#If she asked Crosshair he’d tell her immediately

[wolveria]

Omega: Why does Crosshair call you babygirl?

Hunter: How about we stop talking for a little while.

#the bad batch #tbb #cloneshipping #Crosshunt #If she asked Crosshair he’d tell her immediately

[sev-on-kamino]

Absence//Fonder Pt. 2

Summary: The boys surprise you with a trip to your home world and a vocabulary lesson.

Pairing: The Bad Batch x medic fem!reader (pronouns she/her, no physical descriptions, no y/n, pet names)

Warnings: Crosshair, angst (not much I swear!), fluff so sweet you’ll need your dentist, sweet kisses ( the smut happens in chapter 3 😏) but MINORS DNI

Written while listening to “Tell Her You Love Her” by Echosmith

Series playlist can be found here!

Part 1 Part 3

Word count: 3132

Crosshair had been called many things in his life. Talented, cocky, aloof to name a few. No one had ever called him a coward though. It was in his very nature to look at the impossible and find a way.

The odds didn’t matter.

He and his brothers had faced forces that would have given much larger squads pause, and they’d never hesitated. Never felt like they couldn’t get the job done.

Yet there he was, stomach twisted into knots, muscles in his legs twitching with the desire to bolt, afraid. Not afraid of a battalion of clankers, rollies, and spiders.

No. He was afraid of a nat born medic, who clutched Wrecker’s arm like a lifeline during turbulence. A medic who could sew up her own wounded leg without batting an eye, but would discharge her blaster at the sight of an insect. A medic who was the epitome of soft, yet had the power to crush him in the palm of her hand.

He’d never told anyone he cared for them, nor had he asked anyone what they felt for him. Quite frankly he didn’t give a fuck. The fleeting attentions of strangers, whose names he would forget immediately, had been more than enough to scratch the well-concealed itch for a semblance of connection.

Now, you were ruining him without even trying. Punching a hole straight through his carefully crafted armor. Making him weak.

And in a few moments, depending on your reaction, you could break all five of them. Clone Force 99 could be brought to its knees by you in a single instant.

He watched his brothers as they led you towards the location Tech had chosen. Excitement radiated off of you like a sun’s rays. He would never admit it, but he was dying to be wrong this time. He wanted to believe that you could love them. That you could love him.

Blindfolded, you were unable to see the looks of hope and affection etched onto their shared features. You were simply excited for another adventure with them. Hunter’s hands rested securely on your shoulders with your hands over them.

The sergeant had woken you up upon landing with a bandana in hand.

“We’ve got a surprise for you,” he said, as you got dressed.

“Really?” you asked, mind racing as you tried to imagine what it was. It wasn’t your birthday, their decant day, or any other holiday. Not that it mattered. The fact that the five of them had formed a plan to surprise you damn near made your brain short circuit. That showed a level of care and consideration you had rarely even received from people you were seriously dating.

“Yep, gotta make sure you don’t peek though,” he said waving the bandana.

You resisted the urge to make a filthy joke about being tied up for them and instead turned so Hunter could tie the bandana on. The world went dark, and you took a nervous breath until you felt Hunter’s hands on your shoulders, and you relaxed. He would never let anything happen to you.

“Where’s my bucket?” You asked, suddenly feeling naked without it.

“You won’t need it here,” Hunter said, steering you towards the door.

“Is this some kind of initiation thing?” you asked, breaking the silence. “Testing my bravery to prove I’m one of you?”

Wrecker snorted, “That’s a pretty good idea! We could dangle you over a cliff by your ankle?”

“If I don’t scream, I’m in?” You asked with a giggle.

“Grow up, you two,” Crosshair said, and you swore you could hear him rolling his eyes.

“…yes.” Wrecker whispered in answer to your question, setting off more giggles.

“We’ve got a little hike coming up, so one of us will carry you,” Hunter said, as you all came to a stop.

Even blindfolded you knew where all of them were by their steps. You reached for Wrecker, but Hunter caught your hand.

“Wrecker’s got his hands full,” Hunter said, and you could hear a smile in his voice. It made your stomach flip with excitement.

“Ooooh, the plot thickens.” You stepped forward and instead found Tech’s shoulders, wrapping your arms around him. You made a soft noise of surprise, as he grabbed your thighs, and hoisted you off the ground easily.

“Are you comfortable?” Tech asked.

“Yes, sir,” you reply, face pressed against the side of Tech’s helmet.

You hum softly, listening to the sound of your squads’ steps, mind conjuring all sorts of fantastic scenarios for what they could have planned.

It was quiet and warm, and you could hear their boots crunching over dry ground, so you knew you weren’t on Kamino. You had been sleeping for the majority of the trip, and blindfolded before stepping off of the ship, so you couldn’t use the stars for clues.

You hummed softly as the trek continued, occasionally grinning when Wrecker would chuckle at some joke from Echo you couldn’t quite make out. You were close to beginning a round of “Are we there yet?” when Tech stopped, and slowly released his grip on your thighs.

“We have arrived at our intended destination,” he said, as you got your feet under yourself after several minutes of being carried.

Hunter removed the bandana, and you looked around. A small city twinkled in the valley below your position atop a massive hill. You looked to the rich blue night sky above, and connected the stars. Your brow furrowed a moment before the realization hit you. You were home…well, your home world. Home was the Marauder now. A lump formed in your throat, and tears pooled in your eyes.

“You brought me home?” You asked, turning to face them, smiling even as the tears poured down your face.

“We missed you, and we thought this would be a good welcome home surprise,” Echo said.

“It was Hunter’s idea,” Tech supplied.

“Oh, Hunter, this is perfect!” You wrapped your arms around his waist and rested your head against his chest. “Thank you.”

Hunter held you close a moment, before releasing you slowly to smile down at you.

“This is a pretty special spot, you know?” You asked tucking your arms behind your back and rising up on the balls of your feet.

“Yes, I selected it for that very reason. The local population has designated this as a place to share important news with loved ones,” Tech said, clearly proud of himself.

“Right as always, Tech,” you beamed at him. “Planning to share some news?”

“Actually we thought today might be a nice day to teach you some Mando’a, so you know what we’re saying to you,” Hunter said nodding towards Wrecker, who took a deep breath and stepped up to take your hands.

“Finally!” You cheered, buzzing with excitement.

A bright smile lit up your features as you looked up at him. He smiled warmly, eyes roaming your face. You’d only been gone a couple of weeks, but Wrecker had missed you fiercely every moment.

“Well, we call you ‘mesh’la’ cause it means beautiful. Easy to see why. You are beautiful inside and out,” Wrecker said before taking you gently by your arms and pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

Your heart jumped and your breath hitched. You cleared your throat and said, “I knew I liked that one.”

He smiled warmly, and stepped to the side, gently guiding you to Echo, who took one of your hands next. He rested his scomplink against your waist, and you held his bicep, as you beamed expectantly at him.

“We call you ‘saraad’ because it means flower. You make every place you’re in brighter, more alive.” Echo kissed your forehead, and you felt anticipation buzzing in your chest. Your heart beat faster than before, as Tech took his place before you could even react.

“Senaar’ika means little bird. You are always eager to take flight whether you are ready or not. Brave, reckless to be certain, but brave nonetheless,” straight to the point as ever, Tech pressed a kiss to your cheek.

You released a shuddering breath, your face warming up under their gentle affections. Am I dreaming? You thought, now scared to move or speak for fear of breaking the spell they were weaving around you.

Hunter hesitated only a moment before resting a hand on your waist, as the other cupped your cheek, his thumb rubbing soothingly over your cheekbone. Your eyes met his, as you placed your hands on his chest and held your breath.

“‘Cyare’ is one you’ve heard more and more lately. The closest word in basic is beloved,” Hunter said, and you knew he’d heard your heart skip a beat before racing away.

“You’re special to us, and we want to keep you close…closer,” Hunter took a deep breath, his warm brown eyes held yours. “We’ve fallen for you, and we hope that’s ok. Nothing has to change if you don’t want it to.”

“You’ve fallen for me? I-, I…I can’t even…” you stammered, simultaneously thrilled and confused. You took a deep breath, lifting one hand to rest over his against your face, the other sliding up to caress his face.

“Is it ok, if I kiss you now?” He asked. You nodded immediately.

He smiled and leaned down to press his lips to yours. You didn’t wake up. His arm wrapped around your waist, and you knew it was real. He pulled back and pressed his forehead to yours.

“Been wanting to do that for awhile now,” he confessed.

“That makes two of us…or maybe 6 of us,” you said with a nervous laugh.

You’d thought of no less than a dozen different scenarios when Hunter had blindfolded you, but you never imagined this could be a possibility. Not even in your wildest dreams did you allow yourself to believe that the 5 amazing men standing before you could care for you the way you cared for them.

There’s a relieved sigh from behind Hunter, and you leaned around him to see Crosshair properly. His eyes were taking you in much like he had upon your return. Drinking you in while he figured out what to say. You looked up at Hunter, and he nodded, stepping back to give you a path to Crosshair. Taking a deep breath, you make your way towards the sniper.

For the first time since you met him, you reached for Crosshair, taking hold of him with confidence. Your eyes met his, a light smile playing on your lips.

“Any special words you wanna teach me, Crosshair?” You asked, hoping your voice was steady.

“You already know my favorite word for you. The one that’s been going through my mind since you left,” Crosshair said quietly, bringing his lips within an inch of yours.

“And what word would that be?” you asked, moving closer to let your lips brush his.

“Mine,” he said before closing the distance between you, kissing you with relief. The first kiss had been almost hesistant, as a part of him was sure he was stealing affection that wasn’t meant for him. But it was meant for him. You wanted him…all of them. You weren’t running away or pulling back. You were in his arms, holding him close like he belonged to you.

Wrecker cleared his throat noisily, and Crosshair broke the kiss to give him a look.

“Just for that, you can go last,” Crosshair sneered, guiding you towards Tech, who pulled you close and let his arms settle comfortably around your waist. Just like before your arms rested over his shoulders, this time your fingers carded gently through his hair.

“I hope that you will be willing to answer a few questions for me, senaar’ika. I have been compiling data for quite some time, and despite today’s success, I still have some theories to test in order to draw definitive conclusions.”

“I’ll indulge your experiments, if you’ll indulge mine,” you said with a mysterious little smile.

“Well, of course, I am more than happy to assist in the pursuit of knowledge,” Tech replied. Happy with your response he leaned in to brush his lips softly over yours. You whined, wanting more, and he pressed closer, letting you feel his need for you. Tech’s kiss was just like him, a curious exploration that left you giddy.

He pulled back, and opened his mouth to say more, but Wrecker cut him off, “Maker, Tech, you can talk her ear off later. We’ve still got another thing to give her!”

“Despite the rudeness of his delivery, Wrecker is correct. We do have another surprise for you,” Tech said, releasing you slowly, as Echo moved close to pull you into his arms.

“I almost slipped up and kissed you last night, so I may need to make up for that,” Echo said, before kissing you slow and deep. You were so sure your heart was actually going to break its way out of your ribcage if they kept going at this rate.

“Stars, Echo, I can think of a few more things for you to make up,” you said breathlessly, as he pulled back with a grin.

“Finally!” Wrecker said, spinning you around and scooping you up into his arms to press the softest kiss of all to your lips. He handled you with such care and affection, you couldn’t help but sigh happily against his lips.

“Kriff me, if I’d known this would happen, I’d have left sooner,” you said with a laugh, as Wrecker set you back down on your feet.

“Well, no more running off to help Cody because we missed you too much,” Wrecker said, caressing your face gently.

“I promise I won’t be doing that again for quite some time,” you confessed.

“Good, because Cross here, was worse than usual,” Hunter teased.

Crosshair scowled and folded his arms. “Just tell her the next surprise.”

“You belong with us no matter what, so Crosshair gave your helmet a little update,” Echo said from just beyond Wrecker, where Hunter and Tech had set up a fire, and a tent. You suspected that’s what had kept Wrecker’s hands full.

Echo straightened up and passed you your bucket. You looked down at it, and a smile slowly spread across your face. A tiny skull and a 99 now adorned your helmet like a kiss on the cheek.

“Cross, you did this for me?” You asked, turning to the sniper. It was difficult to tell in the low light, you could have sworn he was blushing.

“We thought you might like it,” Hunter said.

“I love it.”

***

The six of you gathered around a happily crackling fire, as you finally answered all of their questions about your time away. Crosshair watched you with rapt attention, appreciating all of your little quirks, as you discussed the missions you’d participated in, including the one that had resulted in your injury.

“Still pissed you got shot. Not surprised though. That always happens with regs,” Wrecker said, tightening his hold on your waist, as he held you to his side.

“Hey!” Echo said, leaning around you and gesturing to himself. “I’d never let her get shot.”

“You know I don’t mean you, Echo,” Wrecker said dismissively.

“It’s just a scratch, boys,” you laughed. “There’s barely even a scar.”

“We sent you to Commander Cody with no scratches, and we expected you to come back in the same condition,” Crosshair said gesturing at you with a toothpick.

“Though I would have chosen a less objectifying way to phrase it, I agree with Crosshair,” Tech said, looking up from his datapad. “I would have thought you would be in excellent hands with our Marshal Commander, and not in a position to take damage from a sniper.”

“Awwww, did Cody let your favorite toy get all scuffed? You want a new one?” You asked with a teasing lilt to your voice.

Crosshair shook his head slowly. Tech looked offended at the suggestion.

“And have to break in another one?” Hunter interjected. “No way. You’re stuck with us now.”

“Oh no,” you gasped in mock anguish. “Whatever shall I do? Stuck with my favorite people in the galaxy. Torture.”

You draped yourself dramatically over Wrecker’s legs, much to his amusement. His hearty laughter rumbled out of his chest, as he pulled you close to his chest, so you were sitting in his lap.

“Your favorite people? In the whole galaxy?” He asked, his mismatched eyes full of hope as they focused on yours.

“Absolutely. You have been for awhile,” you confessed. “I hated being away from all of you.” You looked around the fire at each of them before bringing your focus back to Wrecker. “I mean it. I don’t wanna do that again for a good long while.”

Satisfied, Wrecker cupped your face and brought his lips to yours again. Your eyes fluttered closed, and you felt yourself relax against him. His lips moved over yours with a gentle confidence that made you hum low in your throat, and press closer to him.

You broke the kiss, as a yawn forced its way out of you. You were still absolutely exhausted. The thrill of their confession had given you the sweetest sugar high, and you were crashing.

“You require rest,” Tech said, “I will take first watch.”

“I’ll take it,” Crosshair said, shooting a glance at Hunter, who had covered him the night before. He’d gotten you all to himself for several hours, and he knew the others were itching to snuggle with you. He was too relieved to be selfish. For now.

You stood up and stretched, reaching for the sky you’d grown up under before wandering over to Crosshair and kneeling down to press a soft kiss to his lips.

“Come snuggle with me soon,” you whispered.

He nodded, as he watched you rise and make your way into the tent.

“We’ll keep you company, Cross,” Wrecker said with a grin, as Tech and Echo followed you into the tent, and Hunter relaxed on his back to look up at the stars.

“Oh goody,” the sniper replied with a halfhearted roll of his eyes.

***

You’d worried it would be awkward, but going to sleep between Tech and Echo felt as natural as breathing. Echo spooned up behind you, your face against Tech’s chest. The three of you chatted quietly for a little while, while their hands moved over your body absently.

You began to drift in and out of consciousness, despite your desire to stay awake and enjoy their presence.

“Sleep, saraad,” Echo commanded gently. “We’ll all be here in the morning.”

“Promise?” You asked sleepily, as you nuzzled against Tech.

“Promise,” He said, wrapping his arm around your waist.

Warm and safe, you left yourself drift away.

tagging: @secondaryrealm @dystopicjumpsuit @iamburdened @sunshinesdaydream @mythical-illustrator @the1sunshine1girl @stardusthuntress @thebahdbitch @wings-and-beskar @arctrooper69 @golden-nyx-ghost @iloveallmenandwomen @rexxdjarin @sleepingsun501 @starrylothcat @ladyzirkonia @pb-jellybeans @clio3kantarella @staycalmandhugaclone @ceraryn09 @skellymom @808tsuika

#series: Absence//Fonder #chapter 2: Tell Her You Love Her #the bad batch x reader #the bad batch x you #tbb hunter #tbb hunter x reader #tbb wrecker #tbb wrecker x reader #tbb tech #tbb tech x reader #tbb crosshair #tbb crosshair x reader #tbb echo #tbb echo x reader #the bad batch fanfiction #star wars fanfiction #star wars the bad batch #reader insert #x reader #seven writes

[kybercrystals94]

The Path Less Taken

Read here on Ao3! 

Rated: G | Words: 776 | Summary: “Maybe someday. After the war. If there was an after.” | Character Focus: Crosshair, Hunter, Omega, Wrecker 

Spoilers for Season 3 Episode 15 below…

A stationary home with four walls and a roof was as foreign a concept to a clone as peacetime. Such was a life for natborns, not cloned soldiers developed and raised to fight and die. They didn’t dream of it either, not out loud, at least. They were proud and strong for the Republic, following orders and defending the galaxy against the threat of Separatist forces. It’s who they were, it’s what they did. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Then the Batch came across Cut on Saleucami. 

A reg. A deserter. 

A husband. A father. 

In a house, on a farm. 

A life beyond the confines of armor and blaster fire and orders and war. 

They were intrigued. 

And the concept took root, and thoughts of after the war became offhanded conversations during late night watches, in the glow of hurtling through hyperspace, spiraling toward another mission, another risk, another followed order. 

Maybe someday. After the war. If there was an after. 

Crosshair had his doubts, and he didn’t want his brothers to hope too strongly and be disappointed. Hunter, to his surprise, seemed the most taken with the idea. Crosshair saw how his brother’s gaze lingered on families as they passed in the street; when he’d been distracted by a dwelling with flowers strategically planted under the windows and around the door. 

Now, here they stand, in front of a dwelling, native island flowers strategically planted under the windows and climbing up and over the door frame.

Their home. Theirs. 

His brothers’. His sister’s. 

His. 

Crosshair swallows thickly, glances at his oldest brother. The ex-sergeant looks about ready to burst with joy and pride, although anyone who didn’t know him as well as his siblings would only see a subtle, quiet smile. Omega notices and tugs at Crosshair’s arm, beaming up at him. He’s so happy, she mouths.

Crosshair huffs and smiles, nudging his sister back with his elbow. 

Hunter is happy. Happier than Crosshair thinks he’s ever seen him. At peace. 

“It’s a little small,” Shep is saying, sounding apologetic, “however, I suppose it is bigger than bunking on a ship like you were used to.” 

“It’s perfect, Shep,” Hunter says, “It is more than we could ever ask for.” 

The mayor laughs. “Then let me be the first to say, welcome home!” 

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

There are three bedrooms, and Omega immediately chooses the smallest one for herself. 

“I want to decorate it like my room on the Marauder,” she tells Wrecker. “Can you help me?” 

“Sure thing, kid,” Wrecker says, smiling down at her and ruffling her hair. But Hunter doesn’t miss the sadness in his voice. Omega doesn’t either, exuberant expression flickering briefly as she throws her arms around Wrecker’s waist, hugging him tight. 

That leaves the other two rooms, each furnished with two beds. 

“Crosshair and I’ll share a room,” Wrecker says, the moment of sorrow passing as he shoves a fist into Crosshair’s shoulder. “Right, Cross?”

Crosshair heaves an exaggerated sigh, but smiles. “I suppose if one of us has to put up with you snoring, it might as well be the one without enhanced senses.” 

“I don’t snore that bad,” Wrecker protests as he and Crosshair claim the room across from Omega’s and disappear inside. Hunter can hear them lightly bickering over who gets which bed. 

Hunter looks down and sees that his sister is still there, face turned up to look at him. She reaches out and takes his hand in both of hers. “This is the path you’ve wanted for a long time, isn’t it?” Omega asks, voice gentle. 

Hunter has to look away, glances at the ceiling – their ceiling – to blink away the sensation that burns his eyes. It isn’t the path he’d even considered possible until he met Omega, until he realized he wanted nothing more than to give his little sister the safety and security he and his brothers never knew. He tried to give it to her through Cut and Suu, but the Batch was the path Omega had chosen. Her place was with her brothers, and she would follow them anywhere.

So, yes, this is the path Hunter has wanted for a long time. Before the end of the war, when it was just a dream. After the war ended, and it was just a hope. And now, stepping onto it, their reality, stretching endlessly before them. 

If only Tech was here, then it would be perfect. 

Omega swings his arm, regaining his attention. “Are you alright?” she asks. 

Hunter takes a shaking breath, steadies his voice. “Yes,” he tells her, sincerely. “I’m more than alright. We’re going to be happy here.” 

And they are. 

✨Let me know if you'd like to be added to my tag list!✨

Tag List: **forgoing my tag list this time around since this story contains spoilers**

#the bad batch #star wars #fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #tbb hunter #tbb omega #tbb crosshair #tbb wrecker #the bad batch season 3 spoilers #tbb season 3 spoilers #fluff #family #brotherly love #sibling bonding #light angst

[sinfulsalutations]

𝕓𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕦𝕖 ⋆*･ﾟ𝕔𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕤𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕚𝕣

➼ ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ ☆ ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱʜᴀɪʀ x ꜰ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

➼ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ ☆ ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱʜᴀɪʀ ᴘʀᴇꜰᴇʀꜱ ɪᴛ ᴡʜᴇɴ ꜱʜᴇ ꜰᴏʟʟᴏᴡꜱ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀꜱ. ʜᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ꜱᴏʟᴅɪᴇʀ ʜɪᴍꜱᴇʟꜰ, ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ.

➼ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ☆ ꜱᴍᴜᴛᴛʏ ꜱᴍᴜᴛ ꜱᴍᴜᴛ, ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱʜᴀɪʀ ɪꜱ ᴅᴏᴍɪɴᴀɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴏꜱꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴠᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛꜱ ʜᴏᴛᴛᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ɪꜱ ʜᴇʟʟᴀ ꜱᴜʙᴍɪꜱꜱɪᴠᴇ ꜱᴏʀʀʏ ɢᴜʏꜱ, ᴅᴏᴍ/ꜱᴜʙ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴄꜱ, ᴘ ɪɴ ᴠ ꜱᴇx, ᴠᴀɢɪɴᴀʟ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀɪɴɢ, ᴏᴠᴇʀᴜꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ɴɪᴄᴋɴᴀᴍᴇ 'ɢᴏᴏᴅ ɢɪʀʟ'… ɪ'ᴍ ꜱᴏʀʀʏ.

➼ ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ ☆ 2.8ᴋ

➼ ᴘᴏᴠ ☆ ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ

➼ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅᴛʀᴀᴄᴋ ☆ ʙᴀʙʏᴅᴏʟʟ - ᴀʀɪ ᴀʙᴅᴜʟ

⋆ ★ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴇʟꜰ-ɪɴᴅᴜʟɢᴇɴᴛ, ᴛʀᴀꜱʜʏ ꜱᴍᴜᴛ. ʏᴀ ᴀʟʟᴀʜ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ꜰᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍʏ ꜱɪɴꜱ ɪ ᴄᴀɴᴛ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪ ᴡʀᴏᴛᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴅᴜʀɪɴɢ ʟᴀɪʟᴀᴛ ᴀʟ Qᴀᴅʀ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴀʟꜱᴏ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴏᴜᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴀ ꜱᴜʙ ꜰᴏʀ ʟɪᴋᴇ 2ᴋ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ʙᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ. ɪ ʜᴀᴅ ꜰᴜɴ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴀɴʏᴡᴀʏ, ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ ʜᴀʜᴀ.

