knightprincess - Tumblr blog

[knightprincess]

Thank you The Bad Batch & everyone involved for this wild & amazing journey full of joy, tears, awe, new friendships & beautiful artistry! You'll forever be an inspiration. 🫡 🖤❤️🖤

[knightprincess]

Echo appreciation (the one you want on your side when the odds are stacked against you)

[knightprincess]

Brotherly Love

Synopsis: Crosshair can't sleep and Tech appears to him as a force ghost. Lots of comfort.

A/N: I need some kind of conclusion for my brain. Whether you accept the finale and that Tech is dead, I think I need to get this out of my system to grieve.

It was nearly pitchblack in the bedroom, save for a sliver of a moonbeam shining through the window. Pabu was quiet this time of night and usually Crosshair found comfort in that. Tonight though, he was struck by sadness. He thought of Tech and the nights they'd spend together as cadets. Crosshair's eyes would hurt from the bright lights on Kamino after long days of training. Tech would turn off the lights, get into bed with him, and read to him. Crosshair smiled as he thought about all the different things Tech read. History, science, even the occasional holonovel. He would always find comfort laying next to his brother and hearing his voice. He wished he could hear him again now.

Crosshair sat up in bed and sighed as he looked out the window. He could swear he felt Tech's hand on his shoulder; steady and comforting as it always was. He sniffled and leaned into the sensation, only to realize that it wasn't just a figment of his imagination.

"Tech?!" Crosshair jumped up and turned to see a kind of blue light around what he could have swore was his brother. "What the kriff?!"

"Yes," Tech replied, examining his glowing limbs with curiosity. "I could ask the same thing."

Crosshair reached out to try to touch him. He felt a presence and yet could see through him.

"Is it really you?" Crosshair asked.

"Of course it's really me," Tech replied with an eye roll.

"How are you doing this?" Crosshair asked.

"I am unsure," came the honest answer. "However, matter is never created nor destroyed. It simply changes form. For whatever reason, this is the form I am currently taking."

Crosshair sat back down and without warning, sharply inhaled and let out a sob. Tech put his hand back on his brother's shoulder.

"I've missed you," Crosshair said, trying to compose himself.

"I'm still here," Tech said. "I've always thought of you before I fell and I've been with you since. I cannot fully explain the latter part."

"This is the first time I've seen you like this, though," Crosshair noted.

Tech nodded. They sat in silence for several minutes. Crosshair somehow understood now. All those times he felt like Tech was with him and he tried to suppress the feeling for fear it wasn't true when in reality, his brother had never left him.

"Tech?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry," Crosshair looked into his brother's familiar eyes and couldn't help but let a tear slip despite his best efforts. "I'm sorry I didn't leave the Empire sooner. I missed out on time with you. I should have done better."

Tech shook his head and pulled Crosshair into a hug.

"I am just glad you came home," Tech said. Both men felt relief. Relief that there were no hard feelings between them and that they cared for each other as they always had.

After awhile longer, Tech asked, "Shouldn't you be getting some rest?"

"I don't want to wake up and find you're not here."

"I'll still be here, Crosshair. Even if you can't see me and I promise I'll do my best to show up so you can. There has to be some interesting science behind this and now I have an infinite amount of time to try to figure it out."

Crosshair chuckled. That was so like him. Then, even though Tech had changed form, Crosshair could sense his brother had a question as easily as if they'd both been there in the flesh.

"What is it?" Crosshair asked.

"Are you going to get a prosthetic for your hand?"

"I'm not sure yet. I still have my left hand and Echo's given me some tips on getting by."

"If you do get a prosthesis I would be happy to help you optimize its utility."

"Can you even hold a spanner?" Crosshair asked dryly.

"I'm sitting on your bed and just gave you a hug. If I can do that, I do not see why I cannot use tools to fix something."

"Fair point," Crosshair replied with a grin. "I'll let you know."

