#and Crosshair’s still the walking spoiler I see

[heyclickadee]

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[aynavaano]

Sunsets on Pabu

Old Hunter x f!reader

Rating: Explicit

Wordcount: 3k

Summary:

You spend a wonderful day at the beach with Hunter, Wrecker and Crosshair. In the evening the two of them decide to join the rest of your family at Sheps for dinner while you and Hunter stay at the beach to watch the sunset together but Hunter decides to turn his attention to you instead.

Notes:

Tadaaa! It’s finally here. I let you vote between a soft and a rough version and the majority voted for soft and loving. So this is what you get first. Reader is married to Hunter, you live on Pabu together and he absolutely worships you, we have oral (f receiving) and unprotected sex. Kind of public sex but not really. It’s porn with very little plot, just a little fluff. Also Tech lives, because I will die on that hill. And don’t worry all Hunter girlies that like it rougher, you will get your fic next week. (Spoiler alert: Hunter bends you over the dining table)

As the day winds down and the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the beach, you find yourself grateful for the simple pleasures the island has to offer. You're dressed in your new cute bikini, that you let Hunter pick, feeling the warm sand between your toes as you stroll along the shore with him, Wrecker, and Crosshair. You spent the whole day at the beach together, swimming, basking in the sun and eating more Meiloorons than you probably should. The sound of the waves crashing against the beach is soothing, and you can't help but smile as you soak in the beauty of the moment. Unfortunately Tech can’t be bothered most of the time and only joins you for beach days when Omega pushes all his buttons and pulls the sweetest face on him, but you got used to it and instead often spend the evenings together at his and Phees place.

You hear Batcher barking in the distance before you even see Omega and Lyana approaching, making their way down from the town to let you know Shep invited everyone for dinner on his terrace. But despite the tempting invitation, you decline, having already decided you want to watch the sunset with Hunter. Wrecker and Crosshair however head off with the girls to enjoy Shep's famous cooking, leaving the two of you alone on the beach.

You watch them walking up the steep alley, Batcher happily running ahead and barking, while gathering your things and making your way further down the beach, seeking out a secluded spot, away from the houses, where you can enjoy the sunset in peace. The sand is still warm beneath your feet as you walk along the shore, hand in hand with your husband.

Finally, you find a spot that feels just right, a cove with a small patch of sand nestled between a few bigger rocks. You spread out your blanket and settle down beside each other.

Nestled in Hunter's arms, you watch as the sun paints the sky in beautiful shades of pink, orange and gold. It's a familiar sight on Pabu, one you've witnessed countless times before, but it never fails to take your breath away and with Hunter by your side, it always feels even more special.

"You sure you didn't want to go to Sheps for dinner?" you ask, snuggling closer to him.

"More than sure," he replies, his voice soft and warm against your ear. "It's not often that we get an evening just for us."

You smile up at him giving him a sweet kiss, his arms tightening around you protectively.

"They'll be fine," he reassures you. "Wrecker's probably already stuffed to the brim, like always, and complaining that he can’t fit more, and Omega's teaching Lyana new gambling tricks. And I'm sure Phee's doing her best to get Crosshair to open up, most likely with the help of her secret stash of Alderaan wine, while Tech is trying to argue that thats not the solution."

You smile at the thought of your friends enjoying themselves. Evenings on Sheps terrace are always a lot of fun, everyone’s together with good food and good talks but in this moment, all you care about is the feeling of Hunter's arms around you and the beauty of the sunset before you, as you lean in to press a gentle kiss against his lips, grateful for the love and warmth he brings into your life.

He pulls you closer to his chest, planting soft kisses on your lips, one of his hands tracing the curves of your body, gently caressing every inch of your skin, leaving goosebumps wherever he touches you. You playfully shift around until you're straddling him, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Your hand moves to his cheek and you let your thumb brush lovingly against his greying beard.

"You're going to miss the sunset if you keep looking at me love," you murmur softly, breaking the kiss momentarily.

"Well, then I guess it's good that the one thing I like looking at even more than sunsets is you," he replies with a smile, his eyes filled with adoration.

A mischievous grin spreads across your face as you lean in closer. "In that case …you know… I can make that view even better," you tease, your fingers tugging at the strings of your bikini top and with a swift motion, you unravel the top, casting it aside to expose your bare breasts.

He instantly wraps his arms around your waist, pulling you closer, burying his face between your soft breasts with a contented sigh. His beard tickles slightly against your skin, sending shivers down your spine.

He carefully begins to lick and gently nibble on your hardening nipples, getting a few soft moans from you in response. His hands roam over your breasts, cupping them with just the right amount of pressure as he looks up at you with admiration in his eyes.

"Sometimes I still wonder how I got so lucky to have you," he murmurs, his voice filled with love.

You chuckle softly and reach behind him, pulling on the back of his bandana to release his hair, which cascades over his shoulders in soft waves. You marvel at how long it has grown since you first started dating, admiring the subtle streaks of grey that have begun to appear over time.

With a gentle push, he guides you to lay on your back, positioning himself over you.

"If we're going to miss the sunset, we might as well make it worth it," he grins, his lips trailing kisses all over your body leaving a line of fire in their wake.

He takes his time, savoring every inch as he carefully removes your swim bottoms. Each touch is deliberate and full of love, each caress sending shivers of anticipation through your body, heat already pooling between your legs.

"Let me make take care of you my love," he murmurs, his breath hot against your skin, turning his attention to your core, already yearning for his touch

He kisses along your inner thighs, his breath warm against your skin as he moves closer to your center. When his tongue finally makes contact with your folds, a low moan escapes your lips and you arch into his touch. He quickly wraps his arms around your tights to keep you from moving and to hold you flush against his face.

"Oh, Hunter," you gasp, your fingers tangling in his hair as he continues to tease and lick. His movements are deliberate and unhurried, each stroke of his tongue sending waves of heat radiating through you.

"You feel so good cyare," he murmurs against your skin, his voice husky with desire. "I could do this all night."

He slowly increases the intensity of his licks and kisses and when he starts sucking your clit you are already a whimpering mess in his arms.

“You want my fingers?” he asks looking up at you.

Your only response is a desperate moan, the words lost in a haze of pleasure as he pushes you ever closer to the edge with his tongue but he doesn’t need to hear you, after all these years he knows exactly what you like.

He slowly slides first one then a second finger into you without any resistance, your pussy practically dripping for him and when he begins to thrust into you slowly you can feel the tension building in your core, the familiar coil of desire tightening with each stroke of his tongue and thrust of his fingers.

“Oh fuck…Hunter…feels…so good” you moan,

“Mmmhm…don’t hold back love” he groans before he descends down on your clit, mercilessly sucking it into his mouth until your body begins to writhe under his touch.

“M…m close” is all you can get out between your whimpers and mewls, his fingers pushing into you with an intensity that leaves you unable to have any coherent thoughts.

"Come for me, baby," he murmurs, his voice vibrating against your core as he curls his fingers up to find that extra sweet spot, the one that makes you see stars, driving you higher and higher until you're teetering on the brink.

With a final, desperate cry, you shatter beneath him, waves of ecstasy crashing over you as you ride out the storm of your release on his fingers, you pussy clenching hard around him. You’re a whining and panting mess, it’s crazy what he can do to you only with his mouth and his fingers.

When you slowly come down from your high he carefully slides out of you, his arms wrapping around you in a protective embrace and your body starts relaxing against him. Hunter's lips find yours in a searing kiss, his hands moving to cup your face as he gazes at you with a mixture of awe and adoration. His eyes are filled with love and tenderness, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering against your skin.

"You're so beautiful when you come on my fingers," he murmurs, his voice filled with awe as he gazes at you with adoration, peppering your face with soft kisses. “I’ll never get tired watching you like that, it’s divine.”

You smile up at him, your heart overflowing with love and gratitude pulling him close, cherishing the moment and the man who means everything to you.

You wrap your legs around him, feeling his hardened length pressing against your thigh, your hunger for him in not yet sated and you eagerly wiggle around reaching down to free his cock.

“Can’t get enough, hm?” he chuckles.

"Mhm, help me take these off," you whisper, tucking at the hem of his swim shorts.

He quickly cast his shorts aside and crawls back over you, leaning in to kiss you, propped up on his elbows. You love how his body changed over the years, it got slightly softer as he let go of the hardships and battles, but lost not a single bit of his strength.

“I want to feel you inside me” you whisper desire lacing your words when his beautiful rock hard cock is finally freed from its confinement.

You reach down to stroke him, his lips grazing your neck, whispering sweet words of adoration and when you feel the precum already leaking from his tip you shiver with delight.

"Would you ride me a bit?" he asks softly, his voice a tender whisper against your skin.

"Who am I to deny you that wish?" you respond with a loving glint in your eye.

He rolls onto his back, effortlessly pulling you on top of him, his hands holding onto your hips, helping you to straddle him.

"Come here," he whispers, his eyes ablaze with desire, pupils blown wide, as you position yourself, sliding up and down his length, spreading your wetness all over him, before lining him up at your entrance.

With the last rays of the setting sun casting a reddish pink glow on your skin, you slowly sink down on his cock, until he bottoms out, relishing the sensation of being filled by him once more.

You both moan, taking a moment to fully enjoy it. You’ve been together for years but the sensation of taking him in completely, feeling yourself stretch around him, is still as good as it was the first time.

"Oh Hunter, you feel so good," you moan, steadying yourself against his chest.

You slowly begin moving up and down his length, relishing the sensation of being so full, his thick cock stretching you in all the right ways. Each movement sends waves of pleasure coursing through your body, igniting a desire within you that only he can still.

As you bounce up and down on his cock, your hair cascades in loose waves around your shoulders, still slightly damp from your last swim and your beautiful breasts bounce with every movement, drawing his gaze like a moth to a flame.

"I love you so much" he whispers, his voice filled with devotion, reveling in the sight of you on top of him, his eyes tracing every curve of your body illuminated by the dying sun. In this moment, he feels like the luckiest man in the galaxy, blessed to have you in his arms. Unable to resist, his hands come up to cup your breasts, his thumbs trailing over your hardened nipples, eliciting a soft gasp from your lips.

"I'll take it from here," he whispers huskily, his voice heavy with desire as he gently but hungrily pushes you onto your back, with ease, positioning himself between your legs and slowly starts thrusting into you. Taking your legs up over his shoulders, he picks up the pace, each movement driving you both closer to the edge of ecstasy.

As he plunges into you with increasing fervor, you become a moaning, whining mess beneath him, lost in the throes of passion. Fortunately, the waves crashing on the nearby rocks dim everything around, preventing your lewd sounds and the squelching of your soaking wet pussy from traveling too far up to the village.

"Hunter, I'm close," you gasp, your voice trembling with need. "Come with me?" You ask him, your eyes locking with his as you plead for release.

He lets go of your legs and comes down over you, propped up on his elbows, his hair cascading around your faces like a veil. With a deep, passionate kiss, he whispers against your lips,

"Cum for me, let me feel that beautiful pussy clenching around my cock" his words send shivers down your spine and when he thrusts deeper, his tip pushing against your cervix, just the way he knows you like it, you feel your body responding eagerly to him.

“Oh…fuck..Hunter”

It takes only a few more of these deep, powerful thrusts until you feel your pussy clenching down on him, the tension in your core reaching its breaking point. With a lewd moan, the delicious heat begins pulsing through your entire body and you're consumed by the intensity of your orgasm. He follows you almost immediately. Before the first wave of ecstasy fully washes over you, you feel him harden even more, his rhythm becoming sloppy and his arousal driving him to the brink.

With one final, deep thrust, he releases himself inside you, filling you up with his hot seed. You feel a surge of warmth as he gasps, his body crashing down against yours, his lips seeking yours in a deep, soulful kiss. In that moment, the world fades away, your mind goes completely blank, all sounds dim around you, leaving only the sensation of your orgasm pulsing through your body and the feeling of his hot skin against yours.

You bask in the afterglow of your shared orgasm, his forehead resting against yours, reveling in the intimacy of the moment. Your bodies are sweaty and you’re panting when you slowly come back to yourselves, the sounds and view of the surroundings returning to your senses.

He leans in to kiss you, his lips conveying a depth of emotion that words could never express. With a soft whisper, he murmurs sweet, loving words that warm your heart and soul.

You revel in the feeling of you bodies pressed together and when his softening cock slowly slides out of you, you feel his cum oozing from your core dripping down into the sand.

“I know you like walking around with my cum leaking out of you, but we should get you cleaned up love”

“Mhm…can’t think…n…can’t walk…Cross took…took all our towels back home” you mumble, completely blissed out and cock dumb.

“Let me take care of you riduur, like I always do” he whispers, looking down at your flushed face and your silly smile with pure love and adoration before he scoops you up into his arms.

You know what he’s about to do. He always carries you into the ocean whenever you have sex on the beach and you love it almost as much as being fucked into oblivion by him.

The water on Pabu is always warm, enveloping you in its soothing embrace as he wades into its depths and you cling to him, your legs wrapped around his waist, exchanging tender kisses as the gentle waves rock you back and forth.

As you float together, you trace the lines of his tattoo on his face, your fingers brushing lightly over his beard before trailing down his chest. You let your hands rest there, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your touch. He pulls you closer, his arms wrapping around you protectively as you nestle your head in the crook of his neck, his long locks tickling your face in the gentle breeze. In this moment, surrounded by the warmth of the ocean and the tenderness of his embrace, you feel truly at peace.

