#Hunter x OC

[freesia-writes]

Chapter 3: Boys at the Bar

Note -- Based on feedback here and the tag list Discord server, I'm gonna release one chapter on Saturdays and one on Wednesdays, and I'll keep it to the afternoon/evening so you aren't tortured by the wait during the workday. ;)

Enjoy an immersive, warm and fuzzy tale of romance, suspense, adventure, and self-discovery as Hunter finds his path after the events of TBB. Banner and dividers by @pinkiemme ~ Master List here ~ Previous Chapter

Chapter 3 - Word Count: 2.2k

The motley assortment of local tree nuts and shells in the decorative wind chimes swung back and forth contentedly in the breeze, brushing up against the wooden poles that held them up. Their gentle sounds were lost to the wind and the waves, which provided a calming backdrop to the happy atmosphere of the tiki bar. It was the only establishment that was actually down on the beach, brightening the shoreline with its thatched roof and colorful lights that stretched from the covered L-shaped bar counter out across the outdoor seating, which sat on low, carpeted decks. 

Considered to be the proverbial living room of Xylo, it was frequented by locals from every walk of life and provided some entertainment in the form of karaoke nights, card game tournaments, and other random ideas. A creative assortment of island drinks was offered in addition to a fairly impressive menu of food, allowing it to be a restaurant for families to enjoy before it turned into a slightly more raucous adult lounge in the evenings. 

Crosshair shifted on his stool, angling his back toward the pillar behind his seat and taking in the activity around him. There were some new faces, so it was only fair that they receive an unflinching assessment to determine how much future observation they would require. His sharp eyes followed their interactions and demeanors, and a certain dynamic had piqued his interest enough to distract him from the bartender’s arrival at his elbow. 

“You’re gonna scare em away if you keep glaring, Silver,” came a bright voice that snapped him out of his scrutiny. His hair had grown out a bit during their months on Xylo, earning him a nickname from Luciana, the bubbly, outgoing bartender who seemed to know everything and everyone.

“So what?” he answered, not taking his eyes from the targets.

“Soooooo that means I don’t get tips. Now cut it out,” she poked, grasping his forearm and giving it a playful shake. “Unless you’re gonna cover what they’d be paying…”

“What’s this?” Hunter asked, sliding into the seat next to his brother. “Crosshair’s paying other people’s tabs? What did you put in his drink?” 

“Hunter!” she huffed, her voice sugar and spice as she flashed a coy look of shock and affront in his direction. “I would never!”

“You would in a heartbeat,” Crosshair said dryly, finally turning back to the conversation behind him. “Don’t pretend like you’re some angel, Luciana.” 

“Oh, sweetie, we know that’s not the case,” she countered, leaning on the bar with her elbows close enough to give her shapely bosom a little boost. “But you’re still too chicken to find out.” She finished with a wink and an open-mouthed smile before being called to the other end of the bar, holding up a finger to Hunter and giving it a little waggle before darting off. 

“Your partner’s not gonna like that,” Hunter remarked, shoving Crosshair’s elbow with his as they rested near each other on the counter. “What was their name? Farkel? Faryl?”

“Doesn’t matter; they’re gone,” came the hissed reply, a surprise to no one. 

“Hm,” was Hunter’s equally unhelpful response, unsure of how to proceed. 

“Apparently there’s such a thing as too much similarity,” Crosshair explained, wrinkling his nose in disgust.

“I can’t imagine. Two of you? You’re telling me that wouldn’t be a cruise in a hyperspace lane?” 

The vulgarity of Crosshair’s retort was lost in Luciana’s return as she flounced back to stand before them, spreading her hands to either side and resting them on the wooden countertop. 

QUICK BREAK FOR FANART BY @clownbloody!!

.

“Alright Xyrgio, what’ll it be tonight?” she crooned, tilting her head at Hunter. She’d immediately informed him upon his first visit to the bar that he reminded her of an action holo star that she’d “always had the hots for”, and he’d been given the name from then on. It seemed mostly harmless, at least until Hunter had been put on the spot to explain it to Omega over an afternoon snack of porg tenders one day. 

“Eh, I don’t know,” Hunter said, rubbing his forehead. 

“It’s cute that you think that,” Luciana answered, hands already moving across bottles to mix a dry concoction that Hunter had come to enjoy. “You can keep believing you’re gonna branch out one of these days, but until then, it’s the Luci special for you.” She squeezed a bright purple wedge of fruit into the top before dropping the rest of it into the drink, stirring it with a long spoon that she licked when finished, catching Hunter’s eye with a coy grin.

“The Lucy Special? That’s what this is called now?” he said absently.

“Luci with an “i”, baby. Don’t you forget it,” she echoed, pushing it toward him with a flourish. “Aha! I was wondering where the other boys were! Glad you didn’t miss the Grand Re-Opening!” Her announcement was met with the arrival of Tech and Wrecker, and amid the greetings, Hunter noticed Crosshair glancing behind them for any sign of Echo, who was unexpectedly absent. 

It warmed his heart that the sniper was allowing himself to be somewhat a part of the family again; he had been slow to abandon the deep regrets he held that made him feel unworthy, but the unconditional love from Omega and overwhelming love from his family at having him back had allowed him to find some semblance of peace. While their slow settlement into island life had its ups and downs, his gratitude for their safety was foundational. Crosshair still maintained a regular facade of disdain and snark, but there was an undeniable undercurrent of warmth beneath it all.

“Couldn’t miss the new freshers, haha! And I nearly built an entire house today!” Wrecker exclaimed, plopping jovially onto a stool next to Crosshair. Tech opted to stand, leaning on the counter and nearly disappearing behind the hulking mass of his brother.

“Considering the amount of time required for many of the construction materials used on this particular island to set and remain solid, that is actually somewhat worrisome.”

“Oh shove it, Tech. You’re just jealous. Besides, what are you doing these days anyway?” Wrecker returned.

“Leeching off his pirate girlfriend so he can read all day,” Crosshair muttered, startled by Luci’s bright laugh as she slid a large mug of beer toward Wrecker and popped open a can of seltzer water for Tech. 

“I am most certainly not–” 

“Heyyyy, be nice!” Luci interjected, cutting off Tech’s heated retort. “Genius here is going to revolutionize the entire island after he learns everything about it!” Crosshair’s groan was also interrupted by her continuing, “Don’t listen to him, Tech.” She turned to face him now, tracing light fingers across the back of his hand, which he clenched and pulled away. Unfazed, she gave him a confident nod and a brilliant smile. “You’re doing us all a favor, I’m sure.”

“Thank you, Luciana,” Tech said pertly, pointedly not meeting her eyes. “Although I do not believe this island is in need of a revolution. I merely hope to apply my brilliance to various procedures and practices with the intention of improving life for the residents as much as possible.”

“Gotta do something with all that brilliance, babe,” Luci affirmed, tapping the counter before disappearing to deliver some food to a table. 

“Look out, Tech,” Crosshair said bitterly, and Hunter wondered for a moment if he were jealous of the attention channeled toward his brother. “Phee’s not going to like that one bit.” 

“I see no reason for Phee to find any issue with the particular manifestations of a random individual’s personality.”

“We’ll see how she feels when I tell her,” the sniper jabbed, reveling in the clear discomfort belied by Tech’s sudden shift in position. 

“Cut it out, Cross,” Wrecker said, stuffing his face with a basket of roasted potato wedges that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. His ability to procure food in any situation was a regular marvel to the rest. “Hey, how’s Omega’s trip goin?”

“Sounds good so far,” Hunter answered. “She’ll be back the day after tomorrow. Nothing much to report otherwise.” 

The rest of the night progressed with idle chatter and a variety of plates they shared between them, and finally ended as the sea breeze began to prickle their skin with a hint of cold. The sun was sinking low in the sky, earlier and earlier each day as the planet’s cooler months approached. Xylo shared a 24-hour rotational schedule with Core Worlds like Coruscant, but it took 404 days to travel around its star. The winter came with increased rainfall, strong winds, and a biting chill to the air that invited cozy sweaters and roaring fireplaces as joyful additions to daily life. It also meant that people retired to their homes earlier, driven indoors by their acclimation to warmth and distaste for anything less than the balmy comfort of the other months of the year.

With a round of mumbled goodbyes after settling the bar tab with Luci, the clones dispersed. Hunter hung back for a moment, taking a little stroll toward the edge of the beach, mesmerized by the gentle glow of the two moons reflecting off the surface of the waves. His thoughts drifted from the tasks that awaited him in the butcher shop to a general wondering about Omega and her experiences on the other island. Sometimes it was hard to keep the nightmares at bay, and he had to consciously remind himself that everything had turned out alright despite the harrowing paths they’d had to take to get there.

Suddenly becoming aware of an approaching presence, he turned to see Luci venturing out from behind the bar, her black half-apron tied around her small waist, which was bare for a few inches beneath a tight white shirt that left little to the imagination. Her cutoff jean shorts were hidden behind the apron’s pockets, where she’d tucked her hands as she came to stand beside Hunter, hugging her elbows into her sides against the chilly breeze.

“You miss your girl?” she asked, a quick side glance at his face checking his response before she returned her gaze to the rolling waves of the sea. 

“Eh, I guess you could say that,” Hunter admitted, a jolt running through his body as she nestled against his side, her bare arm brushing the fabric of his shirt. “It’s just different without her around.”

“I know,” Luci agreed, her voice soft and unguarded. “She’s so sweet. You’re such a good daddy.” Her rich green eyes found his as he looked at her in surprise, balking at her choice in words.

“I’m not a daddy,” he laughed, wrinkling his nose and shaking his head. Something about that word rankled. His stance beside her was stiff; he didn’t want to pull away but wasn’t entirely comfortable either. “We just all watch out for each other. That’s how it’s always been.” 

“Daddy, brother, friend, whatever…” she conceded, “You care for her, and for the others. And you do it so well. It’s just really admirable.” Her tone was warm, her affection plain in a way that allowed him to feel his guard lowering a little. Hunter shifted on his feet, and she took the opportunity to lean into him a tiny bit more. “Thanks for hiding me from the wind for a minute, too,” she explained, her red hair waving in the breeze. “It’s gonna be a busy night; I just needed a break. Or maybe a new job.” Luci giggled, pushing her curls back in a futile attempt to contain them momentarily. 

“Got something else in mind?” Hunter asked nonchalantly, his inquiry met with a shrug of her shoulders against his side. 

“Always,” she said quietly, eyes brightening as she considered the moons, coming ever closer with the shift in season. “I love trying new things. There’s always adventure to be had. New places, new foods, new jobs, new people…” She fell quiet for a moment, her tone turning almost wistful before vanishing with the next crash of a wave on the shore. “But I’m starting to like it here more and more,” she purred, looking up at Hunter to give him a playful wink. 

“Luciana! We’re dying of thirst over here!” came a holler from the colorful bar, and she rolled her eyes in mock fatigue. “I guess it’s time to get back,” she said, wrapping her arms around herself as she pulled away from Hunter. “I’ll see you around!” He found himself watching the sway of her hips as she walked gracefully back to the carpeted decks of the restaurant, noticing a funny sensation in his stomach along with a mild frustration at his inability to read her fully. She seemed to be someone who very much wore her heart on her sleeve – she didn’t hold back her thoughts and opinions, and she had a zest for life that invited others to join in. But he couldn’t tell if her interest in him was anything different from the flirty way she enjoyed everyone who crossed her path. He supposed it didn’t matter much, attempting to shrug it off as he made his way to the empty house, but the nagging thought remained – just how much could he have a “normal” life?

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[imabeautifulbutterfly]

A glorious idea has spawned in my brain

Hunter x Criminal!reader where they have a Batman/Catwoman relationship, however this time Omega meets the reader and absolutely adores her so the reader decides to stick around a bit (despite Hunter's protests). During this time, the reader and Omega form a mother/daughter and Hunter secretly loves it and falls for the reader everytime he sees her with Omega

Hello my lovely anon,

Thank you for such a fantastic request. I hope I did your request justice. The setting is Season 1 of Bad Batch, so hopefully you don't mind too much. I wrote with f!Criminal!reader, hope that's okay. Reader has a nickname.

Enjoy.

Also, since this isn't part of the Fic Roulette request, it'll be filed under the One Shots Master List. It's a little longer almost at 2400 words.

Love oo,

Not Ready

Warnings: Slight thieving, Omega in danger, dangling from a tower, banter, angst, fluff, shooting, dangerous driving, I think that's it. If I miss any please let me know.

Part Two

AO3 Link   |   OS & MS Master List |   Main Master List  

“Give it back, and we can just both walk away.”

You twirled the rather large knife in your hand, “Hmmm, no.”

Hunter clenched his fists, “I said, hand it over.”

“And I said no.” You smirked underneath your mask, the only thing visible on your face were your eyes. Eyes so full of cockiness, determination and experience. “I gotta ask though, why so long?” You chuckled, “Compensating for something?” You flipped it back and forth in your hand, twirling it around your palm and the back of your hand. “Has good weight.” You smirked as you arched your brow, “If you know what I mean.”

“I don’t have time for your nonsense!” Hunter looked behind, sensing the Imperial troopers closing in, he let out a sigh, and before you even realized what was happening he tried to stun you. 

Unfortunately, he missed thanks to your ability to sense when danger was imminent. Without even thinking your body back-handspringed away from the blue stun blast. “That was rude.”

