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cultofdixon · 1 year

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It Takes Two

Daryl Dixon • She/Her Pronouns • Part 2 to “It Takes a Village” • Rick Grimes’ Sister!Reader • You have always been a curious kid. Now so is your kid…and with a certain resident in Alexandria. Who everyone didn’t expect to have a soft side for the young Grimes • ANGST/SFW/NSFW • TW: Anxiety Attacks / Nightmares / Injuries / Mentions of Canon Violence / Mentions of Pregnancy / Depression / Past Abuse • Re-Writing Canon

Requested by: Anon

Winter has started, and Alexandria was fuller than ever. They may not know exactly when the holidays were but it was enough to have their families in the Kingdom and Hilltop come to Alexandria. Meaning a lot of kids. But it was perfect…especially the snow.

A small groan escapes the waking child as he lifts his head from his pillow to look out the window and notice the falling snow. That alone ignited the energy he needed to get out of bed and wake up his mom.

His mom who would much rather stay in bed during a cold morning, but her excited four year old alerted not only the Mal living in the house…but the five year old that belonged to the Hilltop residents taking up her guest room.

“Mama!” Shepherd practically yells but Dog jumped on the bed when he got the door open.

“Shep…it’s early”

“It’s snowing!” He smiles running to her side of the bed gripping her blankets and tugging at them until the tired Y/N sat up. Her playful scowl appearing when Dog started to lick her face to help her wake up. “Dog wants to go too!”

“Let me guess…you woke up Hershel too?”

“He’s getting his mommy and daddy right now!” His face lights up with even more excitement as he knows the second he gets his snow gear on he was going to get his cousins next door.

“Get dressed baby and I’ll meet you downstairs” Y/N smiles watching her happy boy run out and Dog following him. “Don’t forget the gloves and beanie!” She adds hearing an ok yelled back before rolling over to the other side of the bed to address the archer that rolled off once he heard Dog’s collar jingling. “I’m gonna get dressed…and head out with Shep. That’ll give you your window”

Daryl groans upon sitting up from the floor feeling Y/N’s lips meet his temple when she leaned over. “He’s startin’ to get up before me”

“He’s going to find out before we even tell him…”

“I promise yea. We’ll get our day” The archer leaned into her kissing her before letting Y/N get dressed and ready.

The two have always had a bond with one another. But it wasn’t until Shep turned 3 that they took the risk. Daryl always loved her and would’ve waited til the end of his life for her. For her to be ready on her terms, but all she needed was for her small family of two to be secure. Safe. And Y/N knew she was safe with the archer and so was her son. Daryl loves her son as if he was his own even if Shepherd doesn’t know their relationship.

For now they kept it between them, and the priority was always going to be Shepherd.

Glenn was the fastest in getting ready next to the kids as he chases Hershel Jr and Shepherd through the snow for a bit while the rest of the Grimes got dressed for the snow day. Maggie stayed on the porch waiting for Y/N while she got Dog in a sweater before letting him join in the chaos.

“Where’s Daryl?” Maggie asks once Y/N stepped out while getting her gloves on.

“I just told him what we were doing so he should be joining us soon. But he’ll be getting Carol and her family, then Aaron and his daughter”

“Can you believe it?” Maggie smiles looking out to the small crowd for now. “We survived and thrived after all that happened”

“It’s surreal for sure” Y/N smiles watching her son gather a snow ball and pelt Dog making the Mal get excited to play ball.

As Shep made his way more down the street running away from the snowballs that were coming from the Rhees then his cousins, he stopped to hear someone curse because of how cold it was. He made his way to the little vent that looked into the room finding their resident prisoner shivering his ass off.

“Mama!”

Y/N immediately turns to her son seeing his frustrated expression which started to worry her.

“What’s wrong baby?” She walks away from the crowd of adults on Rick’s porch to kneel before her son as he struggled to get his words out.

“Th—uh. Uhm. I’m cold”

“Uncle Rick has the fireplace going, the adults were gonna go inside while Carl watches you little ones out here…you wanna come warm up a bit?”

“No! It’s…uhm. Mama…” Shep’s frustration came out in a whine making Y/N sigh a bit before standing up and extending her hand to the small child.

“Lead the way to what you need”

Shep immediately took her hand and pulled her back to their house. Then upstairs to the hall closet that Y/N kept spare blankets in.

“You can’t bring a blanket out in the snow, baby”

“No! It’s for…” Then the little one held a guilty expression which only confused his mother more.

“Shepherd.”

Daryl steps out of the Grimes’ residence when he didn’t find Y/N in there. Then he spotted her carrying blankets while following her son toward the cell. He quickly picked up his crossbow off the porch and ran over to the two.

“Hey, what’s wrong what are y’all doing?” Daryl stops Y/N while Shepherd proceeded.

“Shep heard Negan complaining that he was cold”

“So what?”

“Daryl. I’m not doing anything outside of the council’s guidelines regarding Negan. I’m simply doing what my son wants” Y/N states, and that want being kind toward their prisoner and giving him extra blankets during the winter. “He’s not going to hurt Shep…or me”

“I’m comin’ then”

“If it makes you less helicopter-y” She jokes making her way downstairs and helping Shepherd with the door.

Their presence sort of startled Negan given the door leading outside was never the quietest and the looming archer on the steps made him feel uneasy. But his attention locked onto the Grimes sister handing the blankets to this small child he’s never met before, and for good reason. Negan wanted to stand up and approach the bars but the way Daryl was glaring at him. He stayed put, until the small child approached the bars holding up the blankets.

“You don’t have to”

Shepherd frowns looking up at his mom while hugging the blankets tightly. “But mama I want to…” he said in a hush whisper as Y/N gently pets his head.

“You tell him, baby. Not me”

The little one went back to the bars of the cell looking up at Negan who approached the bars when he looked at his mother.

“But I want to” Now how can anybody ever be mad at that adorable face of his? Negan extended his hands taking the blankets through the bars watching the little one light up.

“Thanks kid…appreciate it”

The young grimes smiles happily before heading back out and instantly running into Daryl. The archer knew what was bound to happen with the child and that was Shep wanting to be picked up by him.

“Can’t say no to him” Y/N smiles receiving a look from the archer indicating that he’d never say no to him wanting to be picked up. Even if the man groaned picking up Shepherd. “Go on ahead. I’ll be a minute”

“Y/N—-“

“Just go. Please”

Daryl can’t say no to the puppy dog eyes, especially when Shepherd gets it from his mother. He nods before carrying Shep out of there leaving Y/N with Negan for a moment.

“You’ve got a nice kid…”

“I really do huh?” Y/N smiles approaching the bars to Negan’s cell as he suddenly started to feel anxious when her smile remained hit her eyes said it all. “So let me make it clear to you, Negan. If you hurt my boy. With your words or even physically, I’ll be doing everyone a favor and ending your life” She hissed glaring at the man watching him nod before leaving the cell.

All the kids were inside warming up and all the little ones were watching Henry show them how to play cards. Go Fish to be exact. While the adults had a drink and catch up.

“Your turn Shepherd” Henry’s voice snapped the kid out of his thoughts as Shep looks at his cards before setting all his cards down to show that he’s been hogging pairs but more specifically to leave the small table to go to his mom.

“He’s a card shark” Judith states not knowing exactly what that means.

“That’s…used in a different game? But I guess that works here” Henry laughs collecting the cards and shuffling the deck.

“Mama…” Shep whispers to get Y/N’s attention while Rick was telling Maggie about how he and Michonne were thinking of taking a trip. Y/N sets her glass down turning to her son and his upset expression. “I wanna go home…”

“Are you okay?” She whispers back not wanting to cause alarm or interrupt the on going conversation.

“No…” He whines in his whisper hugging Y/N’s leg. He relaxed a little when his mother rubbed circles on his back. “Can we go?”

“Yes, go get your shoes and coat on” Y/N got up from her seat once Shep ran over to where all the shoes were. “I’m turning in guys”

“Really?” Rick frowns, it wasn’t that late. Even for the kids.

“Yeah, Shep’s gettin’ tired and the alcohol isn’t sitting right with me.” Y/N left after saying such to get her coat on and pick up her son who instantly latched onto her.

“We’ll be quiet when we turn in” Maggie makes one last comment watching Y/N smile before stepping out with Dog also joining the two.

While the three made their way home, Shep tugged at Y/N’s coat when her attention was already on him.

“Forget somethi—-“

“Why is he down there, mama?” Shep frowns watching her face soften but also worry for she doesn’t know how to approach that conversation without going too far.

“He did something bad, Shepherd…that’s why he’s down there”

“But I do bad things too…like leave my shoes out for Dog to chew and you get mad…”

“It’s…uh” Y/N frowns setting Shepherd down on their porch to sit as she sat beside him. “You’re too young to understand the kind of bad things he did before you were born…”

“…can you try?”

How do you go telling a four year old about the abuse his mother endured done by that terrible man? Or the abuse Daryl, someone he looks up to, has gone through…the horrors of the Saviors threatening to kill members of their family…

You just. Don’t.

“He hurt people, Shep. In a way I can’t tell you…”

Shepherd frowns bringing himself closer to his mom leaning against her.

“Did he hurt you, mama…?”

Y/N didn’t say another word as she was fighting back tears when thinking about it. All she did was bring her son into his embrace holding onto him like her light depended on it. And part of him knew. Even if he didn’t understand.

Once it was late enough, Daryl came upstairs to check on Y/N thinking Shepherd would be in his room but entering the room he noticed the little one curled up in his mother’s embrace. He still brought himself to sit on the edge of the bed resting his hand on her shoulder watching her turn slowly to him revealing tears in her eyes.

“What happened?” He whispers watching her turn back to her son as Shepherd unconsciously scooted closer in her embrace.

“…I’m triggered D. It’s hard to sleep” She whispers back feeling Shep shift once more, enough to pull away from her and star fish on the rest of her bed. Giving her enough space to turn onto her back looking up at Daryl as he carefully wipes away her tears. “I know they don’t stay little and overwhelmingly kind forever…but I don’t want him taking that away from my baby”

“He won’t. I promise yea” Daryl frowns giving her enough space to sit up and hug him. He held her for as long as she needed.

“Remember, listen to Uncle Rick and stay out of trouble” Y/N tells Shep who didn’t want his mom to go on the hunting trip with Daryl and Carol. “I’ll be back before you know it”

“Why can’t I go with you?”

“You will buddy, when you’re a bit older” Daryl ruffle his hair a bit before Shep latched onto his leg. “Aw come on, bud”

“Please don’t go…”

It was spring, which meant more hunting trips. Shepherd didn’t mind when it was one of the two leaving, but they both were going on this one and he didn’t like it one bit.

“We’ll be back before you know it, Shep. I promise” Y/N knelt down for her son to hug her tightly once more.

Before watching the three go from Rick’s porch.

The agenda for the first day was boring. Or to Shepherd a bit boring. He loves helping when given the chance to but he doesn’t like working on the farm unless it was with his mom. Because they would play “I Spy” while collecting the crops and help him with his counting when putting in new seeds. Rick knew about this and was trying to do it with Shep, but that’s another thing. He only likes doing it with his mom. Otherwise he just helps tug the basket along while Rick cleans up the dead plants and getting the soil ready for new seeds.

“You okay Shep?”

“Can I go get water?”

Rick sighs nodding with a smile. “Be back quick. And get me a glass too”

Shepherd smiles setting the basket down by his uncle before leaving the farm and heading back toward the houses. Except after he got his uncle a canteen instead of a glass, because Michonne stopped him in the middle of her conversation with Siddiq and Gabriel to switch the glass with a canteen since the kid can be clumsy, Shepherd was given a second one for himself but instead of using it for himself.

Negan froze to the sound of said canteen falling onto the concrete floor. It’s sturdy so it didn’t crack or anything. He looks up through the vents to see Shepherd looking back at him before running back to his uncle.

Once the chores Rick had were done and the help of tidying up done by both him and Shepherd, the two made their way back to Rick’s place for dinner and then turning in. Shepherd was set up in the spare in their place which had a grown ups bed and not his low toddler one.

Shep couldn’t sleep, and can’t ever when his mom wasn’t home in any way. She could be standing somewhere else in Alexandria and he’d be able to sleep. He pushed his blankets off of him and maneuvered his body on the edge of the bed so his feet were first to hit the floor but it was still a bit too high that he fell anyway. The little one didn’t want to alert anyone given he went to bed around the same time as his cousins, but the adults could still be awake.

The little one has been spending a lot of time with Daryl.

Because Shepherd managed to get out of the house through the doggy door in the kitchen while the adults (Rick and Michonne) were in the living room. Thank god he was small enough or that would be a very uncomfortable conversation telling Y/N her son got stuck in the doggy door.

The resident prisoner heard footsteps draw closer, followed by a whine that Negan can only connect to Dog. So it must’ve been Daryl but when Shepherd came into view by the vent sitting beside it and Dog laying next to him, Negan only grew more confused.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

“How do you know when bedtime is?” Shepherd looks at him confused leaving the man stumped.

“Forget it. Your mom will kill me if she finds you here. Hell even your uncle or whatever Daryl is to yea”

“He uh…uhm. Just Daryl?” The confusion in his tone made Negan a bit curious about the two’s relationship since he thinks Shep probably doesn’t know that his mom and Daryl are seeing each other. He wasn’t about to put them in any way.

“Are you close with Daryl? Like how you are with your uncle Rick?”

“I don’t know”

“What do you mean?” Negan brought himself to sit on the floor against the wall where the vent was as Shepherd sat on the small grass patch by the vent with Dog surrounding him.

“I used to call him Uncle Daryl…but something happened” Shep tugged at the grass while he spoke. “He was there for me when I’m sad. Helped me with my shoelaces. Get my sippy cups from the high shelves. Patch my boo boos. Let me sit with him while he works on his bike. Other things that Uncle Rick doesn’t do with me”

“You see him as a dad?” Negan’s question was met with silence. “What would your old man think?”