The sun has set completely when you reluctantly emerge from the water and the cool evening breeze sends shivers down your spine. You quickly make your way to your beach blanket and lie down, the chill of the night air causing your teeth to chatter. Hunter pulls you close, wrapping you tightly in his embrace. With gentle hands, he drapes his soft knit cardigan around your shoulders, cocooning you in its warmth until the trembling subsides.

Nestled against his chest, you watch in awe as more and more stars begin to appear in the night sky, their twinkling lights casting a soft glow over the beach. With each passing moment, the world around you seems to fade away, leaving only the two of you alone in the embrace of the night. In this tranquil moment, wrapped in his arms and surrounded by the beauty of the starlit sky, you feel an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment wash over you that he is able to live this soft and gentle live here on Pabu and that he chose you to be part of it.

“Let’s go home” he whispers “before you start freezing again. And I’m sure Omega got us some leftovers from Shep”

You chuckle.

“Then we better get home before Wrecker finds them”

[cyarikasmoon]

Rest Now

Bad Batch Hunter x reader

Summary: Hunter returns home after saying goodbye to Omega. *Set just after the Season 3 epilogue scene*

Pairing: Bad Batch Hunter x f!reader

Word Count: 1,539

Warnings: Bad Batch Season 3 spoilers, married Hunter, older hunter, fluff, comfort, cuddles, HUNTER DESERVES LOTS OF CUDDLES AND KISSES

Divider by @freesie-writes & @snotbuggle

A/N: I truly adore this show and just wanted to write a little piece for Hunter. He did so well and is such a good father figure for Omega. That epilogue meant everything to me. I wish we saw older Crosshair and Wrecker, but I'm also quite glad it was a final moment between those two. It was always meant to be them. I will love and cherish them forever.

I hope you all like this. It's a little rough and rushed, and it's just raw emotions being processed onto a page after the finale, but I still wanted to post! Enjoy! x

It’s almost sunrise when you wake up. You sleepily reach out, cold underneath the sheets, and you realise the familiar warmth of your husband is gone. Your eyes blink open with a frown as you pat the bed, almost to make sure he is actually gone. Sitting up in the bed, you blink blearily, taking in the room. It’s dark, but your eyes adjust quickly, the faint lighting of a new day approaching helping you see the dimly lit room. You roll over the bed gently, and you see his boots are gone, and his overshirt that he had left hanging over the edge of the bed last night.

The entire house is quiet, which almost makes you confident that Batcher is gone as well. You let out a soft whistle, a quick two-tone note. Nothing like the loud army shrill your husband does to call the lurker hound. When there is no distant sound of barking, no heavy pads of paws on the ground, you sigh softly.

Gently getting out of bed, you move to pull on your trousers and the quickest shirt being one of his thick, long sleeved ones. As you slip it on, you breathe in the smell of him and let your shoulders sag. It wasn’t normal for him to be gone this early. His side of the bed had been cold when you had felt it. He had been gone for hours. At least Batcher would be with him. You hope, anyway.

Pulling on a quick small pair of boots, she moves towards the door but pauses by the window as she hears voices outside. As she peers out, she sees Wrecker and Crosshair standing talking. Crosshair is almost silent with his words, speech always raspy and quiet but sharp. Wrecker, thinking he was being quiet, was still quite loud. But the early morning rays indicated it wasn't long till the residents of Pabu would awaken.

Crosshair strokes his chin gently, fingers brushing over the soft wisps of grey turning white hair. His hair finally growing back in revealed it to now finally be more silver white than the original grey it used to be back in the days of the Republic. Wrecker still stands tall, and the body is still accumulating so much muscle, but he looks softer, rounder. Years of enjoying and actually living life and eating good food. His lips are drawn into a tight line from where you can see, his jaw covered in a soft wiry fuzz of scruff - the start of a beard that is accentuated with fine white hairs now amidst the dark ones.

The flurry of quick hand movements between the two have you frowning before you all hear a distant bark. You glance through the window to the right. Coming up over the hill, the rising sun casts light across the path as the old lurker hound ambles up the street. Batcher picks up speed slightly as she spots Crosshair and Wrecker, forever excited to see them. It’s then you see your husband, not too far behind Batcher. He walks slowly, his head down slightly, but he looks up as he spots his brothers.

He seems to stand up straighter then as he notices them, almost instinctively falling back into the roll of Seagerant after so long. Crosshair gets up slowly from where he had knelt down to stroke Batcher, leaving his prosthetic hand to rest on the back of her neck as he faces Hunter. Wrecker’s eyes are full of apprehension as if he knows what Hunter is to tell them, but he desperately doesn't want it to be the case.

When Hunter reaches them, you watch as he simply nods his head and says a few words. The three brothers stand in silence for a moment. Whatever news he had just shared, it brings a sombre moment, but then Wrecker’s smiling. He makes a comment, followed by a booming laugh. Crosshair's face twists up into an amused smirk, and he replies with his own comment. Your husband says something else, and they fall silent for a moment. It’s then Crosshair takes a step forward and rests his hand on Hunter’s shoulder, and they share a look. Before anything can be said, Wrecker envelopes them into his arms, a signature crushing hug from the big man that has them all smiling and reminiscing.

Wrecker puts them down, and they all share a final smile. It’s then the old girl barks, and Crosshair rolls his eyes fondly, the hound sticks to his side, ready for her breakfast. They all seemed to nod and head off in their own separate ways. A new day is beginning after all. As Hunter turns towards your home, you move and gently open the door and lean in the doorway and smile at him.

He glances at you and pauses for a moment, a fond smile on his face before he continues to walk forward to you. Like second instinct, you hold your arms open and let him hold you close and tight against him.

“Hi.” You whisper to him.

“Hey.” He responds softly. His voice reserved slightly, like when he’s lost in thought.

“Hey, come back to me.” You whisper softly, leaning back to cup his tattooed side of his face, fingers brushing over his dark beard.

His eyes tell you everything. They’re tired from being up so early. They’re full of love and adoration for you. They reflect peace. They show sadness. You smile sadly then, as you realise. This is the look of a father who has just had to let go and say goodbye. No matter how much he doesn’t wish for it to be the case.

“Omega?” You ask softly, stepping back, so you both gravitate back into your home.

He nods then. A small smile plays on his lips, his eyes softening.

“She left first thing in the early hours of the morning. Thought she could sneak away.” He chuckles, a gruff noise in his throat.

“She spoke about the Rebellion so often. It was only a matter of time before she would want to go help.” You stroke his cheek as you watch his melancholic expression.

“I know…” He breaks away so he can sit and take his boots off, and you do the same. You both leave them by the door, and he rises to stand in front of you again.

You hold your hand to him, and he instantly takes it.

“You’re a wonderful father, Hunter. I know it. Your brothers know it, and Omega knows it.” You whisper to him, taking both of his hands.

His thumbs stroke along your knuckles in a soothing motion for himself and for you. His left thumb focuses on running across your ring. He raises his eyes to look into yours.

“You’ve raised her wonderfully. She is such a bright, beautiful young woman now, and the Rebellion is lucky to have her.” You say and then grin. “You practically prepared her for this.”

He huffs and rolls his eyes fondly at you, lips quirked up into a small smile.

“I was once told battle droids were easier to handle compared to raising a kid.” He muses. “They weren't wrong.”

“Hunter, love, she’ll be fine. She knows you’ll come if you need her.”

“I’d be there in a heartbeat.” He promises, and his voice is so strong and earnest. You could never not believe him. The sergeant shines through in that moment.

You lean forward and kiss him softly, and his hands move to hold you close. Your foreheads then meet in a keldabe kiss, and you smile at him.

“C’mon old man, let's go back to bed for a bit.” You tease him with a grin.

“Who are you calling old man? The days are just starting.” He rolls his eyes and tries to hide his smile.

“And you’ve hardly slept.” You argue back, nudging your forehead against his. “C’mon, a little nap won’t hurt anyone.”

You lead him to the bedroom and smile as you help him take his overshirt off and drape it back over the edge of the bed. Laying down, he holds you close in his arms and still keeps his eyes open and watching you.

“You’ve done so good, love.” You whisper and lean forward, pressing gentle kisses across his face. “It’s okay to miss her. It’s normal. We all will miss her. But she’ll be okay. She’ll come back one day. Now you can rest.”

HIs eyes close as he embraces your touch. His breathing relaxes.

“Rest love, I’ve got you.” You whisper as you watch him drift off. “We’ve got you. You can rest now.”

You press a final kiss to his brow, right below his bandana, before you lay your head on the pillow next to him. The sun has risen now. You can hear the residents of Pabu begin their day. Birds in the distance. You swear even without enhanced senses like Hunter, you can hear the ocean. You look at him one final time before your eyes drift close. It’s a new day. They're here and alive. How exciting it is to live. To live and to love. To do whatever they want.

[webslinger-holland]

Forgiveness | Crosshair from The Bad Batch

Summary: When Crosshair reunites with his old squad, there are some unresolved tension between you.

Warning: spoilers from episode four, slightly jealous Hunter, recalling imprisonment with the empire, some angsty feelings

Pairing: Crosshair x Fem!Reader

Type: Oneshot

Word Count: 2.1k words

Note: Just had this one shot on my mind for a while and wanted to get it fully written. Let me know your thoughts down below!

The past several months had been incredibly difficult for the team. Having just lost Tech and Omega, they didn't quite know what to do or where to go from there. They spent months chasing down leads, desperately searching for any sign that would tell them where the Empire was keeping Omega. But every mission only resulted in another dead end with no usable intel.

It felt like they'd fallen into the same repeating cycle. They'd hear a whisper of something, follow that whisper, and find nothing that could aid them in their search. They refused to give up, especially their leader who was more determined than ever to bring her back home.

After many long tiresome months, their search was finally over. In the end, Omega was the one who had managed to escape from confinement and send a coded message to rendezvous somewhere safe. Now, Omega stood directly in front of them with big tears in her eyes. They'd never felt a stronger sense of relief than having her back safe and sound.

"I had help," Omega told them.

Turning around to face the ship that she'd arrived in, their eyes seemed to follow her line of sight. A figure emerged from the ship's gangplank, descending the ramp slowly. When the infamous sniper came into view, Hunter and Wrecker felt slightly unnerved. They still didn't trust him, watching his movements with extreme caution.

However, as soon as you'd seen him, it almost felt like your heart had dropped to the lowest point in your stomach. Your breath hitched in the back of your throat and you fought the tears that threatened to release. You couldn't believe your eyes.

Sensing your sudden swelling of emotions, Hunter spun around on the heels of his feet to face you. He took a single step forward and reached out to you as if to comfort you, calling your name very so gently.

But you just couldn't look away from Crosshair. Your Crosshair.

The one who had betrayed his family to join the Empire's forces. The one whose chip had activated during the order and changed who he was as a person. The one who hunted you. The one who was finally offered the second chance he wanted so badly by his squad, but refused them in the end. The one who left you and vowed he didn't love you as you had loved him. That Crosshair.

After the Fall of Kamino, Hunter was left to comfort you during one of your lowest times having since been rejected from his younger brother on that platform. He lost count of how many nights you cried yourself to sleep in his arms. You never talked about it, but he knew somehow. That maybe there was still apart of you that cared deeply for him, which was why it hurt all the more.

Now, coming back to your reality, you truly didn't know how to feel. You never thought you'd see him again or if you had expected to see him again, it wouldn't have been in this current situation. He just stood there looking directly at you.

His face was blank. He showed no emotion whatsoever.

Finally, having gathered your courage, you started walking towards him without taking your eyes off him. Hunter had tried to stop you once again, roughly grabbing your forearm to halt your movements.

"Y/n. Wait," Hunter's voice came out rather gruff and harsh.

He was warning you. He didn't know what else to say, but it didn't matter because you quickly tore your hand out of his grasp. And you continued your approach across the space between.

Finally, you came to a halt in front of him. His eyes never looked away from yours and he continued to remain unreadable with his emotions. He waited expectantly.

He didn't know how you'd respond to seeing him again because the last time he had seen you, you confessed your true feelings for him and he chose the empire over you. He'd seen the hurt flash in your eyes when he said he didn't love you, how you fought the tears from falling at his words.

Months later, you were standing in front of him once again. He half-expected you to lash out in anger at him. He wondered what you'd say to him, thinking of how your voice would sound when you tell him: "How dare you show your face again?" He'd even take a couple hits from you if you were angry enough. He wouldn't care, because he deserved all the hate you had for him.

The very last thing that Crosshair expected was to hear a choked sob escape past your lips as your walls came crashing down around you. You closed the distance between the two of you, wrapping your arms tightly around his torso and burrowing your head into his chest. You clung to him so desperately as if you were afraid he'd slip through your fingers again. The tears began to fall down your cheeks as you held him close.

At first, Crosshair didn't know what to do with himself. He stood in your arms stiffly and awkwardly. It took a while before his shoulders finally eased up and he shakily raised his arms to wrap around you. He propped his chin onto the top of your head, relishing in the sweet feeling of your embrace. He closed his eyes slowly.

In the distance, Hunter's gaze hardened. He felt his fists clench at his sides instinctively. A newfound sense of anger began to arise in the pit of his stomach.

"I don't care about the things you've said or the things you've done," you spoke softly. This confession confused him even further. "What matters to me is that you're back."

After another moment, you reluctantly pulled yourself out of his grasp. You flashed him a brief smile, quickly wiping away the tears that stained your cheeks. You created a little distance by taking a step back, wanting to respect his boundaries. He watched you silently because he was honestly too shocked to say anything.

Leaving the rendezvous point in the Marauder, the now reunited members set a course to return to the safe haven planet known as Pabu. The Marauder was traveling through hyperspace, enveloping the entire ship in a tunnel of blue and white flashing stars. The little gonk droid waddled into the cockpit happily.

