#commandercody

[foxyaran]

Codyyyyyyy 😀

[badbatchsprincess]

Heated ~ pt.24

Pt.1 ~ Pt.2 ~ Pt.3 ~ Pt.4 ~ Pt.5 ~ Pt.6 ~ Pt.7 ~ Pt.8 ~ Pt.9 ~ Pt.10 ~Pt.11 ~ Pt.12 ~ Pt.13 ~ Pt.14 ~ Pt.15 ~ Pt.16 ~ Pt.17 ~ Pt.18 ~ Pt.19 ~ Pt.20 ~ Pt.21 ~ Pt.22 ~ Pt.23 ~ Pt.24 ~ Pt.25

Masterlist

Summary: This is an ABO Bad batch!Poly x Omega Reader smut with a plot. This takes place as an AU before order 66. Y/N previously served under the 501st before being transferred to Special Forces 99. This is her adventure with these rowdy Alphas in a quickly changing universe.

THIS IS AN ABO AU ABOUT THE BAD BATCH (NO CANON OMEGA!) Due to the unfortunate situation of her name being Omega… Omega the child from the canon series is not going to be apart of this fanfic/porn with a plot. I feel obligated to put this warning in because it makes my skin crawl thinking anyone could make that mistake. 

Warnings: Angst, smut, hopecore? idk.

─ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ♡ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──

The ride to Rex’s secret base of operations was a long one. You suspected it was in the outer rim based on how long you all had been traveling in hyperspace. 

You had curled up with Crosshair on the floor trying to stay warm with your still damp clothes. One of the regs had found a janky old heating lamp that flickered as everyone huddled around trying to keep the cold space chills away. It wasn’t working. 

“We’re not too far out!” Wooley had emerged from the cockpit, “We’ll be leaving hyper space soon.” 

You sighed with relief. You could’t wait to get off this ship and see the others. 

Through the bond you could sense Crosshair’s trepidation. 

“What’s wrong?” You asked looking up at him. 

He just grunted chewing on his toothpick. 

You huffed and shuffled back down knowing it was a waste of time to pry. He’ll tell you when he’s ready. 

When the ship suddenly jolted forwards, exiting hyperspace and the pilot downshifted making the ship rumble, you stood up with the others feeling the cargo ship enter the planets’s atmosphere with a rough shake. Standing on wobbly feet, you grabbed ahold of the cargo straps feeling Crosshair stand protectively at your back keeping you both in place. 

With a couple of jolts and jostles you felt the ship touch down on solid ground before settling into stillness. The engines were cut, and the cargo hatch made a whining creek sound as it folded open revealing the pink skies of this strange planet. The ship had landed on an elevated platform high in the sky and in front of you was a very old building. Seemingly an old Jedi monastery from the looks of it. 

The air was warm and humid with a strange terrestrial smell you weren’t familiar with. The others stepped outside before you, Wolffe, Crosshair, Bolts, Stunner, and Grim held up the flank. 

Following the other groups of regs in unmarked armor, they lead you all inside the main monastery door. Once inside, you nearly gasped from all of the regs who had made this place a home. It was absolutely crawling with men. From every battalion, squadron, and special forces unit under the GAR. You could’t believe it. They had converted this place into a fully operational military base.

Holo displays were everywhere monitoring the ships in the hyperspace lanes, there were men busy listening to com chatter, and others discussing strategy. They had built a tiny army here. 

You looked at the boys and they seemed to be just as impressed as you are. 

“Tiny!” 

You spun around to see Rex approaching you with his helmet on his hip. He had a very happy smile on his face even though he was covered in a fair amount of blaster residue. You trotted over to him practically flinging yourself at him. 

“You got my message! You came!” 

He squeezed you, “Of course I did, kid. You’re pack. We don’t leave pack behind.” 

Crosshair got called over by Wolffe to look at a holomap of the Marauder. Clearly it had to do with his brothers. 

“I can’t believe this place, Rex.” You looked around, “How long did this take to put together?” 

“At the end of the war, Tano and I knew if we wanted to save any of the clones, we were going to have to put together a group.” He pulled up a small holo image of something familiar, “We created a network, Fulcrum.” He handed you the puck, “It’s a spy network trying to free the troopers from imperial control. We may not have been able to save our pack, but we’re hoping we can save others.” 

You felt a pang of sadness hit thinking about the 501st.

“We need medics, Y/N. I know you’ve been through a lot, but we need soldiers like you.” He watched you slide the puck into your pocket, “We have a home here. You and your alphas are welcome to stay. We only have each other now.” He shrugged. 

You nodded taking his invitation to heart. 

Rex then scratched the back of his awkwardly, “Also, I wasn’t sure how to break the news to you, I was hoping Seargent Hunter would be here, but…”

“Y/N?” 

You turned around to see an unmarked reg approach. You watched him take off his helmet to reveal a scarred cheek and a fluffed up haircut. 

Your eyes widened in shock, “H-Howzer?” Oh shit. 

“Mesh’la…” He closed the distance and picked you up bringing into his chest. You struggled slightly squirming in his arms, “W-wait Howzer!…” 

“Put her the fuck down!” Crosshair’s growl made the hair stand up on your arms and the entire base to go eerily silent. 

He approached menacingly with his extremely narrowed eyes. Oh kark. He was pissed. Crosshair curled his fists determined to get his mate back and away from this strange alpha. 

Howzer stilled, knitting his brow together, before setting you down gently and turning to face the sniper. Howzer stood protectively in front of you crossing his arms with a stern brow raised sizing up your mate. Oh shit. You couldn’t believe this was happening right now. Your heart raced and suddenly the room was filled with your anxious pheromones. 

You noticed the others in the room bristle slightly as the scents mingled. 

Howzer’s stance only pissed off Crosshair even more. How dare this reg get in-between him and his mate. 

“Omega, come.” Crosshair ordered pointing a finger at the ground next to him. 

You felt your stomach drop knowing the next few seconds were going to change this dynamic drastically.  

You stepped to the side, and tiptoed out from behind the captain, just to nestle into Crosshair’s side where he had pointed previously. Crosshair didn’t need to use his alpha tone with you, you knew he wouldn’t. But, you also obeyed knowing this was not the time to try and make a point about how silly this all was. 

Howzer just gave you a confused and slightly shocked expression watching you cozy up to Crosshair, of all alphas. His disappointment was palpable. Then you saw his eyes flick down to the bite wound on your neck next to the property collar will dazzling around your lithe collarbones. 

“You’re mated?” He asked with an angry tone. 

You nodded, “Y-yeah.”

You didn’t know what was worse, the look he was giving you now, or the self imposed guilt of having to inform your ex-alpha that you were no longer his… 

“You fucking collared her!?” Your old alpha roared raising his fists. You squirmed feeling Crosshair nudge you behind him protectively. 

He just replied sardonically, “And if I did?” 

Dammit Cross… You couldn’t hold in the frustrate sigh, always picking fights…

It was Rex’s turn to look at you sideways, his disgust was also noticeable. The clones know a thing or two about slavery. The offending object raised and lowered quickly with your breath seemingly catching everyone’s attention now. You suddenly desperately wished for it to be gone.

“I always knew you were fucked up 99.” Howzer bared his teeth, “Killed all my men, tried to kill me too… now this?” He gestured to your neck, “It didn’t shock me you ended up with the imperials.”

You froze in place, but your eyes trailed up to the back on Crosshair’s silver haired head. He tried to what?! 

You knew he had done bad things in the name of the empire, but slaughtering Howzer’s men…

“Had I known who you were, I would have put that bullet between your eyes back on Ryloth.” Crosshair snarled back. 

“You can sure try.” Howzer challenged. 

Wolffe, Bolts, Grim, and Stunner all came forward with their arms raised. 

Wolffe stepped forwards getting in the middle to try and stop the fight, “Alright! Alright! Enough!” He sighed looking tired, “ Crosshair didn’t collar her, Tarkin did!” That bit of clarification seemed to be enough to de-escalate Howzer just slightly. “Now I don’t know what in the Sith’s hells is going on here, but I’ve been on the opposite end of 99’s wrath, and trust me Captain now is not the time for this.” 

Crosshair raised a suspicious brow, he never thought he’d actually see Wolffe defending him.

Howzer didn’t seem any less angry still feeling the ugly head of jealousy raging at the site of you tucked under the Sniper’s arm. 

“Now, what we now know about that little omega, is that she’s very important to the empire. She’s not just Crosshair’s mate, but also the other 99’s. Tarkin wanted her for experiments, along with the rest of us.” He pointed to the other clones in black civvies. “A day before you all arrived, we were drugged with SRA that drove us all into a rut. We’re all a little stirred up so let’s calm down for the sake of everyone here.” Wolffe was starting to remind you of an exhausted dad. You had to hold in a little chuckle, always a soldier.

“Tell them what you know, Tiny.” Grim urged, “You needed to talk to Rex.” 

You nodded and stepped around to Crosshair’s front and held out your hand to the Captain, “Nala Se gave me this before we escaped the base. She said it held all of my genetic records from the empire and also something that could assist the CT’s. She wiped the data base before giving it to me.” You stepped forward to place it into his hand, “It seemed important.” 

Rex took the drive with a nod and looked down at the little silver metal piece turning the holo drive over in his glued fingers.

Howzer stepped forwards, “What the hell is going on here?” He looked at you directly, “You were supposed to be mine… you were mine. Now, this?” He gestured to your mate.

Crosshair growled possessively raising an accusatory finger shoving it into Howler’s chest, “Should have sealed the deal then. But this omega… is mine.” You whimpered not liking this tension one bit. You may be matted to Crosshair, but you did have such a respect for Howzer from before.

Howzer stared at Crosshair before shifting his dejected gaze to you.

You sighed, “It’s complicated, Captain.” You lowered your eyes not liking the feeling of his disappointment. 

Howzer huffed, “Is it now?” 

Wolffe walked up trying to ease the tension, “Trust her, it is…” 

“You have no idea, brother.” Grim put a hand on his hip watching Howler bristle. 

Howzer scrunched his brow, “Well someone, enlighten me.” 

Rex just stepped forwards putting a hand on Howzer’s shoulder, “Well the long in the short is that, Tiny, is a rare variant of omega. She can have multiple mates. They happen to be the 99s. Though, the news of her being mated to Crosshair is new to me.” He raised a skeptical brow at you, “I guess a congratulations is in order.” 

“Thanks Rex.” You gave him a small smile. 

“The imperials gassed the base on Naboo with SRA.” Wolffe filled in the blanks, “They wanted clone pups. They also wanted Y/N cloned for the purpose to making more Ori’sol omegas for their breeding program.” 

“Breeding program?” Rex asked confused. 

“Thats why they sent me after her.” Crosshair rubbed a possessive hand over your neck and healing mark, “Admiral Tarkin was going to create a new elite army with our pups.” 

Rex furrowed his brow and gestured to your stomach, “Does that mean…” 

“No!” Both you and Crosshair blurted out, “No…” You shook your head, “No pups. Crosshair made sure I was safe, they didn’t know.” 

Rex just nodded letting his protective side settle down. You knew he would have had a conniption if that news was sprung on him too. Imagine, a secret military base with a pup running around, good gods.

“Is that why there were so many clones in that base?” A familiar figure stepped forwards. 

Cody. 

You smiled at him too. He gave you a little nod of acknowledgment. 

“Rounded up as many of us as they could.” Grim replied, “Had us pairing up with the captured omegas.” 

“That explains a lot.” Rex noted. 

You looked back at Howzer who was watching you longingly. Your heart ached with guilt seeing the hurt on his brow. This must be a lot to process for him. You weren’t his only omega, but you were definitely his most consistent. You were on Ryloth long enough to get to know the captain, but you never pursued any sort of relationship due to the on going war. He must be devastated seeing you with Crosshair. It wasn’t lost on you that the man had developed some kind of feelings for you after everything. 

Crosshair gave you a little squeeze pulling your attention back to him. He studied your eyes rubbing his thumb on your cheek. 

You could tell he was dying to lay into Howzer, but he was keeping his calm for your sake. 

In the background, Rex took the hollow drive and plugged it into the display table. Suddenly a massive projection of your entire genetic system popped up. One of the troopers you didn’t recognize began reading the reports. 

“Rex, you gotta see this.” He pointed to something floating by your DNA strands. 

You and Crosshair nuzzled together as the others began to gather around the table. You watched Howzer disappear into the crowd of clones needing some time to process clearly. 

“Did you really kill his men?” You asked. 

Crosshair just gave you a short grunt confirming it. 

“Would you have really killed him?” You asked. 

“The empire didn’t inform me of who he was.” He explained as he smoothed your hair down, “They sent me retrieve him from Ryloth for interrogation. His unit didn’t come willingly. In hindsight I realize it was because they were searching for you, and wanted him for information. But at that time I believed you to be dead, If I had known, I probably would have…. Still considering it.” 

You looked up at him with a shocked expression. But he just smiled and chuckled. 

He was joking… “Oh my gods, don’t say things like that.” You smacked his chest. 

A clone trooper in a flight uniform came running inside, “We got incoming!” 

You perked your head up turning to face the main doorway. In came another group of scared and confused omegas along with more clone troopers. Blankets and food was being passed around as more and more people entered the hall.

They shuffled inside looking even more distraught after the events on Naboo. Some still covered in blaster residue and in their imperial garments. 

You watched as the crowd began to lighten up before you noticed a very distinct helmet appear from the darkness. 

“Hunter.” You breathed.

You flung yourself forward running at full speed crashing into your Sargent before he even had a chance to remove his helmet. 

He grunted with the impact of your body before throwing his helmet carelessly to the side before picking you up and holding you to his armored chest. 

You started crying finally feeling the empty bit in your chest begin to fill with his presence again. Rubbing your cheek into his to spread his scent, he nuzzled into your hair practically inhaling your smell.

“Mesh’la.” He breathed, “Fuck. I missed you my love.” He buried his head into your hair breathing you in, refusing to let go. You just wrapped yourself around his torso with your legs letting him hold you tightly. 

“You found me.” You whimpered into his neck nuzzling his scent into your nose. 

“Of course we found you, Adi’ka.” He replied gruffly before pulling back to press his lips to yours. You melted immediately into his plush soft kiss. Carding your fingers through his lengthy hair, you massaged his scalp as he deepened the kiss making you mewl.

“Pip?” Wrecker’s hopeful voice snapped you out of your haze. Hunter spun the two of you to see Tech, Wrecker, and Echo jogging towards you both from the landing platform. 

Hunter set you down, letting you unwrap yourself before the other three surrounded you in a group hug squeezing you nearly to death. You were being smothered in kisses and touches and hugs.

Crosshair watched as the three other 99’s fawned over you, asking you a million questions you struggled to answer. They wanted to know everything. What happened. Were you hurt? How did you get to the bas eon Naboo? What was going on there?

Hunter caught his attention as his older brother stared at him with one of his intense scrutinizing glares. He was still pissed about the events on Bracca apparently, even though now he was starting to realize that Crosshair was much different.

Then it was like an epiphany went off in hunter’s head. He looked at Crosshair with a raised brow, then over to you, sniffing the air slightly. What you didn’t know, was that he was hearing something even stranger…

“What did you do?” Hunter’s smokey voice turned hardened at his little brother. 

Wrecker let go of you to look up at his Hunter sensing a change in energy. 

Hunter looked at your chest before whipping his head around to face his little brother. 

“What. Did. You. Do.” Hunter narrowed is eyes. He pointed a gloved finger at you, “Her heart… it beats… with yours.” 

Crosshair just stood emotionless, but you could sense his panic through the bond. Hunter’s intensity was unsettling to the sniper. Always has been.

“H-Hunter, wait it’s not what-“ You began, but Tech cut you off as his finger pried at your neck. He tugged on the metal welded around your neck with a horrified look. He ran his fingers over the aurebesh engraving declaring you his twin’s property. Then his fingers went down to your mating gland where he traced a finger over the marred skin. It looked freshly healed where Crosshair had punctured your flesh marking you as his with two little raised bumps. 

“He bit you?” Tech said rubbing the gland making you flush at his touch. He forgot how stimulating that was for you.

You barely had time to register the eldest charging at Crosshair before the sound of his fist colliding with his little bother’s cheek snapped you out of the haze. 

You screamed watching Hunter and Crosshair roll around on the temple floor. Echo kept you from running forwards not wanting you to get hurt in their scuffle. He held you firmly under his arm.

“Shit.” Rex leapt into action along with Wolffe, and shockingly, Howzer. 

Crosshair had Hunter pinned and was pummeling his forearms as his brother blocked his hits. But Hunter wasn’t giving up, fueled by rage, he threw his little brother off of him and cold cocked him in the jaw sending them both tumbling to the ground. 

“Alright! Alright!” Wolffe used his commanding voice. He bent down and yanked Crosshair back right as Rex got a hold of Hunter. 

“How could you Crosshair?!” Hunter snarled. The two were being scrubbed by the collar like two tookas.

Wrecked walked over to put himself between his brothers as the verbal fight broke out, as they tugged against their restraints trying to lunge at one another again.

You whimpered, unable to watch the fight anymore. Feeling suddenly extremely claustrophobic, you turned around looking at Tech, “Please! Please Tech!” You yanked and tugged at the collar, “Please take this off.” You begged. 

He nodded and reached around in his tool belt grabbing your abused laser suture. 

“Echo give me your glove.” Tech said. 

Echo handed it over before running his flesh hand over your shoulder trying to soothe you. 

Tech nudged the glove under the collar gently, before bringing out the tools. Very carefully, he brought the glowing plasma point up to the Imperial durasteel collar and got to work weakening the welding points as you squirmed uncomfortably. 

“How could you do this to her?” Hunter snarled, “She nearly died when you turned to the empire!” 

“I didn’t turn to the empire!” Crosshair snapped. 

“You tried to kill her!” 

You could feel Crosshair’s hurt through the bond at Hunter’s words… he didn’t mean to. 

“You know I didn’t have control. I would never fucking hurt her!” Crosshair’s glare darkened, “You’re the one who left me behind! You left me under their control!… I thought we were brothers!” 

Hunter looked like he had just been punched in the gut. 

The sergeant stared at his brother letting his mouth hang open slightly unsure how to respond. 

Tech finally freed you from the property collar wrenching it open only to let it fall to the ground with a deafening clatter. The silence that followed after sent a chill down your spine. 

You looked over at Hunter who eyed the metal at your feet. 

You cleared your throat before speaking, “I did it!” You looked to the eldest, “I mated Crosshair…. I bit him. It’s my fault…Please Hunter don’t be mad at him.” You wanted this stupid fight to end. It hurt your watching them argue, especially over something Hunter doesn’t even understand. 

Once again Hunter looked shocked and appalled. He stood up straight staring at you with a bated breath. You could feel the sour taste of his disappointment too. He shook off Rex and stormed out of the hangar not even able to look at you for one more second… kriff. You sighed. 

He fucking hates you. You suddenly felt sick with anxiety and fought back the urge to vomit.

What should have been a happy reunion had suddenly turned sour. 

You felt Tech and Wrecker disappear, heading after Hunter leaving you alone with Echo and Crosshair. Dammit. 

“Y/N, what happened?” Echo asked bringing you into a hug. The only one giving you an ounce of empathy. 

“Ask Wolffe, he’ll tell you.“ You sighed pushing away unable to bare anymore of this, “I’ve had enough for today. Is there a place I can rest for a bit?” You looked to Rex who nodded and gave ordered to his men to guide you to a quiet place. 

You followed behind the clones letting them lead you to a spare room that had been converted into living space. You looked around realizing this is Rex’s quarters. You sighed and rubbed at your neck finally feeling lighter now that, that offending metal was gone and you were free again.

The door whooshed open to reveal your mate. He stepped inside looking exhausted and his chin a nasty swelling red. 

“I knew it was wrong to leave you with the imperials.” You said quietly feeling the tears rise in your eyes, “I told them.” 

He nodded putting a toothpick in his mouth. Of course he managed to find one even here on this remote base. 

“Hunter’s always been good at protecting the group.” Crosshair drawled, “We have a plan, you know, if one of us isn’t going to make it back.” 

You looked up at him with bleary eyes. 

“Plan 99.” He nodded, “A suicide mission.” 