“I don’t have a dad”

If he starts crying, better start digging your grave Negan thought as he was prepared for tears but was met with a sigh instead.

“Mama says I never had one. But I always saw Daryl as one” Shepherd frowns as he stops tugging at the grass seeing the damage he has done. “Is that bad?”

“What? Seeing Daryl as your dad?”

“Yeah…”

“Well. He helps with your boo boos. I think that’s pretty much dad material…when I taught PE which was just watching a bunch of kids in a yard to get rid of the energy in’em, some kids would stumble. Cry. Get banged up by either concrete or a plastic bat. I wouldn’t know what to do and pull a teacher move with the whole “go to the nurse” when most nurses in schools back in my day didn’t do a very good job”

“That’s bad”

“Real bad. But I just pawned the problem off to somebody else. Daryl? He takes care of yea. Would do about anythin’ for yea. I don’t see a problem in calling him dad.” Negan shrugs. “But that’s a conversation for your mom. And then Daryl”

Shepherd was about to ask another question when he heard his name being called. Negan heard it as well and rose to his feet going toward the vent to look at Shep.

“You better go back before he gets worried”

“ok, goodnight”

“Night kid” Negan states hearing the tussle of his footsteps and the dog getting up with him before it faded away.

The next morning came and Negan woke to the sound of the outside door opening. Maybe it was confessional day but to his surprise he saw Shepherd coming down the steps with Michonne. Michonne came down for other business while Shepherd carried drawing supplies to distract him from their conversation. But some part of him knew that Negan enjoyed the company.

“Well good mornin’ to y’all”

“Good morning” Shepherd instantly replies back before sitting on the ground and dropping all of his supplies while Michonne took the chair bringing it to the bars of his cell.

“The council is holding a meeting about you soon”

“Oh wonderful” Negan frowns sitting back on his bed leaning against the wall. “What about?”

“Well. One, Y/N thought you should have warmer items in here for the future winters.” Michonne pointed with her eyes to Shepherd as it was really his idea being told through his mom. “Second, we were thinking you could actually do stuff around Alexandria. It won’t mean you’re instantly free. More so—-“

“Community service and I come back here once I’m done for the day? You’re really trustin’ me with that?”

“Why not?” Shepherd chimes in seeing confused looks as Michonne gave Negan a warning one mainly for his words.

“Nobody trusts me, Shep. Which in this case makes sense…but imagine being untrustworthy and being given chores around the other residents” Negan states while approaching the cell bars and sitting on his side across from Shepherd.

“Mama doesn’t trust me around Daryl’s crossbow. Is it like that?”

“Sort of. But your mama must’ve said I’m a bad dude”

“Yeah?”

“That’s why I’m questioning if Michonne here trusts me enough to do chores around the place without causing trouble”

“Can’t he just be watched when he’s not locked up, auntie?” Shep looks up at his aunt with a small smile as Michonne took note of that because it’s not a bad idea.

“You’re not manipulating him to say these things right?” Michonne questions Negan as she watches Shepherd bring himself close with a piece of paper and a few crayons handing one to Negan to play tic tac toe with him. Negan kept a distance but did play with the kid through the bars.

“From the time Y/N lived at the Sanctuary, yeah she was defensive to me but to everybody else who weren’t part of my troop. More like the other residents…she was overwhelmingly kind. Stood up for those who needed it, even if there were consequences…but just. She was too damn kind to everybody in that shitshow—-“

“Language” Both Shepherd and Michonne state hearing Negan apologize before letting Shep win the game.

“This boy has her kind side. It’s all him”

The council decided to let Negan work around Alexandria with a handful of chores each day and at least one day where he’s remaining in his cell. The one watching him changes every day, like it used to be. Unlike when he would be checked in on every other hour when he remained in his cell.

His help was much needed during the summer. And not just for chores.

Judith was playing with Gracie in the gardens while their dads were working on the nearby walls to do the yearly maintenance on the structures. While Shepherd’s mom helped in the actual gardens with Negan, meaning Y/N was on Negan duty and Shep was also around helping. But once he told his mom he was going to ask his cousin if he could play with them, her line of sight was no longer on him for a short time.

“You’re cutting too close to the main stem”

“My bad, hey where’s that rugrat? He said he’d help separate the tomatoes with the good and bad ones”

“He wanted to play with his cousin. I’ll separate them when I wash them once we’re done” Y/N states picking up the full basket and setting it on the table Daryl placed for them.

“Judith his cousin right?” Negan asks hearing a ‘yes’ from the boy’s mom as he turns around to where he knew the girls were playing when they first started harvesting. “Then where is he?”

“What?” Her tone changed instantly as she turns around to look at the two girls. “Where could he have gone…” she tried to remain calm hopefully when she got closer to the two girls that Shepherd would appear in her line of sight but he hasn’t.

“Aunt Y/N?” Judith questions her presence and a sense of regret rose in her. “Uhm. Where’s Shepherd?”

“I should be asking you that Judith.” The sternness made those working around them come to a slow stop. “Shepherd wanted to play with you, but he’s not here. So what did you say to my son?”

“Y/N. Woah, tone it back”

“I’m sorry Rick but I’m not.” Y/N bites. “It’s only been ten minutes and my son hasn’t turned up to my voice. He could’ve gotten out and be lost out there. Or got stuck somewhere here. While you’re handling dangerous stuff.”

“He’ll turn up, sis. He couldn’t have gotten far”

“He wouldn’t have wandered off if your daughter wasn’t mean and told my son he couldn’t play with her!”

“Don’t blame this on Jude. You’re too busy keeping an eye and being nice with the prisoner that it’s your own damn fault for losing sight of your son” Rick snaps back and the regret didn’t set in until Y/N retracted herself away with that same anxious sad look on her face when she was taken by the Saviors. “Shit…”

“Dad…” Judith frowns looking up at her dad. “I told him he couldn’t play with us. I-I didn’t think he would run away”

“He didn’t run away, hun. He’ll turn up” Rick frowns about to ask Aaron to watch the girls when he watched him take his gloves off.

“I’m gonna grab Daryl and help Y/N find Shepherd, Gracie…” Aaron kneels to his daughter. “Stay with these Grimes. Okay?” He smiles when she nods before getting up and heading off.

“Aaron I—-“

“I think you need to sit with what you said to your sister. You’ve done plenty” Aaron gave him a pity smile before going to help his sister.

While the commotion was happening, Negan knew he had to go back to his cell if his watcher wasn’t going to watch him. But to his surprise, he found the currently sobbing child in his open cell knowing it would be the last place his mom would look for him.

“Hey kiddo…” Negan frowns moving to sit on the cot of his bed as Shepherd hid under a blanket right beside it. His little grass stained shoes peeking out gave him away. “Want to tell me what happened up there?”

“No…”

“Mm. You’re gonna have to tell your ma regardless. Just thought you’d want a friend” He states watching the blanket move to show his crying face as he looks over to him.

“Jude told me I couldn’t play with her cause I’m a baby” Shep frowns sniffling. “I’m not a baby, I’m four”

“Practically an adult” Negan states leaning against the wall. “She wasn’t thinkin’”

“She never thinks…Uncle Rick doesn’t either”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Of course there was more to it…

“He talks about mama behind her back…when she’s on her trips that aren’t safe for me” Shepherd frowns curling up as much as he could. “How she was stupid…to have me grow up without a dad…that she shouldn’t do anything without me cause she signed up for that…” the tears kept coming as his lip wobbles. “Am I a mistake…? Did mama make a mistake in having me? Not letting me have a dad?”

“Woah” Negan brought himself up and off the cot bringing himself to sit beside the kid. “I’m gonna be honest with you. If your mama didn’t want you, you wouldn’t be here. And your uncle was only thinking of himself when he said that. Cuz if you were my nephew, I would be stoked to hang out with yea. And this whole dad crap? Is bullshit”

“Language…”

“Whatever. Because you have a village. A huge family. You don’t need a dad. But you have one and we had this discussion before. Besides. Your mom? Loves you so much, hell enough for two parents, even beyond that. When she’d be walking the streets on a late return home, you’re the only thing she’s talking about to whoever she went on the trip with. And hell! You’re one of the greatest things to happen to her that it would have to take knocking her out to have her shut up about how much she loves yea.”

The little one continued to cry but he was smiling and felt a bit better to his words.

“Plus. The whole dad thing? Those guys hover a lot when they’re worried about their kid.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah and I KNOW. FOR A FACT” Negan yells emphasizing who’s eavesdropping. “THAT HES NOT LETTING HIMSELF BE KNOWN RIGHT NOW.”

The sigh didn’t go unnoticed when Daryl made his way down the steps with a worried look on his face. But he also wasn’t accompanied by Y/N, so he heard everything Shepherd said including the part about Rick.

“See? A dad. Don’t matter if he’s blood or not. And between you and me” Negan started to whisper to Shepherd as he leaned in. “You scored on the dad front, already scored with the mom. So double points” his words got a giggle out of the child that rose to his feet ditching the blanket and making his way to Daryl who knelt to be his level. But Shepherd stopped a second turning to Negan.

“Thanks Negan…”

“Anytime kid. Now go find your mom, before she flips Alexandria over just to find yea”

“He’s right on that. She will” Daryl smiles warmly and the warmth grew in his chest when Shepherd wrapped his arms around him making the archer instinctively pick him up. “…thanks” he tells Negan receiving a thumbs up from the guy before heading out with his son.

As the two made their way toward the running worried filled mother that came their way. Y/N started sobbing on sight instantly taking Shepherd into her embrace giving Daryl a thankful look.

“I’m sorry mama”

“No baby it’s okay…you just scared me a little” Y/N cries holding him close as Shep pushes back a bit so that he could wipe away her tears. “You care too much about me, baby”

“I wanna, mama” Shepherd gave a small smile when she kissed his cheek. “Can we go home?”

“Yes, yes we can…we can go home and hang out. Just you and me”

“And dad” Shepherd pointed to Daryl as that was the first time he referred to the archer as such that he tried to compose himself even if Y/N didn’t he bother trying to compose herself.

“Yeah” Y/N smiles through the tears extending her free hand, holding Shep up with her other arm, feeling Daryl instantly take it into his.

And dad.

#cultofdixon #the walking dead #daryl dixon #daryl dixon x reader #tumblr tries to test my ability for how long I can write these things #daryl dixon fanfiction

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seriowan · 1 year

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for the dancing and the dreaming (hunter x f!reader)

“Surviving is the bare minimum of what it means to live. Thanks to you, Omega knows how to survive — maybe you should show her what it means to live a little bit as well.”

summary: on the night of pabu's annual 'giving festival', omega opens herself up to new experiences while hunter's night takes an unexpected turn, leaving him with a memorable moment that might change the course of his life forever...

pairing: hunter x f!reader (nicknamed coral)

tags: spoilers for tbb s2ep13; love at first sight; meet-cute; first-meeting kiss; reader is described as wearing a yellow sundress; nothing but fluff! - brief mentions of tech/phee

word count: 5k

a/n: the second i watched episode 13 i got this idea to write hunter in a whirlwind romance with a pabu girl and three drafts later, this is the final product! i wrote it with MAJOR inspiration from tangled's 'kingdom dance' scene and that one scene from how to train your dragon, so prepare thyself!

radio: kingdom dance, alan menkin — for the dancing and the dreaming, httyd soundtrack

♡ masterlist ♡

Pabu was a true gem of nature, tucked away amid the endless oceans of its home planet.

As the warm sun kissed the little island, turquoise waters lapped gently against the grainy shores and ancient stone ports. Vibrant green brush and trees swayed in the breeze, their fronds whispering to one another. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of exotic flowers, peppering the island in patches of oranges, reds, and pinks. Birdsong echoed alongside the crashing waves, moon-yo hoots and howls bouncing from one side of the island to the other. From the cobblestone streets and markets came the sound of life; cacophonies of chatter and murmurs, a blend of voices as the islanders bartered and laughed and greeted one another with merry smiles.

It was as if time stood still on Pabu, and every moment spent there was a moment of peace.

Hunter looked over the city from the balcony of Shep’s home, his stomach full and his heart more so.

He tuned in to Tech and Phee’s conversation, smiling into his cup of freshly squeezed juice when he mostly heard Tech’s voice going on about artifacts. A quick side eye and there Phee was, listening with her elbow on the table and her cheek in her palm, eyes locked onto his rambling brother as if he was the only person around.

Wrecker lay on a lounge chair, his hands behind his head and a dazed smile on his lips. With his belly finally full, the food coma hit him harder than ever, sending him into a blissful sleep that no one thought to disturb. Especially not when the sun was just right. Not when the winds carried the salty smell of the ocean and the sound of Omega’s laughter as she and Lyana chased the moon-yos around the balcony.

He looked over the city once more, watching as everyone lived their little slices of life. Couples walked hand-in-hand. Kids played ball and danced together, holding fizzing sparklers above their heads. An older man fed a cluster of moon-yos from a paper bag of scraps, waving at a woman as she walked past him with a basket of flowers hooked on her arm.

Hunter found it hard to believe that this island wasn’t a dream. Everything felt so serene and calm that it just… didn’t feel familiar. Not for them, at least. Not after years of missions and months of running and scavenging. After living day-to-day for most of his life, being able to sit and breathe felt odd. It was even more strange that he actually had to sit and wonder if he could call this island home.

As far as he could remember, home was never really a place but a people. His people — the one rambling on to an interested girl; the other sleeping peacefully on the lounge chair; the little girl who held Lyana’s hand as she scurried out through the gate.

Hunter glanced down at his cup and gave it a gentle swirl.

When did he last feel so content?

With the little voice in the back of his head reminding him that two of his brothers were out fighting for their lives (albeit for different reasons), he knew that he’d never have a total moment of peace… but, as small as this was, it was enough. Enough for him to close his eyes and take a deep breath. Enough for him to sit and actually feel the sun on his face. Enough for him to listen to the ocean, its gentle waves reminding him of a quiet Kamino.