Without a word, Crosshair and Tech both laid down as they had done when they were cadets. Instead of reading, they talked about their brothers and Omega. How much time it took them to truly relax on Pabu after the intensity of all that had happened. How Omega was growing, having something of a childhood, and how her piloting skills were improving all the time. They were both filled with pride in her.

It took awhile, but Crosshair finally let himself sleep, still feeling his brother right next to him. When he woke up in the morning, he startled a bit. He couldn't see Tech anymore. His eyes searched his room, but Tech was no where to be found. Had it been a dream? Was his brain taunting him? Just as he wanted to curse these mind games, he felt Tech's hand on his shoulder again and took a deep breath. Tech was still there. Crosshair would never have to be alone again.

[knightprincess]

Just remember, if anyone loveable dies tomorrow it’s not canon in this house

[knightprincess]

On the last Bad Batch eve, thank you from the bottom of my heart to the creators, the fandom, and the wonderful people i've met ❣️ TBB and these characters mean more to me than i could ever put into words, and they will stay a part of me forever

[knightprincess]

bringing back my favourite comic that I've made for The Bad Batch 🥲

much much love to the crew and everyone involved!

[knightprincess]

STAR WARS WEEK 2024 DAY 2: TRILOGY WARS - FAVOURITE TRILOGY ▸ THE PREQUEL TRILOGY (1999-2005)

What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of the dark lord of the Sith?

[knightprincess]

Screencap COLLABORATION with @cyareclones I sketched the Batchers and Cyare colored them!!!!!

[knightprincess]

A few thoughts as we head into this finale...

Star Wars was my first love and it's the love that's never left me. From the moment I saw those twin suns set over Tatooine, I was a goner. There have been times when it's been on the back burner, so to speak, but it's always been there and always will be. It's special to me like nothing else.

The Bad Batch is special to me even beyond that.

I've been here since their first appearance in the Clone Wars and I never could have predicted how much the Bad Batch would come to mean to me. This show has been so much more than I ever imagined. It's been joy, it's been heartbreak, it's been intrigue, and it's been hope. These boys and everyone I've met in this corner of fandom have woven their way into my heart in a way I couldn't undo even if I wanted.

I have no intention of packing it up and moving on as soon as the finale is finished. I'm not ready yet. But I imagine there will eventually come a day when even the Bad Batch moves to that back burner in my brain and one day this blog may not appear very active. I promise you I will still be lurking somewhere on tumblr and the Bad Batch is still very much on my mind somewhere.

If you find this post in a year or five or ten, please know that I am always ready to dive right back into peak fangirl mode with you. I will never think it's weird if you reach out and want to talk Star Wars or Bad Batch. Whether you are an old fan like me or just discovering this show for the first time years from now, I already consider us best friends and I will be thrilled to join you in whatever stage of fandom you find yourself in.

I've been a Star Wars fan since I was ten years old. Back then, there were only six movies and I was too young to appreciate that as far as anyone really knew, Star Wars had just closed its final chapter. If there's anything I've learned since then, it's that the story lives on in all of us - and who knows? Maybe one day it will return to the screen too.

Just because this show is wrapping up doesn't mean our love for it will end. Things will begin to look different after tomorrow and that is a little sad to think about but it can still be something we love just as much. Bittersweet as it is, I am looking forward to stepping into that new phase with all of you.

I don't know what's going to happen in the finale. What I do know is that the last few years have been a wonderful gift and I am more grateful than I can ever say. I will cherish this show and the memories it's given me for the rest of my life.

So as this chapter closes and we prepare to move on to the next one, I just want to thank you all for being such an incredible part of this experience for me.

I love you all.

[knightprincess]

Rushed Echo before finale

[knightprincess]

I want Boba and Omega to meet each other.

[knightprincess]

You haven't pointed at anything in the last couple hours

The ratio is declining. I'm worried

It is increasingly tiresome for such an action to be met with condescension, exasperation, or ridicule; therefore, I have opted to expend my energy on other, more productive endeavors.