In the sleeping quarters, Wrecker and Omega had long since fallen asleep in each other's arms. They held Lula between the two of them. If you looked closely, you'd be able to see the faint smiles on their faces while they slept, knowing that they were both so happy to be reunited with one another.

Meanwhile, Hunter tried to busy himself at the control center. He typed on his brother's old data pad, figuring out what their next steps were going to be. If he was being honest with himself, his mind wasn't entirely focused on the task at hand. He often found himself glancing towards the cockpit upon knowing that was were his brother currently resided.

Brushing right past him, you walked directly into the entrance of the cockpit. He watched your retreating figure, which went unnoticed by you. An overwhelming sense of sadness filling his senses as he remembered the longing feeling you felt towards his brother and not him.

When you came into the cockpit, Crosshair was sitting in the copilots chair with his back turned to you. He was chewing on a toothpick, mulling his thoughts over. You were slow to make your presence known to him, gingerly stepping forward in your place.

"I made up your old cot for you," you told him with a hint of hope in your voice. "Thought it would be a good idea for you to get some rest."

He hummed. "And where will you sleep?"

"I--I don't know what you mean," you stumbled over your words, laughing awkwardly to cover it up.

"You used to sleep in my cot during my leave of absence," Crosshair recalled this piece of information because Omega had once told him about it during their time of confinement. "So where will you sleep?" Crosshair repeated himself.

"There's always that extra cot," you said rather sorrowfully. Your gaze fell to the floor when you remembered the notable absence of your squad member.

Hearing your response only made Crosshair close his eyes. It was all still new to him: the fact that he lost one of his brothers. He wasn't used to the feeling of him not being there because he'd always been there. He never imagined what life without Tech would look like. And now, he had to live that reality.

Since Tech died, you hadn't been able to bring yourself to cleaning up his personal space. His old workbench was left exactly how he'd left it with tools and gadgets scattered randomly. His cot was a whole other ordeal. There were wires coming out of places there shouldn't be wires and greasy parts had stained the sheets. Every time you looked at it, it was almost like he was still there living among you. So you never touched it.

That was until now when the need for another sleeping place arose.

"He's been watching you like a hawk," Crosshair's voice was quick to pull you away from your thoughts as he quickly changed the subject. You furrowed your eyebrows in slight confusion.

"Who?" You asked.

"Hunter," Crosshair rolled his eyes. His tone almost hinted: who else would it be?

"Oh," you replied softly, not really knowing how to respond to that.

"He worries about you, you know that right?" Crosshair added. He kept his back to you.

"Well, I--I never..." you threw a brief glance over your shoulder, but you were still at a loss for words.

"He'd be better for you," Crosshair confessed. He dropped his gaze down to his hands which shook ever so slightly in his lap. He clasped them together to stop the shaking. "He's cared about you for a long time and he's been able to take care of you. That's more than I can say."

"Crosshair," you breathed steadily. You called out for him and tried to peer around the chair. "What's this all about?"

Contemplating his next words carefully, Crosshair remained silent for a moment. He closed his eyes and turned his head away as if he wanted to run away from all of his thoughts and feelings. But he knew he couldn't do that.

"I---I care about you," Crosshair confessed, but he still refused to look you in the eyes.

Shoulders depleting at his confession, you felt your own breath escape your throat and your heart clenched tightly in your chest. You struggled to find the words to respond, opening and closing your mouth like a fish out of water.

"B-But I thought..." your voice trailed off as you took a single step forward. You recalled the conversation on Kamino.

"I know what I said!" Crosshair yelled back a little louder than he expected initially. You weakly took a step backwards in retreat, feeling him pushing you away again.

"What changed?" You inquired curiously.

"When I was...in confinement...I had a hard time sleeping," Crosshair began to explain. He kept his gaze locked on his hands as he relived the painful memories. "Every time I managed to fall asleep, I'd think of you. And it made me realize how much I missed you."

There was only silence that followed.

"I've made mistakes; done things that I'm not proud of. But one of my biggest regrets was pushing you away," Crosshair was speaking from the heart.

Before Crosshair knew what was happening, he felt a warm hand come in contact with his cheek. The hand urged him to turn his head and look up directly into your soft and kind eyes. You observed him silently, gazing deeply into the depths of his eyes to look for any deceit or falseness.

But all you could find was a truly broken soul. He had never looked at you like that before with such a tone of pain and hurt behind those eyes. He raised his shaky and unstable hand to grasp your wrist and hold your hand against his cheek. He seemed to lean into your touch, relishing the feeling of your skin against his own.

His hand tremors didn't go unnoticed by you. It was something he carried with him now. And he'd have to find a way to work through that struggle.

There was a part of him that wondered if this was all just another one of his dreams of you. That he'd only imagined escaping prison with Omega, fighting for his life, reuniting with his brothers, and finally confessing his feelings towards you. He closed his eyes and expected to wake up from this horrible dream at any moment. But instead: Crosshair only heard you say.

"I forgive you."

[toastnpretzels]

home

relationships: crosshair x reader

masterlist

word count: 733

warnings: angsty, fluff, there's an unexplained relationship between the reader and crosshair, kinda left it up to interpretation whether you think they were together before or if it was just them having feelings for each other.

season 3 episode 4 spoilers

author's note: i have not posted a fic in so long. ive been so busy but that doesnt matter. the new episode had me feeling some type of way so here you go. its kinda short but i didnt want to expand without seeing hunter and wrecker's reaction to crosshair being back.

thank you for any support whether its likes, reblogs, or comments <3

“I had help.”

The last few months had been terrible. From losing Tech and then losing Omega to the empire. Spending everyday looking for her with no success. Nothing was ok. All of us were miserable. Our family was being torn apart and there was nothing we could do about it. It couldn’t have gotten any worse.

Getting the comm from Omega was one of the best things to ever happen to us, but seeing her running down from the ship was even better. Embracing her, knowing she was safe, felt better than anything had. Things were starting to feel right again. All it took was one hug from Omega.

But then he walked off the cargo ship and everything in my body froze. He looked so different. He had been gone for so long that I thought the feelings had disappeared. Seeing him there, I knew they never were.

I forgot what it was like to be near him. I forgot how my heart sped up and how my head felt dizzy. I forgot how he smelled and how warm he was. I forgot how much I loved him.

-

After Kaller, nothing was ever the same. He wasn’t the same. The chip had changed him. The Empire had changed him.

He let us go on Kamino. The same day you had told him you loved him. On the platform before we left, with tears in my eyes. I told him I loved him.

“You shouldn’t.”

“Crosshair, please,” you whispered. He could hear the way your voice was breaking. You couldn’t lose him again.

When he didn’t say anything, you turned to walk away. Typical Crosshair to not say anything. He grabbed your wrist as you started walking.

“I love you.”

You stared at him. Your tears threatened to spill out from his confession.

“But I can’t come with you. You deserve better. This is where I want to be. With the Empire.”

I should have dragged him to the ship. I should have done more. But what more could you do when he didn’t want to be there. He wanted to be with the Empire.

Why couldn’t he have just came with you that day?

-

No one moved. Everyone was just as shocked to see him. No one knew what he was going to do, how he was going to react. He had tried to kill us before, but he had also let us go. No one trusted him anymore. You chose to remember how he had let us go.

You were the first one to move. Slowly, I stepped out from behind Wrecker. Every step I took towards him was filled with anxiety. It had been too long.

He doesn’t want to see me.

Is he still him?

Why did he come then?

Why would he still be here if he didn’t want to be?

You stopped a few feet in front of him. I could see how tired he looked from where I was standing. I couldn’t stand seeing him like this. It hurt so much. He had been through so much since Kamino.

What did they do to him?

I couldn’t stand there anymore. I ran the few feet that were left in between us. I wasn’t sure if he would push me away. As I got close to him, I fell right into his arms. I didn’t realize just how much I had missed him until this moment. He wrapped his arms around me in the tightest embrace I’ve ever had. It had been too long since I had felt him. He was safe. He was here.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered after a few minutes, so quietly that you barely heard it.

I looked up at him. He had tears that were threatening to spill over. Your heart broke at the look on his face.

“Shh. Not now. Just let me hold you.”

You stood there for what felt like an eternity just holding each other. Quiet tears were spiling from both of your eyes.

“I love you,” he whispered into your hair. His arms tightened around you again, as if he was afraid you would disappear.

It would be hard to forgive. Hard for everyone, not just you. So much had happened. But for now, all that mattered was that him and Omega were safe. Omega was home. Crosshair was home.

“I love you too.”

[green-alm0nd]

Hey hey! Could you do platonic headcanons with TBB where the reader reveals that she’s pregnant and they’ll be “uncles” after the events of the finale? Keep up the great work <3

[The Bad Batch x fem!reader (Headcanons)]: Platonic uncles

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----

Summary:

After the events of the finale, you find out you're pregnant and you decide to tell your friends that fought hundreds of battles alongside you.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: none really, just fluff and Crosshair being a bit of an idiot.

Enjoy!

I hope you like it Anon :p!

----

HUNTER:

Already knew because of his enhanced senses.

He could probably feel all the changes your body was going through.

He's really happy to see you happy.

Kinda protective over you throughout the entire 9 months.

Like yeah he knows you can protect yourself since you've fought alongside his brothers but he can't help but become just a tad bit protective.

When the kid grows up, he's probably going to teach them how to hear noises by concentrating (even though it's not as good as his enhanced senses).

One time he lost his vibroblade and found your kid with it.

You almost killed Hunter when that happened.

Overall, he's a good uncle and a very nice friend when he's around the kid.

ECHO:

Actually surprised when you told him you were pregnant.

Like Hunter, he became slightly protective of you.

A bit reluctant when you introduced your significant other.

But if you trust them he trusts them too.

Best. Uncle. Ever.

Lets your kid play with his scomp link.

Echo is the type of uncle to tell your kids his story. From the Domino squad to him joining the Bad Batch to him joining the Rebellion.

Probably plays pirates with your kid because they told Echo he looked like a pirate because of his hand.

Overall: a cool uncle, probably a bit grumpy, but still a cool uncle.

WRECKER:

Super excited to have a mini-you running around Pabu.

When you actually told him he did not understand.

However, after a session of Tech's-info-dump, he got the idea.

I have a headcanon that he is a very nice uncle.

He will hide every single object from war so that the baby doesn't accidentally hurt themselves.

Actually tried to learn how to cook to make your kid Mantell mix. Spoiler: it goes wrong.

Will make shenanigans with your kid.

Overall, Wrecker is probably the most chaotic uncle of the entire galaxy.

TECH:

"Oh. Well, congratulations." Were his only words.

He is probably the least surprised out of the entire Batch.

Reminds you to take care of yourself.

Definitely keeps track of EVERYTHING.

He really cares for your safety and the safety of your kid.

Of course, he'd definitely be a good uncle.

I think Tech would be the uncle that-knows-it-all since he really is a walking Wookiepedia man.

Whenever he is alone with the kid, he will RAMBLE. Even though the kid will not understand, he will ramble until he needs to catch some air.

Overall: Human dictionary uncle (I love him for that)

CROSSHAIR:

Will act pissed, but he's actually proud that you made a life for yourself after everything you went through.

Not surprised at all when you told him. He just shrugged.

And then he joked about it saying that 'If he couldn't handle you, he couldn't handle a mini, more hyperactive version of you'.

He learnt how to sew to fix Wrecker's tooka bear and give it to your kid.

You will find it endearing but he will deny it nonetheless because he does not like people seeing his sweet-side.

He's surprisingly good at calming the kid down for some reason you can't really figure out.

Not really protective because he knows you can take care of yourself. But, that doesn't mean he won't keep an eye on you some days.

When the kid grows up, he will NOT show them his rifles because he knows the risks and he knows that you will probably kill him for showing weapons at a six year-old.

Overall: he's the type of uncle that will disappear for ten months and then come back and act like nothing happened. But he's still a nice uncle.

----

Finals start this week :')

I hope you enjoyed your request anon!

[winniethewife]

The consequences that are rendered (Crosshair x F!reader)

Gif by @theworstbatch

Warnings: Angst, Hint of unrequited love, season 3 spoilers

Words: 677

“Now, there's a sight!” Wrecker’s booming voice confirms everything they had hoped, She looked at Hunter with a smile, Omega was finally home. She looks at Hunter with a smile on her face, the emotion on his face was almost overwhelming. She motioned for him to go a head.

“Go ahead, I’m right behind you.” She says softly with a smile. As he starts to the entry port they hear Wrecker speaking.

“We crossed the galaxy four times looking for you.” Wrecker’s voice is filled with tears as he put Omega down from lifting her up in the air.

“Five. But you're the one who found us.”  Hunter’s calm voice still showing the excitement he’s holding. She watched as he skipped a couple steps down to reach the young girl, her heart soars as she watches the scene unfold. The way the two of them hugged, she couldn’t be happier. Well there was one thing that could make her even happier, but she was sure that would never happen. She leans on the door frame watching the sweet reunion unfold. The tears in her eyes threatening to spill over. 

“But how did you escape?” Hunter asked as he looks at the blonde clone girl with affection.  

“I had help.” She said and as they all looked to the ship the sight nearly brought her to her knees. It was like seeing a ghost.  Crosshair disembarking the ship, she couldn’t believe her eyes. After a moment of bewildered silence she started to walk over to him, she was stopped by Hunters hand on her shoulder. She looks back at him silently pleading with him. She needed to see for herself, needed to know for sure. Hunter nods his face worried but understanding. As she walks on Hunters hand runs down her arm until he touches her hand, holding it for a second before letting go, she was never his to loose, but they had been through so much together, he had hoped… but as she walked over to his brother, He knew, his fingers finally pulled from his grasp.