⋆ ★ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴏ3 ⋆*･ﾟ ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ ꜰᴏʀᴍ

Primal urges are not something unfamiliar to Crosshair; he falls victim to them every time they rear their head. 

The deep, carnal appetites itch under his skin. The ones that convince his lust-addled mind that everything in the universe comes second to her. He must leave the crest of her cheeks stained with tears and sensitive crooks of her skin pinkened from his mouth, hair tousled and breath unsteady, his name forever lingering on her tongue, or else he’d have failed at his job.

It’s a bombarding, pleasurable method of self-destruction. 

And he revels in every single moment of it. 

His hand creeps up the back of her head, slowly twisting his fingers through clumps of hair until the pads reach the top of her scalp. Roughly, he cranes her neck up to look at him; look at her master. She whimpers, the noise forcing itself through her tightly sealed lips, and he smirks. Any noise he can elicit from this sweet, sweet body he plans to milk for hours upon hours, fully devoted to reaching new heights of bliss for the both of them. For Crosshair is a merciful god.

“C’mon, babydoll,” He says coolly. The hand that holds her in place grips her tightly and her mouth falls open with a breathy gasp. The monotonous background noise of speeders whizzing past her apartment windows are no longer the loudest thing that echoes through his ears. “Talk to me. You know how much I love that silk voice of yours.”

“Cross-” She mutters through a gasp. Gingerly hands creep up his body, trailing over the blacks that mold against him like a wet cloth. He groans softly in delight, but doesn’t let it weaken him under her delicate touch; he pulls away when she tries to tug him down for a kiss by the collar.

Crosshair clicks his tongue.

“Now, what was that?” He asks cruelly, ignoring the petty pout she wears. Slowly, deliberate yet almost careful in how he guides her, he walks the two of them backward, a few steps before the backs of her legs brush against the mattress. Her mouth opens, but no sound comes out. His head tilts as he continues, leaning in so close, as close as she wanted him to, when she had so selfishly and rudely tried to take when she knew to ask for permission. “You didn’t forget who is in charge here, did you?”

She shakes her head immediately. He smirks.

“Prove it,” He says. She’s backed up into the bed and her bottom thumps softly against the mattress as he reaches for her jaw; his thumb softly caresses her bottom lip. He hisses against her mouth,

“Tell me who you belong to.”

A whimper rips through her vocal cords; it inflates Crosshair’s ego far too much. Slowly, his hand treads down her body, barely grazing over her sides. He doesn’t break eye contact with her once. When she feels his hand reach the hem of her sleep shorts, she gulps and he smiles again.

“Already got you speechless?” He teases, hand slipping past her shorts easily and making contact with her skin. Her body is so warm, so soft compared to his brutish, calloused hands; especially the moment he reaches her panties and brushes over her clothed cunt. He groans softly at the effortlessly sweet and softness of her, and rubs up and down, from her entrance over her lips and stopping at her clit. So incredibly easy and unhurried, the noises that come out of her slow down by a marginal amount. He ducks down and nips her neck, continuing his ministrations with new fervor. 

“Oh, Cross…” The words slip out laced with so much emotion he is certain it’s an accident.

“Hm?” He responds. His lips trail farther up and bite the shell of her ear softly. “Did you say something, dear?” He can’t help the smile that creeps up on his face as he continues. “I didn’t hear you.”

“Kriff,” She hisses through gritted teeth; her head falls back aggressively, staring up at the ceiling with her eyes scrunched. He takes the opportunity and attacks her neck with sloppy, wet kisses, sucking her skin into his mouth with the utmost concentration while she talks. “Y- you.”

He breaks away for a moment.

“What about me?” He prodes. When she groans, he holds back another smug face of victory. His thumb suddenly presses against her clit, and she yelps through her next words.

“I belong to– oh, you!”

He brings his head up and stares her down with victory. 

“Took you long enough to respond,” He still manages to criticize. 

She huffs but doesn’t budge an inch, waiting patiently for him to move first. His cock twitches at the sight. 

“...Good girl,” He praises, before finally connecting their lips and pushing her down onto the bed. 

Her body practically molds into the right spot on the mattress, and he finds the perfect place above her; they know each other so well, have taken so much time memorizing and getting lost in the touch of one another, they’ve become matching pieces. He can take her in any way imaginable and she’ll always melt to him like magma, take his body like a glove. An unmistakable shiver of pleasure races up his spine at the imagery. 

His hand, rather abrupt and rough, pulls away from her cunt, now slowly dripping through the fabric of her panties. She whines involuntarily without the friction, the perfect motion helping her reach the heights of her pleasure, but he only shakes his head.

“Don’t be so needy,” Crosshair commands. Both of his hands hold her waist, and one lifts it off the mattress while the other slips down her sleep shorts, agonizingly slow as he savors every whimper, every breath she takes while he maintains strong eye contact. Once her panties are peeled off as well and discarded onto the floor, she automatically spreads her legs to make space for him to sink down. The site is incredibly satisfying; he’s conditioned her well to cater exactly to what he wants.

“I’m sorry,” She says, eyes glossy as she gulps and turns away. He quickly grips her chin and forcefully brings her face back to him. 

“If you need me that much –” He criticizes. His other hand moves down her body again until it cups her soaking core and she lets out a breathy moan, resisting the urge in her to shut her eyes. “–you should stay quiet and let me give it to you.”

Her mouth falls open, but only another soft moan comes out as he slowly circles a finger around her entrance, gathering slick before slowly pushing a knuckle inside. He can see it so clearly all over her; he reads every action, every tiny response so easily.

“You understand?” He finishes his words with the tiniest thrust he could muster without giving her everything at once. She yelps and nods automatically, but takes a moment to respond; she doesn’t speak until her eyes are locked back onto him with the same intensity he holds.

“Yes, I understand.”

He grins and leans down.

“Sweet girl...”

Crosshair seals the words with a hard kiss, lips firm against her even when his tongue comes to swipe against her bottom lip. She opens her mouth and lets him enter, letting him dictate her movements as he rocks his clothed cock over her, making her keen into him. He pulls away and finishes his thought with a menacing, yet oddly loving glow in his eyes.

"You're such a doll."

Slowly, as a finger rocks into her heat, slowly massaging her walls and curling ever-so-slightly to hit deeper spots, his lips trail lower and lower; first her jaw, down to the side of her neck while the other hand holds her still. Her body shivers with every touch, every caress and grace of skin against hers. She wants more, wants everything he will give her, not just glimpses of a peak of bliss he's keeping her from. But she knows better; this is still Crosshair, after all.

Her skin vibrates when he whispers against her neck.

"A perfect little plaything." 

She moans outwardly, unashamed of how much she loves his words. He chuckles.

"You like that, don't you?" He asks. The hand not deep in her cunt reaches for the hem of her shirt, slowly reaching his hands underneath her shirt. He eagerly kisses her belly, leisurely taking his time kissing each fold of her skin as he lifts her shirt off her body and leaves just her bra; but that doesn't stay on either. She sits up on her elbows, swiftly unclipping it and discarding it alongside the rest of her clothes. Left completely bare while he stands fully clothed seems to just rub something carnal inside of him. It's fiery hot in his lungs. 

A second finger traces around the lips of her entrance and she sighs, eyes fluttering weakly when he pushes it in without much resistance. He curls them inside in a 'come hither' motion and leans in again, softly pecking a mark he'd left before.

"You like being my little toy, hm?" He continues, raspy and warm against her skin. She nods immediately. "You like sitting here and taking it like a good girl? My good girl?"

Her breath hitches in a sweet gasp; without thinking, he blesses her with more stimulation. He had long, elaborate plans of sexual torture until she is borderline insane with her cries and begs for mercy. But not even he, a man of perfect composure, can control himself around someone so enticing. He pulls his fingers away from her, and she yelps, but he shushes her and presses his body on top of her, even as he tugs his shirt above his head and unbuckles his pants.

He's silent; uncomfortably silent. They're both used to Crosshair running his mouth off, not stopping once to catch his breath as he gives her everything he has. But it's a space to breathe she'll take; once his pants and boxers are fully off, his hard cock skipping out and resting against his lower stomach, his hand is wrapped around the base, pumping it quickly to relieve some discomfort while he lines it up with her entrance, still leaking and clenching around nothing.

Crosshair groans when he sees the state he's left her in.

"Kriff, you make me crazy, you know that right?" He rasps. Her eyes widen and she stares at him; he looks at her and gawks, unimpressed by her surprise. "Don't act like you don't know."

His other hand slowly guides her to a more comfortable position, settling his knees around hers while slowly pumping the base. 

"You and your perfect body..." He praises, menacing yet with admiration all the same. She bites her lip with an infectious grin, trying to hide her giddiness as he adjusts over her. Slowly, her guides his tip to her folds, softly rubbing up and down and spreading her apart. She sighs and leans her head back. "...Those pretty little noises. Keeps me up at night."

He can feel the little clench her pussy does around his tip when he begins to push in. 

"Y-Yeah?" She stammers, gulping quickly. He pushed another inch in without much force and leans in closer, gripping her chin with his free hand to bring her eyes back down to him.

"Fuck yeah," He mutters. Slowly, their bodies connect, his hips hover over hers with impeccable control all while he tantalizes and teases her with his movements. She doesn't need this much prep, he knows; but he knows even better that treating her so delicately, like a precious thing that could break if he isn't careful makes her thighs clench hard and her teeth grit against each other. It's so greedy of him; he wants every little thing of her he can get. When he's finally sunk to the root, his words are almost overtaken by a guttural groan.

"I dream `bout this every night, doll."

Crosshair can see how her mouth opens to speak, but she can only let out a moan. His free hand lets go of her chin, gripping the sheets beside her chin roughly as he pushes in a little more, but there's nowhere else to go. She sighs, and Crosshair stills inside of her for a long moment, reveling in the tight squeeze she holds on his cock.

But eventually, he gives her what she wants; she gives her what they both want. He pulls out just a little, not enough to rob her completely of the feeling of fullness, and pushes back in roughly. There's no sugarcoating, no sweet words laced in; just the force and absolute power he gladly exerts over her body.

She cries out, and he nods approvingly, kissing the corner of her eye. He feels them flutter close against his lips.

"That's it," He praises, pulling out again. When he thrusts back in, he sets a rough pace, one slow and deep and one she knows will leave her devastated the morning after. She's keening against him, begging wordlessly through her hands clutching his shoulders. Ever light and feathery, her lips trail over the shell of his ear, down his face before stopping at his lips, breathing into him with heavy pants. 

Her mouth opens when he thrusts down in a particular way, hitting her G-spot. 

"Cross-!" She moans, cunt clenching in excitement. A shiver travels through his body with the cry and he drops his weight onto her. The rest of his movements are messy; he's getting close as well, and they both can feel it. Roughly, skin against skin without any coordination or cleanliness he fucks her rough and good. It's intoxicating, everything about it, everything about her.

"Are you-?" He begins, and if he were anyone else, it would sound as though he didn't know if she was close. But Crosshair knows damn well. He can get her to the edge so quickly it's uncanny.

"Yes-" Her entire body sighs with her as her chest rises and falls aggressively against his body. He peels himself off her skin, trailing his hand down to the back of her knee, and hitches it up. Slowly, he brings it higher and higher until he's able to hit a new spot inside of her that makes her fall apart. 

"Please..." She begs. He looks down, eyebrows raised. She gazes back with wide eyes. "Please, can I cum?" Her body trembles as she finishes the sentence, another wave of pleasure running through her and her pussy involuntarily squeezes his member. It takes him far too much energy to keep his eyes open. It doesn't take him much to smirk though. 

His free hand cups her cheek fondly.

"You're such a good girl," He praises, thrusting down into her, pelvis brushing against her clit. She chokes but doesn't speak a word. "Asking for permission."

She nods eagerly.

"Yes, yes I'm your good girl," She keeps going on and on, agreeing with everything he says, in hopes for the chance he graces her with an orgasm. "I'll be so good, I am so good... Oh-"

He pulls out rough and quick, but pushes in slowly, painstakingly grazing over her deepest spot, prolonging the feeling of pleasure while he rocks.

"Glad we both agree," He remarks smugly. His face sneaks up, resting the side of his head beside her ear, letting out the quietest moans of approval while he tucks a hair behind her ear. And the second she feels a finger barely grazing over the sweet, sensitive top of her clit, she knows what's the come. 

"C'mon, babydoll," He rasps. His fingers press into her clit, the collected wetness of her making it easy for him to slide up and down before pressing hard again, and even adding an extra heavy thrust into her. "Cum for me."

That does it for her. Her head is thrown back and her eyes shut close as she lets out wanton moans, sinful chords deep from her throat erupting out of her like a dormant volcano. He sighs, trying to keep his pace, keep going and devastate her until she shakes, but his finish creeps up on him. His body shakes violently as thick ropes of his finish spill into her, and even as it continues, he slowly pulls out, watching it spill around her thighs. 

When he looks up, she's entirely fucked out. Her chest rises and falls, breasts completely neglected in his own desperation to get inside of her, take her nice and good. But it's worth it if he gets to see the tears brimming her eyes, his cum slowly pooling by her cunt and soaking the bedsheets, before any other part is concerned. The back of his head-the lizard brain- itches pleasurably. 

Those primal urges do lead to the filthiest nights.

#nour writes stuff #bad batch crosshair #tbb crosshair #clone trooper crosshair #crosshair the bad batch #crosshair bad batch #crosshair tbb #the bad batch #commander crosshair #tbb #tbb fanfic #the bad batch fanfic #the bad batch fanfiction #tbb crosshair x reader #crosshair x reader #crosshair x you #crosshair x y/n #tbb fic #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #tbb tech #tbb echo #clone force 99 #hunter bad batch #wrecker bad batch #tech bad batch #echo bad batch #crosshair smut #crosshair x oc #bad batch

[the-little-moment]

Angstpril Day 10: The Memory of Love

Prompt: Phantom Pain

Words: 1,330

Summary: Crosshair rejoins his family on Ryloth's moon.

This story was written as part of the canon-compliant ending of my fic "Not Just the Carcass, but the Spark" and includes my original character, Senna, a human surgeon who joined the Kaminoan cloning project at its inception. More can be read about her here, and in the other works in my pinned masterlist.

"I had help."

Crosshair stepped out of the freighter to see Hunter straighten, a protective hand on Omega's shoulder, while Wrecker crossed his arms and frowned. This was shaping up to be a perfect reunion.

Then his eyes flickered past the distrust on his brother's faces and settled on the small woman in between, her hand on Wrecker's elbow. He saw her lips move, voice so soft he couldn't hear it over the emptiness between them.

“Cross?” 

Sen. Crosshair swallowed hard. She was still here. She was okay. When the doctor took a step forward, Crosshair forced his statue of a body down the ramp towards her. 

Senna met him in the space between the ships, reaching up to wipe away tears before she threw her arms around him, startling a grunt out of Crosshair. “Sweetheart! Cross. Cross.”

He hadn't heard that nickname in more than a year. His brothers and Omega were still watching, but Crosshair made himself look down at Senna instead, at the top of her head where it was pressed against his chest, before he lifted unsteady arms to hug her back. She was shaking. He’d wanted this so badly; why was he doing such a terrible job? 

“I’m okay, Sen.” That was a lie, but the thought that she might start crying harder was terrifying. He’d faked it this long for Omega, he could do it a little longer for her. “I’m...alright.”

Senna peeled her wet face away from Crosshair's chest when Hunter spoke up, both of them turning to face the sergeant.

"Are you sure you weren't followed?" His gruff voice made it more of an accusation than a question, like Hunter thought Crosshair had set some kind of trap. The sniper felt his hackles raising. After everything he'd done to get them here.

"No," he growled. "The Empire can track the ship. Take Omega and go."

Something shifted then in his brother's eyes, something that Crosshair couldn't read. Had he expected him to want to go with them? Crosshair knew better than to ask. Not after the way they'd looked at him. But then Omega tugged on Hunter's hand.

"Crosshair helped me escape. I couldn't have done it without him." Her brown eyes were pleading as she looked up at her brother. "We all need to go."

Crosshair watched Hunter waver, looking over to Wrecker, who simply nodded. "Alright," the sergeant caved, but his doubtful frown was still firmly in place. "Everybody on the ship. We'll talk about it when we get to safety."

Omega smiled at him, then at Crosshair, still standing with one arm around Senna, mostly because the doctor hadn't released him yet. As they watched, the girl whistled and the doctor gasped when a large, blue hound suddenly barreled down the ramp of the stolen freighter, shooting past them to jump into Omega's arms, blissfully oblivious to the tension surrounding them.

"What the kriff is that?" Wrecker yelled happily, suddenly as exuberant as he was in Crosshair's memory. Crosshair saw the alarm fade from Hunter's eyes, lowering his hand from the hilt of his knife as Batcher licked Omega, crooked tail wagging frantically, then tried to jump on him too.

"Her name's Batcher," the girl giggled. "I'll tell you about her on the ship." She nodded to Crosshair, a small, reassuring smile and a tilt of her head towards the Marauder's ramp. He looked down to see Senna gazing back at him in a similar way, quiet, nervous, but hopeful. Crosshair followed her up the eight familiar steps and into the ship.

Inside the cockpit, Wrecker immediately knelt to start checking his sister over, uncharacteristically quiet in the face of her obvious exhaustion, while Hunter lifted them from the surface of the moon.

Senna bent to give Omega another kiss, then turned back to Crosshair and nodded towards the back of the ship. “Come on,” she said softly, and he was relieved to get out of the line of his brothers’ scrutiny. Crosshair was made differently than Omega, but right now he felt like he could sleep for a thousand years.

“Let me take a look at you.” Senna sat him down at one of the computer consoles and pulled a med scanner out of a pouch on the leather belt she wore. 

“I’m fine.”

“I’m sure.” 

Crosshair didn't know what it was about that tone of voice, patient and steady, promising that whatever was wrong would be made right, but he’d imagined her talking to him like this a million times since Kamino. She didn’t seem angry. Maybe that would come later.

He studied the doctor as she read the results of his scan. She’d changed. Not in a good way. Looking at the grey in her black hair, the new lines on her face, how thin she was, he would have thought it had been years, not months. Crosshair had a sinking feeling that he knew why, that she felt that same phantom pain he did, the quiet where there shouldn't be.

“You cut your hair.”

Senna looked up in surprise, reaching for the blunt ends with a self-conscious smile. “Technically, Hunter cut it.” When his look of concern didn’t fade, she sighed, replacing the scanner and sitting in the chair opposite him. “It’s just hair, dear. It’ll grow back.” Crosshair watched her eyes drift down to his waist, eyebrows raising as she leaned over to give a little tug at the extra sleeves he had knotted there. “You know," the doctor teased, "I don’t think this was made for you.” 

“I just got back and you’re already insulting my clothes.”

That made her smile like he’d hoped it would. If he could just stay back here with Senna, maybe for the rest of his life, he’d never have to deal with the looks on Wrecker and Hunter’s faces. Crosshair wondered if Omega was trying to soften them up at all. Good luck. He wouldn’t trust him either. Senna wasn't the only one who looked like she'd been through hell to get here.

“Honey, you’ve got to tell me about the dog.”

Crosshair sighed, letting himself slump back in the chair. That, at least, was a safe topic. “The lurca hound was trained to hunt escaped prisoners. Omega ruined her and now they’re tighter than two ticks on a bantha’s ass.” He cocked an eyebrow at the doctor’s suppressed grin. “What?”

“That sounds like her.”

Crosshair huffed. “Does it.” He’d spent four months with Omega, but he imagined the others must still know her better. They’d actually lived with her, not whatever the hell he’d been doing on Tantiss.

Senna was quiet for a moment, a searching look on her gentle face. Crosshair thrust his own question forward before she could hit him with anything that hurt.

“Where’s Echo?”

When the doctor’s face fell, he felt his stomach flip, but Senna must have seen his fear because she reached out to take his hand.

“No, he’s alright! Echo’s fine, dear. He’s just...not with us right now. He’s…helping Rex with some things.”

“Rex?” Crosshair leaned forward in confusion. “Captain Rex?”

“Yes.” The doctor smiled. “Hopefully Echo will come back soon. I know he’ll want to see you. I’m sure Hunter is calling him now.”

Crosshair didn’t like that idea. What were the chances Echo would be any happier to see him than the others? A gentle squeeze on his fingers brought him back to Senna.

“It’s alright, dear. They just need time.”

“They don’t trust me.” It wasn’t an accusation, just a statement of fact.

“They will.”

Do you? he wanted to ask her. It felt like it. Or maybe Senna just didn’t wear those feelings as openly. She was soft. In the depths of his guilt on Tantiss, Crosshair couldn’t decide if it would be worse if she hated him and was glad he was gone, or if she missed him so badly it was killing her. Then, Omega had told him about Tech, and he’d stopped fooling himself that she was thinking about him at all. “Are you...okay?” he asked, afraid he already knew the answer.

Crosshair could see she understood what he was asking. “No. But I’m…better than I was.” He turned his hand to hold hers, cursing the shake in his fingers that he’d been planning to hide. Senna moved to the edge of her seat and reached out for his other hand. “Omega told you?”

“Yes.”

“I’m so sorry, dear. He’d be so happy that you’ve come home.”

As always, stay tuned all month to read every story from this sad fun! collaboration between @kybercrystals94, @just-here-with-my-thoughts, and myself. 😊 Let the angst flow!

Taglist: @lightwise @freesia-writes @clonethirstingisreal

#angstpril2024 #day 10 #phantom pain #star wars the bad batch #fanfiction #clone force 99 #the bad batch fanfiction #star wars oc #dr divehdi #tbb crosshair #the little moment writes #tbb tech #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #tbb omega #tbb echo #littlekyberthoughts #tbb spoilers

[rinwritesfics]

How (Not) to Heal - Part 8

Plot: After being rescued from Mount Tantiss, Crosshair has to figure out how to work with the Batch again - and their new medic. It would be fine if he didn’t start to fall in love with her.

Warnings: Crosshair is shirtless in this one (injury treatment-related)

Word Count: 1957

Author’s Note: After last week's debacle, I figured out a way around the Tumblr character limit, haha! Also, massive thanks to @fakegingerrights for reading this one over.

Previously - Start Here!

Chapter 8

The Marauder landed back in the cave it started the morning in and Crosshair was the first to get off almost immediately. He’d shoved his helmet on and pretended it wasn’t to hide his emotions. His shoulder ached but he refused to let anyone handle it. He would heal.

Dipping behind the ship and out of range of anyone’s sight, he took off the armor surrounding his left shoulder and moved it around, feeling the pain as he went. But he’d miraculously gotten it back in place earlier.

It had been drilled into them to seek medical attention after a serious injury. He knew letting it heal on its own was a terrible idea with this much pain.

