#maybe they even keep a tooka or two

[nakaremfarlei]

Was just thinking about the amount of animals Obi-Wan interacts with compared to literally everyone else and in the Clone Wars episode where Kamino gets attacked he literally gets saved twice by the same ray-like animal and just...

The growth from judging Qui-Gon for the 'pathetic lifeforms' he picks up to whatever he has going on during the Clone Wars era. He must have gotten that from Qui-Gon though, right?

And because it's my brain and it's rotting with all the star wars stuff I am consuming I was thinking of Obi-Wan saving all these creatures and the 212th having to deal with that. Surely they made one of the rooms pet proof in case one of them needs a new home. There also have to be clones who love that because of course Obi-Wan can't really take care of rescues on top of all his duties.

After the first few times this happens Cody learns to order animal food and other necessities. And if the Republic doesn't fulfill these requests or asks too many questions he'll just have to make sure to organize them on planet during the campaigns.

[dystopicjumpsuit]

DJ MY LOVE!

May I request, from the cuddle prompts, of you feel so inspired:

- Feeling the rumble of their chest when they talk while cuddling

Or

- Needing their cuddles even though they have something else to do

With Tech! Haven't asked for him in a while and I think we could all use some Tech fluff right about now.

(If you get a bunch of asks for the same Clone or just feel a pull towards another clone, feel free to change it. 😘)

A/N: REBEL MY LOVE! Thank you for this! I’ve never written Tech before, and I was a bit intimidated, so I hope I’ve done justice to our boy. Also, you get two prompts for the price of one 🩵

Pairing: Tech x Reader (GN; reader is shorter than Tech but not otherwise described, aside from having a rough morning and a tendency to keep things bottled up)

Rating: T (but as always, minors DNI)

Wordcount: 789

Warnings and tags: fluff, cuddles, Star Wars swearing, adult language

Summary: You swear to the Maker, if ONE MORE THING goes wrong today, you’re going to lose your mind. Tech has an exceptional idea for how to help.

Masterlist | Sign up for my tag list

“Dank farrik,” you muttered under your breath.

The kriffing durang fruit you’d planned on turning into muffins had gone off. It smelled like death itself, and you gagged as you tossed it into the trash compactor. With a sigh, you glanced at your chronometer and winced.

Late. Kark. 

You snatched up your cup of caf as your brain raced to think of an alternative breakfast that you could pull together in a hurry before your scheduled holocomm. Not that Omega or the Batch really needed you to cook breakfast for them, but Benduday morning muffins had become something of a tradition, and you really, really didn’t want to see the matching disappointment in Omega and Wrecker’s eyes when you told them they would need to fend for themselves that day.

Maybe Shep has some extra—

“MOTHERKRIFFER!” you exclaimed, cutting off your own train of thought as the lid on your mug popped loose and you doused yourself in hot caf.

A quiet rustle sounded from the front of the Marauder as Tech slid out from beneath the control console and sat up to watch you, setting aside his hydrospanner. With supreme effort, you managed to keep your eye from twitching as you braced yourself for a well-deserved lecture on your language.

“Is everything all right?” he asked instead.

“Peachy,” you grumbled, grabbing a towel to wipe off your shirt in disgust.

He rose quietly and approached. “I do not believe you.”

“What gave it away?” you snapped, flinging the towel into the sink with a frankly unnecessary level of force.

“You are upset. Given the relatively minor nature of the incident, I deduce that something else is bothering you. Do you wish to discuss it?”

“Not really.”

“Astonishing,” he said dryly. 

“The kriff is that supposed to mean?” you demanded.

“Merely that I have observed that you often prefer not to discuss your struggles, though I hope none of us have ever made you feel as though you should not speak freely when something is troubling you.”

You blinked, too surprised to be offended at his earlier sarcasm. “You have?”

“Indeed.”

Well… shit.

“It’s nothing,” you lied. Tech made no response, but he didn’t bother to hide his skepticism. “Fine. It’s a bunch of tiny somethings that have all piled up on top of each other, and nothing is going the way I had planned, and I’m hungry, damn it, and now I have to think of something to cook for breakfast, except I have no kriffing caf left to make my brain work, and I have no other fruit to make muffins, so Wrecker and Omega are going to give me the tooka eyes, and I have a stupid holocomm that I’m expecting at literally any minute, and I don’t even want to talk to them, but I feel like I have to, and I swear to the Maker, if ONE more thing goes wrong, I’m going to lose my ever-loving mind!”

You grabbed the towel and began to scrub the sink furiously, desperate to focus on something other than the conversation that you very much didn’t want to have. After a few seconds, though, you felt a weight on your shoulder. You turned to see Tech’s hand resting there, and for a moment you were so shocked that you stopped scrubbing. He was not usually one to initiate physical contact, and you had always tried to respect his boundaries.

“Tech?” you asked uncertainly.

“I have observed that you often seem to find comfort in Wrecker and Omega's hugs when you are upset. As Wrecker and Omega are not currently present, I would like to offer my own.”

“Are you sure?” you inquired, dumbfounded. “Aren't you busy with the repairs from Omega’s last flight lesson?”

“It can wait,” he replied. “Unless you would prefer not—”

His sentence cut off abruptly as you crashed into him, burying your face against his chest and wrapping your arms around his waist. His arms closed around your shoulders, and he held your head in one hand. You slumped against him, turning your head so you could breathe.

“Thank you,” you murmured.

“You are welcome,” he replied, the rumble of his voice vibrating against your ear as you rested your cheek against his chest. “I do not wish you to feel as though you must face all your struggles alone. Even the tiny ones.”

Just then, your comlink chimed with the dreaded holocomm.

“Do you wish to answer that?” he asked.

“Not really,” you admitted, “but I probably should.”

“May I propose an alternative course of action?”

“Propose away,” you replied.

“Remain with me, like this, and forget the holocomm,” he replied.

“You know what?” you asked. “That's an exceptional proposition. I accept.”

---

Want to request a ficlet? Check out this list of prompts!

More Bad Batch fics: Hunter fluff; Hunter spice; Crosshair hurt comfort; Crosshair fluff

Taglist:

@secondaryrealm @sev-on-kamino @523rdrebel @wings-and-beskar @merkitty49

@anxiouspineapple99 @sinfulsalutations @arcsimper5 @starrylothcat @clio3kantarella

@cloneloverrrrr @goblininawig @ladytano420 @arctrooper69 @sunshinesdaydream

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@totallyunidentified @eclec-tech @euphoriacafe @hipwell @yve-barr

@dangraccoon

[ghostofskywalker]

Deep Space Delicacies

Echo/Reader

Words: 1,756

Summary: In the midst of the war, you manage to find the time to bring about a different, more welcome kind of chaos: teaching the clones how to bake. The 501st take the opportunity to force you and Echo to admit how you feel about each other.

Prompts: "don't want to bother you, but you have chocolate on your cheek" (from the exchange) and stuck (from my @clonexreaderbingo card)

Note: this fic is part of the @cloneficgiftexchange Life Day Exchange, which I ran! this prompt is from @flyiingsly and i had so much fun writing it! i hope you enjoy it :)

Clone Troopers Masterlist

When you first agreed to help some of your friends in the 501st bake something to help pass the time on the ship, you expected it to be low key. You were on a flagship in the middle of the galaxy, the battalion wasn’t technically on shore leave yet, and the Resolute’s kitchens weren’t exactly made for this kind of thing. But of course, you should have known better than to expect anything but utter chaos from your current company.

“Hey, what kind of eggs are these anyway?” Jesse asked, inspecting the container like he was trying to diffuse a bomb.

Kix looked up from his datapad, where he was reading the recipe. “Why do you care?”

“Because if they’re tooka eggs I don’t want to eat them!”

Fives cut in, yelling across the room to enter the conversation. “Tookas don’t lay eggs you di’kut!”

“Oh yeah, then what laid these?”

It was then that Hardcase decided to add his two credits, and of course you couldn’t expect anything less. “No, a gundark laid these!”

“These are definitely not gundark eggs,” you said, turning to the group as you spoke. “They come from a small bird that’s native to Naboo, but now they can be found on a lot of different planets.”

Jesse nodded. “Because people like to eat them?”

You nodded. “Yeah, both the bird and their eggs have grown to become part of several different planets’ cuisines. We’re very lucky that Coruscant is one of those planets, or we might not be able to do this right now.”

Once the ingredients were all organized (though you knew it wouldn’t last long), it was time to bake. “I think we have enough room and ingredients so that we all don’t have to hover over the same mixing bowl,” you said.

You expected a nod to your words, maybe a joke about turning this into a competition, but instead you were greeted by Jesse practically jumping up from his seat. “Do we have enough for three teams?” Jesse asked.

“I think so, why?”

“Great, then Kix and I-”

But before he could finish his sentence, Fives decided to speak. “Jesse and Kix, me and Hardcase, and you and Echo!” he said, looking around at everyone. “Sounds good!”

You watched Kix’s face as Fives spoke, and there was a nagging feeling in the back of your mind that they all knew something you didn’t. “Is everyone okay with that?” you asked, trying to look at everyone’s faces.

The chorus of agreements you received as a response only strengthened the idea that there was something at play you didn’t understand, but you didn’t know enough to even begin questioning it yet.

After confirming that everyone else was all set to start baking (and making sure Fives and Hardcase knew that you were keeping a very close eye on them), you and Echo began to measure the ingredients for your little batch.

If anyone had asked, you would have been fine working with any one of the men here, but you were (secretly) very glad that you were with Echo right now. And if by chance the secret did come out that you were playing favorites, you would simply defend yourself by saying that by working with Echo, your baking was most likely to succeed, since he was the most careful of the bunch. But in reality, it was more than that.

Your friendship with Echo was very quickly blossoming into full-blown feelings, and you would take any chance you got to be near him. You couldn’t help but fall for the kind and gentle ARC trooper, and every single time the 501st went out on a mission you worried about what might happen. Right now though, those thoughts were far from your mind, and you shared a smile with him as you worked together.

***

Despite your fears about accidentally blowing up one of the Republic’s prized flagships, the actual baking process wasn’t too painful. Sure, there were small mountains of flour all over the floor and somehow Fives managed to get eggs in his hair, but with this group, that could have happened on any given Taungsday.

Once the cookies were finally cooled off, and the space having been (mostly) cleaned up, you began to set out all the different frostings, sprinkles, sugars, and candies that you had hidden away to decorate with. You had to keep this step a secret from the boys because you knew all of your fun ingredients would have been eaten before you knew it, and now it was finally time to have some fun.

Which of course, given your current company, meant that it was time to make another big mess.

This time you weren’t exempt from the chaos, as much as you tried to be careful. But there was always something more endearing about decorated cookies that looked just a little bit wrong, so you had no issues with the mess. And there was less of a chance that major injuries would be sustained during this step of the process as the others, so you weren’t as watchful over everyone.

When Fives had pulled out a vibroblade and proceeded to cut some of the cookies into different shapes before baking, you had almost had a heart attack. Thankfully, you intercepted that quickly and handed out (slightly safer) cooking knives so everyone could busy themselves with creating different shapes. Some of them (like Kix’s carefully carved out tree) turned out better than others (like Jesse’s attempt to make a cookie in the shape of the flagship, which now looked like a misshapen blob).

You and Echo had stuck with simple designs, and were now decorating a fleet of circles, hearts, and stars. You worked together like a well-oiled machine, wordlessly handing each other exactly the candy or decorating implement that you needed at that given moment.

Your focus was razor sharp as you tried to arrange the small candies on top of the frosting, and you jumped slightly when someone tapped your shoulder. When you realized it was just Echo, you relaxed. “I don’t want to bother you, but you have some chocolate on your cheek,” he said.

“Oh,” you breathed, completely frozen in place as Echo reached up and gently swiped the tiny glob of frosting off your cheek. Internally, you were screaming. The two of you were so close, and his hands were so warm, this had to be some kind of dream. You moved apart after the small moment, but the smile on your face never went away, and soon the background noise of the others laughing faded away too.

Which is why it was such a surprise when you looked up to see the room completely empty (except for you and Echo). It was still an absolute mess, but Jesse, Kix, Fives, and Hardcase were nowhere to be found.

The two of you shared a confused look, and Echo moved towards the doorway, only to turn back after a moment. “The door’s locked.”

“What?” Reaching out towards the panel, you found out that he was right. These types of doors didn’t usually lock, but there was an override programmed on the datapads of high-ranking officers just in case something came up where it was a necessity. The possibility of having a situation that would require it was rare, so even as the battalion’s auxiliary support officer, you didn’t have that capability. “How would they have locked it?”

“Someone must have swiped Rex’s datapad,” Echo said. “Because the ARC ones don’t have this command.”

