#echo tbb x reader | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

stellarbit · 8 months ago

Text

Speak Now

Word Count: 6.3k Pairing: A section for each of our boys Warnings: fluff and god I did our boys well Summary: As always happens before the Batch left after a visit, you find yourself wishing they didn't have to go. You've grown too attached to them, one in particular. You just didn't realize he'd grown just as attached. He should really say something.

The night was over. Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshair, Tech, and Echo were scattered throughout your apartment resting. It felt good to see them all relaxed enough to sleep somewhere other than the Marauder or their barracks. It felt even better knowing you were a safe space for them.

You’d avoided the question of how long they’d be around this time - as if not asking would extend their answer. Missing them and wishing they wouldn’t leave weighed on you. You knew it was selfish.

They were doing something so important for the Galaxy. The Republic depended on them. Other people’s lives depended on them.

But you wanted them too and some fragment of you needed them too. How could anyone meet them and not become addicted to their presence?

Every time they came back to you, you inevitably indulged yourself in a dream of them tossing aside their duties for a civilian life. Even if it wasn’t for you, you’d still occupy a slice of their time. Wouldn’t you?

One of the clones in particular stood out to you. You vied for extra time alone with him amongst the already limited timeframes you were granted.

Stuck in a daydream of anxiety you stood on your balcony, arms crossed and lost in the lights of the city beyond.

Little did you know you weren’t the only one with a fantasy of a different life - one with you in it.

The Kaminoans drilled discipline into the clones. Not much of anything served as a temptation for them. Men like Cut were aberrations of their nature, but so were all of the men of Clone Force 99.

The same man you dreamt of even tasted Cut’s temptation. Seeing you with someone else, seeing someone else by your side, made him realize that he’d like to be the one to stand by your side. And if he couldn’t do that he at least wanted you to know he wished he could be.

WRECKER

When you offered your bed to Wrecker, having Crosshair smashed up against him wasn’t exactly what he had in mind. It wasn’t that he and his brothers hadn’t slept dog-piled together plenty of times, it just seemed natural that sleeping in your bed might come with sleeping with you.

Something he hadn’t realized he wanted until the idea was presented to him.

Just like the idea of sleeping beside you, he’d never had much reason to think about your romantic life. Finding out you’d been seeing someone, seeing another man holding you, catapulted the concept into fruition.

The said man quickly became an ex that night, but it made Wrecker wonder what it’d be like to be the one by your side. To be the one making you smile every day and keeping you warm at night.

Where Crosshair fell asleep almost instantly, Wrecker lay awake wondering where you were going to sleep and what you were going to do when they weren't with you. When he wasn’t with you.

Taking Crosshair’s elbow to the ribs was the last push Wrecker needed to roll out of your bed. Wrecker tiptoed around the rest of his squad scattered about your apartment in search of you.

A cool breeze chilled the skin of his exposed chest and led him to your balcony where you stood facing the city. You were lost in thought and unaware of his presence. Seizing the opportunity, Wrecker slowly padded over to you.

He got within a step of you and slowly extended his arms out around you. Just for a moment, though, he appreciated how lucky he was to be this close with you. To be able to even think of touching you with no recourse. Then that moment was over and he snatched you up in his arms.

You barely suppressed a yelp as he hauled your feet into the air. Your giggling echoed through his chest. You didn’t realize he was shirtless until he put you back on solid ground and you twisted around in his arms.

The two of you stood like that, loosely in each other's arms, until your giggles quieted and only the city sounds filtered between you.

Despite your best effort at modesty, your eyes fell to the eye level pec muscles. You’d rarely seen Wrecker out of uniform, let alone half naked. A sight that made you suddenly very thirsty. His muscles flexed, breaking your focus and earning a laugh from Wrecker.

“Like what you see?” He chuckled as quietly as he could, barely mindful of his brothers inside.

Trying to look as uninterested as possible, you rolled your eyes and stepped back enough for his hands to slip off of your waist. “Show-off,” you mumbled playfully.

You peaked around him, looking for who else was up. “They’re all asleep.” Wrecker answered the obvious question. “I-I…” He fumbled around the reason he was the only one there, “I couldn’t sleep.”

Your face heated as you realized it would just be the two of you. Getting any of Batchers alone was rare given their circumstances. While you’d attempted to before, you’d never managed to get Wrecker to yourself.

Ignoring how giddy the idea made you, you were quick to worry after why he couldn’t sleep. “Is it the bed?” You nervously asked.

Wrecker blew a raspberry and waved you off, “Your bed is fine.” When you kept staring up at him, silently waiting for further explanation, he tried to casually add, “Just couldn’t stop thinking is all.”

Relieved, you smiled and half-heartedly said, “Oh yeah? A credit for your thoughts.”

His mouth opened, but no words came out. The two of you blinked at one another, both a little caught off by the failed attempt. Wrecker tried again, yet still he came up with nothing.

Wrecker had never been a good liar to begin with and each lie he conjured sounded obvious. So he braced himself for the truth.

“I was thinking about you.”

“Me?” Your voice cracked with surprise.

Instantly regretting his decision, Wrecker stepped back, waving his hands anxiously. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-”

You grabbed his wands, stilling him and shutting him up. “You were thinking about me?” You asked, quieter this time.

Wrecker caved at your touch. Weakly smiling, he sighed and admitted, “Yeah, I think about you a lot.”

Surprise overtook you, but that didn’t stop a little smile from bubbling up. Every negative, anxious thought of tomorrow keeping you awake disappeared leaving only a stutter of half words to slip from you.

Unable to compose your satisfaction with the news, you cleared your throat and replied simply, “Is that so?”

Your reaction widened his smile. Wrecker wasn’t sure what he expected, other than rejection, but it wasn’t bashfulness. Spurred on by the flush coming to your face, he took a step and a chance.

He let out a soft laugh,“And I think I like you.” Lacing your fingers through his, he lifted one of your hands to his mouth. “That okay with you?”

His lips were hot on the back of your hand. Breathlessly you reassured him, “Of course,” With your free hand you palmed his cheek. Your earlier worry did begin to resurface. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

Wrecker’s chest squeezed. He didn’t want to either. He’d rather stay by your side and spend every night with you like this. It wasn’t possible yet, but at least for a night he could.

With hope in his voice, Wrecker asked, “Would you consider coming back to bed with me?”

If it had been anyone else, you might think they were making a pass at you. Between the light pull of Wrecker’s brows and him being, well, Wrecker, the thought barely occurred to you. Not to mention, it did sound much nicer than worrying yourself to exhaustion on the balcony.

So you followed Wrecker back and he slid into your bed, pushing Crosshair back with his hip. Flat on his back, Wrecker extended his arm out to invite you in next to him. Your eyes flit between Wrecker and Crosshair who was now adjusting himself around his brother.

Careful not to disturb the sniper, you gently tucked in next to Wrecker only for him to pull you in tight. He wiggled in place, nestling into an optimally cozy position, before sleepily mumbling to you, “You owe me a credit.”

You didn’t dare speak for fear of waking Crosshair, but you didn’t have to worry long. Crosshair was the one to respond from his side of Wrecker. “Shut it, Wrecker.” He cracked an eye open to lock onto you, “And not a word of this to anyone.”

CROSSHAIR

Crosshair opened his eyes, blinking back into reality tucked in your bed next to Wrecker. He sat up on his elbow, taking a few moments to remember where he was.

He’d fallen asleep so quickly, Crosshair barely remembered lying down. Not that he was surprised. He was at ease in your home, it was one of your effects on him. The other being irrationality. You made him irrational and, at times, distracted. It was the only way he could describe it.

He cared for little beyond his squad and his missions, but an irrational side of him did wander into thoughts of you between missions. Visiting you settled Crosshair into just another routine - another fact of his life in the GAR. He didn’t care for post mission accolades, but seeing you was an indulgence he never fussed about.

Crosshair had been content to spend the rest of his career oscillating between crushing clankers and spending downtime with you and his brothers. That complacency was shot to shit when the Batch surprised you with a visit and you surprised them with a newly acquired boyfriend.

The memory of seeing that slimebucket with his hands around you heated Crosshair as fast as when he first laid eyes on him.

Fully aware he needed to cool off before he could even think of falling back asleep, Crosshair left bed to step outside. He’d passed the rest of his squad in a beeline for the still open balcony door. Something he was noting to nag you about when you came into his sights, leaning your forearms against the balcony railing and watching the city lights.

Crosshair froze for a moment, wondering how he missed the fact that you weren’t inside. Irrational and distracted, he thought to himself.

“It’s funny.” You said, seemingly out of nowhere. Crosshair half expected you to be mid conversation on a comm until you peaked back over your shoulder at him.

He walked over to you, pulling up beside you to mirror your position against the balcony. “What’s that?” Crosshair drawled.

Hiding your smile in your shoulder you shook your head and looked back out over the city. “I can always feel when you’re looking at me.”

Pushing himself to full height with a scoff, Crosshair crossed his arms and leaned back against the railing. “Is that an enhanced trait?”

You kept your eyes forward as you smiled and shook your head, as if surprising even yourself. “No enhancements.” You paused, a half thought crossing your mind before you winking in his direction. “Just your effect on me.”

The wink he expected, you were always playful and light. Your words though, short and haphazardly spoken, took Crosshair off guard. They sounded too familiar. He couldn’t tell if you were being serious.

Pinning you with a seriousness that dampened your smile, Crosshair said in a low voice, “Was that his effect?”

The mention of your ex instantly drained you. Rocking back on your feet, you dropped your gaze to the ground for a few beats, really considering how you wanted to play this out. You didn’t want to waste your energy or your time with Crosshair on that prod.

On a deep breath you stood to your full height and faced him with a tired smile. “I don’t wanna talk about him, Cross.”

His nickname on your tongue almost softened him enough to avoid the subject, but he still pressed you. Using the weight of his hip, Crosshair moved away from the railing in defiance.

“Why don’t you?” There was a challenge in his voice he rarely aimed your way. A shred of cruel teasing bit through his words, “Embarrassed?”

“No.” The word left no room for discussion. You met his challenge with your own, countering, “Why do you want to talk about him?”

Crosshair didn’t answer immediately. That venom of his gone all at once. He held your gaze, suddenly unsure ‘why’ himself. The thought of your ex wasn’t a pleasant one, but a persistent one nonetheless.

When more than a few seconds passed and only silence and staring remained, you squinted briefly before an idea struck you.

A tight lipped grin sprouted over you. Crosshair’s eyes fell to your lips, finding nothing but suspicion in your new look. Meeting your eyes once more he dreaded to ask, “What?”

Your mouth squirmed in a desperate attempt to suppress your growing amusement. You gave him an amused once-over, your gaze trailing from his feet to his head as you stepped in on him. You were close enough now that one wrong sway would put your chest against him.

Crosshair didn’t back down. He was on edge, unsure of what suddenly changed, but he didn’t back off. “What?” He asked, insisting with more annoyance.

“Are you jealous?”

Jealousy was not in his vernacular let alone his nature. Snorting at the very notion, Crosshair opened his mouth to object. Nothing came out.

Because maybe he wasn’t jealous, but he certainly was possessive. Combined with the irrational streak you gave him, it certainly did look like jealousy.

Having let you cherish the moment for far too long, Crosshair tilted his head sideways to return your once-over before leaning in on you. Clearly entertained, he drawled, “And what if I am?”

You were in each other’s breathing space. One tempting sway and you could taste him. Even after a shower he still smelled like mint and gun oil. Holding your resolve together with nothing but string, you asked in a less than steady voice, “Are you?”

The two of you locked into another silent showdown. On a whim of concession, Crosshair eased off of you. You thought he was going to redirect or bite back but instead he muttered, “Get over it already.”

You stifled a gasp, caught somewhere between laughter and shock. “You’re actually-”

He very nearly regretted his version of admitting his feelings. Rolling his eyes, Crosshair moved around you with your delighted look trailing him. He came to your back and guided you forward with his hands at your elbows.

You gently resisted, craning your neck back to beam up at him, “Where are we going?”

Crosshair couldn’t decide if this was quickly becoming annoying or you were looking more cute with every second your smile grew.

“Bed,” He casually said as he prompted you forward again.

Your head snapped forward and you quiet until you got to your bed. The one Crosshair was also sharing with Wrecker.

Crosshair said nothing as he got in under the duvet, scooted back into his brother and pulled the covers back when there was enough room for you. You tried not to think about it too much as you crawled in next to Crosshair.

He pulled the covers back up over as he settled in behind you. You both fell silent, allowing the warmth of the moment to sink in.

A low, sleepy groan emanated from behind Crosshair that was followed by Wrecker’s thick arm slinging over the two of you. You went stock still, not sure what to make of the situation.

You opened your mouth to comment but Crosshair cut you short by pulling you in and mumbling, “Think carefully about what you’re going to say.”

You decided to leave it be.

ECHO

Laid back comfortably, eyes shut and good arm resting on his stomach, Echo dozed off while listening to Hunter and Tech chatter. He hadn't even realized he'd fallen asleep until he was rolling onto his side and his chair tilted farther back. The shift in balance jolted him straight into a state of alarm and confusion.

After a few slow breaths, Echo looked around and his brothers were now fast asleep with Hunter taking the couch and Tech on the floor. He leaned over the arm of the chair to see down the hallway. It seemed Wrecker and Crosshair were out too.

He was halfway to assuming you’d slept somewhere in your room when he heard the muffled sounds of the city. Figuring you’d left a window open, Echo got up to investigate. You’d gone through the trouble of putting him and his squad up for the night, the least he could do was shut a window for you.

Echo only hoped you felt as cared for as he did. So it was frustrating, to say the least, for Echo to meet the ungrateful scumslug who called himself your boyfriend. He didn’t come across as the brightest man in the Galaxy and insulting you in front of five trained troopers proved that. His squadmates didn’t pick up on him calling you a ‘barracks bunny,’ but the slight wasn’t lost on Echo. All of his training to remain logical under pressure vanished when he laid your ex flat.

For the rest of the night, Echo circled back to the thought of what happened to you when they left. You weren’t defenseless, but you were alone. That bothered him more than anything.

Instead of an open window, Echo found you alone on the balcony and could only guess how long you’d been out there. Hoping to side step spooking you, Echo softly called out to you from the doorway.

He didn’t entirely succeed in not startling you. It hardly seemed to matter by the smile you turned on him. You put your back to the city and playfully gestured at him, “And why aren’t you asleep?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Echo chuckled. He enjoyed laughing so easily with you. “What are you doing awake?” He asked as he approached.

You debated being honest about the selfish thoughts keeping you up, instead choosing to shrug it off with a half truth, “Couldn’t get settled is all. You?”

Glancing back inside the house, Echo rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “I think that chair of yours might have it out for me.”

Instantly, you could see him falling back. “Oh no!” Resting a hand apologetically on your chest, you couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t warn you.”

Echo scoffed playfully, dismissively gesturing his scomp arm, “Takes more than a chair to take down this trooper.” His features softened the longer he looked at you. The city lights brightened you beyond just your smile. Seeing you safe and smiling satisfied a male side of him.

A chill ran through you and, without thought, Echo came to your side to put his arm around you. Rubbing some warmth into your arm, he suggested, “Why don’t we get you inside?”

You didn’t budge. Looking up at Echo, your smile dimmed as you considered him. He saw a sort of skepticism flicker through you. Unbeknownst to him, you were searching those hazel eyes for an ounce of deceit, or even pity, and only tender honesty stared back at you.

Echo saw your typical confidence wane when your gaze dropped. You looked guilty, but of what was lost on him. His brows pulled together in question. Clones were trained from creation to withstand and divvy interrogations. Gently extracting information not so much.

Treading carefully, Echo gently probed, “What is it?”

Shaking your head, your features pinched and you asked, "Why did you go so far for me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Echo countered instantly, not needing a single second to answer. He adjusted his position slightly, reeling back for a better view of your face. “I won’t let someone talk like that to you.”

The answer didn’t satisfy you. As nice as the sentiment was, its inevitably fleeting nature tarnished the moment. Your lips tightened to a thin line. Still not meeting his eyes, you sounded bitter saying, “You can’t always be here, Echo.”

The truth hurt and it fed the unease eating away at him. He knew what it was like to be alone and he did everything he could to never be that way.

Steadying you by your shoulders, Echo bent down into your line of sight. Exhaling, he admitted, “You’re right and I wish I could be.” Your eyes shot up as he continued, “Just let me do what I can for now.”

He stood to full height, your eyes rising with him. You blinked up at him, repeating back to yourself what he’d said. There was a chance you were reading too much into it, but his words were enough to give you the courage to say, “I don’t want you to leave.”

Echo’s eyes widened, before warming again. “Hopefully a day will come when I won’t have to.”

There was nothing to hide your blatant hope in asking, “Do you mean that?”

Pivoting to your side, Echo slid his arm back around you. Echo cocked his head back, brandishing a roguish grin as he said, “I’ve never meant anything more. Now let’s get inside already.” On the way in, his hand slipped to your waist and he muttered under his breath, “Let’s just hope that chair can handle two.”

Tech and Hunter were still fast asleep when you made it inside. You followed him to the recliner, watching him carefully position himself. Barely keeping the furniture balanced, Echo twisted around and made enough room for you to fit in. It took you squirming over his legs and nestling into the crook between him and the chair to get situated.

The two of you had never been this close for this long and the only thing you could think about was the fact that he wore aftershave. He tucked you under his chin, unintentionally giving you the perfect view of his neck.

You turned your face into him, pressing a kiss into the crook of his neck and mumbling a thank you to him. One he answered by pulling you closer and returning the gesture.

HUNTER

From your couch, Hunter listened to you move around your apartment. He was intent on seeing you turn in for the night, but that moment never came. At some point between resting and tracing your movements, Hunter dozed enough for you to slip by him. The sound of your balcony door opening snapped him back to reality.

Hunter sat up, thumbing his bandana out of his eye and keenly extending his senses. You definitely weren’t inside. Knowing he wouldn’t get any rest until he knew you were safe and asleep, Hunter rose to find you. Even then, sleep might evade him.

He had a feeling he’d be losing a little more sleep after this evening with you.

When they left for another mission, Hunter focused on the objective. Seeing you was always something he looked forward to, but he couldn’t dwell on what was behind him. Anything other than setting his sights ahead put his squad in danger. Besides, Hunter knew he was going to keep the Galaxy safe and by extension that meant you too.

This time around challenged that perspective. Your jackass of an ex had been easy to chase off, but what about when they left? Prior to seeing a man mistreat you, Hunter never doubted your ability to survive on your own. By your own admission you’d done so most of your life.

Even after the encounter with your ex Hunter didn’t doubt you.

He doubted the people around you. People who saw all you had to offer and wanted to use that to their advantage. In the end, Hunter wasn’t sure what he hated more: the thought of you getting close to ill-intentioned people or realizing it couldn’t be him.

Finding you alone on your balcony only compounded his worries. You were alone in the cold, and it finally occurred to him that his squad took up every viable place to sleep. How was he any different from others taking advantage of you?

That resentful part of him took in the view of you against the city and wished it was a sight exclusively for him. For a moment he let himself believe it was. If only for the night.

Hunter slowly approached you and quickly realized you were mumbling to yourself. Hoping to afford you the privacy of your thoughts, Hunter cut you off by whispering, “I know you don’t think I’ll let you stay out here all night.”

You jumped at his voice, nearly colliding into him as you spun around. He was only a foot or two away, angling a smile down at you. Breathing into calm, you gave him a light shove as you glanced around for anyone else.

“Don’t sneak up on me like that,” you protested, the beginnings of a grin betraying your feigned annoyance.

“Then don’t sneak out like that.” He retorted lightly, nodding towards the open door behind him. Hunter looked at the city beyond you, wondering if he could spot where you’d been fixated. Drifting back to you, Hunter asked, “What are you doing out here?”

Your smile flinched, but you shrugged with a casual shake of your head. “Just needed some air.”

Hunter nodded, clearly only halfway believing you. While convincing you to go back inside crossed his mind as the right thing to do, he opted for spending more time with you. “Care for some company?”

Your eyes flitted between his, ultimately shaking your head. “Oh, I don’t think so.” You said, your tone scolding. Stepping into him, you pressed your hands to his stomach in attempts to redirect him inside. “You need sleep.”

He relished the feeling of your touch before tenderly gripping your wrists. You stopped pushing, but passed him a confused look. Hunter swept his thumbs over the soft skin of your wrist, acutely aware of your quickened pulse beneath his fingers.. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

You tugged your hands down, putting his hands in yours. On a tight grip you pulled him in, the force of it bringing his face an inch from yours. “Someone has to,” you insisted softly.

For all the fun they brought you it was so easy to forget that to most, Hunter and his squad were military assets. Outside of their worth in battle, little else about them mattered to the Galaxy. There was little you could offer them outside of occasional respite and hopeful thoughts and hope it meant something.

In his eyes, you saw the same thing that grew in you. Hesitancy - he was holding back, you both were. Neither of you spoke as you stood there, breathing in each other's presence. Slowly, Hunter raised your clasped hands to his lips, maintaining eye contact until his lips gently touched your skin.

“And who worries about you?” Hunter’s lips brushed your skin as he whispered.

“Isn’t that what you’re doing now?” you countered.

The question halted the sergeant momentarily. It wasn’t that you were wrong, but that wasn’t his primary concern. Lowering your hands, Hunter sighed. "Worrying is nothing if I can't protect you."

The weight of his admission, hidden behind the hesitancy you glimpsed before, warmed you but looked heavy on his mind. You couldn’t fight. You were no trooper and absolutely no Jedi. But you could do one thing..

His hand was still holding yours when you reached out to touch his face, your fingers tracing the outline of the tattoo on his cheek. You offered him a broad, reassuring smile, taking a moment to admire the moment.

“Hunter,” his name was a hum in your voice. “I can protect myself.” He immediately opened his mouth, surely an objection not far behind, but you outspoke him. “Protect those who can’t protect themselves and when this war is over…” You paused, taking a deep breath as you searched for the right words. “Well, I'll still be here when it is.”

It may not have been poetry, but the lightness in his smile, meager and fleeting though it was, told you that burden was a little lighter.

“Come with me.” He whispered between you.

You instinctively pulled back. Leaving Coruscant, joining him in the stars - it was absurd. “Hunter, I can’t-”

“To the couch,” he clarified with a soft chuckle..

Heat rushed your cheeks at the misunderstanding. Clearing your throat you nodded, “Okay.”

He gave your hands a squeeze, held onto one, and guided you back inside. The apartment was silent, the living room dark and you were thankful for Hunter’s senses. He led you to the couch, motioning for you to go first.

You slid into place, pressing your back into the couch as Hunter joined you, caging you between his body and the couch. A vague attempt at watching over you for the night.

Hunter pulled his bandana down over his eyes as he settled in around you. Speaking in a tone low enough for only you to hear, he said, “I can’t promise the next one will get off so easily.”

The words were both a joke and a threat, wrapped in his unique brand of dry humor. You lightly scoffed, wrapping an arm over his chest and drawing him closer. “There won’t be a next one. Not until the war is over,” you mumbled into his chest.

TECH

Lying in a nest of blankets on your floor, Tech replayed the evening while your apartment settled into silence. Despite having found you and spent the evening in your company, a persistent restlessness gnawed at him, preventing any sense of ease.

So, he scoured the night’s happenings for the piece that kept his peace at bay.

The search for you had been brief and relatively straightforward—a minor challenge that excited Tech. Discovering you in a lounge, especially clad in an open-backed dress, had been a surprise that quickened his pulse. However, it wasn’t nearly as unsettling as the sight of a morally dubious man claiming to be your partner.

While he found no logic in your accepting amity, let alone intimacy, from a man who either lacked the capability, knowledge, or desire to measure up to you, the man was easily dissuaded and you were safe. Logically, there was no reason for lingering concern.

Spending the evening in your quarters should’ve dispelled any remaining apprehension. Your life was not at risk. In fact, there had been no mortal danger at all. Everything worked out. His search had been successful. You were safe.

And yet, he was left with an unfamiliar sense of uncertainty - a feeling he was less than comfortable with.

After returning to your apartment, Tech busied himself by installing several security enhancements and scrutinizing local crime statistics. Beyond that, there was little else he could do for you. You were adaptable and resourceful, he would not insult you by thinking you could not take care of yourself.

He also wouldn’t insult you by rejecting the makeshift bed you offered him. Though, by Tech’s surmising, that left nowhere for you to sleep. A theory proved right by you leaving Wrecker and Crosshair in your room, sneaking past the room where he lay and back out of sight.

Something wound tight in Tech’s chest. In a move of innate curiosity, he swept his blankets aside and followed in your footsteps. He was keen to see where you had gone or to just have eyes on you again.

You were a few silent steps ahead, leaving a cracked balcony door as the only indication of your path. Finding you lingering at the edge of your balcony stopped him at the door. It was the tension leaving his chest that struck him.

The physical relief was recognizable - the very same he felt each time they found you and the direct opposite of the pressure he felt meeting your former partner. The pressure was identical in the moments you were out of view.

Tech adjusted his goggles as the pattern became clear. At the core of it all, you were the variable between the fleeting sensations. Identifying the truth of his unease came with the inevitable frustration of being unable to alter the circumstances. In the end, there was only one path forward.

He made no attempt to hide his presence, watching you stiffen as he drew near. Anchoring yourself to the railing, you leaned forward on an inhale and rocked back on the exhale.

Unsure how to interpret your going taut, he asked outright, “Do you… wish to be alone?” Eyes fixed on the city you shook your head only once in response. Following your line of sight, Tech looked over the city and saw nothing of note.

A distant shout had him reaching for his datapad, something he left beside his nest of blankets. In lieu of reading through statistics Tech tuned his goggles to survey the street below. “The locality of your home is not what I’d deem a secure district.”