“But you weren’t sacrificing yourself for the group.” You whimpered, “We left you and that was fucked up.” 

He scoffed, “Given the circumstances I understand him… doesn’t make it hurt any less. But what were four of them going agains the empire really going to do.” 

“Cross.” You sighed, “We should have gotten you the second we knew about the chips. I should… I should have pushed harder.” 

“He wouldn’t have listened to you.” Crosshair sat in the chair against the wall facing you, “And it’s not your fault, love. His main concern was protecting you.” 

“Why are you justifying his actions? You sounded so hurt!” You whimpered wiping away a falling tear. 

“We’re brothers.” He rolled his eyes, “It’s what we do.” 

You just whined and let the tears keep falling, “I think he hates me.” 

Crosshair motioned for you to come to him. You walked over standing between his open legs. He tugged you down so you were sitting on his lap. He pulled you in close so you rested against his chest and he tucked your head under his chin. 

“He doesn’t hate you. I promise. He’s just jealous, and probably a little hurt that it wasn’t him that got to you first.” Crosshair chuckled, “Trust me, that wasn’t even bad for Hunter.” 

“But did you see the way he looked at me.” You sniffled, “I- he’s never looked at me like that before.” 

Crosshair just held you tighter, “I’ve been the receiving end of that look for years. You’re alright, just give him some time.” 

“But the others?”  All you wanted was your pack, your lovers, your alphas. But they didn’t seem to want you either. 

“They just do whatever Hunter does.” Crosshair scratched the back of your neck affectionately, “Wrecker will crack first, and then Tech. Hunter has to punch a few walls first, but he’ll come around eventually. He’s too responsible and frankly, I’m certain all he wants is to have his little omega back.” 

Crosshair’s words did start to make you feel better. One thing about Cross is that he’s not a liar. He’s been a straighter shooter his entire life, in more ways than one. He always tells it as it is. That gave you confidence. 

He leaned down and kissed your forehead, “I’m just glad we’re out of that place.” He couldn’t seem to get close enough to you. You nuzzled in closer too. 

“Thank you Crosshair.” You looked up at him, “Thank you for always taking care of me.” 

You both shared a moment of just gazing at one another before you both leaned forwards to bring your lips together. 

Then it was like the weight of everything you both had been through came crashing through, and the absolute desire you felt for this man blazed through you like an inferno. He had saved you back on Mimban, twice, and now here he is again saving you from the plans of the empire and admiral Tarkin. 

You pushed yourself up and straddled his lap before letting him pick you up and carry you over to the bed pushed up against the far wall. 

It was a scramble to tear each others clothes off leaving you both bare, before he laid down onto of you, pressing you into the mattress. 

His warm battle hardened body felt marvelous against your softness. 

You breathed him in, leaning up to run your tongue against his healed mating gland. The alpha shivered at the sensation making him rut up against you, running his hardening length through your dampening folds. 

You mewled lifting your hips to push up against him. 

You could feel him smile into your neck as he pressed loving kisses there before kissing your mating mark with a gentleness that was foreign to the sniper. 

You squirmed as he pressed more kisses down your neck, then collarbones, your sternum, belly, pelvis, then you thigh. With a strong and firm grip, he plucked your legs up bending them so you were folded in half and spread wide for him. You whined as he continued his light and gentle kisses all over your thighs, traveling between one leg and the other before inching closer and closer to your core making you pant in anticipation. 

When his lips finally made contact with your dripping core, you had to cover your mouth with your hand before you let out an embarrassingly loud cry. 

He just smirked as he sloppily made out your with cunt making you absolutely thrash around in blinding pleasure under him. 

He had to pin your legs down to keep you still as he ravished you. His tongue seemed to know exactly where to go in order to make you twitch as your orgasm approached. He licked and massaged you until you were bending your back into an exaggerated arch as you quickly felt yourself hurtling over that edge into deafening pleasure. You couldn’t even mewl as you came down, you just tried to force yourself to breathe through the orgasm. 

“Fuck Cross.” You huffed going limp into the mattress. 

He wasted no time lining himself up knowing you were properly prepped to take him now. Feeling how relaxed you were post orgasm, he thrusted forwards feeling himself enter you with a slippery ease. You both moaned out at the fullness as he surged forwards bringing the two of you flush together in absolute harmony. The bond sang between the two of you as you two psychically came together. It was like a relief to the soul. Like slipping into a cool pool on a hot summer day. 

He leaned forwards kissing you passionately, allowing his tongue to enter your mouth where you both huffed trying to breathe through the sensations of him pushing inside of you. 

You broke away to suck in a deep breath of air before you both looked down to see where you were connected. You both whined at the sight before throwing your head back to enjoy the feeling of Crosshair making passionate love to you. 

Wrapping your form around his, you locked your ankles together to force him deeper inside of you. This spurred him on to be a little rougher with you, liking the way you bounced up and down the mattress on his cock. He leaned down to catch a nipple in his mouth as he sucked diligently making you bow your chest into his mouth eagerly. 

“Cross…” You grappled at his back leaving scratches with your nails, “I love you.” 

He smiled pressing his lips to your forehead, “I love you, Y/n.” 

The two of you kept saying it over and over again like a mantra as you both approached the peak. 

His thrusts only got more powerful as he neared, sending you scooching up the mattress. You held on for deal life as pleasure crashed through you violently making you clamp down and twitch around his hard length. 

He snarled and bit down on your mark again as he shivered, pumping you full of his seed. 

As he came down from his high, his teeth held onto the flesh at your gland making you vibrate through the bond. The possessive act only spurred you on. The post coital horniness still lingered as you wiggled your hips trying to feel him inside you more. Deeper. Fuller. 

You couldn’t get enough of him. 

He tried pinning you down by the hip before releasing your neck from his teeth. As he sat up on his knees with a flush to his cheeks, he looked down at you adoringly as you squirmed around trying to get him deeper inside of you. 

“Adi’ka,” He pushed his silver hair out of his eyes and ran a warm hand over your ribs before settling them on your belly like he had on Naboo. You preened under his touch. 

“Such a good girl.” He rubbed your warm skin with his thumb. 

Looking up through the open monastery window, you saw the dual moons rising in the distance casting a silvery glow over your skin and the mattress. 

Crosshair watched you become moon eyed in your post fuck glow. He pulled from you hearing you whimper at the feeling of now being empty. He chuckled, grabbing a tissue near by, and using it to clean himself before tucking himself back into the black joggers along with cleaning you up as best as he could realizing you were just fucking in Rex’s bed. Whoops.

He helped you slip back into your tattered white clothes before curling up behind you under Rex’s blanket to keep you both warm. 

Without another word, the two of you fell asleep finally succumbing to the day. 

~

When morning broke, you were awakened by Stunner poking his head through the door with a grin that very much reminded you of Fives. 

“Hey just making sure you’re both still kickin’.” He grinned. 

You heard Crosshair grunt in annoyance and felt him snuggle you closer. 

“Gmornin Stun.” Your voice was still groggy from sleep. 

“Breakfast in the mess.” Stunner said stepping back outside, “Probably should grab come chow before everyone else.” 

You nodded and got up shaking Crosshair’s arm off of you. He curled up on his side ignoring the call to breakfast, but you were still hungry and wanted familiar food. The sniper was content staying in bed for just a moment longer. 

You shimmied out of bed giving Cross a kiss before walking out to follow Stunner. 

In the daylight you could finally see more about this ancient monastery. 

Carvings decorated the walls along with gilded imagery of ancient force wielders. You were positive this monastery was older than most civilizations and maybe even some planets. The pink hazey sky seemed to only add a warmth to this high up colony as you trailed after Stunner who seemed to have learned the way back to the main hall already. 

You followed the sound of boisterous laughter and the sounds of reunion as you entered the main mess, the smell of eggs and breakfast meats filled your nose and you audibly sighed smelling the deliciousness in the air. 

It was hard to miss your gargantuan mate scarfing down his meal along with Tech who was sitting to his left, back turned to you. He ate in silence scrolling through something on his data pad. 

Echo was sitting with Rex who looked like he didn’t sleep after the rescue. He must have been up all night trying to process everyone and everything along with whatever was on that holodrvie you brought. The only one missing was Hunter. Your heart sank hoping he’d be here but when Stunner handed you a loaded tray of food, you were brought back to the moment and you looked down at your purple scrambled eggs and fried bantha links. 

Your stomach betrayed you and you heard Stunner chuckle before bringing you to a cluster of 104th. You sat down between Bolts and Grim grabbing your spork to dig in. It wasn’t long before your attention was brought to the back of Wrecker’s head and his broad shoulders. Then you looked at the back of Tech’s head, his hair was all disheveled under his goggle band and he had a bit of a slump to his already not great posture. Poor alpha looked tired.

You stared longingly, praying they’d turn around and just look at you for a moment. Your inner omega was starting to get anxious with the need to have their reassurance and attention.

Before you could get totally lost in your head, Grim gave you a little shove snapping you out of it. 

They knew. 

Everyone did. You weren’t exactly subtle. 

The 104th seemed to have weaseled their way into becoming your pack just like the 501st had all those years ago. It was like they could read your anxieties as well as your mates, and they were very supportive. Wolffe gave you a nod from where he was sat with Rex. 

“They’ll come around.” Bolts nodded, “I overheard Wolffe taking with your Sergeant last night, he told him everything.” 

“Yeah, but does that even matter?” You touched your bite mark, “What’s done is done.” 

“Did the bite make you no longer want your other mates?” Grim asked bluntly. 

You shook your head, “No. The bonds are still there.” 

Bolts gave you a smile, “Then you’re fine. Maybe being an Ori’sol means that you can have multiple mates and multiple mate bonds to go with them.” 

“She’ll be covered in teeth marks when Sarge is done with her.” Grim joked. 

You felt your cheeks redden. 

“Aye leave her alone.” Bolts reached over you to shove Grim, “She’s going through it.” 

“I’m trying to make her smile, or she’s going to loose her mind like those omegas who pull out their hair.” Grim shoved his brother back. 

You finished up your last bantha sausage and set the tray down letting them rough house over your head. 

You leaned forwards towards Stunner, “Do you know where Hunter is?” 

“Sarge took his breakfast outside on the landing platform before I came to get you.” He chewed his eggs. 

“Thanks Stun.” You stood up stretching before beginning your walk across the main room. You walked past the circular holo display in the center and was careful to step over the big power cables running over the floor. 

You neared Tech and Wrecker feeling your heart start to race as you neared. Keeping your head forward, you walked past them not missing the way they both perked up watching you walk towards the exit. You felt your stomach doing flips at their attention and chose to take one glance back at them. Wrecker looked at you longingly and Tech’s steely demeanor was even chipped at slightly as you saw his eyes soften when they met yours. 

Knowing you had to find Hunter first, you sighed and kept moving on. You heard the door swish behind you and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. You almost wished they’d come after you, but you knew Crosshair was right, they follow Hunter’s lead no matter what. He’s the one you have to tackle first. 

With a huff, you felt your anxieties turn to frustration with a tinge of anger. 

You put your hands in your sweater pockets and trudged forwards through the rubble that the clones seemed to have built a landing platform out of. 

With a sweep of your eyes, you couldn’t find him anywhere, but you could feel his energy through the bond close by. 

With a sigh, you crossed your arms and spoke out into the air in front of you, “I know you’re out here.” 

Some other clones on guard looked at you funny before they saw your Sargent emerge from behind a pile of rubble with his empty breakfast tray good distance away. 

You locked eyes with him and felt your pulse quicken. Damn he looked good. Dawn’s soft pink light made his tanned skin glow. His hair was pushed back by his signature bandana, but he wasn’t in his armor anymore. He was in his beige cargos and teal henley. He still has the burgundy wrist wraps and brown belt with his holster snugly at his side with his blaster tucked neatly inside. 

You had to force yourself to breathe and keep your composure but you were sure he could scent your slight arousal in his presence. 

You tapped your foot impatiently narrowing your eyes, “You’re a dick!” 

He scoffed and stopped walking towards you, crossing his arms defensively, “Excuse me?” He raised his non-tattooed brow and used his military tone. It sent a shiver down your spine.

You saw a couple of the other clones shift uncomfortably nearby watching an omega challenge her alpha.

“You heard me!” Kark ya he heard you, super hearing an all. You could roll your eyes, “I haven’t seen you in a month, I was kidnapped, and subjected to trauma I have no clue if I’ll ever recover from and all I get the fucking silent treatment?” 

He stared at you not moving, almost inhumanly still. Like a predatory animal waiting to pounce. 

“Do you have any fucking idea what Crosshair and I had to endure? The empire treated me like a brood mare and Crosshair like some glorified stud horse. And what they fucking did to me? Collared me like a rabid lurka hound!” You snarled, “And all I wanted during those awful nights… was you!” You shifted your feet slightly but kept your arms secure around your chest, “All I wanted was my alpha, my mate… my damn sergeant to come make it all better. I dreamed of you for a month praying you’d find me somehow! That I would be back with my pack!” 

He opened his mouth to speak but you shushed him with a finger. If you were still in the GAR he would have had you court marshaled for speaking to him like this. The idea made your heart race, “I’m not finished… The things Crosshair did to save me from Tarkin’s bantha shit… he put his life on the line every single day to make sure he didn’t knock me up and that Tarkin couldn’t have our pups. He delayed Tarkin’s orders to come after you and the others, he risked everything to get our message out to you, including the 104th! He doesn’t deserve to be treated the way you have. He protected me inside that fucking base! And this-“ You pointed to your neck, “This was a fucking accident. We weren’t in control and trust me, there is nothing you could say to Crosshair that is worse than what he felt in that moment.” You were breathing heavily now fighting down the anger, “So no… you don’t get to treat us like this. Crosshair and I didn’t do anything wrong, we did everything we could to survive that imperial installation and I’m sorry this didn’t happen the way you wanted it too, but here we are.” You flapped your arms around exasperated. 

He studied the way your chest heaved with anger and the way the other clones stood there awkwardly trying not to be seen. He could hear everyone’s heart beats in the vicinity but yours stood out to him the most, including that delicious smell rolling off of you in waves. You might be royally pissed, but he couldn’t help but feel a little smug you were still responding to him and his presence. 

He sighed closing his eyes briefly before nodding.

“You’re right.” He yielded, “I am a dick.” 

You had to double to take to make sure you were hearing him correctly. Did he just admit to being wrong?

“I shouldn’t have started a fight with Cross, and I shouldn’t have walked away from you.” He kept his arms crossed looking at you, “I was jealous Adi’ka. Seeing you mated to him, it nearly broke my heart. And you telling me, us, that you choose him…You’re all I’ve thought about since we lost you and I don’t know, I was hoping everything would go back to the way it was before…” he gestured to the mark, “But what’s done is done, I guess.” The hint of brokenness in his voice made your anger wither, “You chose Crosshair and I’m just going to have to be okay with that.” 

You scrunched your brow, confused you asked, “Wait, do you think our mate bonds were broken?” You shook your head, “Hunter I’m not just bound to Cross, I’m still bound to all of you too…still.” 

“But, you’re claimed.” He shook his head a little in confusion. 

“Yes, but it didn’t change how I feel about all of you.” You explained, “I can just feel Crosshair a lot stronger now.” 

His brows perked up with hope. 

“Clearly the claiming marks don’t work the same with me. If I was a normal omega I wouldn’t even be able to comprehend a different alpha. You know this.” 

“So, you think everything is still the same?” He asked stepping towards you. 

“I do.” You nodded letting him crowd into your space, “I felt you through our bond on Naboo. We’re still mated…” 

You were suddenly enveloped in his presence. His familiar scent filled your nose making you vibrate with excitement. You hadn’t even notice him advancing on you.

He reached out a finger to lift your chin to face him. You looked into his grey hazel eyes as he peered down at you. 

“Mesh’la...” He sighed, “We’re not mated… yet.” His tone lit a fire in your core. That was a promise. The way he was looking at you, like he had back on Mimban, had you starting to warm. He raised a brow and smirked watching the way you shuddered at the idea of him claiming you. 

“H-Hunter.” You whispered his name. 

His finger under your chin quickly turned into a soft caress down your neck, “We found a place, love. It’s a green place, with no one but us. It’s in the outer rim, almost in the unknown regions. We found it when Rex was looking for our brothers. We can start over there, no one will know us, the empire can’t find us. We’ll build our own pack, start our own family.” He looked so happy. Happier than you had seen him in a very long time.

You looked up at him owlishly. Just like you had dreamed… 

“Tech is already making plans on building the home stead. We want to take you there cyare.” 

You blinked at him, you couldn’t believe this man, your Sergeant, was willing to go to such lengths to protect you. To give you everything you dreamed of as a pup. You never thought you’d make it off of Coruscant. And now, you were in an entirely different universe. One where you barely had anytime to process and he was offering you peace. 

You looked up at the soldier. You could almost laugh at the irony. A being created with only one purpose, to kill and serve, was offering you peace. 

The thought was beautiful.

Despite his creator’s purpose, it would seem Hunter and the Batch’s defectiveness would always remain victorious. 

“Yes. Yes Hunter. Bring me to the green place.”

We love hope core in this house....

─ ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ♡ ─── ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ──

Taglist: @substantial-exposure

@rains-on-kamino

@minimissmoo

@z-and-the-batboys

@aynavaano

@9902sgirl

@sideofhorny

@sxftiebee

@booksandtitts-blog

@subbing-for-clones

[easchnitt]

Codywan is prolly my favorite starwars ship

[star-wars-writing]

A Starship's Tale

A/N:Welcome, readers, to a tale set in the heart of the Clone Wars. This story is the tenth story for @codywanbingo with the prompt Sparring together, it explores the depths of emotion and connection in a time of conflict, focusing on the evolving relationship between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Cody.

In the heart of the Republic starship, a realm dedicated to the preparation for battle, the training room echoed with a silence that spoke volumes. Here, amidst the cold metallic walls that had witnessed countless sessions of combat training, a different kind of encounter was unfolding. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Cody, usually engaged in the elegant dance of lightsaber combat, now stood facing each other, prepared for a more primal form of confrontation – hand-to-hand combat.

The room, bathed in the sterile light of the ship's interior, felt smaller, more intimate with the absence of weapons. This was a space where the hum of the engines merged seamlessly with the distant, muffled sounds of the ship's crew, creating a backdrop of constant, unobtrusive motion. But within these walls, a different rhythm was about to commence – one dictated by the movements of two warriors stripped of their usual armaments.

Obi-Wan, devoid of his Jedi robes, wore a simple tunic and trousers that allowed for unrestricted movement. His stance was relaxed yet alert, the embodiment of a Jedi's controlled calm. His eyes, usually a wellspring of wisdom and serenity, now flickered with a focused intensity. In this close-quartered setting, every motion would be more immediate, every exchange a direct transfer of energy and intent.

Across from him, Cody, absent his customary armor, presented a figure of raw, disciplined strength. His muscular build, often concealed beneath the rigid plates of his battle attire, was now openly displayed, showcasing the physicality of a soldier. His stance was grounded, a reflection of his pragmatic approach to combat – direct, efficient, unyielding.

As they began, the air between them crackled with a palpable tension. This was not the elegant, sweeping motion of lightsaber duels, but the gritty, visceral reality of hand-to-hand combat. Each movement carried a weight of purpose; a lunge, a block, a feint, each action was a word in their silent dialogue.

Obi-Wan, employing the techniques of Teras Kasi, moved with a fluid grace that belied the power behind his strikes. His approach was one of balance and harmony, each motion flowing into the next, a seamless chain of offense and defense. He was like water – yielding yet forceful, adapting to each new challenge with fluid precision.

Cody, in contrast, embodied the directness of military hand-to-hand combat training. His moves were sharp and decisive, each strike a testament to his focus and determination. He was like a storm – relentless, powerful, each motion a burst of controlled aggression.

Their dance was a juxtaposition of styles, a testament to their different paths – the Jedi and the soldier. Yet, within this contrast lay a deep-seated mutual respect, a recognition of each other's strengths and abilities. As they exchanged blows, parrying and countering with increasing intensity, there was an undercurrent of something deeper, a connection that transcended the physicality of their sparring.

