bite back a wings of pain.
“You are doing it wrong.” As you went ahead and started to make a fire, Tech’s unsolicited advice on fire-building techniques went in one ear and out the other. Survival instincts was one of your specialties after all and so you ignored him as as you gathered dry twigs and leaves, arranging them meticulously into a makeshift pyre.
As Tech continued his lecture on the ‘correct way’ to build a fire, you struck the flint, the spark igniting a blaze that danced and crackled life. A triumphant smirk tugged at the corners of your lips as Tech fell silent, the warmth of the flames casting flickering shadows on the thick backdrop of the jungle.
“As you have accomplished the fire, all we need now is some edible food and water," Tech remarked and you hummed in slight agreement.
Carefully, you leaned back and against a sturdy boulder for support as you turned your attention to Tech, whose fingers deftly navigated his datapad. "Do you think you’ll be able to contact the others?" you inquired softly, wanting to hear good news right now.
Tech's brow furrowed in concentration as he tinkered with the device, the soft glow of the cracked screen illuminating his features in the darkness. "If I can get my device to work properly and salvage the shuttle… then possibly. But…" His voice trailed off, uncertainty lingering in the air.
"You have doubts?" you pressed, concerned lacing your words as you watched him shift uneasily in his spot.
“Yes,” he says as he stands, tucking his datapad away again, “I have my doubts.”
You both fall into silence, something quite rare from Tech as he was always chattering away about something. But for now, he was quiet. Deep in thought. A part of you wished you knew what he was thinking, wondering what was happening in that marvelous mind of his and if he had thought about what would happen if you two were never found which was a reoccurring thought in yours.
“I will be back soon,” he speaks up, breaking the silence after a few minutes.
“Where are you going?” You ask, a little too quickly. But truthfully, you didn’t want to be on your own right now. Yet you didn’t want him to know that.
He watches you almost tentatively before saying, “I need to gather provisions. I will not be long.”
You didn’t protest as you watched him walk away, disappearing through the trees as nightfall approached. Sighing softly to yourself, you sat lost in thought, the flickering flames casting shifting shadows across your face as you think back to all the things you should have done on that mission. Perhaps if you didn’t let your pride get the better of you, you wouldn’t have to sit wondering when Tech will return and if either of you will make it out of here.
You don’t even remember falling asleep last night but you do remember waking up to the chill that had kept you shivering throughout the night despite sleeping by the crackling fire.
As you awaken to the gentle warmth of the morning sun filtering through the dense foliage above, a stark contrast to last night, with a heavy sigh, you sit up. You groan as your body feels more fatigued and worn out than before. Nausea washes over you as you groggily inspect your leg, the sight of the dried and bloodied bandage from the previous day making your stomach churn. Obviously, you'll need to tend to it again.
“Will you need my assistance or are you capable of tending to your own wound today?” Tech's voice cuts through the quiet morning air, his tone as matter-of-fact as ever. It's always hard to discern whether he's being genuinely helpful or simply blunt.
Deciding to handle this task yourself this time, you nod, expressing your intention to manage it alone. And even though you wanted to do it alone, Tech approaches nonetheless, the battered med kit in hand.
With Tech standing by, you cautiously remove the old bandage, your stomach turning at the sight of the open wound. Despite the lack of fresh blood, the dried remnants are enough to make you feel queasy. "You do not like blood," Tech observes, his statement pulling your attention away from the gruesome sight.
"Hm, how could you tell?" you mutter sarcastically, attempting to deflect from the discomfort.
“I have always known,” Tech responds cryptically, his expression giving nothing away as he crouches down beside you.
Curiosity piqued, you inquired further, wondering how he could have possibly known your hatred for blood. After all, you couldn't recall ever mentioning it to him before. “I… have observed your behaviour before and just so happened to pick up on it. I also recall you mentioning it to Hunter when you first joined.”
Hm, that’s… surprising.
You say nothing of it and instead allow him to take care of you. As Tech takes over, gently raising your leg and propping it over his knee, you can't help but notice the care he takes.
Despite his typically relaxed demeanor, there's a hint of concern in his actions as he tells you that you ‘may want to avert your gaze’ as he begins to peel the old bandage away.
Happily, you turn your attention to the leaves above, trying to ignore the stinging sensation spreading through your leg and the tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. Though, the warm breeze brushes against your exposed skin, offering a slight comfort amidst the discomfort.
“H-How does it look?” you ask, your voice strained, the anxiety evident in your tone as you feel Tech's careful movements.
“It appears that you have an infection. And I do not have the right resources to treat it.” Your heart sinks at his words, a sense of dread settling in the pit of your stomach as you try to suppress the rising panic.
“Great.”
“I will assume that is sarcasm,” he hums before passing you his canteen, “I found a water source last night. This has been purified and suitable to drink. I suggest you do that.”
Taking the canteen from his grasp, your mouth suddenly feels dry at the thought of water. You take a sip and can’t help but grimace at the taste, the bitterness lingering on your tongue. “Are you sure it’s been purified?”
“Yes, I did not say it will taste nice.”
You roll your eyes and take another remorseful sip before passing it back to him, your mind inadvertently drifting to the state of your leg. It looked worse than you anticipated.
“Shit.” You curse under your breath as you blink away the tears, the frustration and fear bubbling to the surface. Of course, your leg would get infected. Why would a crash-landing be a stroll in the park?
“I agree with your sentiments.” Tech's voice is steady as he carefully applies a new bandage, his movements precise and calculated. “I suggest you rest.”
“No,” you shake your head adamantly, meeting his gaze with determination, “I’m not going to sit here and do nothing. I have to do something.”
He blinks at you, frowning behind his goggles. “You are in no state to do anything. You are injured and so-.”
“So I’m a hindrance?” You challenge, the frustration evident in your tone as you refuse to back down.
“In a way, yes.” He says directly, the weight of his words hanging in the air as he stands up straight after carefully placing your leg down. “Any further injury could lead to loss of limb. Or worse. We cannot risk getting that leg infected even more. Do you not think you have caused enough grievance?”
Anger bubbles at his words, yet, a part of you knew he was right. You were both in this mess because of you but sitting on the forest floor doing nothing felt like a last resort. “Can you at least just help me stand up?” you grumble, your voice tinged with frustration. “Please?”
He hesitates, seemingly torn between his concern for your well-being and his reluctance to encourage any further strain on your injured leg. However, the dejected look on your face softens his resolve, knowing that he wouldn’t hear the end of it until he complies. Reluctantly, he extends his hand, offering you the support you need to rise to your feet.
Carefully, you put slight pressure on your leg, testing its strength. Surprisingly, it isn’t as painful as it was yesterday, giving you a glimmer of hope that you might be able to move around by limping or hopping for now—especially when Tech isn’t looking.
“Thanks,” you say stiffly, folding your arms over your chest, a mix of gratitude and stubbornness in your demeanor as you watch him pick something out of his pouch and hand it over to you. “What’s this?”
He presents you with a strange-looking leaf, its unfamiliar shape and texture raising your curiosity. “It is food. Edible. It is all I could find last night but will fill us with enough nutrients for now.”
The rest of the day didn’t unfold as smoothly as you both had hoped. While Tech ventured back to the shuttle in a bid to secure a signal to reach the others, you took it upon yourself to be productive. Somehow.
With the terrain familiar to you from extensive research in your past, thoughts of herbal remedies for injuries like the one on your leg flooded your mind. So, after crafting a makeshift walking stick from a discarded branch sturdy enough to support your weight, you set off from camp, determined to gather the necessary ingredients.
Luck seemed to be on your side as you found the correct herbs and plants without much difficulty. However, your return to camp was met with an annoyed-looking Tech, his frustration evident as he started an argument for your sudden departure and for not telling him where you were since comms were dead too; coupled with his ongoing concerns about your leg.
Insisting that you were fine, you proceeded to apply the herbal remedy to your wound, wrapping it back up and allowing nature to take its course. Though Tech couldn’t help but offer snide remarks whenever you winced at the slightest movement, your remedy proved effective in easing the discomfort for a while.