“It was probably just some drunk idiot,” you mumbled, not dissuading Tech from continuing to look around. Glancing sideways at him you had to smile at the seasoned soldier gripping the balcony and seemingly so intrigued by city life. Softly scoffing, you said, “There’s nothing to worry about, Tech.”

“On the contrary,” Tech replied simply. Pulling his attention back to you, he kept one hand on the railing and said in a serious tone, “Your balcony makes you susceptible to intrusion and you’ve already fallen in with unsavory company.”

The last bit stung, but he wasn’t wrong. The concern, blunt as it may be, did feel nice.

Placing your hand over his, you tried to reassure him, “I’m fine, aren’t I?” His pursed into a thin line, clearly unwavering. Squeezing his hand a bit tighter, you added lightly, “Besides, you have more important things to worry about.”

Tech’s head tilted to the side, his eyes momentarily averting, but returned still as serious as before. “My duty to the Republic does take precedence, but that does not make your life any less important to me.”

You blinked once, then twice, absorbing his words. A part of you, a large part in fact, hoped the words carried more weight than just comfort.

You must’ve looked as taken off guard as you felt for Tech to ask, “Does that surprise you?”

You opened your mouth, ready to make a denial, only to snap your mouth shut again. Once more you tried to speak but only, “A little,” came out. The two words tasted harsh, as if you were making light of the situation and of his feelings. Stepping closer, you lowered your voice and quickly added, “You mean so much to me. I just… I -” In an uncharacteristic fit of stammering you spat out, “I just didn’t think you cared that much.”

Tech’s gaze fell to where you held his hand, his brows furrowing behind his goggles. You felt his hand twitch beneath yours before it fully twisted, placing his palm against yours. For a few moments, you stood like that, hand in hand with his gaze locked on your hold.

His focus remained there, his thumb starting gentle paths as he slowly said, “I admit that I… only recently came to the conclusion myself.”

“What changed?” His eyes snapped to yours at your question.

Tech’s brows lifted and along with a corner of his lips. “It would appear the sight of you in the company of your former partner was not one I found enjoyable.”

The realization that all your hopes had rung true left you breathless. A warm flush spread across your cheeks, accompanied by a smile that not only curved your lips but also reached your eyes.

You laced your fingers into his, eagerly confessing, “Tech, I-”

“Where do you intend to sleep?” Tech cut you off with no thought to what you’d attempted to say.

Lost in the heat of the moment you took a moment to blink back into the present. “I’m sorry?”

Tech pointed a finger towards the door going inside. “You gave up every viable sleeping arrangement. Where will you sleep?”

Instead of admitting your previous intentions of avoiding sleep, you shrugged with an amused sigh. Hands still intertwined, you stepped back, tilted your head back and chuckled. “I was playing it by ear.”

“There is enough room beside me for you to fit.” Tech said matter of factly. A playful glint passed through his eyes. “Shall we find out?” You immediately conceded, gesturing for him to lead the way.

As per usual, Tech was right. There was more than enough room for you both to fit into his makeshift bed. Tech adjusted the pillows to his liking and laid back, the both of you looking up at the ceiling in silence. Eventually Tech turned with his back to you, seeking some reprieve from the air between you.

Taking the opportunity before you, you scooted in behind him. He was nearly a foot taller than you, but somehow you fit in nicely behind him. He said little, simply adjusting back against you and positioning your arms around him.

Just as he settled in, he started twisting in place, saying, “I should make note of such a significant moment.”

You answered his movements by tightening your arms around him. “Tomorrow. For now, sleep.”

He didn’t struggle against you, choosing to settle back again. “I fear that it will be harder than I originally imagined.”

tags: @bruh-myguy-what @baddest-batchers @jetii @hshfsjzjsgj @zahmaddog @heidnspeak

an: i realize I've missed some folks over time, let me know if you want on the tag list.

332 notes · View notes

nahoney22 · 10 months ago

Text

Hold Me For The First Time*** 🌊

🫧 Pairings: Echo X Female!Reader

word count: 4.3k

Prompts: none

When a late night chat in a shared bed leads to Echo discussing his insecurities, you can’t help but wonder if he could use his insecurities to his advantage.

warnings: NSFW, 18+ only. self indulgent fic. Explicit sexual content and lanaguage, share a bed trope, Inappropriate use of a scomp link, p in v sex, friends to lovers, squirting, oral sex (reader receiving) scomp used as a vibrator, cum eating, finger sucking, multiple positions ie riding and missionary, creampie, pillow talk, aftercare, dirty talk. Light angst, insecure Echo.

🌊 Please Reblog to support your fellow writers and creators. A like is not enough 🌊

“Well, they didn’t mention there’d be only one bed.” You huffed, collapsing against the doorframe after trudging up ten flights of stairs, fully equipped with your armor and supplies. The elevator was out of order—of course. The day had already been grueling enough, and the sight of this rundown hotel was a small miracle in itself.

You and the squad had scraped together what few credits you had, which meant sharing rooms. You didn’t really mind sharing a room—especially with someone you knew didn’t snore too loudly. But you hadn’t quite expected the sleeping arrangements to be so...cozy.

“I’ll take the floor, don’t worry.” Echo’s voice broke through your thoughts as he set his bag and helmet down on the dresser, turning to face you. He noticed your slight frown and tilted his head.

“Echo, no.” You shook your head firmly, letting your own gear clatter to the floor. You crossed to the bed and flopped onto it, sighing with relief as the surprisingly soft mattress crinkled under the weight of your armor. “There’s enough room for at least three people. We’ll share.”

Echo seemed taken aback, his expression shifting as if he was searching for the right words to protest. You couldn’t help but grin. “What?” you teased, eyes gleaming. “Do I smell terrible or something?”

“Of course not,” he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just... I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, that’s all.”

“We’re friends, Echo. It’s fine.” You tucked your arms under your head, relaxing into the mattress. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

But Echo’s concern wasn’t really about your comfort in sharing a bed; it was about his cybernetics. He worried about accidentally jabbing you with one of his mechanical limbs in the middle of the night. He kept those thoughts to himself, though, letting the room fall into a companionable silence.

After a moment, you sat up and stretched. “I’m going to take a shower before bed,” you announced. “Who knows when we’ll get hot water again.”

The small bathroom was stocked with tiny bottles of body wash, and you made the most of them. Stepping under the warm spray, you lathered up, savoring the rare luxury. You let the water run through your hair and down your back, briefly closing your eyes as the stress and exhaustion of the day washed away. For a moment, you considered sitting right down on the tile and letting the water pour over you until you forgot about the relentless grind of finding work and scraping by. But you knew better than to waste the water—or the time.

Reluctantly, you shut off the shower and dried yourself off. Pulling on a pair of shorts and an oversized training shirt (which was more than likely Echo’s given the size) that you had stolen as a nightshirt months back. You ran a towel through your damp hair and stepped back into the room. Echo was still by the window, staring out with an expression that suggested his mind was miles away.

“Everything alright?” you asked softly, padding over to him. He blinked, snapping out of whatever thoughts had taken him so far away.

“Yeah, just... thinking,” he replied, his voice just as soft.

You gave him a small smile and squeezed his arm lightly. “You can think all you want, but get some rest too, okay?”

He returned your smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You too.”

With that, you both settled into bed, the quiet hum of the city outside lulling you into a sense of peace. It didn’t take long for sleep to pull you under.

Echo eventually joined you in bed, lying stiffly on his side as if unsure how to relax. Despite the unfamiliar softness of the mattress, you quickly drifted off. But the comfort was almost too much—after spending so long sleeping on hard ground or cold ship floors, it was strange to sleep somewhere so cozy.

About two hours later, you stirred awake, blinking in the dim light filtering through the window. You noticed a faint glow from the corner of your eye and turned over, slightly frowning when you saw Echo still awake, his face lit by the pale light of a datapad.

You hesitated, not wanting to disturb him. But your mouth was dry, so you carefully slipped out of bed to grab a glass of water. When you returned and snuggled back under the covers, sleep was elusive. After a few minutes of tossing and turning, you quietly asked, “Echo… you still awake?”

He shifted slightly and rolled onto his back, his eyes catching yours. “Yeah,” he admitted. “Can’t sleep either.”

You smile and switched on your bedside light, casting a small but warm glow over you and half of Echo

“What are you looking at?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper as you lay comfortably on your side and look up to him..

He was silent for a moment, as if debating whether to tell you. “Rex sent me some old holopics; from back when I was with the 501st.”

You propped yourself up on one elbow. “Can I see them?”

He hesitated, but then passed you the datapad. You looked down at an image showing Rex, Cody, Fives, and Echo—back when Echo was…himself. But different. His features were softer, a thick head of hair, his expression more carefree, with no trace of the weight he now carried.

“You look so…” you began, but you struggled to find the right word.

“Normal,” Echo finished flatly, his tone laced with bitterness. You winced at the irritation in his voice, though you knew it wasn’t directed at you.

“No, I wasn’t going to say that,” you said gently as you handed him back the device. “You look fine.”

He sighed, eyes dropping to the scomp link on his arm. “I don’t feel fine. It’s stupid, but I used to imagine life after the war. Maybe I’d find a wife, maybe even have a family.” He shook his head, his voice tinged with regret. “But that feels impossible now.”

“Why?” you asked softly as you looked up at him, though you already knew the answer. His gaze dropped to the scomp link again, the metal gleaming faintly in the low light.

“This,” he said simply, gesturing to his cybernetics. “Who would want someone like me?”

Your heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. “Echo, I think you’re handsome,” you say earnestly. When he scoffed in disbelief, you pressed on. “I’m being serious. You’ve been through so much, and you’re still here, still fighting. That’s strength, and it’s something anyone would admire. Besides,” you added with a small smile, “I always feel calm and safe around you. That’s rare.”

Echo looked at you, the skepticism in his eyes giving way to something softer, more uncertain. “You really mean that?”

“I do,” you assured him, your voice steady. “You’re more than just what’s happened to you. And one day, you’ll find someone else who sees that, too.”

Echo’s gaze softened, but there was still a shadow lingering in his eyes. “Can I tell you something?”

You nod for him to continue.

“I miss… being able to hold someone,” he confessed quietly. “To just feel close to someone like that.”

The ache you felt for him was real, but a memory stirred in your mind. “You’ve held me before,” you said softly, offering him a small smile.

His brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

You chuckled, recalling a specific mission. “Remember that op where I got hit hard? You carried me all the way back to the ship. I was out cold, but I woke up in your arms.”

A short laugh escaped him as he shook his head. “I guess that does count… in a way. But it’s not really the same thing.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the distant hum of the city filtering through the window. Yet, his earlier vulnerability lingered in your mind, tempting your curiosity. Before you could second-guess yourself, you blurted out a question that had been simmering at the edges of your thoughts.

“So… have you ever used your scomp… like that?”

He blinked, caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

You felt your cheeks heat up as you tried to clarify. “You know… for, um, pleasuring someone?”

Echo shifted beside you, clearing his throat awkwardly. You quickly reached for the glass of water on the bedside table and offered it to him. “Water?” you asked, trying to play off your embarrassment.

He shook his head, giving a soft, disbelieving chuckle. “No, thanks,” he murmured, but then his expression grew more serious. “And no, I haven’t. The opportunity hasn’t really come up.”

The idea intrigued you, and you couldn’t help the curiosity bubbling up. “Could you… show me what it feels like?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “On my arm, I mean.”

Echo watched you carefully, his gaze searching your face for any sign of hesitation. When he didn’t see any, he slowly raised his scomp and gently placed it against your forearm. At your nod, he activated it, letting the subtle vibrations pulse against your skin.

You gasped softly at the sensation—not painful at all, just ticklish and almost soothing. “See?” you said with a smile. “That’s not bad at all. Any lady would be lucky.”

Echo’s gaze remained fixed on you, a hint of surprise in his eyes. But the playful teasing between you shifted into somewhat deeper. A moment of soft silence lingered, charged with something new. The warmth in the room took on a different tone as you looked into each other’s eyes, both of you aware of the tension hanging in the air.

Your thoughts strayed, and you felt your body respond in a way that left you breathless. Your voice was small, almost hesitant. “You could try it out on my thighs too. If you want.”

Echo’s eyes darkened slightly as he considered your suggestion, his jaw clenching as he weighed the idea. He finally nodded and he waited for you to roll onto your back, his gaze never leaving yours as he reached out again, his scomp moving under the shared duvet and hovering just above your leg.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I think so.”

The moment the vibrations touched your skin, a shiver ran through you. The sensation was smooth, surprisingly gentle, and far more electrifying than you’d imagined. Your breathing hitched, and despite your best efforts, a quiet moan slipped past your lips. Your eyes closing and head leaning back comfortably on your pillow. “That feels nice.” You gasp.

Echo’s gaze grew more intense as he watched you react, his own expression shifting as he absorbed the effect his touch had on you. The air between you grew thicker, the boundary between curiosity and desire blurring.

You swallowed, your voice unsteady as you whispered, “Echo, if you want… you could please me, you know? I’d like that.” The words came out before you could overthink them.

Echo’s eyes darkened further, a new tension in the set of his shoulders. Slowly, he nodded, his voice a low rasp. “If that’s what you want…” His gaze flicked down, watching as you slid down your shorts beneath the covers, your legs parting slightly.

He moved closer, the mattress dipping as his focus remained entirely on you. He watched every subtle shift in your expression, his own breath growing heavier as he prepared to explore this moment with you. Whatever it was.

Echo’s hand hovered above your thigh, his scomp poised just inches from your skin. When he finally lowered it, the vibrations moved between your folds with a slow, deliberate rhythm. The sensation was like nothing you’d ever felt before—gentle but intense, the subtle pulses sending waves of warmth through your core. “That’s.. oh - fuck.” You moan, eyes intense as you lock eyes with him.

“Do you like that, beautiful?” He cooed, a faint smile on his lips as he watched you react to the compliment.

“S’good,” you whine, toes curling as his scomp presses down and vibrates against your swelling clit. Every time he adjusted the pressure, your breath hitched, the tingling pleasure building as his scomp dipped lower, gliding along your slickness.

Your body responded instinctively, hips rising to meet the movement as the blanket tangled around your legs. In the haze of growing desire, you grabbed the fabric and threw it aside, exposing yourself fully to him. The cool air brushed against your heated skin, but it was nothing compared to the thrill of letting Echo see exactly what he was doing to you.

His eyes blown wide, gaze dropping to the glistening sight between your legs. A low, needy sound escaped him, a mix between a groan and a sigh. “You have such a pretty pussy,” he rasped, his voice rough with barely contained lust as he licked his lips. The simple, honest words made you clench, a wave of need rolling through you that had your head spinning.

The vibrations increased, pressing directly against your sensitive clit, and you cried out, your voice breaking into a moan. “Oh, Echo—I’m gonna… I’m gonna cum,” you gasped, the pressure building to a dizzying peak. Every nerve in your body felt like it was on fire, the relentless rhythm of his scomp pushing you closer and closer to that edge. You grabbed harshly on his arm, holding his scomp exactly where it needed to be. “Baby, d-don’t stop.”

Echo’s gaze stayed locked on your swollen, slick flesh, his breath coming in rough pants as he watched you writhe beneath him. “Let me feel it,” he urged, his voice rough with desire. “Let me see you cum for me.”

The moment his words hit you, everything snapped. Your body arched off the bed, back curving as the pleasure surged through you in powerful waves. You cried out his name, trembling as the release tore through you, the sensation almost too much as his scomp kept pulsing against your now overstimulated clit.

He held you there, watching every twitch, every aftershock that rippled through your body. His eyes were wild, dark with hunger as he savoured the way you came undone beneath him. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath, almost as if to himself, as if he couldn’t believe how perfect you looked falling apart for him.

When the vibrations finally eased and you could catch your breath, you met his gaze, still reeling from the intensity of the moment. “That was pretty damn good.” You gasp breathlessly, legs still twitching every so often.

“And you looked it, too,” he rasps and you realise how close he was to you now, his face a few inches from yours. You didn’t want this to end.

A soft giggle escapes your lips as you take his scomp in your hand, meeting his gaze with a playful glint in your eyes. Slowly, you bring the metal to your mouth, letting your tongue glide over it, tasting your own slick. The mixture of your warmth and the cool metal sends a shiver down your spine. Echo watches in stunned silence, his eyes fixed on the sight of you licking yourself off his scomp. His breath catches as he murmurs your name, almost reverent, “You don’t realise how much I wish I could feel that…”

You tilt your head, grinning mischievously. “You have another hand, don’t you?” you tease, your voice light. His eyes widen slightly at the suggestion, and after a moment of hesitation, he nods, waiting for you to give the go-ahead. You answer him with a small, encouraging smile.

His fingers are careful as they slide over your folds, still tender and sensitive from your climax. He moves gently, massaging with a touch that’s reverent and exploratory, collecting your slick on his fingers. You gasp at the contact, the mixture of pleasure and overstimulation sending jolts through you.

Without breaking eye contact, he brings his fingers to your lips, offering them to you. You eagerly take them into your mouth, sucking on them with a slow, deliberate rhythm, savouring the taste of yourself while his eyes darken even more.

But you want to return the favour—want to see him fall apart just as he did for you. As you release his fingers with a soft pop, you notice his hand shifting to palm himself through his pants. There’s a tension in his jaw, a hesitation, as if he’s too shy to ask for what he needs. You decide to take the lead.

“Echo,” you said softly, brushing a hand over his cheek. “Before we do this… can I see you?”

He blinked, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features. You could see the doubt creeping in, his usual guardedness returning. His gaze dropped as he began to mumble, “I’m not exactly—my legs, my body… I know it’s not what—”

You cut him off, gently taking his face in your hands. “No. You’re beautiful, Echo,” you insisted, your tone firm but tender. “Every part of you.”

The sincerity in your voice made his breath hitch, and after a beat, he nodded, his eyes meeting yours.

You helped him slide out of the rest of his clothes, taking in the sight of him fully bare to you. The scars, the cybernetics—everything that made him who he was. And as you gazed at him, there was no judgment, no hesitation. “You’re perfect,” you whispered, letting the words sink in as you ran your hands over his chest, tracing every line and curve. His heart hammered in his chest, and you could see the way his eyes softened, that lingering insecurity slowly melting away.

Quietly, you shift onto your knees and slowly peel off your top, letting it fall away as your breasts bounce free. His eyes widen, unable to hide the awe in his expression. “Woah,” he breathes out, his voice tinged with disbelief, as though he can’t quite process what’s happening. Your cheeks heat up as your hand caresses over his erection, thick and hard, the sight of him making your mouth water.

“Do you want me, Echo?”

He swallows hard, eyes locked on yours. “More than anything,” he rasps, voice thick with need. You position yourself over him, guiding the head of his cock between your folds, letting him feel the heat and wetness before you take him in.

With a slow, deliberate movement, you lower yourself onto him, feeling him stretch you wide open as you sink down onto his length. A moan slips from your lips at the sensation, the delicious stretch of him filling you completely. His grip on your waist tightens as he groans deeply, the sound vibrating through his chest.

The feeling of him buried deep inside you is overwhelming, almost intoxicating. The heat between you builds, your bodies starting to find a rhythm that leaves you both breathless.

Every thrust, every slide, is filled with a raw, desperate need, as if neither of you can get enough. Echo’s hand roams over your body, his touch reverent and hungry all at once, while you take him deeper with each roll of your hips. The way he looks at you—like you’re the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen—was enough to almost make yoh tumble into another quick orgasm. “Fuck,” you whisper, feeling the tension build again. “You feel so good inside me, Echo.”

He groans in response, his grip tightening as he thrusts up into you, desperate to keep that connection, to prolong the pleasure that’s surging through both of you. “Yes baby, that’s it. You're riding me so good. Take me.”

With a sudden burst of intensity, Echo flips you onto your back, his eyes wild with desire. He climbs on top of you, pressing the length of his body against yours, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze. “Hold me,” you beg breathlessly, needing the closeness, the comfort of being wrapped in his arms as he takes you. But you see the panic flash in his eyes—he doesn’t know how, isn’t sure he can do it right.

Sensing his hesitation, you act on instinct, lifting yourself slightly and guiding his scomp beneath your back, the cool metal settling against your skin in a strange but oddly comforting embrace. “Like this,” you whisper, your voice full of reassurance as you take his free hand and hook it under your thigh, anchoring you in place.

With renewed confidence, he adjusts his grip, holding you steady as he begins to thrust into you with a deep, yet tender rhythm. Your forehead rests against his, your breaths ragged. You don’t think you’ve ever been made love to before, but you were pretty certain this is what it was like. In the midst of the frenzy, you both suddenly pause, realising that despite everything, you still haven’t kissed. The thought hangs in the air for a split second before your lips come together, the kiss charged with all the pent-up passion that had been building between you. At first it’s soft, tender before you whine for him to go faster when it becomes messy, almost frantic. Tongues tangling as you both lose yourselves in the moment.

The bed shakes beneath you, the frame creaking with each powerful stroke as he pounds into you. You can’t hold back—your voice cracks as you pant his name over and over, each plea more desperate and needy than the last. Your legs wrap tightly around him, urging him deeper, while the raw heat of his body and the delicious friction sends sparks through your every nerve.

When you pull back for air, his gaze is intense, admiration and hunger shining in his eyes. “You look so good like this,” he groans, his voice low and thick. “Do you want me to cum inside you, beautiful? Want me to stuff you full of my cum? I want to make sure you feel me inside you long after this.”

His words send you spiraling, your fingers digging into his back as you cling to him, desperate for more. The sound of his balls slapping against your slick, sweaty skin fills the room, every thrust harder and deeper than the last. The pressure builds rapidly, your body tightening around him as you feel yourself teetering on the edge.

“Echo—I’m gonna—” The words barely escape your lips before your release crashes over you like a tidal wave. Your back arches off the bed as you find yourself squirting all over him, the intensity of it leaving you trembling and gasping for breath. The slick warmth of your release covers his cock, dripping down his thighs as he continues to pound into you, chasing his own release.

His rhythm stutters, hips jerking as he reaches his peak. With a deep, guttural groan of your name, he buries himself inside you, filling you with his warmth as his cock throbs within your walls. You feel every pulse, every spurt of his cum, until he’s spent, panting heavily above you.

As he collapses into your arms, your bodies still trembling from the intensity of it all, there’s nothing but the sound of your ragged breathing and the soft, shared smiles that linger between you.

As the intensity of the moment faded, Echo’s hand found yours, fingers intertwining as you both tried to catch your breath. The warmth of his body pressed against yours brought a comforting stillness. He was still, resting his head on your chest, your hearts beating in sync as you gently stroked the back of his neck.

“You okay?” He asked softly, his voice tender and laced with a bit of concern as his thumb brushed along your knuckles.

You smiled, nodding as you looked down at him. “More than okay,” you whispered. “That was amazing.”

A shy grin tugged at his lips, a little bit of that old insecurity trying to creep in. “I never thought—I mean, I didn’t know I could make you feel that way,” he admitted quietly and you can’t help but feel your body warm up at the fact you had squirted, something that had never happened before.

“Yeah,” you giggle breathlessly, “it was definitely new to me too. But it was perfect.”

For a few minutes, neither of you spoke, just enjoying the peaceful silence that wrapped around you like a warm blanket. But you could feel the tension that still lingered in his muscles, the weight of everything he’d been carrying for so long.

“Hey,” you murmured, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

He hesitated, then finally opened up. “What if this doesn’t last? That I’ll wake up and realise it was all a dream. It feels too good to be real, you know?”

You shifted, cupping his face with both hands so he’d look directly into your eyes. “It’s real, Echo. I’m real. We’re real. And I’m not going anywhere.” Your voice steady, full of conviction.

The way he looked at you then, with those wide, hopeful eyes, made your heart swell. “Thank you,” he whispered, “for being patient with me. For seeing me.”

You leaned in and kissed him softly, letting the tenderness of the moment speak for itself. “I see you, Echo. Every part of you. And I want it all—the good, the complicated, the messy. I’m here for all of it.”

His eyes closed as he rested his forehead against yours. “You’re more than I ever thought I could have,” he whispered, his voice so low it was almost a breath. “I don’t deserve you.”

“You do. You deserve to be happy. To be loved. And I’m going to make sure you never forget that.”

The vulnerability in his gaze softened into something warmer, more secure. “I think I’m starting to believe you.”

A quiet laugh bubbled up between you as you settled back into the pillows, arms wrapped around each other in a comfortable tangle. The tension had fully melted away, leaving behind only the gentle, reassuring warmth of being with someone who truly understood.

“I’m so lucky I have you,” he murmured sleepily, his head nestling into the crook of your neck.

“Funny, I was thinking the same thing.”

🌊 Masterlist is pinned 🌊

🌊 Echo pic by @starqueensthings 🌊

Tags: @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @jesseeka @theroguesully @ladykatakuri i @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @pb-jellybeans @nunanuggets @sleepycreativewriter @erellenora @zippingstars87 @ezras-left-thumb @the-rain-on-kamino @lamiliani @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari i @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @thesith @raevulsix x @cw80831 @knightprincess @crosshairlovebot @imalovernotahater @sithstrings @whore4rex @imperialclaw801 @temple-elder @lulalovez @mysticalgalaxysalad @yunggoblin @photogirl894

#the bad batch echo x reader #tbb echo #tbb echo x reader #bad batch echo x reader #echo tbb x reader #echo bad batch #nahoney22 writes #the bad batch #tbb #echo the bad batch

373 notes · View notes

green-alm0nd · 1 year ago

Note

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

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

----

Summary:

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

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

Enjoy!

I hope you like it Anon :p!

----

HUNTER:

Already knew because of his enhanced senses.

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

He's really happy to see you happy.

Kinda protective over you throughout the entire 9 months.

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

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

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

You almost killed Hunter when that happened.

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

ECHO:

Actually surprised when you told him you were pregnant.

Like Hunter, he became slightly protective of you.

A bit reluctant when you introduced your significant other.

But if you trust them he trusts them too.

Best. Uncle. Ever.