Obi-Wan's attacks, though measured and precise, carried an unspoken question with each strike, probing not just Cody's defenses but the barriers he had erected around himself. Cody's counters, forceful yet controlled, were his response – a silent admission of the turmoil within, a turmoil that resonated with the emotions Obi-Wan himself was grappling with.

Their exchanges grew more intense, sweat beading on their foreheads, muscles straining under the exertion. In this dance, each touch, each moment of contact, was an exploration – not just of physical boundaries, but of emotional ones. The space between them was charged with an unspoken dialogue, a conversation of pushes and pulls, advances and retreats.

As the session drew to a close, they stood, breaths heavy, gazes locked. In that moment, the training room, with its stark walls and echoing stillness, transformed into a confessional, a space where unspoken truths lingered on the brink of revelation. The understanding in their eyes was clear – they were not just comrades in arms, but two souls navigating the complexities of connection amidst the backdrop of war.

They parted with a nod, a mutual acknowledgment of the uncharted territory they had

just ventured into. The physical distance they put between themselves as they exited the training room did little to dispel the newfound proximity of their inner worlds. In the silence that followed their departure, the training room stood as a silent witness to the shift in their relationship, a shift marked not by grand gestures or declarations, but by the subtle language of body and glance, a language as old as time itself.

Obi-Wan, his thoughts a swirling vortex, retreated to the solitude of his quarters. The physical exertion of the session had done little to tire him; instead, it had ignited a deeper introspection. He pondered over the revelations the session had brought forth, the unexpected stirrings of emotion that Cody had unknowingly awakened. It was a path fraught with uncertainty, one that challenged the very foundations of his beliefs and his adherence to the Jedi code.

Meanwhile, Cody, his usual disciplined facade slightly cracked, found himself in the vastness of the ship's observation deck. Gazing out into the star-studded expanse of space, he contemplated the tumultuous feelings that had been stirred. The straightforward, uncomplicated existence of a soldier, once his only reality, now seemed inadequate to contain the complexity of his emotions. The experience with Obi-Wan had opened a door he had long kept shut, revealing a landscape of potential and peril that extended far beyond the battlefield.

In the days that followed, their interactions were marked by a new depth, a subtle shift in dynamics that did not go unnoticed by those around them. The soldiers, perceptive in their own right, observed the change with a mix of curiosity and respect. Whispers and speculative glances were exchanged, but the unspoken code of the ship ensured that their privacy remained intact.

Obi-Wan and Cody continued their training sessions, each encounter a further exploration of their evolving relationship. The physicality of their sparring became a metaphor for their emotional journey – a journey of discovery, understanding, and, perhaps most daunting of all, vulnerability.

In the midst of a galaxy torn by war, aboard a starship sailing through the endless night, two souls found themselves at the precipice of a profound connection. It was a connection that defied convention and expectation, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the heart and the indomitable spirit of connection that can flourish even in the most unlikely of places.

The training room aboard the Republic starship was a symphony of controlled chaos, its metallic walls reverberating with the sounds of clashing and grunting. In the center, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Cody, surrounded by a ring of soldiers, were locked in an intense hand-to-hand sparring session. The air was thick with tension, a tangible undercurrent to the usual rhythm of their training.

Obi-Wan, his movements fluid and precise, was the picture of Jedi calm. Yet, beneath this composed exterior, a storm of emotions raged, stirred by the recent shift in his relationship with Cody. Each block and parry carried a weight beyond physical training; it was a dance of unspoken words and suppressed feelings.

Cody, on the other hand, was a maelstrom of focus and intensity. His usual stoic demeanor was cracked, revealing a depth of emotion that rarely surfaced. The commander's strikes were sharp, a little too forceful, betraying the inner conflict he wrestled with.

The soldiers around them watched with a mix of awe and curiosity. They were used to seeing their leaders spar, but today, there was an electric charge in the air, a sense that something significant was unfolding before their eyes.

“Good, Cody. But remember, control,” Obi-Wan advised, parrying a particularly aggressive jab. His voice was steady, but his eyes, usually a wellspring of calm, flickered with a complex mix of concern and something deeper, harder to discern.

Cody grunted in acknowledgment, his expression hardening. The next exchange was fast, a blur of movement and power. In a swift motion, Cody broke through Obi-Wan's defense, pushing him back with unexpected force.

The room fell silent as Obi-Wan stumbled, barely catching himself. A look of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by one of understanding. He locked eyes with Cody, seeing the turmoil there, the unspoken apology, the fear.

Cody stepped back, his chest heaving. The intensity of his gaze wavered, a silent battle raging behind his eyes. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out of the training room, leaving a wake of stunned silence.

Obi-Wan watched him go, a myriad of emotions crossing his face. The other soldiers exchanged glances, their respect for their commanders mingled with a newfound curiosity about the dynamics at play.

“Resume training,” Obi-Wan finally said, his voice betraying none of the turmoil he felt. The soldiers hesitated for a moment before obeying, the rhythm of training resuming, but the atmosphere had shifted irrevocably.

As Obi-Wan engaged with another soldier, his movements were automatic, his mind elsewhere. He was acutely aware of the absence of Cody, of the unsaid things hanging between them like stars in the vastness of space. The session ended with routine efficiency, but the questions it raised lingered, unspoken but heavy in the air.

Later, in the quiet of his quarters, Obi-Wan sat in contemplation. The events of the day replayed in his mind, each moment a clue to the puzzle that was Cody. He knew he had to address what had happened, to bridge the gap that had opened between them. But the path forward was unclear, obscured by duty, the Jedi code, and the uncharted territory of his own heart.

*** 

In the days following their intense sparring session, the Republic starship felt like a world subtly altered, its corridors and common areas echoing with a new, unspoken narrative. Commander Cody, once a steadfast presence, became a shadow of his former self, his interactions with the crew and, most notably, with Obi-Wan Kenobi, marked by a stark transformation.

Cody, whose demeanor had always been an embodiment of discipline and efficiency, now moved through the ship like a ghost, his steps devoid of their usual purpose. His exchanges with the crew were brief, his words clipped, devoid of the warmth that had occasionally flickered in his interactions. In briefings, his reports were concise, lacking the insightful comments he was known for. He became a soldier wearing the armor of detachment, his gaze often drifting to a distant point, as if he were looking at something far beyond the ship's confines.

Obi-Wan, sensitive to the undercurrents of emotion, watched this change with a deepening concern. He noticed how Cody's eyes would briefly meet his before darting away, as if the contact was too much to bear. In the mess hall, Cody chose seats in the corners, away from the lively banter of the clone troopers, his meals consumed quickly, almost mechanically.

The change did not go unnoticed by the crew. Whispers circulated, a blend of speculation and worry. They respected Commander Cody, and seeing him so withdrawn sparked a ripple of unease. The clones, in particular, felt a sense of disquiet, their camaraderie with Cody having been a constant in their regimented lives.

In the solitude of his quarters, Cody grappled with the tempest within him. The walls, adorned with the sparse decorations of a military life, felt constricting, a physical manifestation of the turmoil in his mind. He was torn between the discipline that had defined his existence and the surge of emotions that the recent encounters with Obi-Wan had unleashed. His mind replayed their sparring session, each moment a reminder of the unspoken truths that lay between them.

The conflict within Cody was not just about breaking protocol or defying the expectations of a clone commander. It was deeper, a fundamental questioning of his identity, his purpose. The feelings for Obi-Wan, so starkly brought to light, were at odds with everything he had been taught to value – order, duty, the mission.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan found himself in a state of introspection, his usual clarity clouded by the complexity of his emotions. In the quiet of his quarters, he pondered over the right course of action. His training as a Jedi Master had always provided a roadmap for dealing with conflicts, both external and internal. Yet, this situation with Cody, it was uncharted territory, a delicate balance of personal feelings and the responsibilities of his role.

Obi-Wan realized that the bond he shared with Cody had evolved, morphing into something deeper, something that defied the simple categorization of friendship or comradeship. He acknowledged, perhaps for the first time, that his concern for Cody transcended the boundaries of their professional relationship.

The decision to reach out to Cody came after much deliberation. Obi-Wan understood that any conversation they had would be fraught with vulnerability, but the growing chasm between them was a risk to both their well-being and their ability to function effectively as a team.

Choosing a quiet evening, when the ship's activities had wound down to the slow hum of routine, Obi-Wan made his way to Cody's quarters. Standing before the door, he took a moment to compose himself, to find the balance between the Jedi Master and the man who cared deeply for the person on the other side of the door.

He pressed the buzzer, the sound a soft chime in the corridor's stillness. The door slid open, revealing Cody, his expression one of guarded surprise.

"Cody,

may I come in?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice carrying a calmness that belied the turmoil within.

Cody hesitated, his posture rigid, the lines of his face drawn tight with an unspoken struggle. After a moment that stretched like a chasm, he stepped aside, a silent assent.

Obi-Wan entered, his eyes taking in the starkness of the room, a reflection of the discipline and order that defined Cody's life. The air felt heavy, charged with the unvoiced thoughts that hung between them.

"Cody, we need to talk," Obi-Wan began, his words deliberate, each one chosen with care. "I've noticed you've been distant since our last sparring session. Is everything alright?"

Cody turned away, his gaze fixed on the small viewport that offered a view of the endless expanse of space. "I'm fine, sir," he replied, the formality of his tone a barrier he erected between them.

Obi-Wan took a step closer, his voice softening. "Cody, you don't have to call me 'sir' here. This isn't about rank or protocol. This is about you, about us."

Cody's shoulders tensed, the muscles beneath his shirt bunching with the effort to maintain control. "There's nothing to discuss, General. I'm just focusing on my duties," he said, but his voice betrayed a hint of uncertainty, a crack in the armor he had so carefully constructed.

Obi-Wan sighed, a deep, weary exhalation. "I know you, Cody. I've seen you in battle, seen you face impossible odds with courage and determination. But this," he gestured vaguely between them, "this isn't something you can fight or strategize your way through."

Cody finally turned, his eyes meeting Obi-Wan's. In them, there was a storm of emotions - conflict, fear, and something else, something that mirrored the feelings Obi-Wan himself harbored. "It's not that simple, Obi-Wan. You of all people should know that. Our lives, our duties, they don't leave room for... for this."

Obi-Wan nodded, acknowledging the truth in Cody's words. "I know the constraints we both live under. But denying what we feel, burying it under duty and obligation, that's not the answer. We're more than just a Jedi and a clone commander. We're people, Cody, with emotions and needs that go beyond our roles."

The room fell silent, the tension between them a palpable force. Cody looked away, a silent battle raging within him. Obi-Wan waited, giving him the space to process, to find the words that seemed to elude him.

Finally, Cody spoke, his voice low and strained. "What are you saying, Obi-Wan? That we should just forget who we are, forget the rules that govern our lives?"

"No," Obi-Wan replied gently. "I'm saying that sometimes, we have to look beyond the rules, listen to what our hearts are telling us. I can't pretend that I don't feel something more for you, Cody. And I believe, I hope, that you might feel the same."

Cody's facade cracked, the soldier's discipline giving way to the man's vulnerability. "I don't know what to do with these feelings, Obi-Wan. They go against everything I've been trained for, everything I've believed in."

Obi-Wan reached out, placing a hand on Cody's shoulder, a gesture of support and connection. "We'll figure it out together. We don't have to have all the answers now. All I'm asking is that we acknowledge what's between us, give it a chance to be more than just unspoken words and hidden glances."

Cody's resistance waned, the weight of his internal struggle lessening under the understanding and compassion in Obi-Wan's eyes. He nodded slowly, a silent acknowledgment of the journey they were about to embark on, one fraught with uncertainty but also filled with the promise of something profound and transformative.

As Obi-Wan left Cody's quarters, there was a sense of a door opening, a new chapter in their lives beginning. The ship, with its metallic corridors and hum of activity, felt less like a vessel hurtling through space and more like

a witness to the unfolding of something deeply human, a narrative that transcended the usual boundaries of duty and rank.

In the quiet that followed, Cody stood alone, the echo of Obi-Wan's words lingering in the room like a new kind of music, one that resonated with the unexplored parts of his heart. He gazed out into the cosmos, the stars a tapestry of possibilities, mirroring the uncharted territory of his emotions. For the first time, he allowed himself to consider a future where his feelings could have a place, where the strict lines of his existence could blur into something richer, more colorful.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan walked through the corridors with a sense of purpose, his steps lighter, his mind clearer. The conversation with Cody had been a risk, but it was a risk born of necessity, of the need to acknowledge the truth that had been silently growing between them. He felt a sense of relief, a weight lifted, knowing that the path ahead, though uncertain, was one they had chosen to walk together.

The crew, sensing the subtle shift in their commanders, watched with a mixture of curiosity and respect. The clones, in particular, saw in Cody a reflection of their own struggles with identity and purpose. In Obi-Wan, they saw a leader who valued the individual, who understood that beneath the armor and robes, there were hearts beating with desires and dreams.

In the following days, the dynamic between Obi-Wan and Cody subtly changed. Their interactions were tinged with a new depth, a mutual understanding that spoke of shared secrets and unspoken promises. They continued their duties with the same dedication and skill, but there was an undercurrent of something more, a connection that had deepened, becoming something integral to their existence.

Their training sessions, once a routine part of their regimen, took on a new significance. They were no longer just exercises in combat skills but moments of connection, opportunities to explore the balance between strength and vulnerability, discipline and emotion.

In this galaxy torn by conflict and strife, aboard a starship navigating the endless expanse of space, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Commander Cody found themselves at the beginning of a journey not just of war and strategy, but of self-discovery and connection. It was a journey that defied the norms, that challenged the conventions of their lives, but in its defiance, it offered a glimpse of something truly extraordinary – the power of understanding, empathy, and the courage to face the unknown, together.

Likes, reblogs, and comments are deeply appreciated. Your support inspires me to keep writing!

[minyboy]

Who's side are you on Wolffe? Your duty or your brothers?

[russmorris]

From my Fillmore West handbill collection…

BG273-274-PC Poco, Siegel Schwall, Wishbone Ash. Mar 11, 1971.

The Sons of Champlin, Mark-Almond, Commander Cody. March 18, 1971

Norman Orr

[kotemf]

Codywan week - day 6

I'm posting this late but I hope y'all can still enjoy reading! It's my fill for day 6 of the @codywanweek. You can read the story here, on Wattpad or Ao3. Thanks to the all of you who give it a try!

  Prompt: créchemaster Obi-Wan, quiet love, touch starved

Cody never dared to plan what he was going to do after the war. He never dared to hope that he will survive until the very end. So, when the war ended abruptly and he actually had a choice, he had no idea what he wanted to do.

  He ended up working as a security guard in some gallery. He didn't like it there all that much, it was boring, but it was the best he could find. He didn't have any education besides military training. And he needed money.

  Sometimes, Cody wished he stayed in the army. Rex had and he got to guard the Jedi temple sometimes. Maybe if Cody chose the same path, he could still see his general sometimes. Just a glimpse of the man would be enough. Or maybe it wouldn't.

  Obi-Wan was still a topic that Cody wasn't able to figure out. He wanted. He wanted to see his former general, wanted to touch him, to kiss him, to undress him and so on. Just like he did during their shore leave. Only it wasn't real. It was just a way to distract themselves, just a way to keep their minds busy when not on the front lines. Because forgetting about the casualties of the last battle was so much easier with his general on top of him. That's how it started.

  Now, months later, Cody was still in love with his general. Obi-Wan probably already forgot Cody still existed. He made it pretty clear that there was nothing between them, no attachment. That all their relationship was about was some entertainment. And Cody, in his foolish, so, so, foolish mind, made it something more. Even if he had the guts to go visit his general, he was too afraid that the Jedi would pick up on his emotions.

  So he didn't. He built himself a routine, he couldn't live any other way. Wake up from his dreams about Obi-Wan. Workout, while imagining his general being next to him, doing the same. Think about Obi-Wan while eating breakfast. Go to work. Still think about Obi-Wan. Wander the halls of the building, keeping his eyes open. Still with clear pictures of his very naked general in his mind. Going back from work. Still dreaming about coppery hair and pale skin. Going out with brothers. Finally forgetting the damned Jedi after his eleventh drink.

  This day was no different. Until it was. Because hey, his daydreams were never this real. There was no way his imagination was so good. Because the Obi-Wan he was looking at right now was perfect, more perfect than any of his imaginations. 

  This Obi-Wan was real, showing something on an abstract painting of an ocean to a bunch of tubies - no, not tubies, children. Why the actual kriff was Cody's former Jedi general in a gallery with a bunch of children? And why was Boil there too, catching a Pantoran boy before he could get lost among the crowds of people?

  Cody's time to think about it and order his thoughts was cut short. Boil noticed him, of course he did. He waved at Cody. It would be far too awkward if Cody ignored him. This left Cody with no choice but to join the group.

  "Uh... hello?"

  "Hey, Codes, it's been a while." Boil greeted Cody with a half hug. It's been exactly eight days since they saw each other the last time. Cody wouldn't exactly call it long but whatever. "Ad'ike, this is Cody, my annoying big brother."

  "Cody? Like commander Cody?" a Mikkian girl asked. How would she even know that? She looked to be five standard years old at most, there was no way the Jedi taught her about the war and much less the clones.

  "I used to be a commander, yes." Cody nodded, because there wasn't much else he could do.

  "Master Obi told us a lot about you," a Rhodian boy told him. Now that was interesting. Obi-Wan told a bunch of random Jedi - at least Cody assumed they were Jedi - tubies about him. Why?

  Boil gave Cody a look. Cody didn't like it all that much but before he could really think about what that particular look meant, Boil was already talking to the tubies. "I know Cody is fun and all, but did you know there is a play area for children somewhere? Do you want me to take you there? Cody can wait."

  Apparently, Boil was good with children now. He left with all of the tubies. And that meant... Cody was alone with Obi-Wan. So that was what Boil's look meant.

  "Hello, Cody."

  "General." Cody nodded to Obi-Wan who rolled his eyes.

  "Drop that. I'm not even a general anymore."

  "So you take Jedi tubies to galleries now?"

  "Sometimes." Obi-Wan shrugged. "The council was looking for a créchemaster and I took the job. They are sweet."

  "And you told them about me?" That probably wasn't the right thing to say.

  Cody's question made Obi-Wan blush. It was adorable. Cody wanted to kiss him. It was like one of the fake scenarios he imagined before falling asleep, the one where he bumped into Obi-Wan while walking the halls of the gallery, like in some sappy novel, and Obi-Wan blushed and then they kissed and then they magically teleported to Cody's bedroom. It could still happen, if Cody took a step forward, leaned closer-

  "Well, of course I told them about you." Obi-Wan's words cut through Cody's so very professional day dreams. "They like to hear stories about heroes. Besides... I missed you."

  To say Cody missed Obi-Wan would be an understatement. Cody said it anyway.

  Obi-Wan blushed even more at that and his pale skin did exactly nothing to hide it. Cody loved it. "Is that so?" Obi-Wan looked like he wanted to touch Cody for a moment but then he pulled his hand back and firmly clasped his hands in front of him.

  Cody just wished Obi-Wan touched him.

[honeydjarin]

15 questions, 15 mutuals

Thank you for tagging me @commandercodys-wife 💕💖💕

Were you named after anyone?

I’m named after a book character. My middle name is my ma’s favorite author

When was the last time you cried?

About two weeks ago? I've been called both a cry baby and a cold fish so I'm not sure if I cry a normal amount or not 😔

Do you have kids?

Nope! And I don’t want them

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Not really. But I do have a habit of speaking in a tone that makes people confused about if I’m serious or not, which I guess is sarcasm adjacent

What’s the first thing you noticed about people?

Their smile! People are so pretty when they smile. Love to see people happy 🥰

What's your eye colour?

Blue green

Scary movies or happy endings?

Both! I love horror and I love romcoms. Not often a fan of movies that aren’t horror that end sadly though

Any special talents?

Not really. I’m sort of decent at a lot of things but not great at anything

Where were you born?

Florida

What are your hobbies?

Writing and drawing are the only two I’m somewhat consistent with. I like picking up new hobbies but never keep up with them (embroidery and crochet are my most recent failures)

Do you have any pets?

I have a dog! She is old and not very good at being a dog

What sports do/have you played?