“Listen, I need to get to my sister, and I don’t have time to mess around!” Hunter could hear Tech on his comms as he described Omega hanging from the tower. 

“Your sister’s in trouble?” All teasing and flirting died on your lips as soon as you heard that.

“Yes!”

You nodded and tossed the knife back to the chiseled red-bandana wearing man in front of you, “Let me help.”

“No. You’ve helped enough.” His tone full of annoyance and frustration. He grabbed the knife and took off running towards Omega, ignoring the pang of regret from his tone. It wasn’t your fault, you didn’t know he was running to help Omega. Yet, the frustration from having to waste even a minute on you was more than enough to make him worry about Omega’s safety and that’s all that mattered. 

His feet came to a sudden halt when you appeared in front of him with a speeder bike, “Hop on!”

“What?”

“Just … I feel bad, ok! Now shut up, and get on!”

He didn’t delay, jumping on the back of the speeder holding on to your waist tightly as you weaved through traffic.

“Where is she?” You shouted over the noise of the air rushing past your ears. 

Hunter didn’t respond and simply pointed to the person dangling from the tower, as another helmeted person neared her position. 

You sped up the speeder, you’d know Fennec’s helmet anywhere. You weaved and dodged against the oncoming traffic, almost as though you could see where and when the next vehicle was going to be turning or shifting. Your heart nearly dropped as you saw the tiny person slip, driving faster and more dangerous to catch her in time. 

Hunter reached out his hand and grabbed a hold of Omega’s in midair, tossing her onto his lap, pinning her between the two of you. “You okay, back there?” You shouted to make sure everyone was safe as you saw Fennec jump down and commandeer a vehicle of her own chasing after the three of you. 

“We’re fine. Get us out of here!” He shouted as he quickly checked over Omega to make sure she was uninjured and safe. He couldn’t see much from how she was clutching to his chest plate, but it didn’t seem like she was in pain either. 

“You got this?”

“What?” 

“I’m asking if you know how to drive a speeder?”

“Yeah! Why?” He didn’t clue in to what you were preparing to do until you flipped over him and landed on Fennec’s vehicle.

“Hey gorgeous!” You smirked as you looked at her.

“Ugh! Should’ve known you’d be here.” Fennec answered, rolling her eyes as she tried to keep her eyes on her target.

“Wasn’t supposed but I sort of owed him one. Back off.” You stood aiming your blaster into the hood.

“No can do, little Butterfly.”

Force you hated that nickname, somehow it had stuck among the bounty hunters and assassins, simply because you were quick and light on your feet. Dazzling them with your antics and before they even realized you slipped out of their sight, blending into the crowds more often than not. 

“Fennec, I like you, but you need to back off!”

“What’s in it for you?”

“Nothing.”

“I’ll split the reward with you, if you help me capture the little girl.”

You tried to stay balanced as Fennec tilted the vehicle side to side, “You disappoint me, going after a child.”

“Jobs a job, honey.”

You shook your head, “I warned you,” you shot your blaster into her engine, jumping off onto a nearby transport, watching as her engine began to sputter. She jumped to safety standing on the closest terrace she could find, as she watched you and her target move further away. You jumped down, finding your way back to the ground, hoping from one transport to the next. 

Once you touched solid ground, you looked back up to see Fennec turn and walk away. ‘Until next time, gorgeous.’ You mumbled as you headed back to the marketplace, before you even got five feet away, you felt your body jerk forward as tiny hands wrapped around your waist. You looked down to see the blonde girl, the rather striking man had rescued, his sister. 

“Uh… thanks, kid. I think…” you giggled as you pulled her arms away from you. 

“You saved me!” She beamed with a brilliant smile as she looked at you.

“I think your brother did that. I just drove.” You subtly shook your head, subtly moving away from the overwhelming bundle of joy.

“She has a point,” Hunter offered, “if you didn’t show up with a speeder when you did …” you could tell on his face he didn’t want to think about what might’ve happened.

“Listen, Fennec would’ve come up with something. She’s a bounty hunter, but she’s a fairly decent one. Anyway I’m glad you’re safe,” you patted the little girl’s head, “take care of yourself and your brother. Seems like he gets into trouble easily.” You turned to walk away when she gripped your fingers.

“Come with us.” She pleaded looking at you with big eyes that were asking for more than you were prepared to give, or have given to anyone since you could actually remember. It was nice to feel needed, but it was too much. 

Hunter wanted to grab Omega and pull her away from this woman who showed up, and was constantly surprising and making him feel uneasy at every turn. “Omega, we don’t know her circumstances. She’s probably already committed to something else, right?” Hunter narrowed his eyes on the helmeted woman in front of him, not wanting her to take the invitation Omega offered.

You’ve seen that look a thousand times before. It said everything that really mattered, you weren’t welcome, and he wanted you to leave as soon as possible. 

“Don’t worry,” you started keeping your eyes locked on the man standing behind Omega, “your brother is right, I’m … currently … occupied with other matters.” You smiled as you turned your attention to Omega, and kneeled before her, “Omega, right?”

She nodded, not letting your fingers go. 

You smiled and pulled out a collapsable vibroblade, “This is Vala,” you flicked your wrist and opened the vibroblade, “my father gave me this when I was about your age, he told me ‘this galaxy is full of good and bad people. Sometimes the good outweighs the bad, and sometimes there are too many bad, you won’t be able to find a good one. Vala, will always be there to protect you.’” You turned her hand palm-up and placed the vibroblade in her tiny hand. “It will protect you. Ask your brother to train you on how to use it. Never rely on someone else to save you, in this galaxy, sometimes the only person you can count on is yourself. Take care, Omega.” You ruffled her hair one more time, before standing up and walking away without looking back. 

It felt strangely comforting to be wanted, even if it was for a brief second. 

“Wait!” Hunter shouted, causing you to turn around, “We left your speeder that way” he pointed over his shoulder, you couldn’t help laughing.

“Don’t worry about it, handsome, it’s not mine.” You smiled and walked away.

Omega turned to Hunter, a saddened smile on her face, “Why couldn’t she come with us?”

“Omega,” Hunter kneeled, “we don’t know who she is. Whether she can even be trusted? It’s best if she goes her way and we meet up with Wrecker, Echo and Tech.”

“But…”

“Omega, I know you have a good heart, but you’re too trusting. It’s best if we keep a low profile and avoid entangling ourselves with people we don’t know. Come on, we gotta meet back up with the others.”

He guided her back to the hangar trying to avoid the Pantoran police force and the troopers that seemed to be searching for someone. 

Omega kept watching as one Pantoran guard held up a picture to a passerby, it was a picture of you. She pulled on Hunter’s sleeve and pointed to the Pantoran’s datapad. 

“They’re looking for her.”

“We should go…” Hunter tightened his grip on her hand, but she refused to move.

“We have to help her.”

“We don’t know why they’re looking for her. She could be a wanted criminal or a murderer, a thief.”

“Hunter, please. She saved me, it’s the least we can do.”

He looked at the picture and commed Wrecker, “Wrecker, where are you?”

“Just entering the marketplace right now, why?” 

“I need you to take Omega back to the ship, I …” he turned his head to look at Omega, “I have to repay someone who helped us get Omega back.”

Wrecker walked through the crowd faster than the others as people naturally moved out of his way, he stood in front of the both of them, tilting his head. “Who, you helping?”

“Don’t worry about it, just get Omega back to the ship and tell Tech we need to take off the minute I get back. Make sure Echo makes it back to the ship too. We may have to get out of here faster than expected.”

“Copy that” Wrecker picked up Omega and had her sitting on his shoulder as he headed back to the hangar with her. 

Hunter could hear the comm chatter between Wrecker, Tech and Echo. He let out a huff and shook his head, this was just asking for trouble. He ran back, heading the way you were walking. It wasn’t long before he found you sitting at a cafe sipping on something warm. 

“Came back to tell me you love me?” You teased him.

“Came back to tell you, you’re in danger.”

“Shocker.” You didn’t react or flinch, as you kept your eyes locked on the man’s eyes. 

“I need to know, are you a murderer?”

“No.”

“Do you have a bounty on your head with some crime boss or something?”

“No.”

“Then get up” he grabbed your arm and forced you to stand, grabbing your helmet as he pulled you along, running behind him. 

“Wait… hey!” You stopped in your tracks and pulled your arm out of his hold, “Who the hell do you think you are, pulling me like that? You know I have the right …” he put a hand over your mouth and pushed you into a darkened alley, hiding you with his body as a Pantoran patrol passed the two of you.

“They’re searching for you, and not just the police. The Imperial troopers are looking for you too.” He stepped away and handed you your helmet, “Listen, I don’t care what happens to you, but Omega was worried, and I’m not going to disappoint her. You’re warned. So you can either go back out there and try and avoid whatever trouble you got yourself into or…” he let out a sigh regretting the words that were about to come out of his mouth, “You can come with us and we can drop you off somewhere.”

“Us?”

“My brothers, Omega and myself.”

“Why are you helping?”

“Like I said, I don’t want to disappoint Omega. So what’s it going to be?”

You looked at him and then at the increased patrols you hadn’t realized were slowly filling up the streets, they all seemed to be looking for you. You closed your eyes and tapped your helmeted head against the wall, “Alright. I’ll trust you. Lead the way.”

He stepped closer to you, “I’m taking a chance on you, you put any of us in danger, and you and I are going to go another round, understood?”

You narrowed your eyes at him, “Fine. What do I call you anyway? Because I don’t think ‘stuck up jackass’ would work.”

“It’s Hunter, and what do I call you? Because I don’t think ‘crazy tooka’ works.”

You smirked as you looked at him, “You can just call me Butterfly. Hunter.”

“Fine. Now let’s go. Butterfly.”

“You know I’m not as bad as you think.”

“And hell is just a sauna, shut up and follow me.”

As much as you tried to fight the urge to smile, you couldn’t help but enjoy the banter you two had. You also couldn’t help but examine his physique as you followed behind him, moving around the crowd, ducking and avoiding capture until you made it to his ship. 

Omega ran to you and hugged you again, “I knew he’d find you, come on. Let me show you inside.” 

She gripped your hand and dragged you along. You weren’t looking for family, but … as you moved closer to the ship, there was a strange sense of belonging that came from meeting the rest of her brothers. For the first time in a long time, you felt at home. 

Hunter watched you and the way Omega gripped your hand, as you introduced yourself to Wrecker, Tech and Echo. He had to admit, you were attractive, when he saw you without your helmet, he almost felt his tongue getting all tied up. Not to mention, the outfit you wore also drew attention to your physique which didn’t help. He didn’t know why but he had a feeling this could either be a really horrible idea, or it would be a very pleasant surprise. 

Next

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[cloned-eyes]

....yet again back at it with @therisingdarkness ocs

...btw my comms are open again

[oceansssblue]

Can I request a Hunter x reader fic where they have a knife throwing contest? (You can choose who wins)

cool request! I'm down!

Decided to do a little flirty thing between a badass female reader and our sexy sargent. Note for everyone that requests me something; if you want speficically a female male or neutral reader do tell me! If not I'll jump to whatever I feel.

Hope you like it!

Xx,

Sky.

"A SHARP SMILE"

TBB REQUESTS –HUNTER/F READER 📩💖🔥

WARNINGS: PUBLIC KNIFE THROWING CONTEST, SEXUAL TENSION&SUGESTIVE (BUT NO SMUT), FLEETING MENTIONS OF ALCOHOL AND A SINGLE FLEETING REFERENCE TO PROSTITUTION.

Hunter carefully watched another round of the knife throwing contest develop in front of his eyes. Cid's Salon had been experiencing a drop in it's sales for quite a few weeks now; and after Tech's comment on how announcing special shows or activities could be an adecuate solution to such a problem, the Trandoshan had oficially inaugurated "Friday's Knife night". Tech had pointed out he had been alluding more to a special drink's discount or karaoke night; but Cid had waved an impatient hand at that, and claimed Ord Mantell didn't catter to the same "Coruscant's sweethearts". Hunter could only agree. The idea of the citizens in Ord Mantell singing a ballad was... Something.

The contestants were good for normal everyday people standards. Most of the knifes always ended up properly stuck to the wood board; though only a few of the participants were skilled enough to hit the borders of the –one round human, another round twi'lek, and so on– black siluete. He could tell who tried just for fun and who had had to use knifes before to defend themselves. None were good enough to match Hunter's seasoned abilities, though; which was the reason why he had comformed himself to remain a silent spectator instead of an active participant.

Almost an hour later, Cid announced the last contest of the night. Hunter studied everyone who payed the fee and wrote their names –and identifications– down on the list; wondering if he should just play in this last chance. There was nothing that ruled him out. He could inscribe himself and win the price; Omega could do with a new set of clothes, as she was outgrowing her current one quite fast. Hunter gulped down the leftover of his drink and patted Echo's shoulder; making his way towards the line.

Upon seing him, Cid rolled her eyes.

"Gonna double that bet, Broody?" she tempted him.

Hunter nodded with a shrug.

"That way I might be able to pay the exagerated fee you'll probably request from us next time" he smiled falsely sweetly, signing his name and turning to walk away towards the wood board.

Cid glanced at you waiting patiently on the line and smirked. Oh, was Broody in for a surprise.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You silently studied your competition. You needed to repair your bike and you were confident on winning that price. The bet was higher than the rounds before as well; the first place just had your name written on it. Plus, half of the participants were already embriagated at this point of the night. It wouldn't be too difficult, or so you hoped.