That still didn’t make him want to admit he had been injured.

As an enhanced clone, he’d heal. It would be fine, he’d be fine. He could keep up with that lie.

In fact, for the next couple of hours, he did. Keeping his helmet on helped immensely, even if it got a couple of weird looks from others.

The illusion broke soon thereafter, when he went to raise the box above his head. He yelped, nearly dropping it on himself. Luckily, Hunter was there to steady the weight.

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing,” Crosshair bit out.

Hunter scowled and Crosshair scowled back, even if Hunter couldn’t see it. Before Crosshair could make another move, Hunter grabbed his uninjured arm and dragged him along back into the Marauder.

“Where’s Ka’li?” Hunter asked Echo and Tech at the ship’s main computer.

“Down in the cargo hold organizing supplies,” said Echo, looking bewildered as Hunter let go of his brother. Crosshair tore off his helmet so Hunter could see him seething.

Hunter turned back to Crosshair. “You’re going down there and getting medical attention. We don’t need you injuring yourself further.” Hunter’s voice was stern and Crosshair scowled at his brother until Crosshair began the descent into the cargo hold.

At the bottom, he clutched the injury and considered climbing back up and hiding away again, but it was too late.

“Crosshair?” Ka’li called out, then noticed him touching his shoulder. “Come here, let me look at it.”

He turned away.

“Sit. Now.”

He scowled at her. She scowled back. Finally, he walked over and sat down on a box by her.

“Shoulder. Explain.”

“It’s back in place. Nothing to explain.”

“Wrong. Just because it’s relocated doesn’t mean you can use it in the same way right away. It needs to rest and rehabilitate.”

“I told you, I’m fine!” He stood up and got in her face.

She closed her eyes and took a measured breath. When she reopened them, her gaze was steely. “Fine. If you want to permanently damage your shoulder, then who am I to stop a grown man from doing so?”

She scooped up her medkit and made for the ladder.

He sighed. “Wait.”

She stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“Yes. I know it needs to be partly immobilized.”

She didn’t move.

“I’m asking for help, here,” he said, annoyed.

“Then ask for it. I don’t appreciate you expecting me to do whatever you tell me to do. Asking for my help can go a long way.”

“Okay,” he said more calmly. “I’m asking for help.”

She turned back toward him, but didn’t look him in the eye. “Okay. I’ll check it out.”

“Ka’li.”

His voice was softer, startling her enough to look him in the eye.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too, Cross. I shouldn’t have been sharp with you.”

He chuckled drily, hoping to hide the thrill at the nickname. “No, that’s pretty much the only way they can convince me to listen.”

“You deserve better. I’m not part of your family, so I don’t need to assume I can treat you the same.” She looked away again, but he looked at her straight on.

While she thought he deserved better, he didn’t believe her. He had done bad things. Terrible, really. There wasn’t anything he deserved, in his opinion.

If his silence effected her, she didn’t show it. She just sat on his left and opened the medkit.

“Funny thing about treating your shoulder for something like this requires your shoulder to be bare.” Her tone was one of amusement.

He smirked. “Are you asking me to take off my clothes?”

She blushed. “No! Well, just your upper body glove. I need access to your bare shoulder.”

He took his shirt off and she started looking his shoulder over before handling it.

“Does it feel like it’s back in place?”

“Yeah. I have a little bit of motion.” He paused. “It really hurts.”

“I’d be surprised if it didn’t.” She looked over the swelling and the bruising. “You know I have to handle it to do this.”

He grunted in response.

“Do I have permission to proceed?”

He looked at her and cocked an eyebrow, then nodded. She touched his shoulder and elbow with both hands and started to move his arm. He bit back a yell and she stopped.

“How much pain is it? Is it moderately affecting daily activities or severely affecting you?” she asked quietly, refocused on his arm.

“It’s….” Did he tell her? He wanted to hide it, but this was his only chance. She waited patiently and he conceded. “Severe. I can’t raise it without the pain distracting me.”

She let go of his arm. “You’ve got a strain, then. Any tingling or numbness?”

He shook his head.

“Cramping?”

“Mild to none at this point.”

“Good. No nerve damage.”

“Was it an easy pop-in?”

“It was pretty quick.”

“Partial dislocation, at least some tissue damage, indicated by the bruising and swelling. I’m going to apply ointment and partly immobilize it.”

“Immobilize? No.”

“Crosshair,” she said in a dangerous tone. He scowled and she continued. “Your tissues need to heal. I understand you don’t want to do this. I understand that you feel it makes you weak. I can’t say I know exactly what you’re feeling, but please. Let me help you heal.”

He ground his teeth and looked away, pursing his lips. Finally, he agreed.

She applied the bacta, slowly and in circles, and despite the aches, the firm but gentle touches made him want to lean into her. Each touch was relaxing and he enjoyed the warmth her hands brought, both to his skin and his heart. When she got done with the application, she let him put his shirt back on and began to wrap his arm in a makeshift sling, crossing the wrap over his body a couple times, enough to give it a range of motion, but still keep it steady for at least a day. Each near miss her hands had with his chest brought him butterflies. What did she think of him each time she got this close to him? Did she want to stay this close just like he did?

He frowned at the thought. That wasn’t something he needed to worry about, especially only in his bodyglove.

She cleared her throat. “I’d like to ask you something.”

He looked at her working on his shoulder.

“I saw your face when you came back up the ladder. That pain wasn’t just in your shoulder, was it? Did one of the droids have the same sound as before we found you?”

He knew she was avoiding certain words, even with her voice hushed, to keep the torture a secret between the two of them still, but his walls still started to go back up.

“Crosshair, I just want to see if there’s anything else I can do.”

His scowl deepened and he couldn’t hold his defensive retort back. “Why, so I can be emotionally reliant on you? No, I’m not weak, I’m not one of your projects.”

She froze. “I-I’m sorry, I just -”

“Yeah, you wanted to help. I know. And I don’t care, just hurry up.” His cheeks warmed and he had to steel his gaze to hold back the stinging of tears of frustration.

She bit her lower lip. “You know, you can just tell me you hate me and I’ll stop bothering you. It’d be quicker that way.”

Hate her? Maker, no. That was the farthest from the truth she could get. He sighed, “I don’t hate you. And I… I do care that you want to help.”

“Then why are you so mean to me?”

“Because trust is hard!”

She didn’t say anything, just looked up at him with a softening gaze as the words sunk in.

“Trust is hard, Ka’li. If I give myself over to someone, if I let them in, I’m going to get hurt! I can’t let that happen. So I’ve been trying to keep you at an arm’s length.” He paused, then glanced away. “But that’s been hard, too.”

She bit her lip again, then nodded. “If you want me to not get close, I understand. You’ve had so much trauma, that I can’t even begin to expect you want someone to be an outlet. Just know I would still like to be your friend if you change your mind.”

He pursed his lips, then nodded. As she went to pack up, he caught her elbow. “I’d like to try again.”

“Okay. Well, Cross, let me know if you need anything else.” She gave him a slight smile. He nodded back.

“Ka’li?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

The blush in her cheeks did not go unnoticed by him and a surge of pride grew in his chest.

The moment was interrupted by Omega calling down that Ka’li was needed in the cockpit. The two then traded glances before climbing the ladder. Crosshair, stretching his wrapping and getting used to the limited range of motion, followed closely behind her.

“What is it, Hunter?” she asked, entering the cockpit.

“We just got word from Rex about an outer rim planet aiding in the rebellion’s cause. On the planet, one of the villages needs medical help after their recent quake, and while I’m not ordering you to go, they very much need your expertise.”

“Are we all going?”

“We’ll all land, but not all of us are needed. Some of us will get supplies that we desperately need. But someone else can go to the village with you.”

“Okay. When do we leave?”

“We can leave as soon as everyone’s ready.”

Ka’li nodded, deep in thought about the needs of the people. Crosshair watched her, also deep in thought for another reason. Just that morning, he’d insulted her for wanting to help people, insinuating it made her a savior. But she was doing this purely out of kindness.

Guilt swam in his stomach and he looked away, managing to catch the attention of Omega by accident, who cocked her head in a thoughtful, then a knowing smile. His sister was very intuitive and he couldn’t afford to slip up around her. She would start to ask questions, and he wasn’t ready for that.

He wasn’t sure if he was ready to start answering them to just himself, either. Ka’li had a good heart. He didn’t want to get in the way. He also didn’t want to be seen as a project for her, someone to be saved.

No, he decided he didn’t deserve to be saved. It hurt to think about.

Silently, he cursed himself. He had to at least be honest with himself if he couldn’t be honest with her. He didn’t want to be rejected, either. If he didn’t deserve redemption, then all he would face was rejection.

And he had enough of that in his lifetime.

Ka’li was good. But even she had her limits.

He didn’t want to find out he was one of them.

Chapter 9 Tags: @crosshairsbabygurl, @starrylothcat, @thecoffeelorian, @idoubleswearimawriter, @heylosers06, @totesnothere04, @dangraccoon, @the-hexfiles, @jediknightjana

#tbb crosshair #tbb crosshair x reader #the bad batch crosshair

[silverwings22]

Song of the Sea: Chapter 25: About Us

Chapter warnings: tentacle porn. That's it. If you've read this far, you knew what you were getting into. Series Warnings: explicit smut, alien anatomy (it's a monsterfucker fic, guys), major character injury, grief, canon typical violence, autistic meltdowns, and my terrible attempts at Mando'a

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The ship was empty when Shiani woke up from her couple day nap, the rest of the Batch at the bar and Tech staying behind to keep vigil over his siren while she’d been healing. She yawned sleepily and looked down from the bunk, her wakening unnoticed as he worked at something on his datapad. She liked watching him work, forever fascinated with the sure way he moved and the adorable scrunch of his nose when he was concentrating. She might have watched for hours, if she hadn’t woken up with a question buzzing around her brain. Maybe it was because they’d seen Crosshair on Kamino, that her brain kept circling back to it.

 “Tech?" 

He looked up immediately, smiling when he saw her smile up above him like a star peeking through cloud cover. He immediately got to his feet and came to the side of the bed. "Yes, cyar'ika?"

She propped herself up on one elbow, looking at him thoughtfully for a moment. Even in just his blacks, he looked like the weight of the galaxy was sitting on his shoulders. “Do you remember what Crosshair said about you and me on Bracca?” 

His face turned red immediately. "That is rather difficult to forget."

"You never explained what he meant." Shiani sat up, waving for him to come closer. Theirs was a top bunk, so when he shuffled to her his head was even with her knees. She leaned down and cupped his cheeks, forcing him to look at her when he'd rather keep his head down. "Will you tell me now?"

Tech sighed, leaning into her touch slowly. "I do not wish to make you uncomfortable."

"I’ll be fine." She shifted her grip to pet his hair lightly. “But he’s still with the Empire. I don’t want anything he knows about you  to ever be used as a weapon against you again.” 

"Crosshair was referring to… an old conversation. One we had while somewhat intoxicated." He mumbled, eyes sliding to the side 

"You’re embarrassed." She said knowingly. She knew he’d somehow mentioned to his brother than he wanted to sleep with her before they’d gotten together, but the specifics of the conversation he seemed to avoid at all costs.

"Yes. It is… highly uncomfortable to have my brother bring up a drunken sexual fantasy in front of anyone else. Particularly you, my partner.” He shook his head faintly. "That was something you and I should have been able to discuss on our own."

"Would you ever have told me if I didn’t ask?" Shiani leaned over a little further to kiss Tech's forehead.

"... Most likely." He sighed. "But certainly not this early in our relationship…"

"You think I’d… what did he say back then? Swim away?" She chuckled. “You don’t ever have to be afraid of that.”

Tech leaned his head on her knee. "I cannot help it."

"Why?"

"What Crosshair was talking about… may be a bit more deviant than you are willing to deal with. You are from a relatively conservative culture-"

"That I left." She reminded him. “Twice, if you consider the exile and the fight with Kashae.”

"It is also outside of the traditional sphere of masculinity. I cannot stand the idea that you would think less of me."

"I would never. You’re the bravest man I know. Now come up here and snuggle with me, we’ll figure it out." She encouraged him, scooting over so he could kick off his boots and climb into the bunk. He laid on his back and she settled on top of him, arms crossed over his stomach with her chin resting on them. "Sometimes the fact that you only have one heart amazes me. I can feel it pounding." Her observation was soft-spoken, but he flinched. 

"Yes."

"It's okay. It’s just me, don’t be nervous. It’s not like we’ve never made love before."

Tech's mouth was dry as Tattooine as he looked at her. "Easier said than done, mesh'la."

She smiled. "Everything is."

He fidgeted under her for a moment before turning his eyes to a section of paneling above them. Eye contact was difficult at the best of times, right now it felt impossible. "What Crosshair was referring to is an… interest in additional forms of stimulus during sexual contact. Specifically stimulation of the prostate."

Shiani rolled back her memory to the human anatomy scans she'd spent forever looking at during her assisting him with his brain scanner. Prostate… "Oh! I know what that is. Only in males."

Tech turned another shade redder. "Y-yes… he was specifically referring to the fact you have additional appendages that could be used for that purpose…"

She cocked her head to the side, like he'd make more sense to her at a 45° angle. "That’s what he meant by my tentacles?"

"It is perfectly reasonable for you to have no interest in something so out of the ordinary-" A clawed fingertip pressing to his lips shut him up. 

"Tech. To me, you are an alien. Everything we do is out of the ordinary." Her smile was sweet, not a trace of judgment in her eyes when he finally made himself meet them. "If that's what you want, we can try. If we don't like it, we stop. I know you, you’re a scientist. Your brain will never let it go until you give it a shot."

He stared at her until she removed her finger from his lips. "... that is your answer? I have been agonizing over this for months."

"That's because you overthink."

Tech sighed and wrapped his arms around her. "You are too good to me."

"I have a name again, and I’m on a starship and in bed with prettiest human in the galaxy. Because you’re good to me." She snuggled happily into his chest.

He kissed her head, smiling when her suction cups stuck to his glasses. "And you are sure you're interested in this… little experiment?"

"As long as you promise to tell me if anything feels bad. The last thing I want is to hurt you." She nodded. 

"Agreed."

"Then I’m happy to try. Tell me what you want."

Tech relaxed some and sat up, pulling her with him. "Perhaps we should lock the door first? Everyone is out of the ship, but there is never any real communication about when they are coming back."

She stretched a tentacle and hit the lock, shifting to sit on her knees in front of him. He leaned forward and kissed her, gentle at first but with a flavor of grateful longing that lingered on her tongue. They fell into each other, the near-death experience of Kamino a stark memory against the quiet of the room. When they broke apart, Tech cradled her face in his hands for a moment. Her wide eyes gazed back, entirely adoring, and he wondered once again how he'd ended up this lucky despite everything. "Lie back for me, cyar'ika." He breathed. "And… one final question."

"Yes?"

"May I record this? No one will see it but me… but I would like to revisit the moment."

Shaini smiled as he caught the hem of her shirt. "Okay.' She dropped onto her back as he pulled the garment over her head and let it fall to the floor. Tech took a moment to admire her stretched out before him before setting his goggles on the shelf and hooking his fingers into her waistband. She helpfully lifted her hips, the stark absence of her chains’ rattling when she moved dawning on her. She didn’t have them anymore. She never would again. 

But she did have Tech. 

Once she was bare, Tech quickly discarded his own blacks and set his lips against her skin, watching the way she shivered as he moved from one breast to the other. His tongue lathed over the sensitive flesh, half wondering about the biological purpose of pronounced breasts in an aquatic species… maybe he'd ask later. He had other, more pressing interests at the moment. 

Her stomach jumped slightly when his kisses moved downward, and he smiled faintly against her skin. "You are ticklish."

"Yes. Don’t tickle me now, Tech. We’re busy." Her chiding was playful at best, so he tucked the information away for later and continued his descent. When he reached his prize, he lightly dragged a fingertip across her folds. A soft gasp was reward enough, and he dropped his head between her legs. 

She hummed, pitching upwards as his tongue located the precise point that would undo her. He consumed her like a man starved, squeezing her hips lightly to hold her in place whenever she squirmed. She tucked her claws against her palms and drummed her knuckles against the mattress as the winding coil built rapidly in her core… Tech was was always good at this. Of course he was, Tech was good at everything and she loved him so much, and he was pulling her spirit out of her body at the moment without a word of complaint from Shiani. 

The one brain cell she still had possession of flew back to that first night, when she'd put her mouth on him like this and her carefully composed Tech had swore like a dock hand and forgot how to finish a sentence. If she could suck the intelligence out of a genius, she supposed it was only fair he could snatch her soul in the same way. It had belonged to him for years anyway. 

The orgasm snuck up on her almost embarrassingly quickly, and she lost her hum in favor of a desperate whine. It might have been his name, but it muddled into whimpers as she bucked against the hold he had on her. Tech wasn't willing to let up on her though, slowing down but never stopping his teasing kitten licks until she had ridden out her high and was trying to escape him and the overstimulation. 

When he finally took mercy on her and rested his cheek on her thigh, the blue pulse of her bioluminescence was bright enough to see with the lights on. She smiled, panting, and reached for his face. A clawed thumb wiped her slick from his chin. "M-messy." She giggled. 

"The best meals tend to be." He smirked, beyond pleased with himself, sitting up to crawl over her again. She squeaked when his weight settled atop her and he rolled, laying her across him. Her hands settled on his pectorals, pushing herself up to look at the clone. 

He was so pretty, she thought. Angular face, serious eyes, and the still-fading scar from where his chip had been removed all those months ago. She leaned down and delicately kissed the scar, grateful he really was free of that awful monster lurking in his skull. She never wanted to imagine him like Crosshair, stolen away from her by something that made him believe the ones who loved him most were his enemies. “This is supposed to be about you.” She teased. 

“On the contrary, I believe this is about us.” He leaned back, looking up at her. One arm stretched up towards the shelf on the side of his bunk where he kept a disorganized mess of chalk, machine oil, and little bits of scrap parts he’d tossed to the side. Behind the clutter, hidden on purpose, was a squeeze bottle of bacta-based medical lubricant. He sheepishly held it up to Shiani, who took it to inspect the label. “This should reduce any concern for injury or discomfort.” 

She giggled. “How long have you been hiding this bottle behind chalk box?”

He flushed. “Probably longer than necessary, seeing how well the conversation leading up to this went…” 

Shiani nodded, fiddling with the bottle lid. “Always preparing. So how do you want to do this?” 

He rubbed her hips with his thumbs, thinking, before lifting her up slightly. “Shift to the left, cyar’ika.” 

Agreeably, she wiggled her hips until Tech was notched at her entrance. His usually steady hands shook slightly on her hips. "At the… same time." He mumbled. 

Shiani shivered and nodded, uncapping the bottle and squeezing the slippery, cold substance onto one of her tentacles. Tech watched, eyes wide as she slicked it up carefully, her other limbs writhing to wrap around his legs and pull them apart. Finally the prepped appendage slipped from his sight as Shiani got a devilish look on her face and seized his wrists, pulling them over his head and pinning him flat. The vulnerability and sudden helplessness had the clone's head spinning when her lips parted, fangs inches from his blurry vision. "I’ll take care of you." She said sweetly, kissing his lips before shifting her hips. 

As he slid into her, she slid into him. The intrusion was much more slow than her seating herself, caution keeping her eyes screwed firmly onto his face for any signs of discomfort. Instead, his mouth was half open and his eyes crossed. He'd forgotten how to breathe.

Shiani kept her hips still as she pressed into him, searching for what he'd asked of her before she'd worry about her own pleasure from the throbbing cock inside her. It only took a few inches of feeding herself into the man below her until he jolted and whined.

"There?" She grinned breathlessly. 

Tech tried to jerk, searching another glowing brush of her skin against the most sensitive parts of him. Instead of a clear affirmative, he could only manage a pitiful "uh-huh…"

That was all she needed, rolling her hips smoothly as she began to ride him and twitched the dexterous muscle in him against his prostate. Tech was a mess, incoherent babbling of her name and pleas for what was most likely more, harder, faster. 

She only held onto her self control by a thread of delight at his debauched state. This was power, the ability to undo a man so tightly wound. Her body, her hands and mouth and flesh could brand something so intimate and mind-numbing into this man she loved so much…

She pressed her forehead against his, closing her eyes and focusing on the genius's feelings as his every nerve ending was shot to scrap. "That’s right. Come for me." She cooed, grinding her hips down a little harder as she pressed the magic button in him that made him lose his mind. 

She needed him to come, and take him with her, so that she could ease the burning under both their skin. They'd have this, something he could never recreate with anyone but her, to be theirs forever. 

"Sh-shia-ni!" He groaned, and her lilting siren's kiss followed the broken sound of his voice. 

Tech unraveled, blood burning with electricity as he came harder than he'd ever done. Too many sensations fried his brain, til there was nothing left but the siren's song and touch. Dimly he heard her voice catch and she squeezed tight around him, his frenetic spasm grinding him right where she needed him most. She followed him to bliss, like she'd follow him anywhere. 

When he went limp, she lay her head on his chest and shuddered through the combined aftershocks of their releases. He took a long time to drift back into his consciousness, like a leaf fluttering to the ground. When he did, her nail was lightly tracing the skin of his pectorals. "Tech?" She cooed. "You okay?"

"...fuck." He mumbled bluntly. 

She giggled. "Experiment success?"

"I believe we will… require additional testing. But not right now. I don't believe I can move."

She carefully pulled off and out of him, Tech shuddering at the loss of her warmth. She quickly pulled his blanket over the both of them and curled up to his side, unlatching the door as she did. She petted his hair, turned off the recording feature of his goggles, and returned them in the sweetest display of aftercare he'd ever experienced. "You don’t need to move. I’ll take care of you." She breathed. "Go to sleep."

He nodded, managing to flop over on his side like a landed fish to hold her. "You are spectacular, my cyar'ika." He mumbled, exhausted and spent. 

"I love you." She whispered back, mulling over the bits of Mando’a she'd struggled to teach herself. "Ni kar'tayl su."

Tech smiled against her ear fin, the hand on her hip squeezing three times. "Clever girl."

#explict #original character #clone force 99 #the bad batch #star wars #tbb tech #tech smut #monster fucker #song of the sea

[techsbrowneyes]

I had this ready to post days ago, but I couldn’t think of a title and I tend to procrastinate when it comes to proofreading. Anyway, here it is, another Bad Batch AU one-shot :)

Summary: An outbreak of fever has swept through Pabu. The Bad Batch and Phee venture off-world for medical supplies. They encounter a familiar face and must put their differences aside if their mission is to be successful.

Title: Old Acquaintances

Word count: 5,289

“We’ve been through this,” Phee said firmly. “I’m coming with you and that’s final.”

“This mission holds certain risks,” Tech argued. “I do not want you or the baby in danger.”

They stood outside the Marauder in the warm morning sunshine, Tech growing weary of this argument, Phee standing with her feet planted apart in a sort of battle stance. He knew she was going to win. She had several valid points, and his few paled in comparison.

An outbreak of fever had swept through Pabu. There was not enough medical supplies to go around, hence why the Bad Batch and Phee were going off-world on a supply run. It was vital that they retrieve these supplies and get them back here immediately.