So many of them! Soccer, basketball, dance, gymnastics, track/field, cross country, skating, lacrosse, flag football, badminton, color/winter guard, skiing… probably more!

How tall are you?

5’4”

Favorite subject in school?

In high school: bio. In uni: ecology and German

Dream job?

Wildlife biologist

Tagging @ghostofskywalker @dontletyourchildrenwatchthis @moondirti @groguspicklejar @sofasoap @managarmur @starboytech @wings-and-beskar @fives-girlfriend @cupofjoel @clonemedickix @corrieguards @saradika @starrrgazingbunny @suresnips

[sinfulsalutations]

15 questions, 15 mutuals :)

ty for the tag my dear @commandercodys-wife 🤍

were you named after anyone?

not that i know of, but i do have a cousin named after me 😮‍💨

when was the last time you cried?

uhhh maybe like 5 days ago, i’m a pretty healthy crier lmao. i honestly forgot what i was crying abt though. probably thinking of tech or smt 😭

do you have kids?

nope, and no plans in the near future.

do you use sarcasm a lot?

i don’t think i do but people always tell me i do, so i’m unsure.

what’s the first thing you notice about people?

usually their smile, then the way they introduce themselves

what’s your eye color?

dark brown, but one time when i was younger i put a flashlight to my eyes in the mirror and saw black specs in them, so that was pretty cool.

scary movies or happy endings?

ok, it depends. my star wars obsession has made me a bitch for (pseudo) happy endings but i like scary movies, so…

any special talents?

dunno if this counts, but i’m a great singer 😆

where were you born?

washington, d.c.! (apparently that’s rare lol)

what are your hobbies?

playing bass, singing, cooking, reading, napping, and crotchet :)

have any pets?

a cat named stampy (yes after the youtuber 😭), and a dog back home named cocoa.

what sports do/have you played?

soccer, volleyball, and basketball as a kid, but now i play tennis and run cross country

how tall are you?

4’11”, which i think is about 149 cm, either way really short 🙃

favorite subject at school?

i looooved my philosophy course last semester. but other bros dsubjects i enjoy are english and history.

dream job?

writer!!! one day i’ll make it big and be a nyt bestseller, hopefully, fingers crossed 😭😭

15 mutuals, npt ofc: @dystopicjumpsuit @samspenandsword @secondaryrealm @anxiouspineapple99 @drafthorsemath @obi-bae-kenobi @rain-on-kamino @wanderer-six @shinyshayminflower @burningfieldof-clover @freesia-writes @attacking-those-pesky-kyojins @darling-murdock @echos-girlfriend @starqueensthings

[savebatsartedition]

13 ⁀➷ the rainbow connection ⁀➷ Muppets

-

Originally posted: May 03, 2024     

Scratch link: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/997395281/

More notes under the cut!

Instructions:  Press the green flag and please do not steal my animation!   

+Minor eyestrain warning in the middle! 

The part will play, a test thing will play, and then a pfp will randomly appear lol. 

Lip Syncing Kermit the Frog was an experience, as someone who does not know how to lipsync OR draw Kermit the Frog. (I had a lot of fun though! :D And all together I'm pretty happy with this. ^-^ Hope you enjoy OP!) 

(Bonus, to CommanderCody-212th, please look in the backdrops for the pfp. It should be near the top. Please do NOT use it if you are not CommanderCody-212th, and if you are, please credit me for it.) 

-

Notes and Credits: Scratch bitmap of course! @savebatsfromscratch (me) for animating. -SimplyWatermelon- for the map. The Muppets for the song and characters.

[darlin-djarin]

15 questions, 15 mutuals

tagged by @stealingpotatoes, thank you for the tag!

Were you named after anyone? yeah but would rather not share

When was the last time you cried? when that anon and i were talking about din djarin and his baby daughter. yeah i cried abt it.

Do you have kids? no and i probably never will but i do get really bad baby fever from time to time

Do you use sarcasm a lot? consistently, almost nonstop

What’s the first thing you notice about people? idk i usually check if they’re clean. i have a texture problem and i never ever touch anyone before i know that they’re 100% clean and washed their hands and smell alright or like nothing at all. will refuse to touch anything anyone else has touched too, so i always check if someone is in general clean

What’s your eye color? hazel brown

Scary movies or happy endings? no preference but i like thrillers with happy endings

Any special talents? not really though i have a great knack for being the director of photography whenever i’m working on one of my filming projects

Where were you born? would rather not share

What are your hobbies? photography (photoshop mostly), entertainment journalism, filming, sometimes writing

Have any pets? nope though any pet we ever did have was short lived or taken away

What sports do/have you played? none really, i’m not a sports person. i don’t like competitions and stuff

How tall are you? 5’8 or 173 cm

Favorite subject at school? probably ASL but maybe entertainment film. love biology though.

Dream job? no clue but smth in the entertainment field is what i’m looking for. either that or biology

15 mutuals 💀 uhhh @hinderr @bleakbluejay @veradragonjedi @vanishedangels @kyberjelly @engagemythrusters @tobytost @commandercodys-wife @raph-lachouette @iamscoby @idontthinkiknow @lou-who-writes @lil-dormouse @kaiibuir @kamsspice

no pressure

[badbatchsprincess]

The Nexu - OC x Hunter Bad Batch

Masterlist

Warnings: S!ex, Violence, threats of SA, Drugs, Strippers, Torture… but in like a hot way. Hunter’s a tough nut to crack. Hurt and comfort? Comfort fuck? Idk… Lots of torture.... my bad... idk where this came from honestly

Soooo I saw a piece of fanart of Hunter chained up and this was born… 11k words later omg. This is also inspired by “Lioness” the show. I was trying to figure out a scene and suddenly I found myself entirely inspired by the show… so enjoy chained up Hunter. Teehee. 

Binx was on her third rotation with the boys. She had been assigned to them at the beginning of the war when they had just been mere shinies. Binx’s job was a bit different from theirs though. She is what the GAR calls a “Nexu”. She was specially selected from their civilian volunteer pool to enter the top secret sector for female soldiers. She was trained brutally and efficiently to become the secret weapon of the GAR. These Nexu’s are then placed within special battalions. Usually special ops ones, just like the 99’s, where their true talents can flourish. 

For better or worse description, Binx is a spy and a soldier. She may not look the part of a solider, but she is one. Her job is to exploit her feminine attributes to gather intel, infiltrate, and destroy their enemies. She can get into places the boys can’t and she has been a valuable asset to the 99’s for years now. 

Binx felt right at home with the 99’s. It didn’t take long for them to warm up to her either, even Crosshair liked her pretty off the bat. He claims it was her reluctance to letting him get under her skin. He’s actually her closest comrade. Those two love to just sit in silence together like two judgmental peas in a pod. 

Binx shook out her wet hair, placing her towel on the drying rack and threw on one of Wrecker’s t-shirts before feeling Crosshair’s flick on the back of head signaling her to follow. She trotted after him smelling the ration packs steaming from the galley. 

“Long day at work, hun?” Binx snarked at Hunter who was nearly slumped over his food. He just snarled and continued eating his food making Binx smirk. She knew he was tired, getting off his watch shift. The six of them had been in hyperspace for early 48 hours at his point and the six hour shifts were starting to get dry. 

Binx filled a cup of caff and set it in front of the Seargent to took it with a grumbly thank you. She couldn’t help but admire his rippling arm muscles, he must have been doing some training while on watch and it made the Nexu’s blood start to pump.

Meanwhile, Wrecker was chowing down voraciously while Echo passed Binx her dinner. She took it gratefully along with a clean spork and dug in herself. She willed herself to focus on her dinner instead of Hunter’s glistening skin.

Crosshairs perched next to the fold out table on one of the weapon’s crates while he ate. The last to supper was Tech, who was busy tapping away on his data pad. 

Then there was the dreaded ding from the center console. 

Hunter audibly groaned… another mission.

The others understood his frustration. They had been on back to back assignments for nearly 3 standard months. Everyone was tired, and not just Hunter. 

Hunter got up to answer the holo. 

It was Commander Cody. 

Everyone stood at attention. 

“Commander.” Hunter nodded. 

“Sergeant. Sorry to disturb you, I know you’re on your way back to base. However, we have an urgent assignment that we fear only CF99 could tackle.” 

“What is this assignment Commander?” Hunter’s interest was peaked at least. 

“I’m transferring the files over now. But you should know, our men have been having issues on the front lines with our machinery no longer working. Starships falling out of the sky, weapon systems shutting down… we cannot fight against this technology and we need you all to find who is selling the separatists this system. It’s imperative we stop this threat if we want progress on the front lines.” 

“I have received the file,” Tech pushed up his goggles, “It says here you want us to go to Cantonica?” 

“Isn’t that the aristocrat planet?” Binx chimed in. 

Cody cleared his voice, “Another Nexu brought us that information. Her and her team tracked the deal all the way back to Cantonica. She’ll be waiting for your Nexu for the next steps. We believe it would be smartest to have the two work on this assignment.” 

Hunter stepped forwards, “Wait, You want to borrow my Nexu for a solo mission?” 

Binx noticed the protective stance the Sergeant took putting himself slightly between her and the Commander’s holo. She felt her stomach fluttered at his use of “my”… the possession in his tone wasn’t helping her racing heart.

“Binx doesn’t go anywhere without us.” Hunter growled.

Cody sighed, “I understand your concern Sergeant, but in this case it might be the only way… The arms dealer is… an exotic club owner.” The commander looked like he’s rather kick rocks than have his conversation.

“Exotic?” Wrecker asked testing the word out on his tongue. 

“Strip club, hun.” Binx patted his arm. 

Wrecker’s cheeks flushed a vibrant red making Binx giggle. 

“Absolutely not.” Hunter crossed his arms. 

“Sergeant, I’ll be okay. I was trained for assignments just like this.” Binx sauntered over towards her commanding officer, “And I wont be alone. There will be another just like me.” 

Hunter took a few steading breaths before finally conceding, “Fine, but if anything goes wrong Commander…” He pointed a finger at Cody. 

Cody just nodded ignoring the slight threat, “I expect you all to report in, in zero six hundred.” 

“Understood.” Hunter ended the call. 

Everyone just stood there in bated silence waiting for Hunter to say something. 

He looked up at Binx, “You’re not going alone. Crosshair will pose as your body guard.” 

That was a decent compromise. 

Binx nodded and looked to Crosshair, “Does that work for you Cross?” 

He nodded. 

Okay then, it was settled. 

~

“I don’t know if I should go with the gold and yellow? Or the Silver and blue?” Binx held up two sets of Huttanese style outfits. 

Her entire GAR issued disguise closet was sprawled out over the floor including endless amounts of scantily made lingerie, leather, harnesses, club dresses, heels, jewelry, and cosmetics. 

Crosshair picked up a red g-string, using it as a slingshot to hit Echo, who was staring at the Nexu with pinked cheeks. 

Echo smacked it away snarling at Crosshair. 

“I don’t know if we’re qualified to answer that.” Hunter was leaning against the galley wall trying to fight his body’s reaction to seeing all of these things and all the places it was leading his mind. 

In near unison, all the boys then answered, “..Gold…” 

He was flummoxed looking at his squad as Binx stood up to change. 

Once Binx was gone Crosshair sauntered over to his brother, “You need to relax. Your little girlfriend won’t get hurt.” 

Hunter was taken aback, “She’s not my girlfriend.” 

“But you wish she was.” Crosshair smirked, “She’s a Nexu Hunter, she’s literally a pro at this seduction thing. You don’t think she notices the possessiveness earlier with Cody?” 

“I don’t have feelings for her.” Hunter’s eyes narrowed.

“Mhmm.” Crosshair wasn’t fooled. He saw the way Hunter always watched Binx on missions. He also hated it every single time Binx was sent in to flirt with random males, it nearly drove his older brother up a wall, “And Wrecker can say no to treats. Seems like we’re all lying to our selves.” 

“Stow it Cross.” 

Crosshair smirked and sauntered off like a loth cat. He loved stirring the pot.

When Binx returned, Hunter’s heart nearly gave out. 

She stood there nearly naked with nothing but a gold metal bra on, and a dangerously low hanging pair of gold panties with vibrant yellow panels keeping her barely covered. 

Hunter had to force himself to swallow thickly before he fainted. 

“Damn, Binx.” Crosshair tossed a pair of matching heels in her direction, “You should wear this more often.” 

“Yeah you’d like that huh, corporal?” She flirted back playfully. 

Crosshair crossed his arms raising a brow, “Oh yes…” 

Binx just rolled her eyes with a smile not noticing the way Hunter was vibrating with jealousy across the room.  

Hunter’s hands fisted painfully as he stared down Crosshair. How dare he… 

The rest of the group went over the game plan two more times making sure everyone had the fine details memorized as Binx finished dup the final touches of her persona. She curled her lengthy hair, applied sultry dark makeup, and added sparkles all over her body. The look was finished with a pair of thigh high stockings and a matching garter to go along with her gold heels. 

She grabbed a luxurious fur coat that she covered up with until they could get to the club. 

“It’s remarkable how much work females put into personal grooming.” Tech watched with amazement at the transformation happening in front of him. 

“I like the sparkles.” Wrecker said watching with as much interest, “Looks like the night sky.” 

“Echo, toss me that perfume!” Binx pointed to the small bottle next to her costume trunk. 

“Sorry Sarge, this might bother you.” She replied. 

Hunter just nodded, walking away into the cockpit. 

Binx began to spray the scent all over her skin. 

“What’s kind of perfume is that? I’ve never seen a bottle like that before?” Tech asked. 

“It’s actually a pheromone spray, it helps attracts males.” Binx replied, “GAR gives it to Nexu’s for our work. Makes them stupid.” 

“Fascinating.” Tech was taking notes surely wanting to study the chemical components. 

Echo leaned forwards sniffing suspiciously. Then Wrecker nearly shoved his nose into Binx’s neck, “Smells good… like candy.” 

“I smell spices.” Echo shook his head. 

“I smell blaster oil.” Crosshair sniffed the bottle. 

“How strange.” Tech examined the concoction, “it affects everyone differently.” 

“Magic.” Binx laughed, “How much sooner till we land? I feel bad making Hunter suffer with the smells.” 

“Oh he wont mind.” Crosshair replied fiddling with his toothpick. 

Binx nodded obliviously, “Okay good.” 

Crosshair smirked. 

“One hour.” Tech filled in. 

~

“You look sharp Cross.” Binx adjusted Crosshair’s tie making sure the knots were tied correctly. Tech had watched several tutorials. 

“I’ve never worn a suit before.” He tugged at the sleeve cuffs. 

“Not as good mobility, it will taking a bit to get used to.” Tech replied. 

“You can hide a pistol here.” Binx stepped forwards tucking the weapon into his belt, “Most pimps usually have some sort of weapon on them, they wont stop you at the door if you have the credentials.” 

“Civs carry them in their belts like that?” Echo asked scrutinizing the placement. 

Binx chuckled, “Yeah, they think it makes them look cool.” 

“Terrible blaster safety.” Tech shook his head. 

Binx giggled. 

She turned to Hunter, “We’re ready Sarge.”

He nodded gathering their supplied and hitting the hatch. 

Binx was grabbing the last of her things including her purse of gadgets when Hunter suddenly grabbed her arm, “I want you to be careful. I’m getting a bad feeling about this.” 

Binx took a moment to look him thoughtfully in the eyes, “You know I’ll be safe. I always am.” 

He sighed and nodded knowing she was right. He’s known her for most of his life now. He knows she doesn’t make mistakes. But he still couldn’t shake the feeling like this was wrong. 

“I don’t like you being a lone wolf.” Hunter whispered. 

“Hunter,” Binx placed a warm hand on his armored chest plate, “I’m not alone, I’m meeting another Nexu, and Crosshair will be with me. He’ll protect me and then you guys will all be on standby not far away. We’ve been in way worse positions.” 

Hunter again knew she was right. He closed his eyes for just a brief second before forcing himself to release her arm and step back to let her pass. She dragged her hand across his armor as she walked by trying to give him reassurance of her safety. 

It didn’t… Hunter still had a pit in his stomach over the whole thing.

Once they made it to the club, the squad broke off, leaving Crosshair and Binx to que up at the back entrance to the club. 

This part of Canto Bight was different from the main street. It was a little darker and seemed to be filled with more deviant activity. Gambling, strip clubs, fight clubs… this seemed to the be the “underground” for the rich and wealthy. 

“You remember the plan?” Crosshair asked one final time grabbing his forged credentials. 

“You and I scope out the building, I map the club and meet up with the Nexu and distract the dealer. You let the others in so they can get the data drive and then we dip.” 

“Bonus points if we snipe the arms dealer.” He said sarcastically. 

“I like your style.” She smiled. 

Crosshair scanned his credentials and they were both let inside. Once thought the door, Binx stripped off the lush fur coat revealing her “working” outfit. Crosshair took the coat and looped it over his arm before leading her further inside. They walked through hallways filled with females in various states of undress and men yelling and laughing as they drank the night away. 

“I wont be able to com you, so meet me back here in one hour.” Binx touched Crosshair’s hand before slinking off into the crowd. He watched her disappear and transform into her alter ego. It was mesmerizing to watch as she sashayed through the club taking on this persona and interacting with all of the patrons and members like she’s worked there for ten years. 

“She’s in.” Crosshairs combed to the others who responded with a confirmation. 

~

Binx found herself sat in a pretty central booth squished between to boisterous patrons who begged for her good luck while they played a round of sabbac. 

Binx’s giggles were interrupted when a woman approached the table with a charming smile, “Raya, your shifts almost up!” 

The Nexu. 

Binx smiled and moved to get up but she was firmly planted on the lap of the man to her right, “Ahh just a little longer sweetheart? We have one more round!” 

“Awh,” Binx ran her fingers down his chin and jawbone, “I’ll be right back baby, don’t worry.” 

He let her go and she left with a wave and a smile before linking arms with the strange girl. 

They walked back towards the dressing rooms before disappearing down an abandoned hallway. 

“I was hoping you were her.” She replied turning into an abandoned supply closet. 

Raya was the codeword they were all given in training to use to identify one another without having to share real names. Binx never knew her sisters in the agency. She was instructed not to know one another. It was all apart of the safety precautions the GAR took to keep them all alive.

“I haven’t ever seen you here before so I took the risk.” She said. 

“How long have you been here?” Binx asked. 

“Nearly a month. My men have been stationed here secretly to monitor the arms manufacturers and report back to the chancellor.” 

“Do you have the data chip?” Binx asked. 

The girl shook her head, “Everything is on Armado’s central data drive. I haven’t been able to get into his office alone.” 

“Is that the arms dealer?” 

“And owner of the club. He’s using this as a front to launder his wealth.” 

Binx nodded, “Will you introduce me to him?” 

“Who? Armado?” She seemed surprised. 

“Yes.” Binx nodded. 

“Yeah, but be warned, he’s very perceptive.” She lead Binx out of the supply closet. 

“Noted.” 

~

Crosshair watched Binx return with the Nexu and she gave him the signal that they were right and the data is in the main office. Crosshair reached into the pocket of Binx’s coat to retrieve a bead bracelet. Well that’s what it looked like to onlookers, but with an activating touch, the beads sprung to life as tiny droids who dropped to the floor and slinked away, beginning the process of mapping the entire facility. 

“Receiving data now.” Tech’s voice came thought he coms. 

“Binx says the intel is in the main office just like Cody said.” 

“Is Binx with you now?” Hunter’s voice crackled through the coms. 

Crosshairs fought the smirk, “No she’s with the Nexu. They’re sitting down in a booth right now. I’m assuming it’s the arms dealer.” 

“Keep a close eye on her Cross.” Hunter demanded. 

“You know I am.” 

~

“Armado, this is my friend Keeleey from back home!” The girl introduced Binx. 

“Very beautiful my lady… how is it you know my sweet Dani?” He smiled wolfishly. Binx noticed how he would definitely be considered attractive. The man looked like a holonet model. No wonder he’s been able to finesse such an establishment as this. 

“We grew up together, Dani said she would be able to help me find a job.” 

“Oh! You wish to dance?” 

“If there’s a spot available?” Binx made herself meek. 