Lets your kid play with his scomp link.

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

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

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

WRECKER:

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

When you actually told him he did not understand.

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

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

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

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

Will make shenanigans with your kid.

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

TECH:

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

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

Reminds you to take care of yourself.

Definitely keeps track of EVERYTHING.

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

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

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

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

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

CROSSHAIR:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

----

Finals start this week :')

I hope you enjoyed your request anon!

#the bad batch #star wars #bad batch #the bad batch x reader #star wars tbb #bad batch hunter #the bad batch fanfiction #tbb tech x reader #tbb #hunter the bad batch #echo x reader #echo tbb x reader #tbb wrecker x reader #crosshair bad batch #crosshair the bad batch #crosshair x reader #the bad batch headcanons

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meshla-cyarika · 1 year ago

Text

How many ARCS does it take to crush a natborn?

Pairing: Fives x M!reader, Echo x M!reader

Word count: 1,022

Tags/warnings: none. Its complete fluff.

Summary: you love cuddling your boys, you love waking up in their arms even more. The only problem is, you can't breathe.

--------------------------------------------------

You've gotten used to naturally waking up to Naboo's only sun streaming through the blinds of your bedroom window. What you haven't gotten used to is waking up unable to breathe.

Well, you can breathe, but it's a slight struggle with two former ARC troopers sprawled out ontop of you. Echo is on your left (nearest to the window) with one leg thrown over your waist and an arm and his head resting on your bare chest. You always found it uncomfortable to sleep with a shirt on, especially when under the covers. Meanwhile, Fives practically has his entire body laying on you, limbs sprawled everywhere and his face is squeezed into the crook of your neck.

You turn your head and glare at all the space on their sides of the king sized bed you had brought to avoid situations like this. That being said, you don't hate cuddling. Quite the opposite, actually. After being forcibly seperated all the time during the war, none of you give up an opportunity for physical contact. You sigh and wrap your arms around them both, knowing better than to wake them up. Disturbing your Dominos when they're perfectly content snuggled up to you would be a death sentence.

A smile breaks out on your face when you think about how you had met. It had been a big victory for the 501st and they were granted shore leave for five days. 79s was ram packed with boys in blue so much so that there were hardly any natborns in there, but you'd managed to weasel your way in. You were sat at the bar, nursing a Corellian whiskey, when a certain ARC with a numbered tattoo started chatting you up and a sheepish man with a hand print on his chest plate stood next to him. It feels like yesterday that Fives had said those twelve corny words to you. "Hey, baby, you got a name, or can I call you mine?" A month later, you were dating the most handsome men the galaxy had ever seen and you've been together ever since.

You're snapped back to reality, when Fives stirs in his sleep. You think he's gonna wake up and finally release you from his chokehold, but he stays sound asleep and somehow manages to put even more weight on your ribs. The Domino twins, along with many other clones, lost a bit of muscle after the end of the war, but, by the Maker, they were still heavy. It's been four years since the end of the Clone Wars. General Kenobi defeated General Grievous on Utapau, General Skywalker brought Count Dooku into custody, Commander Tano brought Maul into custody and Chancellor Palpatine was discovered to be the mastermind behind this war and was killed by the Jedi Council. It took half a year for the discussion of clone equal rights in the Senate, which they were granted at the end of that year. It took two years for the Republic to create a suppressant for the clones' rapid aging, which managed to slow it down to natural human aging.

The loyal soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic are free men.

You silently thank the Maker, when you notice the telltale signs of them starting to wake up - small twitches and grumbles. When Fives wakes slowly, he tends to stretch a bit like a loth cat. He yawns and does this little squeak that you don't dare mention, but it makes you smile anyway. After he stretches, he goes limp and boneless for a moment as his brain catches up to reality. Echo, however, tends to go from asleep to awake very smoothly. He doesn’t jerk awake as often anymore, but it’s a near thing. His body stays lax for the most part, but he blinks awake and takes just a second or two to get his bearings. Some mornings, he’ll lay with you for a little longer than usual, tucking his face up close to yours until you're both ready to get up.

They're absolutely adorable in their own ways.

You remain still when your partners awake. Fives sits up to stretch his whole body, before dumping his weight back ontop of you, making a grunt fall past your lips as he slightly knocks the air from your lungs. Echo blinks awake, tucks himself closer to you and breathes deeply. A luxury you can't perform yourself.

"Morning." Fives always has the deepest morning voice.

"Morning." You reply back. "Can you both breathe?"

A pair of concerned frowns meet your gaze, but you keep your expression innocent.

"Yeah?" Echo eventually answers.

"Well, I can't." You put it bluntly. "Shift."

You haven't seen them move so quick this early in the morning for years, as they scramble to their sides of the bed. You take a few deep breaths and, Maker, oxygen has never felt so good.

"You okay?" Fives looks down at you with furrowed brows. You nod tiredly and place a kiss to his forehead, causing his expression to calm.

"Yeah, I'm fine." You mumble, turning to kiss Echo's forehead aswell. "You have all that space and you still decide to crush me." You give them a pointed stare.

"Old habits die hard, cyar'ika." Fives smirks, wrapping his arms back around you, but making sure to give you more breathing room this time.

"We're sorry, cyare." A light blush coats Echo's face, as he sheepishly places a kiss to your cheek.

"It's not your fault." You reassure him, running a hand through his hair. "It's because of how many nights we all had to sleep in those regulation bunks that could hardly even fit one person in."

"Except this time, Echo isn't falling on his ass every five minutes." Fives sniggers.

You close your eyes with a smile, as you listen to them bicker about old times. Are you going to wake up with your airway being crushed again? Definitely. But you have your boys right where you want them, maybe breathing is acceptable to give up if it means you get to hold them as close as possible.

#Arc trooper fives x reader #Arc trooper echo x reader #The clone wars #Star wars #The clone wars x reader #Tbb echo x reader #Echo tbb x reader #Star wars x reader #Arc trooper fives #Arc trooper echo #Tbb echo #Echo tbb #echo bad batch

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starrylothcat · 2 years ago

Note

I love your writing!

Could you maybe possibly do 15. “Did someone get turned on by that~?” with Echo? If you have time? <3

He seems like he'd be fun in the sack :P

Aw, thank you lovely! ECHO MY DARLING! I've been wanting to write more Echo so thank you! Hope you enjoy. 😏👉👈 Pairing: Echo x Gen!Reader

Word Count: 1100 Warnings: NSFW, 18+. Blowjob, Echo being a little self-conscious, reader not described. Post-Skako Minor Echo in TBB.

Spicy Prompts

Being in a relationship while on the run was difficult, but finding time alone while on a cramped ship with four other people made it even more difficult. Finally, finally you and Echo had The Marauder to yourselves, the most time you’ve had alone since you started becoming…intimate. You both weren’t sure what you were yet, but what started as lingering glances and soft words became gentle stolen kisses and roaming fingers at every chance you could be alone. You were currently on Echo’s lap on his bunk, and what began as a sweet kiss was now feverish, swallowing one another’s quiet sighs as your hands roamed up under his shirt, feeling his warm muscles flex with your touch.

Echo’s fingers were wrapped in your hair, focusing intently on bringing you as close as possible to him. His other arm was around your back, careful not to poke you with his scomp.

Your dampening arousal was rubbing against the bulge growing in his pants, becoming hard to ignore for much longer.

Echo desperately wanted you, wanted to take care of you to the fullest extent, but a nagging anxiety in the back of his mind has been holding him back.

He found it hard to believe that you, someone so exquisite and wonderful and perfect, would want someone as imperfect as him.

Echo was worried his cybernetics would be too uncomfortable, too cold, too cumbersome.

That hasn’t stopped you yet, and you’ve told him dozens of times you aren’t bothered, that he was absolutely perfect, but Echo still struggled. You broke the kiss to catch your breath, both your lips swollen and glossy from saliva.

“I want to see you…” You muttered, gazing at him with half-lidded eyes, the want for him burning in your belly. “All of you.” “Are you sure…?” Echo whispered, your lips trailing down the side of his strong jaw to his neck.

You haven't taken your relationship past impassioned kissing and rutting against one another, but tonight you had the time to go further if you desired.

You hummed, nodding as you kissed down his neck. “Only if you want, though.” You nibbled right below his ear, and Echo’s response was immediate.

His hips bucked up against yours, a whine leaving his lips. You were surprised by his reaction, pulling away to look at him. Echo's eyes were wide, and he looked sheepish.

“Did someone get turned on by that?” You smiled, repeating your action at the same spot, excited by his reaction.

“I…” Echo’s words were lost in his throat as he whined again, feeling you gently suck at the sensitive area on his neck, his cock now straining between your legs.

You wiggled your hips, the delicious friction sending sparks up your spine as he let out another quiet gasp.

You trailed your mouth down, leaving kitten licks and nibbles as you went. Echo was clutching the back of your shirt, his breath coming out in huffs.

“We’ll go as far as you're comfortable…” You looked into his eyes that were now blown wide with desire. Echo knew you wanted more, and was thankful you were willing to take things slow.

The way you were handling him tonight, though, he felt more emboldened. Heat licked in his nerves at the way your mouth felt on him. He wanted, no, needed to feel your mouth elsewhere.

“You can keep going.” He grunted, watching you intently as your hand trailed between your torsos, down to the waistband of his blacks.

“Can I…?” You asked, watching his face for any signs of doubt. Echo swallowed thickly and nodded. “Yes.”

You palmed over his crotch, Echo’s head falling into your neck as he emitted a deep groan. “You like that?” You whispered, rubbing his cock through the material, a wet spot forming as you handled him. “Keep going, mesh’la.”

You tugged gently at his waistband, and he made no effort to stop you. He lifted his hips to help you pull down his blacks enough to free his cock, red and swollen, dripping and aching for relief. You took in the sight of it, hungry to taste him. "You don't have to if you don't want to-" Echo started, seeing you staring, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

You gently ran your fingertips over his velvety head, and Echo let out a sound so lewd you almost came yourself, spreading his desire over his cock.

"You're beautiful, Echo." You muttered sweetly, seeing the flash of worry on his face disappear as you ghosted your fingers down his thick shaft.

“What do you want me to do?” You asked quietly, still caressing his cock.

“Can you-can you use your mouth?” Echo almost felt embarrassed for asking, but quickly forgot as you eagerly left his lap and kneeled between his legs.

You looked up at him, smiling. Echo felt some relief in his chest, knowing his doubts from before were silly, now his only desire was to see your mouth around his cock.

You gently licked up his shaft, relishing in how he tasted, wanting nothing more than to please him. You gave his cock the same attention you did his neck, soft kisses and nips up and down his length. Echo instinctually bucked his hips, his one hand coming to grasp the back of your head. “K-Kriff…mesh’la…” He groaned, his eyes flying open at the sensation. You smiled to yourself, taking his sensitive tip between your lips and suckling as you stroked his shaft.

“I’m not going to-” Echo stuttered, your mouth warm on his cock, his ecstasy building. You took him in your mouth as far as you could, not able to fit him completely. Echo’s delicious sounds were louder as you bobbed your head, swirling your tongue and letting out your own moans as you hollowed out your cheeks.

Your free hand was rubbing and squeezing his thigh right above where his cybernetics started, feeling his muscles spasm as pleasure flooded his senses. “I’m going to-where do you want me to…?” Echo’s voice was hoarse, desperate as he looked down at you. You didn’t stop your pace or release his cock, giving him your answer. You squeezed his length, taking his cock as far as you could in your mouth. With a few more bobs of your head, Echo gripped the back of your skull, careful not to hurt you as he came, spurting his hot release down your throat, your name a long, deep moan as you eagerly sucked him dry. You release him with a pop, looking up at him from between his legs. Echo’s face was flushed and sweaty, his eyes wide. It was a wonderful sight. “How was that…?” You asked, rising from your knees as Echo pulled up his pants. Echo cradled your head with his hands and kissed you deeply, tasting himself on your tongue. “Incredible. Thank you.” Echo muttered against your lips. “May I repay you, mesh’la?” His voice dropped, his tone laced with a new confidence, something he hasn't felt since his ARC Trooper days. Yes." You breathed as Echo carefully laid you down on his bunk. He was at your neck now, hotly licking and sucking, carefully tracing his scomp down your body and between your legs, rubbing gently at your arousal.

You keened, whimpering and arching against him, his boldness growing at your reactions.

"Did someone get turned on by that?" Echo repeated your words from earlier, his seductive question gravely in your ear as his scomp continued to press into you.

“Good thing we have all night to find out…“

Taglist: @maybethatfanfictionwriter @secretthegriffin @secondaryrealm @sinfulsalutations @anxiouspineapple99 @idontgetanysleep @wanderer-six @blueink-bluesoul @the-cantina @king-chaos-world @wolffegirlsunite @523rdrebel @dukeoftheblackstar @sleepingsun501 @starqueensthings @pb-jellybeans

Dividers by @idontgetanysleep

#echo x reader #echo tbb x reader #echo x you #echo x gen!reader #echo tbb x you #arc trooper oc #echo tbb #starrycatwrites #the bad batch fanfiction #x reader #reader insert #gender neutral reader #echo smut #the bad batch smut

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badbatch-badfics · 1 year ago

Text

Padawan (TBB x Male Reader) Part 1

Part 2

Characters: The Bad Batch - Crosshair. Not much of Wrecker, mainly just meeting them.

Relationship: All platonic

POV: Mixture between 2nd (you/yours) and 3rd (he/him)

Pronouns: He/him, but referred to as they/them when identity is unknown to the Batch

Species: Unspecified, should be pretty neutral

Content: Angst?? Panic?? Introductions?? Beginning of found family??

Warnings: Panic attacks, minor injury description, thinking about your death (non-suicide), anything that would be in TBB normally. Possibly some lore inaccuracies. Cringe

Word count: 4,777

Notes: If you’re willing, please let me know if you think 2nd person or 3rd person POV is better, or if the combo is readable.

You balanced yourself on the beam, steadily walking across with eyes darting back and forth for anything that seemed of use. Or, at least, a new pathway, or bridge, or anything that could lead you somewhere new, where there was the possibility of supplies. Or food, or some type of communication device, or, quite literally, anything. You weren’t picky, given the circumstances- couldn’t afford to be. But in truth, there was little to no chance of finding anything new. You’d scavenged through the ship countless times, and for the past…however long, there’d been nothing new. You hadn’t missed anything from the previous ventures, no small creature had drug in anything from outside or from a part with limited access, nothing fell to reveal a hidden treasure of some sort. Absolutely nothing. But yet, each day you once again went out with a glimmer of hope- or denial- that there would be something. Or maybe it was just a feeble attempt to focus your mind away from the events. Not that it worked.

As the beam came across a body of water, you peered down to the pool, loathing at what was reflecting back- raggy, dirty, and bloody. Kriffing Hell, I could be mistaken for a Tusken Raider with this shit-job of a covering. Your normal Padawan robes, as well as ones from your Master, had been torn into several chunks, and wrapped around different limbs, as well as pieces of fabric from any corpses you’d stumble upon. Layered on top of those was a poncho-cloak, barely holding on by a thread. An oxygen mask hung limply around your neck, and was covered with a fine coating of dirt and grime, with splattered blood on top. Bandages, cloth, and even animal pelts wound loosely around your head, leaving only small holes and strips for the mouth, nose, and eyes. Your waist was adorned with a make-shift gear belt, holding a multitude of different bones- sharpened and shaped to become tools and methods of protection. Your Lightsaber bumped lightly with each step, an eternal reminder to what happened- and as many bad thoughts as it brought, it would be an absolutely idiotic move to ditch the weapon. Not wanting to look any longer, you pulled back your head and took a deep breath, continuing on.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rex led the squad of modified clones through the dirty, deserted and desolate hallways, shining a light so nobody fell to their demise. The group talked about the war, inhibitor chips, and the like until they came across a large canyon, so to speak. Rex, Omega, Tech, Hunter, and Echo all shimmied their way across, leaving Wrecker to go last. “You can do it! Just keep your eyes on the table,” Omega yelled encouragingly. With a few grunts and a shake of his head, Wrecker began climbing the cable upside down. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it couldn’t hold his weight, plummeting him down to the murky water.

The collective panic from all six clones shot out an incredibly large Force ‘wave’ to the padawan, of which felt as though he was being hit by a speeder bike head-on and then ricocheted into a Bantha. The shock of realizing that someone- scratch that, multiple someones- were here, on the ship with him, at this exact moment was more than enough to cause (Y/N) to stumble backwards from where he was standing and trip over some debris, falling flat on his ass. Once (Y/N) could gather that he and the strangers had a decent amount of space in between them, his breathing calmed- but not enough to be normal.

(Y/N) carefully got up, watching his foot placement, before turning to where he had been sleeping and recouping for the past few months. His legs felt both stiff and shaky, his vision was blurry, and his breathing was ragged. Once (Y/N) was finally in the small space that contained his very few belongings, he fell to the floor, backed into the wall, and curled up into a tiny, and rather pathetic, ball. People were here. (Y/N) didn’t know if they were good, or bad- or if they weren't much of either. Didn’t know their motives, didn’t know anything. When (Y/N) had prayed to the Force to find new things, this is not what he meant. At all.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Soon enough, and with several general or head-based injuries, all four men had their inhibitor chips removed. Omega and Hunter were walking around, exploring this and that and whatnot. Mainly because Omega would have done so anyway, but she most definitely needs supervision on the death-trap that is so humbly called a ship. Unfortunately for you, the pair was getting awfully close to his “hide-out.” Even worse, it seemed Hunter was aware of that as well.

“Omega…I think there’s someone here with us. Stay close,” he whispered, pulling out his blaster. Your breathing grew faster and more shaggy, and your vision clouded. What could I do? They’re in front of the only exit, and I haven't fought a person, or even touched my lightsaber in Force knows how long! Considering the only way out, other than direct confrontation, seemed to be a 100+ foot drop- the choice was more or less clear. You shakily stood up, grabbed the lightsaber which had been doing nothing else than collecting dust (and bad memories), and began to sprint as fast as possible, shoulder aimed at the door. Dank Farrik, please- don’t let me die like this.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hunter jumped back, quickly grabbing Omega’s arm and pulling her out of the way with him. And lucky he did, otherwise she may have been crushed by the metal plate that went flying as the cloaked figure stumbled and bolted. Immediately, Hunter reached up to his comm and reported, “There’s somebody else on the ship! His motive is unclear- just blasted through a door and ran- looks like he’s going for an escape.”

On the other end, Wrecker almost jumped out of his skin in excitement- “Finally! Some action!” Tech couldn’t help but roll his eyes at Wrecker’s interest in beating someone to hell and back. After some more information was passed through, Wrecker and Tech had an approximate idea of where they needed to head in order to intercept the stowaway. Since Hunter had said that the mystery person appeared to be running away, stealth was not an objective for the pair- running through loudly was acceptable.

(Y/N) was solely focused on getting out- not where the others could be. Which was a terrible mistake- if you’re running away from somebody, it’d generally be wise to know where they are. Tech could guess as much, and used it to his advantage. Although he hadn’t gotten a full map of the ship, based on Hunter’s location report, the mystery person’s motive, and the ship being heavily damaged, he could make a reasonable estimate as to where the person would be.

To no one’s surprise, Tech was absolutely correct. After instructing Wrecker where to go, they had each blocked the end of a hallway. Wrecker had cut in front and faced the mystery person head on, grinning as cracking his neck, while Tech had stealthily followed from a ways behind. By the time Tech caught up, the mystery person had already slammed to a stop and immediately turned around to exit the other end, but to no avail.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You ran as fast as you could, and you really did try paying attention to your surroundings, but it was all utterly useless. The intruders had pinned you. One giant guy to the front, and one smart guy to the back. Brains and brawn. Your heart beat far too fast, feeling the thump thump in your head, being far too hot, and your vision was rapidly becoming smaller and more tunneled.

It didn’t help when the big guy spoke, and you realized they were clones. Odd clones, granted, but clones, who, as far as you knew, executed Order 66, executed your Master, friends, your entire sense of familiarity and comfort.

You weren’t prepared for this- you hadn’t trained in months, or even used your lightsaber. There was no means of escape, considering the second either of them saw you reach for a weapon, it would be over. Running would do you no good, and if they had followed Order 66, talking wouldn’t do any good either. It seemed you’d join the other jedi in whatever afterlife awaited.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The figure fell flat on their ass and scrambled half-way backwards and half-way to the nearest wall after hearing Wrecker’s voice- they were shaking, sweat drenching their clothes all the way through, and, all in all, resembling a caged animal who knew it was done for. A loud echo ran out as the figure roughly contacted the metal wall, and pulled their legs up, semi-resembling the fetal position, as their hands were still on the ground.

Wrecker and Tech slowly approached the figure, blasters balanced on their arms. Both took notice of the shaky and rapid breathing, the occasional twitching, and how the figure seemed to be ever-so-slightly rocking. This person was a very good actor, or nothing more than someone scared, who was in the very wrong place at the wrong time. They both assumed the latter.

As Tech walked forward, he used his scanner to find the general age and species of the subject, brows furrowing as results came forward. The figure was somewhere in between 15 and 18, was (chosen species), and, as more data was collected, Tech discovered that the figure was a Jedi. Or, at the very least, someone with a high midichlorian count. He stopped walking, lowered his blaster- not a lot, but just enough, and gestured to Wrecker to copy. Wrecker made a grunt in confusion, not understanding. Tech sighed and replied, “I do not believe they intend to harm us. If my data is correct, they are a teenager, and most likely a padawan. And it would seem they do not wish to engage through a fight, anyway. Put your weapons down.”

(Y/N)’s head darted back and forth between the two, confused- was he safe? They were clones- were they not going to execute Order 66, or at the very least, kill him as a simple intruder? Just then, a third clone appeared- one with half the helmet white, the other black, with a few more details and some large red stripes. He had a vibro-knife in one hand, extended outward with a curve, and his other hand, holding a blaster, rested on top of it. “Hunter, I do not think they are a threat- at least, at this moment. There has been no attempt to harm us as of yet, and they appear to be force sensitive, which would most certainly warrant an attempt to flee from a group of clones,” Tech informed. (Y/N) slowly reached his hand towards the lightsaber on his makeshift belt, but didn’t quite grab it- not yet. Hunter slowly put his weapons away and set down his helmet, a small hiss ringing out when he took it off.

He crouched just enough to seem smaller and slightly less intimidating, without looking like he was getting ready to spring up. He extended his hands, walking slowly towards (Y/N). “We’re not here to hurt you- we're not like the other clones– we’ve had our inhibitor chips removed. You’re safe,” he spoke slowly and clearly. Tech jumped in, “The inhibitor chips are what programmed the regs– the other clones– to execute Order 66. So we don’t want to hurt you.” Wrecker grunted something in agreement.

“Now, we have a functioning ship with us, and we can get you out of here- somewhere safe, or at least, more safe than here, okay? We have food, water, medical care, and we have a place to stay where the Empire won’t bother us. Let us help you.” By the time Hunter had finished his little speech, he was only a few feet away from (Y/N), crouching down, now eye-level with him. (Y/N)’s hand slowly came away from his saber. This felt safe- he could sense it, more or less. There wasn’t actually any danger, and the clone, who (Y/N) assumed was Hnuter, felt safe and honest– reminding him of the warmth and comfort the Jedi Temple, his fellow Padawans, his Master, all brought him.

(Y/N) tried to say something, but his voice caught and cracked horribly- a mixture of the panic, and having not talked to anyone in months. He felt his eyes water behind the terribly dirty rags, which stung more than it should have. “Let's start by getting those rags off you, okay? Tech, bring over some bacta-spray and clean bandages,” Hunter instructed. Tech did as he was told, fishing out some spray and bandages from one of his several pouches that lined his waist.

Tech passed the supplies to Hunter, who indicated for him and Wrecker to go report to the rest what was happening. He directed his attention back to (Y/N), calmly asking, “I’m gonna take off your face wrappings, alright?” (Y/N) mumbling what Hunter assumed was an ‘okay,’ and felt his body go heavy and almost limp. Hunter reached up, tenderly brushing against the Padawan’s face, swiftly untying the bounds of cloth. He quickly used his other hand to bring the rest of it down, now draped around (Y/N)’s neck. His face was dirty, caked in dirt, grime, and what appeared to be blood. The mixture of paste, so to speak, was cracked and chipping, looking like a desert’s mud-crack.

Whether or not he meant to, Hunter grimaced at the sorry state of the Padawan. He took his gloved hands to try and brush and scrape off the majority of the paste off, which was primarily successful. After the layer of muck was removed, Hunter found one long gash, following the curvature of (Y/N)’s jawline, from just below the eye to just above his mouth. It was inflamed and oozing, and was most certainly going to need stitches. He held up the bacta-spray, and lightly spritzed it onto the wound. A sharp hiss sounded out from (Y/N), who was now squinting his eyes. Hunter mumbled some sort of apology before taking out the bandage and delicately, yet firmly at the same time, placed it on the gash.

“Are there any more major injuries we should worry about? We can take care of the smaller ones on the ship, but still. Better safe than sorry.” (Y/N) shook his head no. Hunter slowly stood up, and extended a hand, but (Y/N) just seemed to stare at it. Slowly, though, the Padawan extended his own hand out, flinching and hesitating once his arm was half-way extended. After a few seconds, though, he fully reached out and tightly grabbed the man’s hand. Using the wall behind him, (Y/N) pushed himself up, legs shaky. As soon as he was steady, (Y/N) ripped his hand away, bringing it close and pinning it tightly against his own chest.

Hunter commed Tech, instructing him to get everyone on-board the Marauder, and to try and use any spare pieces of clothing or blanket to form some type of clean cover that would fit the Padawan. After what seemed to last forever, Hunter broke the silence- “So, what's' your name, kid?”