“Crosshair.” Her voice filled with pain. “Its…its been awhile.” He couldn’t look her in the eye. He had done something unforgivable. He didn’t deserve to look at her. to see the love in her eyes that somehow remained after all this time. She put her hand gently on his face, gently guiding his eyes to hers, as he reluctantly followed her actions he choked up. It was almost too much, seeing her face again after all this time.

“It has…Its…It’s been too long. cyar’ika” He says the name with soft affection, in a way he hasn’t heard his own voice sound in so long he doesn’t even recognize it. He hesitates at her touch, he feels like he doesn’t deserve her affection after everything he put her through, but his need to feel her overpowers his doubts he puts his hand over hers and nuzzles in to her hand, letting the soft feeling of her hand and her familiar scent fill his senses. She smiled with tears in her eyes, running her thumb over his cheek, treasuring the feeling of him. Crosshair closes his eyes, wanting to savor the moment.

“I’m…I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. ” He mutters, he doesn’t know what else to say, he dosen’t believe he is worth forgiveness. Before he can try to say another thing, he is surprised by the feeling of her lips on his, the taste of her flooding his mouth, the feeling was everything he remembered, everything he missed, everything he had dreamed about. He thinks od those nights he stared at the celling of his cell thinking of this moment. He wraps one arm around her waist and pulls her in closer as he kisses her back, with more intense passion, his other hand on her upper back, holding her close. She’s surprised at first, letting out a little shocked sound before matching his passion, both her hands holding his face between them.

He was home.

He was finally home.

~

Masterlist

[missglaskin]

Yandere Aegon II Targaryen (Romantic) would include: 

Warnings: Forced relationship, toxic and abusive behavior, NONCON also spoilers 

Note: While I use the gif for the younger version, this is supposed to be for the older!Aegon, but I can’t find any gifs of him 

If Aegon were ever to be defined by his sins, there would be three. His first sin was wrath; described as a man who’s quick to anger and slow to forgive. His second sin was gluttony, always overindulging himself. And his third most prominent sin was his lust. He kept an eye on every pretty lady and servant, and they were frequently found in his bed. In the end, Aegon always walks away with pride while they walk away with shame. 

He has always been drawn to lovely things. It should not have come as a surprise when you got his attention. You are beautiful, young, and pure—all the qualities he liked in a woman. Aegon is shameless; regardless of whether you were engaged or already married, he would still pursue you. Sadly, Aegon won't accept "no," and soon enough, his interest develops into infatuation, which then develops into obsession.

The blood of the dragon is coursing through Aegon. It's in his nature to be possessive and protective, but as a yandere, he becomes suffocating. He is without a doubt among the worst yanderes in his family. While the others also exhibit his possessiveness, Aegon is more on the extreme side, in that he views you more as a trophy for him to win rather than as a person with feelings and aspirations. 

Another thing that makes Aegon different from the others is that they know their darling is only with them because of coercion. But Aegon doesn’t see it this. He becomes a semi-delusional yandere as a result. Hence why he is so agitated when you keep turning him down—it forces him to deal with reality.

Aegon will marry you one way or another. Despite his mother's and grandfather's advice to the contrary. Aegon doesn't handle rejection well, as was already mentioned, and he'll react violently if his engagement to you is rejected. Aegon might even go so far as to deflower you—either voluntarily or against your will—so that you would be compelled to wed him in order to maintain your honor. 

Aegon will continue to have an affair with you regardless of whether he marries Helaena. The problem arises when he refuses to keep it secret. There will be a lot of gossip around the court regarding the whole arrangement, and it will be extremely scandalous. And obviously, your family will be humiliated as a result. Still, it doesn’t bother Aegon. If anything, he sees it as their payback for refusing to accept your engagement to him. 

Deep-seated jealousy consumes Aegon. Even the slightest interactions you have with the opposite sex make him paranoid. Playing on Aegon's jealousy is the riskiest thing you can do because it will likely result in someone dying-possibly getting eaten by his dragon. His brothers are not exempt from this either, and as a result, they tend to avoid you. Everyone in the court—the lord, the ladies, and the servants—knows to keep their distance if they want to stay out of Aegon's crosshairs. 

Whatever you may think of Aemond and Daemon, there is at least a sense that they care about their kids, even if they are merely a tool for subjugation. On the other hand, Aegon doesn't really care about your kids, and if he had to choose between you and them, he would pick you without giving it a second thought. 

He’s hungry for you and Aegon takes what he wants. He loves seeing you squirm, the tears you shed, the sounds you let out; in particular when you moan his name. If you reject him, he'll gladly force himself on you. And all the guards who were meant to protect you will simply stand there as they listen to their prince king forces himself on you. Aegon deludes himself into thinking you want this, but you're just being coy. 

Aegon is desperate for your touch even outside of the bedroom. Holding your hands wherever you go. His lips are always finding yours; his kisses are passionate and deeply left. In spite of his lack of enthusiasm for dancing, he will dance with you on any given occasion. His mother has to caution him against making physical displays of affection because other people perceive his clinginess as a weakness.

As the future king, he demands respect. He demands others to give you the same respect. Regardless of whether you are his mistress or his wife, Aegon won't tolerate any disrespect or insults directed at you. The subsequent time they do so will be the final occasion when their tongue is intact.

If you play your cards well, Aegon will be in your good graces. You've discovered how simple it is to seduce Aegon. How eagerly he awaits your admiration. Aegon also enjoys treating you to many luxuries. Even if you ask for something odd, like a pony, he'll bring it to you. 

As time goes on, you will slowly be able to get him to do your bedding, but you must make him feel that you are happy with him, that you have accepted his place in your life, and that you love him completely. You must be careful though, despite Aegon's love for you. If your plans are discovered, you’re not exempt from his wrath. 

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

"A Different Approach" Ending

Having seen this episode twice, I think the ending does work. I know some people aren't happy and I understand why. I really do. But, I have faith that the creators will handle this situation well.

Spoilers below

Omega and Crosshair came home. I am beyond happy to see them finally reunite with their family. Now, I know it wasn't my ideal fanfic fluff reunion where Crosshair gets hugged liked crazy and everyone cries. For Omega, that makes sense. However, I do think this ending was realistic from a narrative POV. Forgiveness, especially in a complex topic like this, doesn't always happen overnight. It needs to be earned.

Crosshair's absence hurt Hunter deeply. Hunter had to watch his own brother, whom he grew up with, shoot his family. He had to watch his brother hunt him down. He had to watch his brother try and hurt the kid Hunter loves so dearly. It doesn't help that Crosshair lured the others to Kamino using Hunter and later rejected Hunter's offer to come back. From Hunter's POV, Crosshair doesn't want to come home nor understands the Batch. Simply put, he doesn't trust Crosshair and still is in pain from past grievances.

Wrecker being upset also makes sense. The last time he saw Crosshair, his brother rejected the opportunity to rejoin. Furthermore, Cross wasn't exactly in the brightest mood. Imo, Wrecker feels betrayed and hurt, but not to the degree Hunter is. He wants Crosshair back, but past grievances remind him of the pain he felt. Also, Wrecker wants to keep Omega safe and he knows Crosshair doesn't have the best track record with making good decisions.

Then, there's Crosshair. I LOVED that we hear his new theme when he walks out. This is not the same Crosshair from season 1. He is a changed man who's gone through so much suffering to get to where he is now. There is a lot of unspoken pain and turmoil going on inside him. Hunter and Wrecker don't know what he's been through. Over 6 months of separation and there's been no contact except for the warning message. Crosshair knows that Hunter and Wrecker don't trust him. Deep down, I believe Crosshair wants to go home, but his internal conflict and abandonment have impacted him hard.

Now, this is where the family therapy section starts. Crosshair, Hunter, and Wrecker will not bounce back to their original relationship prior to Order 66. They may fight side by side, but they won't have that bond that they had before. For these brothers to slowly build back their relationship, they need to acknowledge their shortcomings but also work towards solutions. This is mainly for Crosshair and Hunter.

Cross made mistakes. He needs to accept that, even if it might be hard to admit. I do believe he also needs to acknowledge Hunter's feelings. Hunter did feel betrayed. He didn't fully understand what was going on. Crosshair, through his actions, needs to show he's changed. By being open with Hunter, hopefully both brothers can begin to understand each other better.

Hunter needs to acknowledge Crosshair's pain and feelings of abandonment. Because yes, Hunter never really did anything to try and get Cross back or wonder about the chip. He goes back for Omega, but not Cross. And it's established that Crosshair wasn't completely in control at the start. Hunter also has a lot of other issues he needs to accept, including his own identity issues.

TLDR: both sides need to put a lot of effort into repairing their relationship. Hunter was hurt, Wrecker was hurt, and Crosshair was hurt. They need to acknowledge their shortcomings and the other party. But I'm confident that the brothers can do it. Their loyalty and love for each other, particularly with Omega to mediate, hopefully will pull them through to the end.

[cc--2224]

Lifeline

Summary: Crosshair and Omega reunite with Hunter and Wrecker, but Crosshair can't help but notice someone is missing. After doing some digging, he finally learns of his brother's fate. Omega helps him to understand that it wasn't his fault, and she helps him to start moving forward.

Warnings: Potential Bad Batch Season 3 spoilers if you have not watched up until episode 5!! If you're not caught up, please don't read :) Big mentions of guilt, and mentions of anxiety, pain, and brief mention of Crosshair's torture on Tantiss

Notes: This is just general hurt/comfort for Crosshair, no romance, no reader insert, pain with a happy ending.

Read on AO3

Word Count: ~3.5k

Taglist: None, let me know if you'd like to be added!

Masterlist

If you enjoyed this, please consider reblogging or replying 💚

He expected the cold glares from his brothers as he disembarked from the Imperial cargo ship. He knew as soon as Omega had contacted them, that they would not be happy to see him, but that was okay. Being with his brothers, as unhappy as they were with him, was infinitely better than being back on Tantiss. And he knew at the very least, even if Hunter and Wrecker were angry, Tech would be willing to at least try to understand him, just as he always had.

Crosshair briefly looked toward the Marauder to see if Tech would emerge, but he didn’t. He then looked back to Wrecker, whose gaze seemed to soften slightly, and then to Hunter whose glare was just as cold as it was when he first saw him.

"You helped her escape?" Hunter asked incredulously when Crosshair approached them.

"I wouldn't be here if I hadn't." Crosshair retorted.

Hunter's eyebrows furrowed, “And we’re supposed to just believe you?”

“Hunter, come on. Can we sort this out later?” Wrecker attempted to stand between them, but Hunter pushed past him.

“It just seems a little too convenient to me. Omega ends up in an Imperial prison, and someone who was hellbent on sending her there just happens to help her escape?” His eyes narrowed.

“I was imprisoned too.” Crosshair advised him, his tone cold.

Hunter looked surprised for a moment. “Now that is convenient.”

“You seem to have forgotten the warning I sent you.”

“You mean the trap.” 

Hunter and Crosshair stood inches apart from each other, staring daggers into each other, before Wrecker forcefully pushed his way between them.

“That’s enough. Look, if Omega trusts you, then I will too.” He told Crosshair, then he looked at Hunter, “We need to stick together, especially now.”

Hunter looked past Wrecker one more time, he had a look which told Crosshair that he had more to say, but instead he just shook his head and boarded the Marauder, followed by Wrecker.

That was exactly the conversation Crosshair expected to have, but it was strange for Wrecker to play the role of the mediator, usually that was designated to Echo or Tech.

Omega took Crosshair's hand gently, snapping him out of his thoughts, "C'mon. Time to go home." She said before pulling him onto the ship.

Home. Where was home now? Kamino was lost, and everywhere else he had been was off-limits.

He reluctantly followed her onto the ship, still looking for his absentee brother.

"Where's T-" He began to ask her, but she ran to her old bedroom in the gunport before he could get his question out.

Crosshair sighed and looked toward the cockpit, considering if he should just go look for himself, but ultimately decided to stay as far away from the others as possible, figuring he'd just see him later anyway.

The door to the cockpit slid open suddenly and Crosshair looked over at the sound, only to find Wrecker holding out his old Firepuncher rifle.

"Here. Don't know how well it works anymore, haven't touched it since Kamino but.. it's yours."

Crosshair walked toward him and grabbed the barrel of the rifle. He tried looking into the cockpit while he was there, but couldn't see past Wrecker.

He felt a resistance on the blaster when he pulled away and realized Wrecker hadn't let go.

"If this gets aimed at Omega or at us again, we'll throw you out of this ship before you can pull the trigger. Got it?"

"...Got it."

Wrecker let go of the blaster before ducking back into the cockpit, leaving Crosshair alone. He leaned the rifle against the wall and looked around.

He felt his hand shake as he wandered the ship, feeling like he was where he belonged, yet also feeling incredibly out of place. He held the shaking hand gently, attempting to massage it before just clenching his fist until the tremors stopped. He then sat against the wall and settled down for the first time in what felt like weeks even if it had only been a few days, and took a minute to close his eyes. The familiar sound and scent of the Marauder made him feel more at ease than he'd ever admit.

A loud clanking began approaching him slowly, and without even opening his eyes, he knew it was the power droid that he always thought could have been scrapped or upgraded to something more useful. But even still, when it honked at him in what sounded like excitement, he opened one eye slightly.

"Yeah, I missed you too, Gonky."

He didn't realize he had fallen asleep, until he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Crosshair? Wake up, we're here!"

It was Omega. She jostled his shoulder again.