There were some new faces and some regulars. Your mind quickly divided the participants into three groups; real competition, like Raak –a duros you have had the bad luck to fight against with more than once in the past–, complete drunk disasters, and strangers you weren't really sure were to place that could be a potencial surprise. Like the male human clad up with heavy looking armour as if he was ready to jump on on an open battlefield anytime now; your eyes quickly detecting a vibroblade hidding in a compartment on his thigh. The guy certainly cut an intimidating figure; broad shoulders and trained muscles moving under his armour. His long hair –pushed back and away from his tattood face with a red bandanna across his forehead– didn't sweeten his looks; he still looked... A spicy kind of dangerous.

The corner of your lips inevitably tugged upwards. You've always had a nick for this kind of men; men who could ruin you but who you quickly put into place.

Right then and there, his eyes flickered over the room; quickly landing on yours, almost as if he could feel your stare.

You arched an eyebrow in half surprise, half amusement, and half defiance. Well, wasn't he some kind of well trained soldier or mercenary perfectly aware of his surroundings... You almost wished he could make you a run for your money; give the night some exciting real competition.

Your perspective on such a handsome attractive man would forever be tainted if he just made a dissapointing mess of his knife throws. Just in case he didn't, you threw him a quiet side smile.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Hunter's eyes couldn't help but bore into the female stranger; watching without missing a beat how the woman carefully picked up a knife from the table of possibilities offered by Cid. She slowly examined the weapon, turning it around in her hand patiently; studying it's shape and weight while ignoring the muttering and impatient calls from the crowd around them.

She seemed to nod to herself and he took in the way she positioned herself in front of the wood board; stance impecable with her body slightly turned to the right side, fingers gripping the shiny end with just the needed amount of strength. With just that and the way she concentrated on the siluete –not her hand–, and how she retracted her right arm back before quickly throwing her knife forward, Hunter already knew she had done an good job. Still, he couldn't help but feel surprised at the precision with which the knife got stuck to the center of the chest markings on the twi'lek black siluete; and how she swiftly and calmly abandoned her stance as if it was nothing.

For the second time that night, the pretty woman catched his eye and arched her eyebrow towards him; as if she were asking him a silent "there, that's my shot. What about yours?".

Hunter's hand confidently grabbed a sturdier knife from the table and got into position. He was... Intrigued, for now; but he'd show her how it was done.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You couldn't help but feel a tingle of excitement and arousal at such a sight. The man –you have discovered his name was Hunter, appropiate for the way he moved and watched– is definitely not a dissapointment of any kind. Round after round, he had matched you outstandingly well; all of his knifes hitting the exact center of the targets, not letting you stand ahead of him for a single point. He glances at you each time he finishes a throw now too; indulging in your little game and warming up the blood in your veins. It has been a while since you felt this attracted to someone; more so with him being a total stranger.

When it's the other participants time to throw –Raak following the two of you closely behind– he casually stops besides you; his eyes never leaving the contest in front of you.

"How' you learnt to throw like that?"

His voice is deep and slightly husky. Oh, this couldn't get any better.

You keep your wits together regardless of your thoughts and reply just as nochalant.

"Life has a strange way of throwing shit at you" you answer, arms crossed in front of your chest, eyes on the board. "I prefer to throw my shit back at her".

He glances down at you, and you can't help but smirk quietly. You know it's vague, but you're not about to spill all your secrets. He'll have to work with that.

"What about you?" You ask back, this time letting your eyes drive up to his dark amber ones. "You gonna tell me you know your way around a knife like that just by being a model Ord Mantell citizen?"

He hums non-comitally, eyes boring into yours. You have to force yourself not to fidget at such intensity. He really is something.

"Thought my outfit gave it a way" he humours you.

It pulls a smile on your face. Yeah, he's not giving away unnecessary information to potencially dangerous strangers either. Well, at least he's smart and has a sense of humour; you'll give him that.

"Last round, handsome" you push your luck and teasingly move your very fingertips along his shoulder and down to his arm. He squints his eyes at you and you grin up to him innocently. "Better not get distracted".

Hunter hums and moves to pick up his last knife.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The man has, once more, impecably hit all of his knifes on each center of the human siluete target. You only have to repeat the same and you'll both split the price; it's not ideal, but you'll have just enough to fix your bike with the savings you've been keeping this past month.

After picking your knife up, you glance at him one last time. Maybe as a way of saying goodbye. If he's a sore looser, or if he simply doesn't want anything else to do with you, this would probably be your last time of enjoying the sight of such a specimen.

You don't expect to see him with his... Daugther, though. It's obvious the way they're related with how the blonde kid looks up at him; chatting up excitedly and the love and admiration she holds for him bright in her wide eyes. He chuckles quietly, slightly bent down towards her, and pats her shoulder affectionately. Behind the girl, three other men have approached the scene too; perhaps equally interested in watching the final wrap up. Perhaps to support Hunter. They're all wearing the same kind of armour; minor alterations, but it's obvious they're a squad of some sort. A family. And they all look at the kid exactly the same way.

You glance at her, and then down at the knife in your hand, a million thoughts speeding through your head. You haven't had the easiest of childhoods. War is all you remember for a big part of your life; your teens spent running away. You had been forced to adapt to the cruel ways of the galaxy very quickly; and with the options being either becoming a prostitute or an assassin, you had made the choice that finished moulding the person you are today. You're not proud; but you're not exactly regretful either. There are a few deaths you always carry in your conscience; but you mostly only accepted the requests you hand-picked yourself, so you've kinda done your part wiping your corner of the galaxy from scum. Not the prettiest of jobs, and certainly not one you would go proudly announcing around; but life's life. You'd like this kid to have an easier one; and by the way her family are head to toes covered in armour, ready to fight ay any given second, you're guessing it hasn't been going exactly that way til this point in time.

You catch Hunter's eyes staring at you. Your heart beats faster inside your chest. Your hand tingles.

You turn towards the target. You calmly position yourself. You take a deep breath; and then, your last knife flies to the target.

Laughs and cheers errupt around you. The blonde kid smiles.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Here you go, Broody" grumbles Cid, reluctantly pushing the pile of credits into Hunter's opened hands.

Hunter smirks.

"Bet all against me, huh?" he asks, inevitably happy.

Cid gives him the side eye.

"Well, my pockets would be full if my girl there didn't succumb to your supposedly good looks" she quotes with her hands, then roles her eyes. "I never quite understood the hype for humans anyway".

The Trandoshan walks away, still muttering a hundred of insults and dissapointed comments. Hunter doesn't feel a tad of guiltyness; Cid might not have won the bet, but she had definitely made good money on Tech's idea. The salon had been to the brim, drinks flowing around constantly. She really can't complain.

Hunter leaves the earned credits with his brothers and then turns to scan the lingering crowd. He quickly finds you talking to another participant near the entrance of the Salon. He excuses himself from his family and walks towards you.

You quickly wrap up your conversation with Raak with a forced smile, and once the Duros has reluctantly walked away, you turn to the approaching figure with a honest one.

"Ah, the man of the night" you chirp, roaming your eyes ever him quickly. "Got all those credits in a safe place?

Hunter glances back at Wrecker.

"Don't think anyone's gonna try to steal from him" he answers in good humour, and you nod in agreement.

You've never seen a human that big.

Hunter studies you quietly for a pair of seconds; then tilts his head.

"I admit the knife in the crotch was a good dramatic ending" he comments, then asks genuinely "Why did you let me win?".

You hum and take a look back at his family.

"Kid's cute. She yours?" You directly ask in return.

Hunter smiles.

"Sister" he explains. "More like an adopted daugther, now, though".

You can see the love he holds for her as well in the way he speaks and his features soften.

"Well, I've done some bad things in the past, but I still got a heart" you explain, trying to sound casual. Vulnerability is not often showed in planets like this. "You probably need those credits more than me".

Hunter is surprised; both by your reasoning and the fact that you're admiting it out loud to him. People aren't usually that honest and... considerate here. Or in the majority of places in the galaxy. This... Doesn't really match the idea of this dangerous –though sexy– woman he has in his head. This suddenly makes you more... human.

"What were you going to do with the price?" He asks, curiously.

You shrug.

"Repair my bike. I can usually do it myself, but I can't seem to find the problem this time".

Hunter hums. He doesn't take his eyes off of you.

"One of my brothers knows his way around mechanics pretty well. Maybe he could take a look at it, no need for extra payment."

That's sweet. You nod and smile up at him.

"I'd appreciate it".

You fill yourself with courage and take a tempting step towards him; right hand gently travelling upwards to rest in his chest plate.

"Now, why don't you follow me home for the night, mm? We can take a look at my bike tomorrow. Whatcha say?".

Hunter's turned on just by the fact you have been the one to ask. He has certainly had his fair number of situationships in the past; but he usually always have to be the one to make the first move. This time, however, he seemed to have catched your eye since the start; and you're decided to see this attraction through. He likes that, a woman that is self-assured and knows what she wants. He's happy it's him for this night.

He exchanges a glance with one of his brother's –the one with the headseat and the scomp– and then makes a polite gesture with his hand. He smirks playfully. You already know you'll be having a good time.

"Lead the way, mesh'la".

THE END.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Wohooo! This spicy little one was so much FUN to write! I hope you all liked it as well, specially the user that requested it.

I'll publish a Tech Mermay long oneshot TODAY AS WELL; and the next one planned will be a Wolffe one.

Stay tunned!

Xx,

Sky.

Back to my main masterlist here:

[stars-n-spice]

hhhhhhh art wips!

wish I had something for May the 4th but I was reminded that it's Mer-May and I've never once participated despite mermaids being my actual favorite like mythical being (if I could, I would love to be a mermaid) SO!!

started to work on some things >:)

My hand is cramping up so badly right now-

Praying I actually get these done because whoops! I'm supposed to be focusing on Finals but after the finale, I've got brain worms.

BUT HAPPY MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!!

[writer-in-the-water]

Hunter loves to fall asleep to her voice from holo recorded messages.

Hunter with my space cop OC, Madrani Silva.

Incredible art by @butts-art. Send them a commission. You won't be disappointed.

[perfectlywingedart]

Hunter & Lyra 🧡

Gift for @freesia-writes, featuring her lovely OC. Go check out her work!

[hellhound5925]

Cyare Verd

*OC Raven x Hunter

Previous: Chapter Two - Spoils of War

Chapter Three: Ruins of War

It's safe to say at this point, this is not how I saw this going. I shouldn't be surprised though because when did Cid's missions EVER go well. The answer is never. They never go well. I will say, these guys live up to expectations.

The free-falling feeling is starting to get old. My stomach - I swear on my ancestors - is in my skull.

"We are descending at a rate of speech that is most concerning" Tech voices his opinion - or fact. Same difference.

"If the reentry thrusters don’t engage soon—" Echo starts before I finish for him "We're all dead!".

There is a clang sound and all the cargo - including us - crashes to the ground. My whole body aches. The others stand, collecting themselves; however, I continue to lay on the floor for a moment longer wondering what I did to make the galaxy hate me so much. A string of curses pass my lips.

"Other than not being able to steer or control where we land, I would say this is going well" Tech says looking around.

I scoff getting to my feet, "Your definition of well and mine. Very different".

Hunter's voice comes through the comms, "Did you reach the escape pods yet?"

An involuntary scoff from me, "Not exactly”.

“We are using an alternate mode of transport. My calculations have us crashing towards the upper forest region of the planet" Tech explains.

I lean over to Echo, "Is he always like this?".

A laugh. "Yeah, Always".

Tech seemed to have finished his conversation with Hunter. "Well then, now we just wait until we hit the ground".

That thought hits me like a stone hitting water. It's supposed to be good news but my gut still says it's not over.

Shortly after that, the container hits the ground. Hard. I’m left wondering how much more of this my body can handle in one day.

"That was smoother than some of Wreckers attempted landings" Tech jokes.

"I think I'd like to never find out what those are like" I say, bending over with hands on my knees. My body aches and bile rises in my throat. For a second, I wonder how fast my body will react if I need to get my helmet off. Puking with a helmet is not something I’d like to add to my list of experiences today.

"Tech Report" Hunter comms us again.

"We are alive. But where we are, I am not fully certain.”

"The Empire is gonna come looking for their containers, and likely for us" I say to all of them. Having regained my composure.

Hunter grunts his agreement, "Get out of sight and lay low. Once we get to the Marauder we'll come for you."

"Sir, yes sir" I sneer over a chorus of "Roger that.”

Tech turns to me and glances at Echo, "What you did back there, for us-",”-Cid would probably find a way to make my after life miserable if we all died" I brush it off, waving a hand.

The whole container shifts as if it still hasn’t fully settled. "We haven't fully landed yet" Echo barely finished before the container begins to tip.

Without hesitation, the three of us run towards the top. Dodging the cargo on our way as it crashes to the bottom. We don't quite make it before the whole container is dropping completely upright. The three of us fall briefly only to have our bodies slammed onto the cargo at the bottom. With a quick glance to my left, I see Echo but there’s no sign of Tech.

Neither of us have a chance to look for him, when the sound of metal groaning comes from overhead. A large container breaks free of the cargo net and barrels past the two of us. It crash lands with a loud band and a pained grunt.

Scrambling to the edge of the containers we landed on, Echo and I both look over. Tech is pinned.

"Tech! Tech! Are you alright?" I yell down to him. He doesn’t respond, trying to pry the container off his leg.