Meanwhile, Tech’s attempts to establish a signal to the others had proved fruitless, only adding to his growing frustration. He was normally very composed under pressure, but his visible agitation was somewhat unsettling, leaving you feeling both concerned and also quite upset to see him this way.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the camp, the atmosphere between you two remained tense. While you rested against the boulder again, Tech sat with his head in his hands, visibly weighed down by the day's events.
An uncharacteristic urge to ease his burden prompted you to speak up. “Why don’t you sleep? Try again tomorrow,” you suggest, breaking the silence and drawing his gaze across the flickering flames of the fire pit.
“One of us needs to stay awake and take watch,” he insists, decided on his decision straight away.
You frown, realising that you slept through most of the previous night, which meant… “Tech, did you not sleep last night?” you ask, your concern evident in your tone.
“No.” He mutters, “Like I said, one of us needs to stay awake.”
Squinting at him, a hint of annoyance creeps into your voice. “That’s not healthy, especially when we’re stuck like this. You need to sleep or something.”
“I am used to not getting sleep on the Marauder so I do not see why this is any different,” he counters, his stance firm.
Though grateful for his commitment to keeping watch, you can’t help but feel exasperated by his stubbornness. Rolling your eyes, you wrap your arms around yourself as a chill sets in. “To be fair,” you begin, “I kept waking up last night. It was way too cold.”
“Yes, I noticed,” he responds, his tone softened slightly by the acknowledgement.
“Oh,” you say softly before closing your eyes, allowing the weariness of the day to wash over you. However, you’re abruptly jolted from the verge of sleep by the sound of movement nearby. With a start, you almost jump out of your skin as Tech stands in front of you.
“Stars Tech!” You gasp, his sudden proximity shocking you. “What?”
“I want you to go to sleep.”
You blink at him.
“Okay…?”
“So,” you watch him shift, his movements awkward, “I will let you sleep beside me.”
It takes you a moment to comprehend his meaning before you pull a strange face, your eyebrows furrowing in confusion and slight amusement. “Are you asking me to cuddle you?” The thought surprises you, but oddly enough, it doesn’t sound too bad right about now.
“I would not put it so conveniently,” he says, his tone betraying a hint of discomfort, “I am merely stating that I could use my body warmth to help you sleep.”
You’re taken aback by his offer, but exhaustion soon overwhelms any reservations you may have had. “Oh… well, if you’re okay with that?”
“I would not have offered otherwise.” Tech’s smile is small but genuine, and you can’t help but softly smile back as you both sit beside one another, gazing into the flames of the fire pit. Soon, you find your eyes trailing down to his bare hands, frowning as you notice they look quite sweaty; an odd sight considering the cool evening air.
Curiosity gets the better of you, and you gaze up at his face, finding him engrossed in fixing his datapad. But something seems off—his complexion appears clammy, and there’s a flush to his cheeks.
Instinctively, you reach out and place the back of your hand to his forehead, gasping at the unexpected heat radiating from his skin. “Tech!” You squeak, startling him. “You have a fever? Why didn’t you tell me?”
He doesn’t even look at you, giving off a look like a character who had been bitten by something in those horrible horror holomovies and pretends to hide the bite. “Tech,” you say his name again, more sternly. “Are you hurt?”
He sighs, dropping his device into his lap before he lifts his arm to you, showing a bandage of his own that is stained in dry blood. “As I was maneuvering through the shuttle, I just so happened to trip and catch my arm on some jagged metal. It is nothing to fret about.”
“Oh, come off it, you’re burning up.” Tech notices the slight worry in your tone, watching you lean to your other side as you produce the herbal paste you used on yourself earlier. “Let me put this on.”
“Rest and water will do me fine-.”
“That’s funny, seeing as you just told me you’d rather me sleep than yourself.” You say with a roll of your eyes, taking a firm yet gentle hold of his arm before you start to peel the bandage away, holding down your nausea just for him.
Tech watches you with a concerned gaze. “I must insist…” he trails off as his eyes move to the sticky paste, clearly uncertain about your own remedy.
“Don’t you trust me?” You ask, and time seems to freeze as you both lock eyes, speaking silently to one another. His gaze is strong and, albeit, quite hypnotising behind his yellow-tinted goggles. But, you seem to snap out of your gaze as he replies:
“I do.”
“Well,” you say, clearing your throat as you drop your gaze to his arm, “let me help you.”
You’re gentle with your movements, applying the remedy over his arm with precision. You could feel his stare on your face, and so you slowly looked back up at him, his face so near you could almost feel the warmth of his breath dancing on your skin. “See? That should help with the pain,” you find yourself whispering.
For once, the two of you didn’t seem to be at each other's necks, both of you seeming to try and read each other’s thoughts. Tech was not the best at reading feelings, and as you gaze into his eyes, you find yourself not being able to read his too.
Eventually, you look away. An unusual heat started to crawl up your neck, and you didn’t think it was from the flame from the fire or his ‘body warmth’ as he put it. Lack of sleep and lack of food and water. That had to be it.
“Are you sure you don’t want to sleep, Tech?” You ask again as the drowsiness from before seeps back, and Tech turns his head away from you, inspecting his arm quietly before picking up his datapad once more.
“I am sure.”
The next day unfolded much like the one before it.
Tech grumbled about your mobility, his attempts to fix up the shuttle yielding no results, and the air between you both grew heavy with unspoken tension.
Yet, as nightfall descended once again, you found yourself nestled beside Tech, his warmth offering a rare respite, allowing you to drift into a peaceful sleep. And miraculously, your homemade remedy seemed to work wonders on both of you. You could now move with a bit more ease, and the infections on your injuries had cleared up.
But as you stared into the dancing flames that night, a wave of sorrow washed over you.
“You were right, you know?” you whispered into the night, the warmth of the fire casting flickering shadows on your face.
“About what?” Tech responded, his eyes fixed on his datapad, the soft glow illuminating his features.
Tears welled up at the corners of your eyes, and you struggled to keep them at bay, feeling utterly helpless. “That it was my fault… with the mission. If I had just let you do the data transfer instead of insisting I could do it then…” Your voice faltered, choked by a sob that escaped your lips, startling Tech. “Then we would’ve made it out in time! A-and the others… Tech, we don’t even know if they’re alive!”
Tech stared at you wide-eyed, your sudden outburst of emotion catching him off guard. Yet, amidst your tears streaming down your face and your hands clasped over your head, he uttered your name softly, “Mistakes happen.”
“But they don’t with you, Tech!” you cried, turning to face him. “You’re always so good, so perfect at everything you do, and I… I just wanted to prove myself to you! I always feel like I am not good enough for you, and that’s why you don’t like me.”
For a moment, the crackling of the fire was the only sound between you, the flames casting a warm glow on both of your faces. Tech's expression softened as he regarded you with understanding.
“Not liking you, is not something that ever crossed my mind,” he finally said, his voice low. “You were determined, and that is a trait that is to be commended. It is true, I often find it easier to rely on myself but I am programmed that way. But you, you gave it your all, and that is commendable. Do not be so hard on yourself.”
You sniffle, feeling the weight of your emotions pressing down on you like a heavy blanket. The tears keep escaping your eyes, trailing down your cheeks as you struggle to contain your emotions. "But… because of me, you’re stuck here?"
Tech’s gaze softens, his eyes reflecting understanding. His voice carries a comforting warmth as he responds, “I am aware. But think how you would be if I were not here.”
Your mind whirls with the possibilities of what could have been, but you still feel terrible. "But we may not see the others again… we may not ever leave here." Your voice trembles with the weight of uncertainty, your heart heavy with guilt.
Tech’s gaze shifts away, his brows furrowing in contemplation as he adjusts his goggles. "We have to adapt to survive, we always have. And regarding the others, the probability of their survival is 89%. It is likely they are out there looking for us. And if I get the shuttle repaired enough to get a connection, I can send a signal and hope they pick up our coordinates.” His voice carries a note of determination.
You cling to his words like a lifeline, a glimmer of hope flickering in the depths of your despair. How could you have been so stupid? But, his words held promise but you can’t help but ask: "Promise me you’re not lying to me?"
“I have not once ever lied to you and I would not start now.” His response is steady, his words a soothing balm to your battered soul.