He opened his eyes and blinked a few times before slowly looking around, he saw Batcher curled up next to him on one side, and Gonky powered down on the other. He shook his head and slowly stood up.

The open door of the Marauder invited the warm sea breeze and the chittering sounds of moon-yos into the ship. It wasn't unwelcome but it was unlike anything Crosshair was used to.

"Where are we?" He asked Omega before grabbing his Firepuncher and taking a few steps toward the door, his eyes squinting as it got brighter.

"Pabu. It's remote, but lots of people came here as refugees. Don't worry though, everyone's friendly, and the Empire wouldn't even know to come here." She walked past him and left the ship.

He stepped into the bright light and had to shield his eyes with his hand. It was certainly different than anywhere he had been in the last year, and definitely not somewhere he would have thought the others to have found on their own.

"How did you find this place?"

"Phee brought us here."

"Who is Phee?"

"Our friend. She's a liberator of ancient wonders!" Omega smiled back at him as they walked away from the landing port.

Crosshair raised an eyebrow, "You mean a pirate."

"Don't let her hear you call her that."

"I'm not sure that a pirate is someone you can really call a friend."

"Tech seemed like her." She shrugged.

Crosshair stopped in his tracks, suddenly realizing that he still hadn't seen Tech in all this time.

"Omega.. Where is Tech?"

She kept walking, Crosshair couldn't see her face to know of the grief that crept across it. She couldn't bring herself to tell him in all the time she had spent with him on Tantiss, and truthfully, she still wasn't ready to accept that Tech was gone.

Omega remained quiet, and Crosshair grew suspicious.

Before he could press for information, they were approached by a man, a woman, and a young girl.

"Omega!" The girl exclaimed.

"Lyana!" Omega answered, running over to her and giving her a hug. "Shep! Phee! I missed you!"

Crosshair stood further back, not wanting to interrupt their reunion, but eying Omega's friends carefully. When she mentioned Phee's name, his gaze shifted to the woman.

Her eyes met his and for a moment, he could see resentment in her expression until Shep called over to him.

"You must be Crosshair! We've heard much about you! I am Shep Hazard, the mayor of Pabu. This is my daughter Lyana, and this is Phee."

Crosshair nodded in greeting but said nothing.

"Too good to talk to us?" Phee asked, her cold tone surprising the others.

"Phee.." Omega said quietly, almost as a warning.

She scoffed at Crosshair before turning back to Omega. "It's nice to see you, kid, I'll catch up with you later."

When she left, Shep looked awkwardly between Omega and Crosshair before nervously clapping his hands together. "Don't mind her, Crosshair, she just.. isn't a morning person. But speaking of, the two of you must be starving! Come, join us for breakfast!"

"...I'll pass." Crosshair replied. "I'm.. not hungry." He began walking away in the same direction as Phee.

Omega watched him leave, she had an anxious feeling but decided to ignore it. Instead, she let him go while she joined Shep and Lyana.

- - -

Phee stood, leaning on a railing and looking out to the sea. She heard footsteps approach and stop a few feet away. Without turning to look at her company, she spoke.

"What could you possibly have to say to me?"

Crosshair was silent at first, not sure exactly how to answer her. He wasn't the type to seek out strangers, but he also knew he needed answers.

"You're a friend of Tech's?" He finally asked.

She looked down at the railing.

"What's it to you?"

"Omega won't tell me where he is."

Phee turned to face him at long last. He could still see the contempt for him on her face, and he could hear it when she spoke.

"Then maybe you don't deserve to know."

Crosshair considered arguing, showing her that he had a right to know where his brother was, but he could hardly believe that himself. Why should he get access to everyone's whereabouts when he had only just returned to them?

Phee continued talking, pulling him out of his thoughts. "I don't even know why they brought you back here. The last thing anyone here needs is some Empire lap dog hanging around."

Crosshair's eyes narrowed, "I am not-"

Phee cut him off before he could finish his sentence. "Just remember, if you even think of hurting anyone here, it'll be the last thing you do."

With that, she pushed past him and walked away once more. This time, he knew better than to follow her.

Instead, he made his way back to the landing port. He thought that maybe Tech had decided to leave, and if he did, there would be some record of it back on the ship. Tech would never leave without ensuring that every detail of his departure was documented.

The Marauder was empty when he arrived back, save for Gonky who was still powered down inside. Even Batcher was now preoccupied somewhere else, likely with Wrecker, Crosshair assumed.

He boarded the Marauder and began looking at Tech's bunk. It was in the same condition it always was, tools and wires strewn across the bed, there was no comfortable way to sleep with such a mess, but Tech still did it anyway.

He sighed, knowing he'd get no insights here, so he walked toward the cockpit.

The door slid open, and it was devoid of people. It was strange for him to see the ship empty when they weren't actively on a mission, normally Tech would be fixing something that was working perfectly fine to begin with.

He slowly walked over to the console and found Tech's datapad. He picked it up and examined it with curiosity, it was unlike Tech to go anywhere without his datapad. He could tell that it had recently been used, but he couldn't determine why. When he set it back down on the console, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye, and when he turned his head to get a better look, he froze.

Reaching out a hand to pick the object up, he could see his hand shake, but despite the pain and frustration his tremors had brought him, he was too focused on the item in his hand to pay the tremors any mind.

Goggles. Tech's goggles. The lenses were cracked and broken, the light on the arm had long since gone out.

"Tech...?" He said quietly to himself.

He heard the door slide open behind him, and his eyes narrowed.

"Where is he?" Crosshair asked, still looking at the goggles in his hand.

"Listen, Crosshair.." Hunter began.

"Hunter.. Where is he?" Crosshair repeated through gritted teeth. "Where is Tech?"

He turned around to face his brother.

Hunter sighed, "When we got your message about Omega, Tech was the one who suggested we go to Eriadu. There was an Imperial base there and we thought we could extract information on Hemlock. He wanted to find you and bring you home."

Crosshair felt his jaw clench more. "So what happened to him?"

"We were on a railcar making our escape, and it became a firefight between us, the Empire, and a group of insurgents. And.." Hunter looked down. "An explosive went off, and a railcar came off the track, pulling the others with it. Tech was attached to the car and we tried to pull him up, but there was no safe way to get to him, the other cars would have fallen too.."

Crosshair's grip tightened around the band of the goggles. "Don't tell me that he..."

Hunter nodded slowly. "Plan 99."

Crosshair was silent for a moment before slamming the goggles back onto the console. "And you let him do it? Plan 99 was never meant to be used." His voice was full of anger and desperation and grief all at once.

"We didn't have a choice."

"Of course you did!"

"Tech assessed the situation and did what he thought was best. We tried telling him to hold on while we thought of a way to pull him up, but there was no time. It was his decision to enact Plan 99. We all knew that it would only be used when there was no other option, Tech knew best of all. It was his choice."

Crosshair's eyes narrowed, he knew Hunter was right, it wouldn't be outside of Tech's nature to sacrifice himself to save the others. But to do so for his sake? How could Tech of all people do something so stupid?

"I'm sorry that you had to find out this way, I thought Omega would have told you." Hunter said.

"She shouldn't have had to." Crosshair replied bitterly before walking toward the door, shoving past Hunter on his way out.

“Crosshair,” Hunter called out, his voice now much more stern, causing Crosshair to stop. “You can be angry all you want, but don’t pretend like you’re completely blameless.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Crosshair replied.

“You know what I mean.”

Crosshair said nothing back, and instead walked out of the ship. 

Back out in the sunlight, all he wanted to do was to get far away from everyone. He looked around for somewhere secluded where no one could bother him, until he finally found a cove in the lower area of the island, the one place he could see that wasn't teeming with people. Somewhere he could be alone.

When he arrived, he took a look around, looking for something he could use as a target. He figured that if there was one thing that could still take his mind off of everything, it was training.

He picked up a small rock from the ground and placed it on a boulder before walking a few paces back, preparing himself to shoot it. But just as he was lining up his shot, he felt his hand begin to tremble again. He rolled his eyes and attempted to force it to stop but it wouldn't.

"Come on.." He muttered quietly. "Why now?"

He watched his hand as it shook. Why wouldn't it stop? Why did it have to happen every time he held a blaster? He was enhanced for one job, one thing that made him feel like he was of use, and he couldn't do it. And what made it worse was that he didn’t know exactly what it was that caused his hand to shake, he knew every detail of the torture he went through on Tantiss, and he remembered it vividly, but he couldn’t think of what part of it could have caused this. 

He knew that if Tech were here, he would be able to fix it.The two of them were always close, they always understood each other, and understood when there was something wrong. Their numbers may not have been sequential, but they may as well have been twins. Tech was always more talkative, but anytime Crosshair had something to say, Tech would listen. Growing up, Tech would always be the one to ensure the Kaminoans knew if Crosshair needed assistance, something Crosshair would never tell them on his own. And as they got older and became less dependent on the Kaminoans, anytime Crosshair had a problem, he knew that he could bring it to Tech for resolution.

So that made all of this more difficult for Crosshair to cope with. He had a problem, and no one to bring it to. The support he had all throughout his life was gone.

And it was his fault. 

The tremble worsened the more he thought about Tech’s death. He threw his rifle down to the ground in frustration and sat down next to it, holding his hand out in front of him. He had run out of ideas to stop it, so instead he just stared.

- - - 

He was still sitting down in the sand, now with his head in his hands when Omega finally found him. His hand had stopped shaking some time ago, but he didn’t want to attempt any more training.

"Cross..hair?" She called out, hesitantly.

"What?" He hissed. His voice was more angry than he intended to let out and he regretted it as soon as it happened. But with all of the stress of adjusting to the new location, the news of Tech’s death, and his inability to fix his hand, there was a lot swirling around in his mind.

She flinched slightly at his tone before walking over to him.

"Are you alright?"

He thought carefully about how he wanted to ask his next question so he didn’t snap again. "Why didn't you tell me.. about Tech?"

She felt a lump in her throat. She knew he would have found out eventually but didn't know what to say when he did.

"I-I... I couldn't." Her eyes started to water.

"We were there for months, I'm sure you could have found the time."

"I couldn't say it."

He glanced up at her now and saw the grieved and almost guilty expression on her face. His icy glare immediately melted, but he didn't say anything.

"Tech.. fell so that we could escape. And I still- I still got captured." A tear rolled down her cheek, "His sacrifice was all for nothing, because of me. How was I supposed to tell you that?"

Crosshair knew he wasn't fit to comfort anyone, but he still got to his feet and hesitated before putting his hand on her shoulder, knowing that her sadness and guilt took precedence over his anger.

"You can't think that way." He told her, his tone now much softer. "Tech knew what he was doing. He was a soldier, he knew the risks. And more importantly.."

Crosshair sighed and his eyes met hers. "He was your brother. So even if you think it was meaningless, I know he'd do it again."

Omega looked at him, searching his eyes for any sign that he was unsure of his words but found none.

"Really?"

He nodded, "It wasn't your fault, Omega. If anyone was to blame," He began, remembering what Hunter said before shaking his head. "Tech wanted to find me. Bring me home. That's the reason you went on that mission, I'm the reason you went on that mission."

He looked down at the ground, and Omega gently took his hand.

"I know that’s what Hunter told you, but you can't blame yourself either, Crosshair. It's like you said, he's your brother."

He paused for a moment then took his hand off of Omega’s shoulder, “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” He told her quietly. “It’s just..”

She smiled reassuringly at him. “It’s not easy to adjust, I understand. You’ve been gone a while, and a lot has changed. You don’t have to be sorry.” 

He didn’t say anything back, but the look on his face revealed that he was grateful for her understanding. Before he could protest, she stepped toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He didn’t return the hug, but he didn’t push her away either. 

She soon backed away and after a moment, she spoke again, “Come on, let’s go back to the others.”

His gaze shifted to the ocean, and considered going with her but decided he didn’t want to confront Hunter again, “I think I should stay here. No one needs me up there.”

She sighed and shook her head, “I wasn’t asking.” Once again, she took his hand and dragged him toward the stairs. 

As they walked together toward the upper levels of the island, Crosshair took in his surroundings. He knew it would take time for him to feel completely comfortable, as Omega said, a lot had changed. But he was thankful that he still had at least one person there that was going to be patient with him while he adjusted. He always knew Tech to be the only one to truly understand him, but the more he let Omega in, the more he began to realize that she understood him just as well.

It may have been different; being on Pabu, being reunited with the Bad Batch, actually having the freedom that he thought he had all along, coping with his grief. But if Omega was willing to help him adjust, then he knew it would get easier.

[nahoney22]

Congrats on 3k followers! Can I pls request the bad batch reacting to reader telling them they love them for the first time? Can be angsty or fluffy whatever you’d like! Female or GN reader preferred. Thanks! Love your stuff 💜

I Love You

All Bad Batch Boys X GN!Reader

warnings/spoilers: first ‘I love yous’ fluff and some parts (echos and crosshairs) angsty. Some kisses and flirting, brief mentions of the empire. Heartache. Cussing.

authors note: thanks for the kind words. Hope this is okay. Naturally, I wrote the most for Tech 🤍

Echo

Echo stood across from you, his expression heavy with the weight of his decision. He had just revealed his plan to join Rex in assisting the other clones, and though you understood and supported his noble intentions, a pang of selfishness gripped your heart. You couldn't bear the thought of him leaving.

"How long do you think you'll be gone?" you asked, your voice trembling as you struggled to maintain composure. The mere sight of him stirred a storm of emotions within you. How could one man have such an effect on you?

"However long it takes," he replied, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and concern, as he noticed the sadness in your eyes.