”Hang on we’re coming down.” Echo added, sliding himself off his container down to Techs level. I follow suit. The two of us carefully lift the container off him.

Tech snaps, "My left femur has been fractured by approximately 150 kilograms of pressure...so...no.”

"Hang tight. I'll go up top and scope things out" Echo says.

I reach for his bicep to stop him, "Be careful, we are down one of you. I can’t drag you both out of here". His helmeted head dips slightly before making his way to the top.

I take off my backpack and dig through it to find something to brace Tech's leg with. As if he knew exactly what I was thinking he speaks, "Good idea, probably should brace my leg".

Unfortunately, a bandage is the only thing I have. At least it provides some form of support. A quick glance at him with the wrap in my hand and a shrug of permission, I get to work. Once I’ve got it started, I wrap it nice and tight. He grunts.

"Ni ceta (sorry). Almost done" I try to comfort him.

He comms Echo, "What do you see up there?"

"We still haven't landed."

"We need to get out of here" I add my input.

Echo makes a plan, "Alright, we can use a rope to climb up to the ledge. Tech, we can pull you up once we get up there.”

"Copy that" I say, gathering up our things and grabbing Tech's bag.

Echo throws down the rope and I help Tech over to it. "Are you going to be alright for a few minutes?"

"Yes, I'll be fine" he huffs a sigh. With a nod, I begin my climb.

Once I’ve reached the top, I haul myself up over the cliff's edge. Echo and I exchange a quick glance. He’s got one end of the rope tied to a tree, while he himself steadies it. I grab on.

”I’m up. Tech you ready?”

“Ready.”

”Alright. On you Echo.”

“Pull.”

The two of us work in unison pulling Tech to the tip. Sweat starts to bead on my forehead. The only sound over our open channel is a combination of grunts.

"Well this mission has been eventful" Tech says once he reaches the top.

"You don't say.”

Echo ignores our banter "We have to get out of sight.” His visor scanning the tree line.

“So much for the war chest. Cid’s going to be pissed.” I think out loud.

The 3 of us head toward the trees. Echo helps Tech while I keep watch. For some time, we walk in silence. Every so often making sure to glance back at Echo and Tech. With a reassuring nod from the former, my visor turns back ahead of me. I haven’t seen signs of a threat which for once is a nice relief. However, the further we go it seems to be getting foggy.

My comm crackles as if someone is joining our channel, dragging me from my thoughts.

"Havoc-2. The Fourth sun is setting. Plan double zero" Hunter’s voice.

"Copy that" Tech replies.

"What's ‘plan double zero’?" I stop and spin around to face him, cocking my head.

"It means 'go radio silent'. Comm channels are being monitored" Tech explains. Dread spreads through my gut.

My HUD indications start lighting, picking up on something moving ahead of us in the trees, "Osik (shit)...We're being followed" I practically whisper yell.

Drawing a blaster, I throw up a hand signal for them to stop. Tip toeing on bent knees, I quietly continue forward into the brush.

I don’t get too far when I finally find our tail. An older human man cowers below me with my blaster in his face. Echo and Tech are ragged breaths behind me.

"He could be working with the Empire" Echo cautioned.

"Me?" Asks the old man. They debate with the man for a moment but I stop listening because it's pointless.

"Alright look” I snap. “We don't have time for this. I say we tie him up and leave him here. By the time we’re gone he can free himself."

Two visors snap my direction. I shrug. Tech turns back to the man.

”Where is the nearest place to find shelter?”

The man gestures towards my blaster. "Well it's a little hard to think with her pointing a blaster at me."

“I really don’t know what you thought was going to happen when you were tailing us.” I nudge closer and he scrambles back in response. Seeing his eyes widen in fear is enough that he likely won’t try anything. Slowly I lower my blaster but don’t holster it.

The man smiles, "Much appreciated, but sorry to say there's no shelter around these parts.”

Tech does something on his datapad. I scan for more heat signatures. There could be more people waiting for us.

"I'm registering a heat source 200 meters west of here. I suspect it is your domicile." "How did you-" the man starts, his facial expression is priceless.

"Take us there" Echo commands. The man who reluctantly complies.

----

Once we make it to the old man - who told us his name is Romar - place, we relax. A little.

"So, the Mandalorian I get-” Romar starts. I shake my head in offense. “-but what you're telling me is that your rogue clones running from the Empire. Who used to be the Republic?" Romar asks.

I sigh, becoming more annoyed by the second. I've been listening to them explain our situation the whole way here. Leaving him tied up still seems like it would have been the better option.

"Correct. You finally got it right" Tech says taking a seat and removing his helmet, exhaustion plasters his face.

Strolling around Romar’s home its clear he’s not much of a threat. Various personal items are scattered all over. My curiosity gets the best of me I explore, drowning out their conversation. Family heirlooms? I’m not really sure but there’s a series a photos that makes my chest feel unbearably tight. This man must have lost his family. Considering how there's not evidence of anyone else living here.

I pull myself away from the photos, forcing myself to tune back in.

"We?" Asked Echo.

"The other survivors who fled the destruction." Romar says matter of factly.

A glance at Echo and Tech. Trouble. They could be a problem for us if they find out about us. Time for a subject change.

“So what's the deal with the war chests?”

"You think Dooku funded his war effort by only stealing from outside worlds?" He raises his voice. "No. He took from us, his own people. His quest for power is why our city is now buried in rubble."

“I’m shocked you and the others haven’t decided to take it back.”

Romar shakes his head, "I want none of it. Let the Empire take it. The sooner they're gone, the better. And the same goes for you. No offense". Romar glances at me with the last part as if I’m the biggest trouble. "Now if you'll excuse me, some of us have work to do."

As he starts to walk away from Tech and Echo, I sit in front of him. ”Not so fast. How do I know you won’t alert someone we’re here?”

“I don’t want any more trouble than is already here” He replied with a sidelong look.

Seeing the truth in his eyes, I step out of his way and watch as he opens a hatch in the floor. With a quick glance it seems like some kind of food cellar. He looks back at me to see if I’ll make a move. Nodding that I trust him, he turns and disappears down the ladder.

Once he's out of earshot I turn to the others. "We can still scout the site to see if it's clear.” I slide my helmet off and take a seat next to Tech.

"I really don't think it's a good idea.” Echo sighs.

"So, what's the plan then?"

Tech - as if he is finishing a thought out loud - says "The war chest wasn't ours in the first place".

Echo stiffens. "Well, we would have made better use of it.”

"I am simply stating that without the funds from the war chest, We are no worse off than we were before.”

Pinching the bridge of my nose I curse to myself in mando’a. "For the love of all things. Not this again." They both ignore me.

Echo starts pacing with his helmet under one arm. "That's now how I see it. The Empire's growing stronger, and we're still doing nothing about it?" He waves his socket in the air, irritation radiating off him.

Before they can argue more, I step in "Wait, am I missing something?"

Echo scowls at me, "I just feel like we should be doing more to hurt the Empire".

I stand up and grab my helmet, "Then what are we waiting for." Moving for the door, Echo falls behind me.

"Where are you going?" Tech asks.

Echo without even looking back says "To check for patrols".

The two of us exit in silence before I decide to break it, "You think they'll be alright?"

"They'll be fine" he snaps back.

Sighing I slide on my helmet, "look if you don't want to talk about it, I get it but, we kind of need to be on the same page to survive this.” Listening to myself say those words is almost hilarious because I’ve already shut a number of them down for asking questions.

Echo stops and sighs, "Rex is out there trying to save our brothers from the Empire...and we're here. Running odd jobs for Cid.” There’s a deep pain in his voice. “My twin. Fives was his name. He died trying to save us and I’m here. Not doing anything to help the cause.”

”My family was on Mandalore during the bombardment. All of them. Kal’Buir, Ordo, Mereel, Prudii, Jaing, Kom’rk, and A’den. Along with all the others we go out. I have no family left.” I clamp my jaw shut trying to take it all back. The muscles in my jaw start to ache.

A moment of silence passes over the two of us. His body language seems more relaxed, yet I’m hating myself for letting that slip. Aspen is the only other person I’ve ever confided in.

Composing myself I continue. ”Timing is everything. The other clones made their choice and the Empire is planning to replace them with trained civilians anyway. Is it worth risking the family you still have?"

Echo sucks in a deep breath, taking in everything I just said. He smiles and looks down at me, "You know, you fit right in with us.”

His words hit me hard. I’ve known him for what? Not even two standard rotations and there's a shred of me that feels like I can call him a friend.

I laugh nervously, still trying to process. "A Mandalorian, and the 'Bad Batch' rogue clones? Cantinas all around the galaxy will hear the punchline to that joke."

Echo lets out a deep laugh, "Yeah, you got that right."

We patrol the area closer to Romar's home, in comfortable conversation. He even tells me more about Fives. I still can’t bring myself to talk about my family but he doesn’t ask. There aren’t even words for how good it feels to finally have a normal conversation. These guys aren't so bad. They’re just trying to find where they fit in this new galaxy. Kind of like me.

When we make it back to our temporary shelter, Tech and Romar are in conversation. I have no problem interrupting.

"All clear."

Our comms crackle like the channel is back open. “We're in position. Tech, send your coordinates." It's Hunter - We might actually get out of this.

"Transmitting."

"Coordinates received. We're heading your way."

"Go, I will catch up" Tech says to us.

I shake my helmeted head “Mm-mm, Nope. We go together.” My stance is naturally wide and for a split second I find myself reverting back to my days on Kamino. Giving instruction to all those Clone Troopers.

Echo gives a respectful solute and the two of us glance at Tech. His brows rise at my command but he nods. “Very well.”

“Time to bang out.” With a gloved hand in the air, index finger outstretched making a circular motion - the gesture a universal ‘rally’ symbol - a sense of pride washes over me. Kal’Buir would be proud. “Oya!”

————

Reaching the site of our crash landing, the container appears to be undisturbed and there’s no sign of the Empire.

”That’s odd, no? It’s been hours.” The second it came out of my mouth I knew I shouldn’t have opened it.

"Speeders on approach" Echo says whipping around.

“Slana’pir! (Piss off!)”

At the rate Tech is moving this won’t be good. They’re closing in too fast. “Take cover!”

The three of us scatter for cover. I find the nearest tree wide enough to conceal me and put it between me and the enemy. This is bad. This is bad. The sound of the speeders growing louder with their approach. Pressing my back into the trunk I try to calm my racing heart.

The speeders slow and come to a stop not terribly far from me. With a quick peak around the tree the troopers seem to be distracted by something. Tech I now realize is just off to my left and they haven’t seen him. Bending over Tech, grabs something before launching it at the troopers. They share a look before hopping off the speeders and making their way towards him.

With a quick prayer to whatever powers at be, I sneak out from cover to get myself into position behind the troopers. I still have no idea where Echo is and I can’t rely on the fact he knows what's going on. He very well might not.

The trooper further ahead disappears behind some brush. A loud crack follows. “Tech. Come in. Everything alright?” I murmur, hoping he got the upper hand.

Deciding to take on the second one, I draw a knife from behind my back and flip it a few times, eyeballing the shot. With the blade between my index finger and thumb, one quick flick of the wrist and a flash of silver, it buries itself into the trooper's back. He doubles over with a grunt.

"I'm doing well actually. Just making some friends" Tech sasses but sounds as though he’s struggling.

As I approach the trooper – now lying face down on the ground with my knife still in his back – Tech emerges from the brush, limping more heavily. I quickly retrieve the knife, wipe it clean, and return it to its sheath.

“Tech. Raven. Come in. You guys alright?” Echo comms us.

I glance at Tech. He nods and leans his weight against a tree. “Yeah fine. Where are you?”

“Troopers were assembling an eweb. I dealt with it.”

Offering Tech my help, he throws an arm over my shoulders and the two of us meet up with Echo. Who’s casually posed by the massive gun.

"Uh guys..." I say pointing to the gun ship in the distance.

Echo grabs the eweb, taking shots at the ship. Just then the sound of more speeders approaching.

“Can’t we catch a break!?”

With Echo focused on the gun ship, that leaves me and Tech to deal with the speeders.

"You have proved to be quite capable.” He glances over at the rope we left tied to the tree earlier. “Help me get the rope."

"Roger that.”

With the other end of the rope in hand, I tie it to the back of the speeder as Tech hops on. His grunt in frustration draws my attention. He’s on a speeder trying to pull the rope taught but its knot is coming undone on the other end.

"Hang on!" I yell, running for the tree and further securing it.

Once the speeders come into view it's too late. For them. “Go! Go! Go!” Tech hits the throttle pulling the rope as tight as it will go. Just when I think it's about to snap, the two troopers are sent from their speeders through the air. Once they’ve skidded to a haul, neither of them moves.

A smirk tugs at the corner of my lips. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy every bit of watching that.

I was too caught up in what we had just done to notice the ship coming into view. The Marauder. Wrecker is waving at us from the top of the ramp.

"That...would be our ride" Tech says very matter of factly.