I will draw attention to an item when I find one worth the extension of my finger.

[knightprincess]

i love you Clone Wars fics that show the clones as complex individual beings

i love you Clone Wars fics that show the intricate complexities of clone relationships

i love you Clone Wars fics that showcase unusual family dynamics

i love you Clone Wars fics that focus on batchmates and squadmates and twins and lovers and husbands

i love you Clone Wars fics <3

[knightprincess]

Forgive Me (Echo x Medic Reader) Part 24

Words: 1.7K Warning: None Pronouns: She/Her - Use of Y/N

Setting up a new secluded and hidden base after the attack on Teth was anything but easy. The new direction had forced all other priorities to be put on the back burner. The Senators slowly coming together would be fine under the watchful eye of Riyo Chuchi; the same couldn't be said for (Y/N), whose extract was long overdue. Despite the best efforts of Echo and Gregor to focus on getting her and Wolffe out, something else that needed their immediate attention popped up. Something always prevented the pair from seriously sitting down to plan the finer details. 

"Umm! That's not good," worded Gregor, the weight of the latest intel crashing down on him. Quickly, he scribbled down what the contact within the Empire was telling him on a piece of flimsi. Wolffe had been compromised and sent to Tantis to be questioned and interrogated. If (Y/N) had been in danger before, then she would be in dire straights now, even more so if Hemlock was as smart as Crosshair had claimed. 

"What's up?" asked Rex, appearing behind Gregor and creeping along through the shadows of their latest base. No matter how hard the Commando tried, he found it difficult to hide the concern swimming through his golden eyes, even more so when his gaze landed on Howzer and Echo. "How bad is it?" sighed the former Captain, wiping a hand down his features before pinching the bridge of his nose and mentally preparing himself for the terrible news he was about to be hit with. 

"Our contact confirmed Wolffe has been compromised," spoke Gregor, trying his hardest to keep his voice even despite the urge to scream out in frustration, despite wanting nothing more than to charge into Tantis and pull both (Y/N) and Wolffe from the fingers of the empire. "He was sent to Tantis for interrogation days ago." 

"And Snap?" questioned Rex, suspecting Wolffe being arrested was just scratching the surface of the bad news to come. Briefly, the great captain turned to where Echo slouched over a makeshift table, a bowl of soup and datapad before him. Howzer was close by, trying to set up the communication table; every now and again, he'd swear about something not going right and wish Nemec and Fireball were there to help. 

"Our source says (Y/N) was taken into custody, and the Dark Trooper project has been put on hold until an internal investigation is complete. They mentioned something about CX-2 but couldn't make it out," replied Gregor, his words whispered now as if he attempted to hide the truth from Echo and save him the crushing guilt and regret for not getting (Y/N) out sooner. "On other news, though, Devika is back within the senate; I hear she's quite the sneaky one," he laughed, attempting to lighten the mood, as he handed over a piece of flimsi with scribbled notes on it. "Message from Devika, all the senators that may pose a future risk against anyone who speaks out against the empire." 

"Call Hunter and the boys," replied Rex, patting Gregor on the shoulder as if to convey silent comfort before walking away with the scribbled list. The idea was clear enough; the batch was intending to get to Tantis to rescue Omega, no matter the cost of doing so. The four there would be targeting the facility soon enough; it was better to work with each other rather than get in the other's way. They had a common goal, and working together would get them there faster. 

With a heavy sigh, Gregor got to work on sending a quiet message to the boys of the Bad Batch, or at least what remained of them. He understood his goal loud and clear: keep Echo in the dark for now until they could be sure about Snap's position. Despite the urge to go into Tantis guns blazing, they didn't know for sure if the news of Snap was true or an elaborate trap designed to pull in rogue clones who'd attempt a rescue. 