“Why would they want to lock us in here?” You’ve always had a suspicion that Jesse knew about your crush on Echo, but you could never truly confirm it. You would not be surprised if this whole thing was his idea, and that he was trying to move things forward.

“Oh I am going to kill them,” Echo muttered. “This has Fives’ sticky fingers all over it, that-”

“Echo, you said softly, reaching out to tap his hand. “It’s going to be okay. I can send a comm to General Skywalker, and we’ll be out of here in no time.”

“It’s not that,” he said, and the look on his face certainly piqued your attention. “They’re trying to get me to admit how I feel about you, and somehow it’s working.”

Everything stopped in your brain. For the briefest moment, all your thoughts were static, completely unable to register what had just been said.

Echo must have seen the look of sheer shock on your face, because he stepped forward. “You don’t need to do or say anything if you don’t want to,” he said. “But I guess my brothers are right in that you deserve to know how wonderful I think you truly are.”

By some miracle, after a moment of silence you were able to respond in a coherent way. “But Echo, I think you’re wonderful too.”

You’ve seen Echo smile on multiple occasions before, but the look on his face after you spoke was something so much more special. The two of you were close enough that he could easily reach out and take your hand, and you could have sworn you felt sparks fly as you touched. You so desperately wanted to kiss him, and it seemed he wanted something similar, because moments later your lips were on his.

But of course, perfection can’t always last forever, because the door to the room opened, and the two of you sprang apart. You should have known that it would be Fives who was standing in the doorway, a look of pure joy on his face. “Kix owes me 10 credits!” he yelled, and the sound of whoops and cheers echoed through the halls. Clearly, their little plan had succeeded.

But Echo did not look as amused as his twin, so you took his hand again, pulling him out of the room and into the hallway of the ship. “Wait, where are you going?” Jesse asked.

“We’ve got things to do,” you said simply, and you could see Echo’s eyes widen as he took in your implication. “And if any of you disturb us, or the kitchen isn’t sparkling clean by the time we get back, I’ll tell Rex that you’re the ones who swiped his datapad.”

Your threat had the intended effect, and you leaned in to place a kiss on Echo’s cheek while his brothers rushed back into the kitchen. “Come on,” you said with a smile. “We deserve some privacy.” 

- the end -

i no longer have a taglist! if you're interested in being notified when i post, you can follow my library blog @ghostofskywalker-library and turn on notifications!

[moodymisty]

Bad Batch - Sleeping/Cuddling Headcanons

Author’s Note: I've had these in my drafts since I started this blog a year ago, so... enjoy? :3

Relationships: Tech x Gn!Reader, Crosshair x Gn!Reader, Hunter x Gn!Reader, Wrecker x Gn!Reader, and Echo x Gn!Reader

Warnings: One or two very mild hints of lewd content, so I'm being very safe 18+ only

✦ Wrecker ✦

Wrecker has always found the feeling of sleeping with something- or someone- in his arms soothing. Maybe it's the weight, or just the feeling of his arms cradling around something soft. Lula was always there for him, and he still has the stuffed tooka sitting comfortably, and close by, in the corner of his bunk.

When you came along, you ended up replacing the plush tooka in a way; Serving as a new, larger thing to hold.

Whether he's on his back and you're on his chest, or on his side and he's got your front or back against his chest, Wrecker will always have both arms effectively caging you in a hug; Holding you tight.

When it's cold, as The Marauder often gets when you're in hyperspace, it's magical. This man is a human heater in it's purest form, and him snuggling close is warmer than almost any blanket.

And also waking up after some sleep is almost always a highlight. You'll get a kiss and a 'good morning' (even if you're in hyperspace and gods know what time it is) before you have to break apart and get out of bed. Or his bunk. Or the co-pilot's seat because you fell asleep in his lap again.

But Wrecker is usually a heavy sleeper, so you've become a master at slowly wriggling your way out if you need to in the middle of the 'night', and then slipping right back in, feeling his arms re-tighten once you return into his reach.

Every now and again however Wrecker will be latched onto you too tight to allow you freedom, and you end up having to wake him up in order to escape.

Sometimes he'll let you go right away, but other times he'll put up a fight and smirk before putting some weight on you, trapping you with him until you pay the toll to escape.

The toll is always a kiss or sometimes two; Though lately he keeps raising the price...

✦ Hunter ✦

Hunter admittedly takes a decent while before he's willing to be affectionate to the degree of cuddling.

He has to get using to being with someone in such a vulnerable state, and train himself out of bad habits that tell him to keep these types of things to himself, and people at arms length.

But you're nothing if not persistent, (while also being patient and understanding of course) and after a few times of falling asleep on his shoulder or inviting him to spend the night at your home, he eventually gets his inner thoughts sorted out and allows himself to indulge.

Once he's more comfortable, Hunter is always the big spoon. Tugging the covers almost and sometimes completely overtop of the both of you, Hunter will wrap his arms around your waist and tug close enough that his face presses against the back of your head.

It almost feels like a little cocoon or nest in a way, and even if you don't normally sleep like this, you have to admit it's very comfortable. (Though maybe having Hunter as part of the equation helps just a bit.)

As he's getting more sleepy he'll always take a deep breath and sigh, your hair brushing against his skin. He once tried to explain it to you once; That your familiar scent being so close meant that you were safe and he could relax. That with you in his arms, he could loosen his shoulders and close his eyes, knowing you were right here and unharmed.

Hunter always hates the way he eventually has to drag himself from the little pocket of warmth beneath the blankets you both created, but he at least got a good night's rest.

When he can't have you close by however, he absolutely has something that serves your place usually while deployed on The Marauder.

For awhile it was one of your nightshirts, and another time it was a small blanket you'd use to drape over your legs when it was cold. They both smell like you, and with his senses it helps him get to sleep that little bit faster when you aren't right there.

✦ Tech ✦

Tech often falls asleep in places he shouldn’t, and most times you end up having to herd him back towards his bunk in order to get him to sleep properly.

If and when he does lay down he’s almost always on his back, leaving an arm away from his body so you can tuck against his side.

It was a bit awkward for him at first; He felt like he needed to figure the 'right' way to do sleep in the same bed together or hold you. He ended up taking your comfort as him doing it 'right' enough however, and quickly embraced his new sleeping habits.

If he doesn't instantly pass out he’ll usually tinker or read something, sometimes out loud; As once you'd asked him to, eager to listen and him eager to share. It also helps that Tech's voice is extremely consistent and soothing, and more often than not can lull you to sleep faster than anything else can.

Recently however, you’ve been trying to read to him as well. He had given you his datapad with something pulled up and quietly asked if you would; Saying he wanted to continue reading, but his head hurt too much to stare at the screen for any longer. But Tech can't leave things unfinished, even if for a few hours.

He seemed almost surprised when you had said yes, every now and again glancing over to see his eyes closed with goggles off while you read on to the next sentence.

Now almost every time you're both pressed side to side, with Tech always having an arm around you as you or him partake in some pre-sleep winding down.

Sometimes you might stutter or find the topic he's chosen a bit boring, but he seems to really enjoy it, listening to you repeat sentences of borderline incomprehensible technological theorycrafting while you wiggle deeper into the hold his arm has around your shoulders. Your cuddles and sleeping habits are a consistent, well oiled machine, which always end with a goodnight kiss.

(Meanwhile, Hunter is cursing his hearing. Please put down the datapad it's been over an hour and you're both still mumbling about software constraints and he is suffering.)

✦ Echo ✦

Echo has always had trouble sleeping, especially before you’d arrived in his life. Though even if he does, and it's obvious, it takes more than a little while for him to allow himself to show he is troubled by it.

So it ends up taking a little while before you get to the point of cuddling up, and even then, you can feel Echo is a little stiff and awkward. It wasn't bad when you sit in the same seat as him, just laying your legs over his so your weight doesn't weigh down his legs, but now that your limbs are all tangled up, it's a bit more obvious.

He admits that he worries his cybernetics make him uncomfortable for you to lay with, and that maybe it isn't the best idea. He doesn't want to hurt you, he says, illuding to you waking up with dents on your skin from where your leg laid against his.

But you wake up with dents in your skin from your clothes or your leg falling off the side of your bed or the bunks in The Marauder, you're not going to let something so silly prevent you from waking up with him beside you.

Speaking of Echo's cybernetics they often make him run a bit colder than the average person, but you have zero complaints. Especially if you're on a hot planet like Tatooine...

It also means you better have more than one blanket, as he'll probably end up stealing it while he sleeps. You're all snuggled against his chest with his chin on your head, until suddenly your back feels cold; The blanket having been pulled away.

There's also been a few times that he's teasingly put a cold piece of metal against your skin under the blankets and made you almost squeal, but bringing that up always makes him feign innocence.

But most of all, he loves waking up before you, and enjoy the feeling of going back to sleep with you again. Sometimes he'll sneak a little kiss but it oftentimes it ends up waking you up, but you don't mind.

✦ Crosshair ✦

Crosshair often sleeps partly leaning up, even if you lament about how that would destroy your back if you ever tried it.

Part of it is always wanting to be alert and ready to go if anything happens, and sometimes he simply passes out while working on something (his rifle, usually).

When you end up joining him in his own bunk instead of your own, for the first while he continues the habit, feeling as you lay close to him with your head by his waist.

He pretends to not be fond of the affection- as he always does- though he never actually puts his foot down. He continues to let you awkwardly sleep on him, until he finally relents to start laying on his back and you throw an arm over his stomach.

He'll throw his arm over his eyes and fall asleep, and even he can't deny that when he wakes up, he feels a little better than usual.

The sniper is absolutely a heat leech, and he- embarrassingly so to him, gets particularly cuddly when he's cold. He runs chilly, and he doesn't say it, but he really enjoys having someone keeping the little pocket of air underneath the one thin blanket he has warm because his body can't seem to do so itself...

He's far more open to this sort of affection when you're alone, like in your home per say, but if you're on The Marauder, he doesn't mind too much if you sneak into his bunk. He'll give you a little side eye, but it's more amused than anything.

It's not gotten to the point that if you for some reason don't instantly join him as you usually do, Crosshair will end up getting almost frustrated, and you'll be able to feel the heat on your back.

Sometimes you'll wake up randomly almost feeling like he's brushing your hair out of your face or touching your forehead, but he always denies doing such a thing with a scoff if you sleepily roll over and ask.

[apocalyp-tech-a]

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW 🌈 (TechxReader)

Hello! This is my Bad Batch XReader Exchange gift for @deezlees for the @cloneficgiftexchange run by @ghostofskywalker!!! 💜

Prompts: Learning to ride a horse || Going on a vacation together || His first time at a history museum || Confident reader persona

Words: 2500

Warnings: None except flirtation maybe

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/55173340

A/N: Having background in public history and having already written Tech at museums, this was a perfect matching!!! Hope you enjoy it! 🤓 And thank you to @cloneficgiftexchange for running it!

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW 🌈 (Tech X Reader)

The sun shone through the early morning commute of speeders and ships traversing Coruscant's sky, its pale blue color muted by smog that even the planet's filtering system could not alleviate. Towering skyscrapers of grays in every hue passed by as you navigated to the Grand Army of the Republic's base.

Upon pulling up in your speeder, a bright millaflower red Mustang XD38, you saw your future passenger salute you by casually flicking three fingers from his brow. You brought the speeder to a stop and flirted. "Hey good looking. Looking for a ride?"

"That depends," he said as he hopped into the passenger side with one dexterous and confident move.

"Depends on what, Tech?" You raised an eyebrow at him.

"On if I can be the driver." He adjusted his goggles hopefully.

"Can I pilot the Marauder?"

"No."

"Then you can be my CO-pilot. Just remember, I am the Captain here." You winked at him playfully.

You revved up the engine, but it wasn't loud enough to cover Tech's large sigh of frustration. You chuckled to yourself proudly before shooting him a grinning glance. "Aw, don't be like that, maybe you can drive back."

"That is exactly what you said on our previous two outings." Tech held up a pointed finger in a very casual, yet disgruntled manner.

"Yes. Hence the word "maybe."

Tech's propensity for arguing about who was driving dissipated as the museum came into view. His eyes were wide with excitement, though you knew he was trying to keep that emotion at bay. You had seen him go on one of his excited know-it-all rants before. You found them amusing, endearing, and most of all impressive. He was the smartest person you knew, whether it was from Kaminoan meddling or not, didn't matter.  You loved listening to him, and he loved to talk. And you didn't just like listening to him because of the pleasing sound of his voice and looks, but because he actually did talk about things that were interesting. 

After parking, you both walked to the museum's main entrance. Tech adjusted his goggles as his head tilted back to take in the much larger than necessary doors adorned by a full arch of sculpted marble, stone, mythological figures from all over the galaxy.