You let out a sigh, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Gathering your courage, you finally raised your gaze to meet his, allowing the floodgates of your emotions to open. Tears welled up in your eyes, but you managed a bittersweet smile, fidgeting with your fingers, the urge to reach out and touch him almost unbearable. Yet, you remained rooted in place.

"Please don't be upset," he whispered, taking a tentative step closer. But you found yourself instinctively stepping back, the fear of vulnerability creeping in.

"I'm not... I'm proud of you, Echo," you sniffed, your voice quivering. "And I love you. I love you so, so much. So, don't you dare... don't you dare die out there." The confession slipped from your lips before you could fully comprehend the magnitude of your words. The intensity of your emotions clearly have overwhelmed you.

As you turn around and start to walk back to the Marauder, refusing to let Echo see you cry over him or even give him enough time to reject you, you hear the sound of running steps. With a grip on your arm and a firm spin, your lips are met with his. Desperate. Loving.

“I love you too. I’ll come back for you, I promise.”

Hunter

The storm raged on, its relentless fury battering your weary bodies as you find refuge in a desolate cave. The bone-chilling cold seeped through every layer of clothing, but you found solace in the fact that Hunter was by your side.

"We're stuck here until the storm subsides, I can’t make contact with the others." Hunter's voice cut through the howling wind, his breath visible in the frigid air. He sat down beside you as you sheltered yourself from the wind behind a large boulder. He rubbed his gloved hands together for warmth.

“Fantastic.” You can’t help but shiver but the sarcasm pierces through. You sigh, wrapping your arms tightly around yourself to seek any source of heat. Sensing your discomfort, Hunter pulled you closer, his strong arm enveloping you in a protective embrace. His touch brought a momentary respite from the biting cold and you couldn’t help but start to think about your feelings.

These feelings? They’ve been steadily growing, and the scary situation intensified the urgency within you. With the freezing temperatures numbing your senses, the words slipped out before you could fully comprehend their weight.

"Hunter, if we don't make it out of this... just know that I love you," you confessed, your voice barely audible over the storm.

He stills and this time not because of the cold. In fact, a great heat washes over him as his heart warms at your words. He looks down at you, smiling softly and chuckling. “We’re going to be okay, sweet. But, I… I love you too.”

If it weren’t for the storm you would have happily turned around and kissed him but there’s a time and a place and sadly, now is not the time. Sometimes, words are better than actions in times like this.

Wrecker

As you found yourself in the company of Wrecker, the time to relax was always a treat. Despite his loud and boisterous demeanor, there was a calmer side to him that revealed itself when you were alone together. It was a side that made you appreciate him even more although you adored how he was usually.

Just the two of you, both of you were enjoying a peaceful picnic, indulging in good food and engaging in good conversation. With missions piling up and a reasonable paycheck, you both decided to savor a meal that was actually edible for a change.

“This is nice,” Taking a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere, you smiled as the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow upon the surroundings. The truth was, you had strong feelings for Wrecker. While playful flirting was a regular occurrence between you two, there was a part of you that yearned for something more, and you couldn't help but sense that he felt the same way.

"Yeah, it is," Wrecker responded, his warm smile directed not at the setting sun but at you. His gaze bore into your soul, causing a blush to bloom on your cheeks. Unable to contain your amusement, you laughed softly and turned your attention towards him.

"You're not too bad yourself, Wreck'," you playfully smirked, earning a hearty chuckle in response.

“I love it when ya flirt with me," he admitted, his eyes sparkling with both amusement and adoration.

His admission sent delightful shivers down your spine, emboldening you to share your own feelings. "Yeah? You know what I love?"

He raised an eyebrow, his curiosity evident. "Go on."

You moistened your lips, preparing to bare your heart and locking your gaze with his. "You."

For a brief moment, his smile faltered, his ears flushing with heat, and his eyes widened in surprise. "You love me?"

"Of course. I love you, Wrecker," you confessed with absolute certainty.

He scooted closer, his large hand cupping your cheek making you sigh happily as you knew what was to come. He brought your lips to his in a tender and passionate kiss, tender lips melting and dancing together perfectly. "I love ya too," he chuckled, his happiness radiating through his words. It was the perfect ending to a lovely day.

Tech

"I have found a way to help you release endorphins," Tech's words caught you off guard, causing you to halt and spin around in your seat to face him as he approached.

Confusion etched across your face as you awaited an explanation. "What are you on about?"

"I have noticed a significant shift in your demeanor lately. Even though I've made adjustments to the ship to make it more comfortable for you, it doesn't seem to improve your mood," Tech explained in his usual matter-of-fact tone. Your puzzled expression shifted to a mix of surprise and realisation. You had noticed subtle changes in the Marauder, such as the temperature, cleanliness, and even lighting, but you hadn't realised Tech was doing it all for you.

Speechless for a moment, you were compelled to ask for more details. "What exactly do you have in mind?"

"Dancing," Tech replied, his words punctuated with a touch of earnestness.

You couldn't help but burst into laughter at the unexpected suggestion. "Please don't tell me you've booked dance lessons for me somewhere. I really don't want to go through that," you joked, but there was a hint of seriousness in your tone, hoping it wasn't the case.

A small smile curved on Tech's lips as he reassured you, "You'll be pleased to know that is not what I had in mind. I was actually hoping you would allow me to dance with you. Slow dancing, to be precise."

The laughter subsided, replaced by a mixture of surprise and warmth. Your eyes met Tech's, and a rush of emotions flooded your heart. Slow dancing with him sounded incredibly intimate and personal—a gesture that spoke about the feelings you had for him. Perhaps he felt something too?

A smile played at the corners of your lips as you nodded, accepting his offer. "I'd love to dance with you, Tech."

“Follow me.” Tech's abrupt instruction to follow him caught you off guard, but you complied without hesitation. The two of you stepped outside the ship, finding a more spacious area where you could move freely. Fortunately, the rest of the team was occupied elsewhere, giving you privacy.

Coming to a stop, Tech turned towards you, closing the distance between you. Your heart raced as he took your hand in his, his other hand gently resting on your waist. Together, you began to sway, finding a rhythm that was uniquely your own. There was no music playing, but your heartbeat would drown out all sounds anyway.

After a few minutes, Tech's voice, laced with timidity, broke the silence. "Is this making you happy?"

You couldn't help but hum in adoration, nodding in response. "It's nice, yeah. But you don't have to go to such lengths for me. I'll be fine. I'm just missing Echo... and Crosshair."

Tech nodded, understanding the complexities of your emotions. "I understand. I miss them too, but it was their decision to leave, and we have to respect that. As for making you happier, it's something I genuinely want to do. It benefits both of us, and... it's an intimacy I feel comfortable sharing only with you."

His words melted your heart, intensifying the feelings you held for him. Unable to hold back any longer, you paused your movement, causing Tech to look at you with slight alarm. But he hadn't said anything wrong. Not at all.

Slowly, you leaned in, placing a tender kiss on his lips. He froze, his eyes widening behind his goggles. "I love you, Tech," you whispered against his lips, pulling back slightly to gauge his reaction. The vulnerability in your words hung in the air, awaiting his response.

A smile, soft and beautiful, spread across Tech's face in response to your heartfelt confession. His eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and vulnerability. "I harbor the same feelings for you too," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity. "It's a new sensation for me, but one that I wholeheartedly want to explore and share with you."

Crosshair

Seeing Crosshair standing before you felt like encountering a ghost from the past. He had been gone for so long, and now he stood on your doorstep, his presence both bewildering and overwhelming. Your voice was hoarse as you struggled to grasp the reality of the situation. "Crosshair... what are you...? Why are you here?"

He remained silent, his eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and anger, but not directed at you. It seemed he carried a weight of emotions towards everything else, a burden he bore heavily. His head bowed, almost as if he were ashamed, realising the audacity of just showing up after months, almost a year, of absence without a word.

His silence only fueled your anger and bitterness. "Answer me," you insisted, your voice tinged with frustration.

"I didn’t know where else to go," Crosshair finally replied, his voice filled with a sense of resignation. It was a simple admission, revealing a vulnerability that you hadn't seen in him before. It struck a chord within you, evoking a mix of compassion and concern.

As you step aside, allowing Crosshair to enter your home, a heavy silence fills the air, adding to the already palpable tension. He remains quiet, a familiar trait that isn't entirely surprising, but this time, it carries a weight of its own.

The tension becomes suffocating, and you can feel your stomach churn with unease. Crosshair stands still, his gaze fixed on the window, his back turned to you. The tears sting your eyes, and a lump forms in your throat. The frustration and hurt bubble up within you, demanding to be released.

"Do you have any idea what I've been through?" you ask, your voice quivering with emotion. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for even a single word from you?" Your temper rises, fueled by the so long of uncertainty and longing. You knew where he had gone, whom he had chosen to serve.

Once again, Crosshair's head dips, his shoulders tense, but this time, he turns to look at you fully. His gaze meets yours, and you can sense a glimmer of remorse and understanding. "I can imagine what you feel," he responds quietly.

"No," you shake your head dismissively, your voice thick with emotion, "no, you can't. Not for a second."

He would typically retort with a sharp remark, but this time, he remains silent, allowing you to unload the weight of your emotions.

"Do you know what it's like?" you continue, your voice trembling. "To love someone only to have them do the most awful, horrible thing you could imagine?" He freezes at your words, his eyes locked with yours, his breath caught in his throat. Your admission of love burns within his chest, searing with a mix of pain and longing.

"Yeah, that's right," you laugh almost bitterly, a tinge of sadness lacing your voice. "I loved you. I loved you! How dare you, Crosshair!”

“Even after Hunter told me they tried to bring you back, you left them again! You left me again! I loved you, and I still do. Damn you!" Your anger turns inward, and you abruptly turn away from him, clutching your chest as if trying to contain the ache that feels like your heartstrings are snapping, determined to rip your heart out and throw it at him, only for him to trample on it once more.

You hear him approach and very gently, he places a hand to your shoulder. “I’m not going to ask you for your forgiveness, I don’t deserve it.” He whispers, voice low and dark. “But just know I have loved you every minute. Of every day.”

You don’t know where this was going to lead but for now, you found some kind of twisted solace in his words. It was going to take a long time to rebuild something that had broken.

Masterlist

Tags: @andyoufollowyourheart @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @captxin-rex @jesseeka @ashotofspotchka a @oohyesplease @theroguesully @mustluvecho @ladykatakuri @jambolska-grozdova @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @rain-on-kamino @either-madness-or-brilliance @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @chrissywakingup @kixs-husband @pb-jellybeans @nunanuggets @sleepycreativewriter @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari i @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @tinyreadersmur @seriowan @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @raevulsix @imalovernotahater @crystal076 @blustalker @by-the-primes @the-bad-batch-baroness

[totallyunidentified]

Friendly Fire

This is the longest thing I've written yet.

I started this right after episode 14 came out early Wednesday morning.

Enjoy my little Echo ficlet/Prophecy

HEAVY SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 14 OF TBB SEASON 3

When they finally make it inside Tantiss, Crosshair's hand is shaking worse than ever. He had tried everything he could to not return only for his worst nightmare to happen. He’s back and Omega was there because of him. Because of his misfire. He had hoped that he wouldn't have had to even talk about Tantiss again but here he is. They run through corridor after corridor simply taking out whatever stormtroopers they come across, they can’t afford anything going wrong. 

“We have to find Echo!” Crosshair calls to Hunter and Wrecker as they keep up their search. They had gone completely com silent so they have no idea where the reg could be. 

Emeri had led Echo to the vault. Despite her warning him, he’s shocked at the conditions the children are being held in. 

They walk in together and another female doctor walks up to Emeri looking at her with thinly veiled disdain 

“Doctor Karr you are aware that stormtroopers aren't allowed in the vault with the specimens. I shall have to report this to Dr. Hem-,” 

Before she can finish her sentence Echo is astounded when Emeri pulls her arm back and knocks out the other doctor in one hit. 

“I guess you really are a clone!” He comments as she uses the incapacitated doctor’s datapad to turn off all the security measures. 

Omega, seeing Emeri take action, immediately jumps on top of the medical droid and reprograms it telling it to shut down. She then jumps off and rejoins the other children moving to stand between them and the man in a stormtrooper uniform in front of her. 

Echo sees Omega standing in front of four other children as if she's guarding them. She’s watching him suspiciously and he realizes he’s forgotten to take off his helmet. 

“Echo!” Omega almost sobs before throwing herself in his arms. When he wraps his arms around her, Omega notices he has two hands holding her. When he lets go she grabs his robotic hand and twists and turns it trying to get a better look at it.

“This is new,” Omega comments and starts to ask but Echo just shrugs. 

“It grew back on its own,” Echo says with a straight face making Omega arch her eyebrow at him. 

“Suuuure” Omega says, rolling her eyes and grinning at him. She turns to Emeri,

 “So you finally decided you wanted to help us?” 

Emeri looks down at the floor frowning and then back up at Omega

 “I- I am a clone like you. I realize my actions have been counter to what I should have been doing, but I swear I’m ready to do better” Omega smiles at her and gives her a quick hug, shocking Emeri

 “I have…never gotten one of those before.”

“Better get used to it” Echo quips, turning to the rest of the kids in the vault. 

“…Hello. Are you guys ready to get out of here?” 

The kids look at each other and nod apprehensively. The Pantoran girl holding the baby moves closer behind the green boy, hiding. 

“We’re just kids, how are we supposed to help get us out?” she asks in a quiet voice. She's scared, they all are. Echo can see clearly. He remembers a similar situation on Kamino; while these kids weren’t soldiers, they still had something about them. Echo just had to make them see that.

Echo kneels down to see eye to eye with the kids.