Footsteps approached him from behind. He smelled the faintest scent of fruit as Phee leaned against the parapet, elbows up on the wall with a cup in her hand. She left Tech by the table, sparing a glance his way before turning towards Hunter.

“You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind,” she teased.

The opposite, actually, was what he wanted to say. Instead, he settled on, “It’s nice here.”

“Nice enough to stay?” She wasn’t pushing him but she wasn’t exactly being subtle about it either. Hunter knew that Phee always had two reasons for everything she did and when she glanced back at Tech, eyes softening, Hunter knew exactly why she posed this question.

He smothered the urge to smile and looked off towards the ocean, shoulders sagging as he struggled to come up with an answer.

“Think about it,” Phee murmured, nudging his arm with her elbow. “Take all the time you need. Pabu’s not goin’ anywhere.”

He hummed, the corner of his mouth lifting as he glanced from Phee to Tech. “Sure.”

An unspoken conversation took place as Phee narrowed her eyes, unable to hide the smallest trace of her smile. Hunter just arched a brow and she gave in with a sigh, shaking her head.

“You’ve got me there, Bandana. I think staying here would do you all some good — especially Omega. But, I’m not one for peer pressure. Maybe a walk through the city might help you come to a decision.” She looked over the city, her face lighting up when she noticed the streamers and decorations hanging from rooftop to rooftop. “Looks like tonight’s the Giving Festival.”

“Giving Festival?”

Phee nodded. “Everyone comes out for the Giving Festival and shares things like food, clothes, and jewelry — and everything’s free with no expectation to receive anything in return. They thank the ocean and the island for giving them a safe haven. It's why the kids get dressed in blue clothes and parade around with their sparklers. In fact, Omega and Lyana should be down there right now.”

He thought of it for a brief moment before nodding. Phee took that as her sign to leave but not without giving Hunter’s arm a squeeze. When she turned, Tech greeted her with the smallest smile — an action that Hunter seemed to notice happening more frequently than usual.

Leaving his cup on the parapet, Hunter removed his knife from the sheath on his waist and placed it atop the table. After a final glance back at his brothers, Hunter walked through the gate and left the balcony, entering the colorful streets of Pabu.

It took him a bit to get used to the sheer kindness that never seemed to run out from the island’s residents. Wherever he went, it seemed that everyone knew he was a newcomer, so he was often given cheerful waves and happy smiles. Some even stopped him, briefly chatting to introduce themselves before going back to their festivities. It was all odd, truly, but it was somewhat nice to be treated like a neighbor instead of a criminal on the run.

A father, as Shep had previously called him. Those words still echoed in his head and he had no intention of ever forgetting them.

Hunter’s walk through the city had its effect, as Phee suggested. The more he wandered, the more he wondered if he could live like the islanders: at peace and happy. Domesticity was never really an option until now, but as he watched the children play in front of their homes, parents watching from balconies and doorways, he imagined himself in their shoes. It was easy to picture Omega running through these stone streets, laughing as freely as she did when she first latched onto his heart.

It didn’t take long before he came across that exact sight.

Standing in the center of a busy market street, Omega and Lyana wore blue robes over their clothes and carried glowing sparklers in their hands. They both had blue powder staining their cheeks and nose, causing Hunter to smile when the girls shared a giggle at how they looked. It wasn’t until Omega turned towards a store and waved that he realized the two girls weren’t alone.

Emerging from the doorway of a dome home was the woman he saw from Shep’s balcony. While she didn’t have a basket of flowers hanging from her elbow anymore, she carried two necklaces of sea glass in her hands and gave them to Omega and Lyana. From where he stood, Hunter could hear the gratefulness in Omega’s voice as the woman tied the thin string around her neck. Her nimble finger worked quite quickly before she took a step back, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Omega’s eyes.

The action was so soft that it made Hunter watch her with a peculiar gaze. She was beautiful, but she had a certain quality about her that outshone her beauty — a genuine energy that she revealed as she spoke to Omega with ease.

When she turned her head, Hunter noticed the flower poised behind her ear — a bright orange flower that brought out the color of her cheeks and the vibrance in her eyes. The woman crouched, her yellow sundress settling around her like a river of color. She grasped Omega’s hands and squeezed, grinning up at her before winking. Omega giddily nodded her head up and down and squeezed the woman’s hand as she turned, pulling her along as they both followed Lyana down the road.

The woman’s dress billowed after her as she ran. She had a captivating smile, cheeks flushed and eyes blazing. The wind blew through her hair as if it was created just for her, carrying her laughter to his ears.

The moment they took the corner, Hunter followed, interested to see where this night would take him.

You liked Lyana’s new friend. Omega was a firecracker of energy and curiosity, roaming to and fro with the intention to seek, find, and explore. When Lyana brought her to your doorstep and made introductions, you just knew that the little blonde was bound to become a new regular in your jewelry shop. She loved exploring the various things you created, including the sea glass necklaces.

When it came time to meet the girls outside, you made sure to grab the necklaces she’d been eyeballing. Omega’s expression of shock was worth it when you presented it to her, and her soft voice of thanks was enough to make your heart melt.

True to the promise you made to both girls, you took Lyana and Omega to the market square full of music and dance. Omega’s eyes were full of amazement as she looked over the festivities. Vibrant colors glowed from the lanterns hanging overhead. Streamers swayed in the wind like spinning ribbons of silk. Dancers formed circles that spun quickly, cheering and coaxing others to join. Lively, upbeat music played from the performers standing around a tall statue. They played with passion, dancing alongside a few children that joined their sides.

You held both Omega and Lyana’s hands as you guided them to the dancing circle in the center of the square. While Lyana was excited to join, Omega’s reluctance grew until she pulled her hand away, shaking her head as she took a step back.

“I can’t,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ve never danced before.”

You smiled softly. “Would you feel better if I went first? Then you can see how it goes and if you want to join, you can jump in next to me and Lyana.”

Omega nodded and you grinned, turning to face the circle. Adjusting the flower in your hair, you picked up your dress and barged into the dancing circle, joining those who moved in unison. It took a moment before you caught up, but falling into step was easy. You spun and twirled and danced like there was no tomorrow, eyes shut as you switched partners and crossed the open circle alongside others. As the circle broke apart, paving way for duos and trios to have their own moment of dance, you noticed Omega and Lyana holding hands while they jumped back and forth and all around, laughing and giggling like girls in their prime.

The music picked up its pace and the circle reformed. Dresses were kicked up and hands were clapped loudly, laughter and whistles echoing from the bystanders that watched. Entranced by the pure jubilance of the music, and the energetic feeling of the dance, it was as if the world melted away, leaving nothing but you and the music.

You closed your eyes to enjoy the moment when suddenly, your balance slipped away as you bumped into the person beside you. Just before you could hit the ground, a pair of hands grabbed you by the elbows, hauling you up to a firm chest. Planting your hands on the figure’s vest, you struggled to catch your breath as you laughed, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“My goodness,” you gasped, shaking your head. “I’m so sorry-”

The moment you looked up, all of the words just left your lips. A knot twisted in your gut when you met a pair of rich brown eyes, that crinkled with amusement as they gaze down at you.

“Careful,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.

You wet your lips, uncertain if you could even speak, when Omega’s voice suddenly echoed from behind you.

“Hunter!

She and Lyana ran up to you and the man, halting in their tracks the moment they saw the odd position you were in - your hands on Hunter’s chest with his on your arms. They looked at one another with wide eyes and started giggling, causing you to take a step back and shyly fiddle with the flower behind your ear, cheeks as red as the lights above you.

Hunter put his hands on his hips, a little furrow in his brow, but he didn’t seem threatening. It was the observant gaze of a father.

You couldn't help but stir at the sight. Not only was he protective but he was quite gorgeous. He had the structure of the marble statues you’d seen in the Archium. Soft features, like the roundness of his jaw and the curve of his nose, but there was strength as well. Strength in his rich brown eyes as they moved from you to Omega.

And that strength, however threatening it may have been to others, softened when he placed his hand on Omega’s head, teasing her with a little tug on the ends of her hair.

“Having fun?”

It was easy to admit that you were entranced by everything about him - from the way he carried himself to the way he spoke. He was both gentle and sturdy, something that drew you in and made it impossible to look away.

“Yeah!” Omega giggled, breathless from the amount of running she did earlier. “Lyana took me around the market and look-!”

Shoving her hands in her pockets, she pulled out various little trinkets: a knife made of whalebone, bracelets fashioned from polished stone, a ring of silver with a little opal on top, chewing gum from sweet sap, and a few others that she’d been gifted by the market goers.

With the tip of his finger, Hunter nudged around the items in her palm before offering her a small smile. He gave the blue powder on her cheek a gentle swipe with his thumb before settling his hand on her shoulder, eyes shifting to you.

You stuck your hand out, smiling bashfully.

“Everyone calls me Coral around here,” you said, managing a small chuckle. “And I promise that I’m not as clumsy as I seemed earlier.”

“I know,” he remarked, shaking your hand. When he noticed your odd look, he backtracked, eyes widening just slightly. “I mean I saw you, uh, dancing. You’re good — at dancing, I mean.”

Ignoring Omega and Lyana’s giggles, you bowed your head in thanks, your voice soft as you hummed, “Thank you, Hunter.”

He gave a small smile. “My pleasure, Coral.”

“It’s a giving festival, Hunter,” Omega sang, nudging his side. “It’s custom here to give something to someone that you meet for the first time. Look, Coral gave me a necklace from her shop! Lyana has the same one so we’re matching.”

Hunter frowned, glancing down at his empty pockets. He flashed you an apologetic look and you couldn’t help but giggle. “Sorry, I don’t have anything on me at the moment.”

You shook your head, removing the flower from behind your ear. Taking a step forward, you closed the gap between you and Hunter, tilting your head to look up at him as you tucked the flower in the breast pocket of his vest.

“It’s not a matter of obligation,” you murmured softly, adjusting the petals so that they were all on display. “It’s just a matter of acceptance. You’re new here, so we give you-” You glanced down at Omega and winked. “-and you, these gifts to welcome you to Pabu. You accept these gifts; we accept you.”

Lyana smirked, adding, “Kisses are accepted too!”

“Alright that’s enough from you two,” you interrupted, shooing them away when the two girls started giggling. “Go back to dancing — and make sure you get some of those dragon candies before Sebby runs out!”

Lyana gasped and snatched Omega’s hand. As she began to pull her away, Omega gave you and Hunter a happy wave, turning with a laugh that made Hunter’s eyes soften.

“She hasn’t been this happy in a long time,” he noted in a quiet voice, unable to look away from the girl even when you glanced at him. “Things have been… they’ve been tough on her.”

“I know,” you murmured, causing him to arch his brows in surprise. “Omega kind of told me everything about your current situation. She told me so much about you and your brothers, I practically feel like I know you already.”

“Of course,” he sighed, shaking his head. “Sorry, she has a habit of doing that.”

“Don’t worry,” you assured, nudging his side. When his lip twitched up, you smiled. “I can keep a secret. Besides, I’d like to see her around more often. Lyana has a hard time making friends and Omega’s brought out a side of her that I haven’t seen before — she just looks so youthful when she isn’t shouldering some of Shep’s burdens. Being a single father is tough on the two of them and I think having some support is doing them both some good.”

What you said must have resonated deeply with Hunter for he fell into silence, a distant look in his eyes as he watched Omega receive a cup of steaming candies from a stand. She looked his way and lifted the cup above her head, a toothy grin forming when Hunter nodded at her in approval.

“Thank you for making her feel accepted here.”

“Of course… but what about you?”

He glanced down at you and arched a brow.

“Do you feel accepted here?” You clarified, gesturing towards everyone in the market square. “I know how hard it can be to settle down. I had a similar experience before I found myself on Pabu. It took me a while to adjust but once I did, this place became my safe haven like it did for so many others.”

Hunter took a moment to look over the festivities. He watched the people smile and dance and greet one another. He watched them live their lives, sighing.

“As long as Omega can find a home here, that’s all that matters.”

“It isn’t a crime to put your own needs forward, Hunter. Think of what’s good for you as well.”

“We still have unresolved matters,” he explained with a trace of frustration; not at you, but rather at the ‘unresolved matters’ that he mentioned. “There are things that need our attention-”

You removed your hand from around his arm to place your palm against his chest. He stopped talking, his eyes honing in on yours as you peered up at him with a seriousness he hadn’t seen before.

“Can you resolve any of those things from here?” You questioned, arching a brow.

He hesitated, then shook his head.

“Then it’s best for you-” You glanced back at Omega, “-and her, to put those aside for now and just accept this time of peace. She needs your attention too, not just your protection.” Giving him a little smile, you fiddled with the flower in his pocket, murmuring, “Care to take a bit of advice from a stranger?”

Hunter’s eyes crinkled as he nodded, amusement in his voice when he hummed, “Go ahead.”

You absentmindedly adjusted the petals as you spoke. “Surviving is the bare minimum of what it means to live. Thanks to you, Omega knows how to survive — maybe you should show her what it means to live a little bit as well.”

“How do you suppose I do that,” he asked with a sincereness that made your heart shatter. “Us clones don’t do much living — all we’ve ever done is survive.”

“Learn from others,” you suggested. “Learn from their experiences and their own lives… and if you feel comfortable with accepting help, let us show you so that you can show Omega.”

Hunter’s nod was so sudden that it made you furrow your brow in confusion.

“Alright,” he said without an ounce of hesitation.

“Alright?” You echoed, shocked by how quick he agreed.

To your surprise, Hunter took your hand in his own, engulfing your fingers, and began to pull you towards the girls across the square. His expression was muted but there was a little smile on his lips as he said lightly, “We need to learn how to live, right? Then show me how.”

You laughed as you nodded, squeezing his hand back in return. “Alright, but you can’t get mad at me when the time comes for you to step out of your comfort zone. Living doesn’t mean it’s always comfortable.”