The fever didn’t seem to affect the older population. It was the children who were suffering the most, and Phee was afraid Racer was going to come down with it. She thought taking him off-world was the best option. Tech thought so, too, but he was uncomfortable with the idea of bringing his son to a hostile planet.

He had other motives, too, for giving in. He didn’t like being apart from Phee or his son. They were his world now, just like his brothers and Omega. Without them, his world was a dark place. There had been a period of time he was separated from his family, and he didn’t care to repeat the experience. Those days had been the very definition of lonely.

Phee settled her hand on his shoulder. “What are you worried about, baby?” she said softly. “Hmm?”

“I hardly ever worry,” Tech said.

“Really.”

“Worry is a state of anxiety and uncertainty that hinders critical thinking. It is essential that I remain rational at all times if I am to keep you, our son, and my squad safe.”

She quirked a brow. “So you never have those moments where your belly gets twisted into knots and you can’t sleep?”

“That is correct.”

“Huh.”

“However,” he said, getting her attention, “there have been a select few occasions. For instance, there was a brief moment my airways ceased to function after you informed me you were pregnant with our son.”

Phee laughed. “Oh, Brown Eyes, you do amaze me.”

Crosshair emerged from the ship. He was dressed in his old armor, which he’d modified a bit to match the rest of the squad’s. Out of duty for their brother, and sentimental reasons, the squad had kept his kit. They had always clung to the hope that he’d return to them someday.

“The baby is asleep,” Crosshair announced.

“Why must you always call him a baby?” Tech asked. “He is one year, three months, and four days old. He has left infant-hood.”

“Why must you always get technical?”

“It is my nature. Why must you always look so dour all the time?”

Phee shook her head. Tech knew she found the squad’s sibling banters to be amusing. Not having any siblings of her own, or none that she was aware of, she didn’t quite understand their dynamics.

Crosshair suddenly straightened. An odd look came over his face. Tech found this change intriguing. Wanting to see what had affected his brother in such a way, he turned and saw a pink-skinned Twi-lek coming towards them. He could see why Crosshair was so transfixed. She was lovely, and she walked with her shoulders back, a purpose to her stride.

“Doctor,” Phee greeted.

“Mrs. Genoa,” the doctor returned in a warm, accented voice. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing.”

“We’re happy to do anything we can. Doctor, you’ve met my husband. This is his brother, Crosshair. Crosshair, Dr. Elayna Ro’tala.”

Elayna smiled at Crosshair. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Crosshair just stood there, looking dumbstruck.

Elayna presented Phee with a datapad. “I comprised a list of all the supplies I need,” she said. “The ones of utmost importance I listed at the top. I’m afraid some will be difficult to procure.”

Phee passed the datapad to Tech.

“Not to worry, Doctor,” Tech said. “We are quite resourceful.”

“We will get you those supplies,” Crosshair promised.

Elayna nodded gratefully. “Do what you can. And good luck.”

Tech was about to tell her there was no such thing as luck, but Phee nudged him none too gently in the side with her elbow. She knew him well.

“Thank you,” she said to the doctor.

Tech had to get the ship prepped for take-off. He went inside and took his usual place in the pilot’s seat. By the time he had warmed up the engines, the rest of the squad had arrived, making quite a bit of noise—mainly Wrecker—as they set their gear down and got settled. Tech wasn’t worried that the noise might wake Racer. The child could sleep through just about anything, even a storm. He was like his mother in that regard, except he didn’t snore. Tech kept that bit of knowledge to himself.

Echo claimed the co-pilot’s seat.

“Let’s go,” he said. “The quicker we get those supplies, the better.”

Phee touched Tech’s shoulder. “Plot a course for Tatooine, Brown Eyes,” she said. “I have a few contacts there. They might be able to provide us with the supplies listed, or with the names of other sellers.”

“Are these people reputable?” Echo asked.

“Probably not.”

Hunter settled down in the seat behind Echo’s. “As long as we’re not double-crossed, I don’t care who they are,” he said.

“Isn’t Tatooine controlled by the Hutts?” Omega asked from the doorway as Tech lifted the Marauder from the landing pad and headed for space.

“Jabba Desilijic Tiure, to be exact,” he answered.

“Who’s he?”

“A powerful crime lord we don’t want to cross,” Hunter answered. “We’ll go in, retrieve our supplies, and depart as quickly as possible. Tatooine is far from hospitable and I don’t want to overstay our welcome.”

As they entered space, Tech prepared to make the jump to hyperspace. Tatooine was not his first choice, as it was hardly what he’d call a civilized planet, but the Empire was less likely to be present.

And then there was the black market. Its less-than-discreet presence on Tatooine made the planet another prime candidate. Most of the supplies Elayna requested were generally easy to procure—on the Core worlds, that is. The further you drifted from the Core, the more improbable it became to find them unless you turned to less reputable sources.

“Have we got enough credits to get what we need?” Echo asked.

“About five thousand,” Phee answered. “It’s all I could scrape up in such a short notice.”

“Echo could play the part of a droid again and we could sell him for more credits,” Wrecker suggested.

Echo balked at the idea. “No,” he said firmly. “I am not doing that again.”

“Even for sick children?”

Wrecker had struck a nerve, because Echo’s shoulders drooped. He let out a little sigh.

“I suppose I could allow it just this once. Let’s just play it by ear, okay?”

After they were underway, everyone went to their own corners of the ship. Wrecker dozed. Hunter and Echo conversed quietly. Crosshair cleaned his rifle. Racer continued to nap, and Omega studied up on Tatooine, wanting to know all the facts about the hot, dry planet that was more or less unfriendly.

Phee sat up in the cockpit with Tech, dozing like Wrecker. Tech watched her. He’d memorized every detail of her lovely face, but he was still fascinated by her. He had never known what he was missing in life until she filled the empty gap. Many times he considered himself fortunate that he’d gotten this chance to love and have a family of his own, something he hadn’t ever dreamed was possible. He’d always considered himself just a soldier.

Now he was a husband and a father.

Tech smiled tenderly at his wife, then picked up his datapad and decided to do his own research on Tatooine. Omega had the right idea. The more they knew about this planet, the more confidence they would have in navigating it. 

And the quicker they could get in and get out, the better.

The plan was for the squad to separate into two groups. That way, they could work more quickly and be back at the ship before night fall.

Hunter led his group through the crowded streets of Mos Eisley. He had directions to one of Phee’s contacts, who ran both a legitimate business and a shady one.

Omega, Echo, and Wrecker trailed closely behind him. Omega was eager to see the sights, but she knew better than to wander off. She did, however, spout off facts about the planet she’d learned during her studies. She was beginning to sound like Tech. Actually, she’d picked up a trait from each of her brothers, but that wasn’t surprising. They were family.

Hunter listened with half an ear while he kept an eye on their surroundings. He didn’t trust any of these characters. They looked like the kind who’d turn on you real fast if there was a reward involved.

He knew the squad was on the Empire’s radar. They’d made enough noise over the years to merit a bounty over their heads. He only hoped luck was on their side today and they could get the mission done before any trouble arose.

“This is the place,” Hunter said, leading the squad down a narrow street. Tucked away at the end was a shop. It had a sign over its door stating it specialized in rare and valuable finds. It was probably a ruse to cover up the more illicit business going on behind closed doors.

Wrecker went in first, just to make sure it was all clear. Hunter followed and found himself in a dark room filled with shelves of junk—old speeder parts, vaporater parts, various bits and pieces that had no significance. There was absolutely nothing of value.

Phee would probably know what was valuable and what wasn’t, he thought.

A Rodian came out to greet them.

“Greetings,” he said. “Can I help you?”

“He has shifty eyes,” Hunter heard Wrecker whisper.

Hunter cleared his throat. “We’re looking for specific supplies. We were told you might be able to help.”

“Maybe,” the Rodian allowed. “What kind of supplies you be looking for?”

“Medical supplies.”

Hunter presented him with the datapad. The Rodian looked it over and handed the datapad back.

“I can get you those supplies, sure. But it’s gonna cost ya.”

“And I’m prepared to meet your price. We need these supplies urgently.”

The Rodian leaned forward. “How urgently?”

Wrecker stood up to his full height in order to present a more intimidating presence. He wanted to make sure the Rodian didn’t plan on swindling them just to get a better deal.

The Rodian spared Wrecker a glance, gulped, then looked at Hunter again. “Give me twenty-four hours,” he said.

“How about one,” Echo said firmly.

“Listen, pal. You’re asking a lot. It takes time to scrape these kinds of supplies together.”

“These supplies are for sick children,” Wrecker said. “You don’t want to let sick children die, do you?”

The Rodian snorted. “You think I care about that?” He paused, tapping a long finger on his chin as if thinking it over. “Three hours,” he said finally. “That’s the best I can do.”

“Deal,” Hunter said, before either Echo or Wrecker could protest. He didn’t want to press their luck.

The entrance door slid open, admitting another customer. Except it wasn’t. The Rodian’s eyes went as wide as saucers.

“Well, fancy seeing you here.”

Hunter spun on his heel, his hand going for his knife. Fennec Shand stood in the doorway, smiling coolly at them. Hunter immediately jumped to conclusions and assumed she was here for them, to collect the bounty over their heads.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Rodian slinking away.

“Roony, take one more step and I’ll have to reconsider taking you in warm,” Fennec warned.

The Rodian froze.

“That’s better.” She returned her unflinching gaze to Hunter. “You’re doing business with the wrong kind. This one’ll stab you in the back the moment you turn away.”

“Didn’t have much of a choice,” Hunter said frostily. “What are you doing here?”

“Roony here has made a lot of powerful enemies. They’re paying me handsomely to bring him in.”

“You’re not touching him. Not until we get the supplies we need.”

Fennec sighed tolerantly. “I’ve seen the bounty over your head, sergeant. The moment I let that greedy little Rodian walk away, he’s not going accommodate you. He’s going to turn you in. Consider yourself lucky I arrived when I did.”

“Are we supposed to be grateful?” Echo grumbled.

“Anyway, how can we trust you?” Omega said. “You came after me once, remember? For all we know, you could turn us in to take all the credits for yourself.”

Hunter doubted it. He figured Fennec for the honest sort. Roony was her target, not the squad. She was only here to do a job she was being paid for.

He met Fennec’s gaze. “He’s all yours,” he said.

She nodded. “Thank you.”

But she didn’t get a chance to apprehend her quarry. Roony activated a switch that set off an ear-splitting alarm. It drove Hunter and everyone else to their knees. He covered his ears, his auditory senses overwhelmed enough to cause him pain.

Wrecker took charge. He located the source of the alarm system and put it out of commission with a well-placed punch.

Hunter sucked in a breath as a semblance of quiet was restored. It took him a moment to recover.

“Damn,” Fennec cursed. “That no-good swine!”

“We can’t let him get away,” Omega cried. “He’ll turn us in!”

That prompted Hunter into action. He bolted out the front entrance and started running, using his enhanced senses to guide him. This took him left into another ally. As he reached a junction, he almost ran into Fennec, who’d come from the opposite direction.

“He’s headed for his ship at docking bay twenty,” she said. “Let’s try and cut him off.”

“Right,” Hunter agreed.

She took off and he followed close on her heels. They came out into an open market and had to push their way through a crowd of civilians, some who shouted angrily at their retreating backs. Hunter kept his senses peeled for the escaping Rodian, whom he was very eager to get his hands on. If Roony contacted the Empire, the entire squad would be put in jeopardy. He was mostly thinking about the kids. He didn’t want either of them in danger.

“This way,” Fennec said breathlessly, taking a left.

They arrived at the docking bay, but it was too late. The roaring of engines made Hunter’s heart sink. He drew his blaster and fired a few shots at the ship lifting off. Unfortunately, his DC-17 was useless in this instance.

Fennec, however, was armed with an MK sniper rifle. She made a quick but calculated aim at the engines and squeezed off a round. A small explosion reverberated through the air and Hunter looked away, but only briefly. He turned in time to watch as the ship made an ungraceful landing.

“Nice shot,” he said.

“Thanks,” Fennec said. She shouldered her rifle and nodded. “Shall we?”

Hunter made a go-ahead gesture with his hand, and the two of them started for the ship.

The hatchway opened and Roony stumbled out, waving away smoke and coughing. Fennec grabbed his shoulder in a tight grip.

“Sorry to foil your escape plans, Roony,” she said, not sounding sorry at all.

Roony spat something in his native tongue. Hunter didn’t need Tech’s translation skills to know that the Rodian was cursing them out.

“You won’t get away with this,” Roony snarled. “Soon, I be free and rich.”

Hunter got a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Impulsively, he drew his knife and pressed it threateningly against the Rodian’s neck.

“What did you do?” he snarled.

The Rodian cackled. He said something else in his native tongue.

Hunter glanced at Fennec for help. “You have any idea what he’s saying?”

Fennec’s lips thinned. “No, but I think you’re about to have company.”

“No deal.”

Tech watched as his wife’s usually calm demeanor wavered.

“What do you mean no deal?” Phee said angrily. “I offered you a fair price, Deeno. I thought we had an understanding.”

Deeno, a balding human with a blotchy complexion, shrugged. “What you ask of me is difficult. My prices will be higher.”

Tech wanted to step in and employ a good dose of diplomacy to make the merchant see reason, but Phee seemed to be holding her own just fine. She probably wouldn’t like it if he interfered.

Racer watched intently from the carrier Tech wore. He considered this a good educational experience, although he doubted his son actually cared about the details. He was just interested in watching his mother.

“Listen,” Phee said, pointing a finger at the merchant. “There are sick children who need these supplies badly. If you won’t do business with me, I’ll find someone who will.”

Deeno scoffed. “With what you’re offering, I very much doubt it.”

Crosshair stepped forward and glared down at the merchant. “Is that your final decision?” he asked in a calm, cool voice.

“I stand firm,” Deeno answered.

In one fluent motion, Crosshair grabbed the merchant by the back of his head and slammed his face down into the counter. Deeno spluttered as blood gushed from his broken nose.

Racer clapped his little hands and laughed, amused by his uncle’s unwarranted display of violence.

“Now let’s try that again,” Crosshair hissed. “Or should I start breaking fingers?”

Deeno whimpered. “No, no. I’ll have your supplies delivered to your ship,” he promised. “I’ll even give you a discount!”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear.”

“Was that really necessary?” Phee asked Crosshair after they left the shop sometime later.

“It got us the supplies, didn’t it?” Crosshair said.

“That tactic may have worked on Mr. Deeno,” Tech said, “but I very much doubt you will get the same results should you try that method on a more obstinate individual.”

Phee led the way through a busy street. With the noon hour upon them, the heat was almost unbearably hot, the sun blistering. Tech adjusted Racer’s hat. He was concerned about him getting a sunburn.

 Mos Eisley was quite an interesting place. It was a melting pot of various species with different backgrounds. Tech was sure almost every being he passed was running from something—a rough past, perhaps even the Empire. If you were looking to lay low, this was certainly the place to do it.

They passed a merchant selling exotic flowers. Tech paused to purchase one, then quickened his pace to catch up to his wife and brother. The two of them were now arguing about the correct way to conduct business. Phee liked doing things in an orderly, diplomatic fashion. Crosshair still believed a bit of violence was the best way to seal a deal.

“While you are debating the finer points of business, take a moment to appreciate this beauty,” Tech said, presenting the flower to his wife.

Phee’s furrowed brow softened as she smiled. “How lovely,” she sighed. She leaned in and kissed Tech’s cheek, careful not to smother Racer. “Thank you, Brown Eyes.”

Crosshair observed the exchange with a thoughtful frown. “Is that how you woo a woman?” he asked Tech after Phee walked away.

“Among other ways,” Tech answered. “Would you care to be educated?”

“Come along, boys,” Phee called.

“Coming, love.”

They continued on their way to the docking bay where they’d left the Marauder. There they were going to rendezvous with the rest of the squad, assuming they had been successful in procuring the other half of the supplies.

Tech’s comlink pinged. He unhooked it from his belt and thumbed it on.

“Tech, we’re going to have company,” Hunter said gravely. “I need everyone to get back to the ship pronto.”

“What company?” Tech asked, just as two Imperial cruisers appeared in orbit. “Never mind.”

Crosshair’s gaze darkened murderously as he gazed up at the sky. “Permission to engage the enemy,” he said.

“Negative,” Hunter growled. “We’re getting out of here.”

“Copy that,” Tech said. “We will be at the docking bay momentarily.”

Phee’s brow furrowed with worry. Tech knew she was thinking about Racer when she reached for him and lightly touched his leg. He understood, because he didn’t want Racer put in the middle of a hostile situation, either.

To avoid that gut-wrenching possibility, they picked up the pace and made haste for the docking bay. The arrival of the Imperial cruisers had put a lull on most activity. Tech noticed that the streets were no longer teeming, but practically empty. It was almost eerie. Still, it gave him and his companions a clear path to their destination.

They rounded a corner and he immediately drew back when he saw a squad of stormtroopers marching down the street. He and his companions ducked into an alleyway, safe from prying eyes.

“They have already initiated a sweep of the port,” he said. “It may be more difficult to reach the docking bay.”

“We are superior to them,” Crosshair said. “We can take them.”

“Negative. The odds are stacked against us. If we engage one squad, we will risk exposing ourselves to the rest of their forces.”

“The odds are always stacked against us.”

Tech unstrapped Racer from his carrier and passed him to Phee. “They will not be looking for you or the baby,” he said quietly. “There is an alternate route to the docking bay. It should take you to a back entrance the Imperials will not be monitoring.”

“What are you going to do?” Phee asked worriedly.

“We will also go an alternate route.”

She shook her head. “I don’t like splitting up like this.”

“If you are seen with us, your safety will be compromised. It is better this way, love.”

Phee cupped the back of Tech’s head and raised her face to kiss him on the lips. “Don’t do anything reckless,” she said.

Tech sighed. “I will try to be as cautious as possible,” he said.

“You know what I mean, Brown Eyes.”

He gave her a gentle push in the right direction. “Go. We will be reunited shortly.”

“Now what?” Crosshair asked sulkily, after Phee disappeared from view.

Tech made a few quick calculations in his head. “The Imperials will be carefully monitoring all docking bays. We will need to create a diversion to lure them to a different point.”

“I thought you didn’t want to engage the enemy.”

“Not head on, no. I was thinking more of a hit-and-run.”

“Goody,” Crosshair said sarcastically.

Tech and Crosshair started off in the opposite direction of the docking bay. He wanted to contact Hunter and relay his plan, but he didn’t want to run the risk that the Imperials were monitoring all comm traffic. He couldn’t risk jamming their signals, either. As of now, the Imperials had no visual confirmation that Clone Force Ninety-nine was even here. He wanted to keep it that way until the last possible moment.

Tech and Crosshair kept up a steady pace, making use of back streets and alleyways. They encountered not a soul. The inhabitants had all tucked themselves away behind closed doors to avoid trouble with the Imperials patrolling the streets.

Tech wished he had all his gear. As of now, he was only armed with two DC-17 blasters. There wasn’t much damage he could do without his thermal detonators and EMP grenades. He would have to improvise. Since the squad almost always improvised, that wouldn’t be a problem.

“Someone is coming,” Crosshair hissed.

Tech drew his blasters and set them to stun. He and Crosshair pressed their backs against the wall and waited, watching the corner intently. Tech’s fingers tightened on the triggers.

A white cloth appeared.

“Don’t shoot,” came Wrecker’s voice.

Tech lowered his blasters. “You can come out,” he said, and Hunter, Wrecker, and Echo came around the corner.

“Did you lose the kid?” Crosshair asked.

“No,” Hunter answered. “I sent her back to the ship to get it prepped for take-off. The rest of us are going to create a diversion to give her more time.”

“Ah,” Tech said. “Great minds think alike. Cross and I had the same idea.”

“Now what?” Echo asked. “We haven’t got much, just a couple of blasters.”

Tech rubbed his chin. “I took the time to study the port’s layout. There is a power grid on the outskirts of the port, about four klicks south from our current location. If we can utilize it to create an explosion, that will be the diversion we need.”

“Well, boys,” Hunter said. “Let’s go make some noise.”

Phee arrived shortly at the docking bay without encountering any Imperials. She found the supplies they’d bought from Deeno, waiting to be loaded onto the Marauder. This surprised her. The man was not known for being prompt or reliable. Apparently, threatening him had worked wonders.

She decided her first order of business was to get the supplies loaded. She wasn’t leaving here without them, threat or no. These supplies were what they’d come for.

She unstrapped Racer from his carrier and set him down on his own two feet.

“Now don’t go wondering off,” Phee warned. “Stay close to Mama.”

Racer plopped down in the shade cast by the Marauder and was content to play with the sand. She kept an eye on him as she opened the hatch and got to work. She wanted to make sure he didn’t eat it.

As she turned to start moving the crates, she saw Omega and a stranger come in through the back entrance. Normally, Phee would be suspicious of people she didn’t know—especially people who were armed—but if Hunter trusted Omega with this woman, Phee supposed she was an all right sort.

“You made it!” Omega said.

“You lose the boys?” Phee asked.

“Oh, no. They’ve gone to create a diversion. I’m supposed to prep the Marauder in case they need a quick extraction.”

Racer got to his feet and toddled over to Omega. “Up!” he demanded, tugging at her pants. Omega stooped down and picked him up.

Phee looked at the stranger. “Who are you?” she asked.

“Fennec Shand,” the woman answered. “I’m here to offer my assistance. Omega is an old friend of mine. Who are you?”

“Phee Genoa.”

Fennec stared curiously at Racer for a moment. “Who’s the little one?”

“This is Hunter,” Omega said, giving Racer’s forehead a kiss.

“Junior?”

“Stars, no,” Phee said, amused Fennec assumed Hunter was the father. “That one isn’t my type. No, I married the brains of the lot.”

Fennec seemed satisfied by the answer. Her reaction was telling. Phee wondered if Hunter was aware that Fennec was interested in him.

“If you want to offer any assistance, we need to get these crates loaded,” Phee said, getting back to the task at hand.

“Are they important?” Fennec asked, already moving to pick up a crate.

“These are medical supplies. A lot of sick children are depending on them.”

While Phee and Fennec worked to get the crates loaded onto the Marauder, Omega powered up the ship. Racer was content to sit in the co-pilot’s seat.

As Fennec was getting the last crate, a thunderous boom shook the ground under their feet. Phee looked up and saw a mushroom cloud blooming in the sky.

“There’s the diversion,” she said.

She headed inside the ship as the ship’s comm pinged. Omega switched it on.

“Uh, we’re in a bit of a situation here,” came Echo’s voice, raised to be heard over the sound of blaster fire. “We’re going to need a quick extraction.”

“Copy that,” Omega replied enthusiastically. “We’re on our way.”

Phee planted a hand on her hip. “I swear. We’re always getting those boys out of trouble.”

“I’ll be leaving now,” Fennec said, touching Omega’s shoulder.

“Oh, do you have to?” Omega asked.

“I’ve got matters of my own to attend to.” Fennec nodded at Phee. “Mrs. Genoa. It was a pleasure to meet you. See you around, kids.”