“(Y/N)...” he mumbled, quiet enough that only Hunter’s enhanced ears could make it out clearly. The pair continued their walk through the broken up ship, eventually coming up to the ramp that led out to the Marauder. (Y/N) brought his arm to his eyes, squinting at the sun- being far too bright, seeing as he hadn’t gone out of the ship in Maker knows how long. Hunter took notice and briefly stopped, turning his head back to the teenager.

“You alright? I’m sure I have something if you want to block out the sun for the walk,” he gently offered. (Y/N) silently shook his head no, while slowly taking his arm down, bringing it back down to his chest, head and eyes solidly trained on the ground. Hunter stared for a few seconds more, just to be sure, before continuing on towards the Marauder.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Your head was woozy, your heart beating out of your chest, and you were simultaneously shaking, yet felt numb. All in all, it felt terrible. And perhaps even worse, you knew there was no real reason to feel this way. You were finally safe. And there was no possible way that the clones would turn and execute you. They would have done so already, without a doubt! Why would anyone go against direct orders, and pure convenience, just to make someone suffer more? That would be beyond inadequate. And it just made you feel terrible for not trusting them, or at the very least, for being suspicious of them. And now your head hurt more than before.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, but was no more than a five minute walk, the pair came up on the Havoc Marauder, in all its battle worn glory. Echo was leaning on the frame to the entry ramp, draping a clean, albeit worn and torn, wool poncho over his scomp. From the time Echo had spent with them, he gathered that the Jedi seemed to really like their ponchos.

As you and Hunter finally came up to the ramp, you froze. Your heart got significantly louder, palms sweater, which, by the way, was never pleasant under the dirty rags, and your eyes began darting around. There was only one way out, it seemed. If the group did have ill intent, you’d be done for as soon as you set a single toe in the ship. That was not a comforting thought. Hunter could hear your heartbeat and smell your sweat (or rather, the reaction it has with your skin) from a mile away.

Alerted by this change in demeanor, he turned back to look at you- who was completely frozen stiff, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape and pulled downwards. He may have been prepared for any mission the Republic gave him, but there certainly wasn’t any briefing on traumatized teenagers- let alone force sensitive teens. Kriff, he barely knew how to socialize with the Regs, and it was a miracle he could bond as much as he did with Omega.

Echo, even with his lack of enhanced senses, could easily see Hunter’s predicament. “How about you get the rest of the squad together, keep it calm for the kid. I’ll go take care of this.” Hunter silently nodded in thanks, brushing past his brother to head inside and start giving orders. That he was good at, no matter the topic.

Echo slowly, but not too slowly, as that would seem like a predator circling its prey, walked down the ramp and stood just in arm’s reach of the Padawan. You seemed to stare at each other for an eternity before he slowly handed you the poncho. “Here… seems you Jedi like ponchos, and we had one lying about. Hope it works. Got some more fabrics up on the ship, if you need any. And better med-kits, stuff to find infections or fevers. In case.” He spoke both in a calm and precise manner, and continued on, “Name’s Echo, by the way. Yours? If you don’t mind, anyway.”

You didn’t respond for a few more seconds, taking it all in. Finally, you mustered up a small response, “(Y/N)... and thank you.” Echo smiled lightly, extending the poncho out a bit further. Quickly, you threw off the old poncho, which wouldn't have lasted another week, and put on the fresh new one. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up, at least around the arms and face, yeah? We’ll be on another planet soon, and then you can get some proper fitting clothes.”

Echo turned and walked back up the ramp, making sure he could hear your footsteps following him. A few steps after you had gotten in, and the ramp seemed to slam shut. Realstickly, it was probably shutting for a while, but you hadn’t noticed it until it registered that there was no way out now. And everything seemed so tight. Sure, you had just been in a wrecked ship for Maker knows how long, but it was a big one. Now, you were stuck on a much smaller ship, with however many clones. Before the claustrophobia and feeling of complete despair could kick in, a small blond girl tugged at your burnt, calloused, and wrapped up hands, attempting to pull you somewhere. Of course, given your larger mass, as well as training, you didn’t budge, not one bit. You stared down at the young girl, eyes wide, yet blank. To say it disturbed her would be an understatement.

“Omega! I’m Omega, and this is Lula- Wrecker’s tooka doll!” she exclaimed, bringing your attention to a large stuffed…rabbit? Or… loth cat? It was hard to say. It had a black body, with red sock paws, similar to the red tips on its ears. The tooka doll sported some pattern of white, clearly resembling a face, with two red dots for eyes. Distracted by the stuffed creature, she could successfully pull you, where she then disposed of you in someone's bunk. She all but slammed Lula into your chest before running off, what, or who she was looking for, a complete mystery.

She came back with a collection of blankets, pillows, and snacks, and most certainly more than she could carry. Immediately, Omega got to work, bundling you like a baby in a blizzard. You were too stunned to do anything, really. What could you do, anyway? After about two or so minutes of her layering, she paused, and frowned. “How are you going to eat if your hands and arms are covered! Agh!”

She quickly began undoing her work, until your arms could be brought out, and then resumed the stacking of blankets. All you could do was blink repeatedly, ever confused. After another five or so minutes, she smiled triumphantly at her work. “Perfect! Here, have some mantell mix!” she said as she shoved a fist full of some clunky substance into your palm. Looking down at it, mouth watering, you slowly reached down and plucked one of the misshapen balls, and popped it into your mouth. And by the Maker, was it delicious. Your eyes widened, and without a second thought, your hand flew to your mouth, sending the entire pile of mantell mix down your throat. After eating random rodents, insects, and food that was quite possibly expired from the ship, this mantell mix was a blessing to your senses.

As you continued chewing and swallowing the treat, you leaned back against the hard wall of the ship, a quiet, content sigh escaping. While it certainly wasn’t the most comfortable, it was ten thousand times better than anywhere you had slept on the Venator. Lula was still resting across your chest, and Omega smiled proudly at your comfort before running off again. Although it was muffled, you could hear her talking to one of the clones, before grabbing something and running back towards you.

“I was training with Nala Se and the medical equipment at the Kaminoan facilities, so I can fix you up! Now, where does it hurt the most?” She was a bit too excited about her ‘patient’ needing help, you thought. It was cute, though. The younglings and other Padawan at the Jedi Temple were like that, too– always eager to be the first to help, even in situations where most would never be joyous. You supposed there wouldn’t be any harm in humoring the girl, even if she was, by all means, a possible threat, with everyone else on the ship. I mean, if they did plan to harm or kill you, there’d be no chance of survival, so you might as well play along with the little girl. Either your last moments wouldn’t be too bad, or you’d start bonding with your saviors. Either version was a win, in one way or another.

Cocking one eyebrow, you raised a question– “How are you supposed to take care of me if I can’t move under all these layers? That seems rather counter-productive, no?” Her face molded into one of thought and consideration, nodding her head in agreement. Before you could register her next move, she essentially lunged, quickly stripping you of the layers for the second time within the hour. Now, the blankets all strewn around you resembled a porg’s nest, without the sticks and twigs, anyway. Omega yanked your arm forward, a tad too eager, considering you should always be gentle with your patients. Your eyes squinted, brows furrowed in a smidge of pain- Omega immediately noticed, and gave you a sheepish smile before apologizing and bringing it towards her more gently.

She carefully wrapped the bandages off of your arm, eyes widening at the…state of it. Burn spots, blisters, scratches, bruises, and more littered the entirety of it, looking like it came out of a horror holo-film. You stared at it rather intensely. You had no clue it was this bad. I mean, it hurt, obviously- you were in a crashed ship and had no proper care for however long. Of course it was going to hurt. But seeing it, that was still a shock.

“Umm… I should probably get Tech. I’m not this good, I don’t think…” Omega whispered, frowning. She scurried off, but you just kept staring. How could you have let it get this bad? Was all the training useless? Or was it you?

Tech, the one with goggles and a plethora of gear, came over, holding what Omega had given him, and more. His armor was still on, but the helmet had been discarded. He bent down on one knee, and scanned over your body, checking for any and all injuries. And, oh boy, did he have his work cut out for him. Tech carefully took your arm in his gloved hands, and stared for a little bit before spraying a lot of bacta on. You lurched forward, bringing your other hand to your side, in a feeble attempt to focus the pain elsewhere. Your brows scrunched, and cheeks pulled down, biting your tongue in every attempt to not bother him any more.

“Let me know when it stops stinging. Most of the bacteria should be gone, then. We’ll still clean it out routinely, as they’ve been untreated for so long,” he spoke precisely. After what felt like eternity, he was finally finished applying the spray. “Hold your arm out. Make it as level and steady as you can,” Tech instructed. Fingertips barely brushing your skin, he brought the clean cloth around, wrap after wrap, from your palm to your elbow. He took some smaller bandages and wrapped them around each of your fingers, leaving your entire arm covered.

You lifted up your other arm, and you both repeated the process. Bacta, wrap, done. He gestured at your legs, silently asking to both take off your shoes and life up your pants, to at least the knee. There was a much larger and deeper gash on your left shin, courtesy of a falling metal plate as you finally managed to get some sleep. “That…will need stitches. Wait here.” Not like you were going anywhere.

After what felt like hours upon hours, everything that was physically wrong with you had been fixed- or, at the very least, temporarily fixed. Obviously, there weren't the best medical supplies on a smaller ship that had long left the army, and thus left behind the blessing that was gift-wrapped med-kits. Finally, he gave you some type of liquid- not a lot, just a shot. He could see the quizzical look on your face, and quickly explained– “It’ll help you go to sleep, for quite a while, and it’ll help reduce the pain. By the time you wake up, we should be at Orl Mantell, where we’ve been staying. Or, at least, close to it.”

In a fraction of a heartbeat, you downed the small glass and handed it back to Tech. He ran one more scan on you, just to be sure, before getting up and heading to the cock-pit with his brothers and little older sister. Your heart slowed, and your eyelids grew heavy. That serum worked fast. Half involuntarily, you fell face first onto the bed and drifted into the best sleep you’d had in countless rotations.

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oceansssblue · 4 months ago

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~ [MAGICAL CREATURES SERIES] – THE BAD BATCH AU (N3)

"LIKE YOUR SHINE" — ECHO/FAIRY!OFC

FAIRIES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN NATURALLY ATTRACTED TO SPARKLING PRETTY THINGS; JEWELRY, THE REFLECTION OF THE SUN IN THE WATER, THE DELICATE WINGS OF BUTTERFLIES AND FIREFLIES... WHEN A PECULIAR GROUP OF SOLDIERS WANDER THROUGH THEIR FOREST, BLUEBELL FINDS A NEW SHINE THAT CATCHES HER EYE.

WARNINGS: Echo's insecurities and a brief pannick attack unintentionally caused by a colony of fairies that don't really know how to properly interact with humans, so they may be a little invasive. The Batch gets captured and drugged. Otherwhise it's just fluffy and cute and shy. 💖

Her voice is a sweet, melodious hum in the otherwhise quietness of Arcan's forest. Her pale pink iridiscent wings flutter in a low buzz as Bluebell makes her way through the tall trees; a gentle smile in her face whenever she encounters a smaller creature and curiously sticks her button nose right against them. Some answer in a surprised screech, inmediately going into hiding; others blink owlishly back at her, equally curious at the beautiful fairy. Some even invite her to play.

Bluebell grins and loses herself in the beauty of the forest; finding joy in the simplest things. Her friend, Marygold, tags along a few steps behind her; a grumpier expresion on her small rounded face. Bluebell knows to give her some space by now; Marygold is not a morning person –which is somewhat unusual for a fairy–. Her friend will slowly get used to life in a few more minutes and then Bluebell will be able to chat.

Her bubble gum pink eyes flicker around the forest distractedly; coming to a stop on a distant flower that reflects the warm sunlight almost like water. Bluebell flies towards it, zooming in curiously. It's a Whiteglass flower. They are some of the fairy's favorite; the small cristal petals mirrowing it's surroundings perfectly. She hums in delight and carefully traces the pad of her finger over one of the delicate petals.

"That's a pretty one" Marygold admits from behind her, having finally catched up to her friend.

Bluebell nods, turning around to face her no-longer irritated friend. No matter how different their personalities are, that's something all fairies have in common; their love for sparkling things. It's in their almost child-like nature; their innocent wonder. Fairies are peculiar creatures.

"Want to search for more before we return to the colony?" She offers, and Marygold accepts with a single nod.

For all her friend is always a bit reluctant to follow her on her morning adventures, staying at home would have been infinitely worse. It's not that fairies are obnoxiously loud; but they're certainly restless, chirpy beings, and Marygold likes her peaceful silence. At least until breakfast is served; she hates when people try to gossip with her before that. Bluebell, on the other side, is a social butterfly. She's somewhat shy, often prefering to remain quietly listening than to actively participate in a conversation; but she's happy to be around others, smiling and nodding at this story or another. For all of this and more, Bluebell is effortlessly popular among their own. Marygold has the atention of the one single male fairy she actually enjoys talking with; and that is more than enough.

They travel together, this time; flying in little twirls around each other and having their fun. All fairies dress in different shades of green, not wanting to disturb the forest's creatures and magic with too many vibrants colours –and it was also easier to camuflage–; while their wings and marks varied. Marygold's wings are a pale yellow, the small lines that climb up her wrists and undereyes golden. Bluebell's are a soft pink –her eyes only a few tones darker–. Instead of the straight marks her friend bears in her face –tracing a half halo on each cheek–, Bluebell has two tiny horizontal ones on the bridge of her nose; and an arch of small pink dots that traces the lower contour of her eyes. The marks on her legs and shoulders, instead of the geometric pattern of Marygold, hug her thin muscles in delicate waves and twirls. It compliments their personalities well.

They investigate Arcan's forest for a while; finding two more Whiteglass flowers and carefully tucking them into the safety of the pocket of their belts. They would be added to the their private collection upon returning home.

Bluebell and Marygold then spend the next couple of minutes distractedly following a firefly around; called in by the delicate transparency and the subtle iridiscent shine of its wings. It is in this little last trip when a new shine catches Bluebell's attention; the fairy's wings fluttering quickly while she hovers in place, scanning eyes trying to track the origin of the reflection.

Marygold, unaware of her reason to stop, frowns in confusion and slight irritation. By now, the firefly they were chasing has already managed to escape.

"What?" She grumbles, stopping besides her friend, squinting eyes at the forest in front of them. "What are we looking at?"

Bluebell's quiet, avid scan is finally rewarded; her pink eyes widening at the sight of a strange group of intruders wandering through the trees. She grabs Marygold's wrist and quickly tugs her forward.

"Look! I think they're humans!" She whispers in surprise, and even Marygold is shocked enough to let herself be dragged closer towards them without protesting a bit. "One... Two... Three, four, five! Five male humans!"

Marygold frowns, distrust filling her voice.

"I can see that" she deadpoints, her humour always dry. "What do you think they're doing in Arcan?"

Bluebell hums while she keeps moving, Marygold tagging behind her, cautiously following the group of men through the forest. They are quite different to each other, and yet act with so much natural familiarity; Bluebell guesses they must be their own little colony.

She can still see some similarities between them. They all have sharp features; strong jaws, strong noses, strong cheekbones and brows. The human with the round shapes over his eyes has poutier lips; the one with the mark around his right eye a colder stare and a thiner shape. The one with the red accesory in his hair is slightly shorter than the rest, half of his face painted in black while the other half remains untouched; and one of them towers over the rest, undoubtably stronger and bigger. The last of the bunch is the one Bluebell inevitably focuses on more, though; the man is practically a treat for any fairy, the metal covering up and down his body glinting beautifully under the sunlight.

Bluebell's wings flash a pink neon hue –an involuntary physical reaction–.

"I don't know" she whispers back to her friend, studying the humans curiously.

They have some sort of weapons, that far she can tell; and no matter how unbothered they look talking with each other and how much Bluebell longs to get closer to that strange, new shine, the fairy knows what's the sensible thing to do.

"We should go back and warn the rest of the colony" she suggests, finally snapping out of her thrance to focus on reality. Marygold nods in agreement, understanding passing between the two friends "Until we do".

Bluebell shoots the strangers one last lingering glance and the two fairies put their wings to the test.

The general consensus is that they shouldn't trust the intruders until they find out the reason for their visit to Arcan; and seing as they seem to be soldiers of some kind, bearing weapons, and therefore dangerous, the colony decides to set them into a trap. They have been living in the same forest generation after generation –they know every tree, every slope, every change of curse of the river–; so it's not a difficult task.

When the five humans are inmovilised, caught by surprise, the fairies don't waste time subduing them; leaving their hidings and quickly restraining them further in groups of ten or twelve per one. The men try to resist, snarling and using their strength, trying to get hold of their weapons; but the fairies are quick, and soon they're all but forcing their jaws open and pouring compliance nectar down their throat.

There are only two of them left to neutralise when the human with the cristals over his eyes stops them from pushing the nectar into his fellow friend; speaking up in a rushed panic that almost sounds like their mother tongue.

Someone holds a fist up, and the fairies over both humans reluctantly stop; shooting the reason of their interruption a wary, curious look.

"Please spear him!" The man of the hour speaks in a weird, yet understandable accent, his voice urgent and pleading. "While this substance won't cause us any major side efects, his body is different than ours. We can not be sure of how his inorganic liver will filter this nectar".

The colony stares at him in surprise –they hadn't think they would be able to communicate with each other this easy, if not, their approach might have been different–; somewhat understanding but still hesitant to leave one of the soldiers capacitated. They don't know to which extent this humans are dangerous or what their abbilities are. They don't know much about humans to start with.

The man with the faint yellow cristals notices this; and insists with urgency.

"He could die".

The fairies look at each other; and a chain of accepting nods is spread around.

"We will not feed him with the nectar, then, but he will have to give us his metal voluntarily" a male fairy answers, voice firm and clear, taking the lead, and the human nods in relief.

The man with the cristals is then forced to swallow the sweet substance too; soon following his fellow humans to a deep slumber. Only one of them remains awake; and the colony springs back to life, jumping into the loot with excited whispers and smiles. Everyone takes a piece of shining metal; some minor discusions happening in between.

Bluebell tilts her head, thinking on the human's words; observing the friend he had tried to protect, the one he claimed different, with quiet curiosity. He is incredibly tense while the fairies around him divest him of his protection; though it's nothing compared to how he reacts when a minute later two of them try to take the ones of his legs. He makes a panicked sound and hisses dangerously, feet kicking wildly around, trying to push them away. The colony doesn't like that; and they snarl back at his pale face, more fairies coming to help and further restraining him.

Eager hands travel through the man's legs, trying to find the places where they can take the lower protections apart; and Bluebell observes how the human's breathing speeds up, his wide eyes flicker around in pannick, his body trembles. It's not a normal reaction –they had already taken his upper body plates and he had remained mostly calm, after all–; and the young fairy ponders if there's something else to it, if this is one of the things that make this human different than the rest. The man with the yellow cristals had mentioned a "inorganic liver" –whatever that meant–; but what if there was something going on with his legs as well?

The human is whimpering, scared, and Bluebell takes a decision and flies forward, stopping the colony. They look at her in irritation; but she makes her point, expresing her worry of his legs being part of this specific human's alterations, of the man potentially feeling like they are trying to quite literally tear him appart.

The fairies take a minute to study the differences between the way the lower legs of the soldiers look; and reluctantly accept to leave this humans legs as they are. Bluebell breathes a tiny sigh of relief and carefully moves forward to kneel in front of the anxious man; heart speeding inside her chest while she tries to show him a warm, encouraging –yet hesitant– smile.

Echo is having a hard time trying to filter out the noises around him and keeping his panic attack under control without his headset on –now laying in the carefull hands of a female with yellow wings and golden face marks–. He had first being relieved at Tech's intervention, knowing he wouldn't be drugged and knocked unconscious, that he would be able to keep an eye on everyone and their captors; now, though, after the creatures had tried to take his prothesis off, at the threat of being left completely indefense, unable to move and protect himself, he wonders if it would have been better to sleep it off.

Echo tries not to think on Skako, on Tambor, on Anaxes; on the little snips he remembers of that nightmare and how they forced changes in his body he had never asked for. It's difficult; with the winged-humanoids carelessly tugging his armour apart, speaking amongst themselves with hushed whispers and proud smiles.

He's on the verge of screaming –or passing out– when a female arcanan zooms towards them; seizing a wrist and speaking to the rest of the creatures with a candid, firm voice. And then, miraculously, they stop all together.

Echo blinks, still panting, breaking through his panic attack; incredibly relieved now that the humanoids have collectively taken a step back and left him alone, now just in his blacks. He closes his eyes for a few seconds, focuses on finding strength and serenity; he works to ignore the jumble of strange words and sounds his brain is receiving, counts the beats of his speeding heart in silence. Only when he feels carefull fingertips grazing his right cheek, he flinches and opens his eyes.

She's so close to him that Echo has no other option than to look at her; to fall into the magic of her uniqueness and differences. Echo's amber eyes travel through the small pastel pink dots over her cheekbones; curving and following the shape of her eyes. He focuses on the two tiny face marks across the bridge of her nose; takes notice of how innocent and delicate the shape and soft features of her face makes her look like. His eyes make a small path on the clothes she is wearing –an arrangement of big tree leaves that Echo isn't sure how they're holding up together–; and inevitably study the mistery of her wings. They are pink too, though a much deeper colour than the marks on her face; iridiscent, the tone fading the closer it gets to her torso. The veins across them look almost golden.

Echo finishes with his study, amber eyes finally locking with her unusual, bubble gum pink ones; and finds the female humanoid shooting him a tender, hesitant smile. She speaks up –not at him, but at her company–; and the rest of the creatures around Echo step further away, choosing to turn elsewhere and ignore him for now.

The female –Echo guesses he would call her Pink for now–, still kneeling in front of him, cautiously –Echo wonders if she is afraid of them too– grabs his left hand; gently directing it down so that Echo's palm ends up resting on his metal thigh. She smiles and nods softly, giving an affectionate little tap on top of his hand; and Echo suddenly understands. Pink is trying to help him relax, to tell him that they're not going to press on further. That his legs are still there and they're not going to do anything else.

The winged girl stands up, choosing to give him some space as well; and Echo is left to watch how the –clan? Colony? Tribe?– of arcanans spring to action, initiating their way back to what Echo supposes is their home with their unconscious brothers dragged along and their beloved armours spread around like a proud price on the creatures hands. Echo has no other option than to follow.

In the early hours of the afternoon, the Batch starts waking up. Echo watches the relief that flickers through their faces upon finding themselves in one piece, tied up but unwounded; just without armour. He gives them a small sum up of what had happened while they were unconscious and the conclusions and hipothesis he has reached by observing their captors. The winged humanoids don't seem to have a lider per se, but take decisions in general, listening to everyone; and live in a pretty rudimentary way, their homes built up in the trees with basic structures. They don't look to be particularly strong or agressive; though they're surprisingly fast and agile, which is probably the reason why they had managed to capture them.

A male arcanan tries to talk with Tech, asuming he is able to understand him; and finally, after a bunch of mimics and frustrated sighs and muttering –on both parts–, the creature realises he needs his helmet for that and thankfully brings it to him. Tech then explains their reason to be in Arcan; an accident in need of repairs, nothing more, nothing less. Still, they're a bit warry about freeing them, not wanting to face any retaliation. Tech insists that there's no need for mutual hostility and that they'll be gone as soon as they repair their ship. At this, the humanoids finally give in and releases them, even offering to share some food in a peace gesture. They decline politely –just precaution, as they still have rations on the Marauder–, and part ways.

The next couple of hours the Batch is invested on getting the Marauder back to work. Well, at least Tech and Echo are, as Crosshair hadn't bothered to offer his help and Tech had shooed Hunter and Wrecker away after an almost mechanical disaster. The arcanans leave them to their own, happy to not prolongue unnecessary contact with the strangers. All but one.

"We're being watched" Hunter notices first, shoulders tensing.

His eyes flicker around, carefully scaning the forest around the Marauder. Crosshair hums quietly and mimicks him.

Tech replies unphased, tinkering with a panel on the side of the ship.

"Well, it is expected. We are invading their home, after all. I am positive it is just precaution".

Hunter doesn't look particularly alarmed, but he still doesn't like it. It's an uncomfortable feeling, knowing there's eyes on them. That they are being spied.

"How many?" He asks, knowing that his brother would have caught sight of the humanoid with his developed sight by now.

"Just one" the sniper smirks. "We could take her down".

Hunter shoots hom a warning glance.

"Let's keep things simple. Just keep an eye on her for now" he orders, and then they all fall back into a no longer peacefull –but expectant– silence.

Minutes pass by; and eventually, the spy abandons her spot, coming out of her hiding with nervous fidgeting but curious eyes, hovering just in the limits of the forest glade.

"Oh" Echo realises out loud. "She's the one that stopped them from taking my prothesis".

Hunter carefully watches her and Tech observes her too.

"I don't believe she has been sent to spy on us, now that I am able to read her facial expresion. I believe she is just curious about us".

Crosshair answers with a sarcastic drawl.

"Please tell me we're not planning on making bug friends".

Tech shrugs.

"It could be useful having an ally in case things turn wrong" he glances at Hunter, awaiting for his permision to invite her to join them. "Perhaps we should".

Hunter takes a few seconds to ponder the sugestion, and eventually nods. Tech turns to the arcanan and waves her in. The humanoid's face brightens with a smile; and still a tad hesitant, she slowly flies towards them, carefully landing on her toes. She too greets them with a small shy wave.

Crosshair looks at her up and down.

"At least she's cute, I guess" he comments, voice still dripping with sarcasm.

Tech flips his visor down, ready to use his translator and engage in a conversation with her. Her pink eyes shine with excitement, her face softens, her delicate iridiscent wings flutter. Echo can't help but think she's not simply "cute", but ethereally beautiful.

Bluebell stays for the rest of the afternoon. She flies from one batcher to the other, almost wanting to learn about absolutely everything; though she feels inevitably more curious about Echo. His legs are literally shining with the last rays of sunlight –just like his head ports– and Bluebell has never seen something prettier. Watching plants and the surface of the river shining is one thing, but watching that glimmer in this living, moving human... It's mesmerising.