"Shall we?" You suggested with a smile.

Tech nodded in the affirmative. "After you, Madame." Tech took note of the strange face you gave him upon being called 'Madame.' Perhaps it was a little old fashioned, but he still had not figured out what else he could use in place of your name without being too forward or disrespectful. Sometimes you called him 'Hot Shot' or 'Ace' which were exceedingly better than the names his brothers called him.  

As for you, his brothers were not without suggestions. Crosshair suggested 'Doll,' Hunter suggested 'Sweetheart,' Echo suggested 'Dearest,' and Wrecker suggested 'Booboo-tooka.'  

None of those monikers were quite sufficient, however, but Tech knew a solution would eventually present itself.

Since you had already purchased tickets as a surprise for him since he had not only repaired, but upgraded and heavily modified the repulsor system for your speeder, you were able to acquire visitor badges quickly and began your mosey through the museum.

With twenty levels, there was no way you could see everything in one day let alone a few hours, but you knew Tech had marked out an itinerary on his datapad to follow at your suggestion. You knew he only had so much leave to see what most piqued his interest. Even though he wanted to see everything, you finally convinced him to whittle it down to four floors.

"Let's start with the Paleolithic and Neolithic," he said with a tweak of his goggles. He started walking toward the lifts as if he had been there before, but you knew he had simply memorized the entire museum's layout.

"Sounds good to me," you said walking beside him. As you stood in the lift, you tilted your head up to study his profile as he continued to look down at his datapad. You wanted to blame the movement of the lift tube for the slight buckling in your knees, but you knew it was all due to his handsomeness. 

Your heart pitter-pattered the moment you had seen him at 79s three months ago. You weren't one to go pick up guys at bars, but there was something unique and enticing about him. You thought little of it or him, figuring to never see him again until he came into your electronics shop in search of a capacitor.  

Apparently your knowledge of computers made an impression because he came in the next day looking for a hyper-regulator. With fate on your side, you asked if he wanted to meet you for a drink and after some adorable awkwardness, he agreed.

The lift doors slid open and you stepped into a carefully curated world of wood and stone. Dioramas with the first humans, the first Trandoshans, the first Rodians, Twi'leks, and Pantorans were set up along one corridor.  

"It is fascinating, the similarities between different species as pertains to the genesis and evolution of technology," Tech marveled as you came to the exhibit of like tools from all over the galaxy. "The Twi'lek arrowhead is quite similar to the Devaronian and Human. The same goes for ax-heads and needles. But once you get to items like beads and pottery vessels, you see the cultural trajectory lose conformity and develop based on materials available by individual local environment and customs."

"I had never really thought about it like that. I'm used to technology and more recent history I guess."  You shrugged.

"Indeed. One can hardly expect the modern mind to memorize all of the information whether historical or technological. Though I do try."

"You have some 'exceptional' advantages that the rest of us do not," you teased. You had not known him three rotations when he went on a detailed explanation of he and his brothers' 'defects' which did not sound like defects at all to you. Then he continued to explain how those traits made them more deviant than defective. You certainly understood that side of him as he often met with you when he should have been attending to GAR duties.

Satisfied with your visit to the 'stone' ages, you next traveled through time and to the fifth floor to the rise of cities and nation states.  

Tech stared at the first exhibit with fascination.  "The agricultural revolution varied by planet. Those that did not have crops that could be mass produced could only sustain small settlements, whereas those with large crops could maintain large cities that grew exponentially into kingdoms and nations."

"And wars and starvation."

"Yes," Tech turned to you, his brow furrowed with concern at your statement. Did you not find history as fascinating as he did? He knew your views on the war and cloning. He dared not ask, but all he could do was agree with you.

When Tech continued to stare at you, you realized maybe you had gone too far and put a damper on an outing that was supposed to be fun. "I'm sorry, Tech. I didn't mean to rain on your parade."

He adjusted his goggles thoughtfully. "I have seen plenty of rain on Kamino," he said understandingly. "You need not apologize. That is an unfortunately correct assessment of civilization. With growth and progress comes conflict and suffering. The two seem to go hand in hand, but I think rather to have faith that intelligence and good intentions have the advantage."

"In that case, it's almost as if sentient life is collectively "defective." You smiled, grateful for his understanding and wisdom. For being a clone maybe a third your age, if that, you can not but admire his calm and collected approach to situations and problems. The only thing he seemed to ever be nervous around is you, but that was understandable because you knew the clone troopers didn't exactly get lessons in romance in the GAR.

Tech merely pushed his goggles up the bridge of his nose with a knowing smile. He was never quite sure how to take your sarcasm, probably because he was self aware of his own and that of his brothers, Crosshair in particular. But the affectionate twinkle in your eyes and gentle flourish of your smile made his heart beat a little faster and the tips of his ears feel a little warmer.

He had not expected to become interested in a female. He was engineered to be a soldier, nothing more. Yet, you made him feel like he was more than that, that he wanted more even. He found himself returning to your shop even though he really did not need to.

And yet he did 'need' to.

Tech found himself smiling back at you. "Indeed. I must apologize. We have been to two floors of exhibits that I wanted to see. Is there something you would like to see?"

"No, Tech. This was all for you."

"I should very much like to learn about what interests you."

"Well, there is an atrium level. Gardens and ruins from other worlds. I remember being taken with the one from Naboo when I was a child." You felt a little weird saying that considering Tech was technically the same age as you were at the time. "You can actually sit there and relax. Or meditate like a Jedi." You shrugged.

"I would very much like that."

After browsing the garden exhibits of Kashyyyk, Chandrila, Selonia, and Old Coruscant, you settled in the Naboo section. A small waterfall splashed down a rock cliff before flowing through a makeshift river that encapsulated the area and then recycled back to the top of the waterfall. Lush green grass spread across one half before melding with a more tree and moss covered rocky area that housed some Gungan head statues. But what really amazed you not only as a child, but as an adult as well, were the guarlara statues that guarded the Naboo area.  

Tech studied you as you gazed upon the statues, content to witness your own fixation with something in the museum since you put up with his. "The guarlara, a quadrupedal mammal native to Naboo, having evolved the physical trait of speed on that planet's grassy plains and also a long mane of hair. Used as transportation before the speeder was invented and now only used for official royal business such as coronations."

"Sadly, I don't think I'll ever get a chance to ride one."

"No. They are reserved for royalty," Tech said a little too bluntly. But you knew he didn't mean anything by it and that he for the most part sympathized with you.

"Indeed," you echoed a word he had a habit of saying. "Let's sit over on that fancy stone bench. My feet are a little sore from all of the walking we've done."

"Indeed," Tech said in reply with a grin. He forgot you were probably not used to walking five or ten klicks or more as he was.

You both sat in silence as the sound of the waterfall drowned out the low chatter of the museum. You took extra satisfaction because Tech is sitting right next to you, so close that your arms and legs were touching.  

You knew he was a little nervous because he continued to look down at his datapad rather than enjoy the soothing sound of the waterfall, but maybe water just wasn't his thing.

“Hey Ace. What cycle are we heading for next?”

There it was. 'Ace.' One of your pet names for him. He wanted so badly to find one for you as well, but he wanted a special name, not the usual. He knew you liked driving and piloting as he did, but Ace could not work for both of you. He knew you also liked guarlaras, but there were not many equus related monikers that seemed suitable. Guarlara itself did not roll off the tongue very well. Pony was not very romantic. And mare simply sounded unsuitable.

Tech's eyes went from studying his datapad to studying the floor. He was disappointed that he could not find an ideal solution to this very simple quandary.

He now turned to you, studying your delicate features, so content to be in your favorite part of the museum, yet you were so colorful as well, not like anyone he had ever met before. When you turned to him, he took to studying the sparkle in your eyes, that seemed to represent everything he admired about you.

“What is it?” you asked, noticing Tech staring at you strangely.

He took your hand in his. "I was simply thinking about what an extraordinarily colorful woman you are. You remind me of the rainbows on Kamino. They were always so vibrant after a storm. And you are a vibrant beacon after all of the missions we go on. You are like a rainbow to me, albeit in adult human female form."

“Awwww...” You squeeze his hand and place your other hand over your heart. "I think that might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me."

Tech could not help the large smile that spread across his face. “Then it is settled, Rainbow.”

You could not stifle the huge goofy smile that was spread across your face, beaming with happiness at Tech, whose eyes reflected your contentment. “You know, Ace, I think you might have earned the title of Captain.”

“That is not possible. Hunter is our Sergeant and first in line for that- Oh. You are referring to your speeder. You are going to let me pilot it?” Tech asked with a hopeful tweak of his goggles.

You laughed at him. “Come on, Captain Tech. Let's finish out the rest of the museum, then you can take me for ride.” The sly wink you gave him gave you exactly the fumbling reaction you desired.

Tech pushed his goggles up the bridge of his nose nervously and cleared his throat. “Yes. I shall take you for a ride in your speeder.”

After you were all done at the museum, you took note of Tech's excitement to sit on the pilot side of your speeder while you took the seat he had earlier.  Before you knew it, you were speeding away from the museum, up into the sky at a breakneck, but controlled speed, but it didn't matter, you knew he was a skilled pilot, and you trusted him with your life, and your heart.

Tech looked over at you, a huge smile spread across your face as the speeder breezed through the bright, neon signs and beaming lights of the other vehicles in the skylanes and shining through the windows of the skyscrapers.  All of the colors of the Coruscant evening did not compare to the lovely colors of you, his own personal Rainbow.

[sailorkamino]

dancing and tookas (wrecker's pov)

wildflower masterlist

relationships: twi'lek!jedi!reader x wrecker [gn, can be platonic or romantic]

summary: you and wrecker bond through dancing holo games and sparring. after accidentally hurting your lekku wrecker is avoiding you but you know he won't be able to resist the tooka family you've befriended.

word count: 1.8k

warnings: jealousy (wrecker is an attention whore), every batcher just wants to be praised, accidental injury, misplaced guilt, insecurities/negative self image, wrecker thinks he's dumb and clumsy sometimes but he's best boy

Wrecker likes you right away. You’re nice, and pretty, and funny, and you can do crazy flips.

You praise them a lot. Sometimes Wrecker feels left out when you’re talking to one of his brother’s so he’ll do something to get your attention. Crosshair says he’s jealous but he’s not. He’s just never had a friend before that’s not his brother, of course he wants to spend time with you!

It’s worse when you spend time with non clone force 99 members. You’re somehow friends with Alpha-17. Wrecker didn’t even know he was capable of having friends but jedi’s are magical. Sometimes you help him with training ARC’s. Which is fine. But Wrecker is way stronger than them and he feels like you should know that.

His first time in hyperspace you teach him how to dance. “Since the Marauder’s too small for a gym I downloaded some games to keep us busy,” you explain, clicking on your datapad. You show him all kinds of simulations: playing sports, racing, building, fighting, dancing, something with animals.

The dancing one catches his interest. Wrecker’s always had a hard time sitting still and it sounds fun. But he doesn’t want to embarrass himself in front of his new best fr- commanding officer. You’re so graceful. He’ll probably look like a drunk rancor next to you.

“Can I pick the first game?” You ask, looking at him thoughtfully.

Wrecker is surprised for a moment. Nat borns don’t usually care what he thinks. He wonders if all jedi are as nice as you. Probably not. You seem special. He nods quickly. “Of course, general! It’s your ‘pad.”

“Great! I wanna dance,” you smile. Before he can say anything you send him a reassuring look, “don’t worry, we’ll start off easy.”

He wonders if you could sense his nerves. Or maybe you can just tell he’ll be a bad dancer. You look at him consideringly. “Could you lift me?”

He puffs his chest out confidently. “With one hand.”

“Please use both,” Hunter pleads from the galley.

“Don’t worry sarge, I’ll play with you next!” You call back playfully as you select a song.

The dance is a duet to a song about forbidden love. The avatars start off in two different locations, doing slow, graceful movements. As the chorus hits the song becomes more upbeat, the scenery changing to a masquerade ball as they meet.

Wrecker’s hand completely sorrounds yours as he bites his lip in concentration. He apologizes quickly as his feet clash against yours. You grin with a graceful twirl. “Don’t stress, Wreck. The first time you do a dance it’s always a little clumsy.”

Wrecker starts to get more comfortable with the repetitive choreography. His timing is a little off but neither of you care. At the last chorus the avatars perform a lift. Wrecker grins confidently. Lifting he can do.

He grabs you by the waist, plucking you up effortlessly, and spinning. You grasp his broad shoulders with a playful laugh. Wrecker forgets why was nervous in the first place.