"Echo," called Rex, setting himself up to deliver the bad news. Upon gaining the Arc Troopers' attention, the captain gestured him to follow to the quiet corner shrouded in shadow not too far from their position. Already, Rex dreaded the response, dreaded giving the news of uncertainty. "Intel suggests Snap may have been compromised. She's being detained at Tantis," the captain said slowly, feeling the dread build in his stomach and his confidence begin to dwindle. The horror etching itself on Echo's features did little in the way of comfort. Instead only brought more guilt. 

"Message sent to the boys," called Gregor upon realizing nobody was being kept in the dark this time. "Apparently, they already have a way to find Tantis. They broke some Imp out of a labor camp." 

"Cause that doesn't sound suspicious in the slightest," replied Howzer, suspecting it was all a trap. This was even more so when the Empire wasn't known for its willingness to spare those who failed them. Execution was normally the preferred method. "Who is this imperial anyway?" asked the hero of Ryloth, allowing curiosity to get the better of him, if only for a second before he pushed it aside to return his attention to more pressing matters. 

"Admiral Rampart," said Gregor, seeing the harsh disappointment paint on Echo's features. He then rolled his eyes as he figured out which of Hunter, Crosshair, and Wrecker was responsible for breaking the untrustworthy weasel out of prison if it was the admiral who had mercilessly destroyed Kamino. 

"I'll go to them," Echo said, reaching for his helmet. He knew the boys of the batch were going to do something crazy again, and this time, they were willing to risk it all to get Omega back. "Whatever they're planning, they're not going to wait. I'll signal if we need backup." 

"We'll have everything ready for your return," called Gregor, raising his voice so Echo could hear him as he left for the makeshift hanger bay. The Commando refused to think negatively thrust forced himself to believe Echo would return, and among all their missing brothers, Wolffe and (Y/N). 

"Any idea who the Shadow on our trail is?" asked Rex, turning his attention to Howzer at the makeshift table. At first, they believed it was the one marked CX-2, but they soon figured otherwise. Whereas CX-2 seemed to have a personal vendetta against the members of the Bad Batch, CX-3 seemed to have it out for all of them, as if he knew each of them. 

"My first thought was Fox, but intel suggests this mysterious Sith apprentice killed him months ago," started Howzer, a wave of sadness washing over him, another brother lost at the hands of the empire. Destined to be forgotten as those who perished during the war were. "After a bit of digging, I found Bly was within the imperial ranks until about three months ago, and Cody's been listed as Awol for almost seven months." 

"What about Scorch and Sev?" questioned Gregor, knowing his fellow Commandos were likely still within the ranks of the Empire. They were loyal but never truly believed in the republic. "Could one or both of them be these Shadows?" he added, allowing another sigh to pass his lips. Deep down, he knew there were only two ways of finding out who the operatives were. Either by capturing and removing their helmets or getting intel from the person who'd created them. (Y/N). 

"Remind me to shoot whoever created these guys," commented Howzer, quickly noticing when the air seemed to have been sucked from the room and how it had fallen into a deathly silence. 

"Snap created them. It's why there was such a high bounty on her," answered Rex, hearing Gregor begin to chuckle from across the darkened room. 

"That's why they're so effective," laughed Gregor. "These X troopers only started popping up after we sent her in. They're a part of the Dark Trooper program the Empire wanted her for." 

"They're protecting her?" asked Howzer, confusion evident in his voice. Was that why none of them answered when asked questions? Was that why none of them said anything when asked who they were and who turned them into the operatives? 

"Snap created them. The odds are she knows how to reverse it," added Gregor, choosing to think on the bright side and have faith in his friend. He doubted Snap would have tortured all the clones and turned them into empire loyalists and assassins without a way to reverse what she'd been forced to do. Even more so when so many knew she would do anything to protect them, even at the cost of her own well-being. 

"Note to self: Don't shoot her. I'd rather not be the recipient of Echo's wrath," noted Howzer. As he allowed himself to think, he suspected it would be more than just Echo he'd be dealing with. Wolffe and Gregor, too, perhaps Rex as well. 