As your tears slowly subside, a tentative smile graces your lips. "Thanks Tech,” you murmur, your voice thick with emotion. “I bet I look a mess right now. I’m a pretty ugly cryer.”
Tech’s gaze softens, a hint of warmth in his eyes as he searches for the right words. "No, you look…” He trails off, his gaze lingering on your tear-streaked face. He reaches out, his touch feather-light as he gently brushes away a stray tear that glistens on your lashes.
“What?” you prompt, your breath catching in your throat at his unfamiliar touch as you meet his gaze.
“Like you,” he finishes, a little awkward but his words were imbued with sincerity as he offers you a small smile.
Emotion wells up inside you, a tidal wave of gratitude and affection crashing over you. Without a second thought, you lean forward, wrapping your arms around him in a tight embrace. He freezes for a moment, taken aback by the sudden intimacy, before tentatively returning the hug, his arms encircling you in a protective cocoon.
As you’re wrapped in each other's embrace, you find solace; a fleeting moment of peace.
As sleep beckons, you can’t help but nestle closer to him, finding comfort in his presence as you drift off into the realm of dreams, his steady heartbeat a lullaby.
In the days that followed, a significant improvement became evident. Tech’s progress on the shuttle repair was slow, hampered by the absence of his proper tools. Despite the challenges, both of your injuries had begun to heal, and the atmosphere in camp had lightened considerably.
Although the water still tasted like dirt, you were no longer dehydrated. Discovering some rare fruits that proved not to be poisonous added to the uplifting spirit.
At night, neither of you seemed to mind huddling for warmth. You would lay against him, listening to the plans and stories he had, especially if you begged him to tell you. Although they were very matter-of-fact and not overly entertaining, you found the tales of the squad before you joined enjoyable. You both no longer bickered, clearing the air of past arguments, and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. Although it was not like either of you had any other options.
But that’s not the only thing that had changed. You found yourself getting nervous around Tech. A good kind of nervous. When he was working on the shuttle, you couldn’t help but sit back and admire him at work. He was attractive, sure, but you found him more than that. He listened intently to you, offering advice and tips without seeming to mansplain to you.
So that night by the fire again, sitting by his side, you weren’t so surprised about the next set of events.
“What are you going to do when we leave this place?” You ask, your body twisting to face him as you rest your elbow against the boulder, hand on the side of your head as you lean yourself up to look at him.
He smiles, noticing how you said ‘when’ and not ‘if’, highlighting your trust in him. “I will most likely do what I usually do, get ready for the next mission set for us.”
You roll your eyes. “You don’t want to celebrate?”
“Celebrate what, exactly?”
“Well,” you start with a soft laugh, “us finally putting our differences aside and not killing each other for one.” You suggest, earning a fond chuckle from the clone before continuing. “And surviving.”
He thinks for a moment, looking into the flames and then at you. “I suppose those are adequate reasons to celebrate, yes. Will the others be joining?”
“Sure,” you say with a smile but there’s a small swirl in your stomach as you say, “unless… you don’t want them to join us?”
Tech blinks, and for a second, it was like he was short-circuiting as he thinks about your proposal. Was it flirtation in your tone or had he imagined it? “I do not mind either way,” he explains, his chest slightly puffing out. “It would be nice to perhaps talk like this in a more formal setting elsewhere. Just us.”
You silently suck in a deep breath, a shy glint in your eyes. “I think I’d like that, yeah.” Your tone lowered, and you can’t help but notice that Tech had turned his body more to face you. Then, his eyes flickered to your lips as you inadvertently licked them, chapped but tinged with the sweetness of the fruit before.
You hold his gaze, slightly tilting your head as you take a gamble and look to his lips, then to his eyes. It was an invitation, and you hoped that Tech got the hint.
And he did.
Slowly, he sets his datapad to one side, finally letting it go as he focuses all of his attention on you. There’s a charge in the air, and you see him lean closer... and closer…
Your breath hitches, eyes slowly falling shut as he closes the distance, his nose brushing against yours before his lips meet your own in a soft, shy kiss. Leaning more into it, your hand finds refuge on his leg whilst one of his hands comes up and cups your cheek.
You sigh into him, heart racing as you feel him grow bolder. His lips, warm and inviting, meld with yours, igniting a spark that you both had been unknowingly kindling. His touch sends shivers down your spine as the kiss deepens, becoming more desperate, more intense. The jungle, the planet, the whole star system around you seems to fade away.
Tech utters your name against your lips, your soft moan of a response allowing his tongue into your mouth, exploring, igniting a fiery passion within you.
Gently, he lays you down by the fire, the crackling flames casting dancing shadows across his face. He pulls away for a moment, pulling his goggles off his face as he peers down at you, his eyes a dance of different emotions. “You are enchanting.”
But with a hunger that can no longer be contained, he crashes his lips back to yours, now allowing you to let your tongue meet his in a fervent dance; fingers tangling in his untamed hair meanwhile his hands roam over your body.
The next day brought a breakthrough. Tech managed to gain contact.
Overwhelmed by joy, you ran into Tech’s arms, jumping and letting him spin you around with a chuckle as you knew both of you would soon be saved! And better yet, the others were alive and safe too.
“I can’t believe you did it! You really did it.” You grin at him as he pulls back from the hug but does not let you down, instead cradles you in his arms.
“You seem surprised.”
“Oh Tech,” you say adoringly, leaning forward and giving his lips a soft kiss, smiling as he hums against your lips.
“I will never get tired of you kissing me,” he utters, truly in awe of how this sudden turn of events had happened. It was quick, but neither of you seemed to mind.
Last night was magic. All the bad memories had faded from your mind, solely just focusing on Tech and yourself. When all hope had seemed lost, your mistake led you to one of the best choices you ever could make. And maybe, that promised date would become something more.
Alanah, my sweet, darling friend, congratulations to you on your many, many followers!! 💜💜 You deserve all of them and I'm more than delighted to be one of them!
My request is for Hunter (surprised? 😜) with the following 2 prompts, pretty please!
🫧15: “Smiling is the second best thing you can do with your lips.” (Fluff list)
🫧4: “The truth is I don’t hate you. I…I tolerate you.” / “I thought you were going to say love.” / and if I did?” (Enemies to lovers list)
Little angst wouldn't hurt, leading to something fluffy and nice...I trust you 🥰
I cannot wait!! 😆💜 Love you so much, bestie!!
Fall With Me 🌊
🫧 Pairing: Hunter X Female Reader
word count: 1.4k
prompts:
“The truth is I don’t hate you. I… I tolerate you.” / “I thought you were going to say love.” / “And if I did?”
“Smiling is the second best thing you can do with your lips.”
Summary: Initially a scam artist that got in a mix up with the squad, you turned out to be a reliable source and ally. However, Hunter isn’t exactly too fond of you. Or is he?
Warnings: Safe for Work, Little Angst, Fluff, Reader Is Scared of Heights, First Kiss, Mutual Pining, Female Reader. Not Proofread.
Authors note: I love you too bestie! And no, not a surprise at all 😉 Hope this is okay! Enjoy! Love you so much, thanks for always supporting me. 🩶
“And that leaves yourself and Hunter to pair up.”
After Tech outlined the upcoming mission, the realisation of being paired with Sarge left you feeling a tad uneasy. It wasn't due to any discomfort around him or found him horrible; in fact, quite the opposite. However, the thought of potentially failing in his presence was unsettling.
There had been occasions where you'd caught him casting a displeased glance, not directly at you, but in response to mishaps involving you. So, there was a heightened sense of pressure to perform well. But, you took it with a pinch of salt and hoped to prove yourself to him today.
As Hunter nonchalantly announced, 'Alright, let's head out,' you silently appreciated his professionalism in not opting to change partners. With a quick exchange of well-wishes, the team gathered their gear and set off, Hunter leading the way while you followed closely behind.
Navigating the outskirts of a dilapidated settlement teeming with mercenaries and rogues, Hunter paused to comm the others, prompting you to remain vigilant and on lookout. When happy that everyone was in position, he refocused his attention on you as he inquired, “Ready to get up there?”
Your eyes widened beneath your helmet as you nervously asked, “Up where?”