As soon as she disembarked, Omega lifted the Marauder from the ground and headed in the direction of the thick, black smoke billowing into the sky. Half the Imperial forces looked like they had been called in to deal with the situation. That wasn’t a surprise, considering the boys’ reputation.

“I see them,” Omega said.

Phee did, too. They were engaged in a full out ground assault—and holding their own just fine, by the looks of it. She couldn’t help but be proud despite the gravity of the situation.

“I’ll land in front of them.”

Omega brought the ship lower. The deflector shields took most of the enemy fire, giving the rest of the squad ample cover for a safe retreat.

Tech breezed in. “That is sufficient,” he told Omega. “I’ll take it from here.”

He switched places with her and swiftly maneuvered the Marauder away from the scene of battle.

Phee didn’t think they were in the clear. The moment they entered orbit, they were swarmed by enemy fighters. Wrecker took to the gunner’s deck to hold them off until Tech could get a clear pass to make the jump into hyperspace.

“It’s getting hot back here!” Wrecker growled.

Several systems flashed red. Tech banked left to avoid taking damage from the enemy fighters in pursuit.

“Hang on,” he said.

The ship jerked and rattled as the shields took enemy fire. Phee didn’t know how much more it could take, but she had full confidence in Tech’s abilities to get them to safety. She touched his shoulder.

The moment he saw an opening, he quickly made the jump.

“Whew,” Omega said. “That was a close one.”

“Too close,” Hunter agreed.

“What happened back there?” Phee asked.

“It doesn’t matter. None of us has a scratch on us. Let’s just get back to Pabu so we can deliver the supplies to Dr. Ro’tala.”

Elayna was waiting for them on the platform when they got back to Pabu. She was delighted and full of relief when the squad filed out, each carrying a crate of medical supplies.

“This is wonderful,” she said. “Thank you very much. I appreciate this more than words could ever say.”

“It was our pleasure, ma’am,” Crosshair said warmly. He followed her with one of the crates, eager to help.

“Another successful mission, I say,” Wrecker said. “I’m starving now. Anyone wanna get some food?”

“Count me in,” Omega said.

“Race ya!”

Tech watched as the two of them bolted off, then turned his gaze to Phee. She was holding a sleeping Racer in her arms. Racer had conked out an hour into the flight.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m pooped,” Phee said. “Let’s say we go home and relax.”

“Relaxing is all good and fine for some beings,” Tech said, “but I couldn’t possibly sit idle for too long.”

“I know. Humor me, though. I like spending quality time with my boys.”

She was in a sentimental mood. Tech understood what she needed. Since it made her happy, he would willingly spend the rest of the afternoon being idle. Admittedly, he was a little tired himself. He’d had enough excitement for one day.

He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

Phee took his arm and smiled. “Lead the way, Brown Eyes.”

#the bad batch #star wars bad batch #the bad batch tech #the bad batch phee #the bad batch crosshair #the bad batch hunter #the bad batch omega #the bad batch wrecker #the bad batch echo #fennec shand #the bad batch oc #techphee #tbb fanfiction #the bad batch fic

[dangraccoon]

Oyuba’din - Chapter 13: Hostage

Summary: The Bad Batch executes a plan while on shore leave.

Warnings: drunkenness, bad decision time™, attempted “kidnapping” jk lmao but like sorta if you squint real hard and tilt your head a little

Author’s Note: drunk Hunter is the most ridiculous character I’ve ever written and I love him so much.

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“Jaine, you have to tell me who this fine specimen of a man is!” Sinya gushed, brushing a lek from her shoulder.

“Sinya!” Jaine hissed.

Argus put a hand up. “I’m right here,” she grumbled.

“Jainey, who’re them?” Hunter slurred, his brow furrowed. “They dun look like good comp’ny.”

“They’re my friends,” Jaine said through gritted teeth. I’m not drunk enough for this, she thought as she grabbed Hunter's arm and led him away from the table.

“Hey, no need to be s’pushy,” he protested.

“Hunter, I’m going to ask you this one time and one time only,” she steamed. “What the hell is wrong with you? You interrupt my night out with my friends who you immediately insulted, you’re absolutely wasted-”

Hunter shushed her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders in a tight hug. “‘Ts okay, Jainey. Wer gonna get ya back to the barracks when m’brothers find me.”

“Hunter,” she growled. “Let go of me!”

She struggled against him, but it was no use as he lifted her up over his shoulder, her dress riding up uncomfortably.

“‘Mon, Jainey. Back to th’ barracks.”

“Hunter, I swear to the gods above and below if you don’t put me down right this instant!” she shouted, slamming her hands against his back.

“Oh, maker,” Echo groaned as Hunter approached him with a fuming medic over his shoulder.

“‘Mon, Ech, wer goin’ home,” he smiled, ignoring the squirming Jaine on his shoulder.

“Kriff, are you okay, Jainey?” Echo asked.

“Echo, get me down from here!”

Echo tried, but Hunter was stronger than him. He fought against the poor woman being removed from his back, ultimately shaking Echo off entirely, and sprinting out of the back door into a small alley.

“Hunter, I’m going to fucking kill you!” she raged.

The door came crashing open, the rest of the Bad Batch came pouring out, taking in the sight before them.

“Bad Batch,” Tech whispered loudly to them. “R&R Plan 7A; the Hostage.”

The rest of the Batch nodded, moving quickly, Crosshair walking over to simply talk to Hunter about anything other than Jaine, while Echo and Wrecker worked on extracting her from his arms. Tech, well, he’d make sure Jaine was alright after, and likely help Crosshair restrain Hunter, but for now, and since Hunter had approached Jaine’s table, he was recording.

“Hunter, remember how you used to tell us the legend you heard about the aiwhas? How’d that go again?” Crosshair asked.

Hunter’s eyes sparkled as he began to tell Crosshair for probably the two hundredth time in their lives about the aiwhas on Kamino.

As he spoke, he used his hands to mimic the motion of the creatures, and so his tight grip on Jaine began to loosen.

Echo and Wrecker nodded at each other, a silent countdown until they’d yank Jaine away from Hunter.

“Hang on, Jainey,” Wrecker whispered. “Might get a little bumpy.”

A moment later Echo grabbed onto Hunter and Wrecker pulled Jaine away, and Crosshair immediately twisted Hunter’s arm behind his back.

“Easy, brother,” Crosshair soothed. “I think it’s time we got you to bed.”

Wrecker placed Jaine back on the ground and she smoothed her dress out, yanking it back down as far as it would go.

“Are you alright?” Tech asked nervously, appearing at her side.

Jaine didn’t reply. She was seething.

“Hunter, don’t you have something you think you should say to Jaine?” Echo prodded as Crosshair faced the sergeant in her direction.

Jaine’s glare at the concrete didn’t rise to meet his pouty-looking face.

“‘M sorry, Jainey,” he whined, but it was obvious that he was beginning to lose consciousness, starting to slump forward in Crosshair’s grip.

“We’ll get a taxi,” Tech sighed, giving a quick nod to Jaine, and pulling the rest of his brothers with him.

Echo, however, remained still. His eyes were on her, despite the fact that she was glaring holes into the pavement in front of her.

“Jaine?” he asked, cautiously. “Are you okay?”

Jaine could feel the moment her anger broke.

“Am I okay? Are you serious, Echo?” she seethed.

“I’m sorry. When he drinks it’s hard to predict how drunk he’ll actually get. One minute he’s fine, the next-”

“He’s kidnapping women who are already pissed at him and dragging them away against their will?” she snapped. “I mean really, I leave you all alone for one night and you’re out getting drunk and going banthashit insane? What if I wasn’t there, huh?”

“I know.”

“What if he’d picked up someone else and began to carry them away?”

“I know.”

“Kriffing hells, Echo. He could be decommissioned for that! All of you could!”

“I know, Jaine!” Echo burst. “I know, but like I said he changes from minute to minute and I know that it’s not an excuse, but we’re all at least a little buzzed and not on top of our game. I was supposed to be babysitting him, but I let him get away from me, okay? So, if you’re going to be mad at anyone now, be mad at me, because I don’t think Hunter can take anymore of it!”

Jaine stood in a stunned silence. It took a lot to make Echo snap like that, but Hunter can’t take more of her anger? Cool, calm, collected Hunter?

“Echo,” she mumbled. “What are you talking about?”

“He blames himself for you leaving-”

“Maybe he should,” Jaine bristled.

“He knows he hurt you and he feels terrible,” Echo explained, leaving out how Hunter was literally crying, for his sake.

Jaine took a deep breath. “Echo, I know he’s your brother and you’re just trying to help, but if Hunter is the one that’s sorry, Hunter is the one who should apologize.”

“I know, but I’m sorry, too,” Echo mumbled sadly.

“What?”

“It’s just - well, everything happened after that nightmare and I guess I feel like maybe all of it’s my fault.”

Jaine’s irritation started to cool, her eyes watching the ARC trooper carefully.

“If I didn’t have that nightmare, if I didn’t make you stay with me, Hunter wouldn’t have gotten upset and you wouldn’t be leaving.”

“Echo-”

“Echo, ya comin’?” Wrecker bellowed, rounding the corner. He noticed Jaine was still there and smiled. “Need a ride, Jainey?”

“Thanks, Wrecker,” she smiled, jumping in before Echo could continue. “But I’m going to head back in with my friends. Have a good night, Wreck.”

As she turned to leave, she placed a hand on the right side of Echo’s chest. “Goodnight, Echo.”

He watched her walk back into the bar, frozen to the spot. He could almost feel the warmth of her palm against his chest, and felt the heat of it run straight to his cheeks. The placement of her hand just then reminded him of his old ARC armor. Thoughts of his captain, and ultimately his twin, flooded his brain, the three of them swirling around in a hurricane of affection.

“Echo?” Wrecker called again, breaking him from his own head.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

-

“Jaine! There you are!” Sinya shouted across the club, clearly leaving poor Argus hanging for a kiss. “Hey, where’d your boyfriend go?”

“Again, not my boyfriend, Sinya,” she said, rolling her eyes as she plopped down into the booth.

“Oh, why not? He’s so hot,” Sinya whined.

“Still here,” Argus groaned, feigning offense.

“Oh, it’s okay, honey, you have very similar faces,” Sinya giggled with a wink, earning more eye rolls. “Anyway, Jaine, you have to grab that man up, before someone else does.”

“Gods, Sinya,” Jaine growled. “For the last time, I’m not grabbing anyone up! They were my squad and I can’t be interested in any of them.”

Sinya looked at her, her eyes a little hurt by the tone, but nodded, becoming uncharacteristically quiet. Argus scowled at her.

“I’m sorry,” she sighed. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”

Sinya smiled a little and shrugged. “I shouldn’t have pushed your buttons like that.”

The women looked at each other for a moment before wrapping each other in a tight hug.

“Aww, you know I can’t stay mad at you,” Sinya smiled.

“I will never understand your relationship,” Argus laughed, shaking his head.

-

When Hunter woke up, he was amazed at just how shitty he felt. Of course, he had gotten drunk before, he’d even been plastered a few times, but this morning-after felt worse.

“Oh, good, you’re still alive,” a monotone voice said with an obvious edge of irritation mixed in it. Hunter almost didn’t recognize the voice, it was so icy.

He started to open his eyes, the harsh lights of their barracks on Coruscant hitting his overly sensitive eyes. “Jaine?” he asked.

“You’re a fucking idiot.”

Thanks for reading! - Dang

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[bellaxgiornata]

Life Worth Living [Chapter Six]

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Original Female Character

[You can find the full summary and chapter list for this series here]

Warnings/tags: 18+ for this series; contains fluff, angst, violence, PTSD, smut (Contains our beloved Defenders and lots of plot twists)

Word Count: 6.3k

a/n: This is a big chapter with lots of things happening in it--and you see more of Olivia's powers on display. Poor Matt's flirting doesn't get him where he wants, though. Feedback is always appreciated!

After having exchanged goodbyes in the bar with Karen and Foggy, I had led Matt outside with me, his left hand wrapped around my right bicep. The evening had gotten even colder than when we’d initially walked to the bar and I shivered in my jacket, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear with my free hand as the chilly breeze blew them across my face. 

“Here,” Matt said, releasing his hand from my arm and gently placing it around my waist, drawing me to him like he’d done earlier. His body heat helped warm me instantly. “This still okay?”

Feeling the nerves surface at being alone with Matt again, I nodded shyly. “Yes, thank you,” I mumbled softly as I slid my hands into the pockets of my jacket. 

Silence fell between us for a minute as we walked down the near empty sidewalk. There were a few taxis passing down the desolate street at the late hour, looking for stragglers who needed rides. My eyes darted from building to building as we moved, keeping my attention on our surroundings in case someone else decided to appear from an alleyway. The reality was beginning to set in that tomorrow I’d be confronting Kilgrave with Jessica. While I was nervous at being in his proximity after so many years again, and possibly opening the floodgate to a lot of terrible memories I’d been pushing down for so long, it also meant he would know I was here. In Hell’s Kitchen. Which could, in turn, put the new friends I’d just made at risk. 

“You seem tense,” Matt observed, his voice breaking me from my thoughts. “Is it the guy from the bar?”

A slow exhale left my lips. I really wished I could tell him the truth; it wasn’t fair to Matt if things didn’t work out tomorrow. If he made it on to Kilgrave’s radar, how would he be able to protect himself? And he was my neighbor . If Kilgrave found out where I lived, he’d find Matt without even trying. Hell, he’d probably be caught in the crosshair just for being my neighbor. 

Maybe I can warn him…with just enough truth?

I felt the muscles stiffen in Matt’s arm that was wrapped around my waist. He turned his attention towards me now, his dark glasses flashing under the streetlights at the movement.

“Olivia? Is everything okay?” he questioned.

“It’s not the guy at the bar, no,” I answered him slowly, keeping my eyes focused ahead as we walked. “But…” I began, struggling to think of a way to explain without giving away too much. 

Matt stopped walking abruptly, pulling me to a stop with him. He turned towards me fully, his arm dropping from its place around me. I shivered at the loss of his warmth.

“Are you in some sort of trouble?” he asked me cautiously. “Does it have something to do with whoever attacked you?”

My tongue darted out, wetting my lips as I glanced past him.

Just some truth. Just enough to help keep him safe.

“...yes,” I answered him slowly. He went rigid immediately, drawing his cane between his hands and gripping it firmly. “I uh…I got a call earlier. Before I came back from the restroom. From the P.I. I said I was helping.” I hesitated, my eyes drawn to the way his lips pursed into a tight line the more I spoke. “She needs my help tomorrow. With that person from my past. I told her I’d help…but I’m afraid it might have some…repercussions to others in my life. If things go wrong, that is.”

A dark look crossed Matt’s face, one I’d never seen there before. His head tilted to the side as he quietly and sightlessly studied me in a way that was becoming increasingly familiar. 

“You mean for us,” Matt clarified after a moment. “Foggy, Karen, and myself. You’re afraid something might affect us?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, staring down at my boots. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him shift on his feet.

“You’re…afraid for me?” Matt asked, drawing conclusions from my silence.

“I’m worried for them too,” I admitted quietly, hugging my arms tighter around myself. “But you’re my neighbor. You’re…easier to find.”

“And blind,” Matt stated bluntly.

My eyes went wide, darting up to see Matt’s grim expression. I shook my head quickly, stepping forward and placing a hand on his shoulder.

“No!” I said immediately. “No, just that you’re literally right there. Across the hall. And you’ve been…flirting with me. Which he-he probably wouldn’t be too thrilled with.”

His head sharply tilted to the side at my words. “He?” he asked curiously. “So this guy is, what, your ex? And he’s dangerous?” Matt’s brows knitted together behind his dark glasses, his voice coming out rough as he asked, “Is he stalking you, Olivia?”

“What? No,” I said firmly. “He’s not stalking me.” I frowned, glancing away again. “Yet. I mean he might, if tomorrow doesn’t…go well.” I shook my head quickly, pushing that thought away for the moment. “Just promise me you won’t go answering your apartment door for any strangers any time soon? Please?”

“I can take care of myself,” Matt assured me.

“Matt,” I said his name sharply, my grip tightening on his shoulder, “promise me.”

He stood there for a moment just focusing on me, not saying anything. I couldn’t make out what was on his mind; I couldn’t read his full expression with his damned glasses blocking his eyes.

“I won’t answer the door for strangers,” Matt eventually assured me. He stepped closer towards me though, reaching a hand up and grazing my chin before he placed his hand against my cheek. My eyes closed at the touch. “Let me help you though.”

“You can’t,” I told him softly. “This isn’t something I need a lawyer to solve.”

“I could help with a restraining order,” Matt mumbled, his thumb rubbing a gentle circle against my cheek.

A small smile spread on my lips as I opened my eyes. His mouth was twisted into a concerned frown, his brows dipping down behind his glasses. 

“Trust me when I tell you,” I said, voice barely above a whisper as I lifted my hand from his shoulder and gently ran my fingertips down his jaw, “that a restraining order would never work.”

His head turned into the light touch of my fingers, his own hand slowly sliding down my neck to rest at the bit of my collarbone visible under my jacket. My heart started to beat a little faster at the intimate touch and I slid my fingers back up his jawline, slowly running them back down the sharp line again. I could see the way he swallowed hard, the bob of his throat noticeable at the movement.

“You confuse me,” he said breathlessly, taking another step closer to me. “You call me a flirt but flirt back with me. You tell me you’re not interested, yet you…” he paused, licking his lips and leaning further towards my touch, “you touch me like that. Kiss me in the bar like you did.” His jaw clenched, his thumb now gently sweeping across my clavicle. “You confuse me and you’re driving me crazy, Olivia.”

I bit my lip, halting the movement of my fingers and slowly dropping them from his face. I swore I heard him let out a quiet whine at the loss of the contact.

“I’m sorry, you’re right,” I said immediately. “I shouldn’t.”

“Why?” Matt asked, his question sounding almost like a plea. “Don’t tell me you’re not interested, either. I’m not going to believe that.” When I didn’t answer immediately he spoke again. “Is it your ex?”

I stepped back out of Matt’s touch, putting distance between us. I glanced away, unable to handle the pained look on his face.

“Yes,” I confessed. “That’s part of it. We-we had a terribly messed up relationship,” I stammered. “It’s the only one I’ve had. And now he’s here and I need to…to deal with…all of it. I can’t–I’m not who you think I am,” I told him in a rush. “I can’t be that. I’m just…too damaged, Matt. You deserve better. Normal.” I shook my head quickly. “I can’t be that for you.”

He was shaking his head at my words immediately. “Don’t, don’t talk about yourself like that. You’re not damaged. You’re not abnormal.”

I grimaced, a humorless laugh crawled its way up my throat and burst out. You have no idea, a dark voice snapped internally.

“You don’t know that, Matt,” I told him. “You don’t know me that well.”

He closed the space I’d put between us abruptly, drawing a hand straight to my chin and turning my face to face his.

“Then let me,” he begged. “Let me get to know you.”

“Matt…” I breathed his name like a whimper.

Suddenly, both of his hands were on my face. They cupped both of my cheeks, the warmth emanating from them was intoxicating and my eyes fluttered closed, anticipating him to pull me in for a kiss. Instead, his fingertips began to slide up to my temples, slowly brushing against my forehead on either side before dipping down, running over the length of my brow bone. Then they lowered, lightly grazing the delicate skin of my closed eyelids. My breath caught in my throat when I realized he was mapping out my face with his fingers. The gesture felt more than intimate despite the fact that we were still standing on the sidewalk just a block from our apartment building. 

“Tell me,” he said gently, one finger sliding over the slope of my nose as he spoke, “that you don’t feel it, too.” His fingertips swept over both cheekbones before lowering down the expanse of my cheeks, until they paused along my jaw. One hand disappeared suddenly from my face as the other very slowly swept its way to my chin. “Tell me,” he began again, his other hand appearing at my hip and gripping it tight. I inhaled sharply at the movement, eyes darting open and being met with his face so close to mine. “Tell me you’re not interested.” The fingers on my chin slid up to my bottom lip, so gently tracing it with his thumb before it rose and traced my upper lip just as carefully. “Tell me and I’ll believe you,” he whispered.

I swallowed hard, fighting internally with myself. My body was aching just from the way he touched my face, and just like in the bar earlier, I found myself wanting more. 

If Kilgrave finds out he’ll kill him.

My lip trembled under his thumb as I fought back so many emotions. 

“I…can’t,” I said faintly, lips brushing against his finger as I spoke. 

“But you want to?” Matt asked, one brow raising as his hands fell from me, one back to his side, the other gripping the cane that had been resting against him.

“I can’t,” I repeated. “Not-not right now. I can’t.”

The sad smile I’d seen on his face after we kissed in the bar returned and I felt a pain in my chest at the sight of it.

“I understand,” he said dejectedly. He cleared his throat loudly. “It’s getting colder out, we should probably get back. You’ve got to be freezing.”

“Matt–”

“It’s only another block away, if I’m remembering correctly,” he continued on, beginning to walk as he tapped his cane along the sidewalk.

I inhaled a shaky breath before shoving my hands in my leather jacket’s pockets again. I could feel the sting of tears in my eyes and I blinked rapidly, fighting them back as I began to catch up to Matt. 

As we walked back to our apartment building, we didn't speak. Matt never asked to take my arm again. His mouth remained in a tight frown the entire ride up to the sixth floor when we'd gotten into the elevator in our building. And as we walked down the hallway to our respective doors, he didn't look back at me as he said goodnight before disappearing into his apartment. 

I unlocked the door to my apartment and let myself in, locking it behind me before leaning against the door. A stray tear made its way down my cheek and I rubbed it away with the heel of my hand before pushing off the door, heading to my room.

I didn't bother changing before crawling into my bed. I just tossed off the leather jacket onto the floor and curled up in my sheets, pulling myself into a tight ball and burying my face in the pillow.

°•°•°•°•°•°

The hood of my gray sweatshirt was pulled up high over my head underneath my leather jacket as Jessica handed me two syringes of Sufentanil, just in case the dart gun Simpson was carrying missed. Trish was at the front of the beat up van in the driver's seat, dark sunglasses and a black beanie on her head attempting to obscure her appearance. The man beside her, Will Simpson as he'd been introduced to me earlier, was in the passenger seat beside her issuing an explanation on how to use the Bluetooth headsets in our ears to stay in touch. 

I hadn't had the best impression of the cop who claimed to be ex-military; besides the fact that he'd tried to kill Trish because Kilgrave had sent him after her when she'd challenged him on her radio show, he was cocky and arrogant. He was quick to take the lead and boss Jessica, Trish, and myself around for the mission and I was getting a strong inclination that he wanted to kill Kilgrave, not just trap him. But, as I'd learned from Jessica on our way to meet up with the pair this morning, he had access to a hermetically sealed room at a now abandoned CDC building, one he'd rigged up with water and a loose, active wire attached to a button, allowing us a safe place to secure Kilgrave once we had captured him. A place to torture him though is what it sounded more like he wanted it for.

"Make sure he doesn't see either of you," Simpson said, craning his neck to look at Jessica and I in the back of the van. "If he recognizes you, he'll run and we'll lose him."

"You're going to have to haul ass to the sealed room," Jessica told Trish. "I don't know how long this stuff will work for. We have to move fast."