When the man, Echo, is distracted helping Tech –the translator– with something, she can't help but push her hand forward and graze the metal leg with her fingertips. It is not as warm as she had thought it would be under the heat of the sun, but just as polished. Smooth; though there's a few indents on the plates here and there. Echo doesn't react, completely unbothered; so Bluebell takes it as an invitation and curiously and carefully explores the metal limb with her hands.

Eventually, someone notices it.

"Your girlfriend is getting randy, reg" Crosshair's voice calls out in amusement, bringing everyone out of their reverie.

Echo lifts his head up, confused by the comment, and then catches the hand on his thigh with the corner of his eyes.

"What the kriff?!" He jumps, quickly tugging his leg away, his reaction only natural in his surprise.

Bluebell gets jumpscared by his sudden movement and the tone of his voice; inmediately flying back and hiding behind Tech. She takes a peek at Echo with just one pink eye over his brothers' shoulder.

"Touching someone without them being aware of it is not appropiate human behaviour" the soldier tells him in her language, and Bluebell pays inmediate attention. "And Echo is not the most comfortable of us with physical touch".

He is calm, soothing, and Bluebell glances between them, understanding inmediately. Marygold often complained about how fairies used to explore things with their hands and noses first without thinking things through. Perhaps humans are like that too.

She whispers a sincere apology to Tech; and the man translates it to Echo.

"She asks you to forgive her. She didn't want to cause you discomfort and was merely curious".

The others chuckle, and Echo gives her a short nod that Bluebell interprets as a victory. Still, she tries to give him a bit of more space now, sticking to Tech's side and enganging in quiet small talk. By night she joins them for their basic dinner, sitting down in front of them in the grass and pulling out weird faces at the taste of an offered ration bar. She is not as disgusted with their energy drink, and makes a little pleased sound with the flick of her tongue.

Distracted as she is by the novelty of the human's food, Bluebell is unaware of the Batch's shock when her wings and marks start showing pink bioluminiscense with the arrival of the darkness. It's only when she looks up to see why they had collectively stayed in silence for so long when she realises they are all staring at her.

She tilts her head in confusion, glancing at Tech for an explanation. She listens to him attentively, and then smiles in understanding. Bluebell furrows her brow in concentration; purposedly intensifying and lowering the neon brightness of her wings for the humans to see.

"Fascinating..." Tech whispers, watching the show of colours enthraced, probably thinking on the biology of it all in his mind.

Echo can't help but silently agree. He, too, is hypnotized by the almost magical pink glow; her wings are full of... Energy, it looks like, sparkling and flowing in a peacefull way. This time, it's him who reaches a hand out and grazes one of the luminous wings distractedly.

A zip-zap of unexpected electricity makes Bluebell sigh a pleased sound, acompanied by a tiny, yet full-body shiver. The soldiers look up at her in confusion and surprise; and the arcanan blushes and looks down at her own hands.

"Are wings an erogenous area for your species? I imagine wings carry a larger amount of nerve endings" Tech is gentle, voice barely more than a quiet whisper.

Bluebell is somewhat embarassed to admit it; but nods and answers back with a shy and single "sensitive".

It's Echo's turn to offer an embarassed apology.

"I'm sorry" he says it slowly, slightly bowing his head to enphasise it.

Bluebell gives him a little forgiving smile and carefully squeezes his hand. Echo's palm feels warm. He's unused to the contact, and he wouldn't say he's exactly comfortable with it; but it's a way of bonding and getting to common ground with this strange –pretty– creature, and it's not unpleasant either.

After a few minutes of saying goodbyes –she has a colony to return to, after all, and it's way past midnight by now– Bluebell takes a hesitant glance at Echo. She ponders her thoughts for a second; but quickly gives in to what she wants and zooms in front of him, planting a sweet tiny kiss on his sharp right cheek.

She throws a last apologetic –yet smugly satisfied– smile at him before dissapearing through the trees.

The Batch cackles up, and Echo is left standing dumbfounded.

Four days later repairs are finally done. It would have taken but a blink for Tech to fix the Marauder if he had had the adecuate materials; but seing as they're in the middle of nowhere, in a forest, there's little to tinker with. He makes do with what they have, though; and the Batch is ready to go back to Coruscant.

Hunter announces it to the colony of arcanans. They part ways with cordial goodbyes; though the winged creatures seem to be more relieved than anything. Which they understand.

Bluebell manages to intercept them right when they're preparing to take off, walking up the ship's ramp. She flies towards Echo with something in her hands –the headseat she had aquired exchanging it for three Whiteglass flowers–; and very carefully places it on the confused human. Once Echo realises what it is, his face shifts; smoothing and softening and aiding her in the heartfelt gesture.

Bluebell then stands on her tip-toes to kiss him; impulsively, a short but passionate press of lips.

Echo's cheeks redden. Wrecker's booming laugh is heard on the background. Tech chastises him.

Bluebell whispers a few tender, fond words at the pretty pale human; showing him a last small smile before returning to the present, to reality, and flying away.

Everyone turns to look at Tech, waiting for an explanation. He gives them the answer.

"I believe the translation for that would be, quite literally, 'I like your shine'. Wether that refers to Echo's prothesis, the paleness of his skin, or a metaphorical shine of the essence of his person, that is unclear".

THE END.

11 notes · View notes

happy-beeeps · 2 years ago

Text

Right Where You Left Me

WC: 5.5k

Pairing: Echo x f!reader

Summary: After Echo was presumed dead, you started a new life on Tatooine, but what happens when he comes back?

A/N: This is a two-fer! @starboytech and I did the roll for clone that @ghostofskywalker created a while back, and I was able to combine it with a prompt for @clonexreaderbingo! My roll for clone prompts included Echo, exes, fluff, and a playlist! So enjoy this fic that got away from me, I will be writing another part or so, and enjoy the playlist below! Also this playlist is for like this fic vibes and I prommy its fluffy but the general synopsis is slightly angst so sorry for all the sad songs!!!!!

You Missed My Heart- Phoebe Bridgers

Cornelia Street- Taylor Swift

Come Back, Be Here-Taylor Swift

Chicago-Louis Tomlinson

Right Where You Left Me-Taylor Swift

Fine Line-Harry Styles

Francesca-Hozier

The Night We Met-Lord Huron

You really had no idea what brought you to this godforsaken dust pile. Well, technically it was a collective bantha shitload of grief and a well placed advertisement promising a new life and a new career. What the advertisement promised was the aforementioned new life and career, somewhere exotic where no one knew your name. What the advertisement didn’t disclose until you were on the landing platform of the Mos Eisley spaceport with your bags in hand was what an absolute wasteland Tatooine really was. In reality, you could’ve coughed up the cash and went home to Coruscant, or even to your birth system, but what was there to go back to? Echo, your love and light and bright spot in every way, was gone, he’d been gone since the Citadel and there was no chance he was coming back. You couldn’t keep dragging his brothers down when they came to visit you, or moping around your friends’ wine nights. Besides, your credits went far here and you were out of the way enough to escape the general turmoil of the war–and the foundation of the Empire.

The work came easy, and you settled into a stable routine. The cantina paid fine, and you were able to afford a small house in one of the lesser crime ridden areas of the town. Serving drinks was simple and mind numbing, and you found it easy to bat your eyelashes and flirt your way into extra tips. Every so often a rogue bounty hunter or homesteader tried to take you out, and once or twice you even obliged. The last man you agreed to go out with, a quiet moisture farmer named Timo, became one of your closest friends on the system when you explained you just didn’t have it in you. You hated pulling the “dead boyfriend” card, you had built your character here on being strong and dependable, so just settled with calling him your ex. And so he remained your ex Echo, allowing you only the quiet moments of the night to truly mourn him.

What you hadn’t counted on, exactly, was how hard it was to stay dead.

Timo was hunched over the bar, sipping some new ale your boss had smuggled in recently when his eyes pointed over to the group of men sitting down nearby. “New bounty hunters?”

You eyed them suspiciously, four men, two with their backs to you. Of the two who faced you, one had the familiar face and stature of a clone trooper, altered only by his shaggy hair and face tattoo, and the other appeared to be his brother, though you hadn’t recalled ever seeing a clone of that size and stature before. You’d seen a trooper or two around here before, but seeing a full squad was surprising. The other two men appeared buried in their work, and your heart ached at the sight of cybernetics on one of the men’s bodies. You looked a little further and your mouth dropped open, eyes shooting back to Timo. “Did they bring a fucking child in here?”

Timo looked over before bringing a hand up to his mouth, stifling a laugh. “I mean, when in Mos Eisley I guess?”

You made to move over there, you rarely got involved in customer’s business, frankly you were convinced that's how you’d survived this long, but a child in the bar was evidently your line. You leaned closer to yell at them when an all too familiar voice broke through the air.

“Right, ‘cuz Cyd’s never given us a reason to distrust her before.”

You knew it was crazy, he was dead and there were quite literally a million other people with that voice, but it was so him. His cadence, his tone, it was all so surreal it had you dropping the glass you were carrying onto the floor, and you dropped to follow it before the troopers turned to look at you. Timo glanced down worriedly at you, and you looked up at him, eyes wide and mouth open. A memory, one forced down in a feat fueled by both pain and survival, fizzled into your brain.

You were both tangled in your bed, your hands dancing around the tufts of black curls you had your fingers threaded through as Echo murmured sweet nothings into your neck.

“Why do you have to leave, why can’t we just run away to Scarif or something?” you murmured, bringing a hand down to cradle his cheek. He leaned to press his lips against your palm.

“You know I can’t do that.”

“I know, I’d never really ask you to. You know I’m always here waiting for you.”

He’d smirked, pushing himself off of your chest and placing both strong arms on either side of your head. “You’ve never given me a reason to distrust you before.”

You hadn’t realized how long you’d been down there, or how frozen you must’ve been, because Timo was suddenly disappearing from behind the counter and approaching the troopers. You heard his voice murmur something, and more voices responded, before he dashed back to where you crouched behind the bar. “I got help, these two guys are soldiers or something, they said they can check if you’re hurt-”

“Timo…” you groaned, but your voice was pulled back out of your throat when you looked up into Echo’s wide eyes, filled with a heartbreaking combination of fear, shock, and complete adoration.

“Echo?” you asked, voice barely traveling past a whisper, and his eyes widened again in realization that it really was you. Your name came across his lips so soft it was like a prayer, and his arm reached down over the bar to help you up. You grabbed his hand, still not sure if he was even real, how this was even happening. You glanced at your friend who was staring between the two of you with a concerned curiosity, and to the other goggles wearing trooper who seemed to be making the same expression. “Timo, this is Echo.”

“Ahh, the ex. Nice to meet ya’!” Timo extended his hand to Echo and he shot a look at you.

“The ex?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair and shooting a glare at Echo, “I hardly think that is our biggest issue right now.”

“No, it certainly is not,” goggles trooper stated, looking at the datapad in his hands, “it appears Echo is on the brink of a heart attack.”

“Great, that makes two of us.”

It was a short and relatively silent walk to your apartment. Timo had told your manager you had fainted and, given your spotless record, he agreed to give you the rest of the day off. Echo and his squad, and their child soldier, followed you to your house, where you promised they’d be safe and he promised he would talk. It was hard not to stare at him as you walked side by side. He was your Echo, but so much had changed. He was pale and still slightly gaunt, as if the mental scars would never feel. His legs looked to be cybernetic below the mid thigh, and one arm had been replaced by more circuitry and ended in a heavy looking scomp link, not to mention the ports and wiring that wrapped around his head. Above all, he just looked sad. You unconsciously ran a hand through your hair. You didn’t feel much different.

The walk ended shortly and you approached the house. Echo turned to face his brothers when you started unlocking the door. “Guys, it’s fine we can trust her, she’s my ex.” He had huffed as the group of you walked inside.

“Well technically I’m your widow but that seems to be a little redundant now doesn’t it?” You nearly chucked your keys onto the small table near the door, and the child soldier, whose name you learned was Omega, burst in infront of them.

“Look at this place! It’s like a real home!” She yelped, and your heart softened at the way he smiled down at her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Maybe this was why Echo hadn’t called, hadn’t reached for you. He had a family now, and it was becoming strikingly clear that it did not include you. You let them all filter into your home, and pointed out the features around you. It wasn’t huge by any means, but it was a good enough space. You had a small living space with a few sofas and chairs you had collected from neighbors and a well-to-do art dealer you’d met at the bar. There was a kitchenette attached, and you had two bedrooms, though one was doing little else other than collect space. You weren’t entirely sure why you had elected to pick the home with two bedrooms, some gnawing hope in your gut that maybe one day you really would have a family.

“You all can stay as long as you want. I’ve got a spare bedroom, and there’s space to sleep here,” you gestured to the couches around you, “how long will you be on system?”

Echo chimed in, “Three rotations, but we can stay on the ship, really it’s not an issue-”

“Come on Echo, don't be such a downer!” Wrecker is the first to respond, quickly sprawling out on, and dwarfing, the couch closest to the door. “This is the softest couch I’ve ever felt.” His words are enough to spur the interest of Omega and Tech, who both settled on the couch opposite Wrecker. Hunter stayed standing, shooting an apologetic look to his brother. “If it isn’t too much trouble?”

“Not at all, I’d appreciate the company.” You hustle over to the kitchen, pulling out various takeout containers and inspecting each one, placing them on the small counter. “There’s a bunch of leftovers here, don’t know what you’re hungry for but help yourself.” You grab a bottle of wine and a small food container and move closer to Echo, voice dropping to a murmur. “I think you and I ought to have a moment alone.”

He follows you immediately, without even throwing a glance over his shoulder.

The thing you loved about this house was the outdoor space. It wasn’t exactly orthodox, but if you crawled through the window you were able to sit out on the small ledge that gave your back entryway some shadow. It was small and private, due to the small courtyard your house backed up against, and you often left a small candle and a blanket out there to rest after a long day. Now it provided the perfect backdrop to sit with Echo, the chatter inside the house fading to a mumble as you both settled. He was so radiant, even now, eyes looking up at the crimson colored sky. It took everything in you not to reach for his hand right then and there, even though you desperately wanted to. The quiet is deafening, Echo will hardly look at you, and your body is screaming for him, to touch him and make sure he’s still real. This doesn’t feel real, the whole experience. You both quietly sip from your glasses, until one glass turns to two.

It was you who broke the silence first.

"I mourned you, you know." You say, biting with more venom than you intended.

"I'm sorry I hurt you-"

"I was stuck there, stuck in the spot you left me. I couldn't study, couldn't eat. Echo, I missed you."

He has nothing he can say, and you see your words hit their mark. He's hurt you, and he knows it. You sit in the silence for a beat longer and continue.

“I know why you didn’t call me.”

“So you understand?”

“She’s a remarkable little girl, Echo. I don’t know how she came to you, but, I understand. You’ve got a family now.”

“What? Cyare, no-”

“No, I don’t want you to apologize.” You did betray yourself then, placing a hand atop his, “I just want you to know that she seems like she’s worth it.”

“I didn’t call you because you deserve something better.” His voice comes out fast, bitter. He pulls his hand back so fast you gasp at the lack of warmth, even though you haven’t been cold in what feels like millenia since you got to Tatooine. “The day that Rex came to you, I should’ve died. I, I think it would’ve been better.”

Your heart nearly shatters at the admission, and you move closer to him. He doesn’t resist when you put a hand on his cheek, your breath shaking. “Don’t ever say that again.”

“I’m a mess mesh’la. I’m not even whole, I couldn’t see you, couldn’t face you. And my brothers,” his head dips towards the house, “They get me, you know? And we’ve been on the run, honestly, I just figured you’d have found someone else by now.”

You shake your head fast, your tears finally slipping as you watch something, hope perhaps, slip back into Echo’s eyes at your admission. “There’s never been anyone else, there can’t ever be.” You bring your forehead to his, and he closes the gap to press his against yours. “You’re always you, Echo.” You pull backwards, resting on your folded legs. “You’ve got a hand to hold, a face to kiss, your heart to love,” you put a hand on his chest at the admission, and you don’t miss his eyes going glassy, the way he gnaws on his lower lip. “Did you think I wouldn’t love you anymore? That I’m that superficial?”

“It’s not that, you need someone better, someone who can make you happy. What about that guy at the bar, Timmy, Tibo…”

“I don’t want Timo,” you don’t care how pouty you sound now, your face scrunching up, “I want you.”

“You shouldn’t.” It’s an admission that betrays his heart, and his voice cracks as he says it. All you can do is stand and reach for him. He accepts your hand in silence as you hoist him up, long having forgotten about the wine, as you lead him back into your room.

“Sit.” You push his shoulders so he’s seated on your bed, and you walk out of the room. The suns have dipped below the horizon during your conversation, and you want to make sure everyone is settled for the night. Wrecker is fast asleep on the couch, mouth open as he snores with Omega curled into his side. Tech and Hunter are hunched over your kitchen table, though Hunter stands quickly before you get in the room. “I’m locking up for the night, you’re all ok to rest.” You turn to walk away before a voice cuts you off.

“He talked about you. A lot.”

You whip your head around to face Hunter, who is slowly trying to scoop a sleeping Omega into his arms and carry her to the small spare bedroom. He and Tech will figure out who gets the floor or the spare couch. The unspoken implication does not miss you.

“He used to say he had this girl on Coruscant, that she was so smart but so crazy. That you and his brother would steal drinks from Cody’s boys on nights out.”

You laugh at the memory as the two of you walk down the short hall, but there’s a pang of finality in your gut. Echo would never have left Fives alone.

“He said you were a student,”

“Was.” You smile, and unlock the spare door as Hunter sets Omega down. “Hard to grieve and focus, you know?”

He gives you a knowing smile and a grateful pat on the shoulder before turning back towards the living room, leaving you to go into your bedroom alone.

Echo is sitting on your bed where you’ve left him, but there’s a few things moved from where you’ve left them. An old necklace he got for you on a mission has been pulled from your jewelry box, the perfume you used to wear is on your nightstand. He’s currently pouring over your datapad, and when you sit next to him you see he’s looking at the photogallery.

“Do you remember this?” You ask, pointing to the one he’s currently looking at. You’re both clearly drunk and walking around one of the fairs Coruscant would host in the square. Echo has one arm wrapped in your hair and another dropping low down the skirt of your dress, and you’re both beaming like lovesick children.

“I think about it nearly every day.” He swipes to the next one, he’s at a gala for your university, his ARC trooper armor looking freshly scrubbed while you accept an award. The next, you’re both laying in civvies, watching a flick on the holonet together.

“I am not going to beg for a spot in your life. You have to know you deserve me.” You move the datapad off of his lap and stand up, wedging your body between his knees. “But I am yours, body and soul. I’ve lost you once, but I can’t do it again.” You press a kiss to his forehead, thumbs sweetly caressing the side of his face before you turn to the small chest of drawers in your room. You rifle through them quickly before finding your prize, and hand him the bundles of fabric.

“Are these my blacks?”

“Now they’re my pajamas,” you smile, pulling your dress off over your head and pretending to ignore the way his eyes rake over your body before pulling on a thin shirt, “figured I could share. Let’s go to bed.”

You wake up to the movement in your bed when Echo rises, and you let yourself bask in the bliss of the reality you’ve created. Watching through curtained lashes, you watch as he stretches his arms up high overhead, muscles straining taught against his back. You want to reach out and pull him back to bed, want to press yourself against his body, but you don’t. He moves quietly as he clicks his armor together, a task you used to do easily and with the training of a well practiced soldier. You slept together last night, but you didn’t sleep together. You still aren’t sure where you stand, and your chrono is ticking internally. He’s only here for two more days.

“Good morning,” he murmurs when he catches you starring, and you smile back at him, a real and raw one.

“Mornin’” sleep is still dripping from your voice while you stand and make your way to the kitchen as Echo follows. The rest of the squad is idling in the kitchen, having figured out your caf pot. You offer them a small wave and don’t miss the way Tech’s eyebrows climb high on his forehead at the two of you.

“We’ve got a busy day today, Cid has evidently presented us with a number of small jobs here and in Mos Espa. I’ve charted a day that puts us at the most efficient, while also avoiding the most direct sunlight.”

“Thanks, Tech,” Hunter claps his brother on the shoulder before moving over to you. “Do you think you could keep an eye on Omega? I hate to bring her on missions if I don’t have to.”

The pit in your stomach grows, “Is it dangerous?”

“Nah,” it’s Echo’s turn now, and you notice the smile at your worry. “Hunter’s right though, just better to be safe than sorry.”

You shrug, “sure! Just got some errands to run. I’ll let her sleep in as much as I can.”

Hunter gives you a grateful shoulder squeeze and you send the squad your wishes. You reach for Echo’s hand as your fingers dance around one another. “Come back please.”

“Of course.”

Omega doesn’t rise for a while, which gives you time to warm up some bread and jams and run to the market near your house for a jug of blue milk. You suspect the girl hasn’t had a real home cooked meal in her life, and you’re eager to provide the experience for her. Something pulls hard in your gut, the domesticity of the actions, caring for this little girl and waking up with Echo, that makes you want to cry. This is, essentially, everything you’ve dreamt of for so long, but maker at what cost. You know Echo is hurting, it’s written clear across his face whenever he looks at you, and you can’t imagine the extent of what he’s suffered. You want this, you want him and you want this little life, but the cost it required makes you feel sick.

Omega wakes up not long after breakfast is done, and she rubs her eyes as she walks into the kitchen. “Where is everyone?”

“They left for the mission, but you’re in very good hands, I promise.” You smile, leading her to the table. She beams up at you and at the food you settle onto her plate. “Have you ever had these before?”

“No, Kaminoan food is kinda weird, and we normally just eat snacks and ration bars on the ship.” She cuts into the bread cautiously, and takes her first bite. The grin that overtakes her face is contagious, and she whips her head to you. “This is amazing!”

You come up and ruffle her hair, “I’ll make it for you whenever you like.”

“Thank you.” Her words are so kind, so genuine, that it sends a pang to your chest.

“How long have you been with the batch?”

“I dunno, it’s hard to say. I don’t like counting, I feel like it’ll jinx it.” She shrugs, “but definitely a while. They rescued me. We’re a family now.”

“You certainly are.”

She continues to pick at the food while you go into your quarters to get ready, pulling on clothes and tying your hair back. Mos Eisley isn’t exactly the ideal place for children, but you suspect she’s seen worse. Besides, you’ve got credits burning a hole in your pocket and an insatiable desire to mother this child. You come back out to her cleaning her dish and smile, “How do you feel about a day on the town?”

“Really! We don’t have to just stay here?”

“Something tells me you can handle yourself.”

She beams at being recognized, “You bet! Let me get my bow.”

The market is full of life as usual, and Omega is happily bouncing between stalls, picking up anything and everything that isn’t nailed down. You’re happy to oblige her, and you've got a bag full of dolls, snacks, a shawl, and some drawing supplies. She’s walking a few paces ahead of you, blonde hair bobbing in the sun, and she frequently turns around to make sure you’re close by. It’s rather endearing.

“You know, I used to know another blonde Kaminoan.”

“Is it Captain Rex?”

You’re surprised she knows the name, and you blink a few times. “Have you met him?”

“Yeah, he came by the cantina on Ord Mantell,” she slows her pace to walk next to you, “he’s old.”

“Yeah he is,” you laugh, thinking fondly of the captain who looked out for you. “He’s an old friend too.”

“Did you know him on Coruscant?”

“I did. He was Echo’s captain in his old squad.”

“Oh yeah, I think he mentioned that. Did you meet him when you and Echo got in love?”

There’s a scuff as you stumble over your feet and you look down at her. “What do you mean by that?”

She shrugs, “I thought you guys were in love. At least, that’s what Echo says. You’re the girl from Coruscant, I saw the holopicture of you two in the hallway.”

Shoot. “I mean, we definitely were-”

“Because I heard Echo tell Hunter he loved you back on the ship not that long ago. They thought I was sleeping, but I wasn’t, and I heard him say he felt sad ‘cause he still loved you. At least, I think it was you. He said she was a student at a fancy school, and she was so smart, so it seems like you. Which is good because now we’re all together again, so Echo won’t be sad, because you love him too, and you’re together!”

“Omega…”

“Besides, I like you, and Echo is nice and gives really good hugs. And I think you’d be perfect together.”

“I wish it was that simple kid,” you lean down to ruffle her hair. “Let’s pick out something good for dinner.”

Cooking with Omega is fun, there’s something precious in the way she washes the leafy greens and vegetables while you chop beside her. The holo is on in the background, creating a warm hum of noise that keeps you both company. She’s chatty, eager to tell you about their adventures. You’re pleased to hear that Rex is alive and well, and that they’ve been helping rescue other clones. She talks about their ship, her room they’ve made for her. It’s so endearing, the way she talks about her family. You feel so drawn to it, to her. You want so badly to share in this with Echo. To have him here by your side. There’s a sigh that escapes your chest, of both relief and pain, and for the first since you’ve gotten him back you let yourself completely melt into the ache in your heart of missing him, of having him back. You don’t notice you’re crying until Omega comes up to your side.

“You must’ve really missed him.”

“Yeah Meg, I really did.”

“What was he like when you first met him?”

“He was so confident, but so strict with the rules.”

She scoffs endearingly, “Don’t worry, he’s still like that.”

“He was so clean cut, but so handsome. Always so worried, wanted to be so polite,” you lean down to whisper to her, “One time, when he first started staying at my apartment-”

“At least give me a chance to defend myself, come on!” Echo shouts as he enters the apartment, the rest of the batch in tow. He removes his helmet and he’s smiling, the lasting effects of a blush on his cheeks. The rest of the men follow noisly in, and are quick to remove boots and blasters at the door and start bustling around the kitchen to help finish dinner. You sidle up next to Echo as he finishes putting the meat in the small leafy cups, and the tips of your fingers ghost around his waist for just a moment. He freezes, then melts into your touch almost immediately, letting your hands hang around his midriff.