Stepping aside, Hunter revealed a rusty and precarious ladder partially concealed by vines. A surge of apprehension washed over you; it seemed that Wrecker weren't the only one with a fear of heights.
“Oh.” you involuntarily squeaked, hastily composing yourself. However, Hunter picked up on your hesitation.
“Don’t tell me you're afraid of heights too,” he remarked with a sigh, adding to your mounting anxiety about the partnership. Despite your concerns, you hoped he wouldn't view you as a liability. Before you could formulate a response, Hunter secured his backpack and tethered it to both of you, assuring, “There we go. If you fall, I'll catch you.”
Though his expression was concealed by his helmet, the gesture provided some reassurance and even added a little flutter in your stomach. You may be scared of failing him but that didn’t make him all the less attractive. As you glanced at the connecting cords and then at the daunting ladder, a knot formed in your stomach. “Do I go first?” you tentatively asked.
“Yes. Now, let's get going.” he instructed, giving you a gentle nudge forward.
As you began the ascent, your heart raced with each rung of the ladder you grasped, your gaze fixed firmly ahead, avoiding the sight of the perilous drop below.
"Keep going, don't look down," you whispered to yourself, your fingers gripping the ladder tightly, praying that each rusted bar would hold.
Halfway up, the realisation of the height hit you with full force. Two hundred meters above ground, you reaffirmed your determination but then, as your hand clasped onto the next bar, it gave way, knocking you off your balance.
With lightning speed, Hunter surged upward, positioning himself behind you and using his body to steady yours, preventing you from falling back. "Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Speech eluded you, your chest heaving as the gravity of the situation sank in. Tears threatened behind your visor as you grappled with the near miss. "Just... give me a moment," you managed to utter, completely overwhelmed.
The sudden realisation of Hunter's close proximity jolted you back to the present. "Let's... let's keep going," you rasped, nodding slightly. Hunter obliged, stepping down but keeping a reassuring hand firmly planted on the small of your back, providing much-needed support until you regain your composure.
When you both finally reached the summit, you had to restrain yourself from collapsing to your knees and kissing the ground beneath you. Your limbs throbbed with exhaustion, and your mind reeled from the harrowing ordeal of nearly meeting your demise.
By then, a feeling of embarrassment washed over you. You watched silently as Hunter detached the cord connecting you both and proceeded to relay updates to the team. However, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, you found yourself leaning against a nearby wall, sinking to your knees as you removed your helmet, frustration evident in the way your fingers raked through your hair.
As Hunter's voice filtered through the comm, he briefly looked at you and concern crossed his face. “Hold tight until we are able to move forward.” He relays to the others before he abruptly cuts off the transmission, takes off his helmet and approaches you.
"Hey," he said softly, drawing your attention, "are you alright?"
Though you wanted to respond with an affirmative, your throat constricted with unspoken emotions, preventing anything but a shaky denial. Biting your lip to stifle any whimpers, you just shocked your head but found solace in his company.
"Why are you upset?" he inquired, his confusion mirroring yours as you struggled to articulate your feelings.
Sniffling, you released a heavy sigh, avoiding his gaze as you confessed, "I just feel like I always mess up around you, and that I annoy you… and I just nearly died!”
Your words tumbled forth in a torrent of insecurity, your ramblings a desperate attempt to verbalise how you felt. However, Hunter remained patient, allowing you to unload your burdens until you uttered the words that hung heavily in the air.
"What did you just say?" he interjected, genuine confusion etched in his features. "You think I hate you?"
Meeting his gaze, you hesitated, uncertain of how he would react. "I just thought..."
"You thought wrong," he interrupted gently, a small chuckle escaping him. "I don't hate you. I..."
His words trailed off, leaving an unspoken sentiment lingering between you. He seemed in deep thought as he pondered whether or not it was appropriate to express how he really felt.
Perhaps not, and so he held back, his silence speaking volumes as he searched for the right words. But you stared at him, wondering what he was really thinking.
Catching your expectant gaze, he offered a wry smile. "I tolerate you," he quipped, the humour in his tone breaking the tension and eliciting a relieved laugh from you, tears wiped away.
"For a second, I thought you were going to say 'love,'" you blurted out without thinking, only for Hunter to match your unfiltered honesty.
"And if I did?" Hunter's response caught you off guard, his eyes widening slightly, but he didn't retract his words.
Tucking a loose piece of hair behind your ear, you tilted your head at him. "And do you?"
He visibly gulped. "I don't think it's a surprise that I'm not great with talking about how I feel," he admitted nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
Stunned, it took a moment for his words to sink in. "I don't know what to say," you whispered, completely bashful as your cheeks burned.
"You don't have to if you don't want to… I just thought you should know that my strict ways come from a place of me caring about you. A lot. I'm just not good at expressing things," he explained, his quiet vulnerability bringing a smile to your lips, a sight he secretly always adored. "I'm happy to see you smiling again. It suits you."
"Oh yeah?" you teased, mischief gleaming in your eyes as the newfound revelation sank in. "Your smile isn't too bad yourself, Sarge."
He chuckled, placing a hand over yours. The two of you gazed at each other for a moment, the mission completely on hold as you reveled in this new adventure. However, there was no hiding the signs of him looking at your lips and then back to you. "You know," he started, taking a nervous breath, "smiling is the second-best thing you can do with your lips."
Reading the signs and anticipation hanging in the air, you closed the distance between you, pressing your lips to his. Time seemed to stand still as the galaxy around you faded away.
He sighs against you, the kiss deepening with a loving desire. Your hands found their way to his face, fingers tangling in his hair as he pulled you closer. Hunter responded eagerly, his arms wrapping around you, holding you in tight as the kiss ignited a fire within both of you.
Lost in the moment, you explored each other's lips with a soft hunger that had been simmering beneath the surface. The kiss was electric, sending waves of happiness through your body, making your heart race and your skin tingle in excitement.
Finally breaking apart, you gazed into each other's eyes. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," Hunter confessed, his voice low and husky.
You smiled, feeling a rush of warmth flood through you. "Me too," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.
Without another word, Hunter pulled you close once again, his lips finding yours in another searing kiss, revealing all the unspoken words. The mission could wait for a minute or two.
You awake after the attack to find out that not all of you remained on Pabu.
warnings: Spoilers for Episode 11. Angst, mentions of injury, fire, war, grief, sad clones, crying. one curse word. Gender neutral reader.
authors note: crying.
The dull ache in your body gradually stirs you awake, the memories of the sudden attack swirling hazily until your eyes adjust to the soft light filtering into the room. A panicked voice breaks through the fog, and you turn your head to see Omega's friend, Lyana, kneeling beside you, her expression etched with deep concern.
"Are you alright?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly with worry.
"I... I think so," you reply tentatively, uncertainty lacing your words as you carefully sit up, the ache intensifying with the movement. "Or maybe not."
Battling away the pain, your attention swiftly shifts as you catch sight of Wrecker, unconscious, on the other side of the room.
"Wrecker!" You pushed through the discomfort, rushing to his side and taking his hand in yours as you gaze down at him. Then, the memories flood back.
Wrecker's panicked scream, the blinding flash of light, and the overwhelming heat—all come rushing back in a torrent. The Marauder, your sanctuary and home, reduced to ash in an instant. "Is he okay?" you ask aloud, AZI suddenly materialising by your side to provide reassurance that Wrecker's vital signs are stable.
"What a mess," you murmur, a heavy sigh escaping your lips as you try to process the devastation. "Where are the others?"
As you observe Lyana's uneasy demeanor, a sinking feeling washes over you. "Lyana, what's wrong?"
She fidgets with her hands, her expression weighed down by sadness. "She was here... with Crosshair."
Your heart skips a beat. "And were they alright? Where did they go?" You press, lowering yourself to her eye level, your concern palpable.
Lyana's voice quivers as she speaks, tears welling in her eyes. "I overheard her telling Crosshair that she was going to surrender... to protect us."
Your breath catches in your throat as panic grips you. You know Omega's selflessness, but you can't bear the thought of her facing such danger alone. Determination floods your veins. You have to find Omega and Crosshair before it's too late.