“You guys are here because there’s something special about you right? Even the Imps could see it. They needed you for a reason, just like right now I need you to be brave. I need you to have courage. Be strong. You have the hearts of clones and the strength of the Jedi. Whatever it is that makes you special was in their blood and is in your blood. It’s in Omega’s blood, which I'd say is close enough to make you honorary clones. You aren’t some helpless children, you are strong and have heart! Now we need to get out of here!”

Echo starts to herd all of the kids plus Emeri to the doorway to get them out of there. 

“Wait!” Omega stops Echo. “I know a way we can get out of here. I have a distraction planned.” 

”Do you?” 

“Uh huh. The Zillo beast that they have in one of the containment areas, we can free it and let that distract the rest of the base.”

Echo just stands there for a moment and grins “You know, you remind me so much of someone that it almost scares me. He came up with these hair-brained schemes all the time too”

Omega stands up just a little straighter. “He sounds like fun”

“He was.” 

Echo turns to Emeri “You take the kids to the hangar and wait for us there.”

“Ok I’ll try. Come along, we have to hurry!” 

They run out of the vault together before Emeri points Echo and Omega in the right direction to go before urging the children to walk faster in the other direction.

As they run to the Zillo beast enclosure, Omega can't help but ask,”Where are the others?” She fears the worst but is relieved when Echo slows, “They are here…somewhere. We've gone com silent since we got here,” Omega nods at this, understanding the need to be untraceable. They fall into silence as they run through hallway after hallway with no interruptions. 

“After this…I want to be done. I want to find somewhere even more remote than Pabu and just stay there. Maybe we can find wherever Cut and Suu went! You and Rex can even join us. I'm sure Hunter wouldn’t mind,” Omega says to break the silence.

“...Omega, We-” 

“You have your mission, I know. I just want us to all be together again.” 

“Rex and I won't be done until all our brothers are free. If I'm honest even after that I don't know if I'll stop fighting for what I feel is right. There are the makings of a larger rebellion against the Empire, maybe I'll join them. I’m a soldier, ’Mega, it’s what I’m made for.”

“Yeah, but…” 

“Listen, after we get you out of here we can talk more about it but we need to find the beast and your brothers first.” 

Crosshair, Hunter, and Wrecker knew that they needed to find Omega then Echo, and fast. They run through the hallways and corridors turning corners and shooting the stormtroopers with barely a second glance. “Nothing from Echo?” Crosshair asks yet again. “Nothing!” Hunter answers as the men keep running, finding fewer troopers as they get deeper into Tantiss. Echo guides Omega through the halls keeping his new hand on her shoulder, his real hand holding his blaster. 

Crosshair is starting to panic. Omega is nowhere to be found and Echo hasn't checked in yet. He must have gotten off the ship and be somewhere in the facility. 

Omega and Echo are running towards a corner.

Crosshair comes to a T in the hallway 

They turn the corner. 

Crosshair sees a stormtrooper with a blaster in one hand and Omega grasped by the shoulder in the other.

Crosshair acts on instinct and doeswhat he had been doing the whole time they were running through Tantiss. 

His sister is in danger again. This time he wouldn’t fail her. 

His aim is sure and his hand steady as he immediately raises his rifle. 

The stormtrooper raises his hands as if to try and stop him but Crosshair has had enough, he briefly notices the strange stiffness of the trooper’s right hand but his mind is moving too fast to stop on that thought. 

He just wants to get Omega, find Echo, and get back to Pabu

He wants to leave Tantiss and blow the place to the Maker.

All these thoughts run through his head in a split second. 

Crosshair does what he does best: he shoots.

And this time. He doesn’t miss.

Hitting Echo in the chest. Directly over his heart. 

Crosshair watches the stormtrooper collapse. 

Omega screams and pushes Crosshair away when he runs to grab her.

He doesn't understand.

Until she takes off the stormtrooper’s helmet.

Crosshair can only watch in horror as Echo’s face is revealed. Somehow he is even paler than before. He lies on the ground and Omega puts her hand over his wound desperately trying to help.

All three clones rip their helmets off, dropping them to the ground. 

When Crosshair tries to step forward to try to help, Omega yells at him to just stay back. She sits on the ground beside Echo, he’s practically in her lap

Just this once Crosshair wishes that his hands had shaken.

The one time he wished he could have…Crosshair didn’t miss.

Echo knows he isn't going to make it. 

He can’t help but chuckle to himself over the way that this had occurred. It sounded all too familiar to what Rex had told him so long ago on Anaxes after he had been brought back. 

Rex walks into the room where Echo is getting a final look over by Kix and the other medics. Echo looks up at his captain, his brother. “Finally decided to tell me huh?” Rex can only nod and raises his hand to the back of his neck, his nerves all over the place. “Echo listen, I-,” Echo puts his hand up stopping him. “I know. You can tell me how but it won’t make a difference. He’s gone. He would've been here if he wasn’t. Just, just tell me he went down fighting,” Rex grimaces and brings his hand down putting it on his shoulder. He makes eye contact with Kix who moves to clear everyone else out of the room before leaving himself. “You know Fives, was there any other way?” Rex and Echo chuckle remembering Fives’ personality. “Tell me Rex…” Echo says seriously after a moment. Rex sighs but moves to sit next to Echo on the bed. “In the end…Fives didn’t die on the battlefield. I’m sorry Echo, but he was killed by a brother. By Fox. At the time we had no idea about the chips, but somehow Fives found out. We- I didn't believe him, I was there when it happened and he- well he died in my arms,” Rex says this without looking at Echo. When he finally does he sees Echo’s face not filled with anger as he suspected, but with sorrow? Even a bit of pity. “It isn't your fault Rex. You had no way of knowing, not even the Jedi knew and they were supposed to know everything.” Rex had looked at him and nodded. Echo had wanted to say more but couldn't, internally reeling about how Fives had been killed by a brother, and how he had died assuming he was the last domino to fall. 

Returning to the present, Echo’s eyes focus back on Omega and her hand on his chest. Once again reminding him of another blond clone who had left their handprint on his chest. 

Echo’s eyes move across the room and land on Crosshair, who can’t even look at him. “Hey Cross… I’d say that intel earned your hug.” And suddenly all the men are surrounding Echo and Omega. Crosshair has his hand on Echo’s scomp. He leans over and puts his forehead to Echo’s and whispers “I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t be, I would've done the same thing,” Echo says firmly and hopes that Crosshair believes him.

Crosshair can’t look at Echo as he stands up and turns away from him, wiping his hand across his eyes. Erasing the tears that Crosshair would refuse to say came. Hunter and Wrecker can’t even say anything. It’s Eriadu all over again. This time they are in a medical facility without their medic, and they can’t do anything to save Echo. Both take their turn to say goodbye and to put their own foreheads to Echo’s as the tears stream down both their faces. They’d gotten so used to crying around each other they barely even noticed it anymore. Unlike Crosshair who was still hiding his face.

Omega looks up just above where Echo is lying. Tears streaming down her face she swears she feels a familiar presence, one she had felt years ago as a young child back on Kamino. She looks back down at Echo who is looking at the same spot, a slight smile on his face. 

“Took you long enough you Di’kut,” Echo chuckles wincing. “You know, Fives, I never thought I'd be the last Domino to fall. Can’t say I’m glad for it.” 

Omega is the only one to hear this. Her other brothers stay back knowing that there is nothing they can do. She looks at them, scared, “Who is Fives?” The men all freeze. They all feel their stomachs drop. She looks back down towards Echo who is already watching her. The rise and fall of his chest is slowing. “Vod’ika, I-I’m… I don't want to go but, My brothers, they’re here. Fives, Rose, Hevy, Cutup, Droidbait, 99... They say I can march with them.” Echo’s eyes are glistening, unfocused. He wants to go with them but he has so much to do here. Omega can see his struggle and pushes her feelings away. 

“It’s ok Echo. You are done fighting, you can march with them.  We will be ok.” Omega’s eyes are full of tears but she doesn’t let them fall. She lays her head on Echo’s chest holding his hand in one of hers and putting the other hand on his chestplate. Feeling as his breaths grow shallow, his heartbeat slows and eventually fades away. Echo’s hand slowly lets go of Omega’s but grabs onto his twin’s. Echo barely notices the lack of metal weighing him down as Fives helps him up, grinning as he pulls Echo into a hug before he turns and leads Echo away with an arm around his neck. 

Omega looks up at Echo’s face. She doesn't think she ever saw him look this peaceful before.

The final domino. Fallen. But rising to join his brothers as they march on to forever.

[spacemagicandlaserswords]

The Bad Batch 3.1 ‘Confined’ Recap

Image from this post by @isthereanechoinhere96

Fuck you for starting with that line

Why are the captions in a serif font?

Going heavy on the theme of freedom for the clones already in the recap. Foreshadowing?

Rex!

CODY

Meme by u/No-Needleworker5295 on Reddit

Ah fuck here we go again

Why must I be made to relive this?

Damn the music is really hitting hard and it’s only the recap

Spoilers for Season 3 below!

Mayday! *sobs*

Oh great, it’s fuck face again

Hemlock being a bastard as per usual

Poor Omega

“Prisoner? Omega, you are no such thing.” Said to the child kept in a cage.

Still not trusting and heavily side eyeing Emerie

Why do they let Omega carry around a little lunchbox? That seems like an obvious security risk. As does the cell with a window, even if it has a heavy grate on it.

LMAO Crosshair looks the saddest, wettest, most bedraggled little meow meow in existence

Who are those other clones??? I must know

Why are they taking blood samples from the top of the hand? That seems like the least useful place to take it from

“All of us serve a purpose here” Big oof

The shots and framing are making it pretty clear that the blood, and Omega's blood in particular, is important

So many commandos with the glowing visors

Oh, it’s a door scanner. I thought Omega was sitting in a cell in that shot in the trailer

Nala Se (derogatory)

Lmao that wasn’t even subtle. She just destroyed Omega’s blood sample without even hiding what she was doing

“This research, it’s not like what we did on Kamino, is it?” Pretty sure what you did on Kamino was just as horrific. Though you can’t really blame Omega for that seeing as she’s a literal child who was also probably experimented on

M-count. That’s midi-chlorians isn’t it. Lol they aren’t even being subtle about this. Force sensitive clones ahoy!

“Experiments on the specimens” Jesus H Christ

Vault? That doesn’t bode well

Everything about this episode is very eerie and sinister

Ok that is an excessive, overkill amount of security. Who the fuck is in there?

And straight into electrocuting space dogs. Great.

I knew the lunchbox was for hiding something!

Batcher? Aw, she named them after the Bad Batch

Yes, stick your arm into the cage with the aggressive space dog. That’s a good idea

Nuggies???

He was shivering T_T

Who are all of these clones??? I keep pausing the video and zooming in but I can’t see any identifying characteristics on any of them yet. 

And there he is

Oh fuck Crosshair’s hand is shaking. I know most people have probably watched the clip of this already but I deliberately didn’t. Shaking hands for a sniper is Not Good. That’s his right hand too, so presumably his trigger hand/finger/whatever it’s called? Is this a physical injury inflicted on him by their experiments or PTSD or both?

I’m intrigued at how much relative freedom they’re giving Omega. She’s not being kept in a cell all the time like the other clones. Though I suppose this is part of their plan to make Nala Se cooperate.

Ok the tap dripping in Omega’s cell is definitely a visual metaphor for how repetitive, dreary, and isolating this all is

That’s 21 tally marks

Oh, she made a straw Lula. Ow

[shrieking in distance] – what shrieking? Captions, what are you going on about?

Oh fuck that’s a lot of tally marks. And a hair change. Lots of time has clearly passed. They’ve updated Omega’s model too but I think it’s a tad heavy handed as she hasn’t aged that much.

Wow, she didn’t even look at Crosshair. Is this attitude change Omega being ground down by what’s happening to her or something she’s doing deliberately to try and play along and be more cooperative so she can find out about more stuff? Also, that’s the second time she’s walked past Crosshair in the same spot at the same time of the day. That seems deliberate. 

Lol could you be any more obvious with the lighting in that shot that Omega’s blood is important? It’s like the vial of her blood has a moody spotlight on it. Important plot point here!

Nooooo Batcher’s hurt 😭

Bacta sponge?

“If I get the chance to escape, I wouldn’t think twice about leaving you behind.” Hmmm, you keep telling yourself that Crosshair

“I’m not them.” T_T

“Don’t risk anything for me. I belong in here.” Oooooooooowwwwwwwww

“None of us belong in here.” Damn right

There is some really lovely cinematography and framing in this scene between Omega and Crosshair

Well that was brutal and heavy handed

A successful transfer? A successful transfer of what?

The “specimen” has a high M-count. So they’re force sensitive. Now for the speculation on who it is?

“You should not question my loyalty to science, Doctor.” LMAO bitch what?

Urgh, of course they’re killing the dog once it’s friendly

Ahahaha squished

Aw, she’s setting Batcher free but she doesn’t want to go. 

“I didn’t know you were so cruel, Omega.” Oh fuck right off

Piss weak attempt to help there Emerie

Hemlock getting his evil baddie laugh moment

Clever. Omega knows why she’s here.

Urgh, of course Hemlock would threaten Crosshair to get Omega to cooperate.

Re-education?!?!?! You sick fuck

“Actions always have consequences. Sometimes not in the ways we imagine.” I am really hoping that line comes back to bite him in the ass later on

Oh fuck off with bring back the doll Emerie. That is such a bait to try and get Omega to like her and behave

That’s 164 tally marks. Omega’s been on Mount Tantiss for 5 and a half months

Aw, Batcher made it out. And that’s the crashed shuttle from earlier that she’s howling on the top of. More foreshadowing?