“Hi,” he murmurs, low enough that even Hunter doesn’t hear, filling Omega in on their mission.

“Was worried about you, Tatooine’s no good.”

“Funny, I was gonna say the same thing to you.”

You look up at him with a smirk and remove your hands as you help him distribute plates to the batch. “You got any better suggestions?”

It’s so quiet you nearly miss it, and you suppose he had hoped you would, but still, it carries over to where you stand near Wrecker. “I have a few suggestions.”

It’s not until later that night that you get Echo alone again, when you slip out of the fresher and notice him perched up on your bed in his blacks. He stiffens when you enter the room, conveniently dressed in nothing more than his blacks tops, hanging loosely off your body.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed you’d want me back in here.”

You shake your head and slip into bed beside him. “You assumed correctly.”

He grins at you before setting your datapad now. You’re still so attuned to him, you notice the rigid movements in his hips and torso as he twists to set it down, and your hands are on him almost instinctively.

“Where does it hurt?”

“It’s nothing, just chronic stuff, nothing you need to worry about.”

“Even though you tried to fire me,” you murmur as you coax him to his back and encourage him to flip on his stomach, “I’d argue it is my job to worry about.” You pull yourself up and straddle his back, perching yourself right above his hips. Your hands are quickly underneath his shirt, rubbing soothing circles along his back and shoulders, wrapping down his biceps. You pause for a moment at the spot where the prosthesis begins, and he offers a muffled sound of encouragement when you begin to rub small, gentle circles along the meeting point. Cautiously, you work your hand further south, and the sound of bliss that leaves his mouth when you find the spot where flesh meets metal in the middle of his thighs is all the encouragement you need to keep going.

“You know, the heat here helps the pain.” He tosses over his shoulder, turning his head and propping himself up on his arms to look at you.

“Maybe you should just stay then, you know. For health reasons.”

“Oh? Would you like that?”

You say nothing, but you can see him pick up the smile, the twinkle in your eye. Instead you roll off of his back and lay down beside him, turning your head to face him. “Omega told me something funny today.”

“Oh yeah? I can’t even imagine.”

“She told me you’ve been telling stories about a girl you left on Coruscant.”

“Really? Didn’t know she’s been hearing all that. What else did she say about this girl?” Even in the low light of your darkened room you can see him starting to blush.

“She said she was a student at a fancy school, and that you thought she was smarter than you.”

“I remember saying so smart, but, sure, she’s smarter than me.” His fingertips float along your thigh, up your body. He’s so cautious, but getting bolder by the second.

“She told me you still loved her.”

His hand freezes at its spot on your waist, moving from a light touch to a grip, as if he’s afraid this is it. This is the moment you’re gone forever.

“I think she was probably hurt at first, because she missed you and she mourned you. But she could never stay mad at you. She thinks your family is cute.” Your hand comes up to rest on his cheek, pulling him in close to you. “I think she still loves you too.”

There’s a beat where you hear him exhale, it’s shaky and soft, and his words flow quickly afterwards. “Mesh’la, I thought of you everyday. I couldn’t face you, not after what I’d been turned into, after I let you down.”

“Don’t.” Your forehead is against his now, breathing him in close, “Don’t start with that.”

And then you kiss him and it feels like coming home. Like a warm glass of bantha milk and a cookie set aside just for you, or a warm towel after a cold shower. It feels like being wrapped in a blanket of adoration, like this is all you’re meant to be doing forever. In fact, you’re pretty sure you could actually die here as his tongue grazes your bottom lip, and you absolutely blossom into the touch. You feel like the lovesick first year you were when you met Echo in the first place, when the only thing that mattered was passing exams and spending all of Echo’s shore leave tangled in your sheets.

He pulls back too soon for your liking, though you know in reality you’ve been wrapped up in each other for maker knows how long. There’s a pitiful little whimper that breaks past your lips when he does, and it makes you blush.

“Don’t disappear like that again.” You whisper, and he pulls you into this chest and presses a long kiss to your hairline.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

The next morning is, of course, full of goodbyes, and the walk to their docking bay has you fighting tears. You and Echo stayed up all night wrapped up in one another, whispering confessions and plans for the future like you were both nothing more than two lovesick shinies again. You had both decided that you would stay on Tatooine, stay in your life. In turn, the batch planned on paying off their debt to Cid and set up base on Tatooine. Tech had agreed that, logistically, Tatooine made the most sense for those evading the empire, and Wrecker was happy to have the option of sleeping in an actual home. You had given Omega and the batch rations and well wishes, and you stood outside the ramp of the Marauder, hands clasped behind your back as you looked up at Echo.

“Come back soon?”

He moved to catch your lips in a kiss, and you reveled in the slight taste of caf on his mouth from the morning, “Wouldn’t dream of staying away.” He broke away a moment later and moved to stand on the ramp. You waved goodbye as it began to life and he grinned. “And stop calling me your ex!”

#echo tbb #tcw echo #tbb echo #tbb echo x reader #echo x reader #echo tbb x reader #star wars #tcw #the bad batch #clonexreaderbingo

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stardusthuntress · 2 years ago

Text

A Gala-ctic Evening (Part 1)

ARC Echo x female!reader

(Part 2)

Word Count: ~6.5k (idk what happened, it got away from me!)

Summary: Echo and the classic ‘Night at the Gala’ trope. What a fun way to start a relationship with a sweet, flirty trooper like Echo? Corporal, ‘fix it all and flirt the whole way’ is your date for tonight, how far will the night take you?

TW: reader is wearing a dress/jumpsuit that is fitted to a stereotypical female body shape, but reader is not described in detail; Lots of fun teasing and flirty moments with our favorite ARC trooper; let me know if I missed anything!

A/N: had to try my hand at this classic trope, and who better to go with than Echo? This one got away from me… it’s like 14 pages, and ~2-3 times as long as my usual fics… and it will also have a part 2 that gets smutty. No minors allowed! 18+ only! I've been meaning to post part of this for ages, but last weekend was the local con - so much star wars, it was so nice to be around fellow nerds again - and time raced past me. So enjoy this extra-long lead-up to the Echo smut that will be part 2!

Mando'a translations: Mesh'la = beautiful

Echo dividers by @/djarrex, hyperspace banners are my own

Hunter turned when Echo stopped mid-sentence. That wasn’t like Echo. But he quickly realized Echo wasn’t likely to ever finish his statement. He was busy trying to remember how to talk and not gawk. She had just entered the room and Echo’s attention was glued to her. Echo could barely remember how to breathe.

She was wearing a gorgeous blue dress, and Echo was captivated.

The dress was two toned, The bottom layer was a rich, midnight blue. The top, a color near and dear to his heart, 501st blue! Rich royal blue in color, it was slightly shimmery, and covered in swirling stars, giving her the appearance of an ethereal goddess of the night in his eyes. This one looked soft, and made him want to reach out for her even more than he already did. Which was quite a lot, especially considering how the rest of the dress complimented her figure.

His eyes quickly trailed across her, taking in all the details that just accentuated how beautiful she was to him. The sleeveless, plunging neckline, the way the fabric wrapped tightly round her lower waist so it flared out over her hips flowing serenly to the floor with a long slit up one leg. Paired with heels that kept her ankles as an angle that made Echo wish he could feel her soft feet pressing into his back at that same angle as she wrapped her legs around him

He couldn’t quite tell if the bottom half was shaped more like a skirt or like pants, but it did things to him either way!

But his favorite detail was a delicate white belt that adorned her middle, with an engraved buckle… emblazoned with the shape of a handprint! HIS handprint!

She couldn’t have know that though, could she? The Bad Batch didn’t know it. They’d never seen his old armor. Except maybe Tech while doing his research on Echo’s past. But she joined the 99th after him. Did she know?

Echo didn’t have time to think it over, his mind was a little too distracted. In the mirror behind her, he can see her back exposed. The dress wrapped over her shoulders, and crossed at the top of her back, and wrapping to cross again at the front of her waist this time, just beneath her breasts and across her stomach, accentuating the shape of her breasts and waist, while leaving her mid to lower back open.

Echo was in trouble, there was no way he would be able to take his eyes off of her all night long. Forget searching for the target, he was going to have to guard her with everything he had. She’d be the envy of all.

He became vaguely aware she was beginning to look nervous.

“Do I look ok?” She asked, worry in her voice and painting her features.

“You look stunning Mesh’la [beautiful]! Your belt just reminded me of something. That’s all.”

She relaxes significantly, smiling a dangerous smile and stepping closer. Echo held his ground. He wasn’t about to back away from a gorgeous woman, especially not one he’d been pining over from a distance for so long. He still didn’t believe his brothers that she wanted him. Not even Rex could convince him of it.

She placed her hand upon his chest, right where the handprint from Rex had once decorated his chest plate.

He subconsciously puffed out his chest, watching her closely.

“I liked your handprint,” she whispered.

He nearly melted into a puddle and disappeared through the floor grates with that. She stood before him in his old colors, with his signifying handprint on her waist, in a dress that revealed so much more of her than he had yet been lucky enough to see. He was doing his best to regulate his own breathing, but even his ARC training was no match for a gorgeous woman who was doing everything she could to playfully tease him.

With a shaky breath he finally let him consider that his brothers might have been right about her after all. He hadn’t been sure before, but he was starting to take the hint now!

She’d given up on subtlety. Echo didn’t believe he was worthy of love like hers anymore… and she was going to prove him wrong. She loved him.

Echo sighed, his eyes trailed to the floor. “I was a whole man back then. You deserve better than whatever I am now.”

“You’re a whole man now too. Lots of people get mods. I should take you to Tatooine some time and show you the mod parlors there. Maybe they have a better solution for the chronic pain you’ve been dealing with.” She countered, without missing a beat.

Still looking at the floor, Echo was suddenly aware that at this angle, he couldn’t miss the fact that her hand still rested on his chest. Wanting to drag out the moment just a little bit longer, he placed his hand over hers, and just held her hand to his chest for a moment.

As he looked at her hand resting on his chest, his gaze began to drift to her wrist, and up her arm, to the rest of her. The outfit she wore complimented her shape well, he thought.

“This looks really good on you,” he told her, eyes lingering on the way it hugged her waist and flowed around her as she moved.

She smiled, “Thanks! It has pockets!” And she stuffed her free hand into a pocket to show it off.

Echo smiled back, and laughed at her enthusiasm.

Behind him, Hunter, Tech, and Crosshair entered the room. Tech was already part way through explaining how his ingenious proximity data wiping device worked. Crosshair had several clothing bags slung over his shoulder. He silently thrust one at Echo.

“Your turn, Echo!” Wrecker bellowed. “If we did everything right, it should match hers!” He pointed proudly at her. “Woah!” Wrecker realized she was already ready to go. “I thought you were pretty in just normal stuff already, but this is really pretty!”

“Aww, thanks, Wreck!” She replied. “I haven't even put on any makeup yet.”

Echo’s scomp brushed her chin and tilted her face upwards towards his own. His eyes raked her features with a respectful hunger, tracing from her cheeks, to the graceful swoop of her hair, to her nose, lips, and back to her eyes.

“You don’t need makeup, Mesh’la,” his voice was quiet, “nothing can compare with you on a normal day anyways,”

Her eyes widened, and her lips parted, at a loss for words. Echo smirked. He liked being the reason she was rendered speechless.

Tech’s final round mission briefings continued, and he turned to the pair, seemingly none the wiser to what was going on as his head was still clearly in his datapad. “Now, this will likely require any and all types of stall tactics to get enough passes to wipe the data without allowing the target to catch onto anyone. You two,” he points to Echo and the woman still standing just a little too close for friends “will be paired together to increase the likelihood of one of them being able to wipe the data while the other stalls the target. Hunter and Crosshair will also be in attendance, individually. I shall monitor from here, and Wrecker will be the getaway driver, ready to get you all out should anything go wrong, or awaiting the end of party signal for the multiple, individual pick ups at the end. I shall provide you all with earpieces when you are ready to go.” And he shuffles off, attention already on the workstation that he will be using to hack into the security system of the lavish residence.

The boys disperse to dress, and she takes a few moments to step into the fresher and finish up, but inspired by Echo’s compliments, manages to stick to only a little bit of makeup for this evening. But she couldn’t resist a dark lipstick, just for something a little different and fun.

A few moments later, Echo appears in the doorway to the fresher. His collar popped, and an untied bow tie draped over his shoulders. “Uhhhh, do you think you could give me a hand with this? I seem to be short one too many to figure this out.” He sighs, and finally looks up. His eyes widen, “Stars! Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!”

She smiles and giggles, and Echo is mesmerized.

Her attention turns to the blue fabric Echo was struggling with. He watches as she takes one in each hand, and uses them to teasingly tug him a little closer before tying it into a bowtie quickly and skillfully. She lets her hands linger on his chest, playing with the royal blue lapels that matched her own gown, enjoying how he once again, subconsciously puffs his chest out a bit at her touch.

“Woah, guess I came to the right person,” he mutters. “Thank you.” He mental shakes himself, and his suave, flirty side reappears as he scoops up one of her hands in his, and brings it to his lips to kiss. “Is there anything these beautiful hands can’t do?” He asks.

“Well, they could do to be a little softer. I do spend a lot of time working with power tools and utilizing my meager self-defense skills.”

He rubs a thumb over her fingers. “They’re still remarkably soft, my Starlight. And if it’s self-defense that you feel you’re lacking on, I’d be happy to train you… if… that was… something you wanted, Gorgeous.”

The thought of sparring together, glistening with sweat, and taking turns slamming each other into the mat with deliberate, drawn out touches, and the chance to hear what the other sounds like when breathing heavy and maybe even catch a few moans, if they’re lucky, distracts them both. Unbenounced to them, they’re drifting closer together.

“That would actually really help,” she muttered, distracted by how close Echo is standing.

“You’ve got it, Mesh’la. We can start tomorrow if you’re up for it?” He suggests.

“Sounds like a plan,” she returns. “But for tonight, we should head on our way. We don’t want to get there after the target, and have to listen to Hunter’s lecture about punctuality tomorrow, would we?”

She’s here on behalf of the senator from Alderaan. That way if anyone recognized Echo’s face (not likely amongst the higher class though) they could easily use the excuse that Senator Organa was hiring clones for his security detachments - which was actually true. He was aware the clones needed homes and had more than adequate training to serve as royal and senatorial guards. And he gave them wonderful salaries. In fact, he insisted on paying up front for this mission at double the rate that had been suggested, and buying all the attendees custom outfits because “that’s what privileged senators do for good friends”. And then he promised Echo that should he ever need repairs or adjustments for his mods, he was welcome on Alderaan and would be seen by the same doctor as the royal family. And should any of the clones need medical care - since they were not covered by imperial medical care they could not go to most medical facilities - he had a secret medical facility that would accommodate them.

It wasn’t long before the speeder pulled up to the scene of the party, as Wrecker dropped them off, Echo made haste to step out first and reach out his hand to help her out of the speeder. She smiled up at him, and he beamed back. As she stepped out, a cool breeze came up, and he could see the goosebumps forming on her arms and shoulders. Instinctively, he pulled her towards him a little more, to shield her from the wind. Wanting to get her inside quickly, he nodded at Wrecker, who gave him a thumbs up, and then returned his attention to the road, as he pulled away.

Echo turned back to his companion for the night. She stood next to him, nervously watching the guests enter. Echo shifted to her other side, so he could gently place his real hand on the exposed skin of her lower back to both reassure her and warm her up. He knew the metal of his scomp link would be cold, and she still had goosebumps. Besides, he needed to feel her skin on his own. Just this once.

“Eyes on me, Sweetheart.” He was determined to wipe the nerves off her face before they entered.

She looked up at him, brow knitted, only to find a calm steadiness looking back.

“No need to rush it. We are here, whenever you are ready.” His voice was comforting and even.

Tech had tried to convince her to take this mission alone, but she had refused, requesting a partner. Echo had volunteered without hesitation. Any chance to support her he jumped at.

She took a deep breath, keeping her eyes on him, and letting the exhale sweep away as much of the dread as she could muster.

They entered the gala to find a setting more luxurious than either of them had ever seen. Tall pillars lined the hallway, leading to a grandiose ballroom. Gold filigree and mirrors decorated everything. As they entered the ballroom, they could see that the pillars continued around the main dance floor, and up through three more floors that looked out over the dance floor and out over the extensive gardens that set a stunning backdrop behind the orchestra. It seemed like every exterior wall here was more window than wall.

They exchanged glances, making an effort not to gawk too much. But both of them feeling out of their element. Used to armor and battlefields, dance floors with slow concertos for waltzing was a complete 180 from their normal.

Echo’s eyes drifted easily back from the ballroom to the gorgeous woman on his arm, and smiled. Still the most beautiful thing in the room, he decided. He watched as her eyes drifted to the fourth floor, following her gaze to the glass ceiling and dark ambience up there, allowing guests to see the stars with less distraction from music. He looked back at her.

“That seems like a good place to start, my Starlight. Likely candidate for someone wanting to hide away and smuggle data into the wrong hands unseen.”

She looked up and him and smiled. “Oh Echo, ever the clever ARC. I’ll follow you, these shoes don’t exactly allow me to do much else.”

He spared a quick glare at her shoes, as though his stern soldier’s stare could convince an inanimate object to change it’s ways. And gently lead her away from the stairs and towards the transparisteel lift, like he’d been doing this all his life.

They both gaped at the room as the lift doors opened and they found themselves on the periphery of what appeared to be a personal museum, owned by whoever was throwing this lavish party. Each object of interest lit from below with red light.

“Red light,” she whispered as they perused the items “smart idea. Red light allows the eye to adjust to lower light levels in night-like environments and still be able to see what is lit without hurting the eye. Old astronomy trick.”

Echo smiled. He loved finding topics she had random bits of trivia on, it was his clue that he’d found a topic that was interesting enough for her to dig into in her spare time. While he would sit and read up on reg manuals (so they wouldn’t be caught unawares the next time they had to infiltrate an Imperial base, of course), she would often sit and research with him. And now he knew just a little more of what she was researching at his side.

He could feel her ever so slightly tugging them towards the telescopes near the window. She likely wasn’t even aware that she was pulling him in that direction. So he took the initiative and slowly but deliberately lead her to the telescope in the far corner. Besides, neither Tech nor Crosshair had seen their target arrive, so what was the harm in letting her heart lead them around for a few minutes? Echo relished in the chance to get to know her a little better.

She bent down and peered through the telescope. He admired the open back on her dress, and the way her hair danced over her shoulders as she did so. He needed to distract himself before he started staring at the way her outfit fit her ass just right, so he hastily asked her a question. “What do you see, my Starlight?”

She smiled, straightening back up, her cheeks warm as Echo’s new nickname for her sank in. He’d called her that at least twice tonight already, and it was hard not to love such a sweet nickname from a man like him. “Remember that ringed planet Tech pointed out on our way into the system? You should take a look, it’s quite pretty.”

Echo laughed lightly, “I doubt anything could compare to the Galaxy in front of me right now.” The adoration in his eyes caught her off guard. She blushed and shyly tucked her hair behind her ear. Echo reaches out and curls a finger beneath her chin to redirect her gaze back up from the floor “Chin up, ‘My Lady’, tonight you are as royal as anyone else here.”

Her smile was all the motivation Echo needed. His attention slipped to her lips as she did so.

She caught the movement in his eyes and could feel the tingle of excitement race through her limbs to her core. She straightened up, relaxing her shoulders, tucking her tailbone down, and allowing him to draw her chin upwards. And tossed a confident smirk his way. Echo almost decided to forgo the mission right there. But something in him stopped him. Something that wanted to draw out the teasing and flirting for as long as he could. He didn’t know where this night would lead after they discreetly wiped the data from the disk during the handoff tonight, but he could make this part as fun as possible. And considering the spark of wild confidence he could see stirring in her eyes, she didn’t mind the fun and games one bit.

“The suspect has arrived” Tech’s voice crackled the comms in their ears to life.

Her eyes remained trained on Echo’s, and his on hers.

“Confirmed. They are heading for the bar on level 2,” Crosshair hissed, doing his brotherly best to one up Tech, just a tad. “I’ve got them for now. Echo and y/n are on level 4.”

“Yes, I see them too,” Tech responded, either oblivious to Crosshair’s competitive streak, or attempting to ignore it. “Though I question whether their attention is really on the mission at hand…”

She spared a quick, annoyed glance away from Echo’s expressive eyes, at the nearest security camera, before returning to Echo’s captivating gaze. Echo’s eyes lit up as he laughed and wrapped his hand around to the small of her back.

“The data disk is not up here” she spoke softly, but her voice held the power of royalty. She played her part well, Echo thought.

“I am merely stating that—“ Tech started, but was cut off as Hunter interjected.

“—Let ‘em be for now, we just need to know when the target moves.”

“Yessir” came Tech’s curt, but nonchalant reply.

Echo’s signature smirk from his 501st days with Fives had returned. And as far as she was concerned, she would make a point to keep it there all night long. He wore it well.

Echo used the hand on her lower back to guide her towards a table with tall stools near the wall farthest from the stairs. “I thought you might like a chance to sit for a moment, ‘My Starlight’, those heels of yours can’t be comfortable.”

She smiled and took a seat, glancing around. This spot was farther from the security cameras, Tech couldn’t be as nosy while they sat here.

“You should sit too, this might be our only chance all night.”

Two floors down, Crosshair was busy being a brother in a different way. He subtlely bumped into an already tipsy bar patron, who knocked into the tray the bartender was holding, upon which perched an array of drinks, amongst which sat the target’s drink. All of which topped to the floor, and the sticky contents splashed everywhere. The wobbly bar patron apologized profusely to the bartender and Crosshair used the distraction to comm the others.

“Service is a little slow down here, why don’t you two hold your station up there. Hunter has some time to reach the gardens, those are the most likely locations for the exchange.”

There was a muffled grunt in Tech’s voice, and distant and poorly suppressed laughter from Wrecker behind h im. It seemed Tech had been about to point out that Crosshair was not going to get his drink any faster when he did that either, but Wrecker had just punched Tech’s shoulder to keep himself from laughing and Tech from delivering his annoyed speech.

Back up on the fourth floor, she and Echo were admiring the stars and exchanging war stories, and she was attempting to get him to try the slice of decadent cake he had retrieved from a buffet table for her. They spent a solid half an hour chatting and laughing together.

The comms in their ears crackled to life again as Crosshair cleared his throat. “‘Scuse me,” he muttered, as sounds of shuffling made their way through his transmitter, “yes, four as well.” He must be in the lift, likely with the target.

She looked up at Echo and raised a brow. He nodded descretely. So that was Crosshair’s signal. How very Crosshair.

“How about a walk in the gardens, Handsome?” She asked Echo, who nodded with a smile and reached out a hand for her to lean on as she hopped down from the tall bar stool, keeping her on his arm as they walked to wait for the lift. In their ears, Tech read off the amount of data wiped every 10th percentile.

As the lift doors opened, Crosshair’s eyes met Echo’s. One exchanged glance, and Echo paused. She could feel him bracing for impact.

“52% data erasure,” Tech whispered.

As the lift occupants exited, Crosshair feigned a drunken stumble, and knocked into the target as they passed Echo and y/n, clearly sober enough not to spill a single drop of his own drink.

“Sorry,” he mumbled and walked off.

Y/n and Echo paused, to ‘help’ the target.

“Are you alright sir?” She asked.

“Quite fine, thank you, my dear” the man answered. “My apologies for bumping into you two.” He turned to Echo “didn’t mean to run into you, my good man. Please accept my apologies.”

“Consider it accepted,” Echo responded.

“Have a good evening young lovebirds” the man chirped happily, and moseyed off.

They stepped into the lift and the doors closed behind them.

“65% data erasure, all large files removed, it should go significantly faster from here. I estimate a maximum of 3 more passes to complete the data erasure process.” Tech supplied.

Echo added into the quiet of the lift they now had to themselves “Seemed like a nice guy, too bad he’s nice to the wrong people. Doesn’t seem like the type I’d have thought was selling data to our enemies.”

“I watched him receive the package near the door,” Hunter’s voice joined the conversation. “I don’t think he knows what he’s selling nor who he’s selling it to. Seemed rather oblivious to anything but the credits transferred into his account. He’s just a middle man. A front.”

“Well at least he’s got enough money to bail himself out when his luck runs out here shortly,” y/n added.

The doors to the lift opened, and she and Echo exchanged places with Hunter on his way up to level 4. Continuing with the plan to have as many of them rub shoulders with the man as possible to lower the likelihood that he could point a finger at any one person, nor a group of people.

Out in the cool air of the gardens, Echo could feel his date clinging more tightly to his arm and taking smaller, more deliberate steps. He guided her to a bench, muttering about those damn shoes.

She laughed. “I’d complain about them myself, but it seems like you have that covered” she giggled as he knelt and gently scooped up her ankle with his scomp so he could remove the troublesome accessory.

She was supposed to look up, to watch the exchange of places by Hunter and Crosshair and make sure they weren’t spotted by the target, but she couldn’t take her eyes off of how sweet Echo was being as he slipped her heels off, and massaged her feet a bit to loosen the knots he could feel in them.

She sighed as he rubbed her feet, relaxing and leaning towards Echo as he shifted towards the to place the heels neatly on the bench next to her.

He’d been half hard all night, especially with the way she’d listened to his stories so intently, asking questions that recognized each of the clones he described as real people worthy of all the same things everyone else in the galaxy took for granted. Not to mention the way she’d been playing footsie with him under the table through the whole thing. Despite having metal lower limbs, he could still tell when someone nudged his legs or tangled theirs with his. That, at least, Tech wouldn’t have been able to see from the camera angles he had access to.

But when she sighed with relief right next to his ear! Echo could feel the heat rising along his neck. Oh, what he would give to hear her make more noises like that from his ministrations alone.