"Comm me as soon as Wrecker wakes up; I need to find the others," you instruct urgently, your tone commanding as you brush off AZI's and Lyana's pleas for you to rest. The thought of losing Omega again drives you forward.
Stepping out into the darkness, you move swiftly, avoiding any beams of light that might give away your position. Attempting to contact Crosshair, Hunter, and Omega yields no responses, intensifying your growing panic.
As you navigate through the shadows, dodging Imperial patrols, a ship speeds off in the distance, triggering a surge of fear within you. Leaping over a wall, you spot a solitary figure gazing into the distance.
"Crosshair?" you call out, breathless and fighting back nausea. "Where's Omega?"
No response.
You seize his arm, shaking him desperately. "Crosshair? Answer me!"
He bows his head in silence.
"Crosshair, please," you plead, frustration and despair bubbling within you. "Where is she?"
But, like before, he remains mute.
Rage flares within you, mingling with the despair threatening to overwhelm you. "Don't you dare shut me out again, Crosshair! Answer me, damn it!"
"She's gone," he finally murmurs.
Your breath catches in your throat, tears stinging your eyes. "Gone where?" You knew. But you needed to hear it.
He finally turns his head towards you, his visor concealing his emotions. "I missed my shot."
Your eyes widen in horror as the gut-wrenching realisation hits you like a blow to the stomach. You shake your head, tears streaming down your face. "No... no, no, no, you didn't miss. You can't have..."
"I did," he interrupts, the weight of failure evident in his tone. "I... I failed her."
A choked sob escapes your lips as your hand flies to your mouth, your knees giving way beneath you. Just as you had her back, she slipped through your grasp once again. "Why? Why would she do this?" you cry aloud, your breath coming in ragged gasps.
"It was her choice. We had a plan," Crosshair explains, his voice heavy with remorse. "But I fucking missed."
You sniffle, trying to steady your breathing as you rise to your feet. "It's not your fault," you assure him, mustering all the strength you can. "She trusts you."
He sighs heavily, standing stiff as you wrap your arms around him, offering comfort even if he doesn't reciprocate. You just need him to know that you don't blame him.
In silence, you both stand together, the occasional sniffle emanating from his modulator and from you, until a voice shatters the stillness.
Turning, you see Hunter, his armor and hair soaked, with Batcher by his side, breathing heavily. "Where is she?"
Words fail you, and Crosshair, as you both meet Hunter's gaze. His quivering lip betrays the grief he senses from you both.
"I'm sorry, Hunter," Crosshair finally manages, and Hunter's anguish is palpable. He turns away from both of you, hands gripping his hair as he hunches over. His shoulders shake with silent sobs, his own grief laid bare. Omega, a sister and daughter to him, is gone once more.
You watch helplessly as Hunter's grief consumes him, the weight of loss palpable in the air. His entire being seems to collapse under the weight of the news, his shoulders slumping as he struggles to process the enormity of the situation. Batcher nudges her face into his side, but it does little to ease the anguish etched on Hunter's face.
It's a raw, visceral display of heartbreak, one that cuts through you like a knife. You can only stand there, a silent witness to his pain, knowing that no words can soothe him.
As if summoned by the collective grief, Wrecker appears, his usually happy demeanor replaced by heartbreak etched across his face. You can only guess that Lyana had told him what Omega’s plan was and judging by the grief upon his family, it didn’t work.
His sobs echo through the air, the weight of sadness manifesting in every tear and quiver. With a roar of anguish, he lashes out, his powerful fists pounding against the wall before him, shattering it into pieces. Then, defeated, he slumps to the ground, his head buried in his knees.
"We need to do something. Anything," he utters, his voice thick with emotion.
In the midst of the storm of pain, you all stand together. Not a word is spoken, but the message is clear: you will do whatever it takes to bring her back, no matter the cost.
Masterlist
Tags: @probadbatch @littlefeatherr r @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @captxin-rex x @jesseeka @theroguesully y @ladykatakuri i @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @chrissywakingup p @pb-jellybeans @nunanuggets @sleepycreativewriter r @erellenora @zippingstars87 @ezras-left-thumb @the-rain-on-kamino @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @tinyreadersmur @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @thesith @raevulsix @cw80831 @lulalovez @knightprincess @crosshairlovebot @imalovernotahater @photogirl894 @id-rather-be-a-druid @the-bad-batch-baroness @green-alm0nd @thiswitchloves9904
Sorry I haven’t been answering asks, I got distracted making a mini comic for my jedi OC. I don’t know if this answers what a Kyber crystal transplant is or whether this even vauger ahah.
“Echo, what happened to them? Are they alright?” Omega’s still wide awake, with no sign of tiredness in her body, “Continue pleeeeease! I need to know!”
Echo sighed and looked at the time - way past her bedtime. She didn’t look like she was going to sleep soon anyway, so might as well just continue, “Fine. Don’t tell Hunter.”
“Yes!” She happily exclaimed, “Our secret.” She placed a finger over her lips, making a shushing sound.
“You wanted to match with me, did ya?” Echo’s voice came from beside you as your eyes opened, a phantom pain shooting up your left forearm.
You blinked at the bright light in your eyes, “What happened? Where’s Trench?” Your eyes scanned toward your body, noticing your missing hand, “Shit, Master Windu’s gonna kill me!”
“Hey, hey, calm down, you’re alright. You were only out for a few minutes.” Anakin knelt beside you, “Just relax.”
“Relax?” You sarcastically said, “My hand is gone, I’m probably going to be expelled from the Order, and you’re telling me to just relax?”
“You are not going to be expelled from the Order, I’ll make sure of it,” Anakin reassured you, “Try to clear your mind - everything will be okay.”
You sat up and placed your feet on the ground, standing from the makeshift medical table and making your way to the cockpit.
“I have a present for you, Wrecker.” Anakin said from beside you, handing the detonator from Trench’s ship to the mentioned clone.
Wrecker’s eyes widened and started tearing up, speaking a few words of gratitude before pressing down on the button. You were grateful to not miss this - the rainbow that ensued was beautiful.
“How’re you feeling, Commander?” A concerned Hunter asked, “Should you even be standing?”
“I’m fine.”
Hunter nodded, not taking his eyes off of you, “If you say so.”
Anakin leaned down to whisper something in your ear, “He really cares about you.”
You were surprised to be hearing those words from a council member, the poster boy of the Republic nonetheless. He didn’t speak with malice, but with understanding.
You mumbled an acknowledgement before sitting in an unoccupied seat, watching the planet of Anaxes come into view. You dreaded the moment you’d land and have to speak to your Master.
You were ushered out of the ship and in front of your Master the moment you landed. You winced at the sight of Mace, though he didn’t seem mad - just concerned. Masters Kenobi and Windu spoke to the clones regarding their incoming accolades before turning their attention toward you.
“My Padawan,” Master Windu started, “What you did was careless and not thought out. Your recklessness has landed you injured. Again.”
You prepared yourself for his next words, expecting to be expelled from the Jedi Order.
”You were reckless, yes, but also courageous. You ensured a Republic victory here on Anaxes, not to mention you also saved my life. I am proud to have been your master, though only for a short period of time.”
Here it comes…
”When we return to Coruscant and you’re healthy, you will undergo your remaining Trial of Insight. I have full faith that you will succeed, as you have done nothing but exceed our expectations as a Padawan.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand? I thought I was to be expelled from the Order.”
Master Windu called over the 501st medic, Kix, “You have passed your trials of skill, courage, spirit, and now flesh,” He motioned for you to sit on the medic’s portable examination table, “Your training has come to an end. You have the necessary skills to succeed as a Jedi Knight.”
You sat on the table and looked to your Master, “There’s still so much to learn, Master.”
“You will always be learning, Padawan. It’s the way of life.” Obi-Wan said to your now seated form, “I look forward to the next time we meet.”
You nodded, “Thank you, Master Kenobi.”
Anakin walked over to you, “Not to say ‘I told you so’, but…”
“Congratulations Commander. Once you’re a General, come back to us.” Hunter’s voice called as Kix hovered the table to a more sterile environment, “We miss you.”