Armado liked this a lot, “There’s always room for more beautiful woman as Charlyle’s!” He said with a booming laugh. The men at his booth also returned the same energetic laugh. Both Binx and Dani giggled demurely. 

“Sit! Sit! Let’s get to know one another!” He patted the cushion next to him and Binx filed in. 

~

“There’s a supply closet with a vent that leads outdoor to the east side of the building, we’ll meet you there.” Tech said through the com.

“Got it.” Crosshairs replied turning to make his way over to the east end. He passed thought what looked like private suites where maid service was on constant rotation bringing in fresh sheets and towels to the various rooms. Crosshairs pushed forwards noticing a few women who must be sex workers leaving the rooms looking tired and annoyed. One caught his attention and he raised a brow watching her strut away in nothing but a bedazzled thong. He let out a low whistle and carried on until he reached the supply closet. 

Once inside he locked the door behind him and began clearing the shelf to help the others inside. 

Tech, Hunter, and Wrecker squeezed through the grate before filing into the storage room. 

Echo was waiting with the ship as backup incase everything went south. 

“Ready?” Hunter asked handing Crosshairs his riffle and armor. 

The others nodded before taking off down the dimly lit hallways sneaking around until they reached the emptier hallways. Guards were posted at nearly every corner. Hunter gave the hand signal and they divided into twos before silently sneaking up on the guards and knocking them out. 

They continued on until they reached the office where the little droids lead them. 

There was an intricate bio lock on the door which Tech got to work hacking through. The others stood guard watching the hallways for any accidental wandering guards. 

“She’s going to try to kill the dealer.” Crosshair whispered to Hunter. 

Hunter growled, “How?” 

“I saw her put that poison lip stuff in her bag. I think she plans on getting him alone somewhere to take him out.” 

“She calls it lipgloss.” Tech corrected. 

“Fucking Binx…” Hunter was using everything he had to remain calm despite the growing jealousy at the thought of her kissing a man… even it was to kill him…with poison…

“We’re in.” Tech pushed open the door and the others filed in. 

There wasn’t much inside the office besides some ancient artifacts he must have collected and his holo screens. Tech pulled out a fresh data stick before plugging it into the port to start copying everything. 

“You’re up Wrek.”  Hunter gave the order. 

The demolition expert started placing the small detonators all over the office including under the desk. 

“Alright, I got it.” Tech said slipping the drive into a pouch with a bunch of other drives. 

“Let’s go and Cross get Binx.” Hunter said turning out of the office only to find more guards coming down the halls. 

“Kark.” Hunter grabbed his pistol and opened fire. 

~

Binx excused herself from the table to use the restroom, but actually she was going straight for the rendezvous point expecting to find Crosshair, but the alcove was empty. 

“Shit.” She sighed finding her coat tucked into a pile of random belongings, “Where are you Cross?” 

“Where are you going?” Dani suddenly appeared looking annoyed. 

Binx was about to respond when she was suddenly confronted by Amado and his men, “Now where are you going pretty thing?” 

“She’s the Nexu.” Dani ousted her, “Check her bag.” 

Binx narrowed her eyes at Dani. 

A guard snatched her purse from her and started riffling through it. 

“What the fuck is a Nexu?” Binx tried to save her cover, “Dani?” 

“She wont be here alone.” Dani said to Amado, “Her men are somewhere near by if they’re not already inside the building.” 

Binx realized she was working for Amado, they’ve been crossed… fuck… the boys are probably knee deep in shits creek already. 

The guard emptied the purse, “it’s just girl things.” 

Dani kicked the gloss tube, “That’s poison, the hair comb is a knife, and that compact is a com to her men.” 

“Do you know anything about her?” Amado asked brushing his knuckles down Dani’s face. 

“No.” She shook her head, “We never know anything about the others.” 

Amado then looked to Binx, “bring her.” 

His men crowded in.

~

“I’m getting real fucking tired of asking… who are you with?!” The head of security brought the cane down on Hunter’s side making him grunt in pain. 

No one had said anything… They had been at this for hours…

The others were bound to the wall beaten and bloody, but Hunter was bound front and center to a metal loop in the floor. His armor had been discarded and he knew he’d be bruised from shoulders to ankles if he survived this. 

Hunter’s head was suddenly ripped to the side as a spray of blood hit the floor next to him as he man kicked him viciously. 

When Hunter remained silent, the burly guard just growled and ripped out his com, “Boss, they ain't talkin.” 

“I’ll be there in a moment.” Armado replied. 

“They seemed trained for this.” Another guard pointed out from the side, “Bounty hunter’s perhaps?” 

“Nah, they’re too precise. I think they’re GAR.” 

“Those ain’t clones my guy.” 

Hunter spit out a wad of bloody saliva on the floor as he recovered letting the two muscly idiots argue over their theories. 

Meanwhile, Hunter’s attention was grabbed when the door slid open revealing the Dealer along with a glittery chain wrapped around his fist. With a yank, a flutter of gold and yellow stumbled after him. 

Binx.

Fuck.

He had her collared and bound. Hunter and the others looked up all noticing the way she looked like she had been roughed up a bit. She had red marks around her neck from either a pair of hands or the collar, a bloody lip and bruising wrists. They bound her arms behind her assuming she probably swung on someone. 

Hunter’s heartbeat began to pick up but he stilled his emotions as to got give away any weakness towards the woman. 

She growled pulling back on the reigns only making Amado yank her even harder throwing her into his chest. He gave her a charming smile she knew hid his wolfish grin. He shamelessly ran his hands over her feeling her taught muscles and soft skin. Binx snarled giving him her worst glare. 

“Nexu’s never run alone… are these your men sweetheart?” He grabbed her chin forcing her to look. 

In a heap in the corner Wrecker was curled up. They must have had to sedate him. Tech was bound to the wall arms above his head covered in cuts. His lithe belly was exposed showing bruising from the beating he must have taken. He was missing his helmet and goggles making him look younger, like when you had first met him. Crosshair was hogtied with a gag in his mouth no doubt from mouthing off. He seemed to be untouched so far… Then there was Hunter who heaved heavily, clearly struggling to breathe as blood was dripping from his mouth. 

“Hmm. That’s what I thought.” Amado sat down in a large throne like chair. He yanked the leash forcing Binx to stumble into his lap she landed with a yelp. He helped her situate properly to be perched over his thigh spreading her legs for everyone’s viewing pleasure. She struggled against his grip but he just held her firmly. 

“Now I have problem baby girl. Your boys wont talk. I get that they’re soldiers… they’re made to withstand torture… But part of me wonders how long they can really hold out…” Amado snapped at his men who walked over to Hunter. They unclipped his binders from the floor and dragged him to his feet re-chaining him to the chains hanging from the ceiling. They stretched his sinew body showing off his strength like a predator at the zoo. Gashed marred his tan skin and tattooed side making Binx fight to remain emotionless. 

One guard grabbed Hunter’s chin forcing him to look at the woman on Amado’s lap. 

He let out a defeated whine like a kicked dog making Binx stutter her breathing. 

“Just know that every thing that comes after this is your choice.” Amado whispered into Binx’s ear, “You could end all of this right now and tell me what I want to know.” 

Binx’s stomach suddenly turned upside down and she felt sick…this wasn’t torture for Hunter… this as torture for her. 

Amado slid his hand up her side until it reached the swell of her breast. He squeezed the flesh making her purse her lips and squirm away from his touch with a hiss. 

Crosshair fought against his binds wanting to clearly spit vitriol at the man for touching Binx, but the gag stopped him. 

Hunter was suddenly stripped as the guards tore away the remainder of his upper blacks revealing his tattooed body and sweaty tan skin. They turned him around and bound his ankles to the floor keeping him fully exposed to whatever they had planned.

Binx wanted to throw up knowing exactly what was coming next. She didn’t even flinch when the electro whip was flicked on. 

She just closed her eyes refusing to look. 

That pissed off Amado. He slapped her viciously across the face, before grabbing her chin and forcefully making her watch as his henchmen raised the whip back before lashing it forwards and striking Hunter’s flank with precision.

Of course he didn’t make a sound… but Binx knew… Binx knew that hurt. 

She knew it hurt more than the ache in her jaw and she forced air into her own lungs as a second lashing was delivered closer to his nape. 

Fuck… 

Binx wanted to cry. She couldn’t bear to watch this.

She felt a tear slip out of her eye as she desperately looked to Tech and Crosshair for an answer as to what she should do.

They both knew what she was asking and subtly shook their head telling her to keep quiet. 

She whimpered and flinched as more and more lashings rained down on Hunter’s back. Every hit made her jump and her heart fill with agony.

They were on about number eleven before Hunter started to cry out. His back was torn up, and blood was starting to drip from the wounds as he twitched in his bindings on impact. 

“You can stop this pretty girl.” He wiped the tear from Binx’s cheek. He bounced her a little bit on his knee making her grunt, “Just tell me why you’re here. Who sent you?” His hands began to wander moving from squeezing her tit to trailing down her belly towards the apex of her thighs, “Then you can go back to your men.” 

Binx didn’t… It took everything she had but she didn’t crack…

Amado was getting impatient, “So which one fucks you? Hmm?” 

Binx raised her chin refusing to indulge him. 

“See now I thought it was pretty boy over here.” He gestured to Hunter who barely looked conscious. His bandana was long gone and his lengthy hair was sticking to his sweat covered skin. He shivered every once and while as his nerves sang from the whipping, “but now I’m wondering if it’s not one of those two… or perhaps the big guy? I’m positive I could sell him for quite a bit.” He was referring to Wrecker. 

The anger growing inside Binx at the mention of something so atrocious fueled her as she suddenly decided to jerk her head back hearing the sicking sound of Amado’s nose break with a sickening snap. 

The man let out a pained howl as Binx was suddenly shoved to the floor. He kicked her in the ribs making her cry out before he stole a napkin from his men to plug his bleeding nose. 

“You fucking cunt!” 

Binx rolled to her feet determined to fight even with her hands tied. 

When the men moved in on her she spun into a kick, landing her shoe into the throat of the man lodging the heel deep inside his neck making him spurt blood and gasp for air as he tumbled backwards.

“Maker…” One of the guards nearly hurled from the gore. 

Another advanced on Binx but she rolled backwards side stepping the electro whip, then stepped on it before kicking her other leg into the man’s jaw. He went flying backwards until someone else managed to wrangle her leash into his hands tugging her upwards until her toes were barely touching the ground. 

“Don’t kill her.” Amado growled. 

Binx was set down gasping for air. 

“She wont fucking talk… fine…” Amado took her leash using it to throw her onto the metal slab where all of the various torture tools resided. The metal items went scattering all over the floor as her body made contact roughly. 

“But they will…” 

Amado motioned to the men to pin her to the table despite her vicious movements. They struggled grabbing her as she was as slippery as an eel. They were also afraid of her deadly shoes. But once one ankle was caught, the other came shortly after. They used leather straps to tie her ankles to the table legs making her scream and cry out at being bound so vulnerably. 

“Kriff.” Tech shook his head looking down at the ground. Crosshair began fighting desperately against his bindings praying one of the knots would give way. All the while Hunter couldn’t even lift his head but he closed his eyes unable to listen to what was coming next… 

Her collar was suddenly yanked up and restrained to the top of the table keeping her immobile like a wild fathier. 

“Let me go!” She snarled trying to test the bindings. 

Amado looked to his men sideways, “Do it…” 

Crosshair snarled through the gag forcing himself on his back trying anything to free himself. 

Amado smirked seeing the way the three men looked pained and desperate, watching his men close in on their precious Nexu. 

“Talk… or my men will fuck her till one of them knocks her up!” Amado yelled in Hunter’s face. 

Binx snarled and writhed in her binds making it difficult for the man to grab at her clothes. He did however reach the panties under the yellow panels of fabric. He yanked them down tearing the fabric in his hands. 

Crosshair’s muffled yell through the gag made Amado chuckle. 

Instead he turned to Hunter, He leaned forwards until only Hunter would be able to hear, “I bet you’re the one fucking her… How does it feel watching my men have your woman? Hmm?” He suddenly grabbed Hunter’s chin making him watch as the man saddled between Binx’s flailing legs was unzipping his pants. 

“Fuck…” Hunter ground out trying to shake his head but Amado’s grip made it impossible, “Fuck! Fine! Just Stop!” 

Hunter yelled making everyone stop. 

Everyone froze in place including Binx who frankly didn’t expect him to crack… not the Sergeant. 

Crosshair looked at his brother with concern… 

“Just let her go.” Hunter’s head slumped. 

“Not until you tell me what I need to know.” Amado stood over Binx and grabbed her tit, “I might just kill the four of you and keep her all for myself. She’d make me a pretty credit or two…” 

Hunter growled threateningly, “We were sent by the GAR… We’re from the GAR…. We are supposed to retrieve your data drive. Something about a separatists weapon’s system.” 

“And did you get this data drive?” Amado asked squeezing the other tit making Binx spit at him. 

“No!” Hunter bit out, “Fuck! Just let her go!” 

Amado seemed pleased. 

He released Binx and his man stepped away from her looking satisfied. 

“A man’s greatest weakness…” He looked at Binx then to Hunter, “It’s always a woman…” 

Hunter slumped in his binders relieved she’s at least not actively in danger anymore. 

Amado looked to his men, “Free her… then kill the others…” 

“No!” Binx screamed flailing against the table trying to free herself, “Please! No!” 

Blasters were raised and Hunter gathered all of his strength left to look at Binx one last time before the guns went off. 

Binx froze in her spot as her entire world began to spiral when she locked eyes with her Sergeant. Right as the triggers were almost pulled, a detonator tumbled through the vent bouncing in to the room twice before exploding leaving the room shrouded in grey gas. 

Blasters went off as counter fire was returned. 

…Echo…

Thank the maker.

Binx nearly cried from relief as she felt Tech and Crosshair’s hands working on her bindings. Echo shot Wrecker with a chemical adrenaline hit, waking up the giant. 

He rose to his feet swinging like nothing had happened at all. Echo hit every target with precision as men in suits began dropping like flies. 

“Let me up.” Binx growled rolling over for Tech to cut her arm bindings. She then snatched the blade from Hunter’s belt and blaster before prowling through the fog looking for her target. Once she heard that ridiculous voice she locked in and ran forwards until she collided with his body. 

Amado went flying to the ground looking stunned. 

Binx raised the blaster and he covered his face horrified to realize who was now on the other side of the gun. 

Instead of ending it all now, she lowered the weapon and shot him at the apex of his thighs. 

The man let out a tortured scream filling Binx with joy as she blasted a hole right through his manhood. 

“You fucking bastard!” Her voice was chilling in it’s ferocity. 

Once she was satisfied with his suffering, she knelt down keeping the gun pressed to his head. She then took Hunter’s knife and cut a long and horrifically deep gash across his chest shredding his luxurious cotton shirt and his flesh. He flailed and shrieked as pain overrode his entire system. That was only a fraction of the pain he caused Hunter, but it would have to do. 

Their rule was no loose ends. Hunter would be very disappointed with her if she allowed him to live to suffer. So when she pulled the trigger and watched the life leave his eyes, Binx knew she had done Hunter right. 

“Binx!” Crosshair ran up to the Nexu and wrapped her up in his arms, “Are you alright?” 

…She’s never been hugged by Crosshairs before…

“Yeah Cross, are you?” She was in more disbelief over that than anything. 

“I’m fine. We have Hunter, we need to go.” He lead Binx back towards the others. Tech and Echo had Hunter slumped over their shoulders as Wrecker took the lead leading them out of the building. 

Once they had all climbed through the vent and crawled out onto the neighboring roof, Binx realized there was once last loose end. 

“The Nexu… she’s the double agent. She sold us out. She’s working for them.” Binx told Crosshair. 

Crosshair looked confused for only a second before grabbing his riffle and running to the front of the building, “Wrecker… hit the detonators.” 

“Right now?” Wrecker was confused. 

“I need to flush her out.” Crosshairs replied. 

“Okay.” Wrecker grabbed the detonator and pushed the button. 

There was a loud bang before people started screaming and running out of the club. Crosshair watched closely as the entire building evacuated. 

 Binx and Echo ran to the other sides to make sure she didn’t magically disappear when the sound of fire puncher went off and you all knew the job as done… no loose ends. 

“Let’s go home.” Echo said leading the way back to the marauder. 

~

Once the hatch closed, everything was a madhouse. Tech and Echo carried Hunter back to the bunks while Wrecker tried his best to get the ship up in the air. Binx held back a whimper seeing the way their sergeant’s boots dragged limply under him along the durasteel floors. She prayed he was blacked out from the pain so he’d at least be out of his misery for a while. 

She felt a hand on her shoulder, “It’s not your fault.” Crosshair looked her deadpan in the eyes, “We all know what we’re supposed to do. We know what’s at risk. But know, he’s going to be beating himself up the second he wakes up… but it’s not your fault…” 

Binx nodded blinking away the tears. He cracked because of her…

“I-I’m going to go treat him now.” She forced the emotions down knowing now Hunter was going to need her to lock in now. 

Crosshairs nodded. 

Binx ran to the storage compartment and grabbed her kit. Forcing herself to flip into medic mode, she took off towards the bunks. Tech and Echo cleared out of the way to give her space as she knelt down on the floor next to Hunter’s bunk. He was slumped belly down with his exposed back. She had to fight back the nausea seeing the state of his flesh. 

The lashes went deep. It tore through his muscles and there was blood everywhere. It looked horrific. 

To be certain he wouldn’t feel anything, she grabbed a sedative to keep him unconscious for the worst of it. 

Once she was certain he was knocked out, she began the meticulous process of cleaning the wounds. It took nearly all the bacta they had to cover the wounds as she very carefully laser sutured him back together. 

She tried to best to repair him in a way that wouldn’t scar him too bad, but she knew he was going to need the bacta tank back on base. 

Once she was satisfied with her work, she bandaged him up and applied the cold packs before collapsing on the floor next to him entirely exhausted now that the adrenaline had completely worn off. 

Her own injuries were starting to ache and she decided to rip off one of the blankets and curl up on the floor next to Hunter incase he woke up for anything. 

The hours ticked on like this. The others would periodically check in to see if either of them needed anything but they both seemed perfectly content resting where they were. 

Crosshair had offered to watch Hunter for a bit but Binx declined. He noticed her slight protectiveness come forwards as she refused to leave Hunter’s side like a loyal hound. 

He wouldn’t deny her, so he continued on back to the cockpit with the others. 

Tech had patched himself up and was on his way back to a full recovery while Crosshair helped Echo go through the data drive. 

They had found endless amounts of arms deals and tech schematics. There was even the manufacturer’s information of the tech Cody was looking for. Luckily their mission was a success, and all of this wasn’t for nothing… they had that at least. 

However, it still shook the others to see Hunter in this condition along with Binx’s newly developed sense of resource guarding. She was like a feral hound, unable to leave Hunter’s side and she’d snarl at anyone that tried to move her. 

Crosshair had even caught her nuzzling into the far side of the bunk against the wall and tucking herself into Hunter’s side and curling in on herself like a house tooka. 

“Do you think she’s okay?” Echo asked quietly. 

“I think she feels guilty for not ending Hunter’s suffering sooner.” Tech replied fiddling with some spare parts. 

“She knows the protocol.” Echo nodded, “But it doesn’t make it any easier…” 

“I can hardly wait for Hunter to wake up…” Crosshairs groaned, “He’s going to be absolutely insufferable.” 

“You know he couldn’t let them do that to her.” Echo defended. 

“You don’t think I know that?” Crosshairs snapped, “None of us could. But his self loathing is even worse than yours Echo.” 

Echo narrowed his eyes challengingly, “Say that again toothpick…” 

“Okay, enough fighting.” Wrecker sighed, “Can we just wait until he wakes up to see whats going on?” 

“Well someone should definitely pry Binx out of Hunter’s cot and get her in the shower. It’s been two days.” Tech looked up from his work to adjust his goggles, “Her preference of coping is interfering with her overall health. I believe, as her squad, it’s imperative we at least do this for her in her fragile state.” 

“I’d rather not loose my balls, Tech.” Crosshairs crossed his arms. He knows exactly how vicious the woman could get when provoked. He didn’t want to be in the crossfire. 