[salith-skies]

Helping Hands

#thebadbatch Bad Batch x f!Reader | semi established, post Tantis, season 3 (spoilers?), bringing back the farm-hand batchers, semi violence, SFW | 610 words

With a final trip to the barn, the hay bales were stacked neatly. I looked over to the three clones while I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand and smiled. “Thanks, boys. Really saved me a lot of sun for other things.”

Hunter nodded, “No problem.”

“Let me cook you guys something as payment. Bring your sister, too.” I offered and looked to each of the brothers. They each nodded their heads, Wrecker most excited. “I’ll see you guys back around sunset.” I walked them out and kissed their cheeks as they left.

I started to prep the meal an hour before they were supposed to arrive, chopping veggies and meat. I heard my screen door that leads to the back open and I set my knife down to look at the time. If it was them, they were early.

“Boys?” I got no response. “Omega?” There were footsteps rounding the wall and a man dressed in black showed himself. “Who are you?” I asked and picked up my knife, slowly putting my other hand down behind the counter and opening a drawer.

“I’d think twice before you get confident.” The man brandished his blaster and nodded towards the knife in my hand. “Just looking for valuables.”

His voice sent a chill down my back. “Take what you want and leave me in peace.” I carefully touched for the signal booster in the drawer, pressing its button and hoped that those clones would get the message.

“Ooh, no can do, doll.” He mocked sympathy in his voice and he stepped closer. “See, the valuables I want is you.” He walked closer until he was opposite of me, the only thing between us was the island counter.

I could feel my hands begin to shake. I looked to the side and saw movement outside of the window. I heard the soft creak of the screen door and looked back to the man in black. I shook my head, “You won’t be taking me anywhere.”

“Awe. Who’s going to stop me?” His voice was cocky.

Before the man could come around the island counter, a blaster fire went through his middle. When the man went down, I inhaled sharply like I had been drowning in the ocean. My hand let go of the knife and I grabbed onto the counter before my knees gave out from beneath me.

“Y/n, are you alright?” Omega asked, coming to my side while Crosshair and Hunter took the man outside to be dealt with later.

“I’m fine, thank you,” I smiled and caressed her hair. When the two came back inside, I looked to her brothers and stood tall again. “Dinner is running behind guys,” I tried to chuckle and make the situation light.

Wrecker came over and engulfed me in a hug, Hunter and Crosshair coming to take over dinner. “Don’t worry about it,” Crosshair said.

“We’re just glad we got here in time.” Hunter glanced at me with a concerned smile and fear still hidden behind his eyes.

I sighed, bringing Omega into the hug and I let my eyes shut. “Thank you…” I whispered and I felt Wrecker place a kiss on the top of my head. I smiled and squeezed the both of them tightly before I let go. I went over to Hunter and hugged him from behind then stepped over to Crosshair to place a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, boys. And Omega.” I smiled at her and she smiled back.

“Can’t just let some stranger try and take what’s ours,” Wrecker chuckled.

I chuckled with him and agreed. “I love you, guys.”

[lightwise]

THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR FREEDOM

AKA Analysis of Crosshair in The Tipping Point

This may sound like a strange claim to be making about Crosshair in S2 E14. (SPOILERS BELOW IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THIS EPISODE YET).

Crosshair is imprisoned this entire episode. Tied down. Tortured. Unable to move. And yet I was almost speechless at how he is rendered, in both his facial expressions and his choices. As strange as it sounds to say, I think Crosshair is at peace in this episode. This man is finally, fully HIMSELF. It’s HIM. This is the REAL Crosshair, like we’ve never seen him before.

His face (and his eyes) are so OPEN. I don’t know how else to describe it. Prior to this, Crosshair had a variety of colorful facial expressions that he usually kept on him, ranging from sarcastic sneers, brows pulling together in worry, feigned disinterest, and downright rage. (I will be making a separate post on the expansive range of Crosshair’s expressions and how I think they signify what his real emotions are). 

But here, we start with Crosshair in a prison cell, being roughly taken out of his confinement to another location. Normally I would expect Crosshair to have a very sour, disdainful look on his face as these TK troopers cuff him and haul him out. But he doesn’t. Yes there’s a bit of a raised eyebrow still, but his face is just calm. Open. Serious but not fraught with tension. (Also, shameless side note: this man looks so good in blue/gray/not black colors. They make him seem softer and more open, as well).

Not only that, but he gazes around him, eyes moving side to side, paying attention to the other prison cells (maybe even looking to see if there was someone he knew also being held there?), even getting himself in trouble for taking an interest in those around him. Crosshair, who has always held himself separate and apart, has always pretended to look away even when he was listening. He is present, even in the midst of a horrible situation. 

I was reminded of the end shot in The Solitary Clone, and the parallels of him walking freely down the hallway as an imperial there, and a prisoner here. But in the first one he’s actually a prisoner inside himself, while in the second, he might be held captive on the outside, but he’s free on the inside. 

Even to Emerie and Hemlock, Crosshair remains surprisingly mild and level in his responses. May I remind you what this man’s face has looked like earlier in his story when dealing with people in power over him - and when being tasked to give up his family.

But instead he simply gazes at them calmly–suspicious, but clear-headed. He is in possession of his self esteem and purpose once again, and he doesn’t need to put on a front of superiority or fury in order to face the gaze of others. 

And he knows immediately what the doctor wants. He obviously has no intention of giving up his brothers. His face and tone remain even, controlled. He still says “the kid” to Hemlock’s face, but there is no animosity in using those words. And we will see how that was no longer Crosshair’s real opinion of Omega.

On the flipside of this calmness, we have very rarely seen Crosshair fall apart from pain or fear in front of others. But this torture from Hemlock is excruciating, and as a result of Crosshair’s emotions being closer to the surface, his sensitivity to pain and fear and anguish are on full display as well. 

He manages to escape the current torture, but his goal isn’t to save himself. In maybe the most important scene of this episode, Crosshair risks his life to warn and try to save his family, his brothers, his sister, with no regard for the consequences to himself. And yes, we almost got to hear him say “Omega” for the first time. Do we need any more proof that he cares? Crosshair is finally, truly, making the right decisions for the right reasons and he knows it. And that loyalty is going to help him bear whatever he has to bear to keep his family safe. 

He is in so much pain and I hate it 😭

“Why suffer more?” Hemlock asks him. He is defiant, yes. But his “severe and unyielding nature,” his stubbornness and loyalty, his need to be accepted for who he is, are finally being put to the right purpose.

(Also, you cannot tell me this wasn't foreshadowing from The Solitary Clone.)

This is a man who loves and cares DEEPLY, who loves his family even after having had all trust severed on both sides, who would do anything to protect them, even if it means risking his own sanity and self. This man is at peace with his own actions - FINALLY. This is him. And that means so much to me.

I apologize now for the pain, but I am going to end by connecting this to a quote from Andor. Maarva’s last message to Cassian broke my heart and rebuilt it from the inside when I first heard it, and I realized that it could fully apply to Crosshair as well:

"Tell him, he knows everything he needs to know and feels everything he needs to feel. And when the day comes, and those two pull together, he will be an unstoppable force for good. Tell him... I love him more than anything he could ever do wrong." 

[clownery-and-fuckery]

Tech and Hemlock whump, as promised.... I have some SOLID PheeTech coming ASAP, so the burns will ease !! ...actually in context that joke isn't that funny, sorry ;"0

I hope you enjoy!!! Small spoilers under the cut !!

Run. That's all they had to do.

Batcher was streaming ahead, all bark, a warning to others ahead. Omega's legs were beginning to tire, but she pushed herself forward. She had to.

The Imperial behind them was catching up.

"Keep going!" Crosshair snapped, voice dangerously close to a wheeze as they sprinted across the open field. Hunter and Wrecker were just up ahead, they were ready to leave with them. They just had to keep going.

"Omega!!" Wrecker's voice, however different sounding, shouted clearly from up ahead. "Cross, hurry up!! We're gone!"

They kept running until Crosshair felt his foot get snagged. He tumbled, gasping as he face-planted onto the ground. Omega turned and stopped. "Crosshair!"

"Don't stop running!" He hissed, pulling himself up. "Go, go!!"

It was too late. Crosshair felt the boot colliding with his spine. He went down hard, wheezing as his ribs collided with the ground harshly. He hacked, hearing Omega shriek as footsteps approached from behind her.

He turned, staring up into the masked eyes of the soldier.

"Omega, run!" He ordered, willing his voice to sound more like Hunter's. Or Echo's, she'd listen to them, wouldn't she?

Apparently not. "Let him go!" She demanded, readying her blaster. This soldier was already aiming its blaster at Crosshair's face, emotionless. The blaster wasn't set to stun.

"Omega!" Hunter's voice was loud, and he gasped, before drawing his blaster. "Get behind me-!"

Omega must not have budged, but all Crosshair could see was the blaster. He breathed harshly through his nose, glaring up at the soldier for a moment. It still hasn't shot him yet. Why?

That's when Crosshair noticed.

The soldiers hand shook.

It was only a minor tremble, barely noticeable unless the hand was in your face. Fortunately for Crosshair, it was. This soldier wasn't hesitating. It was resisting.

A re-educated clone, like Crosshair should have been. But why hesitate? Why resist this far into the mission? It didn't make sense.

So, Crosshair edged the clone on. "Shoot me!" He demanded, ordered. Hunter's studdered gasp and Omega's immediate shout of, "Don't-!" were ignored. He watched the soldier tense, hands beginning to change from a small tremble until its whole arm shook.

A blaster shot rang out.

Crosshair's eyes were squeezed shut, until he heard the soldier speaking above him.

"Run."

He felt arms pulling him, and noted the scorch mark of a blaster shot right beside where his head had been. The soldier held his arm, pinning it to its side as he watched Hunter drag Crosshair away. He watched the soldier until they were out of view.

The soldier had refused to kill him. The soldier had resisted the re-education to spare him. Crosshair knew that soldier.

The Marauder was shooting off before he could question it further, and he watched the soldier from the port view as they lifted off.

He watched them leave, and went to touch his face. At the last second, be seemed to remember something, fingers almost touching where the bridge of his nose should be, and his hand dropped, despondent.

He limped away, into the treeline, but not without one wishful glance back to the Maurader.

The realisation didn't hit until Hunter was making the jump. "No-!" Crosshair gasped, eyes widened as he turned to Hutner. "Don't—!"

The jumped to hyperspace.

—

"The doctor would like to see you."

He froze, and nodded curtly before walking into the main control room. Doctor Hemlock was standing, his usual round of guards surrounding him. He didn't turn when the soldier had walked in.

"Leave us," His order was addressed to the room. Everyone but he left the room, some glancing at the soldier before he was left alone with the doctor.

The room went eerily silent.

"Remove your mask." Doctor Hemlock instructed. "I want you to look me in the eyes while you explain your failure."

He hesitated, and reached up, taking off the top part of his helmet, allowing his eyes to be hit by the cool air of the room. His mouth stayed firmly concealed, the mask having been forcibly bound to his jaw long ago.

Doctor Hemlock turned to face him, his cold eyes boring into him. He didn't say a word, just examined him for a moment.

"Your vision seems to be clearing." He mentioned offhandedly. "The fogginess has dissipated."

The finally was left unsaid. He nodded shortly, avoiding looking directly at the doctors face. Hemlock walked closer, standing over him.

"Despite my best efforts of reviving you after your unfortunate accident," The doctor spoke down to him, voice laced with venom. "You have chosen to fail me."

He froze, looking away from the doctor, downwards. He kept quiet, watching Hemlock's hands carefully. There wasn't a hint of regret in his stance.

His jaw was gripped, and his face was tilted upwards. "Now," Hemlock said sharply. "9907. Explain yourself."

He swallowed thickly, voice distorted because of the mask. "There were unforseen complications," He explained quietly, willing his eyes to unfocus, so that maybe he could pretend he wasn't there. "I apologise."

"Unforseen circumstances." Hemlock repeated. "The appearance of Clone Force ninety-nine does not constitue as an 'unforseen circumstance'. The girl's capture is your primary objective."

He didn't answer. The grip tightened, and his face was forced upwards, throat exposed. The doctor watched him, seemingly coming to a decision.

"You require more time in the re-education programme," Hemlock's voice cut through him like a viroblade. He straightened, shoulders raised as he stared at the blurry ceiling.

"And I believe," Hemlock added, before releasing the grip on him and turning away. "Added incentive."

Before he could have a hope of understanding the doctor, electricity coursed through his body. With a horrid, choked cry, his knees gave in. He collapsed to the floor, gripping his throat as he let out breath after strangled breath.

It felt like an eternity had passed before it finally stopped. He gasped, curled over himself on the floor. He could vaguely smell burnt flesh, and watched swirling steam rise to the ceiling. He panted, holding back agonised sounds of pain.

The doctors shoes appeared beside him. "That is the level you would have received," Hemlock spoke quietly. "Had you been honest with me from the beginning."

He barely had the energy to prepare. Another wave of electricity, stronger, harder and longer than before shot through him, and this time, he could not stop the shrieks of pain that left him, the crack in his voice only spurred the doctor on further.

When it stopped again, he couldn't hear the doctor over the ringing in his ears.

He let out a horrid shout of pain when guards raised him to his numb feet. Hemlock was standing over him, and with care he did not deserve, the doctor secured his mask back over his eyes.

"Secure him in a cell," Hemlock ordered softly. "I wish to oversee his re-education personally."

He was dragged out of the room, eyes rolling back.

Burn joke definitely isn't funny anymore.... my lads......... my baby lads 😭