“I can handle a bit of discomfort."

“We’ll see about that."

You called out for Omega and Lyana as you approached them, earning wide-eyed looks of excitement the moment they noticed you and Hunter holding hands. To their dismay, you let go just to give Omega a gentle nudge toward Hunter.

“Hunter said he’d like to dance with you,” you lied, causing Omega’s eyes to widen as they flicked up to him.

“Really?”

His reluctant gaze shifted from Omega to you, narrowing just slightly before he looked back down and offered his little girl a small smile, nodding. When he held out his hand, Omega grasped it with excitement and pulled him to the dancing square, rambling on and on about the things she experienced while he was busy talking to you. As he was pulled into the sea of dancing duos and trios, he looked back at you with a mixed expression, causing you to giggle and wave.

“You like him,” Lyana sang by your side, tugging on your dress. “I think it’s cute. You can’t stop looking at him with googly eyes.”

“Don’t act like this wasn’t part of your plan, squid,” you huffed, earning a giggle. “You and Omega don’t exactly look as innocent as you think you do.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she sang, taking your hand and squeezing it with a hopeful gaze. “Do you want to dance with me?”

“How could I ever say no to you? Lead the way, squid.”

And lead the way, she did. Lyana pulled you into the circle right alongside Omega and Hunter, swinging you into a spin the moment she had a grip on both of your hands. You spun and spun with her, laughing alongside her giggles, cheering when everyone clapped in unison. Out of the corner of your eye, you caught a few glimpses of Hunter and Omega. It wasn’t so much of a duo dance as it was Omega dancing while Hunter held her hands, occasionally spinning and hauling her up in the air just to hear her laugh.

All that mattered was that Hunter seemed to be enjoying himself. He didn’t have the same stress that you noticed in him earlier; no more tense muscles or furrowed expression. Peace sat in his eyes as he danced with the little blonde, living off of Omega’s happiness.

Lyana spun and spun you until suddenly, without warning, she let go of your hands, sending you stumbling into the person beside you. You went to apologize but stopped when Hunter’s familiar face looked down at you, his hands sprawled across the plain of your back to keep you upright as he held you in a dip.

Omega and Lyana both giggled as they began dancing together, acting as innocent as the little devils could.

“What did you say about not being clumsy?” He teased, causing you to flush with embarrassment.

“Second time's a charm?”

Hunter lifted you, taking your hand to guide you into a spin. He pulled you into him, bringing your back against his chest.

“Thank you,” he murmured against your ear, “Tonight’s been fun.”

“See?” You hummed, guiding him in a gentle sway from side to side. Almost instantly, the music softened and the upbeat tune became a gentle, harmonious song that eased a bit of peace through the energetic festival. “Can you feel that peace? That is the difference between living and surviving, and there’s so much more for you to experience, too.”

“Will you show me?” He asked, causing you to turn your head and give him a credulous smile.

“Does this mean you’ve decided to stay on Pabu?”

“I think that’d be best for all of us.”

“Then yes,” you agreed. “I’ll help as best as I can… but can I ask why me?”

“Omega likes you,” he said with an audible smile on his lips, “And I… I trust you... so far.”

“I’m honored,” you murmured, breaking into a giggle when he spun you around to face him. Your hands slid up and over his shoulders, interlocking behind his head. It was an involuntary gesture to look down at his lips but you couldn’t help it.

Hunter had this protective, genuine feeling that made you feel so safe near him. It was an odd thing to notice about someone when first meeting them, but it was only solidified when watching him and Omega. He had a specific gentleness that he kept reserved for her and now, as it seemed, for you as well.

What you didn’t expect, however, was for him to feel the same way as you.

“Was Lyana telling the truth earlier?”

“About what,” you murmured, forcing your gaze to go from his lips to his eyes.

“About a kiss being a gift.”

Your mind went blank. It took a moment before you nodded, finding the confidence to move your lips and speak. “She was.”

He guided you into another spin, gentler than before as he pulled you into his chest. “What does it mean?”

“It’s an invitation,” you explained softly. “A gift of vulnerability, as well as a promise. They aren’t given unless they are genuine — it means you find enough value in another person to give them your affection rather than an item. Kissing someone at the Giving Festival is typically a sign of courtship.”

“Courtship?” He questioned curiously. “You carry that tradition around here? Didn't take you for an old-school type of girl.”

“Well,” you sang, causing him to chuckle. “The elders call it that. I mean, it’s just dating among the younger generations.”

He hummed, slow movements swaying you to and fro. As he danced with you around the statue, passing the band that played their gentle tune, he noticed the beautiful flowers on the floor and stopped to pick one up. With gentle fingers, he tucked it behind your ear and gave you a small smile when he noticed how red your cheeks had become. Just like the flower in your hair.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked gently, tucking away a strand of hair that fell in front of your face.

You tilted your head up to him, smiling to hide the fact that your heart was practically beating out of his chest.

“Yes,” you breathed, your stomach twisting with anticipation.

His hand cupped the back of your head, the other gently resting against your back. Hunter pulled you close enough for your chests to touch before he lowered his head, lips skimming over your own.

“Are you certain about this?” You whispered against his lips. “You hardly know me.”

“I know enough to be certain I want to kiss you,” he hummed. “Are you?”

You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head.

“Just kiss me, handsome,” you said with a smile. “We’ll figure out the rest later.”

He smiled as he kissed you, lips curled in amusement even after your lips collided. You couldn’t help but giggle against his mouth when his hand wove through your hair. It was an even bigger surprise when he dipped you, earning a few cheers and hoots of encouragement from those who stood by — including Omega and Lyana who seemed to be the loudest (and happiest) of the spectators.

When he pulled away, he never truly left. He kept his hand interwoven with yours, keeping you by his side as the dancing resumed and the festivities regained their upbeat tempo. Hunter pulled you out of the crowd and even though you didn’t return to the dance, the night continued with you showing him various different things throughout the market. From different juice stands to candies (which he denied rather quickly), you showed Hunter all that the market had to offer before stealing him away to show him the island itself.

While Omega and his brothers were distracted with the festival, you brought Hunter to the sandy shores. You removed your shoes and coaxed him to do the same before dragging him to the water. He cringed at how cold it was and stiffened when you splashed him, earning a glare that slowly turned into a smile when you turned to run away, laughing as loud and freely as one could.

And so the night continued — with music echoing from the city while water splashed and laughter bubbled from the sandy shores. The Giving Festival continued into the morning, and when Omega and Lyana tiredly returned home to find Hunter still missing, the two girls shared a knowing look that washed their fatigue away. They gossiped back and forth about you and Hunter, whispers turning into giggles that then turned into gasps when they realized that Hunter might, someday - possibly - plant roots on Pabu.

It occurred to Omega then, as she sat on the floor of Lyana’s bedroom surrounded by blankets and pillows and snacks, that the Giving Festival did, in fact, give her something. It wasn’t jewelry and it wasn’t candy, although she did hold every gift very close to her heart. It wasn’t Lyana and the new friends she’d made that night, including you and all the others she met.

It was a new home — and that was the gift that Omega found herself cherishing the most.

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(i'll be replying to comment reblogs in the comments of this post! just so that there isn't too much clutter on the dash 🫶🏼 a huge thank you to those who always have something nice to say about my writing. i might not always respond but please know that you all have my heart and my endless thanks for being so kind and encouraging. may the universe give back the same kindness you've given me, and i having nothing but love for you all!)

#hunter x fem!reader #hunter the bad batch #the bad batch #hunter #hunter tbb #bad batch hunter #hunter bad batch #hunter x reader #hunter x reader fluff #fluff #sw tbb #hunter fanfic #hunter fluff

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badbatcher-99 · 29 days

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This weeks episode theories ✨ 🧠

So we have two ✌️ episodes this week!!! “Identity crisis” and “point of no return”. Let’s start with Identity crisis!!!

Identity crisis:

More than likely this is an omega centered episode (based on what she experienced with Ventress). Even though omega is told she isn’t force sensitive I think she finds out that she is. I think it would be interesting if she finds this out in a dream or through a force vision experience (like Luke on Dagobah where he fought the vision of Vader). I do think either Cad Bane or CX-2 (or both) show up as a prelude to the empires presence on pabu. Aka we see omega struggling with her identity and at the same time we see cad bane and CX-2 infiltrate the island. The bad batch have all their attention on fighting off bane that CX-2 is able to do whatever he wants and HE is the one that calls in the empire.

In the trailer I notice that CX is approaching the storm troopers and is not WITH them, that’s why I think he infiltrates the island alone. The house cad bane is in looks kind of like pabu idk. 🤷. Anyway, I do think the empire invading pabu is a cliff hanger at the end of this episode.

I am curious on which CX clone this is. It’s more then likely CX-2 but it’s obvious that there are more then 3 shadow clones. I don’t think CX-2 would return to the empire after failing a mission, I think he would be immediately terminated if he did. I think CX-2 being on pabu is him completing the mission. I think the shadow clones pursue a mission until it’s completed or they die trying.

It would have been interesting if the injuries and fall CX-2 sustained in the other episodes undid his brainwashing or idk jogged a few brain cells for him to start questioning his purpose and who he was and THAT would be the identity crisis. (Cause I’m like 80% certain it’s tech after the early reviews responses lolllll) buuuut I doubt. I think it could be explored in the future tho.

Point of no return:

This whole episode is the invasion of pabu and omega getting taken. I think the “point of no return” is the bad batch joining Rex on his clone rebellion group. It makes sense to me. Like once they join that group there is no going back, they are 100% enemies to the empire. (They always have been in some way, but not to this extent being actual rebels) I say this because the only way they’re going to find tantis is if they work together with Rex/echo and the other clones. They’ll need help and Rex and echo need help too. That’s why we see the batch going on missions. Though I also suspect that phee is working with them on finding all the pabu civilians??? I think they rescue Shep in the trailer.

I am highly HIGHLY suspicious of whether tech comes back or not. I think the most popular topic of discussion at the moment is whether tech is alive or not and some of the reviewers said that many of us would be very happy. Also I think the yellow heart is a little wink I’m not sure.

If tech does come back I’m assuming it’s closer to the end of the show. Like OOO SURPRISE I’m no longer brainwashed and hemlock didn’t factor that into his evil plans and now I can help omega escape from the inside muwhahaha iddddkkkk I went from being 50% about him returning to 80%!!!

I’m bringing this back but I really do think he will cause it’s The bad batch!!! The theme song has hardly been played and when it has it’s been fractured (since tech and echo are gone) I firmly believe that the finale will be the gang all together! THE CALVARY HAS ARRIVED!!!! IDK I’m delusional

#the bad batch #tbb #star wars #bad batch #star wars tbb #tbb s3 spoilers #bad batch season 3 spoilers #tbb season 3 spoilers #the bad batch spoilers #tbb speculation

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523rdrebel · 14 days

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Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10

Chapter 10 - The Start of Something New

Chapter Summary: Crosshair, Bells, and the Batch enjoy the Festival. Bells and Crosshair take small steps to learn how to navigate their relationship.

Rating: T, SFW

Warnings: None

A/N: So so sorry for taking so long to continue this story. I went on hiatus and then hit an unfortunate bout of writer's block. Fair warning this chapter begins Part Two of Sunflowers and Blasters which will have a bit of a tonal shift. We are still focusing on Crosshair and Bells's relationship, but I'll be introducing more original characters, quite a lot of backstory for our favorite sunshine medic, and even some angst and action. If that isn't something you're interested in, no worries, and no pressure to keep reading. <3

Thanks so much for your patience with me and I hope you enjoy!

Crosshair divider by Snotbuggle, Star and Moon Dividers by Saradi

Wrecker came up in between them wrapping his arms around their shoulders and dragging them along with a firm squeeze back toward the festival, “Come on, you two! There’s a whole festival to enjoy…together.” He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed, loud and boisterous.

“Ugh–” Crosshair groaned and rolled his eyes, but didn’t fight Wrecker guiding them back towards the Festival.

Once they reentered the bright, joyful lights, surrounded once again by the cacophony of sound from a village temporarily uninhibited by responsibilities, Wrecker released the pair and jogged off as he caught sight of Daisy passing nearby, drawn like a moth to a flame.

Left alone, there was this weight of uncertain pressure between Crosshair and Isabella. They’d flirted often, drawn inexplicably towards each other from the moment Crosshair had entered Isabella’s clinic, but now, they stood on the precipice of an undeniable change. They stood close together but not touching, hesitant but with an electric undercurrent of expectation. Isabella glanced to the side, observing Crosshair’s body language for any clues on his thoughts. Her hand twitched and she fought the urge to grab his hand and drag him along.

She heard Crosshair sigh through his nose, bringing her gaze back to his face as he rolled his eyes. The back of his hand brushed against hers, electric sparks shooting through her body causing a barely suppressed shiver.

“Well…” Isabella began, leaning slightly to brush her shoulder against his, “Where to?”

He leans in conspiratorially, “We could just leave…”

“Not so fast, Cross. You can’t go to a Festival and not play obviously rigged games. It’s tradition.”

“Rigged games–”

“Come on!” Instinctively she reached out for his hand, but stopped short and instead held out her hand palm up. An invitation.

Crosshair eyed the hand for only a moment before grasping her open palm within his, reveling in the sensation of her soft, warm fingers wrapped around his. He let her lead him through the busy streets of the festival, much as Omega had led them earlier that evening, his eyes cataloging her form- her hair, her smile, her bright, twinkling laugh. How long would he be able to hold on to her? How long until he broke her, too? But he pushed those unwelcome thoughts down, down into his mind avoiding the cold grip of fear he was all too accustomed to.