“Now that Echo’s with you, I might have to!” You joked, waving with your remaining hand. You didn’t know when you’d see them again, but you’d be waiting for the day - regardless of how long it may take.
“Echo?” Omega asked, looking at her brother, “What are you doing here?”
Echo allowed a small smile to grace his lips, “I’m here to continue the story, of course.”
Omega’s eyes widened with glee at the implication - Echo would finally be making an appearance in the story; how exciting!
“Master,” You started, now a year into your training under Mace Windu, “What happens if we don’t take back Anaxes?”
“We’ll lose the war, Padawan.”
A few moments passed before Captain Rex noticed a figure behind you, immediately walking to speak to him. It felt familiar to you - resulting in you zoning out, thinking of the various possibilities.
Your Master’s words snapped you out of your daze, “If the trooper has a plan, I’d like to hear it.”
Someone you believed to be long gone stepped up to the holotable - Echo. A gasp escaped your lips at the realization, but you needed to keep composure in front of your Master - if you hadn’t needed to, you would’ve ran to him immediately.
Echo’s idea was risky, to say the least. Taking a small unit to Admiral Trench’s ship was risky in itself, but feeding him information was even more so.
“Master, if I may,” you interjected, “I’d like to be part of the team that goes to Trench.”
Echo’s eyes finally made their way to you - eyes of admiration and determination, “I was also going to suggest that, General Sir.”
Windu took a moment to think, “Fine.”
You nodded and walked after Echo, a smile tugging on your lips, “Echo!” You called more emotionally than you’d preferred.
The clone stopped and turned to you, teary eyes blinking, “Commander. It’s good to see you.”
“Are you kidding, Echo? I thought you were dead!” You looked at where Master Windu stood and deduced you were out of his line of vision, before opening your arms to him, “I’ve missed you so much, Echo. Are you doing okay?”
He hesitantly walked into your arms, accepting the embrace, “I’ve never been better, but I’ve been as good as dead for the past couple years, so that’s not saying much.”
“What happened?” You took a step away from him, still holding onto his biceps, “I mean, after the Citadel.”
“I was sold to the Techno Union - they used my brain against the Republic,” He paused, taking a sharp breath, “I was only rescued from Skako Minor a couple rotations ago by Captain Rex, General Skywalker, and a special-ops Clone Force.”
Could it be?
”I’m glad you’re alive, Echo. I never forgot about you - I could never forget about you.” You looked around for any gazing eyes before pulling up your robes, “You’re a part of me.”
His eyes widened at the ‘1409’ tattooed on your flesh, “I’ve missed you too, Commander.”
“Echo! Commander!” Rex’s voice called from afar, startling you, “Time to go - General Skywalker and Clone Force 99 are already on the ship.”
Ah, so it is.
“We can talk more later.” You offered before jogging to the familiar ship, Echo in tow. You smiled as the ramp laid itself down for you, as it did on your departure from the Batch, “Home,” you whispered to yourself.
“Good ‘ta have you back!” Wrecker’s jubilant voice boomed throughout the Marauder at the sight of you.
A voice came from behind you, “Home is right, Commander.”
“Should’ve known you’d be so desperate to see us again.”
“I see BD-99 is doing well.”
Your family surrounded you - your full family, “It’s old home week - first Echo, now you four.”
“Commander, did you receive the image that I sent to your inbox a few rotations ago?” Tech asked, “We had an assignment on Yalbec Prime, hence the Yalbec queen in the photo.”
You nodded, “I did see it, Tech. How interesting that the male Yalbec tried to mate with you after Wrecker cut off the queen’s stinger! Did you know it’s a delicacy on various planets?”
“This is why you are my favorite.”
Wrecker was next to speak, “How’ve ya been treating Lula’s kid? I mean, how has Lula’s kid been treating ya?”
You laughed at his attempt to cover up his concern for his tooka doll, “Lula the Second is great, Wrecker. I think she misses you, though. She’s in my quarters on the Endurance currently - I’ll return her to you after the mission.”
An ‘ooh’ escaped his mouth, “You did remember!”
“I could never forget, Wrecker.”
“Nice to see you haven’t gotten yourself killed. Or maimed.” The velvety voice of Crosshair filled the air.
“Aw, so you do care!” You retorted with a laugh, “I’m glad you’re alive too.”
Anakin cut in, “Sorry to break up this heartfelt reunion guys, but we have to go.”
“On it, General.” Tech made his way to the cockpit, starting the engines.
“You know this lot, Commander?” Echo asked you, surprised at the less-than-cordial interaction.
You nodded, “I worked with Clone Force 99 for a year after Master Umbari…” You trailed off, leaving Echo’s mind to fill in the blanks.
“They weren’t just working with us,” Hunter interjected, “they were part of our squad. Always will be.”
“I remember when you were assigned to their squad,” Anakin reminisced, “They were odd circumstances.”
“That they were,” You replied, “The Council thought it best to assign me to Clone Force 99 while they found me a new Master.”
“I expressed interest in taking you on as my Padawan,” Anakin started, “The council declined, regardless of how desperate they were.”
“What happened to Ahsoka?” Echo asked, a new conversation spurring between the two.
You left them to their conversation, heading to the cockpit with Hunter trailing right behind you.
“Just like old times,” You spoke to the four clones that surrounded you, placing a hand to your heart, “It’s nice to be back in the Marauder. The Endurance is…”
“Awful? Terrible? Horrible?” Hunter replied, “It’s nice to have you with us again, Commander.”
Tech called Echo to the cockpit, as the ship was nearing Trench’s. Echo plugged in his arm, transmitting Separatist transport ship codes to disguise the Omnicron-class shuttle you were on. It was a genius plan, but you could tell the Batch didn’t trust him.
“Let him do this,” You said to the group surrounding you, “He spent so long unwillingly helping the Separatists, let him do this. For the Republic.”
That seemed to get them off Echo’s back, as they allowed him to lead the rest of the way. The mission was going smoothly until Echo was scomped into their database, receiving a new order that Trench activated a bomb on Anaxes. Echo notified your Master as he tried to decipher the sequence numbers.
“If you can’t get the sequence, maybe Trench will give it to us.” You said before running out of the room, feeling for Trench’s presence in the ship. You ignored the voices behind you calling your name, instead trusting your gut. You ran through the ship, finding Trench in the command deck.
After taking out his droids, you found yourself with your green blade at his neck.
“You won’t kill me. It’s not the Jedi way,” He clicked, very sure of himself.
You sliced off his artificial arms, proving that you indeed would kill him, “You had my best friend taken prisoner and used his mind to your advantage. Don’t tell me what I won’t do.”
Trench begrudgingly gave you the last digit to the code - 7. You adjusted your comm frequency to Master Windu’s, hearing them discuss the sequence.
“Let me take the guesswork out of it, Master Skywalker,” you said into the metal device, “Try seven.”
After your master successfully disarmed the bomb, you felt an excruciating pain in your left arm, accompanied by a thump coming from the floor. You groaned in pain before looking the culprit in the eye and stabbing him with your ignited lightsaber.
You turned your comm frequency to Anakin’s and called him for help, which he rushed to give you. After seeing a dead Trench on the floor accompanied by your missing hand, he tapped a few buttons on a nearby console, a hand-held detonator popping out of it.
“You’re okay. You’re alright, Padawan.” He consoled you, “I know what it’s like. Everything will be alright.”
You felt a sharp pain in your head, followed by your eyes closing. Before you could fall, Anakin caught you - “I gotcha.”
“Calm down, will you?” Crosshair snarled at the child, who somehow was making this situation worse for him.
He was trapped on Kamino’s facility with his ex-squadmates - his brothers, who left him. “Loyalty is everything” my ass.
“Sorry,” Omega offered, attempting to stop the bouncing of her leg. “Our brothers usually help me relax, but they’re busy. Obviously.”
Crosshair crossed his arms and huffed, wanting nothing more than to shut the kid up, “What do they do?”
Omega smiled at the ground, remembering the story her brothers had been sharing with her, “They’re in the middle of telling me a story-” Omega was cut-off by a whine coming from Crosshair, “The story is about the Commander.”
Crosshair’s body went rigid - the Commander. One of the only people he’d truly cared for. “How far did they get?”