"It's better than being on the receiving end of his disappointed look," voiced Gregor, recalling the last time he'd personally been on the receiving end of the expression of irreparable shame. The Arc Trooper had mastered the art better than anyone else he knew. "I still haven't forgotten when he threw it at me, when I helped (Y/N) prepare for her mission." 

"Howzer, make a list of everyone who could potentially be a Shadow. We'll get (Y/N) to confirm once she's back," commanded Rex, choosing to focus on what they could do rather than dwell on everything that could possibly go wrong. From losing more brothers to the impromptu rescue mission going horribly wrong. 

"I'll work on getting communications up and prepare the packs in case we're called for backup," spoke Gregor as he stepped toward the communications table, kicking some of the thick wires from his path. "Snap, Wolffe, Echo, The Batch, and all our brothers out there need us. Let's not let them down when the time comes," added the commando, refusing to allow the doubt to creep into his mind. The empire had already taken so much from clones; he wasn't about to let them take away those his brothers loved, too. 

Series Masterlist

[knightprincess]

Echo: Sorry it took me so long to bail you out of jail Fives: No, it's my fault, I shouldn't have used my one phone call to prank call the guard *earlier* Fox: Commander Fox speaking Fives: Is your refrigerator running?

[knightprincess]

AHHH these are all so good!! Can I be super gluttonous and get another one??

Putting someone behind them to protect them with CROSSHAIR!? OMG or Fives... no Crosshair.PLEASE?

Absolutely, you may send in more than one request! The more, the merrier!

Haha well you ended with Crosshair, so that's who I'm going with, darlin 😜

"Fake Boyfriend"

7. Putting someone behind them to protect them

Pairing: Crosshair x fem reader

***

After coming back from another tiring mission, you were hanging out with your squad and friends, the Bad Batch, at 79's getting some drinks. The bar was pretty crowded this time and it was starting to get hot inside from everyone there. The boys didn't seem to mind as much. You were sitting next to Crosshair, who had his arm draped over the back of the booth behind you. He might as well have had his arm around you with how close his hand was to your shoulder. The two of you had a habit of flirting with each other all the time, but usually in a joking way that wasn't serious. At least, that's what you told yourself. Because unfortunately for you, you had a feeling it was all just fun to Crosshair, even though it was more real for you. At this point, you just figured there was no point in admitting your feelings and potentially making things awkward with him, especially when it already took a bit of work to break through his shell anyway. You didn't want to undo all the work you'd already done in getting him to open up to you.

You stood up and announced to the boys that you were going to step outside for some air for a second and they acknowledged your decision.

Crosshair reached up and tapped your arm, saying, "Don't be gone too long."

"Why? Will you miss me?" you asked back.

He said nothing, but simply gave you a knowing look that said, "Come on, really?" like the answer to the question was obvious...but it wasn't really.

When you stepped outside, you walked just a little ways down the platform 79's was on to around the corner of the building, your hands in your pockets. The noise of Coruscant air traffic buzzed in your ears along with the chatter of Clones and other people also out on the platform.

A few minutes later, a speeder with a human male atop it pulled up and docked next to you, his eyes trained on you as he parked his speeder almost without even looking. "Well, hey there, beautiful," he spoke to you.

With a deadpan look, you replied, "Can I help you?"

He smirked looked you over in a way that made you want to squirm and you didn't get that way very often. "What's a pretty girl like you doing in this part of town?"

"I fail to see how that's your business," you commented. As he started getting closer, your hand slowly made its way around behind you to where your blaster was holstered just in case.

"You shouldn't be out here alone. I could uh...give you some company," he suggested, wiggling his eyebrows.

"She isn't alone," you heard another familiar voice say before you could respond. Just then, Crosshair appeared next to you and he protectively moved you behind him as he stepped forward to face the man in front of you.

The man's suggestive smirk disappeared and he gave Crosshair an unamused look. "Who are you?" he questioned.

Without even hesitating, Crosshair answered, "I'm her boyfriend."