The evening passed in a dizzying blur of activity. Bells led Crosshair to all of her favorite sections of the Festival: Lantern lighting, hand crafted art and trinkets, exotic foods, dancers and musical performers and games of skill. At one game Wrecker took on a feat of strength, lifting a large boulder and spinning around to launch the rock across a number of lines indicating the distance thrown. Shep, surprisingly, tossed his boulder just a hair farther than Wrecker to the shocked cheers of many onlookers. Wrecker congratulated Shep with a crushing hug, lifting the man off the ground and laughing joyously.

Echo and Hunter challenged Crosshair and Tech to a game strategy and cooperation, followed shortly after by Wrecker and Omega who joined the competition. One of each team of two was blindfolded and sent into a maze, the partner perched atop their shoulders to direct them through the maze. It was a highly competitive game, each team yelling directions and orders or attempting to distract or mislead the opposing team. Hunter, Tech, and Wrecker were blindfolded, their partners secured upon their shoulders and the game began. Echo kept purposely directing Hunter into walls when he tried to use his heightened senses to tell Echo where he thought they should go. Crosshair communicated almost solely through various forms of grunts and growls, frustrating Tech to no end, “Use. Your. Words. Crosshair.” Wrecker and Omega made it through the maze in less than five minutes, having no difficulties communicating and Omega only directed them to a dead end twice. Wrecker and Omega were adorned with beautifully crafted flower crowns for their victory and Wrecker promptly offered his to a blushing, giggling Daisy.

Bells nudged Crosshair with her elbow, directing his attention towards Wrecker and Daisy, “He went off to talk to Dai-sy.” She beamed at the pair across the way, “She's my favorite baker on the island. Wrecker’s had a crush on her for ages…”

Crosshair rolled his eyes, “I know– he’s been insufferable. Mooning at her for months.”

“He asked me for some advice, didn’t quite know how to start talking to her.”

“You?” He remarked dryly.

She elbowed his waist sharply this time, “Believe it or not, Cross, I am actually a woman. I’m familiar with our wiley ways.” She wiggled her fingers at him playfully.

“Do go on…”

“Excuse you! Those are protected trade secrets. I can't reveal them to just anybody.”

He snorted and directed another eye roll at her.

She sighed and shook her head, then shrugged, “Well, I’m hungry. Come with me?”

“I suppose. Wouldn't want to leave you and your wiley ways unsupervised…”

After their hunger was satisfied, they decided upon one last game. “Saving the best for last,” she’d said, and led him to a stall with a rudimentary game of accuracy. The stall was set up with holo-targets at three levels of difficulty and an old short-range training blaster rifle was provided for all who wished to take on the “challenge.” Crosshair scoffed, but Bells beamed at him and stepped up to the stall.

Crosshair stood back observing quietly, taking it all in. He was happy, happier than he'd been in a long time, if ever. He watched Bells laughing with Wrecker who had come over to cheer for her.

He watched as she set her stance like he’d taught her, leveled the rifle, and took aim. She was still wearing his borrowed jacket. The corner of his mouth twitched. He approached her from behind while she took her first two shots, nailing the bullseye, then just to the right. She aimed again, nailing the next two with intense focus. He smirked and ran a hand up her back under his jacket and leaned close to whisper in her ear, “Don’t get distracted…” She jumped, barely hitting the outer ring of the target and she turned on him, blushing profusely, “Cross!”

Crosshair chuckled quietly, “Works every time…” His gaze swept over the targets, “Well, you still hit the target…barely. Might have to work on your focus, Bells.”

She crossed her arms over her chest with a huff, mumbling under her breath, “Kiss the man once in a secluded garden and suddenly he gets bold.”

It was getting late, the crowds had thinned and many stalls had begun to clear away. Lighting around the Festival areas were dimmed to a low, soft ambiance. Hunter and Omega had bid their goodnights an hour or so prior and the rest of the Batch had scattered elsewhere. Crosshair and Bells walked the darkened quiet streets of Pabu’s upper levels, meandering a path towards Bells’s home. When they finally approach the door, Bells tapped the entry pad and the door opened with a woosh. The pair lingered in the entrance, hushed and unwilling to break the spell and end the night.

After what could have been seconds or hours, locked in a stalemate with ever encroaching time, Crosshair wraped one arm around her waist and pulled her close. The other hand softly cradled the back of her neck and he pressed a soft, teasing kiss to her lips before releasing her with a knowing smirk, “‘Night, Bells.” Once again he walked out her door leaving her breathless and hopelessly wanting more.

She shook her head and slowly began getting ready for bed, her mind occupied with a mixture of memories and sensations from the evening and fanciful fabrications of an evermore possible future. As she exited the ‘fresher, her busy mind was abruptly broken from its revelry by a strange beeping sound. Isabella froze, listening for the sound. It came from a storage unit she hadn’t touched since arriving on Pabu some years ago. The sound stopped and she squeezed her eyes shut against the burning cold dread, clenched her jaw, and climbed into bed. With some effort, she redirected her thoughts back to the pleasant events of the evening, her breathing slowing until sleep finally found her.

She dreamt of a beautiful picnic with friends and loved ones from Pabu. Desi and Taayo were there, a young, nameless child crawling around them. Crosshair was there, as were his brothers and sister, the banter and laughter flowing freely. Other residents of Pabu made an appearance as well. All the while, a shadow hovered just out of sight, at the corners of her vision she knew it was there. She knew the shadow, but could not recall it’s name. She turned to ask, only to have it move once more just outside of her vision and then was gone. The rest of the night no more dreams troubled her.

Ye Olde Taglist:

@jediknightjana @dangraccoon @wizardofrozz @freesia-writes @mythical-illustrator

@echoxbuggs @trixie2023 @ezras-left-thumb @sweetcream-coldfoam

@anxiouspineapple99 @wings-and-beskar @starrylothcat @secondaryrealm @arctrooper69

@littlemissmanga @wolffegirlsunite @sev-on-kamino @dystopicjumpsuit @idontgetanysleep

@clonemedickix @followthepurrgil @clonethirstingisreal

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campbyler · 6 months

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Who are the Party’s acnh dreamies, and did they get them? Also, do they have Happy Home Paradise?

Completely unrelated, but I’ve had the random urge to play animal crossing all week. And I’ve felt this weird connection to Isabelle. Strange. /s

(I’m so sad that I never got to play New Leaf, but I had a DSI instead of a 3DS so I couldn’t play any of the cool games 😔)

OHHH THIS ASK IS FOR MEEEE IT’S FOR ME!!!!!

i definitely think they have all their dreamies!!! dustin absolutely makes his own amiibos so i think he helps everyone get who they want. i also think he gets involved in a lot of discords and treasure islands so even for the 8 new villagers that didn’t have amiibos at the time, he def had a billion nmt and was very lucky with villager hunting lol. in terms of who their dreamies aaarrrrreeee…

mike: lucky, ankha, wolfgang!! i think those are the only 3 he super cares about and likes to have a rotation + enjoys villager hunting. he just vibes with whoever and isn’t super picky but i think he’s attached to the 3 i picked because he had them in new leaf and they’re his Friends.

will: ruby, coco, sasha, gaston, teddy!! i know that him being bunny coded is affecting my vision but i’m correct. he lovvveeeesss bunnies and i think he’d love ruby and coco so much bc they’re cute but also a little creepy looking so he’d feel bad for them. and i think gaston is so silly looking that he is obsessed with him. teddy is bc he reminds will of a real life walter :)

max: agent s, hazel, keaton, katt, bob!! quite a few but she’s definitely super picky. i think she hardcore judges villagers for being ugly but has also decided some “ugly” ones are so ugly they’re cute (hazel and katt) and they are her ride or die’s. she didn’t seek them out they sought Her and she vibes. definitely hits villagers she hates with a net and sends them hate mail even though that increases friendship with them lol. hates sheep villagers.

el: dotty, audie, pekoe, beardo, greta, scoot, tia, faith, dobie, papi!! obviously a full list but she went through and made sure she had one of each personality type and doubled up on her fave types (normal and peppy). she is def into aesthetics but also thinks some of them are funny!! like scoot with his hat and beardo (who reminds her of hop)

lucas: benjamin, lucky, daisy, butch, shep, cherry! truthfully i think he loves dogs and would have a whole dog island. the ones listed are his absolute faves and the other spots he kind of just rotates as necessary until he finds a personality combo that he likes!!

dustin: raymond, marshal, shino, sherb, zucker, merengue, julian, judy, roald, pietro!! sorry that he is the way he is. he sells villagers on the black market and then just puts them back in his town. it’s not my fault (it is).

2 me they all share a nintendo switch online family plan, so they all technically have hhd! i think mike, dustin, and el are the only ones who actually really play it tho. el tells will he would love it and will doesn’t listen but he might suddenly have another interest in acnh and specifically hhd starting in september 2023. who knows. (i know.)

also you didn’t ask but dustin and mike time travel. sorry about it!!!!

#asks #acswy reference #bc this is important.

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teamfreewill-imagine · 11 months

Text

I Know Your Wife (She Wouldn’t Mind) - Part Fifty-Nine

Summary: Austin is hit by a storm and you distract yourself with a Q&A with your followers. Your pregnancy is coming to an end as Jensen, Danneel, and the kids come to visit. Words: 2k + instagram stories Jared x Reader x Gen Warnings: pregnancy, mild angst

I Know Your Wife Masterpost

When the storm hit, you had to work extra hard not to completely freak out.

You were supposed to be going to your 18 week scan, hopefully finally finding out whether you were having girls or boys seeing as they’d remained stubbornly in the wrong position throughout the 16 week checkup, but obviously you weren’t able to get there due to the road conditions.

A pipe burst in the house, flooding the floor of what was supposed to be the twins’ nursery and caving in some of the ceiling underneath, and both Jared and Gen insisted that you didn’t help with the cleanup so that you didn’t cause yourself any unnecessary stress at that time.

You had no power or internet connection, so you couldn’t stream, or even call your parents to check in, and it was absolutely freezing outside of the house so searching for connection elsewhere was out of the question. The only real positive of the situation was watching the kids and the dogs play in the snow once it was safe to go outside.

Almost as swiftly as the storm arrived and caused havoc, it was over. The sun came out, the snow melted away and, apart from the future nursery’s water damage, everything went back to normal.

When you eventually got back from your rearranged scan, you decided to hold a little Instagram stories Q&A as you’d been MIA during the whole storm.

You wanted to get back in touch with your followers, especially seeing as Gen was so active and, frankly, making you look bad.

You posted the ‘Ask me anything’ to your story and were shocked at how fast questions started coming in. You found a show to watch in the background while everybody was out before properly settling in to answer some questions.

By the time you'd answered most of the more frequently asked questions, everyone else had returned from their walk.

Bailey was clearly exhausted, walking straight over to you in the living room and flopping down at your feet.

"Did they wear you out, baby?" you asked, scratching between her ears. "You'd always be home with me if you had the choice, huh?"

“She had fun,” Tom told you, coming to sit beside you.

You put your arm over his shoulders, pulling him closer to you.

“Did you?” you asked him.

“Yeah,” he confirmed, leaning against you. “Did you have a good afternoon?”

“I’ve been super lazy,” you admitted, earning a laugh from Genevieve as she walked in.

She leaned in to kiss the top of your head before sitting down on the other end of the couch.

“You’ve got babies to grow, you’re doing your best,” she reminded you.

“I’ve been watching Glee and posting on instagram,” you deadpanned, earning another laugh which made you crack into a smile.

Dallas came in at a run, giggling as Shep chased behind her, Jared following with an exasperated smile.

“Thanks,” you told him as he handed you a lemonade.

You took a sip, offering some to Tom before resting it down.

“No worries,” he told you, picking up the remote control as he sat down.

He stopped the box set and put on a movie that the kids would enjoy, the six of you settling in to watch in a comfortable silence.

*****

Everything continued as normal.

Your time was split between parenting, dog-walking, and streaming - your viewership still growing steadily. You were still in contact with the game production team, spending a few days in the studio to record your sound between scans and all of your other commitments.

By June 30th you were officially the most pregnant you had ever been, and you could absolutely feel it. Your date schedule had stayed in place up until you hit 35 weeks in your pregnancy, your body too tired for any other activities while carrying two healthy babies.

Getting out of bed was a struggle, your belly was so heavy and stretched tight. Your back and boobs had been aching for what felt like months now, and by this point you realised you couldn’t focus on anything for an extended period of time. You sent out a tweet to your followers, joking about going on maternity leave as you couldn’t sit and stream for hours on end anymore.

All of your scans had been positive, and you’d been talking about names for the past couple of weeks. After Dallas came early, you tried to get that conversation going earlier on than in your last pregnancy, which was reassuring as you entered the last few weeks as you felt like you could bond with your babies a bit easier, using the names you’d shortlisted.

You were sat in the nursery which had been complete a few months now, in the same rocking chair that you had in Dallas’ nursery in Vancouver, while you called your parents for your regularly scheduled catch up.

“I’d stand up and show off the bump but honestly I’d rather die,” you jibed, and Danneel laughed while Jensen rolled his eyes,

“I remember that feeling,” Danneel sympathised.

“We’ll be down in a couple days anyway,” Jensen reminded you, and you smiled.

“I can’t believe you’ve nearly been my parents for four years,” you mused, knowing they were coming down to celebrate your adoption anniversary.

“I’ve been your dad for nearly five if we’re honest,” Jensen commented.

“I meant officially,” you laughed, “but you’re right. I can’t wait to see you guys, it’s been too long.”

“I kinda thought the twins would be born by the time we got down,” Danneel admitted. “I was hoping I’d get snuggles.”

You matched her wistful smile.

“We’ll be down for a week,” your father reminded both of you. “A lot can happen in a week.”

“That’s true,” you agreed. “When I found out I was pregnant, I was hoping to go full 40 this time, but now we’re over 37 weeks and I’m just about ready to actually burst.”

You sighed, running a hand over your bump.

“Not to sound uncharacteristically optimistic, but I think I’m ready for them to come now.”

“I for one would not complain if I got to have grandpa cuddles on our trip down,” Jensen chimed in. “And I’m sure JJ and our twins would be pumped to meet them.”