Another activity he loves doing with you is hand to hand combat. You’re insanely quick and flexible, jumping and twisting out of his grasp with a smirk. When he spars with his brothers it’s often over too quick but you actually challenge him. When you do make contact instead of just dodging you’re much stronger than expected.

You have some downtime on a mission so you and Wrecker decide to spar in a grassy field near the Havoc Marauder. You’re both sweating and grinning playfully until a horrible yelp fills the air. His large hands fly away from you as if he’s been burned, his heart dropping to his gut. What did he do? He can’t even catch you, how did he hurt you?

Then he notices your fingers gingerly holding one of your lek. Oh no. No no no no! Tech told all of them just how sensitive lekku are and to be careful. He’s so stupid! “General! I’m so sorry! It was an accident, I didn’t mean to,” he rambles desperately. You have to know he didn’t do it on purpose.

You breathe deeply, eyes fluttering open to look at the trooper. “It’s alright, Wreck. I know you wouldn’t hurt me on purpose. It’s not even that bad, you just caught me off guard.”

Hunter pokes out of the ship. “Everything alright?”

“No! They’re hurt,” Wrecker wails before you can answer. Hunter’s worried eyes zero in on your hand holding one lek over your shoulder.

“I’m really fine, guys,” you assure with a frown.

“B-but lekku injuries can cause brain damage! That’s what Tech said!”

You give him a soft, affectionate look he doesn’t deserve. You’re always too nice. Too forgiving. (That’s why he gets so mad at Crosshair when he’s rude to you.) “That can only happen if the top of the lekku are seriously injured. Like crushed or something. You grabbed the bottom. I assure you, my brain is fine, Wreck. You didn’t hurt me.”

You offer his large hand a gentle squeeze. “Now that’s settled, do you mind if I wash up first?”

He nods quickly. A part of him wants you to stay and comfort him but he can’t look at you without feeling horrible. He tries to keep his voice as steady as possible when he replies, “of course, sir. I’m gonna work out some more.”

You study him with eyes that seem to go right through him. They’re kind but it’s still intimidating. He forces an awkward smile. You don’t seem to buy it but leave anyways, offering him a shoulder pat on your way to the Marauder. “Make sure to shower before movie night. I’m not gonna share my snacks with you if you stink.”

His grin becomes less fake. He loves team holo nights! Last time you sat between him and Hunter and you were so cozy. You explained it’s because twi’lek’s have higher body temperatures than humans and then casually mention cuddle piles with the 104th. That led to Wrecker asking, with no jealousy in his voice at all, “you cuddled with the 104th?”

“Mhmm, it started when Wolffe found me bunking with my master. He was all panicky cause he couldn’t find me,” you smile fondly at the memory. “I explained that since Plo’s cold blooded and twi’leks run warm we sometimes cuddle. He invited us to join the vode." Your face drops a bit, “especially after tougher missions.”

Wrecker wonders if you’ll join their cuddle piles. He hopes so. How long should you know someone before inviting them to snuggle with you and your siblings? Is it weird to ask? You’re a pretty tactile person which he enjoys. His brothers aren’t as touchy as him. Both Hunter and Tech have sensory issues so they aren’t always open to physical affection. Crosshair is just difficult. He bit him once.

“Hey Wrecker. You okay?”

Hunter’s familiar voice brings him back to the present. Any happiness melts away when he remembers what happened. He fakes another smile, “of course sarge. You should check on the general.” You have a tendency to downplay injuries, not wanting to use up precious medical supplies when you could do a ‘healing trance.’ Whatever that means.

Wrecker spends the next day as far away from you as possible. Which is painfully obvious considering how close the two of you usually are. That evening you go outside to meditate with Hunter.

You insist on meditating in nature when possible. Once the batch realized mediation meant you were essentially sleeping outside with no armor, completely vulnerable, they made sure one of them was always there to watch your six.

After healing one of Hunter’s migraines by petting his head like a tooka the sergeant had become more interested in the force. Instead of guarding your mediation sessions, he joined them. Wrecker tried but he’s not good at sitting still with nothing to do. Just another thing he’s too destructive for.

He’s so busy pouting he doesn’t notice Hunter approaching his cabin. “Hey Wrecker!” He calls out, a pleased smile on his mouth. “There’s something you need to see.”

His interest is piqued. If it was Crosshair he might be suspicious but Hunter isn’t much for pranks. He sits Lula gingerly beside him as he stands. “What is it?”

“Come on and find out.”

Hunter might not be a prankster but he’s a smug bastard. Although Wrecker whines childishly he actually enjoys when his oldest brother is playful. Now that you’ve joined the squad Hunter is no longer the sole leader, leaving him somewhat less burdened.

He exits the Marauder and sees you sitting in the grass with striped furballs crawling over your lap. He gasps dramatically. “Tookas!”

“Easy, Wrecker. Don’t scare them,” Hunter gently warns.

“Don’t worry. I’m calming them with the force.” You assure them with a warm smile. Hunter raises a questioning eyebrow but Wrecker is too entranced by the adorable animals to ask any follow up questions. He plops in the grass in front of you with starry eyes.

The mama tooka who is diligently sitting beside you saunters towards him. He watches with bated breaths as she settles into his lap with a flick of her bushy tail. “This is the best day of my life.” He stiffens, remembering who he’s talking to. “General,” he tacks on.

You scrunch your nose in distaste and Wrecker knows he said something wrong. But what? “I don’t like being called my rank outside of missions.” You confess, lifting a kitten covered hand. “I know you’ve been raised as a soldier so it’s natural for you but… I wasn’t.”

Wrecker take’s in the information with wide eyes. Even though his batch is known for being unorthodox, the military chain of command has been drilled into their minds since they were tubies. Speaking freely with another clone is one thing, but you’re a jedi. As much as he wants to be your friend it’s still a culture shock.

“You can call me a nickname if you like.” You suggest. “My master has called me wildflower sinde I was a youngling. The vode call me sarad – that’s mando’a for flower.”

Well a nickname seems easier. The clones go by nicknames. He doesn’t want to use the same one the regs do though. He brainstorms flower related words for a few moments as he strokes the tooka. “What about Blossom?” He asks hopefully.

“Blossom and the bad batch,” you test out with a smile. “I like the sound of that.”

[x-reader-things]

Sabine x fem/gn reader abc’s wholesome thing or random fluffy headcanon

I don’t have any wholesome abc’s prompts to look at at the moment, but I do have this!

I hope you enjoy!! :DDD

“It’s a perfect name!”

Sabine x f/gn!reader [Romantic]

Summary ; In which you struggle to find the perfect name for your’s and Sabine’s new pet.

Requested? ; Yes

Warnings ; None. Just fluff- <333

Word Count ; 675

——————————————————————

“We’re not naming the loth-kitten that.”

“Sabine, it’s a perfect name!”

“No.”

It’s been a couple years since the defeat of the Empire. Ezra’s still missing, Jacen is two months away from turning seven years old, and Ahsoka’s… off, somewhere.

Not that Sabine went looking for her like she did Ezra.

You and Sabine got together sometime in between, and only recently did you finally move into the LothalNet Tower that Ezra used to call home. Today, you had been in the grasslands around the tower, investigating a curious noise that’s been popping up every time you walk around a specific part of the concrete surrounding the tower.

A growl, kind of. Maybe something attuned to a chitter of some kind.

What you found in the wheat colored grass, however, was something you should’ve expected with noises like that.

A half eaten supply box of jogan fruit, a half eaten loth-rat, and a loth-kitten. Probably no older then a few weeks old.

Its fur was primarily white, with brown tipped ears and spots that grew lighter in color. It was… rare to see loth-kittens. And this one also had an injury that needed tended to, a gash on one of its bird-like legs.

You picked it up, and rushed inside to get Sabine, despite the little one’s meow’s of uncertainty.

“It’s alright, kitty,” you told the kitten with a rub of your thumb on the bridge of it’s flat nose. It keened into the touch, pressing its furred head into your hand. “We’re just gonna patch you up, ok?”

You brought it to Sabine, and together you guys cleaned the wound, and patched it up with one of the medkit’s lying around the tower’s floor.

Messy organized was something both of you got used to pretty quickly, with the way Ezra left things.

So now, the two of you were sat on the shared bed. Small, meant for one person, but nonetheless shared. It was comfortable, and you didn’t want to drag a whole new bed into the cluttered place.

The loth-kitten slept curled up into your lap. Sabine’s head rested against your shoulder, and gently ran a knuckle on the kitten’s back. It was so… small. Neither one of you were used to that from a species like this one. Which was part of the reason why you guys immediately - even without any words spoken at all - knew you both had to keep it.

It’s what Ezra would do.

He always loved those animals, despite lots-cats acting like little shits to him at times. But it’s what loth-cats do.

However, the only problem?

The name.

“But Tooka is a perfect name”, you said to Sabine, a disappointed lilt somewhere woven into your voice.

“Tooka is literally another name for loth-cats around the galaxy”, she chuckles, a small shake of her head following afterwards. “You’re just calling it cat in whatever language that name came from.”

“What about… Jacen?”

She gives you a look. “After Jacen?”

“Well, his birthday is coming up”, you pointed out. “What better gift than to tell him we named a loth-cat after him?”

“Sorry babe—“, she pressed a quick kiss into your temple, getting up off of the bed to get some proper food for the loth-kitten. Bantha milk, probably. She’s seen some loth-cats drink it before. Fed some stray ones in the city with it too. “There can only be one Jacen, and that’s our awesome Spectre-8.”

“Fair, fair”, you nodded, gently scratching the chin of the loth-kitten in your lap. It began to rumble gently, a soft purring emanating from it. You cooed at the little creature, gently picking it up to let it rest in your arms instead.

There were a few moments of silence, the only noise being the purring from the loth-cat and Sabine walking around the large room of the tower. A soft clanging noise and the dull thud of metal concluded that she found a bowl suitable for the kitten.

“…what about Zeb?”

A laugh, which flowed into words.

“No way.”

“Kallus?”

“No—“

[deejadabbles]

A Tooka for a Puppy (Wrecker Comfort Fluff)

Idk if this has been done before, but I just really love the idea of making plushies for Wrecker, so I wrote a mini fic about the idea. This is a reader insert but the relationship between you and Wrecker isn't explicitly romantic, can be read as platonic. Also the title is based off the fact that Wrecker is a giant puppy <3

Nightmares were not unheard of on the Marauder and unfortunately, you had grown too familiar with what each crew member sounded like when the woke from them.

It was your lookout shift and, though you had been curled up with your favorite blanket in the pilot chair, you knew you needed something to drink if you were going to make it the rest of watch. You were glad you had gotten up when you did.

Just as you were pouring your drink, you heard a clatter, the muffled sounds of ragged breathing following

You were by Wrecker's side in an instant. Even as you stroked his back- his usual calming method, he scrambled around his bunk for something, desperate and still breathing hard. It took the better part of ten minutes to calm him down enough to ask what he was looking for.

"Lula," he had said, voice graveled and shaken, "I keep thinking I lost her in the middle of the night. Forget I gave her to the kid."

Wrecker had one of the kindest hearts in the galaxy, that you were sure. He practically begged you not to mention his nightmares in front of Omega.

"Don't want her to try 'an give Lula back. She needs her more than me."

It made your heart ache. No one ever gave Wrecker enough credit for his deep wealth of empathy.

You had to do something. If he didn't have Lula, maybe a whole new tooka was in order. It took several days, even though you were between missions at the moment- sewing supplies weren't exactly common on the Marauder. Some things from the med-bay's stitching helped and as for material...well, the aforementioned favorite blanket, its fabric was a decent enough mimic of tooka fur.

Now you were standing in the hallway to the bunks, waiting for Wrecker to switch off his watch shift with Hunter. You heard his thudding footfalls first, then a loud yawn as he ducked through the door way.

He blinked a little when he saw you but quickly had that cute smile on.

"I've got a surprise for you."

Wrecker's face was alight in an instant, he loved getting presents, especially since they were so rare. "Oooo! What is it, what is it?!"

Slowly, and maybe a little sheepishly, you pulled your hand from behind your back, "I know she's not Lula, but, I thought maybe a new Tooka could help you sleep better."

He all but froze as he stared down at the stuffed animal. As if he were afraid it was made of glass, he raised his hand, not even daring to grab it as he just brushed his fingers along the fabric.

"You...you made this?"

You nodded.

"For me?"

A little chuckle, "Yes, Wrecker. You were so sweet, giving Lula to Omega even though you still need her, I just wanted you to have-"

Before your sentence was even finished, big arms scooped you up and hoisted you off your feet. Wrecker all but buried his face in your shoulder as he spun you around, that boyish laugh bubbling in his throat.

Though, even when the motion slowed, he stayed like that a moment longer, arms wrapped around you and forehead braced against your neck. When Wrecker finally pulled back you thought you saw a glimmer of tears in the crinkled corner of his eyes.