Your body locked up at his response. Did he just say...?

Then he kept going, "She's my girl and I suggest you get back on your speeder and move along...while you still have the ability to drive."

The stranger just scoffed and stated with a dismissive wave, "Whatever." With a huff, he turned on his heel, climbed back on his speeder and sped off.

Once he was gone, Crosshair turned around to face you. "Are you all right?"

You nodded. "Yeah, he didn't do anything. He was just a creep. Thanks for that."

He simply nodded.

"Didn't expect you to pull the 'fake boyfriend' card, though," you told him.

"I thought it's what would get rid of him the fastest," he explained.

For some reason, you had dared to hope that maybe there had been more behind his reasoning, but you should've expected this.

Though, you clearly didn't hide the disappointment in your face well enough because Crosshair then pointed out, "You don't seem content with that answer."

You weren't sure if you could cover up how you really felt at this point, so you admitted, unable to look at him right away, "Well...I don't know, I just kind of hoped that...maybe it could actually be a real thing."

When you looked up at him, his eyes had narrowed slightly. "You...you want that?" he asked, seemingly dumbfounded.

You gave a shy nod and a shrug. "I mean...we flirt all the time and I keep thinking sometimes that maybe you would want something like that, too, but I'm sure it's all been just fun and nothing serious. Which I understand if it is."

"It's not like that."

"Wait, what?"

"I only flirt with you...and I do it because I want to. I'm not good with words and I hoped that maybe I could get my interest across that way."

You were stunned for a moment before saying, "So all this time...you were interested in me?"

He stepped closer to you and took a surprisingly gentle hold of your chin, tilting your head up and touching his lips softly to yours for but a brief moment.

A small sigh left your lips when he pulled back and you replied, "I'll take that as a 'yes', then?"

He snickered. "Was that not enough for you to believe me?"

You smirked back at him. "I might need a little extra convincing."

That was how you found yourself pushed up against the outside wall of 79's and making out passionately with Crosshair...until the rest of the boys eventually came out looking for you both.

"Hey! I thought you said you were coming out to get some air?" Wrecker questioned as you both jumped apart.

"She wanted some of Crosshair's air, it seems," Hunter teased.

The two of you blushed bright red, but the rest of the squad seemed pretty happy about the two of you. You walked back to the Marauder hand in hand with Crosshair...now your boyfriend and you, his girlfriend.

Photogirl894's Physical Affection Prompts

Photogirl894 1,000 followers fics

[knightprincess]

The Way to a Man's Heart

Wrecker x reader | 1.6k words

Content: fluff, food, and fun

Inspiration (from @rosemarynightmares): Also I want to cook for all the clones, but these vibes are the strongest with Wrecker, and, for some reason, Hardcase and Fives.

It was almost comical. Two decently muscular men and one incredibly burly one, all huddled around your small dinette, patiently awaiting a meal you'd insisted on making for them. Why, you weren't sure. You'd sort of blurted the proposition out the other day when they'd been talking about the lack of homemade meals in their diet. The thought of some of the GAR's strongest, most valiant soldiers not being able to eat a decent meal had not only sounded tragic to you, but also something you were more than capable of providing the remedy to.

At least, that's what you'd thought then. Now, standing in the middle of your tiny apartment kitchen, surrounded by several bubbling pots, unpackaged ingredients, and countless little spills and messes, you were wondering what in the galaxy you'd possibly been thinking.

You peeped your head around the corner to check on the status of your guests' moods. Hardcase's leg bounced underneath the table and even Fives had his hands fidgeting in his lap. Wrecker, surprisingly, seemed much more calm, though you knew it wasn't an easy feat for the gentle giant. His stomach was the size of a bantha and hardly ever felt satisfied. You'd need to hurry up your process before any of them broke the peace.

"Just a few more minutes!" you called out. You didn't know if that was enough time but felt the need to give them some indication you were trying to wrap up. The crostini's, at least, could be passed out soon, along with some beers, just to hold them over while you willed the chicken in the oven to cook faster.