“I’ll do it.” Wrecker stood up, “She wont be mean to me.” 

“That is true.” Tech replied. 

Wrecker stood and stretched his limbs before making his way to the bunks. 

Frankly, Binx wasn’t the only one stinking up the cabin, Hunter’s grimy body wasn’t helping much either. Those two needed a thorough scrub down.

Wrecker wrinkled his nose before shaking it off and locking in. 

He shuffled his cumbersome body over between the cots and nudged Binx’s ankle. She instantly recoiled and tucked herself tighter into a ball practically nosing her way under Hunter’s limp arm. 

“Binx…” 

She groaned lowly. 

“The others think it’s time for you to take a bath and change into some real clothes.” Wrecker whispered loudly. 

“You reek.” Crosshair added from the hall way. 

Wrecker sighed at his brother, “You’re not helping.” 

“It’s true.” 

“C’mon Binx…” Wrecker reached forwards to scoop up the petite soldier, but she just doubled down and went limp causing Wrecker to drop her back onto the mattress. 

“No, Wrek.” She snarled. 

“Binx.” Crosshairs chided. 

“I can’t leave him.” She whined refusing to look at them… She wrapped herself closer to Hunter,  “He told me it was a bad plan… he fucking knew…. He said he thought it was going to go south…”

They both just sat there in silence unsure how to proceed with her hysterics. Clearly there was something more happening here…

“He’s not going to wake up in the ten minutes you take to shower and change.” Crosshair sighed trying to reason with her. 

“It’s okay Binx, sarge would want you to take care of yourself.” Wrecker said thoughtfully. 

“But what if he needs me?” She whispered,

“Then we’ll tell you.” Crosshair stepped forwards, “Tech will monitor his vitals while you’re gone okay?” 

She didn’t agree, but instead she just huffed in resignation. 

Crosshair gave Wrecker a nod. 

Wrecker tried to pick her up again and this time she didn’t fight back, but she definitely didn’t take her eyes off the disheveled presence of their fearless leader’s limp frame. 

He carried her dutifully all the way to the fresher, gently setting her down inside. Her limbs were stiff from not moving for too many hours and she forced herself to stretch. 

Wrecker turned on the water waiting for it to get hot. 

“We’ll come get you if he wakes up okay?” Wrecker reassured. 

She nodded watching him leave her to her own privacy. She turned to look in the mirror noticing all of the smeared makeup from her sobbing along with the bruises forming on her jaw and neck. She didn’t even want to know what her legs looked like. 

She was truly horrified at her appearance. 

She began to strip out of the tattered lingerie leaving it in a heap on the floor before removing all of the jewelry and accessories. She threw them down on the floor too, too disgusted to even look at them. 

She stepped into the hot water relishing in the feeling before getting to work and scrubbing herself down head to toe as thoroughly and quickly as possible. She scrubbed until no more blood washed down the drain and all the grime was gone. 

She didn’t want to take too much time, what if Hunter woke up? 

She hurried through her routine before shutting off the water and toweling off. She wrapped the towel around herself before leaving the fresher to turn down the hall towards her bunk. She skittered across the cold durasteel floor not wasting any time before digging around to find her civvies. 

She yanked on the loose pants and baggy tshirt before pulling on a pair of socks and running her fingers through her wet hair. She returned the towel back to the rack before making her way towards the sergeants quarters. 

That was until Echo intercepted her, “Nuh uh, you’re eating something first.” 

“B-but..” 

“Nope. No if, ands, or buts…” Echo guided her to the galley where there was hot steaming packet of food waiting for her. Crosshair and Wrecker sat there leaving room for her. 

She sighed… they ambushed her… 

When she sat down they shoved the rations in her face and watched her eat every last bite before making her wash it down with two cups of cold water. 

“You’re acting like I’m dying.” She bit out. 

“You’re being weird.” Crosshair pointed his toothpick at her. 

She just starred at him. 

“Are you feeling bad about Hunter?” Wrecker asked softly. 

Binx sat there silently. 

Crosshair narrowed his eyes, “Wait, did you want them to go through with it?” 

“No!” Binx recoiled, “O-Of course not!… b-but…. Hunter shouldn’t have taken the lashing for me…I-it’s my job… as fucked up as that is. He shouldn’t have given up the information… We were lucky Echo came in time.” 

“Binx…” Wrecker looked horrified. 

“You know Hunter could never let that happen to you…” Echo said. 

“He would literally drive himself mad and get himself killed if anything happened to you…” Crosshair rubbed his temples. 

“We’re soldiers Cross… we’re supposed to be immune to torture and extraction.” Binx looked down at her hands, “Even if it gets us killed.” 

“They wouldn’t have killed you.” Crosshair’s voice turned cold, “They would have raped you, over, and over again, taking turns, in front of us until one of us cracked, you understand that right? And after they got what they wanted from us, we would’ve been executed, and he’d sell you to his clients until you wear out your usefulness to put it nicely… What Hunter did was the only thing to do… fuck protocol… you’re one of us Binx…” 

“We don’t follow orders anyways…” Wrecker added. 

The tears were staring to form in Binx’s eyes… she forced herself to blink them away knowing Crosshair was undoubtably right.

“Hunter knows this, kid… No point in beating yourself up over it.” Echo patted her shoulder 

“…thank you…for saving me.” Binx said softly trying to fight back the sob that threatened to break loose. 

“You’re one of us Binx. We’re family.” Wrecker wrapped his arm around her tousling her around a bit making her smile. 

“Feeling better?” Echo asked. 

“Yeah.” She smiled, “Got another ration pack I can have?” 

~

It didn’t take long before Binx’s tummy was full and she returned back to Hunter’s quarters to take Tech’s place. This time, she took the time to give Hunter a sponge bath to the best of her ability. She couldn’t lift him on her own so settled with reaching any available exposed skin. 

Once the rag no longer ran red with blood, she set it aside and leaned against his cot near his head. His steady breathing chilled her neck as she sat in silence hoping he’d wake soon. 

She must have dozed off because the suddenly pained wheeze and ruffling of bedsheets snapped her awake. 

“Ahh!” Hunter whined trying to lift his head. 

Everything in his body was screaming in pain. 

“Fuck.” He bit out. 

Grabbing the pain meds, she injected him instantly, “relax, relax…” Binx breathed out instantly sending her hands to his head where she tried to soothe him with little scalp rubs, “We made it back to the ship, we’re almost back to base.” 

“Binx?” His groggy voice cracked. 

“Yeah it’s me.” She replied combing his hair from his eyes. 

“You’re okay?” He asked with a smushed face in the pillow. 

“Yeah, Hunt. I’m okay.” She continued to soothe him. 

That got him to settle back down into the sheets. The fight going from his body as the medications mingled with his nervous system. 

“Did we get the data drive?” 

“Yeah, Tech has it.” 

“Any loose ends?” 

Binx sighed, “No, no loose ends.” 

“What happened?” 

“The Nexu was a double agent. She sold us out to Amado.” 

“Is he dead?” The anger was palpable on his tongue. 

“Yeah. He’s dead.” She said coldly. 

“...You?”

“Yes.” She nodded confirming his suspicion. 

He tried to nod, “Good. I hope it felt good.” 

“It did.” 

“Good girl.” He rumbled feeling the drowsiness finally hit. 

In that moment Binx swore she wouldn’t leave his side until they got to the medial sector back on coruscant. Her stomach fluttered at the praise as she settled back on the floor to get some much needed rest. 

She wouldn’t ever abandon Hunter. 

~

“C’mon vod, we gotta get you clean you smell like a rancor!” Echo begged as Wrecker, Tech, and Cross fought to wrangle Hunter into the fresher. 

“I got it!” Hunter snarled, “I can do it myself!” 

“You’re standing like a baby gallaze, you haven’t used your legs in almost a week.” Tech pointed out the fact they were quite literally carrying their leader from the bacta tank. 

“I knifing got it!” Hunter bit out, but his brothers ignored his attempt at keeping his dignity. 

Binx waited anxiously outside as they removed his medical scrubs and tried to wash down their brother, all crammed in the fresher together. 

“Maker Tech! I don’t need you doing that for me!” Hunter cried out in horror making Binx cringe… she knew exactly what part of the sponge bath they were getting to. Though she knew it would have been worse to have her do it…medic or not…

“You’re drowning him Cross!” Wrecker cried. 

“Good… he stinks!” Crosshair sprayed the hose over Hunters head making him sputter for air. 

“Grab the shampoo!” Tech commanded. 

Crosshair tossed it to him and he squirted it out to rub it all over Hunter’s head like a dog. 

“Argh!” Hunter growled getting soap in his eye. 

Binx bit back a laugh knowing he could definitely hear her from the other end of their shared apartment. 

“Okay, okay I think he’s clean.” Echo coached from the side. Poor guy wasn’t able to get his prosthetics wet without some serious tlc following so he steered clear of the splash zone.

Once Hunter was dried off and dressed in some fresh civvies, they guided him over to the couch next to Binx. 

“You doing okay Sarge?” She took pity on the man. 

He looked at her with annoyance, “How long till I stop wobbling?” 

“A few hours.” She replied, “Thats the longest I’ve ever seen someone in the tank before.” 

“They cut me pretty deep, huh?” He said stretching his limbs. 

Binx nodded, “Mind if I look?” 

He shifted over letting her see his flank. 

She tenderly lifted the fabric of his shirt to see that there were no ridges of bumps just lighter lines from the new skin cells. She couldn’t help but run her fingers over the new skin noticing the way his skin pebbled, reacting to her soft touch. 

He cleared his throat flinching slightly. 

“Everything ok back there doc?” He asked turning his head so she couldn’t see the flash to his cheeks. 

She withdrew her fingers, “Yeah… you look brand new.” Her cheeks heated realizing her touch was lingering just a little too long. 

“Good.” He said gruffly. 

She felt the nervousness flutter in her tummy and her heart start to accelerate slightly so she stood up and announced she’d be making some dinner trying to change the topic and the awkwardness. The room suddenly felt a little too small.  

“Oh yay, I love when Binx cooks.” Wrecker skipped into the kitchen at the mention of food. 

“Crosshair can you fill me in on everything that has happened since I was on leave.” Hunter asked trying to settle into the couch and start moving his legs again. He refused to look at Binx realizing there was still unspoken tension. 

Crosshair just raised a brow and crossed his arms smirking as he sat down. 

Binx and the others quickly got to work putting together their supper making a ruckus. 

“She’s been beating herself up for days.” Crosshairs murmured so she couldn’t hear, “When we first got into hyperspace, she slept on the floor of your bunk for two days, nearly took off Echo’s other arm when he tried to get her to eat.” 

“What?” Hunter’s eyes widened. He stole a quick glance up at Binx as she was cutting some kind of root vegetable. 

“Then when she got sick of that, she curled up in your bunk for the remainder of the flight. Wrecker had to literally pry her off of you she was so hysterical.” 

“You’re lying.” Hunter shook his head. He’s seen Binx cry before, but she was a soldier, she never let her emotions get in the way of anything. 

“It scared the shit out of us. We thought something happened to her psychologically. Like they broke her or she snapped.” Crosshair kept his voice low, “She’s been nagging the doctors on base the whole week. She was posted at your tube like a watch dog filling out all the reports and what not… frankly Hunter if you don’t make a move at this point you’ll be a fool. That girl is in love with you.” 

Hunter sighed, “Cross, you know I can’t.” To hear this was a shock. But there was a bright glow growing in his chest knowing Binx might actually have feelings for him. 

“Fuck the rules Hunter…” Crosshair growled, “I’m so sick of watching you two throwing looks when you don’t think the other is looking. We all know you both have this weird thing going on… everyone’s just waiting for you to finally do something about it.” 

“I’m her sergeant. I can’t…” 

“I don’t think she cares one bit Hunt.” 

Hunter took a breath forcing the air into his lungs. He couldn’t deny the excitement at Crosshair’s words, but there was still that overly responsible part of him that forced him to stay seated on the couch. 

“Just consider it.” Crosshair got up, “The thought of you dying nearly killed her too.” 

Hunter watched his brother get up and go into the kitchen to lend a hand in whatever precision chopping Binx ordered him to do. 

Meanwhile, Hunter had a lot of thinking to do. 

~

Sinking into his bed was one of the most orgasmic feelings he’s had in a long time. Being apart of the Nexu program, his squad was upgraded to military apartments instead of bunks a long time ago. His favorite part of leave was always sinking into bed and finally getting some decent rest. 

Hunter shut off his lamp and pulled the covers up to close his eyes. 

He was nearly asleep until he heard the soft patter of feet outside his door and the frantic sound of a racing heart. 

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, “Binx… I know you’re out there.” 

She suddenly stopped pacing, “S-sorry Hunter.” 

“You okay?” He asked. 

“Yeah Sarge.” She said softly. 

He got up kicking the blankets off of him before walking to the door and pushing the open button. 

Outside he found Binx hugging herself looking like a lost tooka. 

“Binx…” 

She rushed forwards taking him by surprise as she stood up on her tippy toes to press her mouth to his. 

Hunter stood there in slight shock taken aback by the fact the girl’s been hyper fixated on since being put in the field was standing before him right now kissing him. 

She pulled back suddenly with a horrified expression, “S-sorry. I-I don’t know what-“ 

Hunter surged forwards swooping her up into his arms to press another, much deeper kiss. One that Binx swore she could feel all of his pent up feeling seeping in. She opened her mouth letting him dominate her through the kiss.

She whimpered running her fingers straight into his midnight locks. 

He growled as she tugged slightly unable to help herself. 

His hands became a bit more greedy as he pulled her up and towards him lifting her frame up onto his. She curled around him as he stepped back into his room locking the door and leading them both to his bed. 

He broke the heady kiss to set her down but she was already pouting at being separated from him. 

Hunter stood up looking down at her Crossing his arms, “Crosshair told me what happened.” 

She suddenly looked away unable to hold his intense gaze… she knew he’d want to talk about it… mood killer…

His thumb went under her chin lifting it up to look at him, “You can’t do that again. If anything ever happens to me you have to promise me to stay put together.” It was taking every bit of strength he had right now to “Sergeant Hunter” instead of kissing the woman beneath him. 

She huffed with emotion and her voice croaked, “I thought you were going to die, and it was going to be all my fault.” 

He closed his eyes for a second before looking at her softly, “Promise me.” 

She gazed up at him, “I promise Hunter.” She sniffled. 

He wiped the rogue tear on her cheek and crawled up onto the mattress settling himself between her knees. He bowed his head and ran his calloused hands up her thigh, “I’ve never been more scared in my life, Binx…” 

She sat up. When he couldn’t look at her either, she crawled up onto her knees to hug him, “It’s okay Hunt.” 

“They almost-“ he had to stop himself, he couldn’t even thick about it. 

“You saved me. I’m okay.” She felt him wrap his arms around her. 

“I knew you shouldn’t have been on this assignment.” He sighed, “I knew better.” 

“We got the order, we followed through. It’s our job Hunt, sometimes it gets messy.” She was trying to comfort him. 

He squeezed her tighter, “They shouldn’t be sending you on these kinds of missions.” 

“I’m not a soldier Hunter, I’m a nexu, these are the missions I was designed for.” She reasoned, “You might not like it, but it’s what I’m trained for, it’s who I am.” 

“Asking that of you… is wrong.” He couldn’t get the images of Amado’s men out of his head. 

“An unfortunate side effect of the job I fear.” She sighed, “But from now on, if you get a weird feeling about it, I’ll stay away.” 

He sighed, “I can’t ask you do that. We’re a team.” 

“Then we’ll make it work.” She smiled, “But please never make me watch you get tortured ever again. I’ve had nightmares for almost two weeks.” 

He chuckled, “I’ll try my best mesh’la.” 

“Good.” She smirked, “Now… kiss me.” 

Hunter didn’t hesitate he nearly knocked her over backwards as he smashed his mouth against hers with no abandon. Binx moaned into the kiss letting Hunter pin her to his mattress. He wasted no time tearing open her sleep top to get at her skin making her flush with excitement. She yelped when he latched himself to her left tit murmuring something about how perfect she looked. She just giggled and massaged his scalp as he shifted to the other lavishing it with attention before traveling south. 

She arched feeling his fingers hook into her sleep shorts as he shimmied them down just to throw them to the side. 

She spread her legs enticing the Sergeant as she cupped her breast and squeezed while she watched him palm himself through his boxers. 

“I’ve thought about this too many times.” She purred toeing at the waist band of his boxers.  

He hummed, “Me too.” 

She smirked watching him strip. 

She chewed her lip seeing his thick tanned cock spring free leaking pre cum, “So much better than the fantasies.” 

Maker, this woman was going to kill him. 

She wasted no time reaching for him pumping his throbbing cock a few times before he guided himself towards her. He laid on top of her, pinning her with his weight, and pressed a kiss to her jaw before sloppily kissing her neck making her whine. 

When he was satisfied with the little love bites, he traveled south kissing down her sternum, then her lithe belly, until he reached the apex of her thigh. 

She whined realizing he was planning on making her wait for the main course as he began kissing around her cunt teasing her slightly. 

“Hunter please.” It was killing her not to have him inside of her… stretching her. 

“Patience Mesh’la, let me have this.” He nuzzled Binx’s dripping cunt, “I’ve been dreaming about this for too long.” 

She just whined and settled back into the pillow letting him do as he pleased. He gave a teasing lick making her jolt as pleasure began to thrum inside her body. Hunter spread her thighs as far as they would go and began feasting on her glistening cunt.

She cried out writhing against his sheets unable to fight the urge to fist his pretty hair. He smiled into her briefly before continuing the little licks and sucks making her gasp for air. 

When he was certain she was going to cum, he doubled down sucking her clit diligently making her nearly levitate from the bed as she orgasmed screaming out his name. 

“Fuck mesh’la,” He said up looking cocky, “If I had known you tasted so sweet, I would have had you sitting on my face a long time ago.” 

“Fuck Hunter.” Binx fought for her breath. 

He pumped his cock watching her catch her breath, “You going to be good for me again, ad’ika?” 

“Yes, sir.” She whimpered spreading her thighs again and chewing on her lip. 

“Good girl.” He surged forwards pressing his cock to her sloppy entrance. The stretch at first was a bit of a challenge, but Binx willed herself to relax taking Hunter’s thick cock as well as she could. She whined feeling him finally bottom out filling her to the absolute brim. Hunter made a broken sigh, feeling her hot warmth pulse around him. 

“So tight baby.” He muttered trying to find his strength to move.

It had been a while for both of them. Binx stopped the random hook ups after the first year of being assigned to the 99’s, while Hunter stopped picking up women and visiting brothels with his brothers when Binx had first showed up. No one felt right to him after that… 

“Hunter please move.” She was getting squirmy, grabbing at his hair and shoulders trying to beg him to move. 

He grunted and began a leisurely pace making her moan into his skin. She pawed greedily at his muscles feeling their contractions all in order to bring her pleasure. 

Hunter nuzzled into her neck mouthing at the juncture between her shoulder and neck before biting down and speeding up his pace. Binx cried out as he slammed his hips against hers feeling the squelch of her dripping cunt suck him in further. 

She scratched her nails down his back fighting for purchase somewhere as he drilled her into the mattress while she repeated his name like a prayer. 

It didn’t take long for her to cum, not with Hunter using his skillful hands to rub little circles into her clit. Once Binx came for a second time that night, Hunter began to loose his rhythm. 

Binx decided she wanted him to enjoy this, and used her strength to push him over, rolling the two of them together so she could ride him with no abandon. Hunter imminently matched her pace thrusting rhythmically to meet her. 

Hunter writhed against the mattress keeping a firm grip on her hips, guiding Binx as she bounced on top of him with skill. 

His mouth parted as he felt his orgasm approaching and Binx smirked dragging her nails down his chest looking him in the eye, “I want you to come, Sergeant.” Her voice was like a sultry tooka making him seize up.

Hunter stuttered for a second before thrusting upwards one last time, emptying himself deep inside her womb. 

She collapsed on top of him finally exhausted as he also fought to gather his breath. 