Next Chapter

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[jinngonjin]

I haven’t even thought of a title yet 😭 but here’s a blurb of an OC x Hunter x crosshair fic I mean to write. This is basically my first time writing and posting here so I have no clue what i’m doing :(

This fic is pretty much in a made up time line, basically no order 66, it’ll start off slightly angsty but i really mean to take this in a fun direction. Imagine a cheesy shore leave, parties, everyone’s drunk and happy, Anakin’s safe and happy, etc… ‼️

WARNINGS: Even if I don’t plan on writing smut, i’m planning on having suggestive themes, slight NSFW, and heavy language. For this, MINORS DNI! I also won’t be writing any cloncest or padawan x master because it makes me uncomfortable ‼️

~anyways~

Prompt/summary:

Prologue of when Jyn, a strange Jedi, makes her way to clone force 99. Jyn once confided in hunter and revealed her troubled past to him, only to unexpectedly spark tension between the walls of their newly acquired marauder.

Prologue: Part 1

hunter had always taken a particular interest in Jyn. It wasn’t just for her mysterious scent, or smooth accent, but her overall demeanor and pride.

ever since Grandmaster yoda stationed the young jedi as the general to clone force 99, since their very first meeting on the landing pad back in coruscant, hunter had noticed that she carries herself with pride, a cocky attitude along with a cold, unbreakable surface. she almost reminded him of crosshair, except, when she warmed up to the batch, her ice cold defense melted, revealing a poised, but wild assassin.

She had never been like the other jedi, though she rarely talked about her past, hunter couldn’t help but notice how the other generals seemed to act around her. Kenobi, in particular, would walk on eggshells, very careful with his words but watchful with his eyes. the others seemed to tense up ever so slightly, but just enough for hunter to notice.

It wasn’t until Jyn finally spoke, “it has you wondering, sergeant? hm?”

hunter was taken out of his trance, “sir? what do you mean?”

Jyn chuckled, and gave her sergeant a rare smile, she knew he was curious about her background and instead of opting for her usual mysterious demeanor, she chose to confide in the handsome broody clone.

in her own words, she described the bloodlines in coruscant to rarely ever intertwine… “you see, with a population of a trillion could you even think of the chances that i’ll end up with these… genes?” she laughed again, hunter only deepened his gaze, as he could only wonder what she was getting at. “one could say i’m just so unlucky” she began to describe a family tree ever so unfamiliar to Hunter, who could barely follow, until he heard a familiar name. “And who would’ve thought the qui gon Jyn to intertwine a young, noble woman?” Hunter cleared his throat, that he knew. He had always assumed that Jyn’s apparent exile was due to the nature of her father’s affair, but as it seemed there was more to the rumors he picked up from other clones. Jyn continued, “there was no attachment of course…” but then she began to describe her mother, a noble woman from the topside of coruscant who wore an ancient ring only qui gon noticed to be none other than Revan’s. As he grew curious he found himself bewitched, unknown to him, he had released an ancient sith curse meant to taunt Revan’s bloodline. Hunter’s eyes widened, “you mean to say-“ only to be quickly interrupted by Jyn, “Oh yes, what a beautiful coincidence” Jyn tapped her fingers, nervously narrating the abomination that lead Qui Gon to return to the temple, that rainy day, that same damned day he had to wrap his daughter in his capes, running to seek counsel from his Grandmaster, who couldn’t help but be horrified. “A curse, that is” with his boney green finger, he pointed at the child “a midichlorian that is” Qui gon was horrified, only ever hearing tales of such children born to destroy, unbalanced beings with so much turmoil, they reek of destruction and malice. He couldn’t even help but feel remorse at the little child wrapped in his hands. Even at her arrival a life was taken, her mother perished as she birthed the forsaken child. Qui Gon couldn’t even bare to raise such a monster, but a willingness rose through the force, a vision he could only seem to see. “I must raise this child, I must train her… Jyn, I must make her one of us”

Coruscant had never seen such a rainy day, thunder blazed through the cityscape, echoing especially loud in quiet halls of the Jedi temple. The council had gathered in an effort to make a decision, yet none could be found. reluctantly Yoda agreed to raise this Jyn, finding it safer than to cast her away, fearing what such power could mean to the council.

And it was until her father succumbed to Darth Maul’s crimson blade, Jyn was following her father around like a lost puppy, clinging on to his teachings, shying away from the younglings that stopped to stare as she made her way through the halls.

soon she was under the mercy of the council, she saw how they accepted younger skywalker, despite his turmoil. she could only hope to have the same fate. But as she watched the flames devour what was left of Qui Gon Jyn, not much hope was left for the young girl.

it wasn’t the only time she was in the presence of the council as they debated her fate, multiple times she clung behind her fathers robes listening to their careless remarks about her nature. but now she was alone, trembling under the eyes of watchful jedi, it seemed as yoda’s eyes pierced into her soul as he announced her organized exile.

she couldn’t help but feel sorrow, as the guards escorted her to the B’tshan Jeddai temple, an old temple where jedi went to retire.

There Jyn was alone, until finally Mace Windu decided to train the little girl…. a vision that compelled him to take her under his wing, he handed her her two amethyst lighsabers back, and harshly molded her into a pious soldier.

The brothers welcomed home an even larger ship with Jyn’s arrival. The marauder 2.0 was a large vessel, equipped with a medbay, multiple quarters rather than bunks, a kitchen, lounging area, and per jyn’s request a large meditation chamber.

That had become their little shared home, a dysfunctional family of six, each with their own little quirks and problems.

but Jyn. Jyn was hunter’s biggest puzzle. He hated how much attention he sought from her, and when she chose to confide in him, he let it all get into his head. The sergeant occupied his mind with her image, he was perplexed… hell? why does he even care if she gets along with crosshair? why does he care when she bonds with tech over little trinkets, and jokes along with Wrecker and Echo? Hunter couldn’t make sense of it himself, brushing it off every time it slightly bubbled.

“What’s this?!” boomed wrecker.

“Honeycombs from Alderaan, wanna taste?”

“Uh, sure thing Jyn!” Wrecker was grinning at the opportunity to try some of Jyn’s precious delicacies.

“what… can’t seem to pass the opportunity to eat, wrecker?” Spoke Crosshair with his signature cold tone.

“What the- EW! that’s gross” Wrecker was now gagging and coughing “what do you even call this crap? sour? bitter? eugh!”

“it’s both” crosshair said lazily as he fiddled with his toothpick

They didn’t notice hunter was already sitting at the barstool, observing them looking rather amused. He didn’t even notice himself staring until Jyn moved to look in his direction.

“yeah? she seems to like bitter… and sour things” Hunter shoots a glare at crosshair, and before he can even intervene, Jyn interrupts. “What’s that supposed to mean Sergeant?” Now this was all too amusing for crosshair, tech perked up, and wrecker was busy repeatedly washing his mouth… still cursing the taste of that.. thing.

Hunter was the first to slam his fists into the table and turn to leave the room.

the door hissed, and as echo made his way in, he was shoved by a rather angry Hunter.

“What’s the matter with him?” Crosshair scoffs still twisting and turning his toothpick around between his lips, he shrugs and then makes his way out the room.

This wasn’t the first time Hunter has such an outburst, Jyn began to think he hated being bossed around. Perhaps her new commanding presence bothered him, after all he was used to being the boss around here.

PART 2!

[meadow-of-daisies-and-lavender]

[dangraccoon]

Oyuba’din - Chapter 27: Focus

Summary: As the Batch struggles with the loss of one of their own, Hunter tracks something the others can't see.

Warnings: discussion of major character death, grief, mention of torture and near death experiences

Author’s Note: Hope y'all don't hate me right now 😅 btw there’s going to be an epilogue 🤘

3 4?! chapters remain

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“‘How many time’s she’s’ what?” Hunter asked.

Sinya shook her head rapidly. “I said too much, I can’t-”

Hunter moved in close. “Tell us…now,” he growled.

The intimidation sunk into the twi’lek, and she appeared to become more uncomfortable by the second. She swallowed, her fingers fidgeting. 

“How many times she’s died.”

“She- that’s not possible,” Echo muttered, eyes wide.

“It’s a curse,” Sinya shrugged. “It happened when she was young. She doesn’t like to-”

“Unless she was resuscitated, it would have been impossible for her to have died,” Tech interjected.

Crosshair shook his head. “But that blaster shot she took before she was assigned to us; she couldn’t have survived that, right?” 

“I mean, she’s here, isn’t she?” Sinya replied. “Obi Wan told me about that one. It was pretty rough.” 

“You can say that again; that shot knocked her out of the frontlines for six weeks,” Echo scowled.

“We’re still not sure what she lost that time,” she hummed, mouth pulling into a tight line. “She won’t go through the list with me, not that she’s added anything to it recently anyway.”

“Jainey loses stuff, too? I lose stuff all the time,” Wrecker chuckled nervously, earning a sharp look from Hunter. 

“She doesn’t lose objects like that. She loses memories. Obi Wan told me that the first one she lost was of her first love.”

Tech cleared his throat. “Her-”

“That isn’t something I’ll tell you,” Sinya interrupted, her words forming a sharp edge. “That story is hers to tell if she wants.”

Wrecker shifted his weight between his feet, eyes trained at the floor. “What if she- will she forget us?”

“Wrecker-” Tech’s voice came, vague irritation along with it. 

“I don’t know,” Sinya answered, the corners of her mouth coming up in a reassuring smile. “But I don’t think she could forget you boys if she tried.” 

Wrecker nodded, a small grin matching hers. 

The rest of the recording included Sinya saying her goodbyes and a brief squabble over taking watches. 

“So it’s true then; she has to come back. She’s cursed to come back,” Crosshair rasped, his voice still shaky, as he combed Jaine’s hair away from her face, her head in his lap. “She has to come back.”

“Cuir’ika,” Tech said, his voice low. “We cannot begin to understand how this supposed curse works, or if it exists at all.”

“She has to come back,” Crosshair repeated, making it clear that he wasn’t listening to his twin any longer. 

Tech sighed, pulling himself to his feet. Camp had been made here at the bank of the river, despite Tech pointing out that it was not an ideal place to set up, even for a short period of time. But there was no moving his brother. 

Tech walked the short distance to the small shelter Hunter and Wrecker set up.

“Still won’t budge?” Hunter asked, already knowing the answer. 

Tech gave a small nod. “His vitals show no sign of deterioration, even if he seems to be in shock.”

Hunter hummed an acknowledgment. 

“Have Echo and Wrecker had any luck finding a signal?”

Hunter sighed. “Last he checked in, he was trying to find a tall tree to climb. We managed to get a partial message through to Cody, but it wasn’t much.”

Tech nodded. For the first time since- well, ever in his life, everything seemed still. The numerous sounds that always surrounded him, constantly pulling him in and whipping his brain into a faster pace, seemed to be somewhat quieter now. He could still hear them if he listened; the rush of the water flowing down the river, the leaves rustling as the wind shook their branches, Crosshair’s quiet, reassuring mantra. 

“You look tired,” Hunter noted, having watched Tech’s eyes close as he concentrated on what he could hear. “You should rest.”

“I have the most training in field medical aid out of the rest of us,” Tech replied. “I should be alert if anything were to happen.”

“Tech-”

“I am fine, Hunter,” Tech asserted as he began to tap rapidly at his data pad. 

Hunter sighed heavily. “Tech, don’t you think it’s time you stopped lying to me?”

“I am not-” Tech began, but was cut off by the tired incredulous look on Hunter’s face. 

“We’ve never…lost one of our own,” Hunter lamented, his eyes focusing on Crosshair by the riverbank. “Years of testing and training and torture, hundreds of missions, too many close calls, but we made it through it all. But now…”

Tech watched as Hunter’s eyes squeezed closed, noticed the way his jaw and fists clenched, saw his shoulders slump almost imperceptibly, heard his breaths quicken. He always had to see the details- all of the details. He put it together in his head; it had been a long time since he had seen these tiny clues on his eldest brother. Hunter was scared- terrified, really. 

“Sol’ika,” Tech whispered, knowing it would be loud enough for his brother to hear. “This is not your fault.”

Before Hunter could begin to respond, a small ping sounded from his vambrace, followed by a shout from Wrecker, not far away.  

“It’s Cody,” he said, standing up. 

“Sergeant,” Cody greeted, the sound of blaster fire and explosions in the background.  “Heard you boys are out on Damussa, but you said this was urgent?”

“Yes, sir,” Hunter uttered. His heart had dropped into his boots and his mouth felt drier than the sands of Tatooine. “Commander, Is the General available? This message concerns both of you.”

“We’re a bit busy,” Cody hummed, his head snapping towards some sound that barely came through the static. “Can this possibly wait?”

“Commander, it’s-”

Another explosion sounded through the comm, followed by a crash and a loud grunt.

“Hello dear,” Obi Wan’s voice dripped like honey. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Sergeant Hunter, you’ve got your window now. Make it quick.”

Hunter tried to steady his breath. “General Kenobi, sir. It’s J-...I regret to inform you that Lieutenant Vale-”

The words choked in his throat, the air in his lungs seemed to turn to lead. 

Through the static of the signal, the blaster fire, the bombs, Hunter could make out Kenobi’s faint voice. “Jainera?”

The line continued with simply the background noise of war.

“Thank you for informing us, Hunter,” Obi Wan finally answered, his voice a schooled calm, but lacking its usual character. “We are less remote and will have better luck getting a message through to Sinya on Coruscant. Stay safe, Sergeant.”

With that, the line cut, and Hunter sank back down onto the log he’d been occupying before, praying to gods he couldn’t believe in for…someone- anyone to guide him through this.

Starlight, a quiet voice hummed in his ears, causing his whole body to tense up. His hair stood on end as his eyes darted around.

“Hunter?” Tech questioned, but his voice seemed distant.