"No rush, love!" Fives called back. "Take all the time you need!"

Ironically, one of the four timers you had going suddenly went off, its quick little chirps pulling you back into the fray of the kitchen. You shut it off and pulled the tray of toasted crostini's from the oven. Working swiftly, you dolloped the ricotta and hot honey spread on top of each one and sprinkled some sliced almonds and chives to garnish. Each was then placed neatly onto a serving tray. When you were done, though, you sighed in embarrassment. Normally this appetizer was too much for you to eat on your own, but looking at the small little sampling before you now, you knew the three soldiers in your dinette would clean this off in seconds. You should've got a loaf of bread apiece.

But you shook yourself from your worries. You had already added on an extra side-dish last minute, and changed your mind from cookies to cheesecake for dessert. Surely it'd all be enough once you were done.

"Don't worry, this is just the first course," you apologized as you walked out with the dish. "But something to hold you over while I finish up the rest."

"There's multiple courses?" Wrecker's eyes grew in wonder.

All three leaned forward to track the plate as you set it between them. You hid a smile at their eagerness.

"And how about some drink orders? I have a few different ciders and ales, some sodas...."

"Any kind of amber ale for me, please," Hardcase immediately put his order in.

"I'll take a good ol' port-in-a-storm," Fives added right after.

"And you, Wrecker?" you asked with an added sweetness to your voice. You'd be lying if you said you didn't have an extra soft-spot for the Batcher. In fact, if anyone had analyzed how this whole dinner situation had come about, they would've noticed you'd only invited the group after Wrecker had chimed in.

Wrecker's mouth was already full of 2 crostini's. He looked at you sheepishly as you addressed him and quickly swallowed enough to be able to respond. "Surprise me!"

You laughed and returned to the kitchen just as another timer went off. You had to take a minute to think which one that stood for. The potatoes? No... the homemade salad dressing. You twisted the knob of the appropriate burner off so the bubbling mustard sauce could start to cool. You also snuck in another peek at the chicken in the oven to see how that was doing. Still not golden enough.

You gathered up all the right drinks for the boys, deciding to mix together your favorite, the cold and creamy Lothal Spicebrew, for Wrecker. You laughed again as you brought them out, as the plate of hors d'ouerves was already demolished to just a plate of crumbs.

"Kriff that was good!" Hardcase was licking his fingers. The other two hummed in agreement.

"Yes, that was excellent!"

"Amazing!"

You blushed from their compliments, scooping the plate out of the way. "Well hopefully the rest of it will all be done soon. I'm sorry it's taking so long."

Fives brushed away your apologies. "Like we said, take your time."

"Yeah, we're not going anywhere!" Wrecker grinned.

Hardcase let out a belch, sending all three into hysterics as they started working on their drinks.

Your trip back into the kitchen thankfully set you into a good rhythm. The potatoes were finally boiled and you quickly mashed them up with the perfect amount of cream and butter. You gave the salad another toss and then started portioning it out onto some plates. The last-minute microwaved corn addition shortly followed. You were even able to get your cheesecake mixed and into the oven. The sounds of the boys' laughter and lively conversation from the next room kept you going, giving you the perfect motivation to work through the chaos in good spirits.

When the chicken finally, finally, was done, you carefully plated the last piece to your meal, drizzled the now cooled dressing onto the leafy greens, and started taking the plates out to the table.

"Dinner is served!" you announced. All your hard work, all your worries, all the messes you left behind, were now all worth it as you served the men at your table. "Prosciutto-wrapped chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, steamed corn, and a mixed spring salad with my special mustard dressing."

All three were speechless as you set their plates before them. Wrecker even had a bit of drool forming at the corner of his mouth. You held back the proud feeling that was swelling in your chest at the sight of them being so mesmerized by food you had made.