She pressed her forehead to Echo’s temple as he sat there so sweetly continuing to massage her sore feet. Trying desperately not to pant into the comm device in his headset.

Speaking of the comms, snippets of conversation were making their way through the two hazy minds. Hunter seemed to be idly prattling on with the target, bits of small talk about the gardens and displayed artifacts. Something about “nice comfy benches farther from the noise of the party in the eastern wing of the gardens” in Hunter’s voice filtered through the emotionally controlled fog of their brains, and they both looked towards the now-alluring eastern paths heading east, deeper into the gardens.

She reached for her heels making to put them on again, but Echo snatched them up before she could do so.

“Not on my watch, my Starlight. It looks to be paved with nice large, flat stones the whole way. You won’t need these anymore, if I have anything to do with it.” He offered his other arm to her, and she beamed as she allowed her hands to slip around his arm a little more sensually than she would have with any other man.

As they walked, Hunter’s small talk with the target drew to a close, and Tech provided a status update. “92%, well done, Hunter. One momentary pass amongst the artifacts should be enough to complete the mission.”

Upstairs, Hunter decided to bide his time. For the sake of his own cover, of course. It had nothing to do with the sexual tension he could practically feel radiating off of Echo and his date when they passed him at the elevator earlier. With his heightened senses, it was hard to miss.

The walk to the garden benches was quiet and beautiful. The peaceful nature of the gardens felt like it deserved only the quietness of whispered voices as they strolled. Pointing out the glimpses of brilliantly colored plants lit by strings of lights that wove above and through the gardens. Vines wove patches of canopy overhead, punctuated by trees with broad leaves and arching branches. Low foliage spilled onto the edges of the large polished stone slabs they walked across. Reading off the names of plants that caught their eyes.

Each one they read off was quickly researched by Tech, and rapidly followed by a summary of whether the plant was safe to touch and smell, and if the critters that harvested from it were dangerous or even present on this planet. By the sounds of it, many of the plants here were imported and had no natural predators here.

As they reached the benches Hunter had spoken of, conversation became more and more sparse. They were certainly secluded. Far from prying eyes and only monitored by distant cameras. There was even soft music playing through hidden speakers. It was as if the host was aware of the handoff and had made the perfect spot for the handoff to take place.

Well, too bad. They couldn’t use it for a handoff if it was already occupied by a preoccupied couple, now could they?

Echo spoke up. “Since you four seem to have that last 8% or so handled from here, I think we will tune out for the night. We will keep this garden handoff site occupied for a while so it can’t be used by the opposition here. We will let you know if we run into trouble, but I don’t think anything in these gardens seems particularly dangerous. Catch you boys in the morning.”

To keep up appearances, they had all decided to leave the ball at different times, and by different means. Echo and y/n would wait to rendezvous till the morning, just to be safe. Which meant that for the rest of the evening, they were off the hook.

“Understood,” Tech chimed in, taking a moment to orchestrate their movements for the next few hours. “As planned, Crosshair will pick you both up from the hotel at noon tomorrow. Wrecker is on his way to the first meet up site for Crosshair now, and will return for Hunter shortly, before the expected end of the party. So, we shall see you both tomorrow.”

Echo clicked a button on the side of his headset to turn off his comm, and saw her discreetly do the same via a button hidden in her pocket.

Tapping his foot to the music playing, Echo stood back and watched as his date bent down to smell some flowers Tech had informed them were safe to humans. She looked beautiful and happy enjoying the scenery and luxury not usually afforded to them.

So what if they were only here for a mission. Echo knew the importance of making the most of what life deals you, and he wasn’t about to let this moment slip away from him. He set down her shoes on a nearby bench and returned his attention to her.

“Care to dance, my Starlight?” He asked, extending his hand in her direction.

He enjoyed the look of delighted surprise on her face when she turnd his way. And he watched happily as she gracefully swooped across the space between them to take his hand.

“I didn’t know they let troopers learn to dance.” She teased, hand gliding into his. Her steps so smooth, and her outfit so fluid, he felt as though she floated to him like an ethereal being.

“Well, technically I don’t really know how, but you look so beautiful I had to try it. Just to see what all the hullabaloo was about.” He pulled her to his chest. Scomp arm settling at the small of her back, careful not to press the metal into her skin.

“Well that’s lucky,” she giggled, “because I don’t actually know how to dance either. But I’ll gladly try anything, so long as your with me.”

They continue to sway for a while, until the romantic setting gets to them.

Echo’s hand cups her cheek, and slides back towards her ear. Gently, and discretely taking the earpiece from her ear, and moving it to her pocket, as his hand makes its way to her waist.

When the kiss breaks, their foreheads meet, and he watches her hand slide down his chest, a flower she’d picked and had been toying with drops into the pocket of his suit jacket.

His hands hold her waist. And he begins to let his hand squeeze her waist a bit and begin to slide towards her back. Finding the edge of the open patch at her back, he lets his fingers swirl patterns over the fabric and dance at the edge of the exposed skin of her back.

She shivers and hums with delight, and Echo does everything he can to maintain appearances that he is an upstanding gentleman worthy of a lavish gala like this. If they weren’t here - oooh if they weren’t here - the things he wants to do with her.

She can tell from the way his hand tightens around her hip that he’s right on the edge. This is one grip, she wouldn't mind leaving a mark for later.

He swallows hard, and slowly allows his fingers to once again find the spot where the skin of her lower back peeks through. He’s delighted to find that she lets him continue exploring her like this, relaxing into him with every brush of his fingers. Her skin is so soft, and his hand shifts so that more and more of the opening at her back is covered by his hand.

When the whole of his hand rests skin to skin, he presses her into his chest. His other arm, holding her upper back to him, gentle but confident that he wants this, and so does she. Not only is she allowing him this, the twinkle in her eyes, the way she’s panting, and the smirk on her lips is teasing him to keep going.

He raises his eyebrows and tilts his head down a touch, as he gazes into her eyes, as if to ask if she’s still okay with this.

She beams, and nods once, her eyes never leaving his own.

Slowly, carefully, he allows his hand to continue around her waist, until his fingers find the other side of the opening, and begin to slip beneath it. Echo is mesmerized by the way she breathes in happily, and leans her forehead against his, her gaze still magnetized to his own. His breathing gets faster as his fingers begin to slip between the fabric and her skin.

She hums in contentment as his fingers continue their path to get to know her. Closing her eyes, she allows her head to tilt forward and settle on his chest.

Echo hugs her tight, finally allowing himself to enjoy the realization that she really loves him, and maybe he can allow himself the luxury of loving her up close and not just from a distance anymore. So he stands there, her form wrapped tightly in his arms, his hand still resting between her skin and the dress, squeezing tightly to reassure them both that this is real.

He loosens his grip after a few minutes, leaning back slightly.

She notices and leans back a bit too, a concerned expression on her face. Hoping this isn’t Echo’s nerves pulling him away from her already. But what she finds instead, wipes all worry away.

Half lidded eyes stare back into her own. And the cool metal of his scomp rises to bring her chin up towards his own, while his eyes move to her lips, and his own part.

She smirks, and tilts her head to one side as her own gaze moves to his lips. Closing her eyes, as their lips finally meet.

She presses into him, and he pushes back, melting at the way her lips fit between his like they belong there. He begins to move his lips against hers, and is delighted when she complies. The pressure from her lips against his own, a welcome push into a new world for the two of them. He is all too willing to learn her rhythm, not just that of her lips, and learn to dance through life by her side.

All too soon, the clock bells ring through the night, declaring the end of tonight’s escapade.

Slowly, they separate, still wrapped tightly together in the cool night air.

When he finally opens his eyes, he finds a smile lighting up her whole being. She giggles and presses a kiss to his cheek.

“Whoops!” She laughs, looking at the spot she just kissed. “Forgot I was wearing lipstick!”

She pulls a small container from her pocket, and extracts a makeup wipe to brush at his cheek. Still smiling brightly, she moves to wipe at his lips.

“I wouldn’t mind wearing your mark all night if you let me, my Starlight.” He laughs back.

He didn’t think her smile could get any brighter, but it does.

She leans forward, pressing her cheek to his so her lips are next to his ear. “Then let’s get back to the hotel room, Love, so I can take this makeup off and kiss you all night long.”

“Yes Ma’am!” Echo breathes, a tingling excitement running from his core to his extremities.

“But first lemme fix my lipstick.” She shifts in his arms, but doesn’t break out of them. Pulling a small mirror from her other pocket, and using the makeup wipe to fix the edges of her own lipstick enough to be seen as acceptable in the uppity company of a gala like this.

Echo just watches while she does, certain he’s the happiest man in the galaxy right now. Reciprocating a kiss to her cheek and making her giggle again. That’s a sound he would never tire of hearing!

As she tucks the items in her hand back into her pockets, and puts her troublesome shoes back on, she shivers. It had gotten rather chilly, and without Echo’s body heat wrapped around her as tightly as it had been, she was beginning to succumb to the chill.

Echo hadn’t missed the small movement, and swooped his jacket off, wrapping it around her instead. It still carried his warmth she noticed, pulling it tighter around her shoulders.

He remained practically attached at the hip the entire way to the hotel for the night. Taking every opportunity to just look at her, the gorgeous woman at his side, wrapped in his jacket. Making silent vows to himself the whole way. All the little things he wanted to make sure they experienced side by side every chance they got.

He kept his hand in contact with her as much as he could along the way. And she enjoyed the warmth of being tucked into his side for the entirety of the journey.

[NOW FEATURING a part 2 that picks up at the hotel, serving up a romantic evening for our favorite ARC and his gala date!]

Please don’t steal my work! I pour my heart into these so if you like it please reblog to share instead of reposting it!

#zenith writes #arc echo tbb x reader #tbb echo x reader #echo tbb x reader #arc echo x reader #tcw echo x reader #tcw arc echo x reader #a gala-ctic evening #tbb arc echo x reader

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areyoufuckingcrazy · 12 days ago

Note

I had a crazy thought today: What if Echo wasn't the only part of the Algorithm? What if the Techno Union had another person (Reader) hooked up at a separate location? They would have both Echo and Reader work together to solve complex strategic problems. What kind of relationship would form between the two, and what would happen after Echo was rescued?

“A Ghost in the Circuit”

Echo x Reader

The first time you heard his voice, it was distorted—filtered through wires, machinery, and pain.

“Who are you?”

You blinked through the sluggish haze of chemical sedation. The light above you flickered, casting your enclosure in sickly green. For a moment, you thought it was another hallucination. The Techno Union’s experimental sedatives had a way of blending reality with memory.

But the voice came again, clearer this time.

“You’re… not one of them.”

“No,” you rasped, throat raw. “And you?”

He paused. Then, quietly, like a truth long buried:

“CT-1409. Echo.”

That name—Echo—stirred something in the recesses of your mind. A ghost of a clone you’d heard rumored to be dead. Lost on the Citadel. But if he was here… then you weren’t alone in this twisted hell.

They Called It the Algorithm.

The Techno Union had no use for your body—just your mind. Your military experience, your understanding of Jedi tactics, your intuition. You’d been captured during a failed mission on Raxus, and while you expected torture or death, you hadn’t expected this: to be strung up like some living datastream, brain siphoned and cross-linked to an interface you didn’t understand.

They called it a miracle of modern war-efficiency. You called it a cage.

And Echo… he was the other half of it.

You weren’t in the same room—your pods were separated—but your minds were connected via the neural interface. Whenever they activated the system, your consciousness merged with his, just enough to collaborate on what they called “Strategic Simulations.” War games. Problem solving. Target prioritization.

You both knew the truth: they were using your combined intellect to predict Republic troop movements. Every algorithm you helped solve, every solution you helped generate, killed people you once called comrades.

“I hate this,” you whispered one day, during a low-activity cycle when the painkillers dulled your tongue. “I hate being part of this.”

A pause. Then his voice—steady but soft.

“So do I. But I think better when you’re here.”

You blinked. “…Thanks?”

“No, I mean it.” There was an awkward silence. “When I thought I was the only one… I was slipping. Couldn’t hold onto myself. But then you came. You reminded me who I am. Even in here.”

You swallowed, chest aching at the vulnerability in his voice.

“You’re not just a number, Echo,” you said. “You’re a person. And I see you.”

He didn’t answer right away.

“I see you too.”

⸻

Over Time, a Bond Formed.

There were days the interface ran endlessly—your minds linked for hours, pressed together in shared thought. You knew when he was angry, when he was calm, when he wanted to scream. You learned the rhythm of his reasoning, the cadence of his sarcasm, the echo of grief.

You shared stories in the dead zones. When the machines weren’t listening.

He told you about the 501st. About Fives. About Rex.

You told him about the Temple, your Master, your reckless flying.

Sometimes, you joked about escaping together. About finding a beach somewhere.

“Too many clones for me to trust the ocean,” he’d mutter. “One tide shift and half of them are trying to build a battalion out of sand.”

You’d laughed, a rusty sound. It felt foreign in your throat.

But that laughter became a kind of resistance. So did your connection.

The Techno Union noticed.

They began separating your sessions. Isolating your minds. Severing the link.

The day they cut the neural tether entirely, Echo’s voice disappeared from your thoughts like a light going out. You screamed against the restraints, powerless.

He was gone.

Days Passed. Then Weeks.

You started talking to yourself. Pretending he could still hear. Whispering plans you’d never execute, memories you weren’t sure were yours anymore.

Your mind began to unravel.

Until one day, the alarm blared.

You jerked awake as the facility shook. Outside your pod, Skakoans ran like ants. The machinery sparked. Your interface glitched.

And in the flicker of emergency lights—

A face.

Metal and flesh. Scarred and beautiful.

“Echo?” Your voice broke.

His eyes widened. “You—”

And then the moment was gone. Soldiers stormed in behind him. A trooper in matte black and red—Clone Force 99, you recognized them in a flash—pulled him back.

“They have another one,” Echo shouted. “She’s hooked into the system—she’s part of it!”

The taller clone, Hunter, paused. “Where?”

“There!” Echo pointed. “Don’t leave her!”

You tried to scream, but the interface surged, flooding your mind with static. Your body spasmed. Everything went white.

⸻

You Woke Up in a Medical Bay.

For a terrifying second, you thought it was still the Techno Union—until you saw the blue stripes on the armor around you.

The 501st.

And standing beside your cot, his Scomp link resting awkwardly against his side, was Echo.

Alive.

Free.

He looked thinner than you remembered. Hollow-eyed. As if he still didn’t quite believe it was real.

Neither did you.

“Hey,” you whispered, tears stinging.

He swallowed. “Hey.”

He crossed to you, hands trembling slightly as he reached for yours.

“I told them not to leave you,” he said. “I—I made them go back.”

“I knew you would.”

He laughed—a shaky, broken sound—and sat beside you.

“I thought I lost you,” he admitted. “When they cut the tether, I thought—”

“I know,” you murmured. “I felt it too.”

For a long moment, neither of you spoke. There was no need. You’d already shared your minds. Now all that remained was your hearts.

But Freedom Wasn’t Simple.

You were debriefed for days. The Jedi Council wanted answers. The Republic wanted data. Rex and Anakin debriefed Echo constantly, praising his resilience while ignoring the toll.

The 501st welcomed you cautiously. You weren’t a clone, not a general, just… someone in between. A survivor like Echo. A curiosity. A symbol.

The worst part? The silence between you and Echo.

Not intentional. Not cruel.

Just… fragile.

He was different now. Wary. Reserved.

You tried to reach him. But he kept walls up.

He still spoke to Rex and Jesse and the occasional whisper to Fives’ ghost, but you could tell—something had changed. Like being out of the system had broken something inside him.

One night, after lights-out in the barracks, you found him alone in the hangar.

“I miss the link,” you said.

He turned, surprised. “What?”

“I miss knowing what you felt. What you were thinking. Now… I don’t know how to reach you.”

His face twisted—pain, guilt, grief.

“I don’t want you to see what I am now,” he said. “I’m not the man you met in there. I’m more machine than—”

“Don’t say that.”

He looked at you, exhausted. “You don’t understand.”

“I do,” you said, stepping closer. “I was there. They took everything from both of us. But that connection we had? That wasn’t because of wires or data streams. That was real. And it still is.”

He stared at you like a drowning man seeing shore.

And then—finally—he let you hold him.

He didn’t kiss you. Not yet. The pain was still too fresh.

But when you curled into him that night, metal against flesh, scars against scars, you both knew: the war wasn’t over.

But you weren’t alone anymore.

#echo tbb #clone trooper echo #tbb echo x reader #tbb echo #echo #echo x reader #arc trooper echo #clone trooper x reader #clone wars #star wars #star wars fanfic #star wars the clone wars #clone x reader #the clone wars headcanons #clone force 99 #echo tbb x reader

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wanderer-six · 1 year ago

Text

THE GALA - A Clone Dating Sim

You are a Jedi General. The Council has assigned you a very important mission: the infiltration of a Separatist gala on Raxus. But you will not be going alone--you are allowed to bring a date on this adventure. In the heart of enemy territory, who will you count on to watch your back?

PLAY HERE: THE GALA

Ideal play experience is on desktop! (I think you can play on mobile it just looks a lil yuccy)

Clone bbs x Fem!Jedi player FEATURED CLONES: Sergeant Hunter, Tech, Crosshair, Wrecker, Captain Rex, Commander Wolffe, and ARC Twins Fives & Echo

RATING: 18+ MINORS DNI - The paths can be SFW or NSFW depending on your choices (2nd option is always the NSFW one!) - general warning for smut if you make those choices, more specifics below the cut!

Additional (less relevant) info beneath the cut!

HAPPY MAY 4TH! ENJOY MY LOVES~~

COMPREHENSIVE WARNINGS LIST: In general, lots of flirting, innuendo, pet names. Established relationship for all

Hunter: LOTS of flirting (he is a whore), p in v sex

Tech: Oral (f receiving)

Crosshair: Fingering

Wrecker: Not much for him honestly, implied canoodling (p in v), oblivious boy ♥

Captain Rex: dirty talk, praise, oral (m! Receiving)

Commander Wolffe: rough! p in v

Fives & Echo: Multiple clones (no clonec*st), lots of flirting, Echo is self conscious!

-ART ASSETS I drew all of the Clone art! I found the most nakedest screencap I could of any of them (SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT) and then traced the base, then looked for Star Wars Male Fashion (WAY FUCKING HARDER) to draw on them and dress them up! I think for Hunter and Fives/Echo I just went crazy but for all the rest lmk if u can spot who I stole the outfits from, i deadass dont remember at this point For Background art I found them all on google images - from what I recall, it's mostly concept art and screenshots from games! -ENGINE I made this in Twine, an incredible tool for making text-based games! I highly recommend looking into it. It's really easy to use and there are a ton of tutorials online!

AN: Thank you so much for playing! Please let me know what you think, I had so much fun making this✨✨ it is so phenomenally cringe but I hope you all enjoy ♥ (also if you spot any bugs or typos, please feel free to let me know and I will fix!!)

TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE PATH I like Rex Crosshair Wrecker the best I think

"""taglist""" - @shinyshayminflower @starrylothcat @pb-jellybeans @jediknightjana

#tbb x reader #the bad batch x reader #star wars x reader #w6fic #wrecker x reader #hunter x reader #tech x reader #crosshair x reader #captain rex x reader #rex x reader #wolffe x reader #echo x reader #fives x reader #clone dating sim #fem!reader #i hope u enjoy playin as much as i enjoyed making :)#idk what else to tag this fr #the bad batch #captain rex

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nahoney22 · 1 year ago

Note

Me again! Please can I request some HC’s with the bad batch and how they react to reader (gn or female) accidentally crawling into the boys bunk at night 😂

Accidental Sleeping Arrangements

All Bad Batch Boys X GN!Reader

How the boys react to you accidentally crawling into their bunk at night.

warnings: Fluff, comfort, cuddles, some moody boys, gender neutral reader. Can be read as romantic or platonic.

Echo 💤

The first time:

As you slid into his bunk accidentally that evening, he was thoroughly bewildered. He had jolted awake and sat upright, observing your exhausted form snuggling against him, eyelids heavy with fatigue.

With tactful gentleness, he roused you from your slumber, delicately shaking you to bring you back to awareness. "Hey, um, you're in my bunk, trooper."

Your eyes flickered open, adjusting to the dim light, and a muttered curse escaped your lips as you retreated, cheeks warming with embarrassment. "Sorry, Echo," you apologized, slipping out of his bunk. "I must be completely drained," you sheepishly confessed.

"It's alright. I just didn't want to startle you by waking up to my face," he commented. You glance at him with a furrow forming on your brow before you shook your head.

"I doubt I'd be bothered by that..." your words trailed off, potentially carrying unintended flirtation. Echo's eyes widened slightly, his hand instinctively moving to the back of his neck, a clear sign of slight shyness at your words.

"Anyway," you say abruptly, spinning on your heel. "Sorry about that."

Echo simply nodded, silently observing as you retreated to your own bunk, leaving him with a sudden chill in the air, now yearning for the warmth you briefly brought beside him.

The second time:

With a tired yawn, Echo wearily approaches his bunk a few nights later, only to halt in surprise at the sight of someone curled up inside. Upon closer inspection, he realises it's you again, presenting him with a slight dilemma.

Despite his weariness, Echo knows he needs rest, and while your bunk is an option, his own provides the perfect setup for his cybernetics, ensuring he's at his best for the next day's duties.

Letting out a small sigh, hoping you wouldn't mind, he settles on the edge of his bunk and gently wakes you. "Hey, you're in my bunk again," he murmurs softly.

You stir, meeting his gaze before cringing slightly. "Again? I'm so sorry," you begin to rise, but his hand on your shoulder stops you.

"You can stay, but I'd also like to get some sleep... if you, uh, catch my meaning," he hints with a faint smile, hoping you understand.

"Oh," you blush, considering for a moment. "Well, I hope you don't mind sharing."

"Not at all," he reassures, his tone gentle as you make space. He lies beside you, and before long, you drift back to sleep. Echo finds solace in the rhythm of your soft snores, gradually succumbing to sleep himself... though waking up to find you both cuddling is a surprise he hadn't anticipated, yet one he welcomes warmly.

Hunter 💤

The first time:

When Hunter awoke to find you crawling into his bunk, confusion gripped him. Instantly alert, his hands tensed, ready to confront any potential intruder, but his apprehension melted away as he recognised you.

He lay there in silence, contemplating his next move.

While a part of him felt inclined to let you sleep, considering your recent exhaustion, he couldn't shake the concern of startling you upon awakening to find him beside you.

After ensuring you were deeply asleep, he carefully extricated himself from the occupied bunk, making sure not to disturb you.

Once free, he couldn't suppress a soft chuckle as he observed you, peacefully snuggled into his pillow, emitting gentle snores. “Sleep well.” He whispered to you before leaving you to rest.

He made a mental note to address the situation in the morning, but perhaps it’s better left unsaid since you’ll know your error when you woke up.

The second time:

As you woke up to find yourself in Hunter's bunk, mortification swept over you. Yet, when you encountered Hunter in the cockpit, he didn't mention a word about it, instead offering you a drink of caf.

A small part of you entertained the idea that perhaps he was unaware of the nighttime intrusion. However, your suspicions were confirmed a few nights later.

Fatigued and not paying attention to your surroundings, you headed towards what you thought was your bunk and climbed inside, only to be surprised by the presence of another person. "Hunter, what're you doing?" you blurt out, eyes widening in disbelief.

"I could ask you the same question," he chuckles, adjusting his position and turning to face you. "This is my bunk."

Blinking in realisation, you glance around, confirming his assertion. "Oh," you laugh sheepishly, "I thought this was mine."

His smile is gentle, his eyes gleaming faintly in the dim light. "You're more than welcome to stay," he offers casually, though he soon realizes the potential implications of his words. "If you want to, that is."

A part of you knows you should return to your own bunk, yet there's an inexplicable pull keeping you there. "Well, I'm all comfy now..." you hint with a small smile.

He nods, turning his gaze away and closing his eyes. "Me too. Sleep well."

It took you a moment to fall asleep but just like how Hunter didn’t tell you that you had slept in his bunk first initially, you won’t tell him how he pulls you into his body as he slept and held you close throughout the night. Not that you seemed to mind.

Wrecker 💤

The first time:

"Wrecker, you scared me! What are you doing in my bunk?" you exclaimed, startled by the unexpected intrusion.

As you thought you were settling into your bunk for the night, using your hands to navigate through the darkness, you accidentally crawled onto something large and hard.

Assuming it was just your sheets bunched up, you attempted to smooth it out, only to be met with a small yelp that made your heart skip a beat.

"Huh?" Wrecker groggily emerged from his sleep cocoon, rubbing his eyes. "This is my bunk, isn't it?"

"No, I'm pretty sure it's mine," you asserted, but as Wrecker shifted in the bunk and reached under the blanket, he pulled out his beloved Lula.

"Oh. Maybe not then." You felt pretty embarrassed by your mistake, but Wrecker didn't seem to mind at all.

"It's alright, thought I was going to get an extra cuddle buddy for a second there!" he chuckled heartily, waving Lula in your face. His laughter filled the room, and you couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through you at the thought of being Wrecker's "cuddle buddy," though you weren't entirely sure if he was joking.

Deciding not to dwell on it further and eager to avoid keeping Wrecker awake any longer, you offered a meek apology before retreating to your actual bunk. As you settled in, you couldn't shake the image of Wrecker's playful grin from your mind.

The second time:

Wrecker stared down at his bunk, finding it already occupied with not much room left for him. You were snoozing away, oblivious to his dilemma. Wrecker knew he could be a bit of a grouch without his sleep, so he decided to gently prod you awake.

"Hey," he nudged you, rousing you from your slumber. "Is this you asking to be my cuddle buddy?"

You stirred awake, blinking in confusion as you glanced at him. It was then that you noticed Lula on the pillow next to your head. "Oh shoot, sorry Wrecker," you sighed groggily, just wanting to fall back asleep into the warmth of his bunk.