You smiled back at him, and pressed the doll into his hands. He hugged it to his chest- but his face fell just a bit as his thumb ran over the fuzzy material.

"She looks like that blanket you love!" he gasped, mind putting two and two together.

You shrugged, "Eh, I've been needing to get a new one for awhile, figured it could make a better tooka than a cover."

His expression said he didn't quite believe you, but, because this was Wrecker, he just pulled that determined grin. "First chance I get, I'm gonna get you the BEST blanket in the galaxy!"

That made you laugh, there he went again, thinking of others, "Thanks, Wrecker."

"No, thank you! " he pulled you into a one armed hugged this time, cheek resting on your head as he said, "You're the best."

A content sigh left you when you returned the gesture, enjoying the soft warmth of the embrace. "Nah, you are big guy."

[kybercrystals94]

The Stardust Conspiracy (Part 1)

Rated: G | Words: 1,656 | Summary: The Batch gets a pet…chaos ensues.

Author’s Note: special thanks to @just-here-with-my-thoughts for their contribution to the chaos that will transpire…😂

The market is crowded and loud. Omega's eyes are wide and constantly moving, a small smile teasing the edges of her lips. She has attached herself to both Hunter and Wrecker, her hands tucked snugly in theirs. It links them in an awkward chain; however, Hunter would rather that than Omega getting lost or snatched up. And maybe he doesn’t mind the feel of her tiny fingers locked around his, an unspoken familiarity that has grown in the months since they’ve taken her in.

“There’s so much to look at!” Omega declares, skipping between her brothers without a care in the world.

Hunter smiles. “Definitely more to offer than Ord Mantell.”

“That’s not hard to do,” Echo comments from behind them, voice muffled behind the mask of his droid disguise.

“We should get food,” Wrecker declares. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Hunter says, shaking his head. They’d just had their rations not even a standard hour before.

“I’m hungry too,” Omega says, tugging on Hunter’s hand.

“See! Great minds think alike!” Wrecker laughs, giving Omega’s arm an enthusiastic swing, making her giggle.

Hunter glances back at Echo, but the cyborg just heaves one shoulder in a shrug. “We’ll see what we can find,” Hunter concedes, earning a cheer from Wrecker and Omega.

The morning had started out on a sour note, the four of them having been banished from the Marauder by Tech for the remainder of the day while he made repairs “by himself.” Really, Wrecker and Echo were to blame, while Hunter and Omega were guilty by simple association. Wrecker had, somehow, managed to drop Gonky on Tech’s favorite data pad, cracking the screen even through the screen protector. Echo then followed up by inadvertently deleting a file from the navigation system’s hard drive that he thought was clutter—but was actually a collection of mundane information that Tech had wanted to keep. Verbal apologies were not enough to smooth over the offenses, and the four clones were asked to leave.

Omega, never one to linger on hard feelings, brightened the mood almost immediately, pressing into the excitement of a new place to explore. She was especially delighted with the fact that they were in no hurry to return to the ship, nor did they have any specific task to accomplish, leaving them free to wander to her childish heart’s content.

Their search for food is interrupted when they walk past a specific shop window. Omega’s attention is immediately captured by the sight of tooka kittens peering out at her, mouths moving in soundless mews through the glass pane. “What is this place?” she asks.

“It’s a pet store,” Echo replies.

Omega turns wide eyes on their oldest brother. “Pet store? What’s a pet?”

Hunter starts to step away. “Nothing we need,” he says firmly. “C’mon.”

Omega resists, returning her gaze to the tookas. “Can we go inside and just look? Please!”

“Yeah, Hunter, just for a few minutes,” Wrecker says. “I’ve never gotten to see a tooka kitten before. Maybe we can hold one!”

Omega gasps. “We could hold one?”

Two sets of eyes turn on Hunter with a level of pleading the sergeant isn’t ready to contend with. He sighs. “Fine. We can go inside for a few minutes.”

A small bell rings cheerfully when they push open the door, and an elderly woman eyes them from behind the counter. “Welcome,” she says, “is there anything specific I can help you find today?”

“We’re just looking,” Hunter says.

“Can we hold a tooka kitten?” Omega pipes up.

“Of course, you can, little one,” the woman croons. “You can hold any one you’d like.”

Omega and Wrecker go to the window, looking down into the glass pen where the tooka kittens have toddled over on wobbly, baby legs, their beady eyes blinking up under huge ears. Omega carefully lifts out a brown and black striped kitten then holds it close to her chest, stroking it between its ears.

“It’s the softest thing I’ve ever felt in my whole life,” she whispers, “and it’s so tiny! Look at its little paws, Hunter! It’s so cute!”

Hunter’s heart melts a little.

Wrecker hesitates, but after looking at the woman and receiving a nod, he also picks up a kitten, the little creature practically disappearing in his cupped hand. “Imagine if Lula were this small,” Wrecker rumbles, his attempt at a whisper.

“She’d be so cute!” Omega cries quietly.

“Lula isn’t real,” Echo feels the need to clarify to the storekeeper. “It’s a toy.”

The woman gives Echo a funny look, and Hunter realizes it’s because of his droid disguise.

The woman turns her attention to Hunter. “The kittens are just old enough to leave their mother this week. We have everything you’d need to adopt one today.”

“Oh, no,” Hunter assures her a little too quickly, “We don’t want a kitten. We are just looking.”

The woman raises an eyebrow and pointedly glances at Omega. “Pets are very good for children. Teaches responsibility”

Omega is snuggling the tooka up to her face, her nose pressed into its round, fuzzy body. “It’s making a funny sound,” Omega says.

“It’s purring,” the woman explains, “that means it likes you.”

“It does? Awww! Can you hear it purring, Hunter?” Omega giggles when the kitten lets out a tiny, rasping mew.

“This one’s purring too!” Wrecker says, gruff soldier voice sounding absolutely delighted.

Hunter tries to ignore the sticky sweet emotion that stirs somewhere deep in the muscle thumping in his chest. They cannot get a tooka. Don’t even entertain the idea! “Alright,” he says, stamping down the joy daring to bloom in the light of his siblings’ utter happiness, “a few minutes is up. Let’s go.”

“Hunter, wait! There are more animals, and I want to see them all!” Omega cries, turning on him with those galaxy filled eyes. It doesn’t help that she has the tooka kitten nuzzled under her chin, peering up at him, daring him to break a little girl’s heart.

Hunter looks at Echo for backup, but the man looks about as helpful as Gonky at the moment. He is staring down at Omega, and even with the mask hiding his expression, it looks like he’s about to let Omega adopt the whole litter of tookas on the spot.

Maker, help me.

“Alright, well, you better start looking. We’re gonna have to head out soon,” Hunter says in his best command voice. Unfortunately, Omega and Wrecker are practically immune to it. They gently put down their tooka kittens, and begin meandering around the store, looking into glass cages housing all sorts of creatures from over the galaxy.

“What are these called?” Omega asks, leaning down to look into a cage containing what look to be tiny puffs of fur, smaller than the palm of her hand.

“Those are called cricetos,” the woman says, “They make wonderful first pets. Would you like to hold one?”

“Yes, please!” Omega chirps.

The woman reaches in and plucks a golden ball of fluff from the cage. She sets it in Omega’s hand. The creature is tiny, and stares up at Omega with large, round eyes. “I can’t even feel it in my hand, it’s so light,” Omega breathes.

“Would you like to give it a treat?” the woman asks.

Omega nods eagerly, and the woman gives her a small handful of seeds. Omega holds out a single seed to the criceto, and the animal reaches out and snatches the seed in its minuscule fingers. After an experimental sniff, the criceto licks the seed once before shoving the whole thing in its mouth, tucking it in its cheek. Omega offers it another and another and another, each seed carefully stowed away.

“That,” Echo says, “is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

And that’s the moment Hunter knows they’re doomed.

<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

The storekeeper is more than accommodating in providing the squad with everything they need to take care of a rodent aboard a spacecraft, even supplying discounts when Hunter tries to make the excuse that they really don’t have the credits to make such a purchase right now. Echo and Wrecker are absolutely no help, and the look on Omega’s face seals the deal. Tech is going to kill me in my sleep.

Omega is practically beside herself with excitement, words tumbling out of her in an endless stream as she plots, strategizes, and anticipates what having a pet will mean for their lives now. “Do you think Tech is going to love Stardust as much as we do?” Omega asks, holding up the small crate to peek at the rodent stashed inside.

Hunter suppresses a sigh. “Maybe we should wait to tell Tech until...” never. We should never, ever tell Tech.

“Until he isn’t mad at Wrecker and Echo anymore?” Omega supplies sweetly.

Echo and Wrecker make noises of protest; however, Hunter cuts them off with a sharp look. After all, it’s their fault they had to meander into the market at all. Their fault Stardust – as Omega quickly named the animal now in their care – is on a journey back to their ship. Their fault they hadn’t backed Hunter up when he tried to talk his way out of the situation.

“Maybe,” Omega says thoughtfully, oblivious to Hunter’s inner turmoil, “we can let Tech find Stardust on his own. We can put her cage by the nav computer, there’s a perfect spot for it! He’ll see how cute she is, and he won’t mind at all.”

It isn’t the worst idea, and at least it’s an idea. Tech might be miffed at first; however, he will come around. He might try to appear otherwise, but he is just as indulgent to Omega’s whims as the rest of them. The moment he sees how much their sister adores her new ward, he won’t be able to say anything against it. And besides, how much damage could a little rodent do?

TBC

Next Part >>

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✨Let me know if you’d like to added to the Tag List!✨

[walkawaytall]

It's a two-for-one post day! I've got the next chapter of Purpose of Heritage -- "Damn Corellians" -- hot off the presses as well as a short little companion piece in Perspectives -- "Princess Checks" -- from Wedge's POV.

Snippet:

“They’re from my interrogation, if that wasn’t obvious.”

“Figured,” Luke said. “Wedge didn’t seem surprised.”

She cleared her throat softly. “Yes, well, I had an allergic reaction to something on Renatasia when we were on night patrol together and I needed someone to see if it was bad enough to go to med, so I had him look.”

“Oh. Thought maybe he just knew more from working for the Empire.”

Leia shook her head slightly. “No, he was about as shocked as anyone else has been. There aren’t a lot of lower-level officers involved in interrogations we don’t think, unless they’re the type to step out of line. We’re pretty sure they use viewing them as an intimidation tactic to rein the troublemakers back in.”

Luke scoffed quietly. “So, how many do you think Han’s seen?”

Had the topic at hand been any less serious, Leia would have laughed, but she instead answered the question the best she could without delving too far into subjects Han seemed to keep to himself. “He’s seen three, but he doesn’t talk about them, and I don’t think he’d like them being brought up.”

“Oh.” Luke’s voice was soft. “I was joking. I didn’t—“

“He made the same joke, if it makes you feel any better.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Snippet:

Wedge Antilles had flown across the galaxy and back on many occasions and in many different ships, but transporting Bail Organa was the only situation in which he’d had to regularly check for stowaways.

Or, rather, stowaway. One specific stowaway. Seventeen-year-old Princess Leia Organa had apparently ended up on more than one mission she wasn’t even supposed to know about, and before his first flight with Wedge, Bail had given strict instructions to run through what came to be known as a Princess Check.

“Look anywhere big enough for a tooka to fit,” Bail had said. When Wedge laughed in response, the viceroy had regarded him soberly. “I am entirely serious, Antilles. My daughter is more resourceful than most. And if she is aboard the ship and you happen upon her, be forewarned: She looks innocent, she is charming, she will convince you she is doing me a favor by coming along on the mission, and she won’t even lie to do it.”

[the-little-moment]

Part Two

Part Two

Words: 1,655

Warnings: referenced past violence

Summary: The Batch catch Senna up on what's happened since they parted on Kamino.

(Part One)

When all the tearful reunions had been made, and Rex had politely declined Hunter’s offer of a ration dinner, Omega grabbed Senna’s hand and began pulling her up the ramp of the Marauder. “C’mon! I want to show you my room!”

“Your room?” the doctor laughed in confusion. She’d been on the ship years ago, and didn’t remember anything remotely resembling a bedroom onboard. Where were they keeping the poor girl?

Once inside, Omega tugged at Senna again until they were standing in front of the set of steps that led up to the gunner’s mount. Senna was surprised to see a makeshift curtain hanging across the entrance. Then, Omega scrambled up the steps to pull back the fabric with a flourish. “Ta-da!” She glanced back shyly. “Wrecker made it for me. Do you like it?”