"Got it," Trish said with a nod.

"If anyone walks up," Simpson said, turning towards the blonde, "just pretend to be on the phone. Do not engage."

"She's a celebrity," Jessica snapped beside me, and I noted her own obvious irritation at the man in her tone, "she's used to dealing with weirdos. …usually."

Simpson glanced back at me, ignoring Jessica’s jab and studying me for a moment. I raised my brows at him questioningly. 

"You sure you can handle this?" he asked.

I shot him an irritated look. "I'm the only one of you that can go up against him," I shot. "I think I'm good."

"Just want to make sure your head is in it," he grumbled.

"How about we go back to tense silence?" Trish suggested, her eyes darting between the three of us.

Tense silence did fall between us for a moment. I turned towards Jessica beside me. Her foot was tapping anxiously, bouncing the van lightly with the movement. When she noticed I was staring she frowned. 

"You good?"

"Peachy," she snapped. Her lip twitched when she saw my face fall. "Sorry," she apologized. "I know this isn't easy for you either."

"It's fine," I mumbled back.

"It's time," Simpson interrupted from the front of the van.

Jessica and I pushed open the back doors of the van, slipping out onto the street. I slammed them shut behind us, following Jessica around the van to where Simpson stood, lowering a black baseball cap on his head and slipping on sunglasses. I took that moment to slip the Ray Bans off the neck of my sweatshirt and pull them on. I didn't particularly want to be recognized kidnapping someone in broad daylight. 

"If Kilgrave gets one of us," Jessica started, her hand gesturing between herself and I, "just–"

"I'll take you out," Simpson cut in quickly.

Both Jessica and I shot him a look as we stepped up onto the sidewalk. My stomach knotted at how fast he'd said that and how serious he sounded.

"I was going to say use the dart gun, but sure, shoot us in the head," she snapped darkly.

"I'd rather we stick with the dart guns," I said. "Didn't sign up to die. Besides, I should be able to undo any command he gives as long as I'm around and conscious."

We split up just before reaching the park, the three of us going the separate ways we had previously discussed. I made my way into the busy park, beginning to sweat. I’d be lying to say I wasn’t nervous; not only was I encountering Kilgrave again, trying to take him down after having been free of him for the past eight years, but it was mid-morning on a Sunday. The park was bustling with people and as my heart hammered in my chest, I tried to control my racing thoughts.

What if this doesn’t work? What if he hurts someone else because of this? 

…he’s going to know I’m here now. There’s no way to hide after this…

Foggy, Karen, and Matt…all three of them might be in danger if we can’t pull this off.

I shut my eyes tight, shaking the thoughts from my head and trying to remain focused. I couldn’t think about that right now and I certainly didn’t want to think about Matt after last night.

“Everyone in position?” Jessica’s voice came through my earpiece.

I snapped my eyes open, leaning against the light post and casually sliding my phone from my pocket, pretending to scroll through the news.

“I’m ready,” Trish’s voice answered immediately.

“Standing by,” Simpson’s reply came next.

Trying to disguise the movement of my mouth with my hand, I reached up as if I was just scratching an itch on the side of my face.

“In position,” I told them.

I continued to pretend to skim a news article, my eyes occasionally lifting a bit to take in the people passing by. Thankfully I didn’t see Kilgrave standing in front of me, staring me down–an image my brain kept unnecessarily projecting.

Focus.

“Here we go,” Jessica’s voice came through the earpiece.

My hand tightened around the cellphone as I felt a nervous lightheadedness hit me. I tried to stay focused on my breathing, listening for my cue. The plan was for Jessica to stalk her junkie neighbor–her words. She’d discovered he had been her stalker just before she’d called me last night and asked for my help. She said she’d found out every day at ten in the morning he would meet Kilgrave and deliver pictures of her, so the plan was to follow him, find Kilgrave, shoot him with the dart gun and knock him out. Then hopefully we’d be able to play it off like he was a friend having an allergic reaction and we’d throw him into the van and deliver him to the hermetically sealed room.

It sounded so simple and easy, but Jessica had mentioned he’d had bodyguards previously–or at least people he'd controlled to protect him. Not to mention, it was the middle of the morning on a Sunday in New York City. My money was on that this was going to be easier said than done.

“Malcolm's exiting the park on sixteenth street,” Jessica said next.

My heart ticked up, my breath catching in my throat in anticipation. This was it, we were almost about to act.

“He’s at an outdoor cafe,” Jessica said a minute later.  “Sixteenth Street and Union Square West.”

“I’ll park a half block down, on the corner,” Trish said, her voice coming in a rush in my ear.

“On my way,” I told them, shoving my phone into my pocket and heading out of the park.

“Be in place soon,” Simpson added.

I walked quickly, brushing past people and trying to keep my head down as I moved. I felt like I was having a hard time swallowing as I walked; a lump in my throat seemed lodged there and I just couldn’t get it out. I tried hard to stifle the panic as my feet moved even faster.

Breathe, Olivia. You need to breathe.

I tried to draw in a few deep, steady breaths as I moved. Eventually I made it to the street Jessica was on, stopping just beside her. She gave me a slight nod before her attention returned across the street. I followed her gaze, noting the van Trish was driving turning the corner past us. 

And there, at a table on the sidewalk just across the street, sat Kilgrave. He was skimming through something in an envelope with a cup of coffee on the table in front of him. Beside him must have been Jessica’s neighbor, Malcolm; he looked pale and disheveled at this distance, his focus not on the man he was sitting with but diagonally across the street, thankfully not in our direction.

A few loud pops sounded across the street and both Jessica and I stiffened in response. My eyes darted to Simpson who was rounding the corner, his hand inside a brown paper bag as inconspicuous as one could make the act look. Another loud pop from the man on the corner–making balloon animals, of all things–caused Kilgrave to finally raise his head, taking in his surroundings. Simpson was almost in his line of sight.

“Shit,” I breathed out.

“Turn back,” Jessica said quickly through the earpiece. “He can see you.”

“I’m almost in position,” Simpson answered back. “I have a shot, I’m going to take it.”

“He can see the gun,” Jessica said again in a panic.

My breathing came in fast and hard as I stared at the scene unfolding before us. Kilgrave was, in fact, staring right at Simpson as he was making his way closer. I could see the way his eyes were studying the man.

“I’m taking the shot,” Simpson answered back.

“God dammit,” Jessica muttered.

Without thinking, I began walking across the street, inhaling a deep breath before I began to shout.

“Hey shit head!” I called out as loud as I could, stepping out onto the street and waving my arms. “You miss me?”

It felt like everything moved in slow motion after that. Kilgrave’s head turned away from Simpson and landed directly on me. His eyes instantly went wide as recognition dawned over him. His mouth began to part into a warm, surprised smile, but Simpson passed in that moment, shooting him quickly in the neck with the dart. Kilgrave’s face fell as his hand flew back to his neck. He tried to stand from his chair, his eyes remaining locked on me as I continued forward towards him.

And then he collapsed forward into the table, knocking it over. The man beside him jolted up from his seat, his eyes landing on me and then presumably Jessica behind me.

“Sorry, I-I didn’t–I had to!” he said before bolting down the sidewalk at a sprint.

I bent down when I reached Kilgrave, trying to lift him by the arm. Jessica appeared beside me, lifting his heavy body with complete ease onto her back.

“Excuse me, ma'am,” a man said, suddenly darting out of the cafe door. “We got this.”

I rose to my feet taking in the sight of the two large men who’d stepped out of the cafe. Kilgrave’s bodyguards, they had to be. I sized them up quickly; both well built and average height. They looked good in a fight but I could handle them, though with time not on our side I just needed to slow them down and not acquire an assault charge in public. 

“Sorry, but we've got this,” I said quickly, stepping in between Jessica and the two men.

The men didn't hesitate. They lunged towards us and I sidestepped, throwing my foot out to trip the first man and grabbing him by the shoulders when he stumbled. I tossed him backwards into the second man behind him and they went down onto the sidewalk.

“Help! They’re trying to attack my brother and my friend!” Jessica called out, shifting the unconscious Kilgrave on her back.

A woman ran over to us, offering to call an ambulance and the police. A few men nearby stood up, looking ready to enter the fight to help. 

“It’s too late,” Jessica breathed out quickly to the woman, feigning a dramatic voice that I couldn't believe the woman bought. “I’ll get him there myself.”

Without waiting, we booked it down the sidewalk, Jessica toting Kilgrave on her back like he weighed nothing. 

“We’re coming to you, Trish,” Jessica said into the earpiece.

I glanced behind me, seeing the men getting up from the pavement, glaring our way. 

“And there’s two guys right behind us," I warned her. "We need to make a quick getaway."

“ Guys ?” Trish asked in a panic. “What guys?”

I didn’t answer, just urged Jessica forward in a hurry. I kept glancing back over my shoulder, making sure they hadn’t caught up yet. Thankfully they were still a decent distance away.

When we made it around the corner, the back doors of the van were already open. Jessica dropped Kilgrave into the back before climbing in. I pulled myself up after just as Simpson swung the front door open and got in.

“Go, go!” Simpson ordered.

Trish peeled off and I slid in the back of the van, one hand still struggling to close the back door. I could see the two bodyguards sprinting down the sidewalk before I got the door shut. My head momentarily fell back against the wall of the van, my heart racing. That had been close.

“We’re clear,” Simpson said as he glanced back in the rearview mirror. “Think we lost them.”

I tried to steady my breathing but my eyes landed on Jessica. She slid the hood from her head, her eyes staring down at Kilgrave’s lifeless form in front of us. She looked deep in her own head as she watched him, a tight line forming on her mouth as her fists clenched in her lap.

Trish glanced over as she drove, brow furrowing. “You know we need him alive, Jess,” she reminded her.

“I remember,” Jessica said, her voice distant.

I watched as she rose on her knees, one hand reaching out and grabbing Kilgrave by the lapels of his nice navy suit jacket. She swung a fist back and landed it down hard against his cheek with a solid thwack. She dropped him back to the floor of the van as she sat back on her knees, her eyes meeting mine.

“He’s still alive,” she said.

Trish and Simpson exchanged concerned looks from the front seat, but I remained quiet, trying to avoid looking at Kilgrave or thinking about him anymore than I needed to in the moment. I wanted to keep myself as distanced from my emotions as I could. If I didn't see him, really see him, I could pretend it was anyone else. 

It was a bit of a drive to the building we needed to bring him to, one that went by eerily silent. Eventually when we pulled through an alley into a parking lot it was around noon. The sun was high overhead but the tall buildings around us kept us slightly shadowed. Kilgrave was still unconscious on the floor, thankfully the Sufentanil hadn’t worn off yet during the drive. 

“Let’s just get him inside quickly and quietly,” Simpson said as the van came to a stop.

I began to open the back doors as Jessica reached over to pick up Kilgrave. I paused, my hands still holding the door handles as my brows knitted together. I swore I heard a noise getting closer.

“Shit!” Jessica’s voice cut through the silence.

I turned and watched as she pulled something out of his suit coat. It was something small with a red flashing light. And then I heard car doors slamming just outside and I grimaced.

“He was wearing a tracker,” I called out in understanding.

I flung the back door open, swinging it into an unsuspecting man who’d been coming for the back doors. He went down for a moment before he got right back up. The sound of glass shattering came from the front of the van and then I heard the distinct sounds of a taser and Trish’s screams from up front. Then she went silent.

I flung myself out of the back of the van, throwing a fist into the man I’d just knocked down with the car door and dodging a punch from another man who’d appeared. As he went to pull his arm back from the punch, I latched onto his wrist with one hand and slammed my own fist into his elbow. He screamed as bone broke and he fell to his knees. I could hear the sounds of tasers and fighting behind me, but I didn’t have a chance to recover as the first man who’d attacked was coming at me now, a large taser now active in his hands.

Something took over me the moment I saw the taser swing at me, electricity sparking; the telltale vibration in my skull began to hum behind my eyes. For a moment the man hesitated, fear in his eyes as he looked on at me. I knew what it was he saw that made him pause. Using it to my advantage, I threw a hand out in front of me, a pulse of energy shooting out from it towards the man as he tried to charge me. He went flying hard back against one of the buildings, hitting the brick before falling to the pavement. He went still, but I could feel his mind slip into temporary unconsciousness. He was still alive. 

Ignoring the man still sitting at my feet, screaming over his broken arm, I turned around and saw three men tasing Jessica. They were in utter disbelief because she kept trying to get back up despite the multiple electric shocks. Simpson was in a headlock while being pummeled in the gut, his body trapped against the hood of the van. And Trish was unconscious in the driver seat, limp across the steering wheel.

Rage bubbled up inside and I lifted another hand, a pulse of energy shooting out from it as I screamed. All four men lost their footing and went flying across the pavement as if an invisible force had thrown them. Even Simpson stumbled forward to the pavement at the impact. Breathing heavily, I took a step towards them, throwing out another burst of energy as a few tried to rise to their feet.

“You’re going to leave here,” I ordered them, my voice sounding metallic and strange as it barrelled down the alley towards them. “Forget this happened.” 

The men immediately scrambled back to their cars, climbing in wordlessly at my command.

As I turned on my heel, I noticed Jessica was angrily slamming the van door shut. Her head whipped in the direction of a car peeling out of the alley.

“He took Kilgrave!” she snarled, entirely unphased by my appearance.

My eyes narrowed at the car speeding almost out of sight. With a sharp inhale, I held up my hand at the car, mentally grabbing onto it as my hand curled into a tight fist. I pulled with as much strength as my mind could handle. The car paused, the back end lifting a half foot off of the ground. A scream tore through me as I tried to pull it back, the muscles in my neck straining at the effort. Something inside my head snapped like a rubber band tearing. The car dropped to the pavement and skidded out before I could try again. I fell to my knees panting hard as sweat covered me.

“God dammit!” Jessica roared.

My eyes darted over to Simpson who was at the driver’s side, patting Trish on the face lightly and checking for a pulse.

“Is she okay?” I asked, voice weak.

Simpson glanced down at me, his eyes holding mine for a long moment, an unreadable expression on his face before he finally nodded.

“Just unconscious,” he told me. “She’ll come to soon.”

“Good,” I said softly.

The world was spinning and the vibrating in my head wasn’t helping. I lowered myself to all fours, trying to keep myself steady as I recovered. Blood dripped onto the ground by my hands; my nose must have started bleeding from the mental strain.

“We got nothing, after all of that,” Jessica grumbled before angrily slamming a fist into the building beside us–the brick crumbled under the impact.

“Not exactly,” Simpson said as he pulled zip ties from inside his coat pocket. “I knocked one of them out. We can question him inside, see what he knows.”

°•°•°•°•°•°

The man came to shortly after we’d gotten him inside of the building where we could interrogate him privately. Simpson pulled a knife out, waving it in front of the man’s eyes as he registered he’d been tied up. I crossed my arms over my chest, not exactly liking the situation.

“We need to know where they took Kilgrave,” Simpson told the man as he began tearing the fabric of the man’s pants upwards, starting at his ankle. “There’s a pain center right below the knee cap–”

“Come on man!” the guy shouted, his eyes growing wide in panic.

“Forget it,” Jessica cut in. “You could torture him until he’s dead–he can’t tell us anything. He’s not in control.”

“I am in total control!” the man countered rapidly, his voice rising in fear. “You don’t need to torture!”

Jessica frowned, her eyes narrowing. “You mean Kilgrave didn’t tell you to do this?”

“Is he a client?” the man asked. “I never spoke to him.”

“Yet you work for that psychopath?” Simpson asked him.

“No, I work for a firm,” the man answered quickly. “I just guard who I’m told to guard. The client thought he might be attacked. Frankly, I thought he was just some paranoid nut-job with a lot of cash.”

Jessica pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head as she let out a frustrated noise. When her hand lowered, she met my gaze.

“He knew we were coming,” she groaned. “God, I’m such an idiot. He knew I had the Sufentanil–Malcolm would have told him.”

I inhaled a rough breath, rubbing my hands over my eyes.

“And he knows I’m here now,” I pointed out. “So that’s another advantage out of the window.”

“He’s lying, he’s got to be,” Simpson countered.

“Come on man,” the guy whined. “The job doesn’t pay good enough for me to lose a knee cap, you know what I mean?”

Jessica shook her head, catching Simpson’s eyes. “Kilgrave knew he needed paid backup in case he lost his ability. He’s not lying.”

“So where’d they take him?” I asked the guy, stepping forward.

He looked up at me, shaking his head quickly. “I don’t know; they don’t tell us where to go until we need it. It’s a precaution. I have no idea where he is.”

“I want names of your firm and the people in your detail,” Simpson told the man.

“Sure,” he said, nodding quickly. “Whatever you want.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I said slowly. “Kilgrave will just change it all now, after that. It’s too risky, he knows we’d figure it out.”

“I’ll just make sure,” Simpson snapped, raising his knife towards the man.

My eyes narrowed as Jessica slapped his arm.

“Come here, dickhead,” she ordered, dragging him to the corner of the room.

I sauntered over, a wary eye on Simpson. I was really beginning to not trust the man. He seemed like he was one step from going off of the deep end.

“Olivia and I will find him,” she said when we were out of earshot of the man. “You need to fix shit here with this guy; figure out how to come to terms with him. You’re a cop, Simpson–you’re supposed to serve and protect. Remember?” She glanced at me, gesturing her head. “Come on, we’re going to talk to my junkie neighbor. Sober him up a bit.”

I followed after Jessica, glancing over my shoulder. Simpson was making his way back towards the man who still looked terrified.

“You sure it’s safe leaving him alone with that guy?” I asked her as we made our way out of the building. “I…get bad vibes from Simpson. He doesn’t seem…okay.”

“He won’t kill him,” Jessica assured me. “I saw how worked up he was thinking he’d killed Trish. He won’t.”

“I hope you’re right…” I mumbled.

“I’m just going to tell Trish what’s going on, she can get Simpson out of here,” Jessica said as the van came into view. “We’ll grab a cab back to my place.”

I sighed, watching as Jessica headed over to the blonde sitting in the van. Trish perked up when she spotted us but she still looked upset. When she’d regained consciousness she’d done nothing but beat herself up for passing out after a single tase.

“I hope your plan works, Jessica,” I mumbled to myself.

#matt murdock x ofc #matt murdock x oc #daredevil x oc #matt murdock #daredevil #matt murdock fanfic

[kratosfan6632466]

The finale ending but zimas in it

After omega was stunned zima was knocked out and taken into the empire’s ship

Wrecker: ZIMA NOOOO!!!! First tech crosshair now her and omega?!!!

Wrecker saw hunter

Hunter : we need them back now!

Hemlock got her in the interrogation room as she was tied down

Omega woke up with zima

Zima : before you ask me anything just know that I won’t tell you anything torture me all you want I am keeping my mouth shut

Crosshair woke up and saw her

Crosshair: Zima listen to me …keep your heart beating….no matter what happens keep it steady

Dr hemlock electrocuted her as she screamed out in pain

Omega : ZIMA !!!! No!

She pants

Dr hemlock : you really aren’t getting us anywhere mrs zima tell me what I wanna know and the torture stops

Wrecker sensed zima

Wrecker: can this thing go any faster?????

Echo : it is in hyperspace

Wrecker: she needs us ! She’s being tortured! Please…I cannot lose her too !

The ship got out of hyperspace

Wrecker: don’t worry my love I’m coming just hold on ….

Dr hemlock electrocuted her again screaming in pain

Wrecker gasped hearing her screams

Wrecker: ZIMA IM COMING!!!

Zima pants as he heard him and was relieved but didn’t show it to hemlock

Zima : please…. Please no more…..

She saw hemlock getting close to hitting the shock button as he was immediately shot in the head

Zima : wrecker!

Wrecker: nobody touches my cyrare !

Wrecker ran to her and freed her from the rope that tied her down

Wrecker wrapped his arms around her as soon as she was freed

Wrecker: it’s ok zima I’m here…..

Omega ran to her *

Omega : mrs zima im so sorry! I feel so bad not being able to help you

Wrecker responded for her : don’t worry about it kid at least she is ok

Omega freed crosshair as well

Wrecker : I could sense what he was doing to ya ….I would’ve came here faster

Hunter : omega thank goodness you’re ok!

Hunter said as omega ran to him and hugged him

Wrecker: let’s go back home

Everyone went home

Zima was on the couch as wrecker was in the kitchen

Wrecker microwaves one of zimas favorite dishes to eat

Wrecker: hey zi….I brought you your favorite meal

Zima : aw thank you wrecker ….

She winced and sat on the couch

Wrecker: I’m sorry he did that to you you deserve better….

Zima : I’m just glad that I’m home with you

Wrecker winced from the neck pain

Zima : here babe let me

Wrecker winced as she began healing his neck

Zima held his hand with the opposite hand

Wrecker: h-how much longer????

Zima : aaaand done

Zima gave him medicine for the pain as he removed the neck brace

Wrecker: now what about you ik he shocked ya but he could’ve done other things to ya

Wrecker said as he inspected her body looking for any blood cuts or burns or bruises

Wrecker: hm seems that was the only thing he did to you which means that I saved you in time before he could do anything else to you thank goodness…….

Zima was in tears

Wrecker: aw zi….

Wrecker said as he hugged her close as she sobbed on his shoulder

Zima : it hurt so much….. I-i didn’t know it i could handle the pain anymore…..

Wrecker: shhhh…..

Zima : if you weren’t coming back i -I probably would’ve let myself die…. I really couldn’t handle it

Wrecker grabbed her hand

Wrecker: don’t say that baby i don’t want you to die!

Zima : I’m sorry! Idk why I wanted that but I did!

Wrecker: zima listen to me please…..I have already lost someone…..the last person I’d want to die is you or my family you mean so much to me …

Zima : I’m sorry…. AGH!!

Zima said as her heart was aching

Wrecker: what’s the matter????

Wrecker noticed her clenching her hand to her chest

Wrecker: oh no ! I’ve got you cyrare don’t worry

Wrecker said as he kissed her lips softly as it made her blush he kissed her neck and collarbone as well she blushed red as it stopped the aching

Wrecker: there we go…. If tech was still here he’d tell us the voltage range he used on you

Zima : yeah …..

Wrecker watched as she ate her food

Wrecker: i mean what I said zima your very important to me….

Zima : I know

Wrecker saw zima curling up on his stomach

Wrecker smiled and wrapped his arms around her cuddling her

#((yes I referenced twilight breaking dawn part one #zima lurzo #my ocs #tbb wrecker #star wars #the bad batch #clone trooper hunter #tbb echo #dr hemlock #tbb s2 finale spoilers #tw: mentions of torture #Tw: mention of suicide

[lightsidetillidie]

Warnings: None! Lots of fluff so you might get a tooth ache.

Words: 1745

A/N: My first request! I loved doing it thanks @oopsiea329. Please send it more I love writing these.

You were exhausted. Your brain wanted to turn itself off, to go into hiding. For a while, you felt it had turned off and you were on an autopilot of sorts. The Batch noticed something was wrong with you, but wanted to give you some space. So when you went back to your bed without a word to any of them, they didn’t stop or question you. You entered into your quarters on the Marauder and immediately sank into the bed.