His arms wrapped around her, squeezing her with his muscles and she practically vibrated with content. A certain amount of tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying finally dissipated from her body since that awful night on Canto Bight. She finally felt safe, here in her Sergeant’s arms. Panting, sweaty, and absolutely fucked out. 

Hunter refused to pull out but he shifted to look down at her, “I think we just broke like a hundred rules.” 

“I don’t care.” She shifted to look up at him. 

Nexu’s weren’t supposed to fall in love…but here we are. 

Binx smiled seeing Hunter’s face light up, “What?” 

“Nothing.” He smiled. 

She quirked a brow. 

He threw his head back, “It was way better than the fantasies.” 

“I’m glad.” She smiled nuzzling into his pec and closing her eyes feeling sleep start to take her. 

“We’re going to have to be careful,” He said combing through Binx’s dark hair, “I’m not going to lose you now that I have you.” 

“We’ll be a weakness for one another.” Her soldier brain was calculating, “Our enemies will exploit it.” 

“Only if they know.” 

She nodded, “I trust you Hunt.” 

“I trust you too Binx.” 

She wanted to say more… she wanted him to know how she feels but she couldn’t quite bring herself to say those three words yet even though they were on the tip of her tongue. She was just happy Hunter was alive and well.

[star-wars-writing]

Whispers Among the Vines: Echoes of Legacy

I must extend my sincerest apologies for the unexpected silence from my end these past two weeks. Life, with its unpredictable ebb and flow, required me to step back into the whirlwind of work after a brief hiatus. The transition back has been both rewarding and demanding, leaving little room for writing and doing anything creative. That being said, this is the @codywanbingoingo with prompt: Drinks. I hope you like it.

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, it cast a golden glow over Kenobi Vineyards, revealing a landscape at once haunting and beautiful. The vineyard, sprawling across rolling hills, was a patchwork of verdant growth and neglect. Ancient vines, their roots deeply entwined with the soil's history, stretched towards the sky with a weary resilience, their leaves tinged with the struggle of seasons past. These guardians of the land, once meticulously tended, now bore the marks of time's indifference, their supports weathered and leaning, like weary soldiers after a long battle.

The trellises, designed to cradle burgeoning life, stood fractured and forgotten, their wooden bones bleached by the sun, a stark reminder of the care that had once flourished here. Stone walls, constructed with the painstaking effort of generations, crumbled in places, surrendering to the relentless advance of nature as wildflowers and ivy claimed them as their own. The beauty of the vineyard was undeniable, yet each breathtaking view was marred by evidence of decay, the land crying out for a steward's touch.

Amidst this beauty and disrepair, the winery buildings themselves told a story of faded glory. The main house, with its once-proud facade, now showed cracks and peeling paint, the windows reflecting the morning light in a mosaic of hope and desolation. Nearby, the barn and fermentation rooms, the heart of the vineyard's operations, stood silent, their doors hanging open, revealing shadows that spoke of abandoned crafts and empty barrels.

The air, heavy with the scent of earth and vine, carried whispers of the vineyard's past splendor, mingling with a tangible sense of loss. Dew clung to spiderwebs strung like delicate lace between the vines, sparkling in the sunlight as if to highlight the beauty that persisted in the face of neglect. The ground, parched and cracked, thirsted for attention, a stark canvas awaiting the touch of rain or the gentle care of a gardener's hand.

In this place where time seemed to stand still, the wild and the cultivated converged, creating a landscape that was as compelling as it was heartrending. The vineyard, in its state of serene desolation, stood as a testament to the cycles of growth and decline, a mirror to the natural world's enduring struggle and resilience. It was a portrait of potential left untapped, a dream suspended in the golden morning light, waiting for the moment of renewal to breathe life back into its veins.

As the sun climbed higher, its rays piercing through the morning mist, Obi-Wan Kenobi made his solitary way along the narrow paths that wound through the heart of Kenobi Vineyards. Each step carried the weight of centuries, the legacy of his family pressing down upon him with a force that was almost palpable. The vines, ancient and gnarled, seemed to lean towards him as he passed, like old friends reaching out for comfort or perhaps offering their silent support.

Obi-Wan paused, his gaze lingering on a particularly old vine that twisted around its trellis in an intricate dance of life and survival. His hand hovered over a cluster of grapes, not yet ripe, but full of promise. The touch of the morning dew against his skin was a bittersweet reminder of the vineyard's needs—needs that had grown increasingly difficult to meet. 

"It's not just the land that's parched," he murmured to himself, his voice barely louder than a whisper, lost amidst the symphony of nature that surrounded him. His words were an acknowledgment of his own inner drought, a reflection of the loneliness that had settled in his heart since he had taken on the responsibility of the vineyard.

The burden of the vineyard's future was a constant companion, an ever-present shadow that followed him through the rows of vines. Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel the vineyard's decline was a reflection of his own inadequacies. "I promised you I'd keep this place alive," he whispered, not to the vine but to the memory of his ancestors, those who had cultivated these lands into prosperity. The wind, picking up slightly, seemed to carry his words away, an offering to those who had walked these paths before him.

As he continued his walk, Obi-Wan's thoughts drifted to the upcoming visit from the wine critic, Cody. The man's reputation preceded him, known for his discerning palate and the power his words held over the fate of wineries. The prospect of Cody's visit was a double-edged sword; it held the potential for salvation or the final nail in the coffin for Kenobi Vineyards.

Reaching the edge of the property, Obi-Wan stood overlooking the valley below, the view a tapestry of wild beauty and cultivated order. The vineyard's struggles seemed insignificant against the backdrop of the sprawling landscape, yet to Obi-Wan, they were the world.

"I need to show him the soul of this place, not just the wine," Obi-Wan resolved, his voice stronger now, carrying a new edge of determination. The vineyard was more than just land and vines; it was a legacy of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between the earth and those who tend it.

Turning back towards the heart of the vineyard, Obi-Wan's stride carried a renewed purpose. The visit from Cody was an opportunity, perhaps the last he would have, to turn the tide. As he made his way back, the vineyard seemed to respond to his resolve, the air charged with a sense of anticipation.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of activity. Obi-Wan lost himself in the work, his hands moving with practiced ease as he tended to the vines, each gesture a silent prayer for the future. The physical labor was grounding, a reminder that, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, there was always work to be done, always hope to be found in the rhythm of the vineyard.

As the day waned and the time of Cody's arrival drew near, Obi-Wan took a moment to stand once again at the overlook, watching as the setting sun painted the sky in shades of fire and gold. The beauty of the moment was a poignant reminder of the vineyard's potential, its capacity for renewal and growth.

"This is your moment, Kenobi," he whispered to himself, the words a vow to the land, to his family, and to his own weary heart. "It's time to show them what we're made of."

With the shadows lengthening and the first stars beginning to twinkle in the evening sky, Obi-Wan turned and made his way back to the house to greet his guest. The fate of Kenobi Vineyards hung in the balance, but for the first time in a long while, Obi-Wan felt a flicker of hope, a spark that suggested that perhaps, just perhaps, the best chapters of their story were yet to be written.

**** 

The tranquility of Kenobi Vineyards was abruptly punctuated by the sound of an approaching vehicle, its engine's growl a stark contrast to the peaceful chirps and whispers of the countryside. A sleek, modern car wound its way along the vineyard's access road, dust billowing in its wake like a herald announcing the arrival of something—or someone—significant. The car's metallic surface glittered under the fading sunlight, a beacon of the outside world intruding upon the timeless beauty of the vineyard.

Obi-Wan, standing near the main house, watched the car's approach with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. The arrival of Cody was like the first drop of rain before a storm, charged with the potential to either nourish the land or ravage it completely. Obi-Wan's heart beat a tense rhythm, echoing the uneven pace of his thoughts. He was acutely aware that the fate of Kenobi Vineyards rested on the impression it would make on this one man.

As the car came to a halt, the door opened, and Cody stepped out. He was every bit the figure Obi-Wan had imagined: tall, with an authoritative presence that seemed to command the space around him. His eyes, sharp and discerning, took in the surroundings with a critical gaze that missed nothing. The setting sun cast long shadows that played across his features, giving him an aura of mystery and power.

For a moment, Obi-Wan felt as if the vineyard itself held its breath, the very air charged with tension. He stepped forward, extending a hand in greeting. "Cody, welcome to Kenobi Vineyards," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

Cody's handshake was firm, his grip conveying a confidence that Obi-Wan both envied and admired. "Mr. Kenobi," Cody acknowledged, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "I've heard much about your vineyard. I'm eager to see if it lives up to its reputation."

As they walked toward the main house, Obi-Wan felt Cody's gaze sweeping over the vineyard, missing none of the beauty nor the disrepair. Obi-Wan found himself wondering what Cody saw when he looked at the vineyard. Did he see a lost cause, or could he perceive the potential that Obi-Wan believed in so fiercely?

The silence between them was filled with unspoken questions and judgments. Obi-Wan led Cody to a small patio overlooking the vineyard, where the last light of day gave the vines a soft, ethereal glow. He gestured for Cody to take a seat, while he fetched a bottle of their best vintage.

Pouring the wine with hands that betrayed none of his inner nervousness, Obi-Wan offered Cody a glass. "This is one of our finest vintages," he said, his voice infused with a pride that came from years of dedication. "I hope it speaks for itself."

Cody accepted the glass, his expression inscrutable as he swirled the wine, observing its color against the backdrop of the setting sun. He took a sip, closing his eyes briefly as if to fully concentrate on the flavors. Obi-Wan watched him, searching for any sign of approval or disapproval.

Finally, Cody opened his eyes, and Obi-Wan felt as if the entire vineyard waited on his verdict. "There's a complexity here... a depth that I didn't expect," Cody admitted, his voice thoughtful. "It's evident that care went into its making."

The words felt like a reprieve to Obi-Wan, a small crack in the storm clouds that had gathered over Kenobi Vineyards. He allowed himself a cautious optimism, aware that this was only the beginning of what he hoped would be a turning point for the vineyard.

As the evening wore on, the conversation between Obi-Wan and Cody delved deeper into the intricacies of wine making, the challenges of maintaining a vineyard, and the vision Obi-Wan held for the future. With each shared bottle and story, the initial tension began to dissipate, replaced by a budding respect and understanding.

Obi-Wan realized that Cody, despite his formidable reputation, was driven by a genuine passion for wine and its creation. And Cody, in turn, seemed to recognize the dedication and love Obi-Wan had for Kenobi Vineyards. The evening, which had begun with the weight of judgment, slowly transformed into an exchange between two men who, despite their different paths, shared a common reverence for the art of wine.

As Cody left, promising to return the next day for a full tour, Obi-Wan felt a cautious hope blooming in his chest. The visit had not been the immediate salvation he had dreamt of, but it had opened a door, a possibility for change and renewal. Standing alone under the starlit sky, Obi-Wan allowed himself to believe that Kenobi Vineyards might yet find its way back to life, guided by hands both old and new.

***** 

The morning sun bathed Kenobi Vineyards in a warm, golden light, promising a day of revelations and perhaps, redemption. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Cody embarked on the tour of the vineyard, the air between them filled with an electric mix of anticipation and underlying skepticism.

Obi-Wan led the way, his stride purposeful yet weighed down by the gravity of what was at stake. Cody followed, his eyes sharp and assessing, missing none of the vineyard's flaws nor its hidden gems. The beauty of the morning could not fully mask the signs of neglect that had crept over the land, like ivy over an abandoned ruin.

"As you can see, the vineyard has seen better days," Obi-Wan began, his voice carrying a hint of resignation. "But beneath the overgrowth and decay, there's a legacy of quality and dedication to the craft of winemaking."

Cody's gaze lingered on a section of vineyard where the vines were particularly overgrown. "I can see the potential," he admitted, though his tone remained noncommittal. "But potential alone doesn't produce quality wine. It takes skill, dedication, and considerable investment."

Obi-Wan nodded, the weight of Cody's words settling heavily upon him. "Of course, you're right. Let me show you something that might give you a better understanding of what we're capable of here." He led Cody to an older section of the vineyard, where the vines seemed to stand a bit taller, their leaves a deeper shade of green.

"These vines were planted by my great-grandfather," Obi-Wan explained, his hand brushing against the rough bark of the nearest vine. "They're some of the oldest on the property, and they produce our most distinctive grapes. The wine they yield..." He paused, searching for the right words. "It's not just a drink. It's a piece of history, a testament to the love and care that my family has poured into this land for generations."

Cody listened, his expression softening slightly. It was clear that Obi-Wan's words had struck a chord, reminding him that wine was more than a commodity—it was a story, a legacy that connected the past to the present.

As they continued the tour, Obi-Wan shared more about the unique aspects of their wine-making process, from the careful selection of grapes to the traditional methods they still employed in fermentation and aging. With each detail, he wove a narrative of dedication and passion, a narrative that seemed to slowly chip away at Cody's initial skepticism.

At one point, Obi-Wan paused beside a small, seemingly insignificant tool shed. "This," he said, unlocking the door, "is where some of our most important work happens." Inside, the shed was filled with an array of barrels, each marked with dates and notes in a meticulous hand.

"These barrels contain experimental blends, my attempts to capture the essence of Kenobi Vineyards in a bottle. Some of them are failures, but others..." He trailed off, selecting a bottle from a nearby shelf. "This one, for example, is something I'm particularly proud of. It's not perfect, but it represents a step toward the future I envision for this vineyard."

Cody watched as Obi-Wan carefully opened the bottle and poured a small amount into two glasses. The act was a gesture of vulnerability, an offering of hope and a request for understanding.

Tasting the wine, Cody's expression was inscrutable for a moment before he nodded slowly. "This is good," he conceded, and Obi-Wan could hear the genuine surprise in his voice. "It's bold, innovative even. It speaks to a level of creativity and risk-taking that's commendable."

The acknowledgment was a balm to Obi-Wan's anxious heart. For the first time since Cody's arrival, he allowed himself to believe that the vineyard's story might not end in decline and obscurity.

As they made their way back to the main house, the atmosphere between them had shifted. The skepticism and desperation that had marked the start of the tour had given way to a cautious optimism. There was a sense of shared understanding, a recognition that beneath the vineyard's disrepair lay a foundation of strength and potential.

"This place," Cody said, pausing to look over the expanse of vines basking in the sunlight, "it has character. And your wine..." He glanced at Obi-Wan, a newfound respect in his gaze. "It has soul. That's something you can't manufacture. It's born from the land and the hands that tend it."

Obi-Wan met Cody's gaze, feeling a surge of pride and determination. "Thank you," he replied, the words a simple but profound acknowledgment of the journey ahead. "With the right care and effort, I believe we can restore Kenobi Vineyards to its former glory, and perhaps, even surpass it."

In the cool, dimly lit interior of the fermentation room, the air was thick with the scent of aging wine and oak. It was here, surrounded by the tangible results of his family’s legacy, that Obi-Wan chose to share the depth of his connection to winemaking and the vineyard itself. The walls, lined with barrels, seemed to listen, silent witnesses to this moment of raw honesty.

Obi-Wan ran his hand along the grain of a nearby barrel, his touch gentle, almost reverent. "Each of these barrels," he began, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet space, "contains more than just wine. They hold stories, years of struggle, moments of triumph, and, yes, even times of failure."

Cody, leaning against a sturdy, aged workbench, watched Obi-Wan closely, sensing the shift in the air, the way the room seemed to close in, focusing all attention on the man before him.

"My passion for winemaking," Obi-Wan continued, pausing to select a bottle from a nearby rack, "isn't just about the craft itself. It's about what it represents—continuity, the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next, the bond between the land and our family." He uncorked the bottle with practiced ease, pouring the rich, dark liquid into two glasses. "But I fear," he admitted, handing a glass to Cody, "that I might be the end of that line."

The admission hung in the air between them, a confession of vulnerability that Obi-Wan rarely allowed himself to show. Cody accepted the glass, his gaze now softened, understanding the weight of Obi-Wan's words.

"Why do you fear that?" Cody asked, the question voiced with genuine curiosity and a hint of concern.

Obi-Wan took a sip of his wine, the action giving him a moment to gather his thoughts. "Because despite my efforts, I can't seem to overcome the challenges we face. The market is changing, and our vineyard... we're struggling to keep up. I worry that I won't be able to preserve this legacy, that I'll be the one under whose watch it all falls apart."

Cody listened, his expression thoughtful, the earlier skepticism replaced by a dawning comprehension of the personal stakes involved for Obi-Wan. "But you're fighting," Cody observed, "not just for the survival of the vineyard, but for something much more personal."

"Yes," Obi-Wan acknowledged, the word laced with a mixture of determination and resignation. "This vineyard is a part of me. To see it fail would be like losing a part of myself. But it's more than that. It's about honoring those who came before me, not letting their hard work and sacrifices be in vain."

The room seemed to close in around them, the air charged with the weight of Obi-Wan's fears and the intensity of his passion. Cody, moved by the depth of Obi-Wan's commitment, found himself reevaluating his initial impressions of both the man and the vineyard.

"Obi-Wan," Cody said, his voice firm, yet imbued with an unexpected warmth, "your dedication is clear, and the quality of your wine speaks for itself. The challenges you face are significant, yes, but not insurmountable."

Obi-Wan met Cody's gaze, searching for a hint of the skepticism that had marked their initial meeting. Instead, he found understanding and, perhaps, a glimmer of respect.

"Thank you, Cody," Obi-Wan replied, the tension that had coiled within him beginning to unwind. "Hearing that from someone with your expertise... it means more than you might realize."

As the day waned, casting long shadows across the vineyard, Obi-Wan and Cody found themselves seated on the worn stone bench beside the old water feature, now silent, its once cheerful babble reduced to a mere memory. The air was filled with the gentle rustle of leaves, a natural symphony that seemed to underscore the significance of their conversation.

Obi-Wan, with a slight hesitation born from years of guarding his private thoughts, began to share more of his past, the journey that had led him to this moment. "I wasn't always sure that this path was mine to walk," he admitted, his gaze fixed on the vineyard sprawling before them, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. "There was a time when the world seemed wide open with possibilities. I dreamed of exploring, of finding my own way. But when my father passed, the reality of what this land represents... it called me back. It's a legacy of not just land and wine, but of love and resilience. How could I turn my back on that?"

Cody listened intently, his own glass of wine forgotten in his hand. There was a depth to Obi-Wan's words, a sincerity that resonated with something deep within him. "I understand the weight of legacy," Cody responded, his voice softer than before. "I come from a military family. The expectation was always clear: serve with honor, uphold the family tradition. But I found my battleground in the world of wine, a different kind of challenge, yet one that's no less demanding."

Their eyes met, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them. Here, in the quiet of the vineyard, their disparate paths had converged, revealing common ground in the pursuit of passion and the weight of expectations.

"The world of wine... it's more than a career for you, isn't it?" Obi-Wan asked, genuinely curious about the man who had, in a short time, become both a critic and an unexpected confidante.

Cody chuckled, a sound that seemed to carry with it layers of unspoken stories. "Yes, it's more. It's a quest, almost. A quest for perfection, for understanding. Each bottle tells a story, and I suppose I've become a collector of stories. But," he paused, a shadow crossing his expression, "it can be a solitary journey. The pursuit of perfection often comes at the cost of personal connections."

The confession hung between them, a shared vulnerability that bridged the gap of their previous professional distance. Obi-Wan felt a surge of empathy for Cody, recognizing the parallel loneliness in their pursuits.

"It seems we're both prisoners of our passions," Obi-Wan observed, his voice tinged with a newfound warmth. "But perhaps, in acknowledging that, we find a kind of freedom."

Cody nodded, the last rays of sunlight illuminating his features, casting them in a soft, almost ethereal light. "Perhaps you're right. And maybe, in sharing our stories, we lighten that load, even if just for a moment."

The conversation drifted then, from dreams to disappointments, from the wines they had loved to the ones that had eluded them. Each story, each shared piece of their past, wove a tapestry of understanding and respect between them. The vineyard, with its ancient vines and whispered secrets, served as the perfect backdrop for this exchange, a reminder that growth and renewal were possible, even from the deepest roots.

As the evening drew to a close, the stars began to twinkle in the velvet sky, a silent audience to the unfolding bond between two unlikely companions. The vineyard lay around them, a testament to the enduring power of land and legacy, but in that moment, it was the human connection, fragile and newly formed, that held the promise of the future.