"It's alrigh’," he chuckled softly, his deep voice filling the room with warmth. "But uh... I kinda need to sleep."

"Then come cuddle next to me," the words slipped out before you realized what you were saying, but you didn't want to take them back either. The thought of Wrecker's warmth beside you was oddly comforting.

Wrecker was surprised for a moment, his eyes widening slightly, before a soft smile spread across his face. Without hesitation, he slung his armor off and crawled into the space beside you. "Are ya sure about this?"

"Mhm," you replied sleepily, your arms spreading over his chest as you nestled into him like a log warming a fire. "You're warm."

Wrecker smiled to himself, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him as he closed his eyes, feeling your steady breathing against his chest.

Tech 💤

The first time:

Sleep was not a common occurrence for Tech, so when he made the rare decision to nestle down for the night, he wasn't too perturbed to find you asleep in his allocated spot.

He paused for a moment, considering whether to wake you, but recalling your exhausted state earlier, he reasoned that you wouldn't have intentionally taken his bunk.

Instead, he quietly observed the peaceful rise and fall of your chest, noting the serenity that graced your features, before silently retreating back to the cockpit where he remained awake for the night once again.

"Tech, why didn't you wake me? I feel terrible," you expressed your guilt that next morning upon discovering that you had accidentally slept in his bunk, leaving him to forego his own rest.

"That is not necessary. You were tired, and I can always keep my mind occupied with tasks or reading intel," he replied in his usual composed manner, peering at you over his datapad. "I shall assume this was a one-time occurrence, and my bunk shall be my own again tonight."

“Yes, of course," you nodded, your expression reflecting genuine concern as you offered another apology before preparing for the demanding day ahead. Despite Tech's assurances, the weight of your unintended intrusion lingered.

The second time:

It just so happened to be the next night that you found yourself once again interrupting Tech's sleep. Moving through the dark ship with heavy eyes and a yawn on your lips, it was no surprise that you once again miscounted where your bunk was and crawled into the wrong one.

Your head hit the pillow, and your eyes shut as the warmth of the bed enveloped you. However, despite the comfort, a small flickering light kept intruding upon your consciousness, prompting your eyes to flutter open. At first, you didn't register the source, but as you turned your head to the right, your eyes widened in realisation: Tech laying there on his datapad, as if nothing had happened.

"Tech, what... am I...?" you began, your voice trailing off as confusion clouded your thoughts.

"In the wrong bunk?" he interjected calmly, settling his datapad down and gazing down at you. His goggles rested atop his head, allowing you to see the brightness of his eyes in the dark. "That is correct."

You sit up, feeling a rush of embarrassment flood over you, and run your hand over your face in frustration. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's up with me.”

Tech raises a single brow, his expression softened with genuine concern. "Perhaps in the morning, I should run some tests if you will allow me?" he suggests softly, his voice carrying a hint of worry. "But for now, I suggest you get some sleep."

Nodding in agreement, you reluctantly pull the blanket off your body, preparing to retreat to your own bunk. However, before you can make your escape, Tech's hand gently rests on your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks.

"You are free to continue sleeping in my bunk tonight if you find it comfortable," he offers unexpectedly, his gesture of kindness catching you off guard.

"What, really?" you respond, turning to face him, searching his eyes for confirmation.

With a nod, Tech reclines back and retrieves his datapad. "Yes, really. I do not mind."

"But what if I keep you awake again?" you voice your concern.

"Do not worry about me," he reassures softly, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Now, get some rest before I give you a lecture about the benefits of getting sleep."

You chuckle softly at his remark before settling, finding comfort in his understanding demeanor. As you prepare to drift off into slumber, you can't help but feel thankful for Tech's compassion and generosity.

In the quiet of the night, you woke up only once, feeling Tech's arm drape gently across your body. Yet, instead of feeling unsettled, you found comfort in his presence.

Crosshair 💤

The first time:

As you prepared to settle in for the night after a long day, exhaustion clouded your judgment, leading you to absentmindedly crawl into a bunk without much thought. However, your relaxation was short-lived as you were startled by a gravelly voice beside you.

"What are you doing?" The abrupt question made you jump, and you inadvertently knocked your head against the top of the bunk in surprise.

"What am I doing? What the kriff are you doing?" you retorted in annoyance, rubbing your sore head as Crosshair sat up beside you, his expression stern in the dim light.

"I'll think you'll find this is my bunk," he hissed, his sharp gaze piercing through the darkness. As you glanced across the room, you realised your mistake—the bunk you were in wasn't yours.

"Oh."

"Yes. Oh. Now get out before I drag you out," he threatened, though you could tell it was more playful than serious.

"Alright, alright, keep your hair on," you sighed as you obediently crawled out of his bunk, feeling the absence of warmth as you departed.

Crosshair grumbled under his breath and rolled back onto his side to sleep, while you mentally chided yourself for the blunder, making sure you never accidentally try to sleep in his bunk again.

The second time:

You're exhausted, your head throbbing with the relentless ache of sleep deprivation from the past few days, and you've reached the point where you don't care where you sleep anymore. And that includes Crosshair's bunk.

As you settle down on the edge of his bunk, the closest one available, you feel the weight of his gaze on your back, following your movements as you swing your legs around and lay down. "What are you doing?" his voice cuts through the silence, tinged with irritation.

You don't reply, simply closing your eyes as you allow the fatigue to wash over you, hoping for a moment's respite.

"This is my bunk," he asserts firmly, his agitation evident, but as you remain silent, his annoyance shifts to confusion.

"Are you... alright?" he inquires, concern creeping into his voice.

You shake your head softly, and you hear him sigh, but he doesn't press you further. Nor does he demand that you leave.

As sleep begins to claim you, Crosshair remains awake for a while, his thoughts swirling. In his mind, he tells himself that this is a one-time occurrence.

Yet, if you're upset and in need of somewhere to rest for a while, he doesn't mind if you sleep next to him again. After all, it turns out to be the best sleep he's had in a while too.

Masterlist

Tags: @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417@eyecandyeoz @captxin-rex x @jesseeka @theroguesully y @ladykatakuri @arctrooper69 @padawancat97@staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @chrissywakingup @pb-jellybeans s @nunanuggets s @sleepycreativewriter @erellenora @zippingstars87 7 @ezras-left-thumb @the-rain-on-kamino @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @tech-depression-inventory @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @tinyreadersmur @seriowan @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @thesith @raevulsix @cw80831 @knightprincess @crosshairlovebot @imalovernotahater @id-rather-be-a-druid @the-bad-batch-baroness @lulalovez @green-alm0nd @thiswitchloves9904

#the bad batch HCs #the bad batch x reader #bad batch x reader #echo x reader #tech x reader #Hunter x reader #Wrecker x reader #crosshair x reader #the bad batch #tbb #nahoney22 writes

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green-alm0nd · 1 year ago

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hiiiii ! I love your writing :) I was wondering if I could request a echo x reader where it’s sorta like long distance so they only saw each other when they came to pabu or the finale, and if you could make it a hug scene like the ones he shared with omega (like the whole running and jumping blah blah blah) sorry if it’s extensive, thank you ! 🫶

[Echo x gn!reader]: Come back to you

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Summary:

Emerie and Echo left Pabu a few weeks after the events on Tantiss. You haven't heard from him ever since and you hope he comes back.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: TBB S3 FINALE SPOILERS, fluff, kissing, a bit suggestive, a bit of angst. Not proofread.

Enjoy!

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Since the attack on the beautiful island you settled in, you didn't hear anything else from Echo. Pabu had always managed to rebuild itself, adapt and go back to living normally.

Before the Empire found the small island, you and Echo had been in touch for a while, either from commlink calls or messages. After the events that made Tantiss burn to ashes, Echo came back. But, only for a short time. He left with the doctor, Emerie Karr, to try find safe homes for the remaining clones.

It made you angry, yes. But then again, it was Echo. He'd do anything for his brothers.

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It had been a few weeks since clouds showed up in Pabu and released the water inside of them. Maybe it was the weight of the Empire on the Universe that made the rain stronger, and the mood seemed to be less...heavy.

You were standing inside your shared apartment, looking at the droplets of water falling. It had always brought a sense of comfort to you.

You had asked Hunter several times if he had any news, to which he'd always shake his head. It made you even more depressed.

If it weren't for the rest of the Batch, you'd be alone. Wrecker always forced you to go out, since he knew you wouldn't do it on your own unless it had to do with news about the rebellion, Rex, or your boyfriend.

You sighed. You truly missed him.

Suddenly, your commlink beeped, and got up. You grabbed your comm, and nervously spoke up. It wasn't the commlink that you and the Bad Batch used, it was a private 'channel' you had with Echo.

"Echo?" You whispered, nervously.

You heard a small hum and chuckle.

"Hey."

Adrenaline shot through your veins at the sound of his voice.

"Wh- What? How? Where are you? Are you okay?" You asked, a thousand questions running through your head.

Though you could only hear his voice, a wave of relief washed your body.

"Yeah, I'm alright. I'm currently in Coruscant, in Rex's Underground level base. We're trying to collect all the remaining stuff before he leaves. I'm helping him out." He explained.

You sighed in relief.

"I'm so happy to hear your voice. Why haven't you said anything for the past three week until now?" You asked.

"I've been very busy. We're still trying to find out anything about the nameless clones. I haven't been...that close to my commlink, either." He said, mumbling the last part.

"It's...fine." You replied.

Echo seemed to pick up your tiredness and your sadness, maybe disappointment even, in your voice.

"How... about you? Are you doing alright?" He softly asked.

"Yeah, I just really miss you." You answered, with a small sigh.

Echo let out a small chuckle.

"I miss you too."

You considered telling about how you felt.

"I'm actually not doing great. It's been a rough few weeks and I really needed you but I'm not sure you were free and I didn't want to bother you and-" You stopped, closing your eyes and pinching the bridge of your nose.

"I just wish you were here."

Silence came over the comm channel, before Echo finally spoke up.

"I'm coming over." He suddenly said.

Your eyes widened.

"Wha- no! You can't. You're a thousand clicks away-" he cut you off.

"I'm coming over. That's final, okay?"

You sighed. Your boyfriend was stubborn.

"Okay. I'll wait for you." You replied, before he left the comm channel.

...

A few hours later, the dark night sunk into Pabu. Not that it was super visible, as the clouded skies still let the rain fall.

It was endearing to see how much Echo cared for you, even though he was busy most of the time.

You decided to get dressed, and wait for him on the side of the landing platform, below a huge tree root that provided you shelter from the pouring rain.

Your heart rate sped up, and your knees slightly trembled at the sight of a ship, most likely Echo's, approaching the landing platform.

The big shuttle eventually landed on the island, and you took a step forward. The rain didn't matter anymore, not even when it was soaking your clothes and body.

The ramp lowered, and butterflies filled your stomach, taking your breath away.

And there he was, the guy that had stolen your heart the second you saw him walking inside your coffee shop all those months ago; the man that had swore to you loyalty, even if your relationship was distant; your boyfriend. Echo.

He came down the ramp. Just when his feet touched the ground, you ran towards him and hugged him.

Echo hugged back, burying his nose on your neck.

"Hey." He said.

You smiled.

"Hey."

You two stayed there for a long time, not caring about the rain, not caring about anything at all. What mattered was that Echo was there. Your Echo. He was real. It wasn't a dream.

"I missed you so much." You mumbled, bringing your lips close to his.

"I missed you too." He answered, finally pulling you into the kiss you were desperately yearning for for a long time now.

You kissed back, bringing your hands to his hips, as his hand rested on your cheek.

However, his hand lowered to your butt, giving it a light squeeze: enough to make you squeak and let his tongue explore your mouth.

It had been such a long time since you felt him so close to you it almost felt like a dream.

He pulled away.

"We better go home, seems like rain won't be stopping for a while." He suggested smiling.

You nodded.

"Let's go."

Echo had finally come back home.

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🗣️❗🎵 PARTY WALKERS IN THE YAAARD TONIIIIGHT🎵❗🗣️ (iykyk)

Currently have that cover from sbg in my head

(I am currently in my last two weeks of final exams so requests might take a while)

(Reblogs are highly appreciated <3)

#the bad batch #star wars #bad batch #the bad batch x reader #star wars tbb #tbb #echo bad batch #the bad batch echo #echo tbb x reader #tbb echo x reader #tbb echo

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meshla-cyarika · 1 year ago

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Instantly thought this during this scene 💀

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starrylothcat · 1 year ago

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Pairing: Echo x Reader

Summary: Echo knows you are alone on Life Day Eve and wants to spend the holiday with you.

Warnings: Light angst/meloncholy related to the holidays, kissing/making out, slight allusion to sexy times but not described and nothing explicit. Fluffy and happy ending. 🎄

WC: 2676

A/N: This is a gift for @cc--2224 as part of the Life Day Fic Exchange hosted by @cloneficgiftexchange !

I played with ideas from the prompt: Having no one to spend the holidays with and being invited out/over to spend it with [x clone].

❄️ Happy Holidays and I hope you enjoy @cc--2224 ! ❄️

The sun was setting, and delicate rays of light poured into the streets from residences up and down every street on Pabu.

Life Day lights began twinkling on above doors and around windows as the sun sunk beyond the horizon.

Laughter and melodic tunes floated in the air, along with mouth-watering aromas from holiday feasts being set out on tables for friends and family to enjoy.

Echo stood outside your small Pabu cafe, trying to steady his nerves. He was clutching a bottle of rare Tevraki whiskey in his hand, something he had been saving for some time.

Your neon “Open” sign was switched off and the cafe was dark, though a string of Life Day lights flickered above your storefront sign.

You lived in a small apartment in the back of the cafe, and Echo could see a dim light illuminating your living room window.

It was Life Day Eve, and Echo knew you were alone.

Echo had been frequenting your cafe for a while now, making a point to come in the early mornings when your delectable baked goods were fresh out of the nanowave oven.

The more he got to know you, sipping caf and sharing stories and smiles, the more he realized he was catching feelings.

It started small, at first. Little fleeting flutters of his heart when he entered your cafe, knowing you’d be behind the counter. His face warming when you’d laugh, a wonderful medolic laugh that made those flutters in his chest beat like a porg’s wings trying its damdest to fly.

When he was away on missions with Rex, he thought more and more of you, truly missing you and how he felt when he was in your presence.

He felt…safe. Comfortable. At ease. Emotions he hasn’t felt in a long, long time.

You were kind and generous to everyone who entered your cafe and went out of your way to help the people of Pabu. You often hand-delivered bespoke baked goods to new arrivals to make them feel at home.

Echo admired your kind heart, quiet strength, and warm demeanor. It took him time to fully realize what he was feeling, but let it happen. Echo had been thinking more and more of his future, especially now that he was in control of his destiny for the first time in his life.

He had much taken from him, his very soul used against his will. He was given a second chance, and he was not going to waste it.

So when Echo discovered you were spending the holiday by yourself, he knew he couldn’t let you be alone, not tonight.

You cared so much about Life Day, just the day before describing your fond memories of celebrating with your family as a child. You were a refugee like most Pabu residents, and you’ve been unable to see your family for many years due to the war.

Echo picked up the melancholy in your voice and how your body language changed when you spoke of your memories, a heavy weight anchoring you down knowing it was another Life Day without them.

Echo had his brothers and Omega. He was incredibly lucky to have a support structure, even after all he had been through.

The thought of you having no one to celebrate with didn’t sit right with him, so he decided to surprise you with a bottle of whiskey he purchased some time ago, a drink he used to share with Fives on this very holiday.

Echo found himself with a similar weight in his chest this cycle, thinking of Fives. Life Day was Five’s favorite holiday, and Echo had many memories of him and Fives savoring this drink on this nat-born holiday, cheering their brothers, and speaking of their hopes for the future.

Echo couldn’t think of anyone else he’d want to share this drink with tonight. Not even his own brothers. But you.

Now Echo stood in front of your door, hesitating for a moment, hoping he wasn’t coming on too strongly.

Echo never had time for relationships and was currently flying by the seat of his pants, but wasn’t dumb.

Echo has noticed how your expression softens when you look at him, or how your hand always brushes against his every time he hands you credits for his caf, touching his hand just long enough to be noticeable.

He was here as a friend, as much as he wanted to be more than friends. He wanted to kiss you, hold you, and let you know just how much you meant to him.

Echo wanted to respect your boundaries, though, and if you just wanted to be friends, he would continue to stand by your side as that and nothing more.

Echo took a breath and walked to the back of your cafe, up to your front door that was adorned with a Life Day wreath.

He tapped on your front door with his scomp.

It was now or never.

He waited a moment, hearing quiet music playing and some shuffling.

“Hello?” Your voice called from behind your door.

“It’s Echo.”

Your door clicked open, revealing your face, warm light spilling out, illuminating Echo who stood before you.

You were wearing your apron, the one you always adorned in the storefront, and Echo could immediately smell something sweet drifting from your kitchen.

“Echo!” Your face lit up. “What are you doing here?” You looked surprised, glancing at the whiskey in his hand.

“Thought you could use some company tonight.” Echo held it up, trying his best to act casual.

Your lips parted in a delicate oh, a blush warming your cheeks as you took in the man you are seriously crushing on standing in your doorway.

“Echo…you didn’t have to…I’m sure you have plans with your brothers…?”

Echo shook his head. “I want to be here, with you. You shouldn't have to spend the holiday alone.”

A genuine smile graced your features and Echo felt the tension in his shoulders dissipate.

You stepped to the side, gesturing inside. “Please, come in!

Echo stepped inside your small home. It was cozy, with a few dim lamps casting a pleasing glow throughout your living space. A Life Day tree was tucked in the corner of your living room and sparkling lights lined the ceiling, adding a magical feel to the space.

Your dining room table had racks of tooka-shaped cookies cooling, the culprit of the delicious smell.

“Sorry for the mess.” You walked to your kitchen, opening a cabinet to grab glasses. “I wasn’t expecting company…” You laughed, reaching with your tiptoes into the cupboard.

“No need to apologize. I’m the one intruding.” Echo stood near the table, placing the whiskey bottle down where there was space.

You walked back over to him, holding the glasses.

“No, not at all, Echo. I’m…really glad you’re here.”

You smiled your beautiful smile that Echo replayed endlessly in his head, making his heart do flips in his chest.

“Hope you like whiskey.” Echo said, “I used to drink this with my brother on Life Day. We’d save up credits for months to get a bottle.”

You scooted a rack of cookies out of the way, placing the glasses on the table.

“I’m honored you’re sharing it with me.” You untied your apron, draping it over a nearby chair.

“And yes, I do like whiskey, so you will have to share.” Your eyes held a mirthful glow, the Life Day lights hanging above mirrored in your irises.

Echo’s heart was thumping as he poured you each a glass of the amber liquid.

You gestured toward your couch. “Shall we?”

Echo sat next to you on your couch, sinking into the comfortable cushions as you settled near him. The couch was small, leaving little room between you.

You cradled your glass of whiskey, the lights from your tree reflecting off the crystaline glasses. A comfortable silence spreading between the two of you, only interrupted by the music playing from your radio.

Echo looked so handsome in the glow of your lights. His jaw was set, strong, and stubbled. His skin had gained some color back from the Pabu sun, and you could see his muscular shoulders tight against the civilian clothes he was wearing.

You have known Echo for some time now, ever since he and his brothers first came to the tropical planet. He stopped by your cafe every morning he could for caf and a spice cake. You learned some of his story before Pabu, but not all. You knew how he got his cybernetics, a story he told you early one morning in your shop.

Your heart broke for him but admired his resilience and ever-present strength. It’s one of the many reasons why you have fallen for him.

“Thank you, Echo.” Your eyes met his brown ones, butterflies coming to life in your stomach.

“I didn’t mean to give you my whole sob story yesterday…I usually keep myself busy on Life Day, as you can see.” You motioned behind you to all the cookies.

Echo shook his head. “Don’t apologize. The holiday can be hard on everyone, especially now. I’ve been thinking more of my brother, and it hurts knowing he can’t be here. You’re not alone in this.”

He lifted his glass of whiskey toward you.

“Cheers.” He said, clinking his glass against yours. “To friends and family.”

“Cheers.” You replied, “To friends and family.”

You both sipped the sweet alcohol, enjoying the warmth in your chest it provided as you swallowed.

“You and your brother had good taste.” You smiled behind your glass, taking another small sip, savoring the drink.

Echo chuckled.

“Glad you think so.”

You watched something flash across Echo’s eyes.

Echo had told you a little about Fives in passing, but not much.

“I’m sure he’d be happy that you are continuing your tradition.”

Echo nodded, a small, sentimental smile pulling at his lips.

“Yeah…he was a good man. One of the best I’ve ever known.”

“Tell me about him,” you started. “Only if you want, though.”

Echo knew Fives would be happy for him, and while he desperately wished he could be here, talking about him lifted the stone off his chest that had settled ever since he saw this whiskey.

He told you of the first time they bought this drink, and almost getting caught with it in their bunk when they were cadets.

The night went on, trading stories of the past, you talking of your family and Life Day traditions, and Echo speaking of his brothers, reminiscing on the trouble he and Fives used to get up to.

There was a newfound intimacy between the two of you, for once not just talking in your cafe. Echo had never felt closer to you than now, watching how your features glowed under the lights, talking of fond memories and the current goings on in Pabu.

You weren’t sure when it happened, but you ended up sitting close enough to Echo that your legs were almost touching.

Your conversation lulled, and Echo glanced at your chrono, seeing how late it was, well past midnight.

Time always went by so quickly with you. That peaceful serenity that he only felt with you had overtaken him, not wanting it to end.

“I didn’t mean to keep you this late.” He spoke softly. “I should go.”

Without thinking, your hand shot to his knee, feeling the hard metal underneath his clothing.

“You don’t have to go, not yet.” You said quickly.

You didn’t want him to leave. Your gaze met his, your hand still on his cybernetic knee.

Echo’s honeyed eyes swam with emotion, feeling your hand on his knee slide up toward his thigh, where his skin began.

Echo, spurred on by your touch and maybe a little bit of the whiskey, laid his hand atop yours. The gentleness of your hand contrasted with his larger, calloused palm.

Your eyes darted to where your hands met, and back to his.

Echo whispered your name so quietly you almost missed it over the thrumming of your own heart.

“Thank you for being here tonight.” You took a breath.

“I know we both have people we are missing right now…it’s usually a difficult time for me, but this is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.”

Your voice was quiet too, enjoying the weight of his hand atop yours.

“You…mean a lot to me, Echo.”

Echo’s eyes widened slightly, heat rushing up his neck, hoping he was hearing you correctly.

“You mean a lot to me, too.” Echo’s hand lightly squeezed yours, your confessions hanging around you as excitement flooded your systems, realizing you both felt the same.

The air was suddenly thick, a magnetic pull tugging at both of you toward one another.

You were so close now, his nose brushing against yours as you both tentatively leaned in, your lips just centimeters away as you slowly closed the distance.

Finally, your lips touched, soft and chaste, his scomp lifting to gently trace down your arm as his lips captured yours.

Echo felt as if sparks were going off in his entire body, your lips sweeter than he imagined. He never wanted to let go of this moment.

It was pure bliss to kiss you, Echo’s mind solely focusing on you, how you felt, the way your breath hitched when he brought his hand to cup your face, gently caressing his thumb under your eye.

You pulled away, already missing his spicy musk and surprisingly plush lips.

“This is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time, too.” Echo traced his knuckle down your cheek. “And it’s because of you. It’s always because of you.”

You leaned in again, overwhelmed by emotion, wrapping your arms around his neck and bringing him into a more passionate and fervent kiss.

Everything that had been building between the two of you didn’t need to be spoken, the way your mouths danced and hands roamed one another’s bodies spoke for itself.

You sighed into his mouth as he shyly slid his tongue across your lower lip, politely asking for more.

His hand cradled the back of your head, entangling in your hair as your kiss deepened.

Emboldened, Echo broke the steamy kiss and traced his mouth down your jawline, placing hot kisses slowly down your neck.

The quiet whimpers that left your swollen lips ignited his body with passion, hoping he hadn’t fallen asleep on your couch and this was just a dream.

Echo lavished your skin, making his way back up to your lips for another profoundly devoted kiss.

When you both finally pulled away to catch your breaths, your lips were shiny with saliva, and your bodies flushed.

You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as Echo held you against his strong body.

“Do you still want to go?” You asked.

Echo shook his head.

“I think you convinced me to stay.”

He brushed his lips against yours, slowly leaning you back on the couch, until you were laying down and he was above you.

You looked up at him through hooded eyelids as he took in your form beneath him, your soft body pliable against his.

“Can’t let you wake up alone on Life Day, either.” Echo’s voice was deliciously deeper than usual as he pressed an open-mouthed kiss right under your ear, causing you to shudder in delight.

Echo waited for your answer, not wanting to take things further than you wanted.

“No, you can’t.” You replied, pulling him down flush against you, your lips meeting again, your bodies entwining.

When you awoke the next morning in one another’s arms, for the first Life Day in a long time, you both felt indescribable happiness.

As you drifted off the night before, speaking softly to one another in the afterglow of your ignited feelings for one another, Echo was afraid when he woke up, that peace he felt only with you would be gone. Or that maybe you’d only wanted that one night with him, and nothing more.

The feeling was still there, even stronger than before. His fears dissipated when you left feather-light kisses across his chest, asking if he’d like to stay for breakfast and help decorate some of the cookies you had made last night.

Echo wholeheartedly agreed, inviting you to the dinner Hunter was hosting that evening with Omega and the rest of his brothers.

The heaviness that had settled over both of you leading up to the holiday had lifted away, replaced with glimmering elation and harmony that only you could give one another, knowing you would never have to be alone on Life Day ever again.

⋆｡˚❆˚ ⋆ Comments & Reblogs Appreciated! ⋆｡˚❆˚ ｡

Dividers by @saradika

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