“Oh, wow.” The doctor gazed in shock at the transformation to the small space. The alcove was illuminated with a string of warm fairy lights and foam padding had been wrapped around the hard metal rails, no doubt to protect the girl as she slept. Senna laughed. “Is that Lula?”

“Yeah.” Omega retrieved the doll and then pulled another toy from the corner. “And this is my trooper. She’s a Bad Batcher. See, I did her armor.” She held the toys out to the doctor with a self conscious smile. “Wrecker lets me sleep with Lula.”

“Does he now?” Senna took the stuffed tooka and squeezed it, pressing her face for a moment between its long ears as memories swept over her. She looked down at the wooden doll in her other hand, shifting Lula to the crook of her arm so she could examine it. “You did a wonderful job, dear. She looks just right.”

“Thanks!” Omega practically glowed at the affirmation. “I hope I’ll get armor like that too someday.”

A lump formed in the doctor’s throat as she handed the little trooper and Lula back, trying to return the girl’s smile. “Maybe you will.”

She turned at the sudden hand on her shoulder. 

“Omega showing you her room?” Hunter smiled down at them. He was always so quiet, even in those boots.

“It’s wonderful!” Senna laughed as Wrecker appeared behind the sergeant, an excitement shining on his broad face.

“Yeah, because I made it!” The big clone laughed as he shouldered past Hunter and scooped Omega up, then grabbed Senna around the waist and lifted her too. “What’re we gonna do with all these girls on the ship??"

“Oh my goodness, Wrecker,” the doctor gasped, one arm raised to protect her head from the ceiling, as he and Omega laughed. “That’s enough lifting for one night.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Wrecker pouted as he set her down. 

Senna saw him wink at Omega and shook her head as the girl giggled. “I can already see what I’m in for.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Echo's voice came from behind her, and Senna turned to see that he and Tech had returned from seeing Rex off.

They all looked over when Tech rapped his knuckles against the ration kit. “It is time to eat,” he announced, “and then it will be Omega’s bedtime.”

The girl groaned at her brother as he began to distribute their meal. “But today’s special! Senna just got here!”

Tech smiled wryly, handing her a silver-wrapped bar before he snapped the box closed. “And tomorrow will be just as special, because Senna will still be here.”

The doctor watched Omega sigh as she bit into her ration bar, moving to sit on the step of her nest. When she looked back to Tech, he gave her a small smile that said his words had been more than just to placate his sister. 

Senna sidled past the others to wrap her arm around his waist while they ate their dinner. What a fucking day. She hadn’t felt this wrung out in a long time, and that was saying something. When would it be her bedtime?

When they had all eaten, and Omega had been tucked into bed by an apologetic Wrecker, the adults moved to the front of the ship to talk. 

“Rex said you had something important to tell me.” Senna looked worriedly at the brothers, sitting, or, in Echo’s case, leaning around the cockpit. “And I can see that you’re all still in one piece, so it’s not that. What happened?”

Her concern deepened as she caught the glance Hunter exchanged with Tech. Wrecker shifted uncomfortably behind her.

“Sen.” The sergeant looked pained. “What do you know about inhibitor chips?” 

Senna saw it then. The shorter hair on the right side of Tech’s head. “What—” She turned as Wrecker moved again behind her and glimpsed the thin scar near his temple. He grimaced and looked away. “Honey? What happened?”

Tech’s firm voice pulled her back. “We have all had our chips removed. I have surmised that they contained latent programming which was activated by Palpatine’s order. That is why the regs executed the Jedi…and why Crosshair attacked us.”

Wrecker stood and left the room.

Senna watched him go in confusion, turning back to see Hunter looking miserably down at his hands. 

“Who removed your chips?” she asked, shakily.

Tech stood and knelt down in front of her, turning his head so she could look. Senna’s breathing slowed as she parted his hair to find the scar. She knew exactly what the surgery entailed. 

“No one did. Or I suppose I did, in a way. We followed Captain Rex to Bracca, where we utilized the medical facility aboard a decommissioned Venator. It was a simple enough surgery.”

“Simple! Tech, that’s your brain—”

He took her hand away with a stern look, punctuating his words with a squeeze. “We are perfectly fine.”

“I should have known! Crosshair—”

“Senna, the chips’ true purpose was surely known only to Palpatine. You are not at fault.”

Echo set his jaw at the look of anguish on the doctor’s face. “He’s right, Sen. You couldn’t have known.” He regretted drawing her attention when Senna turned her dark eyes on him, finding the white scar on the side of his head. A tear slipped down her cheek. 

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

Wrecker looked up as she entered the back of the ship, twisting his mouth and turning away when Senna knelt on the floor beside him. “Sweetheart.” She laid her much smaller hand over his. 

The large clone frowned at the floor. “I’m sorry, Sen.” 

“No. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help you when you needed me.”

“If you had been, I mighta hurt you too.” Wrecker looked pained as he clenched his hands into fists and released them with a miserable sigh. “I coulda killed the kid. Any of ‘em. Tech, I—”

Senna pulled him down into a hug. “Hush. That wasn’t you.” She felt his gentle hands on her back and squeezed her eyes shut. 

“When Crosshair tried ta kill us, that wasn’t him either.”

All the air left Senna’s lungs as she clung to him. “I know. I should have known.”

“I know you wanted to stay with Crosshair on Coruscant. What changed your mind?”

The doctor was quiet for a long moment while Tech finished arranging a blanket on one of the narrow racks for her. The others were already asleep, Wrecker’s thundering snores rumbling through the ship. “He broke my arm.”

Tech straightened in shock, eyes huge behind his goggles. “Senna. I am so sorry.” He took her by the shoulders and guided her to sit, then knelt down again in front of her. 

“It’s okay, honey. It’s fine now.” She held her right arm out to him when he reached for it, gently pushing up her sleeve. 

“Where?” 

Senna traced a line where the break had been. “The ulna.”

Tech’s eyes were sad as he looked down at her arm, letting his thumb rest over the site of her injury, and Senna wanted terribly to take that sadness away. She’d thought he might be angry. Hunter would be angry. Echo would be angry. Tech was just sad. 

She reached for his other hand. “It wasn’t his fault, dear. I know that now.”

“You do, don’t you? That he would not hurt you of his own volition?”

“Of course I do. None of you would. I know that.” Tech’s need to hear her say it was worse than the pain of the break had been. The thought that Crosshair might have known what he was doing, deep inside, and been unable to stop was worst of all. She would give anything for him to be here with them now.

“You must have known that Omega was another enhanced clone, yet you never spoke of her. Why?”

His question caught her off guard. They still had so many things to talk about. Senna sighed deeply. “I wasn’t really allowed to see her after you were moved to your own room. Nala Se wasn’t happy with the way I’d…I...reacted badly to what they did to you and your brothers. And…the others.” She met Tech’s eyes and he dropped them back to her arm in his hand. 

“I remember them.”

Of course he did. She hoped the others didn’t. “They locked me up in my quarters for a while, but I was so scared of what they were doing, I promised not to fight anymore. I’m so sorry. I should have done more to protect you.”

“There was nothing else you could have done. You were there. Senna,” Tech pulled her sleeve back down and placed his hand over hers on her knee. “I remember everything, but I also remember you.” 

That was more than she could take. “I would lie awake at night, trying to think of some way to get you out of there,” she whispered, looking away. “I guess, in the end, you got yourselves out.”

“I am sorry that we left you behind.” Tech leaned forward so that she could press her head into his shoulder. 

Senna shook her head against his neck, exhausted tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help Cross. It all just...kriffing fell apart.”

[moodymisty]

The tooka reader have me another idea!!!

So,tooka reader gets scared (maybe they had bad experiences in the past idk)

But they really HISS at our bois,like fear full/angry cat hiss because they got scared

I really wanna know how the bois (maybe also rex?) React!

Tooka/CatlikeSpecies!Reader continues!

✦ Wrecker ✦

Wrecker- bless the man- is constantly startling you.

He's used to walking up behind people and clapping a hand on their shoulder to rest there casually, and the first time he does the same to you, you nearly jump in the air.

He's learned to not do that over time, but he ends up learning his lesson again by accident when he finds something he thinks you'll enjoy, and ends up stomping up the gangplank of the Marauder yelling your name.

When he gets inside he yells again and you nearly screech, nearly falling as you'd been trying to get something out of one of the high storage areas.

He quickly moves to catch you, but you're already half on the ground when he does so.

'Sorry! I didn't mean to scare ya!' He helps you up, noticing how you still look more than a little frazzled.

You forgive him of course, just like every other time, but sometimes you can't help but keep a keen eye on him when he's being particularly rambunctious.

✦ Echo ✦

Echo is a very troubled sleeper. When he does manage to get down, he rarely stays down for long. So he considers it a win, when he manages to sleep for more than two or three hours at a time.

More often than not, when he does wake up he just lays there until he eventually falls asleep again. Though sometimes he gets up and walks around a bit; If the pain in his legs isn't bad enough to prevent him from doing so.

He gets up in the middle of sleeping again, brushing a hand along his head and slipping off of his bunk. He'll just pace around a bit, and then try to lay back down. His brothers are all asleep, so he assumes you are as well, and starts walking towards the cockpit. He then walks back to his bunk, then starts over. Hunter knows he does this, and pays it no mind if the sounds wake him up. If it works for Echo, it works.

But it turns out you weren't actually asleep, and instead in the refresher that opens up right as he's walking towards it. You turn and are instantly face to face with him in the dark, your eyes catching his silhouette perfectly.

Needless to say you scurry back and yelp, him startling you out of your wits and sounding up a storm. Everyone else is up in moments, as you clap your hand to your chest.

'Kriff, I thought you were asleep,' He mumbles, hand stretched outward. You quickly say it's ok, even if you're still bristled and your heart is still racing so he doesn't take it personally.

He apologizes again after you wake up from your nap, and makes sure that you aren't sneaking about when he gets up next time.

✦ Tech ✦

Tech is used to you either sleeping next to him or at least close by, and quite often you do so while he's tinkering on something.

This time the two of you are in his bunk, resting while he's leaned up against the wall with his current project in his hands.

Wrecker had accidently cracked the visor on his helmet and damaged some of the circuitry within it, so he's trying to fix it with a various array of small tools. They're all laying on his lap, tucked between or beside his thighs.

You're laying down beside him getting some shuteye, and taking advantage of the fact that it's one of the few times that Tech has actually sat down in a decent while.

When he reaches forward to grab something one of his larger tools slides off the bunk and hits the ground with a hideous 'CLANG' and moments later you're startled awake; Instantly rising up and smacking your head into the bunk above you. You're still half asleep, letting out a seething little noise from your throat.

'Are you ok?!' Tech watches you rubbing your head, while Hunter peeks his head upside down over the bunk to see as well. He'd felt that hit, for sure. He knows you have keen ears, and he's normally pretty good on avoiding loud noises. He'd already been doing it for Hunter for awhile now.

You nod but are still wincing, feeling Tech move your head to take a look. His gloved hands cup your face to take a look.

'I'm sorry for startling you. I'll be more careful next time.'

✦ Hunter ✦

Hunter and you sometimes startle each other, given you both have good hearing, but typically you react more extremely than Hunter does.

He also sometimes forgets that it isn't just touching you on the shoulder than can spook you.

The lot of you are all outside of the ship, restocking before heading out again. Wrecker is doing most of the heavy lifting but Tech is assisting with some, as it Hunter. You're can get into the smaller parts of the ship to do repairs that they can't reach, so you've got your hand down in a tight spot as Wrecker begins goofing off.

He's being reckless, whipping a large crate around like a toy before it almost slips from his hand. It was close enough to you and Echo that Hunter yells at him to quit goofing off with firm and loud 'HEY! Quit it!'

His voice is firm and you instantly pull your arm from the tight spot, watching him with wide eyes. You are distinctly not a fan when people yell like that, for multiple reasons.

Hunter notices it moments later, and when Echo walks off to get some more tools with you, Hunter comes in and taps his boot.

'Hey, uh, sorry for spooking you like that.'

You have no reason to not forgive him, nodding and keeping at your work. Hunter jots down in his memory to not do that again with you nearby in the future.

✦ Crosshair ✦

Since Crosshair is an ass, he does it a few times on purpose when you're not close.

But as time passes he stops doing it, largely because he actually had started to care about hurting your feelings or effecting you in a negative way. He doesn't say it, he just slowly tapers off.

At one point you're out in the middle of a cold, rainy planet; You, Crosshair, and Echo separated from the rest of the group.

The electrical storm above has made comms unreliable, and Echo is currently commenting about how it's going to be impossible to meet up again, given how lost you all seem to be.

Sick of his 'complaining', Crosshair suddenly aims his rifle in the air and fires one shot. 'There. Now Hunter knows where we are. Happy?'