“Up to the incoming transmission from Coruscant.”
Crosshair sighed, “Which one?”
You greeted the council member respectfully, regardless of how much you didn’t want to. You were used to bottling your feelings - this was no different.
“Padawan, you will be returning to Coruscant to continue your training under a new Master.” The older Jedi spoke, not even gracing you with a greeting.
You exhaled a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding, “Which Master will I be training under?”
“You’re looking at him.”
Your jaw dropped. Of all council members, he was the one you’d least expect to take a Padawan under his wing. He was also the one master you did not want to train under. “Thank you for this opportunity, Master Windu,” You replied cordially.
”Report to the Council when you arrive, Padawan. Safe travels.”
The last part was so unlike him, but you nodded and cut off the transmission. This was the absolute worst case scenario - leaving Clone Force 99 earlier than anticipated on less-than-optimal terms with Hunter, and having to train under one of the harshest Jedi imaginable.
Tech, Crosshair, and Wrecker looked at you with dread in their eyes - they didn’t want you to leave either. Tech looked away from you and set the navicomputer to Coruscant’s coordinates, jumping into hyperspace.
As if on cue, Hunter made his way into the cockpit and could feel how upset everybody was, “What’s this all about?” He asked cluelessly.
You blankly stared at the unknowing clone, “I’m being hailed back to Coruscant to resume my training.”
Hunter’s face dropped the same as everybody else’s before tightly wrapping his arms around your frame, nestling his face in the crook of your neck. You returned the embrace without hesitation.
The trip back to Coruscant wasn’t as long as you’d wished it was - filled with reminiscing over your times together and some tears, you realized how much you really loved your squad.
”You know,” Crosshair started, looking into your eyes as your ship descended into the Coruscanti air, “You aren’t the worst Jedi ever.”
“Thanks, means so much coming from you,” You sarcastically retorted, a hum coming from the recipient.
“I just might miss you, Commander,” Crosshair said, “Take care of yourself.”
You held out your arms for an embrace, which Crosshair “reluctantly” accepted. You knew he wasn’t one for physical touch, but he wouldn’t admit to wanting to be hugged from time to time.
After the hug with Crosshair, a waiting Wrecker took his turn to speak, “I’m not afraid to say it, I’m gonna miss you.” He held out a miniature Lula for you to take - the ‘child’ of Wrecker’s tooka doll.
“Wrecker… I can’t accept this.”
A small smile enveloped Wrecker’s mouth, “She’ll be in good hands with you. Plus, it’s not like she’ll be gone forever. You can give her back the next time we see each other. Lula wants you ‘ta hold onto her, too.”
You ended up taking the mini-Lula into your hands and holding her to your chest - he was more thoughtful than he led on.
You felt the ship set down on one of the Temple’s docking bays, shaking you from a thoughtful stare, “Thank you, Wrecker.”
“Commander, if I may,” Tech emerged from his seat, holding a small red and black droid you’d never seen before, “This is BD-99, an explorer droid. I’ve read that BD units make for excellent companions, so I constructed one to accompany you on your travels.” Tech pressed a button, allowing the droid to spring to life and jump from his hands to your shoulder.
“This particular unit is equipped with a holoprojector, scanners, sensors, and various tools you may need along your journey without us,” Tech further explained, “I have also transferred data onto her with some holorecordings. I do hope she will suffice.”
‘99 greeted you with a chirp, which you replied happily to. “Thank you, Tech. I’ll take good care of her.”
“It is not a problem, I do hope we will see each other soon. Your insight will be missed.”
As you approached the door to the Marauder, the ramp descended toward the cement landing pad - this was it. You started walking down the steps, two feet meeting the solid ground. You took a deep breath of the Coruscant air and allowed your eyes to scan your surroundings - you wanted to turn back.
A familiar hand rested on your shoulder, pulling you into their arms. You could tell who they belonged to from anywhere. You relaxed into Hunter’s embrace - one you’ve come to love over the many rotations spent with Clone Force 99.
“Saving the best for last, huh?” You mumbled into Hunter’s chest, which he acknowledged by tightening his arms around you.
“This your way of admitting that I’m your favorite?” He laughed bittersweetly, “If you didn’t know, I’m gonna miss you.”
You smiled, “Even when I throw things at you on the Marauder?”
“Especially because you throw things at me on the Marauder.” He focused on you, “Not having you around is gonna be weird, Commander.”
“Eh, you’ll get used to it,” You released your grip on Hunter, taking a few steps back, “All good things come to an end.”
Hunter had a reminiscent look on his face in consideration of your words, “I wish they didn’t have to.”
You nodded in agreement, “Well, it’s not like we’ll never see each other again, right?”
The question with an uncertain answer lingered in the air for a moment before Hunter spoke, “Yeah, you have to give the doll back to Wrecker sometime.” His gaze landed on the tooka doll that's head peeked from beneath your robes. “Plus, I’m sure BD-99 and Gonky would enjoy a play-date.”
You rolled your eyes and smiled at the Sergeant, “Just for the droids, right?”
99 beeped from your shoulder in agreement, a subsequent laugh falling from your lips. Once your laughs subsided, you realized that Coruscant has never felt so quiet. You slowly blinked at the man in front of you, who in the year you’d spent together had become many things to you; a stranger, a leader, and a friend… among other things.
“Stay safe out there, Sergeant.”
Hunter nodded, “Shouldn’t I be the one saying that to you?”
You shook your head with a smile on your face, looking toward the cement before bringing your eyes to meet his, “I’ll see you sometime, Hunter.”
He used his pointer and middle fingers to salute you before walking up the Marauder’s ramp and turning around, watching your parting figure.
A thin hand placed itself on his shoulder, just as he did to you moments ago. “They’ll be fine, Hunter. We’ll see them again.”
“Guess it’s my turn, Kid!” Wrecker jubilantly sat in the gunner’s mount near Omega, excited for his turn. “I liked the Commander a lot ‘n I miss them. They were so cool.”
Droids were everywhere.
The mission was not going as planned - what was supposed to be a covert mission turned into a battle, thanks to someone who wanted to blow everything up. Now, you were stuck fighting an army of battle droids with no end in sight.
Everybody was holding their own (with Crosshair’s in-the-sky support) and taking out various B1 and B2 droids until reinforcements came - commando droids and magnaguards were surrounding each of you, beating you to pure exhaustion.
You looked around at your squad - there was only so much Crosshair could do from his position - and their overwhelmed states. You suddenly felt like you were suffocating, and you understood why when your eyes did a once-over on Hunter.
He was pinned to a pillar, a magnaguard’s staff to his throat. You could feel his breath leaving him, but you couldn’t do anything from your position. You’d never felt so hopeless before. You looked to your palm, eyeing the unignited hilt in your hand.
You screamed Hunter’s name with everything you had and sent your hilt barreling toward him, which he caught with ease. He ignited the blade and sliced through the droid’s grip on him - he could finally breathe; you could finally breathe. You used the Force to obtain a fallen magnaguard’s staff, taking on the enemies that surrounded you. Hunter was safe and skillfully using the weapon you threw to him - somehow, he was very adept at using a lightsaber.
You snapped back to the fight, wiping out the droids on top of you before helping Tech with his. Soon, the battle was won, and you reunited with your squadron in front of the piles of destroyed droids.
“100% success rate, 0% casualty rate! Streak is still goin’, yeah!” Wrecker happily exclaimed, kicking one of the droid’s legs as a ‘screw you’.
You felt a tap on your shoulder - Hunter. He held out your lightsaber hilt, which you gratefully took from him.
“Thanks for the save back there,” Hunter said with a grateful voice, “Don’t think I’d be standing here if it wasn’t for your quick thinking.”
You smiled at the Sergeant, “Didn’t know you could use a lightsaber like that - give me some lessons sometime?”
Hunter laughed at your joke, “Yeah, yeah,” Hunter inhaled deeply, “It’s like a longer version of my knife.”
“So… a sword?”
Hunter jokingly huffed, “You know what I mean.”
”I don’t think I do,” you teased him, “Jokes aside, I’m glad you’re okay.”