As twilight deepened, casting a lavender hue over the sprawling expanse of Kenobi Vineyards, Obi-Wan and Cody found themselves ascending a gentle hill that offered a panoramic view of the land. The world around them was bathed in the soft afterglow of sunset, the vineyard below a quilt of shadows and fading light. Obi-Wan carried with him a bottle of the vineyard's oldest wine, its label worn but the contents within preserved, a liquid testament to the vineyard's storied past.

Reaching the summit, they paused, both men taking a moment to absorb the breathtaking vista that lay before them. The air was cool, carrying the scent of earth and growing things, the very essence of the vineyard itself. Obi-Wan uncorked the bottle with a practiced ease, the sound a soft pop in the quiet of the evening.

"This," Obi-Wan said, handing Cody a glass filled with the deep, ruby-red wine, "represents the best of what we've been. It's a bridge between the past and the future we're striving towards." His voice carried a reverence, a deep appreciation for the legacy he was part of.

Cody accepted the glass, his eyes reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. "To bridges," he toasted, the words an acknowledgment of the day's revelations and the unexpected connection that had formed between them.

As they sipped the wine, the silence that fell between them was comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that had grown throughout the day. The wine was exceptional, its flavors complex and layered, a testament to the skill and care that had gone into its making.

It was Cody who broke the silence, his voice thoughtful. "I've spent so much time chasing the perfect story, the perfect bottle of wine, that I've often overlooked the stories unfolding right in front of me." He paused, a wistful note in his voice. "There are friendships I've neglected, moments I've missed. It's easy to forget that the pursuit of perfection shouldn't come at the expense of living."

Obi-Wan listened, the honesty of Cody's confession striking a chord within him. "I understand," he replied, his own voice tinged with regret. "I've been so consumed with saving this vineyard, proving myself worthy of my heritage, that I've isolated myself. I've forgotten what it's like to share this passion with someone who understands."

The admission hung in the air, a shared recognition of the personal costs of their dedication. But in that recognition, there was also a sense of relief, a lightening of burdens long carried alone.

Laughter soon followed, sparked by a humorous anecdote from Cody about a particularly disastrous wine tasting event. Obi-Wan joined in, the sound mingling with the night air, a release of tension and the joy of newfound camaraderie. They shared stories of their failures and triumphs, the absurdities and the moments of grace that marked their journeys in the world of wine.

As the evening wore on, the wine flowed freely, loosening tongues and opening hearts. The stars above seemed to draw nearer, witnesses to the deepening bond between two souls brought together by fate and a shared love for the vineyard's bounty.

Sitting on that hill, overlooking the land that was so much a part of Obi-Wan, he felt a shift within himself. The vineyard was no longer just a burden to be shouldered alone; it was a legacy to be shared, a source of connection and hope.

Cody, too, seemed transformed by the experience, his earlier skepticism replaced by a genuine respect and affection for the vineyard and the man who fought so valiantly to preserve it. In the shared laughter and confessions of regret, they found not just understanding but a sense of belonging, a recognition that their paths, however different, were intertwined in the story of Kenobi Vineyards.

As the bottle emptied and the night deepened, they remained on the hill, reluctant to end the moment. The vineyard lay quiet below, a testament to the enduring power of the land and the human spirit. And for Obi-Wan and Cody, the future seemed a little brighter, the weight of their respective burdens a little lighter, shared over a bottle of wine under the vast, starlit sky.

**** 

A few days after their momentous evening on the hill, the atmosphere at Kenobi Vineyards was charged with a new energy. The sun had just begun its ascent, casting a soft, golden light over the vineyard, promising another day of renewal and hard work. Obi-Wan was in the midst of inspecting the vines, lost in thought, when Cody approached him. The crisp morning air seemed to accentuate the seriousness of Cody's demeanor, a stark contrast to the relaxed camaraderie they had shared just nights before.

"Obi-Wan," Cody began, his voice cutting through the tranquility of the morning, "I've been thinking about your vineyard, about the conversation we had the other night, about legacy and passion."

Obi-Wan straightened, turning to face him, an intuitive sense of the conversation's direction taking root within him. "Yes?" he prompted, curiosity laced with a hint of apprehension coloring his tone.

Cody took a moment, surveying the vineyard with a contemplative gaze. "I believe there's something unique here, something worth preserving. But to convince others, to truly make them see the value of Kenobi Vineyards, you'll need to do more than just maintain the status quo."

The morning's serenity seemed to hang in balance as Cody's words sank in. Obi-Wan felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation stir within him. "What do you suggest?" he asked, his interest piqued.

Cody's expression was earnest, his conviction clear. "Create a new blend," he said, the challenge implicit in his words. "Something that encapsulates the essence of this place, a wine that tells the story of Kenobi Vineyards, its past, its present, and its future."

The proposal hung between them, bold and daunting. Obi-Wan felt the weight of the challenge settle upon him, a mingling of fear and exhilaration. "That's a tall order," he admitted, the magnitude of the task not lost on him. "But if it could help save the vineyard..."

Cody nodded, a supportive firmness in his gaze. "I believe it could do more than just help. It could redefine how the world sees Kenobi Vineyards. And I'll do everything in my power to support you, to ensure this blend gets the recognition it deserves."

The promise was generous, a lifeline thrown in the midst of uncertainty. Obi-Wan felt a surge of gratitude, tempered by the enormity of the task ahead. "It won't be easy," he said, a determined glint in his eye. "But I accept your challenge. For the vineyard, for my family's legacy, I'll create something truly special."

As Cody smiled, an unspoken agreement solidified between them. This was more than just a challenge; it was an opportunity for Obi-Wan to distill the essence of his heritage into a bottle, to craft a narrative as rich and complex as the wines he so lovingly produced.

In the days that followed, Obi-Wan threw himself into the creation of the new blend with a fervor that bordered on obsession. He experimented with different grape varietals, each selection a careful consideration of flavor profiles and historical significance. The process was exhaustive, a testament to Obi-Wan's dedication and Cody's unwavering support.

Cody, for his part, was a constant presence, offering insights, encouragement, and the occasional much-needed distraction. Together, they tasted and tested, debated and deliberated, their shared goal driving them forward.

The creation of the blend became a journey of discovery, not just of the perfect combination of flavors but of themselves. Obi-Wan, in seeking to capture the essence of the vineyard, found a deeper connection to his roots, a renewed sense of purpose. Cody, witnessing Obi-Wan's passion and dedication, gained a profound respect for the art of winemaking and the stories it could tell.

The process was not without its moments of doubt and frustration. There were blends that fell short, promising starts that ended in disappointment. But with each setback, their resolve only strengthened, their bond deepened by the shared pursuit of excellence.

When the final blend was poured, a harmonious union of the vineyard's finest grapes, it was more than just a wine; it was a tribute to Kenobi Vineyards' legacy, a symbol of hope for its future. The wine was complex, embodying the rich history of the land, the resilience of its people, and the promise of renewal.

As they stood together, tasting the fruits of their labor, Obi-Wan and Cody knew that they had created something extraordinary. The blend was not just a testament to their hard work but a declaration of the vineyard's enduring spirit.

Cody's promise to use his influence loomed large, a beacon of hope in the quest to secure the vineyard's legacy. Together, they had taken the first steps toward salvation, guided by passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the heart of Kenobi Vineyards.

*** 

The journey to create Kenobi Vineyards' new signature blend unfolded like a tapestry woven from threads of tension, triumph, and the deepening bond between Obi-Wan and Cody. Each day brought with it a new set of challenges, moments of discord and harmony that mirrored the complexity of the wine they sought to create.

In the early days, the vineyard buzzed with a palpable energy, as Obi-Wan and Cody embarked on their shared mission. Mornings were spent in the fields, where Obi-Wan shared his intimate knowledge of each vine, each parcel of land. Cody, with his keen analytical mind, asked probing questions, pushing Obi-Wan to consider variables he had previously overlooked. These discussions often stretched into spirited debates, their contrasting perspectives clashing and melding in equal measure.

The afternoons were reserved for the alchemy of winemaking. The winery's lab became their sanctuary, a place where science and artistry intertwined. Obi-Wan, with his deep-rooted connection to the vineyard's traditions, introduced Cody to the nuances of fermentation and aging processes that had been passed down through generations. Cody, in turn, brought a fresh perspective, suggesting innovative techniques and blending strategies that challenged Obi-Wan's conventional wisdom.

This exchange of ideas was not without its moments of frustration. There were times when Obi-Wan's attachment to tradition seemed to stifle innovation, leading to heated exchanges that echoed off the stone walls of the winery. Cody's insistence on experimentation, while well-intentioned, sometimes felt like a disregard for the vineyard's heritage. These tensions, though, were the crucible in which their partnership was forged. With each disagreement, they learned to navigate their differences, finding common ground in their shared commitment to excellence.

The breakthrough came unexpectedly, on a late afternoon tinged with the golden hues of the setting sun. A particular blend, born from a combination of intuition and meticulous calculation, revealed itself to be more than just a sum of its parts. As they tasted, the layers of flavor unfolding on their palates, Obi-Wan and Cody shared a look of quiet amazement. Here, in this glass, was the essence of Kenobi Vineyards—its past, present, and future—captured in liquid form.

The moment was transformative, a turning point that solidified their partnership. Laughter and shared stories began to fill the spaces between their work, the vineyard echoing with the signs of their camaraderie. They celebrated their victories, no matter how small, with toasts of their evolving blend, each sip a reminder of the journey they had undertaken together.

As the blend matured, so too did their relationship. The mutual respect that had been forged in the fires of creativity and conflict deepened into a genuine friendship. Obi-Wan, once wary of change, found himself inspired by Cody's passion and insight. Cody, initially skeptical of the vineyard's potential, grew to admire Obi-Wan's dedication and the rich history of the land.

The montage of their efforts, a series of snapshots capturing late nights, early mornings, and endless tastings, was a testament to their journey. The tension that had once marked their interactions gave way to a rhythm, a seamless dance of give and take that propelled them toward their goal.

When the final blend was ready, it was more than just a new product for Kenobi Vineyards. It was a symbol of transformation—a testament to the power of collaboration, the blending of tradition with innovation, and the unexpected friendship that had flourished in the pursuit of a shared dream.

In the end, the creation of the blend was not just a triumph for Kenobi Vineyards but a milestone in the lives of Obi-Wan and Cody. Together, they had crafted something extraordinary, a wine that was a reflection of their journey, imbued with the essence of the land and the unbreakable bond they had formed.

**** 

The day of Cody's departure arrived with a quiet that seemed to envelop Kenobi Vineyards, a stillness that belied the turmoil of emotions churning within Obi-Wan. As they stood facing each other, the vineyard stretching out behind them, a landscape of memories and shared efforts, the air was thick with unspoken words and the poignant realization of a chapter closing.

"I'll start on the review as soon as I get back," Cody said, his voice steady but not without a hint of the reluctance that comes with parting. His gaze lingered on Obi-Wan, as if trying to imprint the moment, the man, and the land that had unexpectedly become a significant part of his life.

Obi-Wan nodded, his throat tight with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. "Thank you, Cody. For everything," he managed to say, the words heavy with the weight of all they had shared. "Your belief in this vineyard, in me, has changed more than I can express."

A brief smile flickered across Cody's face, a silent acknowledgment of the journey they had undertaken together. "It's been an honor, Obi-Wan. This place, your wine... it's something special. I'm just glad I got to be a part of it."

As Cody turned to leave, Obi-Wan felt a keen sense of loss, a void that went beyond the professional relationship they had developed. The realization that Cody's presence had become a cornerstone of not just the vineyard's revival but of his own personal growth was stark and unbidden.

In the days that followed, the vineyard seemed quieter, the absence of Cody's steady presence a constant reminder of the void. Obi-Wan threw himself into his work, each task a distraction from the uncertainty that loomed ahead. Yet, in the quiet moments, his mind wandered to Cody, to their conversations, the laughter, and the moments of shared vulnerability.

The waiting period stretched out, each day a test of patience and hope. Obi-Wan found himself reflecting on the depth of his feelings for Cody, feelings that had evolved from professional respect to a profound connection. The realization was startling, the acknowledgment of a bond that went beyond the vineyard, touching something deep within him.

Obi-Wan's introspection was not solely focused on Cody; it also turned inward, examining the changes within himself. The experience of creating the blend, of fighting for the vineyard's future alongside Cody, had reignited a passion he hadn't realized had dimmed. Cody had not only helped to save the vineyard but had also, in a way, saved him from the isolation and burden of his legacy.

The vineyard, too, seemed to be waiting, the vines standing tall and the leaves whispering in the wind, as if in anticipation of what was to come. It was a time of transition, of endings and new beginnings, and Obi-Wan felt the weight of it all, a blend of hope and fear for the future.

When the review finally arrived, it was with a mixture of excitement and dread that Obi-Wan opened it. Cody's words leapt off the page, a testament to their efforts, praising not only the quality of the wine but the spirit and passion behind its creation. It was more than Obi-Wan had dared to hope for, a recognition of the vineyard's potential and of their journey together.

As he stood in the vineyard, the review in hand, Obi-Wan felt a sense of peace settle over him. The future was still uncertain, the challenges ahead daunting, but in that moment, there was a sense of completion, of a circle closed. Cody's departure had left a void, but it had also left Obi-Wan with a deeper understanding of himself, of his capacity for connection and change.

The vineyard thrived, bolstered by the success of the new blend and the acclaim it received. And as Obi-Wan walked among the vines, he knew that Cody's influence would linger, a part of the land and of him, a reminder of the power of collaboration, friendship, and the courage to embrace the unknown.

**** 

Several weeks had passed since Cody's review had been published, casting a newfound spotlight on Kenobi Vineyards and its exceptional new blend. The vineyard, once teetering on the edge of obscurity, now buzzed with the energy of potential and promise. In this time of burgeoning hope, Obi-Wan found himself often wandering the vineyard at dusk, his thoughts invariably drifting to Cody. The impact of Cody's words had been profound, not just on the vineyard but on Obi-Wan himself, stirring a blend of emotions and unanswered questions that lingered like the fragrance of grapes on the evening air.

It was on one such evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in strokes of pink and gold, that Cody returned. Obi-Wan, lost in thought among the vines, didn't notice his approach until he was nearly upon him. The sight of Cody, back in the vineyard, sent a jolt through him, a mix of surprise and an inexplicable sense of rightness.

"Cody," Obi-Wan began, his voice betraying his surprise. "What brings you back to Kenobi Vineyards?"

Cody's gaze held a depth of emotion that Obi-Wan hadn't seen before. "I came to see you," he said, his voice steady but imbued with an undercurrent of something more, something deeper. "Your vineyard, the wine we created, your passion... it left an impression on me, one I couldn't shake."

The confession hung between them, a tangible presence in the twilight. Obi-Wan felt a stirring within him, a hopeful blossoming at Cody's words, yet he remained silent, prompting Cody to continue.

"In writing the review, in trying to capture the essence of what you've built here, I realized something," Cody said, taking a step closer. "It wasn't just the vineyard that inspired me. It was you, Obi-Wan. Your dedication, your belief in the legacy of this place... it changed me."

The admission was like the turning of a key, unlocking something within Obi-Wan that he had dared not acknowledge even to himself. The realization of Cody's feelings, mirrored against his own, was overwhelming and yet, undeniably right.

"Cody, I—" Obi-Wan started, his own emotions surfacing, raw and unguarded.

Cody reached out, a gesture of connection that bridged the distance between them. "I don't know what the future holds," he said, his voice laced with earnestness. "But I do know that I don't want to face it without you. These past weeks, being away, it made me realize how much I've come to care for you, beyond the vineyard, beyond the wine."

The confession, so openly and honestly delivered, resonated with Obi-Wan, echoing his own unspoken feelings. The vineyard around them, with its vines and soil, had been a witness to their growing connection, a foundation upon which something deeper had been built.

"Cody, your presence here, your belief in me, in the vineyard... it's given me more than just hope for this place," Obi-Wan said, his voice imbued with a mixture of vulnerability and strength. "It's given me hope for something more, something I hadn't allowed myself to consider."

As they stood there, in the fading light, the vineyard seemed to hold its breath, a silent observer to the unfolding moment. The confession of their feelings, the acknowledgment of the bond that had formed between them, was a new beginning, a promise of possibilities yet to be explored.

Cody smiled, a genuine expression that lit up his features, dispelling the shadows of the evening. "Then let's face the future together," he said, his hand still extended, an invitation for Obi-Wan to take.

Obi-Wan reached out, his hand clasping Cody's, a physical manifestation of their emotional connection. In that touch, there was an understanding, a commitment to whatever lay ahead, forged in the heart of Kenobi Vineyards but transcending it, a blend of two souls united by passion, dedication, and now, love.

The vineyard, with its endless rows of vines and the promise of growth and renewal, stood as a testament to their journey. It was a reminder that even the most unlikely of soils could nurture something extraordinary, something lasting. Together, Obi-Wan and Cody stepped into the future, their path illuminated by the stars above, hearts full of hope and the vineyard whispering its blessings on the wind.

**** 

In the weeks following Cody's return and his heartfelt confession, Kenobi Vineyards began to flourish in a way that it hadn't for years. The impact of Cody's review, coupled with the unveiling of their collaborative wine blend, had drawn attention from far and wide. Wine enthusiasts, critics, and curious locals alike flocked to the vineyard, eager to taste the wine that had captured the heart of one of the industry's most respected figures.

Obi-Wan and Cody, now united in both their personal and professional lives, watched this transformation with a sense of awe and gratitude. The vineyard, which had once been a symbol of struggle and isolation for Obi-Wan, had become a bustling hub of activity and growth. The once quiet tasting room was now filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation, the air rich with the scent of wine being poured and enjoyed.

As they walked through the vineyard one crisp morning, the dew still fresh on the vines, Obi-Wan couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought them to this point. "I never imagined," he began, his voice filled with wonder, "that the vineyard could come back to life like this. It feels like we've created something new, something vibrant out of the ashes of the past."

Cody, walking beside him, squeezed Obi-Wan's hand gently. "We did," he agreed, his gaze sweeping over the rows of thriving vines. "But it's more than just the vineyard that's been reborn. We've started a new chapter, too, one that's just beginning."

The significance of Cody's words resonated deeply with Obi-Wan. The vineyard's revival was indeed a powerful metaphor for their own blossoming relationship. Each new bud on the vines, each bottle of wine that found its way into the hands of an appreciative drinker, mirrored the growth and deepening of their bond.

Their days were filled with a blend of hard work and moments of shared joy. They consulted on every decision, from the nuances of vine care to the development of new wine varieties, each step forward a testament to their combined strengths and visions. The success of the vineyard had become inseparable from the story of their partnership, a tangible representation of what they could achieve together.

The community around them took notice, drawn not only by the quality of the wine but by the story of renewal and love that had come to define Kenobi Vineyards. Obi-Wan and Cody found themselves at the center of a network of friends and supporters, their lives enriched by the connections that grew from the soil of the vineyard.

In the evenings, after the day's work was done and the last visitor had departed, they would often find themselves back on the hill overlooking the vineyard. With a bottle of their blend between them, they watched the sunset, the sky ablaze with colors that mirrored the hues of their wines.

"These moments," Cody would say, his voice soft with contentment, "they're a reminder of what's truly important. Not just the wine or the vineyard, but us, this life we're building together."

Obi-Wan, leaning into Cody's side, felt a profound sense of peace in these moments. The challenges and uncertainties of the future seemed manageable, as long as they faced them together. The vineyard, thriving under their care, was more than just a place of business; it was a home, a symbol of their love and partnership.

As the stars began to twinkle in the twilight sky, Obi-Wan and Cody knew that they had found something rare and beautiful. Kenobi Vineyards, with its rows of vines and bottles filled with the essence of the land, was a testament to their journey. It stood as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the power of love to transform the hardest of soils into a place of abundance and life.

Together, they faced the future with open hearts, ready to embrace whatever challenges and joys it might bring. Kenobi Vineyards, once on the brink of fading away, was now a symbol of their shared future, flourishing and alive with possibility.

Likes and comments are always welcome.

[flyguy]

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[duranduratulsa]

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[tobestik]

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