Relax, the voice called again.

Hunter scowled as he stood up, eyes searching the area. He couldn’t see anyone - or anything - that could be calling to him like this. He was vaguely aware of Tech vying for his attention, asking if he was okay or what he was hearing, but right now he could hear a threat and he needed to gather information.

I’m no threat, Starlight.

Hunter just about growled, somewhat startling Tech.

“Hunter,” he repeated, placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder, following his line of sight towards Crosshair and Jaine.

“There,” Hunter breathed, slowly approaching the riverbank. The unshakable focus in his expression and the way his stance adjusted reminded Tech of a predator stalking some prey, and not for the first time.

Thanks for reading! - River

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[freesia-writes]

Chapter 1: Family Dinner

Enjoy a riveting tale of romance, suspense, adventure, and self-discovery as Hunter finds his path after the events of TBB. With engaging imagery, emotional depth, comic relief, and some fun twists and turns, the story will take you on a delightful ride with our beloved Sergeant, leaving you satisfied as he finds his happily ever after… eventually. 😉 Rated PG-13 for some mild suspense, suggestive talk, alcohol and drug use, and adult themes. Banner and dividers by @pinkiemme Master List here

BEFORE WE DIVE IN... Now that we’re past the finale, I’d like to make this fit in as well with that as possible. But I also want to enjoy it. ;) So here’s where this lies… Tech was found alive and well (living in a hut in the forest on Tantiss? lol) and came with the boys after they BLEW IT ALL UP. Omega is living with them as well, for now, because they all thought it was wise to give her a break and some semblance of “normal life” while the rebellion continued to build. She might seem a little less like a full soldier here and more like a typical teenager on the brink of adulthood, and that might be a bit of a shift from her development throughout season 3, but I think it’s still reasonable to think that some of the typical adolescent stuff might come up once she was immersed into a more typical adolescent setting. Maybe not, but again… it’s just for the plot. ;) 

I’m changing the setting for a variety of reasons, but they left Pabu out of fear that the Empire might still have it on their radar. You’ll learn more about the island of Xylo in a couple chapters. Crosshair didn’t lose a hand, but he’s still got some lingering effects from his time on Tantiss. Echo opted to spend a year with the Batch before rejoining the rebellion. The events of this fic may seem relatively domestic after all that the Batch endured, but I really just wanted to have a warm and fuzzy story with family, humor, love, and some plot twists. Ultimately, the purpose here is to enjoy a romance adventure with Hunter, so please forgive any plot holes and just enjoy the ride. ;)

Chapter 1: Family Dinner (Word Count: 2.5k) Fanart by @nika6q

The balmy sea breeze ruffled the tablecloth and made the string lights dance merrily above the jovial scene below as the clinking of silverware on plates punctuated the steady hubbub of conversation that rose and fell with the emotion of what was being shared. Some overly-optimistic sea birds hovered above on a swell, fastidiously watching for any dropped crumbs before swooping gracefully into another updraft. Crosshair was looking at them down the edge of his finger, which he had shaped into a gun with the help of his thumb, and his focused squint was interrupted by a smack on his arm. He flashed his partner a wry grin as they chuckled, shaking their head at his “murder noodle antics”, as they’d come to call it. 

“Stop traumatizing the wildlife and eat your fish,” they laughed.

“This looks an awful lot like traumatized wildlife too, you know,” Crosshair answered, picking at the fillet with a fork. “I mean, what horrors did this thing have to endure at the end of Wrecker’s line?”

“I’m starting to feel like traumatized wildlife,” his partner jabbed, grinning ear to ear as they took a bite of their brightly-flavored steamed vegetables. 

“If it decreases any potential reservations you may yet hold,” Tech interjected, “As far as neuroscience has yet been able to distinguish, this particular genus of sea creatures do not possess the pain receptors necessary for the experience of pain with which humanoid species are familiar.”

“Thanks, Julia Child,” Crosshair muttered, a hint of fondness flickering beneath the dry humor.

“If you are metaphorically comparing me to the infamously accomplished chef of the Core Worlds, it is hardly an insult, Crosshair. You are losing your edge.” Tech’s savage burn was delivered at a slightly louder volume than usual, and Wrecker’s boisterous laugh immediately broke through. The massive clone pointed a gleeful finger at Crosshair as he finished his bite between hearty chuckles.

“That one’s gotta hurt!” Wrecker exclaimed, pulling his hand back as Phee smacked it away. 

“You tryin to resurrect the grumpiness? Come on, big guy. Think it through,” Phee said playfully, arching a sharp eyebrow at Wrecker, whose unabashed grin remained unfazed despite her mockingly stern correction. “Or I’m gonna kick you out of our house.”

Omega giggled, sharing a glance with Hunter across the table, who gave her a half-smile and wink before turning back to Echo, who was filling him in on the newest developments at his Defense Training Academy.

“I didn’t think it would fill up so quickly,” Echo mused, tearing apart the large fish filet on his plate with his fork. “I guess the Empire’s got everyone spooked, even out here. But it’s a good thing, I think… They’ll be ready to fight if it ever comes to that, but Maker willing, it won’t.”

“They’re doing the same on Pabu,” Phee chipped in, leaning forward to nod at Echo. “Shep’s got a whole daily regimen of exercise, strategy, and drills for any possible scenario he can think of. You should talk to him; he could use your military expertise.’

“I’d be interested to hear what he’s doing,” Echo nodded in return. “Maybe we could make a trip that way sometime soon.”

“Can I come?!” Omega said brightly, tugging Echo’s arm from her seat beside him. “I’d love to see Lyana. I wish we’d been able to stay there.” 

“Me too, kid,” Hunter said with a sigh, leaning back in his chair after resting his wooden utensils on his plate. “But you know trouble follows us wherever we go. It’s better for them this way. Besides, Xylo is pretty much the same–”

“Aside from an entirely different subset of ecosystems and a much larger diversity in flora and fauna due to the greater size of the island, yes… Xylo is similar to Pabu in that… they are both islands,” Tech interjected, wavering at the end as he caught sight of Phee's fondly arched eyebrow directed at him.

“I know,” Omega said, “It’s just hard making friends wherever we go and having to leave them… Jek and Shaeeah, Hera, Lyana… But everyone at school is really nice so far too.” She was so sweet, so earnest, always trying to look on the bright side while still being true to her feelings… Hunter’s heart warmed in his chest as he listened to her thoughts. 

“Yeah, how’s that going?” Wrecker asked. He was the best uncle, ever-vigilant about her experiences on the island of Xylo since they’d made a decent attempt to integrate into society. It had been the better half of a year already, and they felt as though things were just now settling into some faint hint of an established life. 

“I love it!” Omega exclaimed enthusiastically, causing infectious smiles to appear on several of her family members’ faces. “It was the best year for me to join – it sounds like everything before this was all just academic units, but now they’re getting to really live it out and see what they want to do in life!”

“Academic units are highly useful building blocks for success in individual endeavors, Omega,” Tech reminded her. “Or for saving one’s life when careening toward the earth at fatal speeds in cargo containers…” he smirked, enjoying his own dry humor for a moment before falling silent. Phee was the only one who caught the slight flash of a frown at the corners of his lips and the way he subconsciously rubbed his thigh – echoes of the pain of the past. 

“I know, Tech, but I’ve been studying everything, and now it’s time to actually do stuff! The forestry section just wrapped up, and this week I get to start shadowing Madame Dreyfus – she’s a seamstress who dyes her own fabrics! I heard that if I do well, she might let me make my own outfit for the Advancement Ceremony at the end of the year!”

“I’m sure you’ll do great, kid,” Phee said confidently, smiling warmly above the table while her hand joined Tech’s beneath, gently placing it on top of his where it rested on his thigh. 

“Maybe you could make Wrecker something to wear so he has more than two shirts,” Crosshair suggested, squinting at his brawny brother, who rolled his eyes, unfazed, and brushed a few crumbs off his open-chested brown tunic.

“Maybe you could make Crosshair some pants that aren’t so kriffing tight so he’s not acting like he’s got a wad of fabric up his–”

“Language, Echo,” Hunter growled, and Omega wasn’t the only one who enjoyed a hearty chuckle.

“You know I hear worse than that at school,” she giggled, eyes sparkling with delight as Echo gave her a wink. 

“I know…” came Hunter’s answering grumble, and Omega reached across beneath the table to give his leg a little tap with her foot, watching his face soften as their eyes met.

“Anyway,” Echo continued, “With the number of sign-ups at the DTA, we’re going to need some other instructors and guides soon. I don’t suppose any of you are interested in donating some of your time and expertise to whip these locals into shape?”

“DTA?” Crosshair’s partner whispered.

“Defense Training Academy,” he murmured back, rubbing an idle hand up and down their muscular arm. “It’s what the cool kids call it.”

“Then I will definitely not call it that,” they snickered, and Crosshair smirked as he turned back to Echo.

“They’re gonna need more time before they can handle anything I’ve got to teach them,” he said. “But I’d pay good money to be able to watch them fight Wrecker for sport. Er, practice.”

“That’d be fun!” Wrecker laughed, smacking his closed fist with his other hand. “Gonna have to wait though. I’m swamped with projects after the last mudslide. Everyone wants things added or changed to their rebuilt homes so it’s all takin a lot longer.”

“They’re keepin you busy, huh?” Phee asked, knowing that Wrecker loved every minute of it. He’d never had the opportunity to put his skills to use outside of his service to the Republic, and she’d been privy to many a conversation filled with his enthusiasm for craftsmanship. It helped that he was able to lift and move most everything by himself, too.

“Yeah! Now if I could just get Hunter to stop freaking out the locals when he’s out huntin,” Wrecker said, narrowing his eyes at the Sergeant, who smirked and shrugged.

“Look, the whole island is open access. It’s not illegal. Besides, I think they’d be complaining a lot more if their favorite meats weren’t available at my shop anymore…”

“That’s for sure!” Omega chipped in, wearing a wry smile. It struck Hunter in that moment just how much she had changed in the short time they’d known her. Especially since the Tantiss rescue, where they’d successfully extracted her along with Tech and Crosshair before blowing up the entire facility and everything in it, her face had gotten more angular, her hair longer. She was wildly intelligent and had an enthusiasm and warmth that was unmatched, but as she’d grown, they’d had their share of conflicts. Hunter couldn’t relate, having had his entire life planned out for him as soon as he’d reached “adulthood” with his rapidly-accelerated aging, but there were endless nuances to a young woman that he was having to figure out as they went along. Sometimes he forgot how much she was aware of – she’d been so sheltered from certain realms of civilian life, but having nestled into life on the island, she’d become much more connected and “up with the times”, so to speak. She continued, a glimmer in her eye now, “I heard some office ladies talking about you the other day!”

“Yeah?” Hunter asked, squinting at the mischief on her face.

“Yeah,” she echoed, idly rolling the last piece of sushi on her plate. “One of them said she loved your butcher shop and that you’ve got the best meat on the island,” Omega said slowly, face straight as a board. “The other one said she couldn’t agree more, and a third one said she hasn’t been to the shop but would love to have your meat in her mouth.”

Echo choked on his drink, Crosshair’s toothpick fell out of his mouth, and Wrecker exploded into a guffaw that sent the sea birds tumbling through the air before quickly regaining their graceful hovering. Hunter pressed his lips together, focusing his gaze on Tech’s completely impassive face to try to stabilize himself before replying.

“You’ll have to point out the third one next time I take you to school,” Phee said quietly, nothing but innocence painted across her features. 

“Seemed like an odd way to say it,” Omega muttered, twisting her mouth to the side, and Hunter genuinely couldn’t tell if she was pulling his leg or not. 

“You will find that there are many nuances to speech specific to geographical and cultural areas that might make one phrase sound entirely different than it would in another place. I would not worry about it. The point is that we should congratulate Hunter on his successful business,” Tech suggested, speaking loudly over Wrecker’s continued laughter.

“Yeah,” Echo agreed. “He sure is satisfying his customers…”

“Apparently not all of them,” Crosshair prodded, and his partner elbowed him again.

“Moving on,” Hunter said emphatically, “Wrecker, when can you fix the chimney? Winter will be here soon and I can only keep it so warm with that draft…”

“Yeah yeah,” Wrecker said, waving him off amid residual chortles. “I’ll come by this week.”

“Taungsday?” Hunter pressed.

“Mmm, Centaxday maybe. Taungsday is the “Grand Re-Opening” at the tiki bar. They got new freshers! Supposed to be all fancy now.”

“Anything would be fancy compared to the pits they had,” Tech sniffed. “While wildly inconvenient for relieving oneself during a raucous night of imbibing, they could have been permanent fixtures in the cultural museum considering how primitive and dated they were.”

“I’m sure the locals would be thrilled at that exhibit,” Phee affirmed, rising to her feet to begin clearing the table. The Primeday tradition of dinner at Tech and Phee’s had been one of the first things everyone had agreed on, and in the months since they’d arrived on Xylo, it had been the grounding activity each week that allowed them to feel a sense of belonging and routine. 

Everyone got up to help clean up except for Wrecker and Hunter, who lingered behind to finish their drinks. Tech had not only developed an interest in cooking, but had also discovered quite the knack for mixing drinks. He couldn’t stand the local tiki bar down on the beach, insisting that their proportions were all wrong and they were using nothing but cheap garbage to try to make as much profit as possible. However, considering the beautiful waterfront location and the fact that it seemed to be the main gathering place for the entire town, no one seemed to mind quite as much as Tech. 