“We’ll see,” you smiled. “If they’re as stubborn and contrary as me, they’ll probably stay in for weeks now that I’ve admitted I’m ready.”

They smiled fondly, and you bit your lip as you considered your next words.

“I know it’s late, but-”

“She’s still up,” Danneel told you before you could even finish your thought. “We put her to bed but made the error of telling her we were about to call you.”

“I’ll get her,” Jensen told you, getting to his feet to go and retrieve your sister.

“She asks about you every day, you know?” Danneel told you. “Always asking about Dallas and the babies, too.”

Your heart fluttered at her words.

“It’s been so weird doing it all without you guys around,” you admitted. “Jared and Gen have been great, it’s just so different from last time.”

She smiled sadly.

“Two days, sweetie,” she reminded you. “We’ll all be reunited again. You can show off the cute new nursery in person.”

You nodded, grinning as you heard Jensen and JJ coming down the stairs.

“I can’t wait.”

*****

“Are you sure you’re good to drive?” Gen asked as you grabbed your keys on Friday afternoon.

“I’m good,” you promised, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek as Jared picked up his keys as well. “There’s five of them to pick up, plus their luggage. Two cars makes sense.”

“I don’t think she’ll spend another second sat here when she knows they’re in the city,” Jared reasoned, bending down to help Dallas into her shoes. “Neither of them will.”

“We’re seein’ Grandpa,” Dallas told him proudly, getting to her feet and taking your hand.

“Yeah we are,” you smiled, looking back at an unconvinced Genevieve. “Babe, I’m fine. If my water breaks I’ll already be in the car anyway, easier to get to the hospital.”

Her mouth dropped open in shock and Jared ushered you and your daughter out of the door before she could stop you.

“She’s kidding,” he told his wife, wrapping his arms around her as you and Dallas got into your car. “We’ll be fine. Just picking them up from the airport, we’ll be right back.”

“Make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid,” Gen murmured, pulling him down for a kiss. “No lifting things.”

“She can barely put her clothes on herself, she’s not lifting anything,” he promised, pulling back and stepping outside. “We’ll see you soon.”

*****

You rubbed at the small of your back as you waited at the arrivals gate, Jared with Dallas on his shoulders as you scanned the crowd for your parents and siblings.

“Do you want to go and sit?” Jared asked, looking down at you in concern.

You shook your head, breathing carefully as you stretched your back out.

“I can sit when we get home,” you reminded him. “I’ve missed them, can’t wait another second longer than I need to.”

He huffed a small laugh, and you looked up at him, wrapping an arm around his waist.

“I appreciate you doing this,” you told him, quiet enough that your daughter wouldn’t hear. “After everything with The Winchesters-”

“They’re your parents,” he replied, meeting your gaze. “It hurt but I can’t hold a grudge, not when they’re such a big part of your life, of our daughter’s life.”

You pressed a kiss to his shoulder, grateful that he was able to consider it water under the bridge for the benefit of you and Dallas. It had come as a surprise to both of you when Jensen had made the post earlier that week, and Jared had taken it considerably harder than you had, but knowing how important your relationship with your parents was to you, he’d been able to push it to the side.

“Grandpa!”

Dallas’ shout and light tug on Jared’s hair grabbed both of your attention, and you looked over to see your family making their way through the crowd.

Dallas scrambled to get down and Jared laughed as he helped her, putting her down in front of him but holding her shoulders so she didn’t run off until they got closer.

Jensen broke out into a little jog and Jared let her run to him, both of you watching with fond smiles as he picked your daughter up under her arms and span her around.

“Surprised you’re not running too,” Jared joked, and you looked down at your bump.

“I would be if these guys weren’t in the way,” you grumbled, grinning as JJ came running up to you.

“Don’t pick me up,” she reminded you as she wrapped her arms around you, and you laughed as you held her against you.

“You’re getting too big anyway,” you told her, smiling at Danneel as she finally reached you with the twins and bags in tow.

“I thought you were joking when you said you’re ready to burst,” she told you, letting the twins run to you as she hugged Jared. “Good to see you.”

Jared smiled as he hugged back before crouching to greet the kids as Jensen came over with Dallas on his hip.

“Nonna,” Dallas giggled, reaching for Danneel.

“Hey baby girl,” she smiled, taking her from her husband so he could give you a hug.

You hugged him tight - well, as tight as you could with two babies in the way.

“Let’s get you home, we can catch up there,” he told you, picking up his bags.

Jared grabbed Danneel’s bag and you and Danneel took two kids each as you made your way back out to the cars.

“I’ve missed you,” JJ admitted, squeezing your hand.

You squeezed back before letting go to find your keys in your pocket.

“It’s been too long,” you agreed, unlocking your car and helping Zep into his car seat. “I hope we never have to leave it this long again.”

#ikyw #jared x reader #spn rpf #jared x reader x gen #jared padalecki #jensen ackles #danneel ackles #gen padalecki

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silversiren1101 · 6 months

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Not-not tagged by various mutuals for this so I tried my own hand! Most of my OCs appear fully formed like Athena bursting from Zeus' head so instead I tried to dissect the subconscious inspirations that Mino could have been born from.

Aragorn: Look LOTR is the most formative piece of media in my entire life. You see a Rohirrim cavalry charge when you're like 8 and it imprints on you forever and ever, okay? Anyway, Aragorn as the natural born destined leader that spends the majority of his life denying and running from it, but has such a strong sense of duty and morality that he cannot in good conscience abandon those that need him? He steps up anyway despite how much he does not want it nor thinks he deserve it because he just can't let his companions/his love/the world fall? Mino is very Aragorn coded, lol. The destined Leader/Deity|King that embodies everything they avoid being and Do Not Want, and accepts in the end that heavy crown with duty and grace.

Jheraal: From Liane Merciel's, Hellknight! Mino already existed when I started reading this novel but a lot of Jheraal's characterization and Hellknights in general refined Mino more and more. Mino was an HK investigator only because this novel showed me that was a thing they could be, and same for the concept of Hellknight Foundlings! A lot of Jheraal's struggles being accepted and respected as a tiefling also play into Mino's own struggles as a ganzi.

Satine Kryze (-> Bo-Katan Kryze): Mino is both the Kryzes in a sense, starting off as idealist Satine that firmly and so stubbornly believes in doing things in the way she deems is right, no matter how much people fight and push against that and how difficult it is. She's clever and exceptionally diplomatic, ready to risk her own life and body to do what she thinks is right and bound by her duty to the people. Then, of course, Satine... I see a lot of what happened to Satine as Mino's own fate at the hands of House Thrune, but rather than death she instead takes on a lot more aspects of Bo-Katan.

Brigitte: Brigitte is way too cute and cool a character to be left in the cesspit that is Overwatch. Much of Brigitte's visual design has inspired Mino's, and so has the bright and peppy jock personality.

Shepard: Jaded military veteran leading a crew of people she cares so intensely about, becoming a special type of operative both bound by and outside of the law, having to deal with the mire of bureaucracy and resorting to a gun (hammer) when things must be done? Willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get the mission done and save everyone? Lots of Shep in Mino.

Koby: I'm surprised I only found one anime inspiration! But Koby is my baby boy and as a long term One Piece fan, his story of wanting to be a Marine (which from the onset in OP the audience is pointed to see as 'the antagonists') and actually do real good and be a champion for justice in the people even in spite of seeing nothing but corruption from them thus far speaks a lot of how I view fantasy law enforcement and characters like that. Mino wanting to be a Hellknight and seeing it as her calling mirrors a lot of Koby's own ideals with the Marines, and both spend their years in each respective organizing emerging powerful, confident, successful in their dreams, and with a huge glow-up (lol).

#ask meme #ask game #oc: minovae arangeir #character inspiration

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multi-fan-dom-madness · 8 months

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Chapter 21: Baatir (Second Chances - Hunter x reader)

Baatir. v. care, worry about

Chapter summary: You and Hunter spend some time getting to know Pabu.

Chapter warnings: mentions of anxiety and vigilance as a trauma response; dialogue lifted directly from the show but not a 1-to-1 translation of 02x13; Hunter (a warning all on his own); slightly suggestive so 16+ but this entire work is building to 18+ so minors skedaddle; if I missed anything please let me know!

Word Count: 3,239

< Previous chapter | Next chapter >

You misunderstood Phee Genoa, you quickly realize.

Warm, salty air fills your lungs with a heavy sense of comfort, one that is both reassuring and unsettling. Gazing up at the large stone structure at the edge of the courtyard, you fidget with your exoskeletal armor. Sweat beads against your skin and collects in your curves; you grimace, wondering if it would be rude to step away to doff the exoskeleton. But you don’t want to miss out on the conversation carrying on just a few feet away.

Shep Hazard and his daughter Lyana had graciously greeted you as you disembarked your ship, and embraced Phee like an old friend. They’d called this place Pabu, a haven for refugees. Hunter’s eyes had met yours then. You’d seen the same hope flickering in your chest ignite in his eyes.

“That’s the Archium,” Phee explains, drawing your attention. She sweeps her arms out in a grand gesture. “It holds artifacts of cultural significance to many of Pabu’s residents.”

You blink. “So all your treasure hunting—”

“—has been for Pabu,” she finishes your sentence with a coy smile. “These people took me in when I needed it, so I help them in the only way I know how.”

“Phee, that’s...amazing,” you say. You’d truly never realized she did what she did with real purpose; and to be fair, you’d never even thought to ask. “Can we see the inside?”

“I would like that, as well,” Tech interjects, one finger raised. “I am most intrigued to study the artifacts you have gathered here.”

Phee pats Tech’s shoulder. “All in due time, Brown Eyes. First, dinner.”

“Aw-yeah-ha-ha!” Wrecker cheers. “I’m starving!”

“When are you not?” Tech says. He follows behind Phee, peering around at the courtyard’s architecture.

Wrecker shrugs off the half-hearted insult. “C’mon, Tech. Real food. Even you can’t say you’re not excited about that.”

Tuning out their banter, you find Hunter already gazing at you, care and patience etched across his face. Your breath catches for a moment. He looks resplendent in the tropical afternoon sun, his tanned skin glowing with life, natural highlights shining in his curls.

“Nav, Hunter, come on!” Omega calls, already halfway across the courtyard.

You chuckle. “Coming, kid!” To Hunter, you say, “Shall we?”

He gestures for you to go first. “By all means, cyare.”

You have to suppress the giddy grin that threatens to break over your face. He falls into step beside you, and the pair of you follow the rest as Phee, Shep, and Lyana lead the way to the Hazard family estate. Twice your hands brush, knuckles kissing, and sparks zing up your arm at the contact. Each time you glance up at Hunter. He doesn’t acknowledge your questioning look—until it happens again, and you catch the tiniest smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. Shaking your head, you loop your pinky finger with his for just a moment. In that moment, you squeeze, trying to convey everything you still want to say to him: you want to know all there is to know about him, but mostly, you just want to tell him ‘thank you.’

He seems to understand what you’re attempting to communicate when he squeezes back.

Then the moment passes and you let your hand drop back to your side.

Shep Hazard’s words float to you on the humid air. “...oldest part of the island. As we’ve grown over the years, we’ve expanded below the wall into Lower Pabu.”

Letting your eyes wander, you drink in everything the island has to offer. Trees bursting with ripe fruit, children scampering up and down streets playing tag, cozy wooden homes lit cheerfully from within; and farther out, the vast ocean, waves coruscating in the sunlight: this whole place seems like a dream. A paradise. Too good to be true. But stars, how you want it to be real.

Your mouth moves before you realize you’re speaking, externalizing your train of thought. “You mentioned that the villagers here are refugees.”

Shep turns and gives you a warm smile. “Many, yes.” He stops, gesturing to the neat rows of homes that cling to the mountainside. “Pabu has been a safe haven for those forced to flee their homes during the war.”

“And you’re not worried the Empire will show up?” Hunter asks.

“Why would they?” Shep chuckles, not unkindly, but you recognize the humor he finds in the question. “We’re a remote island with limited resources. But if they do, we’ll manage.”

You all lapse back into silence for the rest of the walk. Though it isn’t far, you encounter many smiling faces, each of them open and welcoming. These people know what it’s like to lose your home, to need the safe presence of community. In the weathered, sun-kissed lines of one elderly woman, you find yourself reminiscing on the woman who ran the orphanage and practically raised you. In the toothy, crooked smile of a young couple who waves to Shep and Phee, you find Arien and her family. And in Lyana’s excited giggles as she and Omega chase each other up the street, you find your tiny spark of hope steadily growing into a cautious flame.

With a broad smile, Shep pushes open a wooden gate and ushers you all into an outdoor patio, screened above with flowering vines. “I’ll be back in just a moment with food.”

Wrecker excitedly seats himself at the rough-hewn table in the center of the patio, his eyes gleaming. Tech seats himself across from his brother, nose buried in his datapad. You catch a glimpse of his screen—he furiously types notes about the vegetation and wildlife, small green monkey-like critters who chatter at you from the patio wall. With a smirk, you settle in the chair to Tech’s left. Phee takes the one to his right. Hunter lowers himself into a seat across from you. The two girls continue chasing one another, and it makes your heart soar to see Omega laughing so freely, getting to interact with a kid her own age.

“She seems to like it here,” Shep says as he returns, arms laden with platters of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish, along with a clay jug. “You know, a little stability might do you all some good.”

Only a well-placed kick under the table keeps Wrecker from grabbing an entire tray for himself. He shoots you an abashed grin, and waits for everyone else to grab their food before taking what’s left. And what is left is more food than you and the squad have probably seen in one place in a long, long time. Even Tech, who eats only the bare minimum, helps himself to seconds. The jug, you quickly learn, contains a berry-based alcohol sweeter than meiloorun; both you and Hunter down multiple cups.

“Dad, can we go down to the docks?” Lyana asks as soon as her plate is cleared.