He's looking at Echo and sneering under his helmet, before glancing towards you and seeing you have an angry look your face, all bristled up like an angry little thing. You're a little farther away from him, as well.

'Quit your hissing,' He jokes, seeing the way your face scrunches up even more. 'Didn't mean to spook you. Lets go.'

[neyswxrld]

Hi! I thought it would be fun to invite some peeps to share a lil about themselves if they so desire. Absolutely feel free to delete this without a second thought! ☺️ But if it pleases the jury…

What do you like to do most on tumblr — write, draw, read, etc?

Any favorite fics, with a tiny summary and why they’re so good? It’s ok if it’s your own! 😜

Three of your favorite blogs to follow and why?

Favorite SW character and why?

Ok, I suppose I’m done interrogating. 🤓 Toodle-oo!

ohhh, hello, hello! 👋🏻

hehe thanks for the questions, i'll try to keep it short! i take that back

1. at the moment i don't really do anything else than reading fics and looking at fan art here, but i'll try my best to let people know how much i enjoy their stuff, hehe! (and who knows, maybe there are some things in progress at the moment so i can share some stuff of my own too, sometimes! 👀)

2. i think there are so many great fic writers here on tumblr! the fics are so different and all sound so interesting! i have a list on which i paste all the links to fics i wanna read so i don't lose them and it gets longer every day. 😄

but i think my favorite fic at the moment is Raising Dominoes by @superlarva! it has a modern setting, rex finds out he is the father of echo and fives and suddenly he has to raise two kids. even though there are heavy topics in this fic, there are also so much sweet, precious moments and i really like how well rex is handling things, even though he's still a little bit overwhelmed by everything, i think. the fic is still progressing but it makes my day, every time a new chapter is online!

3. three blogs i like follow and why? oh my.

i think @isthereanechoinhere96 is the first one who comes in my mind. i really enjoy to read the fics and there are always some new things posted! for example the eksy on vacation thingy! there's fan art and fics and other projects that are made with so much love and i appreciate that with all of my heart!

i think another blog i really like is yours, hehe.

i think you're such a good writer and i really appreciate your fics. i'm always happy to see, that you posted something new. and you share a lot of things. i always come across something new with you and you drop in so many inboxes and share your love and kindness and i think that is so nice! (@freesia-writes)

last but not least there's @arctrooper69. that was one of my first blogs to follow and there are so many new fics all the time. whether they are self written or some kind of reblog, but i always find something new i haven't already read there! so if you want to find good fics, go there and dig through that blog, hehe! 🤭

4. i think i don't really have a favorite star wars character. there are so many different figures in so many different media, that i always find someone new. but i think i'll decide for the clones here. they all have a big place in my heart and i can't really decide which one is my favorite, because they are all so unique and special and great! i totally depends on my mood and what i need today, buuut i think at the most times i'm an echo girlie, i mean look at his eyes. he's just a grumpy tooka that has his own experiences and values and lives upon them. he's great.

[writing-reaper]

Bound Through The Force

The Bad Batch x f!OC Mara

Description: Finally put in a corner, Mara has no choice but to tell them everything. Ready for them to despise her, their response turns out surprising.

Note: Mara explains her past, so it’s a shit ton of dialogue. Feel free to just skim through, I’ll have something else at the end.

Warnings: trauma dumping, mentioned death, mentions of abuse, cult, breeding, mistrust and then forgiveness and fluff

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four |

Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven (here)

“What do you think it means to live?” Mara asks, looking toward the Jedi sitting cross legged across from her. She hums, keeping her eyes closed.

“I think it means to enjoy the things around you, to find the light in things.” Shaak Ti answers. “Why do you ask?”

“I heard once that if you’ve taken a life, that you could never live one.” Mara answers. “I’m simply curious, if I’ll ever be able to live. Do I even deserve to?”

“I do not believe you’ll accept any answer I may have for you. Though I ask you consider this.” The Jedi begins, finally opening her eyes to look at Mara. “That girl that follows you around—”

“Omega.”

“Yes, Omega. You care for her, don’t you?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then care for her. Enjoy the every moment she’s in your life. When it rains, look out the window and smile. When it doesn’t, still smile. For living means appreciating every moment of time and every person you meet.”

Mara sighs and looks out the window. For the first time since she’s been there, she smiles. And when it finally falls from her face, she opens the door to her room and smiles once more.

“Omega.”

Mara raises her brow at the man holding the ice pack to her head. Her hand grazes over his as she grasps the ice pack, slightly adjusting to move away from his reach.

“Everything…” she hums, laying on her side to face him better. “Everything is… a lot.”

“I know.” He answers. “But nothing about you is making any sense. We need answers.”

“Fine.” She sighs, a tear leaving her eye as she visually slouches. Her heart felt like it was being crushed by the weight of it. “There’s no use in hiding things any longer. The truth will inevitably reveal itself. Perhaps it is best to hear it from me.”

“That’s all we want.” He states, trying to remain unfazed by the tears in her eyes.

“My mother was born of a cult. I only recently learned of her existence, as I had always been told she abandoned me. However, like many children of the Hye Society, I had been abducted to become one of their weapons, a mindless toy, made to destroy their enemies.” Mara begins, eyes glued to her feet as painful memories ache in her head. “Priya had been an older child of this abduction. If it wasn’t for her, I think I truly would be the mindless doll they expected me to be.”

“The friend you named your Tooka after?” Mara nods.

“Priya told me about her parents and how she was raised before they died. Maybe it was the idea of some day having a normal life is what kept me the slightest bit sane. She showed me compassion and warmth before I could completely despise it.” Mara wipes her eye at the falling of a tear. “When the final trial began, we learned that our relationship wasn’t as secret as we hoped because we were put against each other. We had made a prior agreement that if it would happen, we’d come to a draw then strike the same, leave the first drop of blood to chance. I didn’t realize just how prepared Priya was to die.”

“Did you kill Priya?” Her heart throbbed when he said her name, so much so she wanted to scream.

“I might as well have. She was dead either way. The elder killed her when I hesitated. For that, I was punished. Everyday I’d train, and every night for a month after I’d be whipped till I bled. If you need proof you can still see the scars.” Mara shifts up right, turning from him and raising her shirt.

“Kriff!” A startled shout left him at the sight. She releases her top and lays back down, finding it harder to meet his gaze. Perhaps because of that pitying look on his face.

“I’d train, then they’d tell me who. Who was in their way, who I had to kill. And I’d do it. I didn’t think there was a way out. Every opportunity I had, it felt like I was being tugged back to them on a chain. I thought if I did what I was told that the pain would go away, that the guilt would whither with their praise, but no matter what I did, I was doing something wrong. Then they told me to burn down a town. I don’t remember where, I just remember the warmth.”

Hunter remained silent as he watched her with uncertain eyes, her head tilting to the side as she stares toward the window.

“It didn’t come from the flames, but this little boy. He ran to me, hugged my leg and he begged. He begged me not to hurt his family. And then I realized that my suffering would never end, so why should others suffer? The town will burn, but I could save the people who lived there.

“I didn’t save many with half the town already turned to rubble, but I managed to save some from the destruction I had already caused. When I returned, I earned my name: Mara the Wyvern. A dragon for the fire, but a wyvern to convince their mindless followers I served them by choice because all I had were my wings and my two feet. Wings to fly away if I needed, if I ever had wings they were clipped before I knew what they were used for.”

“Did you manage to save anyone else?” Hunter questions, thinking of the relief in her voice when she said she realized that she didn’t have to kill anyone.

“At any opportunity.” She states firmly, red tracks running down her face as he realized just how much she’d been crying despite her steady voice. “There was a short period of time where I didn’t kill anyone. Three months. And then the breeding program began and the only person I wanted to kill was myself.”

“A breeding program? You don’t mean…?”

“I don’t remember much from that time period. Only one of my partners sticks out in my memory because he was beaten half to death when he asked me if I was ok. The only other thing I remember was being ill. Between what was expected of me and constant panic attacks, I had to be chained to a medical bed, once I was put on life support because I tried to scratch myself open.

“When they finally gave up on me, they looked for other options. Luckily, they found them and I was no longer required to participate, no matter how many of my traits they wanted their future slaves to carry.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’ve been suffering long before you were even created.” Mara shifts to face him, happy he didn’t flinch when she placed her hand on his cheek, as Omega had done to comfort her before. “I am grateful to have met you when I am actively trying to be my best self. I may be broken, inside and out, but at least I get to choose what to do from here on. And I’d be forever more grateful if you let me continue to figure things out with you all than without.”

“I know you’re a good person, Mara.” He states firmly, sending a shiver through Mara’s heart. “Do you feel comfortable continuing?”

“I must admit, there’s not much else. I saved more and more people, mostly children, but eventually I was caught. When I was caught, I was ready to accept my fate. I finally got to take pleasure in my acts of rebellion, spit in the face of the ones who wronged me and then simply waited for that blade to chop off my head in a single fatal swoop.” Mara begins once more. “And then… I didn’t want to die anymore. My tormentor revealed a truth I didn’t realize would gift me so much courage. They told the crowd I would be given my mother’s name of exile. Mara Deoradhán. I was told my mother had abandoned me, not that she had been exiled. Suddenly, I had a reason to live. I didn’t know how I stopped the blade till I met Shaak Ti. But as soon as I had escaped the execution stand, I found a supply ship and wound up here on Ord Mantell in this very Parlor.”

“What happened when you came to Cid’s?”

“I told her who I was, and that I’d do anything she needed me to so I could break the shell that had been created.” Mara answers. “She complained that I was too skinny and that I wasn’t very social. When I opened up to her, I told her about my self loathing and gave me some half assed excuse of why I should love myself and I’ve been clinging onto it ever since. And then, just as my body was going out of survival mode, Shaak Ti arrived.

“She recognized me and still talked to me like I was a person, not a dangerous killer. It was scary, like she looked straight through me. I still don’t understand why she scared me so much. Even so, I followed her blindly when she told me she could give me answers about myself, answers to questions I never bothered to ask. She took me to Kamino and helped me get to a healthy weight and taught me how to relax. She called it finding peace, but I despise myself too much to achieve that. And then I met Omega.”

“I’d say I know where things go from here, but you haven’t exactly explained that either.” Hunter comments, earning a small smile from Mara.

“I appreciate you turning the comm on, because I would not have been able to do this with all of you in here.” Mara answers, watching his face shift to one of surprise. “Omega wasn’t allowed to be around me. A rule I tried to follow because I didn’t want to be sent back to Ord Mantel as I got super sick in the healing process. However, she was incredibly persistent.”

“She is extraordinarily persistent.” He agrees with a chuckle.

“Hey—!” A quick shush follows and Mara smiles at the comm device.

“Eventually, I let her start following me around and talking to me. While, Shaak Ti was certainly helpful, her company was rarely… enjoyable.” Mara hesitates at the last weird, grimacing at how awkward it felt.

“I understand.” He reassures.

“I have a difficult time socializing, but she spoke enough for the both of us. Of course, I eventually found it in myself to respond and we bonded quickly afterwards. But after that… I left. I didn’t know where exactly I would end up, but I eventually wound up with Elliot. I had went to an underground market I’d traveled to many times to find a ride to the outer rim. He was crude, but he was easy. Act oblivious, don’t show you’re offended, and he gave chase. He was only supposed to take me to where he was delivering his next shipment. Unfortunately, his experience didn’t match his intelligence and I had to get us out of a dangerous situation.

“Apparently the misunderstood bad girl gone good only made him more interested in me. He’d insist upon random stops, faked problems with his ship and his efforts became more and more desperate the closer we got to my location. Then he faked a crash and we were ‘stuck’ on a moon for a few days. I let my guard down under the impression no one was ever going to come. So I told him about the only good thing in my life, the only person I had who was waiting for me. I don’t know why, but I told him more about myself until he assumed I was at my lowest and made his move. My assumption is after he got what he wanted the ship was going to miraculously start working again and he’d finally decide to move on with his life. Instead, I rejected him and the next morning he came up with the idea a necessary part of the ship had broken off in the crash. When I went out to get it, he flew away. Got lucky that a supply ship made a pit stop and eventually made my way back here.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re here and not stuck on that moon.”

“Thanks for hearing me out.” She replies, brushing her hair back and to the side. “I don’t want our relationship to change after what you’ve learned about me and I really don’t want your pitiful stares. I don’t expect you to be any different toward me, nicer or otherwise. I just want to be in Omega’s life, as long as I can, because I have nobody else to live for.”

“Don’t say that!” Omega’s voice comes through the comm once more and Mara winces.

“I forgot she was also listening.” Mara whispers, not wanting the comm to pick it up.

“She is right.” Mara shakes her head and brushes out her hair with her fingers. “You have your life to take back.”

