#omega and everyone survived and settled down?

[therealcalrissian]

after finishing the bad batch i have this feeling that comes and goes…the same feeling i had when i finished reading the hunger games in 5th grade. something about those epilogue scenes really stabs you right between the ribs and then runs you over with a double decker bus.

[thatsmzbitchtoyou]

My Alpha

This is kind of a long one shot (5619 words!), but I thought I'd try my hand at the ABO!/Omegaverse. Hope you like it!

Being an omega wasn’t always a bad thing.  At least that’s what she told herself repeatedly as she religiously took hormone blocking birth control pills and wore scent blockers on the daily.  Y/N hadn’t had a heat in years and wasn’t planning on letting up any time soon.  She had started working as a personal assistant for the Avengers under Tony Stark years before, going through the Sokovia Accords debacle, surviving the Blip, losing Natasha, Tony, Steve, T'Challa, and all the other strange and traumatic things that happened during her tenure.  She had denied her biology to get this job, not wanting it to affect her performance or be a target while being surrounded by literal super Alphas in this field.  And as hard as the job was, she loved it.

One of the greatest highlights was gaining Bucky Barnes as a friend.  While other Alphas she had come across were domineering, he was compassionate and kind.  He very rarely lost his composure like others did during high pressure situations in missions, and never fought over who was in charge.  He was incredibly careful to make sure everyone around him felt comfortable in his presence.  After finally shaking the Winter Soldier programming he didn’t want to ever lose control of himself again, and with the super soldier serum messing with his hormones to the extent that he was nearly feral during ruts, he would isolate himself away to keep her and others safe.  

Y/N felt like she could talk to him about anything, and he felt the same.  She was his sanctuary after rough missions, one of the few people that could break him out of a deep depressive state or the nightmares that still plagued him.  He knew she was an Omega but could barely smell her because of her blockers, which he both loved and hated.  Loved because it made it so they could be friends without the weird biological dynamics getting in the way, and hated because he was super curious about what her scent was.  They had fallen for each other long ago, but were both too afraid to do anything about it.

As they both relaxed during a rare weekend off they got on the topic of Omega versus Alpha traits.  “I get it, Alphas can be rough, but don’t you want to mate someday?  Find someone special to settle down with?  Maybe have a family?”

She sighed.  “Of course I do, Buck.”

“Then what are you afraid of?” he asked gently.

“Not having a clear choice,” she answered simply, giving him a sharp look.  “I don’t want my biology to decide my fate.  So many Omegas get stuck being mated with bad Alphas because their heats were uncontrollable and the Alpha wouldn’t take no for an answer.  I know that I’m predestined to be a nurturer.  Hell, that’s what my job is now, taking care of all of you guys!  But I should get to choose who I end up with based on love, not by body’s reactions.” Bucky nodded in understanding, looking down at his intertwined hands.  “Do you want to settle down someday?”

“Yeah,” he said quietly.  “I just don’t know how it would work out.  This job…my past.  It all points towards disaster at any given time.”

She slid over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders awkwardly as she sat next to him.  “You deserve a happy ever after, Bucky.”

“You do, too, you know,” he reminded her, resting his head on top of hers.

“Mmh, maybe someday,” she said wistfully as she undid her embrace and leaned back against the couch.

“So, anyways,” he cleared his throat.  “Is it true that Omegas have a better sense of smell than Alphas or Betas?  Like you can pick up on others’ scents and identify them really well?”

She laughed.  “Yes, it’s true.”

“Really?  Okay, what does…” he scanned the room as other Avengers milled in and out.  “Peter.  What does Spidey smell like?” He tested her, watching her expectantly.

She took a look at Peter across the room, her nose slightly flaring as she took in a whiff from his direction.  “He always smells like fresh bagels to me.  You know the smell of just-baked bread?  Kinda like that.  Mixed with a little bit of hazelnut.”

Bucky looked at her in awe.  “Yeah I kinda get that off of him.  Alphas can smell and track scents but not to that level.”

“Hm, that’s interesting,” she said as her eyebrows furrowed.  

“Now how about Sam?” he asked excitedly, hoping it would be something not so pleasant he could tease him about.

“Ha, Sam is Cajun seasoning with a sweet lemony undertone.  Like really well done seafood,” she answered quickly with a smile on her face, knowing Bucky would be disappointed in that answer.

Bucky frowned as he thought about who to ask of next.  “Okay, how about…Steve?” He knew it was a long shot.  Steve had been gone for a few years now, so she probably wouldn’t remember.  But she gave him a soft smile.

“Steve was smoky, like fireworks.  A summer night that ends with warm apple crisp and melting vanilla ice cream on top,” she said as she stared out the window, a dazed look in her eyes as she remembered him.

“Wow…” Bucky whispered.  “I always got the fireworks, and something like a picnic.  But now that you say it, yeah, apple with vanilla.”