Shep waves his hand with a glance at Hunter. There’s a slight flush high on Hunter’s cheeks, likely a combination of the drink and the setting sun, and he smiles in adoration at Omega’s pleading eyes.

“Be safe,” he says.

Cheering, Omega and Lyana bolt back out the wooden gate and disappear from view. Their giggles take longer to fade, but once they do, you find yourself studying Hunter once again. He looks...relaxed. Like island life has already sunk its hooks into him and drained all of his worries into the boundless ocean. You want to join him in his state of calm, but a lone worm of doubt remains, wriggling and insistent, in the pit of your stomach.

“So,” you begin, “stability.”

Shep turns his attention to you. Deep brown eyes meet yours steadily. “People only come to Pabu seeking a new life. A new beginning. As I said, we have limited resources; there is no real reason for the Empire to bother us here.”

“You haven’t met the Empire,” you say with a wry smile. “I want to believe you, I really do.”

“What’s holding you back?” Shep asks, his lilting voice soothing and grounding.

You hesitate. Shooting a miniscule glance to the others, you find Tech with his ear tilted towards you though his eyes remain fixated on his datapad; Wrecker picking at his teeth with a toothpick; and Hunter watching your conversation like a ball match. This is the opportunity you’ve been looking for, you know, the one you’ve been longing for without ever realizing what the ache in your chest meant. If you stay here, you have a higher chance of living the quiet, comfortable life that you and the squad deserve. The squad can stop being a ‘squad’ and start just being a family.

Sighing, you shrug, deflating. “Old habits.”

“I understand.” Shep rises from his seat. “You should tour the island. Perhaps that will put your worries at ease. Speak to the villagers, hear their stories. If you still have doubts, we can talk.”

Rolling the idea over in your mind for a long moment, you eventually nod. “Thank you.” Rising, you look down at yourself, but decide to leave the armor on. Never know if you’ll need the protection. Old habits truly do die hard.

“I’ll go with you,” Hunter says, standing as well. “Shep, thank you for hosting us. Everything was—”

“Amazing!” Wrecker interrupts. “I’m full! I’m never full.”

“I will note the date and time to commemorate such a momentous occasion,” Tech remarks.

“You...what?” Wrecker says.

Shaking your head in amusement, you step away from the table, Hunter a step behind you. You have no idea where to start, but the road from Shep’s home leads in one direction only, so you have no choice but to follow it as it winds down the slope. Tropical birds swoop overhead. Small green-gray primates chitter and scurry underfoot, freezing for a moment to stare with wide, blank eyes before darting off into the underbrush. It doesn’t take long for you to reach the first homes. Despite having just eaten, you can’t stop the way your mouth waters at the scents of spiced food, fresh-baked bread, and sweet desserts that waft to you.

“Thank you,” Hunter says as you pass by another row of houses.

You glance at him with a curious quirk of your brow. “For what?”

“What you said back there.” He gives a tight-lipped smile. “I want this to be real, too. But I have to consider every angle of the situation.”

Nodding, you let his words set in. Finding you have none to return, at least none that feel adequate, you simply reach your hand out. You lace your fingers through his, gloves sliding against gloves, but you can feel his warmth nonetheless. Some of the anxious knot in your chest unwind at the feeling.

Soft yellow porch lights begin to flicker on as the sun continues its inexorable descent to the horizon. The sky above you gently shifts hues, dazzling orange becoming painted purple becoming star-studded indigo. Walking hand-in-hand with Hunter down the quaint, even streets, you can almost imagine your life here, together, as a family.

A conversation from a nearby home becomes louder for a moment as the front door swings open. Curious, you turn to look, and find a small boy standing on the stoop. Dark hair cut close to his skin, his clothes are a little bit too big on his frame. He gives you both a wide smile and a wave before bounding off the stoop toward you.

“Hi!” he says. Even in the low light, you can see the gaps in his gums where his baby teeth have begun to fall out. “You’re the new people!”

Chuckling, you lower yourself to one knee to get on his level. “That’s right. How’d you know?”

He points back toward the top of the island. “New people always bring new ships.”

“That makes sense,” you say. “What’s your name, kid?”

“Min.” He beams, chest puffing out. “I’m the oldest!”

“Were you born here, Min?” you ask.

Shaking his head, he says, “No, but Ma brought me here when I was still a baby. She says I’m prac’ly from Pabu, which she likes because she didn’t like our old home.” He looks between you and Hunter, and his eyes widen. “Whoa! Is that a tattoo?”

Hunter chuckles and mirrors your pose. Min studies Hunter’s face with wide-eyed rapture, his jaw hanging open.

“That’s so cool,” he says, awe filling his voice.

“You should see the rest,” you say.

Min’s round eyes dart between both of you before he turns and sprints back towards his house. “Ma! Ma, guess what!” He yanks the front door open and disappears inside.

You find Hunter already staring at you when you glance at him. The look on his face is peculiar, pensive and hopeful and some other emotion you can’t identify in the low light. “What?”

“Nothing.” He shakes his head and stands, then holds his hand out to help you up. “Just...thinking.”

You hum. “Well, whenever you want to share those thoughts, I’m here.”

Twining your hands together again, Hunter tugs you along, moving farther and farther down the mountainside. Every few switchbacks, you pause to talk to someone: an old man who only recently relocated here with his adult daughter, who has seen the Empire up close and personal and says he’s never felt safer in his life than here on Pabu; a middle-aged woman and her wife, who have been here since the dawn of the Clone Wars, and who express some anxiety over the Empire but who firmly believe that Pabu is protected by its seclusion; and half a dozen more who all express similar sentiments.

By the time that you and Hunter reach the beach, the sun has taken all her light with her, leaving the island blanketed in full night. Stars twinkle in the dark sky. Waves crash against the shore, rhythmic and calming, the world’s heartbeat. You feel no need to rush. Even if taking your time feels foreign, you remind yourself there is no mission to complete, there is no mission to begin, there is just you and Hunter and the waves.

“So,” he says.

“So,” you echo.

His hooked nose is in sharp profile against the lights dotted across the island’s flanks when you glance at him. Broad shoulders and narrow waist, strong arms that just a few hours ago were holding you close in the hold of your ship. Your body warms at the memory.

With a soft chuckle, Hunter slows to a stop, forcing you to do the same. Lifting his free hand, he brushes his knuckles over your cheekbone. You can’t resist the impulse to nuzzle into his touch, eyes sliding shut, a contented sigh soughing from your lungs.

“I think we should stay,” he says, voice barely loud enough to hear over the crashing waves.

You nod, eyes still shut. “I agree. Everyone here... They seem convinced they’re safe. Every single one of them.”

“They’re either brainwashed or being genuine,” he muses.

You snort out a laugh. “If that’s brainwashing, how do I sign up?”

His fingers catch at the back of your neck, and you don’t have time to react before his lips are on yours. Sighing, you wrap your free arm around his broad shoulders. The noise of the beach fades as you embrace one another, mouths moving in sync, lips molding to one another like you were made for this. Your heart beats against your sternum, hard and demanding to be acknowledged.

“Are you okay?” he mumbles against your lips.

“Stars, yes,” you say. “Are you?”

Humming, he presses you closer, tilting his head to deepen the kiss. “Your heart. S’loud.”

Face flushing with embarrassment, you break away from him to gaze up into his darkened eyes. Forcing yourself to keep an even tone, you ask, “Is it a distraction?”

He blinks at you in confusion. “No.”

“Oh.”

“Was I supposed to say yes?” he asks.

You laugh lightly, relaxing. “No, sorry. I just—your senses. Do I ever overwhelm you?”

“All the time,” comes his immediate response. But the way he says it, like he’s grateful for your presence, for the way that you must flood his system and torture him, gives you pause. Your own confusion must show on your face because he continues, “You’re my safety net. Your scent, your heartbeat, your body’s electromagnetic impulses, all of it is...” He huffs a laugh. “I can’t get enough of you, cyare.”

Face warming for an entirely different reason, you do your best to ignore the way your core flutters with excitement at his admission. “So it’s okay for me to...I don’t know, sleep in your bunk without permission?”

He nods.

“And if I wanted to maybe wear your shirt and give it back, would that be acceptable?”

Jaw working, he nods again.

You press your luck and decide to ask one more. “And if I wanted to know how to make sure you can smell, feel, sense me for hours, what would you say?”

He gasps sharply through his nose, eyes studying your face intently. He seems to find whatever he’s looking for. Using his hand still around your neck, he tilts your head to the side, lowering his head to skim the tip of his nose up your sensitive skin. You feel the cool inhale of breath as a shiver dances up your spine. Your own breath caught in your throat, all you can do is stand there, trembling in his embrace, as he draws in your scent. You nearly whimper at the press of rough lips to the juncture of your neck and shoulder, the bite of his fingers as they tighten on your body, the low growl that vibrates from his chest.

And then he pulls back, breathing heavily. “Does that answer your question?”

Blinking, you can only nod. You open your mouth to respond, but no sound comes out, coherent thought having fled your capabilities.

Hunter chuckles and flashes a smug smirk. You want to be mad at the expression, but given that your knees are still shaky and that your brain is doing a hard reset, you can’t find it in you to hold it against him.

Tucking you against his side, your armor clatters together as he gently guides you back along the beach the way you came. The two of you move slowly; you can only imagine that he’s as reluctant for this private, stolen moment to end as you are.

So you dig in your heels, sinking into the damp sand. “We don’t have to go back yet.”

He looks down at you with a half smile. “The others—”

“—can comm us if anything comes up,” you finish for him. “C’mon. Sit with me. Talk with me.”

He watches in quiet amusement as you extricate yourself from his strong arms and plop down into the sand. Stretching your legs out, you pat the ground next to you, giving him your best pleading eyes.

“Sir, yes, sir,” he teases, lowering himself next to you, legs crossed at the ankle. “What do you wanna talk about?”

You beam at him, mind flashing to the holoscans back on your ship. “Everything. Anything. If we’re staying here, I want to get to know you better, not the sergeant.”

The look he gives you is so openly grateful that it steals your breath away.

Taglist: @the-hexfiles @fjordg @idoubleswearimawriter @thorsterstrudle @skellymom @dystopicjumpsuit @sinfulsalutations @starrylothcat @523rdrebel @freesia-writes @anxiouspineapple99 @wings-and-beskar @moonlightwarriorqueen @blueink-bluesoul @littlemissmanga @idontgetanysleep if I missed you I'm so sorry, I'll be working on a taglist form so that I can properly tag folks lol

#hunter x reader #hunter x gn!reader #tbb hunter x reader #rhiwrites #second chances #the bad batch x reader #tbb x reader

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515limit · 1 year

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jack x miranda

NOTE: this is just my opinion :) giga word doc incoming

Jack and Miranda is honestly my favorite non Shepard ship, I've always been a big fan of both of them and seeing them grow through the series is honestly one of the more interesting aspects of the game, not just for them but most of the characters on general. Jack goes from just a generally hateful person to genuinely caring individual no matter how hard she tries to act otherwise. Miranda obviously goes from being a blind follower of Cerberus for the purpose of recognition to finding her own path and purpose in life. I love seeing them interact after the fact in the Citadel dlc, where you can tell they try to keep that sense of normalcy as best they can so it's not awkward through their empty insults and banter, but i genuinely think they were happy to see they one another was alive. But still i kinda wanna break down their whole dynamic because they deserve it, and i'm bored, nothing else. I think they're an underrated ship with more evidence?? than people think. I don't like to say evidence necessarily because nuance is a thing, and i think their relationship in general was supposed to be something you read between the lines not entirely blatant.

So to start as soon as we start Jack's recruitment mission we hear about how mean and hatful she is, and get shown that as we play through it looking for her. She's clearly extremally powerful and portrayed as being kinda unhinged, not just in her actions but she tells us herself how bad of a person she is overall. However, as you spend time with her you see that's just not true, at least to the extent that she claims or is initially portrayed. She's scared, she's tortured. As a child and now as an adult in her head. She can't mentally escape Pagia, and it makes her lash out. She can't trust people, or maybe she doesn't even want to. She doesn't want to let people in. Jack is clearly a very emotional person, all of her noteworthy scenes in ME2 come from emotional outbursts. She's hurting and you can tell the most in her poetry that she writes and can read in the SB dlc. All of that is to say, Jack and Miranda don't hate each other. They hate themselves. I'll get to Miranda in a minute, but Jack and Miranda have no real reason to beef with each other initially, neither has ever done anything directly to the other, except they're famous fight after Jack's loyalty mission. The thing is Jack has a thing for just saying mean shit, she speaks before she thinks, just like when you're talking to her and trying to get to know her as a person. Jack calls Shep "Cerberus lapdog and a military stooge" even though she has no real way of knowing that. Depending on how you play Shepard that could even be the exact opposite, BUT she feels threatened. Shepard cares. At least enough to talk to her and get to know her, so she gets defensive and says the meanest things she can think of just to get a rise of of Shepard. She's not mean because she's actually a hateful person, but more as a defense mechanism to keep people away.

I'll come back to this! I wanna talk about Miranda now. Miranda desperately needs approval, it radiates off her. From the second we meet and are actually able to talk to her she's noticeably jealous of Shepard even if she denies it, you can tell she isn't happy about how much trust and importance has already been placed on Shepard over her (a loyal and dedicated Cerberus agent). and this isn't the only time either, later when you talk to her she says she doesn't get it. Why Shepard is great and she isn't. For renegade Shep she even brings up their lack of family and education, lamenting over how much better they are than her. She's has extreme self worth issues, something she can't get past to the point of bringing up how Shep is great even though they were poor and lived on the streets and whatever. She says those things and continues to talk about her dad and how she was supposed to be. Miranda doesn't see how that might upset Shepard because it's technically true, it's not meant as an insult, but just a statement. She just sees it as i was "born" better so i should have been. She's extremally tone deaf all of ME2. Just like how the illusive man, didn't know about the Cerberus facility Jack was at. That being said, i do think at that moment it was definitely something she said to upset her, because she's just being petty, but the point is her and Jack don't get along initially because they're extremally similar and they both know it.