“Every experience that is supposed to be enjoyable has been taken away from me. There’s nothing left for me to take.”

“You’ll find something, we’ll help you.”

“Thanks.”

“Hunter? Can you give Mara a hug for me?” Omega asks through the comm. Mara felt her heart skip a beat and her face turn red at the child’s suggestion.

“Omega, you can come up here—” she was cut off at Hunter’s sudden embrace.

Suddenly, she felt weak. Weaker than before as she leaned into his welcoming embrace, returning his hold. The hot tears filled her eyes once more and she turns off the comm right before a sob leaves her lips.

Mara let go to move away, but his embrace just seemed to tighten, keeping her in place as another sob left her lips and her head rests on his shoulder. When he did let go, she apologized for almost breaking down on him. If he wasn’t already so flustered he probably would’ve pulled her back in.

“You should get some rest.” Hunter says, his own cheeks flushed as he rubs the back of his head.

“C-can… can you stay with me…? Just a little longer?”

“Sure.”

Hunter left when Mara finally fell asleep. He found his brothers how he’d left them, still sitting at the large booth with Omega. Tech was examining the bottles from the bag Mara had requested, and Omega was listening to him as he rambled on about the different liquids, their origins and their uses.

“How’s she doing?” Echo asks, sounding concerned.

“She’s asleep.” Hunter answers, not quite sure of her actual emotional state as she fell quiet and held the purple Tooka. When he had met her gaze, she’d smile and her face would flush, and he could only assume the poison would result in a fever. “Omega, you knew that Mara was an assassin?”

“Nala Se told me before I met her because she didn’t want me around her.” Omega answers. “She said that she was dangerous, but after watching her for a while in the training room with the cadets I couldn’t see her as dangerous.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well… she never really worked with the cadets, she’d always just watch Shaak Ti train them. Then there was this one cadet, who wasn’t doing well. He fell and just didn’t get up. Some of the others seemed to laugh at him, but she laid down beside him.” Omega explains, thinking back to the day she saw Mara’s true colors with a small smile. “I don’t know what she said to him, according to Nala Se it was the first time she’d spoken since she’d arrived, but he was encouraged again and she helped him throughout the rest of the training.”

“Do you know why?” Echo asks, sounding rather swayed by the story.

“I never asked, she didn’t talk to me for a month.” She answers with a shrug. “And when she finally did, it was because I asked about one of her scars.”

“She’s still weird.” Crosshair scoffs, earning a laugh from Wrecker.

“I like her!” Wrecker declares before elbowing him. “You can’t deny she’s been fun to hang out with!”

“I’m sure you can forgive her behavior. From the sound of things she’s never been allowed to conduct herself in a proper manner.” Tech comments. “Furthermore, individuals who have been victims of abuse so early in their youth tend to have childlike tendencies and underdeveloped brains. And while Mara certainly acts an adult, she still portrays a childish behavior, especially around those she trusts, such as Omega and Cid.”

“Shouldn’t you add Crosshair to that list?” Omega inquires, earning a look from all five of them.

“What do you mean?” Tech questions, adjusting his goggles.

“She did that drinking game with him, Mara usually refuses alcohol from people. Even the medical volunteers on Kamino could never get her to join them.” Omega explains.

“Does that really make a difference? She just told Hunter something she clearly didn’t want to.” Crosshair scoffs.

“I guess it could’ve also been because of Tech. She seems to hang around the two of you more until Hunter talks to her.” Omega reevaluates aloud.

“I’ve noticed that as well.” Echo comments. “Whenever Tech’s fixing something, she’s always nearby watching and when you start making some sort of comment she’ll smile and participate in the conversation.”

“Didn’t think you’d be paying that much attention to her, Echo.” Crosshair quips with a smirk.

“Sh-she just doesn’t make any sense to me.” Echo stammered, his face flushing in embarrassment. Maybe he had been paying a little too much attention to her, especially when trying to trust her.

“Maybe Mara likes them more because they treat her like a normal person.” Omega suggests, quickly earning a look from Hunter and Echo. “Then again, that doesn’t explain why she doesn’t spend much time around Wrecker.”

“It’s probably because I grabbed her that one time.” Wrecker admits with a frown, scratching the back of his head. “She looked pretty freaked out.”

“I’m sure she’s already over that.” Cid scoffs, approaching the group. “How long were you going to wait to tell me Mara left?”

“The bars empty, besides those two. Didn’t think it’d be a big deal.” Hunter answers. “Mara got poisoned so she’s resting upstairs.”

“Uh huh, not a big deal, I’m running a business here. Someone’s always got to keep an eye out. Mara’s a grown adult, she can handle herself.” Cid scoffs, annoyed knowing they probably didn’t even realize when a new customer had come in.

“Sorry!” Omega apologizes for the group, seeing as it would’ve only taken them a second to grab Cid.

“Anyway, I got another mission for you boys, but we’ll discuss the details tomorrow. I want Mara to join you.”

“But she’s been poisoned—”

“That’s like saying Tiny here scraped her knee. Why do you care? Considering what Mara told me about that client, he wouldn’t want to kill her.”

“Why’s that?” Hunter questions.

“Because whoever hired him wanted to make sure she was alive. Mara may have “told him everything” but every assassin knows not to disclose their sanctuary.” Cid explains. “That means one of these customers gave out her location.”

Taglist

@mybigfatspoonielife @gjrain20-starwars @goddess-of-congeniality @redpool @chxpsi @stardust9905

[starboundanon]

Herbie, what do you think of a dragon au for Luke?

Force-Users are able to change into dragons, but they need help the first couple times or they're stuck.

And maybe that's Vader's plan? To shift Luke into a hatchling so he can't run away from him ever.

But Luke is tiny. Like, itty bitty. Padme's last gift to him was a preemie baby, small enough to fit in his palm and the personality of a baby tooka to match. So he gets an incubator for his baby, and with Kix's recommendation, starts feeding Luke a bottle of formula every couple of hours.

And when it's bedtime, he'll take Luke out of the incubator for an hour or two to stand in front of the nursery window on his ship to watch the stars while Luke purrs happily in his arms, toasty under the pile of blankets and full from his bottle.

UGH. UGH. UUUGGGHHH.

Anon, you absolutely sniped my ass clean out of the air with this one. Vader tending to and taking care of his little dragonling, this golden little lizard baby with his deep blue eyes and penchant for getting into trouble, cuddly and sweet like a lothkitten.

The idea of Vader deliberately not teaching Luke how to shift back, just so he can keep him as his tiny helpless baby shifter, is so evil and so cute and so deliciously, addictively trashy. Luke would be the grumpiest little fire-breather... until he learns to be good for his daddy, of course.

Vader would never keep his hatchling collared or leashed like a pet, but he'd absolutely resort to kangaroo care, keeping Luke warm and snug inside his robes, snuggled against Daddy's skin, so the frigid starship air doesn't freeze him into an early hibernation.

Of course, he does eventually teach Luke how to fly; he's a Skywalker, after all... and it's not like he'd be able to get away. Even if they hit wide open air, if Luke were to try to fly away, Daddy could always shift into his Black Dread form and chase him down, effortlessly, in an instant.

[sun-roach]

I was gonna tickle Patcher but realized laughing might cause him pain so I brought him sweets and good caf instead

And another stray tooka I found along the way

🥺🥺🥺🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

Patcher is dozing in his office. His head is resting on his desk, his arms serving as a pillow. He had to pull an all-nighter and didn’t get much sleep or even a chance to take his painkillers until now.

He had to power trough two emergency operations, one being a shiny he lost despite all of his efforts, and the other being Thire, now lying in a coma next door with Thorn sitting by his side.

Because of this you find his office door closed. Normally it’s always open at this time of the day. He didn’t message you this morning either. It had become one if his habits to comm you before starting his shift, but today? There was no message. Worry for him and the corries rise in your chest.

As you peek into medbay, you almost flinch as a Corrie medic appears beside you.

With an exhale you realize that the medic is Stitch. The young medic has dark circles under his puffy and red eyes. He must have cried.

Worry grows. Biting your lip you decide that you should probably leave for today. Yet before you can even turn around, Stitch nervously steps closer. He found the little tooka in your arms.

<I will let you in his office. He is sleeping right now… B-but I am sure he would love to see you… >

Rainbow squad’s medic speaks quietly and looks over his shoulder. You follow his gaze and find two figures in the back. One lying on the bed, completely bandaged, while another one sits right beside the cot, holding the persons hand. He seems to be whispering something.

You look back at Stitch as he steps away from you to leave the medbay and to open Patcher's office.

Inside the office it’s as clean and tidy as always. Yet you notice it to be different. There are more notes, scribbled with a cursive writing that only a medic would be able to read. One of his desks drawers is open, a pill box still open on his desk.

Your heart stops for a moment, but as soon as you see his chest rise and fall, your heart calms down again.

Stitch drives a hand trough his hair, which he keeps in a messy ponytail.

<I… I will leave you two. Uhm… If you need something don’t hesitate to ask. I will help you. It’s quiet at the moment anyway…>

The young Corrie’s eyes dart down, his smile sad and half hearted. You take his hand and squeeze it for a moment, thanking him, causing the man to look up at you with eyes shining full with tears and warmth.

He sniffles and let’s go of your hand, just to leave Patcher’s room shortly after.

Once he is gone you look back at Patcher. Even during his sleep his shoulders are tensed. His body also twitches very faintly once in a while.

Carefully you place the snacks and caf on the window sims. You don’t want to wake him up. He deserves the rest.

With the tooka in your arm you walk towards a shelf, knowing that Patcher always keeps some blankets there.

You take one out and walk back towards Patcher to wrap the - probably only - thick blanket around his shoulders.

This though immediately causes the chief medic to shoot up. His hand grabs your left wrist roughly while his other hand goes straight for your throat.

A surprised strangled, choking noise escapes your lips. A noise that quickly gets Patcher back into reality.

As if he had burned himself he lets go of you, odd eyes wide with shock.

<I- >

The chief medic steps back from you. He brushes his hands over his face in an attempt to wash off the tiredness.

His heart is thundering in his ears.

He almost-

His thoughts disappear as he finds your lips on his own. Its a short kiss, one to reassure him that you are good. He hadn’t squeezed. You know he wasn’t conscious enough. Given his past experiences maybe you should have just sat down and waited.

The tooka in your arms meows in protest of your thoughts, making you smile gently at the stray.

Patcher’s eyes linger on you, checking if he did hurt you in anyway. His gaze darts slowly to the stray tooka once he is sure that you are alright.

<You… found another one. Should I check on her?>

You carefully hand him the tiny tooka, surprised that he could immediately tell if its a him or her.

Gently he holds the little stray, checking its condition. While he does so, the cat nibbles on his fingers.

Watching Patcher, you notice the pure warmth and softness in his red eye. He really does love animals.

<This one needs some nutrients, but other than that… and a nice comb, she is fine. Does she… Did you name her already?>

You shake your head with a smile, prompting that maybe he could name her this time.

Patcher hums quietly, eyeing the little white and red tooka.

<Would you mind if I name her after someone?>

Sadness hushes over his face. Something bad definitely had happened last night. You don’t know if the pain in his eyes comes from a little sad smile that maybe would have formed on his lips, or if its the pain of whatever had happened the previous night. Perhaps a mixture of both?

You shake your head and slowly move closer to give him an encouraging, soft kiss on the cheek.

<Zoomer… hm Zoomie? >

The tooka nibbles at his finger again, then stretches out her paws while yawning.

Patcher scratches her under the chin before capturing your gaze. Carefully he hands you the kitten and gives you a kiss on the forehead.

<Ni ceta, ner cyar’ika… for earlier…>

You shake your head and step even closer. You can feel Patcher’s chest rise up and down. Placing your free hand over his heart, you lean forward to kiss him yet again.

He returns the kiss for a moment before stepping back.

<Would you like to stay here for today? >

Your nod is enough for him to take your hand and to get cozy on the uncomfortable medical cot with you.

The chief medic wraps one arm around you, Zoomie resting between you two. You pat the little tooka, but your eyes stay on Patcher’s.

For a moment it’s quiet, nothing but silent breathes can be heard. Until Patcher decides to break it, to tell you about what had happened the previous night.

Apprently Thire and one of his squads were out patrolling, as they got attacked by some bounty hunters. Half of the squad is missing. Zoomer, a new shiny, got electrocuted and cut open… Nothing Patcher had tried was able to keep the man alive. And Thire had fought, had tried to protect his squad. Yet he got thrown around like a little puppet. Patcher had to put him into an artificial coma. He is sure the lieutenant will wake up again.

You move closer to hug Patcher tighter, reminding him that he is not alone, that he doesn’t have to go trough this alone. Not anymore.