“Yep, he was truly all American,” she winked at him.

He laughed as he turned towards her on the couch.  “How about, um…me?”

She gazed at him, her expression softening as her nose flared again and she huffed out the breath she’d taken.  “Smoky, like Steve, but different.”

“Like gunpowder?” he asked suddenly, his eyes searching hers.  He had been told that before and was hoping they were wrong.

“No, not gunpowder.  More like…” she sniffed again but frowned.  “Do you mind if I…?” she gestured her finger from herself to him.

“Yeah, go ahead,” he said, opening himself up for her to scoot closer to him.  She leaned in towards his neck, the best place to scent someone, and breathed in a slow sniff of him.  She closed her eyes.

“Campfire.  A campfire on the beach.  And the smell of the ocean after it rains,” she said resolutely, opening her eyes to look at him.  Their faces were close as he stared at her.  “But no, not gunpowder,” she reassured him.

“That’s good,” he breathed, his eyes shifting from her eyes down to her lips and back.

Her eyes suddenly widened, her brow furrowing and she pulled herself away quickly.  “I, um…I need to go…excuse me,” she said hurriedly before she jumped off the couch and power-walked down the hall towards her room.

“Wait, Y/N, are you okay?” Bucky stood from the couch as he watched her leave.

“Yeah!  I’ll talk to you later!” she yelled back without looking, her voice sounded strained.

“What the hell?” he asked himself quietly, looking around him like something had jumped out and spooked her.

Once she was out of sight she ran to her room and had Friday bolt the door.  She doubled over in pain and clutched her stomach.  “No way,” she moaned as she reached for her phone and called for help.

“Hey you, how are ya?” Bruce asked when he answered the call.

“Bruce,” her voice was pained as she held in another moan.  “I need help, something’s wrong.”

“What?  What’s going on?” he sounded worried, the rustling of papers and beeping from a screen by him going off.

“It feels…like a heat?  But that’s not possible, right?  We made sure of it,” she grunted as another cramp shot through her abdomen, and just as suddenly as it all started, it suddenly stopped, leaving her gasping.  “Wait, now it stopped?  What the hell is happening?”

“Come down to the lab, right now.  We’ll get you tested.”

She didn’t need to be told twice as she hung up and crept out of her room towards the elevator.  She was able to get in and down to the lab a few floors away without being caught by Bucky or anybody else.  She ran into the lab in a panic.  Bruce was already setting up the medical bay in the back with everything needed to do a check-up, some vials next to the other instruments.

“Hey, let’s take some blood and see what’s going on,” he called out to her when he heard the doors slide open.  She jogged to the bed and hopped up on it, taking off her cardigan so he could access the veins in her arm better.  After a quick routine check up he took a few vials of her blood then stepped out towards all the equipment he had for medical and scientific tests.  

He worked silently as she sat there deep in thought.  It can’t be, she tried to reassure herself.  I’ve been so careful.  Not missed a single pill ever.  This can’t be happening.  After about an hour Bruce came back with a screen in his hand, his eyebrows hung low over his eyes and a frown on his face.

“Y/N, it’s…it’s not working anymore,” he said softly, his eyes sad and confused as he looked at her.

“What do you mean?” she asked hesitantly, her eyes widening.

“The hormone blockers, the pills…your body isn’t responding to them anymore.  Your hormones are syncing back to normal Omega levels.  Your heats are going to come back.”

“No, no no no no no…NO Bruce!  I can’t.  Please, there’s gotta be another pill to try, a shot, an implant, something?  Anything, please?” she began to cry.  

“I’m sorry Y/N.  We already got you the best blockers that are available out there.  If your body is weaning off of them it means your biology is taking over, probably because you’re getting older and it’s fighting back to have a chance at mating.  I’m so sorry,” he showed her the hormone levels on a chart on the screen, pointing out the differences and then setting it down.  “There’s nothing I can do.  Nothing you can do but prepare yourself for it to start again.  And your first one is probably going to be brutal after avoiding them for so long.  You’ll need help–”

“NO!  No, I can’t do this.  I can’t ask some random Alpha for help.  This isn’t fair!” she cried harder, hiding her face in her hands.  Bruce patted her on the back, trying to help ease her pain by giving off a calming scent.  He was also an Omega and knew how much this meant to her.  

“It will be alright, Y/N.  You have friends here who will help you without making it awkward between you and them, or won’t immediately try mating with you during your heat.  They’re good Alphas.  They won’t hurt you or take advantage of you,” he promised.

She tried to calm the loud beating of her heart that was wringing in her ears, a panic attack trying to settle deep in her bones that she was fighting back.  “How long do I have until it comes?” she sighed as she sniffled.

“I don’t know, I’m sorry.  With it being so long since you last had one it could be next week or it could be in a couple of months,” he answered gravely.