When Jack comes abord, the first person she talks to is Miranda, she mentions that she'll go out of her way to read all of Miranda's files. For what though? They know nothing about each other, all she knows is Miranda works for Cerberus, but so does the whole damn ship. She doesn't mention anything to Jacob or anyone else ever, just Miranda directly and the general Cerberus umbrella. (or at least i don't remember if she does so if that's not true just ignore that bit i'm going off memory) Anyway when it comes to Miranda, I don't think she even hates Jack at all, just her being so disruptive, she doesn't think she belongs there. Jack was in prison and in her mind that's probably where she thought she belonged, and she wasn't gonna change her mind about it either. In her mind Cerberus didn't know about Pragia so why is it there fault. Miranda is kinda dumb to think that way but she's blindly loyal to them and taking any chance she can to defend them because it's the only place she's found that she belongs. They're both angry but honestly it's just not at each other. They're both so stuck in their heads with their beliefs because they're insecure and cling to the only things they can to cope. In ME2 they're both still the insecure scared kids they were growing up and they found each other, and i think it scared them both. Being so different, but so similar at the same time. Jack thinks Miranda is so preppy and above everyone else, but maybe she reads her files and realizes it's the opposite. That she craves recognition, that she genuinely works hard for everything she has. That Miranda understands maybe more than anyone what she went through. Neither were enough, neither could live up to the impossible expectations given to them, and both decided to break away from that to find their own way, and are still haunted by their pasts as of ME2.

By the time ME3 comes around both have grown. Like a lot. You see the real Jack, she's still abrasive, maybe more out of habit than anything but she's a caring and honestly warm person now. She's responsible and loving towards the kids she looks after and they all look up to her, she's finally found somewhere she belongs. She seems genuinely happy even with the reaper war going on, she seems like the happiest person we talk to the whole came, she's laughingly and looking forward to the future, instead of the day someone will betray her. She has such a genuinely good 180 from who she was after realizing there were good people, there are people that care, that WANT her to be around. They don't just use her and throw her off to the side afterwards.

As for Miranda she's calmed down and loosed up a lot, she sees that her own self worth is more important than anyone else's recognition and is able to find her own path for one, she decides to do good after realizing what Cerberus truly is and is actively working the whole game to deter Cerberus and turn people away from sanctuary later on.

They are both completely different people, and that's why in the citadel dlc, they're just sharing drinks and genuinely enjoying each others company. I don't think Shepard mentions them getting together for no reason, i think they were meant to find each other from the beginning. This is more speculative than anything, and i'm not taking into account Shepard romances with either, so if you disagree and think they're just friends that's okay! This is just how i interoperated them. I think they do like each other and maybe to some extent have for a while, and just refused to acknowledge it to themselves or each other. They're polar opposites at first glance, Jack is covered in tattoos, reclusive, aggressive, and rude. Whereas Miranda is "perfect", no marks or blemishes and well put together, extraverted, generally tries to act like she's polite, and wants to take leadership roles. But on the inside they're the same, both just want to find their places in the galaxy, both want desperately to belong somewhere. Jack found her place, maybe Miranda will find her place too, and maybe it's by Jack's side. Helping the biotic kids and working with the alliance. Maybe she can finally do what she thought she was doing in Cerberus and help humanity the most by rebuilding and proving her knowledge to other people.

They're both genuinely caring and loving people at heart, their war crimes aside. (sadge) I think Miranda ending up with Jack honestly makes sense considering everything, it'd even help with her wanting kids and all since she can't have any naturally. Her and Jack could happily teach the biotic kids together after all is said and done.

That's all for now, thank you for coming to my tedtalk and reading my rant if you got this far :)

I may add more later if i think of anything!

#miranda lawson #subject zero #jack x miranda #mass effect #mass effect 2 #mass effect 3 #just ranting #character study #sorta..#i have so many thoughts about them like little worms in my head #please talk with me about this i'm so obsessed i need to discuss ;w;#jackanda

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jedi-lothwolf · 2 months

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Whump: The Musical Day 7: The Last Five Years (I will not lose because you can not win.")

Fandom: The Batch Batch

Warning: Cannon typical violence

Summary: When Hemlock invades Pabu, the batch has to fight for their lives as well as the lives of the citizens of the peaceful Island.

Ao3 link

Today was supposed to be an ordinary day. When Hunter had woken up, he was dragged down to the beach by Omega and Deke. They wanted to show him that they had learned how to surf. Even if he wouldn't admit it, Hunter was proud of the clones for learning how to be children.

Wrecker had forced Crosshair down to the beach as well. The warm sand and pleasant smell should help him to relax the man thought. So the three brothers sat on a red towel and started to talk. It wasn't much, but it was somewhere to start.

Mox and Stak joined them shortly and started to work on a sand castle. Some clouds covered the sunny sky. But when Hunter looked up, they weren't clouds. Imperial vessels blocked the sun.

This couldn't be happening. Pabu was supposed to be safe. It wasn't meant for invasions. So many of the people spent too long running just to have to up their whole lives again. Hunter looked back down.

Looking at Crosshair, he spoke. "Get Omega and the boys to the ship. Be ready to leave. Call Echo and tell him we need help, immediately."

In truth, Hunter knew why he chose Crosshair. With his hand, even if he hadn't told them yet, he knew that he'd be the one whose help they need the least. Now if he could still hit any mark, that could have been a different story.

But there was more to that. Wrecker had a history with Pabu. He would protect it fiercely. The island was his home, the people were his family.

As Deke rode a wave in, Hunter stood. The father ran out to two of his youngest that were in the water. "Go over to Crosshair" he told them. They nodded before Hunter went to Mox and Stak and pulled them up from the sand.

"What's going on?" Mox asked. Nervousness was written all over his face.

"The empire-"

"We could tell" Stak interrupted.

"Go with your siblings." It was the first time he had outright called their siblings to their faces. If it had been any other time, Hunter would have said more. For now, it would have to wait."

As Hunter walked the other two over with the rest of the group, Omega started to talk. "We can help!"

"I know, but it's you they want and the boys haven't finished their training. It's safer this way."

"And someone needs to watch Cross." Wrecker tried to add some humor to the situation.

Phee joined them on the beach, knowing that it was Clone Force 99 who had unfortunately brought the Empire to Pabu. Hunter walked over to her before she met the rest of the group. "Make sure Omega gets out of here. They want her and we wouldn't let her get taken again."

"Okay." She looked past the Sargent, "come on kids, let's get you to safety!"

Sighing, Crosshair grabbed Omega and picked her up. "Come on."

"Put me down!" Omega fought Crosshair all the way up the beach.

"Now what?" Wrecker asked.

"We fight."

At the Mauradur, Crosshair was quick to make the decision to leave. Batcher awoke from her nap and laid with Omega to help keep her calm. The boys mostly sat with her or talked to Crosshair as they left the atmosphere and headed to Coruscant to meet with Echo.

As the days passed, the battle of Pabu seemed to be more and more helpless. Civilians were dying, some who had fought and some who had not.

When the bad batch had settled on Pabu, they taught Shep how to shoot. The mayor had agreed to ease their minds, never thinking he would need to use this new skill. Unfortunately it was only a matter of time. Lyana stayed near her father when she could. Mostly she was hidden with other children.

When the invasion began, Hunter had suddenly become a Sargent again. It had been a long time since he played that role. Civilians who had fought in wars, civil or intergalactical, had taken up their old military rank. It was strange.

The invasion had lasted days. Hemlock wouldn't give up until he found Omega, unaware she had been taken off world. Pabu was being torn apart, lives crumbled to the ground and while some knew why the empire had attacked, most didn't. For the people who did, they couldn't and wouldn't be mad at Clone Force 99 for trying to live peaceful lives and for trying to protect their daughter and little girl.

It had been four days into the fighting when Hemlock showed his face. When Hunter met Hemlock for the second time, injured and tired, he knew meeting the scientist twice was three times too many.

"Hello CT-9901, or should I say Hunter?" Hemlock spoke.

Startled and out of breath, Hunter didn't answer. It had been so long since he heard his CT number, he had almost forgotten it. Still, he knew the malice behind it.

"This can all end, just give me the girl."

"Never." Hunter moved behind a counter. He sank to the floor for a moment.

"I figured as much. I truly am impressed that you are capable of forming such a bond with her. A parental role appears to come so easily to you."

The words made Hunter's skin crawl. Why would he be unable to form a bond with her? Omega was his daughter, nothing could change that. Was it because he was a clone? Was that why he was deemed unable to love a child, to have children he felt were his own?

"The safest option for your men and the civilians of this island, is to stop the fighting. You cannot win this battle, Sargent."

"I will not lose because you can not win."

Silents filled the room. They stood in a ruined kitchen. The checkered floors were stained with blood and glass. The cabinets had been torn open by both the empire and the citizens of Pabu. They needed food and they needed wood. The empire hadn't taken their time to bring out flame throwers to scorch the island and its people.

"You, won't win this." Hunter reinforced the idea. "You can't. I won't let you. " Pulling his knife from its sheath, he tried to find a clear shot at Hemlock.

The scientist couldn't win. In the end, he would round up every single citizen and kill them off. With Wrecker taking part in the fight, he needed his to be okay. With everything Tech had sacrificed to save them, they couldn't die here. Crosshair and his kids would be alone. It hurt knowing that Omega would blame herself for the slaughter of the people of Pabu. Echo would wish he arrived earlier and would blame himself for not being there to save them.

They needed saving. They couldn't do it alone. The Sargent only had one shot at killing Hemlock. Blood pooled under Hunter from his injuries. With broken ribs, multiple deep lacerations on his legs as well as his arms and one close to his neck, a few broken toes, and a large amount of bruising, the man was unsure how he had stayed alive this long. He could feel blood on the side of his face but he wasn't sure if it came from his left ear (since he couldn't hear from it) or from his head.

The vibro-knife shook in his hand. It almost felt foreign. Standing slowly, yet staying out of view, Hunter grabbed a piece of glass from behind the mahogany counter. Looking at it for a moment, he sighed. They couldn't afford to lose. Not anymore. Losing meant dying and for the first time in so long, Hunter had something to live for. His brothers and children and family he had made on Padu and his pets (Gonky included) all meant the world to him. No one else needed to die.

However, If he had to give all of that up to save them, to win the battle of Pabu, the battle for his family, he would.

Throwing the glass, Hunter hoped that it would distract Hemlock and his guards. When it did, the man stood fully and threw his knife. As soon as he saw it plunge deep into his skull, he felt a weight be lifted off of his chest. The weight was replaced with a bullet.

The tile cracked when he fell. There wasn't much Hunter could think about. The sound of ships overhead relieved Hunter. It had to be Echo. If not, the empire would take the island in a matter of hours.

Hunter's entire body hurt. The warm feeling of blood tangled with his hair. The glass had cut any exposed skin. The guards grabbed Hemlock's body and went to leave. Hunter listened to the footsteps as they faded. His mind was so foggy that evening and nothing made his sense. But Hemlock was dead. If that was Echo, which it had to be, Pabu would rebuild. The coppery smell of blood filled Hunter's nose.

Dying, Hunter tried to reach for his comm. Hitting it, the world started to fade. His hand rested on the communication device long enough for Echo to notice the soft noise of fire and gunshots that played over his headset. Then his hand slipped off the button and the comm channel went silent.

The man had never expected to wake up again. But when he saw a white roof, he knew something was different. Everything hurt too damn much for him to be dead. There was a steady, high pitched beeping that hurt his ears; or at least the one he could still hear out of.

Had they won? Was everyone safe? Where was his family, his kids?

"Hunter!" Omega yelled, answering one of his questions. "He's awake" she shook Echo awake.

"Hunter?" Echo grounded as he sat up. Then he pinched himself.

"You actually woke up." Crosshair stood up. "It's been a week."

"Leave him alone. He needed his beauty rest" Wrecker joked. The boys and Batcher sat in the corner of the room, still half asleep.

"Is everyone, okay?" Hunter finally said, struggling to speak.

"We're okay."

"Pa-Pabu."

"In shambles. We were about to leave to help with the rebuilding and attend a few funerals. We'll send you regards. They people were rooting for you." Echo told him.

"We're lucky you came in when you did. You saved us." Nudging Echo, Wrecker walked over to wake up the boys.

"Where-"

"Alderaan. Rex has some allies here. We couldn't help you on our own, the damage done to you, it was too extensive." Walking beside Hunter, Echo stood next to him.

"Dad!" Deke yelled, excited. He ran over to him and just about toppled Echo.

"You're actually alive" Stak added.

"Hey." Mox was the last to stand as he was trying to not disturb Batcher.

Hemlock's words about his parental instincts ran through Hunter's head. However, that didn't matter. He was their father. Just because he was a clone didn't mean he didn't form bonds with people he cared dearly for.

"We can stay for a little but Hunter needs to rest, we need to get back to Pabu." Walking to the door, Echo went to tell the nurses that Hunter had woken up.

Omega clung to Hunter's arm, determined to never let go. Crosshair and Wrecker sat at the end of the bed. Wrecker looked rough but that was to be expected.

"Tell me everything later" the Sargent whispered.

"We will." After a few hours, Echo decided it was time to go. Omega and Batcher stayed with Hunter while the rest left for Pabu. Knowing that Hemlock couldn't hurt her, made breathing just a little bit easier. So did knowing that most everyone he cared about was safe; though by now someone would have told him if Phee, Shep, or Lyana had died.

Everything would be okay. It had to be. Now that Hemlock was out of the way, maybe the batch could live a peaceful life. Even if Hunter knew they would end up in the fight, it was a nice thought. But the clone knew his place was fighting for peace. After all, if he wanted Omega and his boys to be safe, he needed to make a safer galaxy. And that was okay with him. If he needed to fight he would. For his children.

@whumpthemusical

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