“Headin out early tomorrow?” Wrecker asked, swirling the liquid in his wood cup.

“Mhm,” Hunter answered, mimicking the movement before taking a sip. “The Kod’yok are migrating and the locals love their flank steaks. You good to walk with Omega?” 

“You betcha, although she’s getting old enough that she probably doesn’t need it anymore, ya know…” 

“I know, but let’s let her be the one to suggest that, eh? I don’t want her feeling thrown out on her own in a new place. Plus, we can never be too safe.”

Wrecker sighed. He’d been able to let go more quickly of the paranoia that still seemed to rest on Hunter’s shoulders, although he was aware of the crippling responsibility the Sergeant felt for all that had transpired, from Crosshair being separated from the squad back on Kamino to the rescue attempt that had cost Tech his life, or so they thought. Recovering the rest of the team had been a harrowing fiasco, but they’d emerged victorious… barely. 

They’d found a planet in the middle of nowhere, uncharted in most of the records Tech was able to find, and it had been a welcome respite from the increasing turmoil across the galaxy that accompanied the spread of the Empire. Xylo was similar to Pabu in its feeling of safety and anonymity, unknown by virtually anyone outside the island, and there were a handful of other similar islands scattered across the rest of the planet, most of which was covered by water. Xylo was the largest island on the nameless planet and had so far been a good place for everyone to settle.

It was late by the time everyone had finished their cleaning and conversations, and Hunter was the last to leave, thanking Phee again for her usual hospitality as she disappeared around the corner with a wave. Tech saw him out, pausing on the doorstep to fiddle with one of his pouches.

“I finished this today,” he said, handing a small bag to Hunter. “It will function excellently anywhere on the planet. I can assemble others if you feel a need, but I believe our existing comm devices suffice.”

“Thanks, Tech. One is good for now. I appreciate it.” And with that, they went their separate ways.

~ Master List ~ Next Chapter

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[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Not Ready - Part Three

Summary: Making your way back to the Marauder with Hunter and Omega

A/N: Hello lovelies,

In case you didn't realize, I should probably mention this is all set in the time of Season 1 but I'm sure you guys realized that. Also had a half day today because half our patients cancelled, love days like that, got a lot of stuff done and still had an evening to relax.

Love oo.

Italics - flashback

Warnings: Angst, irritations, yelling, lack of trust, fluff, running, evading capture, forehead kiss, feelings of guilt, fear, guilt, feelings of cowardice, I think that's it. Let me know if I miss anything.

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Now that you thought about it, those moments of you yelling at him probably weren’t the most productive moments between the two of you. You reached out and grabbed Omega’s hand when she slipped, as the three of you made your way back to the Marauder as quickly as you could, “You okay, M?”

“Yeah, my foot just slipped.” You watched as her whole body twitched, she was nervous. You kneeled down in front of her, while Hunter took a chance to scout out the way ahead. 

“Look at me sweetie,” you tucked her hair behind her ear, something you’d done numerous times. She slowly met your eyes, the two of you had gotten closer ever since you joined. In a way, she was the daughter you always wished you could’ve had. She had your love and devotion, without even a second thought. All you wanted was to protect her, and make sure she was loved and cared for, you cursed your heart. It wasn’t supposed to get attached, that was the agreement you had made when you initially went on the run, it was safer for everyone. You let out a soft sigh, as you offered her a reassuring smile, “It’s going to be okay, love. I promise.”

“I know. It’s just … do you think Crosshair is okay? What if he’s hurt?”

“M, it’ll be okay. If he’s hurt, he’s got people to look out for him. It’s us we should be worried about, we still have a myriad of stormtroopers to avoid.” She nodded, not quite able to forget about Crosshair, you pressed a kiss to her forehead, “It’ll be alright.” You held out your hand to her, “Come on, sweetie.”

Hunter hated how much his eyes kept following you, it didn’t matter that half the time, you argued with each other, or that you frustrated him so much sometimes all he wanted to do was shut you up with his lips pressed against yours. However, watching you with Omega, how motherly and kind you were to her and the others, even if you couldn’t stand him, you certainly were able to get along with everyone else. Sometimes the way you acted, reminded him of a rancor, fiercely loyal and protective of those it loved, but ready to destroy anyone who even dared to hurt you or those you loved. Maybe that’s why things had always been difficult between you two? Because he put you in danger from the word ‘go’. 

He let out a sigh, whatever thoughts or desires were confusingly roaming around his heart, weren’t likely to come to fruition. You both needed to keep your distances, and focus on the one thing that mattered the most to the both of you, Omega. 

“We should keep moving” he called down to you and Omega. You nodded and helped Omega up the slope. 

You watched as Hunter held out his hand for Omega helping her along the way. Despite his faults, of which he had many … okay maybe not that many, maybe a few. Okay, one. He had one fault. He thought he was always right. And sometimes he was … but a lot of times, he wasn’t. However, there was one thing that always pulled at your heartstrings no matter how annoyed you two were at each other, and that was how he looked after Omega.

Everyone was asleep, as you sat in the cockpit. You tried to sleep, but running into the two sisters who were actively fighting the Empire, made you begin to question everything. Here they were putting themselves in jeopardy, to do something to help the galaxy. Meanwhile, all you’d ever done was hurt it, and now you were trying to actively hide from the Empire like a coward. 

You rubbed your forehead letting out a sigh, when you heard shuffling behind you. You turned to see Hunter tucking Omega in, making sure Lula was close to her. After having to run away from Wrecker when his chip activated, you weren’t surprised to see her fall asleep as quickly as she did, the stress and adrenaline from the day definitely wearing her thin. You watched as he brushed Omega’s hair off her forehead, making sure she wasn’t having trouble sleeping. You let out a sigh, why did he have to be so sweet? Why did he have to do things that made your heart flutter?

You turned away, shutting down the feelings that were trying to brew. You closed your eyes, resting your head against the headrest. You weren’t meant for a life filled with love, sweetness, and comfort. It was never in the cards for you, and you weren’t ready for how your heart kept pulling and clenching. It was time to seriously think about leaving, you were getting too comfortable and too attached. 

“You alright?”

Hunter saw how meeting the two sisters threw you, it wasn’t just them though. It was hearing Rex’s account about what happened to his brothers, the chips that were in the clones brains; then the Jedi cruiser on Bracca, or more specifically the lab on the cruiser that made you uncomfortable. Something about being in a lab made you jumpy, made you nervous, he could smell your anxiety the moment you saw the lab. 

“Hmmm?” You turned to look at Hunter, not quite hearing his question.

“Are you okay?” Hunter took a seat in the chair directly behind yours, leaning forward resting his elbows on his knees, his bandana covering the patch on the side of his head, as his eyes found yours.

“Why do you care?” You followed his movement leaning forward, resting your own elbows on your knees. You didn’t mean for your words to come out as rude as it sounded. It was a genuine question on your behalf, why would he care about you after all the hassle you gave him. 

“You’re part of this crew, of course I’m gonna care regardless of how much you irritate me,” he smirked, “and you do irritate me.” You were thrown off by the fact he cared … the fact that anyone cared.

Hunter wasn’t blind, he could see something was bothering you, ”Butterfly, I … I don’t know what’s got you so shaken, but you can talk to me.”

“You’re better off not knowing.”

“What if I want to know?” He leaned closer, his fingers gently brushing against your own, almost by accident.

“Hunter, you can’t help me, and when you do one day find out what’s going on, you may not want me around anymore, and I’ll accept that. But not today, I - I don’t want to talk about it.”

He took a deep breath, as he reached his hand forward tucking your hair behind your ear, it always seemed to be unruly, sticking out the side of your head or clinging to your cheek, “You don’t have to be so strong all the time.”

“It’s not about being strong…” you leaned away from his hand, not wanting your heart to thump any harder or hope for more than it was. You let out a sigh, “Never mind, I should go rest.” You stood walking away from him burying the warm sensation in your heart deep down. As you walked past him, he reached out and grabbed your hand, holding it softly in his hand, getting you to look at him one more time.

“We’ve all done things we might not be proud of, doesn’t mean you’re alone. We’re here for you.”

You took in a deep breath as you looked at him, giving his hand a squeeze, “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

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[oceansssblue]

~[INDEPENDENT ONE-SHOTS]

[THE BAD BATCH]– "ONE HUG AWAY"

HUNTER/F READER 💖💔

TRAVELLING WITH THE BATCH FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW, HUNTER AND YOU HAVE GROWN TO BE THE BEST OF FRIENDS. BUT FRIENDS DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU DO AFTER JUST ONE –OR MAYBE TOO MANY– HUGS, RIGHT?

I JUST WANTED AN EXCUSE TO HUG HUNTER OKAY?

WARNINGS: PTSD–EXPLICIT WAR NIGHTMARES (BLOOD&FAMILY LOSS) IN THE FIRST PART 💔 (CAN SKIP IF YOU WANNA), OTHERWISE PURE FLUFF 💖.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You have a recurring nightmare. Sometimes it's just the smell; smoke and ashes, and the rotting skin of the deceased bodies that pile around you being burnt. Your nose scrunches in your sleep and you turn to your side, trying to get rid of the stench of blood and death. It doesn't usually work; and it doesn't this time, either.

Sometimes it progresses to images. Flashes of endless battalions of droids and endless battalions of clones; mixed with your own people in between, the numbers of the three groups reducing drastically each day the war drags on. It used to be beautiful, your planet, with it's peculiar blue grass and vibrant flowers; tall delicate trees and a fascinating wildlife. Now everything is mutted to orange, grey and black; fire and the shattered debris of the capital left behind.

The images turn real with sounds. It's a slow transition. It starts as a distant distorted echo, as if you were listening to something underwater. Then it blasts; roaring in increasing intensity until your ears ring and you shake unconsciously in your sleep, trashing around in your bunk.

Screams. Orders. Cries. Begging for help. Tears in your eyes. Smoke. Fire. Blood, dripping from the open gash of your shoulder and the shot wound on your side. Where are they? You can't see them. Are they safe? Are they...?

You shout their names. The tears keep streaming down your face, wetting your cheeks in real life too. You whimper in your sleep, your body shaking in place.

You can't see them again. You beg not to. But the "you" in your nightmare turns around, slowly, almost recreatively; and then...

"No!" You wake up crying, no restraint whatsoever in how you do.

You weren't even aware of it; of the way your body replicated the same emotions of that damned day of your past while sleeping in your bunk in the Marauder, surrounded by your boys, the family you have now.

You take a deep breath –a weak, stuttering thing–. Your hands quickly find their way to the collar of your t-shirt, tugging it down harshly to expose the scar on your shoulder. Your eyes flicker over every inch.

Another

deep

breath.

Your heartbeat hammers in your chest. Your trembling hands slowly pull up the end of the shirt to reveal your side as well; another scar etched in place.

You touch them. You breathe. You're safe. That had been the past; and while your loss had been heartbreaking and terrible, you were not alone in your present. You had the Batch; you were not back there.

Your breathing pattern starts to slow; your heartbeat still protesting madly in your chest. You let your shirt drop back to place and sigh, still sitting in the middle of your bunk. You take a glance around. You hope you haven't woken up any of them; Maker knows they need the sleep, after last night. You specially hope you haven't startled...

Hunter. He's laying on his bunk with his torso propped up on his elbows; gaze stady and intent on your shape. You can barely see him in the darkness of the room; just his siluete and the weight of his heavy stare. He knows. He can hear your heartbeat, your breathing. He could hear your quiet whimpers and cries, before, maybe even smell your tears. Hell, he can probably guess what the dream was all about. After all, he had been the one to help her escape the wrath of the Separatists. He had seen the destruction of her planet, too.

A powerful need to go to him wrecks you. Your fingers tremble, and a choked sound threatens to pour out of your lips. You hesitate for just a second. Hunter and you have never really been that close before –fellowship, fondness and polite respect, sure, but not that level of raw affection–; and you don't want to bother him. Or make him feel weird. Or like he has to take care of you out of duty as the good human being he is but not really wanting to do so. But you need him. You do.

You cross the small space between both of your bunks as noiseless as posible, wavering on your tip-toes. He tracks every one of your movements; chin tilting up slightly to look up at you when you finally stand in front of him. You play with your own hands for a moment; feeling uncertain and restless in the expectant silence. You can see him a tiny bit better now; long hair –a bit of a mess without his bandana on–, sharp profile and impossibly magnetic eyes. He's always being so good to you...

You feel yourself starting to shake again –your emotions swirling inside your mind–; but it all stops with Hunter's movement as he pulls the covers back with one hand in a clear invitation to share his bed for the night. You make a small needy uncontrolable sound with your throat; and scramble to crawl in his bunk besides him without much thought.

Hunter's body is incredibly firm and warm. You move for a few seconds while trying to find the best position against him; quickly setting for your cheek pressing into his chest and your nose hiding in his neck, one arm wrapped around him and both legs respectfully on top of the thin matress inches away from his. Hunter make's a deep humming sound of his own and his right hand slowly presses against the middle of your back; just a reassuring presence that without words messages "i'm here". You know. He always is.

You take in his comforting familiar scent and sigh. You're too tired to give much thought to the fact that you're actually hugging Hunter; and dark memories replaced in his safe embrace, you take no time in drifting back again into unconsciousness.