"And there's a bit more, so let me know if anyone wants second helpings," you gave a little wink, even though none of them were looking at you. At least, not until you went to head back into the kitchen.

"Wait, what about you?" Wrecker asked. You turned and saw him looking after you in concern. "You're not going to eat?"

"I've got a plate in here," you waved him off. "I've got to work on the dessert next."

"Aw, boo!"

"Yeah, you should join us!" Fives agreed.

Hardcase pulled out the lonely fourth chair and patted it enthusiastically. This time you couldn't help the smile that came out of you.

"Okay, just give me a few minutes to get the dessert in the fridge first."

You worked quicker than you ever had before, getting your cheesecake set up to cool, throwing a few of the empty pots in the sink to soak, and then joining your new friends at the table to eat. The next hour went by in a blur. Glasses clanked in salute. A chorus of compliments and satisfied hums poured out between bites. Laughter bounded between the walls as stories were shared. It was the happiest you'd felt in a long time, seeing how a simple meal - okay, perhaps chaotic and messy was more accurate than simple - could so easily impress these soldiers that you yourself were in awe of.

Everything was fantastic and incredible to them. Second helpings were brought out in no time. They asked a million questions about how you were so good at cooking. Wrecker, especially, seemed to have hearts in his eyes with every bite he took.

Eventually, your cheesecake needed tending to for the final showstopper of the night. You excused yourself to work on it, and a short while later, was surprised to find someone joining you.

"Anything I can do to help?"

Wrecker had piled up all the empty plates and was setting them gently onto the one corner of the counter you hadn't reached with your mess. He rubbed the back of his neck shyly.

"Um..." you looked around, not sure what else there was to do other than clean up, but you couldn't possibly ask a guest to help with that. Your gaze fell on the bag of pistachios you'd almost forgotten would be part of this treat. "Oh! Can you chop those up for me?"

Wrecker seemed glad to have something to do. He was very careful to follow your instructions on how you wanted them chopped and mixed in with the apricots, jam, and orange juice you had already been preparing. Together, you worked to spoon them on top of the cheesecake.

"You really are good at all this," he said, a kind of timidness in his voice. When you looked up at him, you saw a faint blush dotting his cheeks. "Do you cook like this all the time?"

"I honestly don't," you admitted, feeling heat rise in your own cheeks. You weren't sure why you were suddenly feeling shy. "It's just me here, and it's not as fun to cook for just yourself."

"Well you're welcome to cook for me anytime!" He barked out his usual jovial chuckle and you found your breathing settle back in response. You really, truly liked him.

"I would love that, Wrecker," you smiled up at him.

"Really? Anytime?" He was testing the waters, seeing whether you were genuine or just being nice.

You gave him a playful bump of your hips in reassurance. "Yep. Any time."

Much to your delight, Wrecker would take you up on the offer as often as he was able, leading to not only some lovely nights of cooking and company, but the start of a pleasantly sweet romance....

~ ~ ~

Everything Tag: @damerondala, @dangerousstrawberrypie, @fallingforthem, @harleyevanstan, @imabeautifulbutterfly, @justanothersadperson93, @misogirl828, @itsagrimm, @error6gendernotfound, @theroguesully, @clonesimp, @techie-bear

+Clone & Bad Batch Tags: @marvel-starwars-nerd, @pandora-the-halfling, @darkangel4121, @sobstea, @rintheemolion, @bowtiesandsandshoes, @dionysuskid21, @jesseeka, @hanbetired, @thatmultifandomdumbass, @sarahtanmarvel, @call-me-a-fool, @lackofhonor, @theclonesdeservebetter, @hannahhearttcw, @kaijusplotch, @salaminus, @arctrooper69, @katzs-current-obsession, @501st-rexster, @rebel-finn, @not-a-big-slay, @writing-positivelyexisting, @nekotaetae, @the-mom-friend-dot-com, @pickle-rick-y, @flowered-bicycles, @lucyysthings, @severalseashellsbytheseashore

(Join my tag list here)