Hunter: Hunter was beside himself with worry. On one hand, he wanted to go to you, wrap you in his arms, and listen to everything you had to tell him. But on the other, he saw how you were today. He saw how closed off you made yourself, and he didn’t want to make anything worse. Eventually, the worried part of his brain won and he found himself in front of the door to your quarters. He lightly tapped on your door. “Cyar’ika? It’s me,” he called. You said nothing. Hunter found himself entering your quarters and slowly approaching you.

“What happened?” he asked, his voice almost a silent beg. He wanted to understand you and help you in any way he could. You merely shook your head which was faced into the pillow. He got the hint. “Can I join you?” he asked. He could hear a quiet sob, and hoped it meant yes, because he couldn’t just stand there while his beloved cried. He got straight into bed with you and gingerly pulled you into his arms. Your sobs stopped and you buried your face into the crook of his neck. You didn’t need to talk to him, you just needed to be held. His hand was on your back, rubbing lazy circles into it. “It’s ok, cyar’ika, I’m here. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Crosshair: Crosshair never seemed to care about anyone, but that all changed when it came to you. You brought a light into his life that he just couldn’t understand. He found himself watching you closely wherever you went, keeping an eye out for what made you smile and what made you frown. And this? This made you into an entirely different person, which made Crosshair into a big ball of anxiety. Whenever he saw what made you frown, he would keep it away from you. He couldn’t do anything about this but watch in agony as you stalked off to your room.

His brothers may have been fine with giving you space, but he definitely was not. He couldn’t just act like nothing had happened while you, his beloved, was suffering. He made a beeline straight to your quarters and walked in without asking. You were laying on top of the sheets, face buried into your pillows. The sobs from earlier seemed to subside, but the occasional deep inhale told the sniper that you were awake.

He knew you didn’t want to talk, or you would have talked earlier. For now he needed to make sure you were safe and taken care of. He went to the side of the bed and pulled the covers down. “Get under the covers,” he said in the gentlest voice he could muster. You silently moved your body so you could slide under the covers, and Crosshair got in next to you. “I’m here, if you want me to be,” he reminded you. You seemed so numb to everything, he wasn’t sure if you even noticed he was in the bed with you. That was enough it seemed, for you quickly turned over and tucked your head under his chin. Crosshair was surprised, but not complaining. He wrapped his arms around your and placed a small kiss onto your forehead. “Rest now,” he said. “I’ve got you.”

Echo: Echo knew that look on your face. It was the same look he saw in the mirror for months after he was saved from the Separatists. That look of pure horror and pain was something he never wanted to see on your face, and something he worked every day to protect you from. So when he saw you go to your quarters with that look, he froze. That kind of trauma took him a long time to work through, and he still wasn’t fully recovered mentally. Usually, you were the one who would comfort him when he had his moments, and now it was you who needed the comforting.

He went to your quarters and knocked on the door. You didn’t respond, and Echo’s heart sped up a bit worried that you were injured in some way. So, against his usual manners, he walked in. You were in the bed, pillows scattered all around you. You were on your side and staring straight ahead, numb to the world around you. Echo could feel his heart breaking for you. He didn’t know what to do, how to heal someone who hurt so bad.

So, he did what you would do. You knew exactly how to comfort him when he needed it, and now he knew how to comfort you. He slid into the bed next to you, wrapped an arm around your waist, and pulled you closer to his body. You seemed to get brought back to the world, your eyes looking less glassy as you looked down at his arm around you. No words were exchanged, none needed to be exchanged. Just the sound of your breath in unison and the feeling of the one you loved behind you was all you needed.

Tech: Tech was never good with emotions. He didn’t close himself off to them like Crosshair, he just couldn’t understand them. Everything in his life he could pick apart and find out what makes it tick, except when it came to emotions. They were far too complex for him to understand. You always told him exactly how you felt about everything, not wanting him to get too confused (which you know he hated being). So when you went to your quarters without a word, his thoughts were completely disorganized. What was wrong? Why did you act like that? What did you need? It was all so confusing to him.

Still, he had one deep feeling he could straighten out. He needed to comfort you. You were his, and he would be damned if he would let someone as cherished as you hurt alone. So, he set to work. He made your favorite tea and grabbed your favorite snack from the sustenance storage. He searched through the ship and eventually found the softest blanket on the ship (after testing a few against each other for maximum softness, of course). Finally he grabbed both of your datapads and went to your quarters.

Ok. How was he supposed to approach this? Just go in? Knock? He sat for a moment debating until he heard a small sob escape from the room that made up his mind. He walked straight in, making sure to make noise as to not scare you. You seemed to acknowledge his presence, just barely. Just that told Tech so many things: you weren’t waiting for him to come find you. The way you stared off into the distance showed him just how numb you were.

He walked over to the side of the bed and placed down the datapads and the tea. He shook out the blanket and placed it softly over you, making sure to tuck you in so all of your body was covered. Then he slid into the bed next to you and gently nudged a hair from your face.

“There is no need to speak,” he explained. “I have brought you your datapad and your favorite tea. Should you require any of those, or me, I am right here.” Not wanting to push you, he then turned to his datapad and resumed his research. You sat in each others presence for a long time before you eventually turned over and curled into Tech. “Whatever you need, mesh’la, I am here.”

Wrecker: Wrecker was already heading to your quarters as soon as he heard the door close. Hunter tried to call after him and get him to give you some space, but the burly soldier wouldn’t listen. You were hurting, and as your partner it was his duty to be there for you. If you wanted space, he’d give it to you, but he had to hear it come from you. He couldn’t just sit in the ship knowing how upset you were.

When he entered your quarters, he saw you curled up under the covers, the only sight of you being the top of your head poking out. You were holding on tightly to a pillow as if it were a lifeline. “Oh, baby,” he sighed. “I’ll be back.”

He rushed out of the room and ran to his own quarters to grab Lula. Why would he let you cuddle a pillow when Lula was such good company? As soon as he had her he ran back to your quarters and knelt by your bed side. “Can Lula snuggle with you? I promise she’ll better company than the pillow,” he said, his voice reaching a softness that he only used around you. Your face was numb, but Wrecker noticed the grip on the pillow loosen. He gently pulled it from your arms and quickly replaced it with his stuffed tooka doll. You held on to her tightly against your chest.

“Lula’s kept me company when I’ve been upset too,” Wrecker explained as he gently pet the doll’s head. “She loves being held, almost as much as I know you do cyare.” He was trying to ask for permission to hold you, but your face was still frozen, wanting to block out the world around you. Wrecker didn’t want to do anything without your permission, so he stood up and patted your hand. “I’ll be right outside if you need me, ok?”

He began to leave the room, a slight ache in his chest at leaving you in such a vulnerable state. But he felt your hand grab onto his and gently pull him. “Stay,” you muttered in a soft voice. The ache in Wrecker’s chest turned to warmth as he moved himself behind you on the bed. He wrapped his arms around you and snuggled you like you snuggled Lula. “I’ll stay,” he said. “Whenever you need me, I’ll be here.”

#the bad batch #the bad batch x reader #bad batch #bad batch x reader #hunter #sargent hunter #crosshair #echo #tech #wrecker #hunter x reader #crosshair x reader #echo x reader #tech x reader #wrecker x reader #star wars #star wars imagines #star wars imagine #bad batch imagine #clone force 99

[and-claudia]

If You Love Her Like That (Crosshair)

Female pronouns used, no use of Yn

Based on the song “If You Love Her Like That” by Forest Blakk which you can listen to here if you’d like: https://open.spotify.com/track/727Z2S2mtNH46CbP9EWPwY?si=x6P33RvsSmK4h1zBMOUU5A&dl_branch=1

Word count: 1255

They were all sitting at 79s together. Clone Force 99, their intelligence officer, and her boyfriend. He always tagged along when he could. No one really minded. Or if they did, they never showed it.

“I’m going to go get another drink, does anyone else want anything?” She said getting up.

Crosshair held up his almost empty glass and they nodded before looking at everyone else.

“You got it!” They said with a wink before walking off to the bar.

“Hey, Crosshair, right?” Rick, her boyfriend said, sliding closer to the sniper.

Crosshair looked over at him, acknowledging the fact he was speaking to him. His best friend had made him promise to be nice to Rick. He said he’d promise to not be rude, but he wouldn’t promise to be nice.

“Any advice you could give me? I feel like we’re getting more serious and I want to make sure I’m doing everything right. You two are like best friends, so got anything you could share and help a brother out?” He asked.

Crosshair nearly rolled his eyes. This man was not one of his brothers. He wanted to be witty and give him a sarcastic response, but in reality there was so much he could tell him.

He could tell him how she always has a hard time falling asleep. Or how when she’s tried everything to fall asleep she’ll climb up into his bunk to cuddle. It was never anything more than strictly platonic. But Crosshair was going to take what he could get.

He could tell him about how when she thinks she’s alone on the ship she’ll blast her favorite music and sing and dance around to it. Or that her secret guilty pleasure is really bad, trashy reality holoshows that she always somehow can get himself and his brothers invested in.

There was so more he could tell him, still.

He could tell him that she is really just a hopeless romantic. The amount of times she has told him that she thinks love letters are the cutest gesture, but it had to be on her partner’s terms, she never wanted to have to tell him to write her love letters. He could tell him about how her face lights up anytime they’re walking through a market or village and she sees a baby. She will immediately start smiling and making faces trying to get the baby to laugh. Crosshair was always glad he had his helmet on when this happened so no one would see the huge smile it brought him.

He could tell him that she loves leaving small gifts for people. She is constantly leaving small gifts for him and his brothers. Sometimes it’d be something from her stash of candy, other times, just something she saw that reminded her of them.

He could tell him about how she never really accepts a complaint. She will give them out to anyone and everyone, 24/7. But the moment someone tries to give one to her, she will deny it.

Though he probably already knew it, he could tell him that her family and friends are her top priority. She loves them all unconditionally and would do anything for any of them.

He could tell him that during their late night talks, she will go one and one about how the best kisses are the ones that are filled with passion. Especially when it’s in the pouring rain. She has this fantasy of being kissed like they do in the holofilms. Swept off her feet and kissed passionately, while the rain pours around them. Crosshair would give anything to be the one to give her that.

He could tell him that when she’s had a bad and is just generally feeling down, the best thing to do for her is lay down with her and run his fingers through her hair. Neither of them was a stranger to nightmares. And after particularly bad ones she would go to Crosshair, usually still shaking and in tears. He’d let her lay down with him while he tried to calm her down and run his fingers through her hair. It always seemed to lull her back to sleep. Crosshair treasured these moments. He got to hold her in his arms as if she were his and he was her’s but he knew it would never happen.

He could tell him that, although it may be obvious to the two of them, she sometimes will forget that she is beautiful. She sometimes needed to be reminded of that. It hurt Crosshair that this was something he’s had to do for her, but if that’s what it took, he’d do it a million times for her.

It felt like he sat there forever thinking of all the little things he could tell him. All the little things he loved about her. But time had barely passed when he began to form his answer.

“Take it.” Was all he said.

“What?” Rick asked, confused.

“If she gives her heart, take it… and don’t you dare break it.” The second half came out more threatening than he intended.

He took a deep breath and sighed before continuing.

“Be a safe place for her, when you hold her in your arms make sure she knows she’s always safe with you. She’ll love you if you love her like that…” another sigh, “She’s the best thing you’ll ever have.”

With that, Crosshair downed the rest of his drink and stood up quickly. He made his way to refresher leaving Rick and his brothers at the table.

His brothers knew that he had feelings for her. He was always good at setting them aside. She was with Rick and he did his best to respect that. But now there was no way Rick didn’t know about his feelings. She was the only one that was in the dark still.

Crosshair stayed in the bathroom trying to collect himself. He splashed his face with cold water and tried to calm down.

Back at the table, Rick questioned what had just happened. None of the clones at the table wanted to be the one to confirm his suspicions of Crosshair’s feelings. Eventually, she returned with her drink as well as Crosshair’s. Due to alcohol buzzing through her system they seemed oblivious to the tension at the table.

“Where’s Cross?” She asked, pouting.

“Hey,” Rick caught their attention, “I need to go.”

“We just got here!” She protested.

“I know. But I just need to go. And you need to go talk to Crosshair.”

“Why? I talk to Cross all the time!” She rolled their eyes and sipped their drink.

“Because he’s in love with you.” Rick said bluntly.

He wasn’t upset, he couldn’t be. The two of them weren’t super serious. They barely got to see one another. If Crosshair loved her, and she loved him, which Rick knew wouldn’t be too surprising since they spend so much of their time together, then he wanted her to be happy.

“Call me tomorrow.” Was all he said as he got up, grabbed his jacket, and left.

“Where’d Crosshair go?” She asked his brothers.

“The ‘fresher, I think.” Hunter said.

That was all she needed to get back up and push their way through the crowd to get to him. She barged in and Crosshair snapped his head up and looked at her through the mirror.

“Are you in love with me?” They asked breathlessly.

Crosshair stood frozen, unable to answer.

#star wars #starwars #star wars imagine #crosshair #crosshair headcanon #the bad batch #clone trooper crosshair #the bad batch x reader #crosshair imagine #crosshair tbb #crosshair x reader #crosshair fic #tbb imagines #tbb x reader #crosshair x you #Spotify #❤️‍🩹

[the-little-moment]

Febuwhump Day 8: Love Sees Not with the Eyes

Prompt: Why Won't It Stop?

Words: 630

Warnings: Medical Trauma

Focus: OC Imperial Senna and Imperial Crosshair

Senna tapped her access code into the panel and stepped into the darkened room. “It’s me.”

The sniper raised a hand in reply. She walked over to his bed and looked down at the white bandage wrapped over his eyes, a grimace of sympathy flickering across her face. “How do you feel?”

Crosshair grunted. “The same.”

Senna sat down on the edge of the narrow bed with a sigh, feeling the metal frame through what the army considered a mattress. “Have you slept?”

“Not much else to do.” 

“I know. I’m sorry I can’t just stay with you.”

He snorted, “No, you’re not.”

“Sure, I am. I could really use a nap.”

The corner of Crosshair’s mouth quirked up in a faint smile. He didn’t need to see the doctor to know the expression her face wore at that moment. He’d memorized her a long time ago. “I’ll trade with you.”

“Yeah, right.” Senna stifled a groan as she cracked her neck. Crosshair felt the mattress shift as she leaned to touch her toes. “I shudder to think of you running the hospital.”

“Can’t be that hard if you do it,” he said, perhaps a touch saltier than he would have if he hadn’t been trapped blind in this room for two days. But he knew how far he could go with Senna. 

“Crosshair," the doctor asked conversationally. He could hear her left eyebrow raising, “Why do I keep you around?”

“You’d be bored without me. Surrounded by regs.”

Senna rolled her eyes, realizing belatedly that the gesture was wasted on him. “Some of my favorite people are regs, dear.”

“You’ve always had rotten taste,” the sniper smirked.

“Mm, that’s the real reason why I keep you around.” Senna took one of the hands he had folded across his stomach, her smile growing bitter as she studied his bandaged face. “I’m sorry this is happening again.”

After a moment, Crosshair responded tiredly, “Are they ever going to stop?”

“I—they should have.” The doctor sighed in frustration. “You know I wasn’t informed about a lot of the procedures you and your brothers underwent back then. I’ve looked through your records, but some of the experimentation is still classified. If I could get my hands around Se’s neck, I’d make her tell me.” Crosshair squeezed her hand gently and she realized that she’d raised her voice. 

“I’m so sorry. I can’t stand not being able to fix this. Without knowing what was done, I don’t want to muck around and maybe make things worse.” Senna sighed deeply, shoulders slumping. “I’ve got you on a different antibiotic now, in case you’ve developed a resistance, and it should work like they always do. I just wish I could prevent it from ever happening again.”

“It’s alright.”

She snorted softly at the lie. “Of course. Just like everything else.” A chime sounded from her wrist comm then. “I’m sorry, Cross. I have to get back, but I’ll bring dinner later.” Senna squeezed the sniper’s hand as he nodded. He had such beautiful hands, she thought, running her thumb over his knuckles. Looking down at his still face, she couldn’t make herself stand just yet. 

She was surprised when, after a beat, he sat up and embraced her. 

Ever since he’d been little, Crosshair had been less willing than the others to let her touch him, rarely initiating contact. Senna’s chest tightened, realizing how much they had been through to bring him to this, wanting to hold her. She wrapped her arms around his back and pulled in a deep breath. How awful to think that he might be as scared as she was. 

Senna thought he would let go immediately, but the sniper seemed reluctant to release her. “You’re making it really hard to leave,” she whispered, tucking her face against his collarbone.

“Good.”

I wrote this last year as a chapter in a bigger fic, but decided it didn't fit. I know the idea has been done to death, and I don't actually think Crosshair has frequent eye infections. In fact, my headcanon is that his modifications, and those of the others, were mostly made at a genetic level before they were decanted, instead of through surgeries later on. It just makes more sense to me considering the kind of science the Kaminoans were known for.

#star wars the bad batch #clone force 99 #the bad batch fanfiction #star wars oc #tbb crosshair #dr divehdi #the little moment writes #febuwhump2024 #febuwhump day 8

[kaminocasey]

Come Back to Me Part 8

Summary: You go to save Crosshair, then go to find Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Pairing: Crosshair x f Jedi!Reader

Warnings: Violence, shooting, no smut this chapter, I apologize.

Word Count: 2.2K

A/N: I promise I didn't just do what you think I did. Just remember that. And I love you all for reading this.

You can find it on AO3 Here!

Previous︱Next

“The Jedi is escaping!” One of the stormtroopers shouts.

You raise Hunter’s blaster back up and shoot at them. Your shot doesn’t hit them though. Someone’s behind you does, though and you immediately know it’s Hunter. He’d always have your back, no matter what.

Wrecker comes charging through, picking one stormtrooper up and throwing them at the others.

“Good one.” You encourage him, patting him on the arm with a chuckle.

More stormtroopers come through, shooting at you and the guys stop to shoot back. Wrecker pulls you behind him, protectively.

“No offense but, I can tell you’re better with a lightsaber.” Wrecker laughs.

“I know.” You tell him, apologetically.

When the last stormtrooper goes down, you lead the men up to the bridge where you last saw Crosshair and that smug admiral. What was his name? Admiral Rancid?

As you start to walk onto the bridge, Hunter pulls you back.

“Wait a minute. That’s Rampart.” Hunter glances around the corner.

“Okay, and?” You ask, glancing down the hall.

“He’s not our biggest fan.” Hunter chuckles. “Tech. Echo. Go get the ship started.”

Tech and Echo nod and run down the hallway with their blasters drawn.

“Do you think that you could do the force thing?” Hunter waves his hand.

You laugh quietly. “Yeah. I think so.”

“I LOVE WHEN YOU DO THE FORCE THING.” Wrecker tells you, a little too loudly.

You chuckle and walk onto the bridge, blaster drawn. “Where is Crosshair?”

Rampart turns around and looks you up and down, smirking. “That useless clone has been taken care of.”

You shoot at his feet and he jumps back.

“Killing isn’t the Jedi way.” He stands back up straighter.

“No… it’s not. But I’m not a Jedi anymore.” You pull the blaster back up, pointing it at him. “And since he’s been ‘taken care of’... You are no longer of use to me.”

The two imperials at the command panels pull their blasters on you. Hunter and Wrecker come in, blasting them.

“I’m going to give you to the count of one to tell me.” You tell him, angrily.

Rampart quickly pulls his blaster out but you force pull it out of his hands with one hand and let it drop to the ground. He looks genuinely terrified now as he puts his hands up in surrender.

Good. He should be afraid. He should be terrified.

You start to open your mouth to count. He immediately breaks.

“He’s in cell 84. Mid-Level.” Rampart caves.

“And the code to unlock it?” You keep the gun trained on him.

“7881.” He sighs, looking away.

“Now, was that so hard?” You turn toward Hunter and Wrecker. “Do whatever you want with him.”

You run down to the elevator and take it to the mid-level where Rampart said the holding cells were. You run past a bunch of cells until you finally reach cell number 84. You type in the passcode and the door opens.

You see that Crosshair is sitting on the bench, his head in his hands. You can feel the sadness rolling off of him.

“Wanna get out of here?” You repeat the words he once asked you months and months ago at 79s.

He looks up at you, relief clear as day in his eyes, and repeats your words back. “More than you know.”

He quickly stands up and, in what seems like two strides, pulls you into his arms and kisses you like it could be his last.

“I’m sorry I got us into this mess…” He rests his forehead against yours.

“Good thing I’m a very forgiving person.” You chuckle.

He pulls away to look you in the eyes. “How did you get free?”

“Your brothers came back for us.” You tell him, leaving out the part where they were ready to leave Crosshair behind.

“And what about Omega?” He asks, quietly.

“She’s safe. Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor got her out of there.” You smile up at him.

He lets out a sigh of relief. You decide to not tease him about being secretly soft on Omega. You’ll do that later.

“We have to get out of here.” You lead him down the hall again to the elevator.

Running down these halls reminds you of your escapades with Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka. You had always managed to find yourself in these types of situations with them. What you would do to be able to see them all three again together…

When you get to the hangar, you run onto the Marauder and find that they’re all on board ready to go. Tech flies out the doors just as they start to close.

“Alright, Wrecker.” Hunter nods once you get away.

“Boom!” Wrecker pushes a button and you see the blast out the back window.

The Imperial Destroyer blows up, sending debris every which way. You can’t help but smile at Wrecker’s enthusiasm.

Hunter and Tech tell you about meeting Rex, Wolffe, Gregor, and Omega on a planet that Rex had mentioned called Seelos. You had never heard of it before.

“Where did Crosshair go?” You look around and notice he’s gone.

“I saw him head toward the bunks.” Echo nods behind you.

You give him a soft smile and walk back to the bunks, closing the door behind you. Crosshair isn’t there, though. You walk to the fresher and knock on the door. The door opens and you find Crosshair with a serious look on his face, like he was deep in thought.

“Are you alright?” You ask him, entering the fresher with him and closing the door behind you.

“I’m fine.” He nods.

You don’t know if you quite believe him but he interrupts your train of thought before you can think about it anymore.

“Remember when we used to fuck in here?” He backs you up against the sink. “Right here in this very spot?”

“How could I forget?” You smirk.

“As soon as you would leave the Marauder, Hunter would yell at me because he always heard us, no matter how quiet we were.” Crosshair chuckles.

You bury your face in your hands in embarrassment. You thought you were always so careful.

Crosshair lifts you up onto the sink and you automatically wrap your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck as he runs his hands up your thighs.

“Wanna do it again for old times sake?” He asks, glancing down at your lips with a smirk.

“I never could say no to you.” You smile. “But…”

“But?” He asks, confused.

“Are we going to tell them?” You ask the question you’d been wondering since he asked you to be his riduur.

“In time.” He nods.

“How much time?” You wonder, stroking his arm softly.

He pulls away, narrowing his eyes. “Why does it matter?”

“Because it’s good news?” You tilt your head, confused.

You knew Crosshair to be short with everyone else. Not you… Never you.

“What’s wrong?” You ask him.

“Nothing.” He quickly leaves the fresher, leaving you there to stare at the wall.