Hunter stays awake for a while; making sure your nightmares don't return before going back to sleep as well, getting used to the strange feeling of being this close to you. It's new; and nicer than he'd like to admit to himself.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The second time you hug him is a relief-driven action that holds no pre-planed thought at all. You had been waiting for news of the Batch for weeks now, having to stay back on Pabu after breaking your arm in the last mission; forced to watch them go on their own. It hadn't gone right for them either –the Empire smelling their trace and making their trip twice as long and with no coms available, even with Tech's security measures–. You had nearly picked your nails off; and a somehow un-nervous Phee standing next to you and chuckling to herself for whatever mysterious reason you couldn't care to find out had definitely not helped.

You're running towards them the moment the Marauder touches the ground. Wrecker's the first to walk the ramp; and though you care for him dearly, it's not him you jump towards.

Hunter has no other option than to hold you tightly against his chest in surprise when you crash into him. The force of your desperate hug makes him stumble –definetly not expecting that kind of welcome from you–; but he quickly gains his footing and carefully and almost hesitantly hugs you back.

"You should be more carefull with that arm" he points out, voice deep and roughned up by the tiredness and dehydratation close to your ear. "A cast doesn't give you inmunity".

You chuckle, tightening your one-arm hug against him once before taking a deep relieved breath in and stepping back. You tilt your head to look up into Hunter's dark chocolate eyes. He looks exhausted, but still holds a firm and gentle aura. He's always the composed soldier; and you admire him for that.

"No, and that's why I've mastered the one-side tackle" you joke, eying quickly the rest of the Batch and softening your glance. "I'm glad you're back and safe, Hunter".

His eyes fill with warmth and affection at your sweet, sincere tone. A fleeting thought passes through your head, noticing the difference between amicable fondness and this newfound emotion shining in his gaze. His hand briefly squeezes your un-injured shoulder once, close enough to your old scar that it somehow makes it burn. You wouldn't have been able to take your eyes of him even if you tried to.

Hunter pulls his hand back and offers a tiny tired smile.

"I'm glad to be back too".

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The physical contact with Hunter continues to grow in the following month; until it becomes a natural expected thing, a helping hand or a brush of arms here and there.

Hunter's the one to actually give you the third hug. It's one night when you all say your goodbyes to each other and prepare to get to your respective apartments for the night that happens. The people in Pabu had been kind enough to offer a twin set for you lot; having divided yourself in boys and girls. Hunter bends down to give Omega a hug; turning right after to you and enveloping your figure in his arms as well.

You freeze momentarily –though not in disgust–; your heartbeat speeding up slightly at the surprising –and unusal– gesture. Yeah, you've hugged Hunter yourself twice now; but he has never been one to initiate contact himself, maybe too polite for that.

It's him who realises what he's done, stepping back with a confused expression on his face and pushing his long hair back in a shy selfconscious tick.

"Oh, um... I don't know why I did that. My bad" he shrugs it off, offering a sheepish smile, and you chuckle at his reaction.

Not so composed this time.

"That's alright, Hunter. I don't mind. You're a good hugger" you point out.

His expresion turns into amusement, and he shows his signature side smirk. He crosses his arms in front of his chest. He's one of a motherfucker atractive man. Future girlfriend will be ecstatic to have him.

"Am I, now?"

You both laugh softly, and he decides it's time to leave you so you can have some time to rest. They're going on a mission tomorrow, and he needs you bright and early.

"Good night, mesh'la" he tells you, voice soft feeling like a caress, and you study him in curiosity at the new Mando'a.

You've heard them say some words here and there –mostly insults or surprised expressions–; but never that one.

Before you're able to ask the meaning of it, Hunter offers a last smile and turns around, quietly walking away to their own apartment straight across from yours. Your eyes never leave his retrearing figure; while Omega's switches curiously between you both.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You lose count after the fourth one. Hugs start to form part of your usual rutine; sometimes a quick way of saying "hello" or "goodbye" and sometimes a simple show of affection, until it reaches the point where they're not unexpected anymore –though equally pleasant–. You also start to hug the rest of the Batch as well; not Echo, of course –he isn't comfortable with you like that just yet, though he admits small pats and squeezes on the shoulder as a substitute–, but Omega, Tech and Wrecker. Each hug with them feels different than rest; Hunter's keeps being the best.

It's not just physical contact that grows over the two of you; but mental as well. You often find yourself sitting with him in the cockpit –when you're on a mission– or strolling through Pabu –sometimes with Omega on your tail, sometimes not– when you're on a break. Your relationship with him deepens. He even opens up enough to talk about Crosshair; something you know it hurts him and has never been mentioned around you before. Other times he shares his worries about Omega and her on-the-run childhood; his fears for what the future beholds. You take special care of those quiet, heartfelt moments, listening carefully and giving your thoughtfull opinion that is neither naive nor too depressing; just the right amount of truth. You must be doing something right; because Hunter keeps coming back for more.

Somewhere along the way, two months in since that day of your nightmare, he casually opens his arms wide for you –not as a hello or a goodbye, not because it has been too long since you last saw each other, just a spontaneous gesture because he wants to– and you can't help but smile and cuddle straight into his arms. He sighs, body curving slightly to drap himself closer around you; and you feel the luckiest person in the world.

You take that as a license to hug him whenever you want. Sometimes he's in the middle of a conversation with his brothers when you walk towards them and slide your arms around him, pressing softly against his side; Hunter quickly growing into it and wrapping an arm around you as well without stopping the talk. Other times it's him who does it; like when you're watching Omega play with other teens on the beach, and Hunter come's around and hugs you to him while resting his chin on your shoulder, observing her.

People in Pabu start gossipping about you; rumours spreading that you might have started dating. You almost laugh when you hear it for the first time. Yeah, Hunter and you hug a lot, now, and it's undeniable that you've grown much closer; but don't friends hug too?

You start being more aware of your own actions from there on; and conclude that maybe not like that. And maybe hugs between friends aren't supposed to make you feel this way either; the way Hunter's does.

It's like that how you realise you're falling in love with him. You've always respected and admired him so much; but your feelings for him run deeper than that.

The hugs become even more frecuent as time passes by. You start to play with his hair too; Hunter even proping his head on your lap when you're resting on your bunk to demand some. You do it each time with a small chuckle and a rush of warmth and love that makes your eyes shine. You wonder if he's able to read the differences on your reactions, now.

You gather your courage, and when one of those times he relaxes on your lap again, enjoying the soft caresses of your fingers on his hair and scalp, you bend forward to kiss his forehead. Before you do, his breath hitches; his senses detecting some kind of movement above him. When your lips finally press softly against his skin, Hunter relaxes and lets out a small content hum. His right hand travels up to close around your leg, squeezing gently; and you restart your little massage.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You're honestly surprised with how quiet the rest of the batch has been around you; not a word of your unusual closeness with Hunter even after three months of development. Yeah, they steal glances of the two from time to time, as if expecting for something to happen; but there's no out of place comment or impatient complaint.

You're... hesitant about Hunter. About his feelings for you; sometimes so convinced they're as romantic as yours are, and other times swaying towards a strong friendship. Hunter doesn't kiss on the cheek anybody else, or cuddle with any other woman, for that matter; he's a bit reserved. But then again, he has never had a close female friend before, either; so maybe he's just curiously exploring what it means, enjoying the change. A bit of your own insecurities play their part as well. Hunter is such a striking man... And though you don't believe yourself to be unnatractive by any chance, you're not sure you're able to compete on his league. But maybe you don't have to, right? Hunter's not one of your past fleeting flings, not someone who values how you look and how many times you have sex in a week with as your main value. He's a decent person; someone who truly cares for your well-being. You snort at your following thought. Maybe that problem of your last relationship hadn't been you; you're sure you'd never lack the desire to jump in bed with Hunter. And you know he wouldn't pressure you if that weren't the case. That's the best part.

One week later, it's him who finally points out the elephant in the room. You're just entering their small apartment after watching a beautiful sunset in Pabu; deciding to make him some company while the rest of the Batch stays with Omega in the beach. He had stayed back under the need for some quiet and silence. After a whole afternoon to himself, you believe he must have had that covered.

Hunter's attention inmediatly snaps to you as soon as you walk through the open door; turning his body towards you and crossing his arms with an arching brow. He knows what's coming. It's tradition, now. You feel the inmediate need as soon as you're in front of him.

"You know... I'm one hug away from kissing you, cyare" he warns, amused little smile dancing on his lips while he gently stops your hips with his hands. "You're driving me crazy with all that physical contact, mesh'la".

You laugh. Your eyes shine up at him, insides warm and fuzzy with the raw affection he's directing towards you. His thumbs trace slow lazy circles over your hips. You love him. You have enjoyed the unhurried natural progression of your developing relationship; but you can't wait to take the next step, to finally being able to call him yours. You want to be that lucky girl you thought of once.

Oh well. If one more hug is all it takes...

You slowly stand on your tip-toes; and without taking your eyes off of him, your hands slowly skim up his arms til you're enveloping his back and shoulders in a half-hug. Your face is inches from Hunter's now. Your smile is impossibly wide and proud while you grin at him.

Hunter chuckles in amusement, quickly catching onto your logic, the silent question in your gesture; and one of his hands abandon your hips for a gentle hold on the side of your jaw.

"Love you" he mumbles, still smiling while he gives you his first ever kiss, making you giggle while you cling to his shoulders and kiss him back as well.

He deepens the kiss, demanding more of you while tigthening his grasp on your hip and pulling you closer. You make a satisfied happy noise with your throat, fingers slipping into his hair and body melting against him.

"Love you too".

THE END.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I JUST THOUGHT OF HOW GOOD A HUG FROM STRONG HANDSOME HUNTER WOULD FEEL AND THIS IS THE RESULT.

HOPE YOU'VE LIKED IT (LET ME KNOW)!

AS ALWAYS, REBLOGS ARE DEEPLY APRECIATED.

REMEMBER I'M TAKING REQUESTS/PROMPTS!

Xx,

Sky.

PS. HELPPPP CAN SOMEONE PLS EXPLAIN TO ME HOW CAN I LINK MY ONE-SHOTS IN TUMBLR WITH JUST THE TITLE IN THE CUTE WAY EVERYONE DOES AND NOT LIKE I'M CURRENTLY DOING? TY!

(Back to general masterlist here)

[stars-n-spice]

Hunter's turn with a partner!

Meet Jung-Myn Yun! A selective mute Jedi who survived Order 66 and is in a queer platonic relationship with Hunter.

The last addition to the collection of Bad Batch significant others :D

Check out the others:

Crosshair's BF Echo's GF Wrecker's GF

Close ups under the cut!

Hair care buddies :)

[starrylothcat]

Starry could I get

7. cuddling and eventually falling asleep

Author's choice on OC but I think Sola would be really cute for this one

(With much love, @dickarchivist )

Peace

Pairing: Hunter x OC (Sola info here)

Summary: Hunter and Sola cuddling.

Warnings: None. Fluff.

WC: ~500

A/N: Thanks for the ask, friend! This is my first time posting anything Hunter x Sola related and I am soft for them. 🥹

Sola lay on her bunk, the steady sound of rain pelting The Marauder oddly comforting. They had just returned from a mission and were back on Ord Mantell for a few rotations, a nice break amidst the back-to-back jobs she and 99 were sent on by Cid.

She was trying to research their next assignment, but her eyelids were heavy in the rare tranquility of The Marauder. The boys and Omega were still at Cid’s parlor, having a drink and decompressing. Sola had her drink and retreated to the ship, wanting to take this opportunity to hit the refresher and relax.

Sola perked up when she heard footsteps up the gangplank, Hunter stepping aboard the ship.

Sola smiled, knowing he probably wouldn’t be far behind her.

“Mind if I join you?” Hunter took off his helmet and began undoing his armor.

Sola sat up more in her bunk.

“Only if you hit the ‘fresher first.” She lightly teased, watching as he meticulously stacked his armor near his bunk.

Hunter let out a low chuckle, now just in his blacks. “If that’s what it takes.”

Sola hummed in response, laying back down on her bunk.

Hunter stepped into the refresher and emerged not too long after in a fresh pair of blacks.

Sola scooted over in her bunk, Hunter settling in next to her. There wasn’t much room, but neither of them minded. Sola tucked herself into Hunter’s side, his arm keeping her close to him. She rested her head on his chest, and she heard and felt him let out a long breath.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the rain the only sound in the ship as Hunter’s fingers drew gentle circles on her arm, letting himself unwind.

Sola’s eyelids were fatigued again, Hunter’s warm body and steady breaths lulling her further into a state of relaxation, something they both realized they hadn’t had in some time.

Hunter could hear Sola’s heartbeat slow as she melted against him. Her scent enveloped him as he pressed his lips to the top of her head, feeling her snuggle even closer up against his body.

“How long do you think we have until they come back?” Sola mumbled, barely fighting off sleep.

“Not long.” Hunter’s own eyes were falling heavy, his body and mind begging for rest.

“Then we better enjoy the quiet while it lasts.” Sola murmured, threading her fingers with his across his chest.

Sola felt safe, unworried as Hunter’s hand gently squeezed hers. Feelings she thought she’d never feel again before being in Hunter’s arms.

Soon, Hunter’s soft snores joined the sound of the rain. Sola faded into a serene slumber shortly after, entwined in one another, content and at peace, at least for a little while.

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Divider by @dystopicjumpsuit

I will be tagging my OC posts as OC:Sola if you aren’t interested in OC stuff!