Hunter grasped at his abdomen, feeling wetness under his armor. He moved to take off his chestplate, revealing blood seeping through his blacks. His face paled and he started to stumble, suddenly off balance.
“Hunter!” You exclaimed, rushing to support him. You wrapped his arm around your shoulder, helping him to the ground. “Shit, Tech!”
Tech was already on it, using a device to scan for injuries, “He has a deep laceration on his abdomen and internal bleeding. We need to get him to a medic.”
“Where’s the closest medstation?” You hurriedly asked, placing your hands on the laceration in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
Tech sighed, “Too far. He doesn’t have enough time, Commander.”
Tears began flowing from your eyes, dripping onto Hunter’s blacks. You couldn’t say goodbye to Hunter - not like this. You centered yourself in the Force, feeling it flow through you. The sensation was tingling your body as you transferred your life energy into Hunter; an ability that could only be used on someone you held a strong attachment to.
It wasn’t something that could be taught by books - it was something you felt.
The lacerated skin began to close and you moved toward his chest, allowing yourself to transfer more of your life force into the fatally wounded Hunter. You could feel the blood coursing through his body, just as you felt his body stitching itself back together.
A painful groan came from Hunter’s throat and you removed your hands from his body, placing one on his cheek. You bit your lip to stifle a sob and Tech rescanned his brother’s body.
“Hunter’s vitals are now stable,” Tech stated matter-of-factly, “the bleeding - internal and external - seems to have stopped. Whatever you did worked, Commander.”
Hunter’s eyes opened and he flinched, a hand immediately going to his fixed abdomen. He felt the blood on his blacks, but no wound, “What… happened?” Hunter brought his hand up to his cheek to meet yours.
“The Commander saved your life.” Crosshair answered for you, sticking a toothpick in his mouth.
Hunter looked to his brothers, then to you, “Saving my life twice in one day, huh?”
“It’s in the job description,” you sniffled, “I’m just glad that you’re actually okay.”
Hunter rubbed your hand with his thumb, “Thank you.”
With both you and Hunter fatigued from the battle, the Marauder was more quiet than usual. The other members of Clone Force 99 decided it was best to stay quiet, which somehow Wrecker succeeded in doing. He tiptoed around the ship - whether it was to sneak a ration bar or use the refresher.
The quiet was disturbed when the ship’s communication channel was hailed by an organization on Corscant - the one they’d all been hoping would never come.
With a light shove from Tech you were startled from your slumber. You looked at the goggled-clone, finding a more sorrowful expression than usual. Your eyes widened in realization - the end of your time with the squad was nearing, and there was nothing you could do to stop it.
You stumbled out of your bunk and onto the cold floor as quietly as possible. You didn’t want to wake Hunter - he’d been through enough today. You swiftly made your way to the cockpit, a holo of Master Windu greeting you on arrival.
“I asked Echo to swap shifts so I could tell you this part of the story - it… means a lot to me.” Hunter started, ready to reminisce about his beloved Commander.
“Where’d ya end up getting your tat anyway?” Wrecker asked while once again scavenging your kitchen for food. His brothers also looked at you for an answer, scanning your figure for any sign of the ink.
“Tats,” You corrected before sighing, pulling down the collar of the shirt you’d been wearing, revealing the insignia over your heart. You could sense the room fill to the brim with emotions, even from Crosshair. A groan of joy escaped Wrecker’s mouth as he brought you into a tight hug - one containing so much love.
“I think it’s perfect,” slipped from Hunter’s lips, who decided to join in on the hug - subsequently the other two brothers followed. “Good choice, Commander.”
You smiled and removed your hand from Wrecker’s back, placing a hand over the new 99. You hadn’t expected to form such a strong attachment to the group, but looking back on everything, it was inevitable. “Okay, okay - guys let’s not get sappy now!”
Wrecker wiped his tear-stained cheeks, “It- It’s just that…”
“We know, Wrecker. They’re one of us,” Hunter cut in in an attempt to console his brother, “They will always be part of our squad.”
With a new-found freedom from Wrecker’s arms, you remembered, “Hey, Wrecker? Remember how you wanted to try my lightsaber and we forgot?”
As if on cue his eyes brightened and he held out his hands, squeezing his fingers to his palm in a ‘gimme’ motion. The sight made you laugh while you used the Force to bring your lightsaber to your hand.
You went over the basics with the larger clone, his brothers watching in awe as you ignited the lightsaber on a lower setting so no real damage would be dealt to your living room. The green light shone on Wrecker’s face as you handed it to him, which ended with him waving it around in an attempt to imitate the few Jedi he’s seen.
“So,” Hunter started while watching his brother swing the lightsaber at non-existent enemies, “Tech told us that you helped him feel the Force.”
“Aw, are you jealous?” Crosshair teased with a smirk on his face.
Hunter immediately shook his head (which looked suspicious, but you let it slide), “No, just wondering how you did that. Could you do it with us, too?”
“I honestly had no idea that it was possible until I tried with Tech - I’ve always been more in tune with the Force than many of my peers, save for Anakin Skywalker, and been able to wield it in ways many cannot.” You started, hoping to give Hunter a satisfactory answer, “I could most likely do the same for the rest of you, if you’d like to feel it.”
“A consular, then?” Tech questioned your reply, “I’ve been studying articles on the Jedi since your arrival with us - if I’m not mistaken, Jedi Consulars tend to not use their lightsabers unless it’s a last resort, which I have observed in your combative style. They also use a green blade most frequently, rather than the blue and yellow of guardians and sentinels, respectively.”
You nodded, “You’re correct, though I wouldn’t expect otherwise from you. My green blade reflects my status, but the crystal chooses the Jedi - not the other way around. Honestly if I had my choice of color it’d be purple.”
“Like Master Windu’s, then? I have never understood why he wields such a color.”
You laughed, “Honestly, I’m not sure either. I think it’s because of the form he developed and uses - it’s close to using the dark side of the Force.”
”Ah, I see. You believe it to be a combination of the Sith’s red and Jedi’s blue?”
You nodded, turning your attention back to the faux-Jedi Wrecker, who’s having the time of his life with your saber. You had to stifle a laugh at him running around the room, attempting to twirl his lightsaber behind his back.
“Okay, Wrecker - that’s enough. Give the Commander back their lightsaber - we have work to do.”
Wrecker huffed, not wanting his fun to end. Eventually, he flipped the ignition switch and returned your hilt, which you hooked back onto your belt.
Hunter spoke your name from beside you, causing you to meet his gaze. “Are we your favorite clones?”
“I’ve been living with you for half a year and you’re asking me that?” A rhetorical question, “Yes, you are my favorite clones. Though, there was one clone I was very close to from General Skywalker’s legion, the 501st.”
“Just haven’t seen him in awhile?” Hunter pushed, wanting to know more about this clone.
You averted your eyes and looked everywhere but at him, “Yes, I haven’t seen him in awhile. He… died. A couple years ago. It was a mission to retrieve information from a Jedi Master, who was locked in the Citadel on Lola Sayu.” You rubbed the fabric of your robes between your pointer finger and thumb, “He was so brave and kind, always eager to learn - his batchmates named him Echo.”
Hunter placed a caring hand on your shoulder, “I’m sorry for your loss, Commander. He sounds like a great guy.”
You could only nod, accepting Hunter’s comforting touch. You lifted up the hem of your robes and traced your fingers over the new ink that laid on your ribcage - 1409. The gaze on your tattoo was heavy, yet no words were spoken by anyone in the room.
Your short-lived vacation on Coruscant had finally come to an end, and it was time for your squad to set back out into the galaxy - part of you was grateful to be leaving the bustling ecumenopolis, but you would definitely miss the downtime. You had a feeling that the next time you returned to Coruscant would be your last time with the Bad Batch, and you weren’t ready for that day to come.
“Wait a minute,” A sleepy Omega asked her brother, not knowing whether the tiredness made her hear things, “Echo died?”
“He’s here with us, so no,” Hunter neglected to explain what really happened, “That is why he hasn’t told any of the story yet, though. He was… away during this time period.”
By the time Hunter finished his sentence, Omega was fast asleep with soft snores leaving her slightly-open mouth.