Something wasn’t right… you were sure of that. Should you bring it up to Hunter? If you did, he might put Crosshair back in binders and then that wouldn’t help anyone. No… you needed to deal with this on your own. No need to worry everyone.

You exit the fresher and find Crosshair laying in his old bunk with his hands crossed behind his head.

“Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?” You ask him, crossing your arms.

He turns his head ever so slightly. “Nothing is bothering me, cyare. I’m just tired.”

“Fine.” You huff and join the others in the cockpit.

When you finally reach Seelos, you meet Rex, Wolffe, Gregor, and Omega as they exit their ship. Omega runs right into Hunter’s arms and he kneels down so that he can wrap his arms around her. It really was incredibly sweet how good he was with her.

You glance at Crosshair and he’s busy glaring at Wolffe, who is also glaring right back at him.

Men…

“Here are Master Kenobi’s coordinates.” Rex tosses you a little harddrive that would lead you to Obi-Wan.

“Thank you.” You throw your arms around him.

He wraps his arms around you as well. “Promise me this isn’t a real goodbye.”

“Of course it isn't.” You pull away, squeezing his hands. “Once I find the others, we’ll be in touch.”

He nods with an incredibly soft smile. “Deal. Oh, you may want these back.”

Rex hands you your lightsabers and you look up at him in awe.

“Don’t look at me. Look at the kid.” He nods his head toward Omega with a smirk.

You look at her. “You went back for these?”

“I know how important they are to you.” She grins up at you.

You’re at a loss for words so you nod with a grateful smile and a lump in your throat.

The Bad Batch and Omega board the Marauder after saying their goodbyes and you stay behind for a moment. Crosshair is watching you from the hatch.

“Rex?” You ask him.

“Yes?” He meets you halfway.

You glance at Crosshair with a smile and he only smiles ever so slightly. It looks forced.

“What were you like after you got your inhibitor chip out?” You ask him.

Rex’s eyes flicker to Crosshair and he understands right away.

“You’re sure it’s out?” He lowers his voice.

“Tech swears it is.” You shrug. “He seemed fine when I found him but now he’s acting distant and cold…”

“Seems about normal for Crosshair.” Rex chuckles.

You roll your eyes with slight amusement. “Yeah with everyone else… Not me.”

“Let me do some digging and I’ll see what I can find out for you.” Rex nods.

“I appreciate it.” You give his hand one last squeeze and walk back to the Marauder.

Crosshair looks from you to Rex, suspiciously, then enters behind you, closing the hatch behind him.

You want to believe it’s not the inhibitor chip. There’s no way it can be, right? Tech said it was gone… Unless the Empire put in a new one? You look at his head. There’s no scarring noticeable. What could be wrong with him, then?

“I’m glad you’re alright.” You hear Omega come up to you.

You smile warmly at her. “Me? I’m glad you’re alright. Thank you for saving these… I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

She shrugs. “It was nothing.”

“It wasn’t nothing. You risked your life. You’re very brave, Omega.” You place a hand on her shoulder, hoping it conveys how much it means to you.

Instead, she wraps her arms around you and you feel the admiration practically radiating off of her. She was so kind. So brave. So full of light. There was no way Obi-Wan would turn this child away. She would be better than Anakin. Better than all of you.

“You’re worried about something?” She asks, curiously. “Is it me?”

You shake your head with a smile, glancing at Crosshair who’s still watching you intensely.

“No, it’s not you.” You pat her head, playfully and walk over by Tech and Echo. “So, where are we headed?”

“Another desert planet.” Echo grumbles.

“A planet called Tatooine. That is where we will find General Kenobi.”

You nod. “Wonderful. Thank you.”

You had heard of Tatooine. You knew it was a rough place, run by the Hutts. It wasn’t a great place. You had a hard time imagining Obi-Wan Kenobi in a place like that.

“You may want to get some rest. You’ve had a long day.” Hunter tells you.

“I’m fine. Thanks.” You assure him.

He glances at Crosshair like he senses something wrong, too. So, it wasn’t just you. Nothing ever got past Hunter.

“You good?” Hunter asks Crosshair.

“Never better.” Crosshair nods.

Hunter clearly doesn’t believe him but he turns to you. “Get some rest.”

It was code for “I’ll keep an eye on him” so you nod, appreciatively. Nothing ever got past Hunter. And like you said before, Hunter always had your back.

When you arrive on Tatooine, Omega comes and wakes you up.

“We’re here!” She tells you, excitedly.

“Thank you.” You sit up, fixing your hair.

You meet the batch in the cockpit and Tech tells you that Obi-Wan’s home should be just outside the ship.

They open the hatch and you start to walk to the dome shaped home that is supposed to be Obi-Wan’s. You can’t help it, you start to feel nervous. You hadn’t seen him in a year.

Sensing your nerves, Omega grabs your hand and holds onto it. You look down at her gratefully as you knock on the door.

“Just a moment.” You hear his familiar voice.

You breathe, preparing what you’re going to say.

The door opens and there he is, in the flesh. Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.

“Master.” You grin, widely.

He starts to smile, until you hear blaster fire ring out from behind you and you see Obi-Wan fall to the ground.

Everything seems to slow down after you drop to your knees to help him. You look where the shot came from and you somehow can and can’t believe your eyes.

Crosshair is pointing a blaster at Obi-Wan.

“What have you done?!” You shout at him.

“Good soldiers follow orders.” Crosshair murmurs.

TAGS: @livi-s @studioramekin @zoeykallus @brynhildrmimi @madameminor @dumfanting @rain-on-kamino @wolveria @misogirl88 @espuma-y-arrecife @ilikemymendarkandfictional @ben-is-a-hoe @photowizard17 @rexandechosandwich

#tbb crosshair #tbb #the bad batch #crosshair x you #crosshair/you #crosshair x reader #crosshair/reader #i love him

[silverwings22]

Caught in the Crosshairs: Chapter 69: Need a Favor- Jelly Roll

Series warnings: Smut, mind control, canon typical violence, childhood trauma, language, chronic illness Chapter warning: panic attack, profanity

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“What is taking so long?” Rampart was a demanding, whiney thing when he wanted to be. They were waiting for a pickup, Phee having been kind enough to bring them to a rendezvous point, and the former admiral was making his opinion of it known. Loudly. 

Miria was sitting on her helmet, leaning back on Crosshair’s shins. They were on Bora Vio, and she idly couldn’t help but think this was where they’d found Omega when they’d lost her the first time. When Cad Bane took her and Miria reached into the half-empty Force searching for her little light. She’d found Crosshair’s still there, her shining star despite the damage the Empire had done. “Was he this unpleasant when you worked for him?” She asked mildly. 

Her husband had a section of her hair curled around his fingertips, eyes upturned searching for their ride. “You have no idea. He had an awful habit of interrupting every meal I tried to eat.” 

She glanced up. “So you could immediately use your meals on Pabu for target practice.”

“You’re well aware you married a deeply flawed man.” He looked down at her, examining the stress on her face. She had a hand pressed against her chest. “You okay?”

“I will be.” She nodded. Her tactical mind was buzzing with ideas, each more ridiculous than the last. She had to come up with something brilliant, something that would save the girls and keep them all alive- “...I miss Tech.” She finally said. He’d have been able to help her plan. He’d have spotted a flaw in her idea before she finished saying it outloud.

“Me too.” He nodded, giving her a hand up as a shuttle appeared on the horizon. “There’s Echo.”

She kept her hand in his as the ship landed and opened, relief easing her tight breathing at the sight of her cyborg friend on the ramp. Wrecker kept a hand on Rampart as Hunter shook Echo’s hand, then Miria and Crosshair approached. “Good to see you guys.” He said shaking Crosshair’s hand too before  pulling Miria into a one armed hug. “Your aunt has your parents. They’re all safe.”

“I wish it were better circumstances.” She said softly. “And good. I hated leaving them, but there was no time.”

“How are you guys holding up?” Echo looked over his shoulder, as Hunter went back to glaring holes in Rampart. “I can see he’s not.” 

Crosshair put a hand on Miria’s shoulder. “About as well as you can expect with a missing four month old.” 

Miria just nodded, stone-faced. If she said something, she’d crumple and she knew it. Omega had training with the Batch and an indomitable spirit that rivaled anyone, Jedi or Mandalorian, Miria had ever known. But Mayrin… Miria didn’t know what scared her more; not getting to see their daughter grow up or the idea that if they failed, Mayrin would never remember them and how much they loved her. 

“C’mon. This stolen shuttle was the best I could do in a time crunch, and we’ll need to hurry before it’s reported.” Echo waved them to follow. “Supplies are inside. But are you sure we can trust this hydrosnake? ”

“I can hear you!” Rampart yelled from behind her. 

“Absolutely not. But what choice do we have?” Miria murmured, and they headed up the ramp.

Wrecker shoved Rampart into a seat as Echo got them off the ground. Miria leaned on the wall beside him, glancing at Hunter’s clenched fists and Crosshair’s tight jaw. “Go over the information again.” She murmured, dragging her sharp violet gaze to Rampart.

“How many times do I have to tell you this?” He grumbled. 

“Once more. Please.” She said quietly. “You’re the only one with the information, and we need to be thorough.” 

“At least you have some semblance of manners. Tantiss was designed to be secure and untraceable. The only way to get there is a stopover at Imperial Station 003 over Coruscant. From there, the coordinates are transmitted to the navicomputer of the ship directly, so there’s no chance of interference.” He grumbled, as if it was pointless.

Miria looked at Echo, who glanced at a console. “Well, his intel is good about the station, anyway. I can’t confirm the rest of his story.”

“You think I would lie?” Rampart huffed, offended. 

“Yes.” All four clones snapped at once. 

Miria took a deep breath, turning to the console to look at the station schematics. Hunter moved to her side, looking as she did. “We’ll need to get access to the station, find a ship approved to go to Tantiss, and then copy the coordinate transmission.” He muttered darkly. 

“A tall order if there ever was one.” She nodded, zooming in on the station. “It will be too heavily fortified to storm, and we can’t risk making any noise that will warn Hemlock we’re coming.”

“We’ll need Imperial clearance codes.” Crosshair drawled, watching his wife’s eyes dart from him to Rampart. She was thinking, and he had a feeling his old Admiral was not going to enjoy the very specific brand of Halcyon madness she brought to the Bad Batch. 

“Got them.” Echo offered. 

“Those codes change every rotation.” Rampart sneered. 

“Then we’d better get moving.” The look on Echo’s face said he’d like to jam his scomp into the former Imperial’s ribcage. “What do you have for me, Miri?” 

Rampart rolled his eyes. “Oh come on. Jedi, you have to realize this is insane. You’ll never be able to just walk into the main control bay of that station and copy the data.”

She smiled thinly, a spark in her eyes the guys recognized. “But you can. And so can a security detail with you.”

“What?” He gasped. 

Echo smirked. “So that’s why you wanted an officer’s uniform.” He tossed one into Rampart’s lap. 

“You still remember how to act like an officer, I’m sure.” Miria turned and looked him over calmly. 

“Of course. I didn’t make it to vice admiral on looks alone.”

The clones looked unimpressed. Miria just shook her head. “Well of course. You’d still be a grunt if you had. Let’s just get this over with and as soon as we have our coordinates, we’ll set you free.”

“How can I be sure you’ll follow through?” He demanded. 

Crosshair took the toothpick out of his mouth and pointed it at Rampart. “You’ll just have to trust us, like we have to trust you.”

“Not much of a reassurance.” He huffed. 

“Then take my word as a Mandalorian. Or a Jedi. Whichever you trust better.” Miria shrugged. “Just put that uniform on and fix your hair. I’m not interested in revenge, no matter what you’ve done.” 

He looked at the gray, starched fabric in his hands. “I can’t wear this. It’s a captain’s uniform. I was a vice-admiral.”

Echo huffed. “So you got demoted.”

Rampart sucked his teeth, quietly furious. “I hate clones.”

“You’re not their favorite either.” Miria said quietly as she sat down, the brothers all moving to start flying, checking coordinates, or keeping guard while he changed. She averted her eyes politely when he stripped to his skivvies and redressed. 

“I don’t know how you ended up married to one, Jedi.” 

“When the Force sends you a blessing, you don’t ask why it was sent.” She looked back once he had pants on, her tired eyes burning holes in him. He was sure she could stare a hole through the hull if she tried. “I asked it plenty of times why you took him away from me, though. It took me over a year to get him back. I spent six months of that in a cell on Tantiss myself. He spent even longer.” 

He winced slightly. “Then why the hell do you want to go back? Hemlock’s legendary for being insane.”

“A well deserved reputation.” She nodded. “Do you really want to know why we’re doing this?” 

He looked at her for a long time. “No one will tell me anything.” He said quietly, taking the comb she picked up from a box next to her and held out him. The edge in his voice told her he was scared, and he knew every clone on the ship hated him. 

Miria thought about putting on her Mandalorian face, threatening him into submission. It might have gotten quick results, but it wouldn’t last… she’d said it herself when facing down the Pykes on Ord Mantell so many months ago. Obedience through fear would never breed loyalty, and when the power was gone nothing would remain. She stood a better chance of convincing him not to betray them if she appealed to his humanity. 

If he even had any. He had been an Imperial, and ordered the genocide that destroyed most of Kamino, after all. 

“They have a sister. She’s about twelve.” Miria said softly. “And Crosshair and I have a four month old daughter. Both of them were taken to Tantiss. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do to get them back, even if it means going back to hell ourselves to save them.” 

Rampart looked at her, considering the woman as he fixed his hair. She met his eyes unabashedly, small and furious but patient and kind all at once. “And you mean to set me free after this?”

“I do. I don’t think I believe in revenge, satisfying as it might be.” Her mind flew to Cid. She’d thought so many times about getting on a ship and going back to Ord Mantell, just to stick her lightsaber through the treacherous trandoshan who’d sold them out. She’d made not-quite-jokes about it, ice in her eyes and black rage in her heart. 

She’d never done it. 

“But you’ll tear Hemlock apart when you find him.” Rampart observed, sitting down next to her.

“He is an active threat, and he’ll never give up.” She nodded. “He’s an obsessive madman. Yes, I’ll kill him. But to protect what I love, not kill what I hate.” She hoped Master Plo would be proud of her for finally letting the lesson sink into her thick skull. Somewhere between a too-soft padawan and a too-hard warrior was what she’d been searching for all her life.

Balance. 

Rampart sighed. “Maybe the Empire was wrong to exterminate your people.”

Miria smiled thinly. “Those of us who survived will be their reckoning.” 

Rampart took a good look at her as Echo brought a droid to start scrubbing paint off their armor. “I can see that.” 

“That’s all the armor scrubbed, but we’re still going to stick out pretty badly.” Hunter sighed, picking up his helmet. Crosshair sighed and nodded, rubbing his thumb across his rifle rest on his paldron. 

“The girls can help us repaint it.” Miria said coolly, stepping out in full blackout herself. “Wrecker, stay here and monitor the ship. If we get in trouble, we’ll need a quick getaway.”

Rampart rubbed the bridge of his nose. “This is never going to work.”

“You were an Imperial. It shouldn’t be hard to act like one again.” Hunter huffed. “And keep in mind that the Empire double crossed you and imprisoned you. We busted you out. Whenever you think about betraying us, think about that.”

Miria put her helmet on. “Focus boys. Everyone plays their part, and we part ways peacefully. Right, Rampart?”

“I can hardly wait.” He adjusted the collar of his uniform as Echo transmitted the clearance codes and got them a docking bay. Everyone moved to flank the “captain” and they stepped out in formation. A lieutenant stepped out with clipboard, eying the clones and Miria.

“This vessel is not on my manifest for today. Who is in charge of this ship?” He got in Hunter’s face, the clone keeping impassive. “And what division are you with? These uniforms are not regulation!”

Miria’s helmet dipped towards Rampart expectantly, unable to say a word without drawing attention to herself. Her armor was definitely never military standard, and if they noticed it was beskar on a woman instead of plastoid on a man, the jig was up. Fortunately, Rampart was delighted to make an ass of himself. 

“Step aside.” He pushed Hunter out of the way, eying the lieutenant with a signature look of irritating superiority. “My division and orders are classified. If you have an issue with that, you can contact Admiral Tarkin.” 

The lower ranking imperial wilted. “Yes sir. My apologies.”

“Now, you are dismissed.” Rampart waved him away like he was an annoying gnat. He slunk out with his tail between his legs, and Rampart looked at Miria. “I did miss this.”

“Of course you did. Just get us into the command center.” She rolled her eyes. No wonder Crosshair hated him so much. This man was a menace with even the idea of pretend power. 

“That’s ‘get us to the command center, sir’.” Rampart smirked.

“Not happening.” Echo growled. 

They moved in formation, falling into step natural for the clones and an acquired habit for Miria after so many years beside them. Between steps, she counted her heartbeat and tried to pretend it was steadier than it was. 

Beside his wife, Crosshair had his jaw clenched so tight his teeth were under threat of eroding from pressure. He’d never put a lot of stock in spirituality before. The Force existed, but he only understood it in the context of what Miria could explain through the bond between them. Maybe Manda did too, but he couldn’t see or touch it. He’d never really bothered praying before… but with every step towards the control room he whispered a tiny one to himself. 

If you’re there, please. Help us find the girls. If not for me, then for Miria. If not for her, then for Mayrin and Omega. Just don’t let Hemlock hurt them. Don’t let Tantiss destroy them. Don’t let it do what it did to me. Not to them.

When he came to a stop in front of the door guards, Rampart was ordering them to the barracks, and quoting Imperial protocol to convince them to do it despite having just started their shift. Once they walked into the door they’d abandoned, Miria shut it behind them. A single helmeted controller looked up, startled, and Hunter just stunned them to avoid the argument. 

Crosshair caught the guy to stop a loud thump onto the floor and set him down slowly. 

Miria nodded to Echo. “You know what to do.” 

“Have I ever let you down, General?” He plugged in his scomp and started working, only his tense shoulders giving away he was anything but confident. 

“Never.” She patted his shoulder.

Hunter and Crosshair posted up at the door, just in case someone walked in, while Miria managed Rampart’s anxiety about being in here too long.Her foot was bouncing on the floor lightly, memorizing everything in this room for any kind of clues. 

Rampart kept looking around, stressed out. “Can you go any faster?”

“Easy.” Miria said softly. “Give him a moment.”

“I’m in.” Echo waved his flesh hand to assure her. “Hold on… there’s only one ship scheduled for Tantiss on the station right now.”

“Get the coordinates and we can move.” Miria nodded. 

Echo fiddled a a little longer and made a displeased sound in the back of his throat. “The coordinates aren’t transmitted until the ship has launched.”

Crosshair swore softly. “They can’t be copied.” 

Miria hissed out a breath from between her ship. “We’d have to be onboard to get them.” 

“Science vessels have additional security.” Rampart shook his head. “You’ll never make it.”

“I can.” Echo murmured.

Crosshair’s stomach dropped. “You can’t go alone.”

Miria leaned over the console to look at the vessel scheduled for Tantiss. Hunter was doing the same, and pointed at something on the screen. “That’s risky, Hunter.” She murmured. “Echo, are you sure you want to do this?”

Echo nodded. “If it’s the only way to find Omega and Mayrin, then yes. Tell me the plan.”

Hunter showed him the screen. “The droid tube. If you get onboard and disable the proximity sensors, there’s space on the bottom of the vessel for us to attach. They’ll take us to Tantiss directly.” 

“They’ll be monitoring comms, we’ll have to go radio silent.” Miria gritted her teeth. “Which means you can’t tell us when the sensor are down, or if you’re in any trouble.” Her chest lanced sharply and she pushed her hand against it again. Not now, not now. 

Echo put a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll do it.”

“This is not what I agreed to.” Rampart panicked when he realized there was nowhere for him to escape. He’d have to go with them to Tantiss, or he’d have to stay here and get caught.

“Plans change.” Crosshair huffed, catching Miria’s hand and rubbing her palm with his thumb. It was distracting enough to fight down the rising attack, and she bit the inside of her lip hard enough to draw blood. The combination of love and pain kick started her emotional stability into functioning. 

“Okay. Echo, be careful.” She nodded. “Everyone else back to our ship. Echo, we’re counting on you.”

The corporal gave her a salute and dipped out of the control room ahead of them. Rampart groaned. “We’re all going to die.”

“Shut up.” Crosshair hissed, squeezing Miria’s hand. He didn’t need the pessimistic prisoner to trigger his wife into a meltdown.

Miria took three slow, meditative breaths before giving a quick hand signal and taking point. “Stay low. We need to be in position when Echo gets those sensors down.” 

Everyone’s comm went off at the same time, Wrecker’s apologetically gruff voice coming through. “Hunter, Miri, I had to sideline an Imperial. I think he’s gonna be missed pretty soon.”

“We’re on our way back to you. Have the shuttle ready.” Hunter said back, and they moved out for the docking bay. 

When they got to the ship, Wrecker was setting the nosy lieutenant from earlier on a crate and delicately setting his hat over the massive lump on the guy’s head. Hunter shoved Rampart up the ramp quickly, Miria and Crosshair making sure Wrecker got in safely. “Ramp secure.” Crosshair called, before he and Miria headed for the cockpit.

Wrecker kept his eye on Rampart as the three of them were glued to the Imperial science ship already moving out of the hangar just ahead of them. “C’mon Echo. Get those sensors down.” Hunter muttered to himself. 

“It’s impossible. He’s probably already been captured.” Rampart huffed. 

“No. Echo’s on it.” Crosshair said firmly, and a warm flush raced through Miria’s heart. It wasn’t that long ago that Echo was “the weird reg” on the squad, and Crosshair was distrustful of him as he was every new person in his life. Now he trusted his brother implicitly, with the fate of Omega and Mayrin who Crosshair loved like nothing else in the galaxy. Even her.

The ship ahead of them started going through it’s pre-jump checks, lights on the hull changing colors. Miria sucked in a breath. “It’s getting ready to jump.”

“The sensors aren’t down yet.” Hunter muttered, grip so tight on the controls that they were both sure he was going to snap them. 

“Get in position. He’ll pull it off.” Miria ordered, swallowing hard. 

Hunter nodded, but Rampart started up towards them in the cockpit. “They’ll detect us and shoot us down. You have to abort the mission!”

Miria’s hand flicked up, the Force shoving Rampart back into Wrecker’s chest. Hunter’s voice went desperately low as he pushed them forward. “Negative.”

They headed for the bottom of the ship, flipping belly to belly. The proximity alert turned itself off just before it could go off, and Hunter grinned, docking them on as the hyperdrive on the Imperial ship came online. 

When the docking clamps secured, the stars lengthened and they were dragged into hyperspace along with the Imperials. Hunter let out a held breath. Wrecker whooped. Miria turned and threw her arms around Crosshair’s shoulders, hugging him tightly. He folded around her, ignoring Rampart’s stare. “We got it, babygirl.” He muttered. “Echo came through.”

“Of course he did.” She breathed. It was a relief… but the persistent pulse in her chest hadn’t let up yet. They still had to brave their own personal hell. 

Mount Tantiss Base.

#explict #original character #clone force 99 #the bad batch #crosshair #star wars #fanfic #caught in the crosshairs