“Ugh, great,” she laughed as she wiped her tears away.  “No choice, whatsoever.  My body ultimately got to decide for me after all.  Wonderful,” she spat as she jumped down off the bed.  “Thank you, Bruce, for testing.  I just…I need to go sleep this off, I don’t know,” she said, giving him a quick hug and then leaving the lab.  

She took the elevator back up to her floor, her eyes stinging from the hot tears still slowly falling down.  Her heat was coming back, and with a vengeance.  She would need help.  Who would she ask?  Any of the unmated superhero Alphas would probably say yes, though she knew she only wanted one.  But how could she ask this of him?  And if he did help, how could she go on with their friendship as if nothing had happened between them afterwards?

The elevator opened and she trudged into the common room.  The floor was already dark as twilight set in and everyone had split off to their rooms.  She slipped into the kitchen since she missed dinner while down in the lab to grab something to eat, although she wasn’t particularly hungry.  As she made herself a sandwich she turned to grab a knife then saw a figure in the corner at the dining table.

“Jesus!  Fuck, Bucky you scared me,” she gasped, holding a hand over her heart.

“Sorry, honey,” he grunted as he sat watching her.  “Why are you crying?”

She stiffened as she looked at him, trying to act nonchalant as she grabbed the knife and turned back to her sandwich.  “I’m not, I’m just tired,” she waved him off, quickly cutting the sandwich and putting the ingredients and dishes away to escape.

“Don’t lie to me Y/N.  What’s wrong?” he stood, walking towards her.  She reached for the refrigerator door to get a drink, which he quickly shut and stared her down.  She wouldn’t look him in the eye.

“Come on Buck, I just need a drink,” she complained as she tried to open the door again, reaching for the handle.  Bucky grabbed her wrist firmly and leaned in towards her.

“What’s wrong Y/N?  You ran away earlier and now you smell…off,” he said, searching her eyes as his nose flared at the scent she was radiating.  His frown deepened and his eyes looked worried.  “Why are you afraid?  Was it me?  Did I do something wrong?”

“No!  Oh no, Bucky, it’s not you,” she said, her eyes widening.  “It’s me, it’s just…” her eyes welled up with tears again, spilling onto her cheeks as she sucked in a sharp breath.  “It’s me,” she sobbed, leaning forward til her forehead rested against his chest.

“Oh honey,” Bucky sighed.  He put his hands under her armpits and lifted her onto the counter so she was eye level with him.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and hid her face in his shoulder, crying harder as he enveloped her, his hands rubbing up and down her back as he whispered reassuring words to her.  They sat holding each other for a while, Bucky letting her cry it out and Y/N relishing the comfort.  As her cries died down and her grip loosened around his neck he pulled back.

“Tell me what’s wrong, please?  You’re breaking an old man’s heart,” he pleaded, hating to see her hurting so much.

Y/N chuckled at him calling himself an old man as she wiped her nose with her sleeve.  Bucky held her face in his hands and wiped her tears away with his thumbs.  She let herself enjoy his touch before she sniffled and finally looked up at him.

“When I was talking to you earlier, I felt this weird pain,” she explained quietly.  Bucky nodded, listening intently as he held her face still.  “That’s why I ran out.  I went to Bruce’s lab to test me because it felt like…like a heat,” she sniffled again, looking down at her lap.  Bucky nodded again, his hands releasing her face and reaching for her hands to hold.  “I haven’t had one in years.”  This surprised him.  He knew there were new ways of birth control for Omegas now, giving them a lot more options than to just mate and reproduce and take care of their Alphas and pups like the old days, which he thought was great.  He just didn’t realize it could be for so long.  “And now, apparently, the hormone blockers aren’t working anymore,” she gripped his fingers tightly.  “My body is rejecting them, weaning off of them and reverting back to normal hormone levels.  My heat is coming,” she sucked in another sharp breath.  “I don’t know when, but he said it’s going to be brutal since I’ve been avoiding them for so long.  He said I’ll need help and…and I don’t know what to do.”  Her voice shook as she looked up at him again.  “I’m scared,” she whispered.

Bucky could feel her panic and gave off what he hoped was a calming scent.  It seemed to help as her eyes fluttered shut and her shoulders visibly relaxed.  The Alpha in him hummed in satisfaction as he swept his thumbs over her knuckles.  “You don’t need to be scared, Y/N.  It’s going to be okay,” he tried to placate her.  “Listen, I know earlier you said you wanted a choice, and now your body’s not giving you one.”  She nodded, a few more tears slipping out the sides of her eyes.  “I…I can help you,” he said, gulping back the lump in his throat.  Her eyes snapped up to him, a look of shock on her face.  “I know that I’m offering something kinda crazy.  But I promise you I won’t hurt you, I won’t make you court me if you don’t want to, and I won’t forcibly mate with you.”  He looked her deep in her eyes to try to get her to understand.  “But I’d be honored to help you.”

Y/N couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing.  She had wanted to ask him and now he was offering himself for her to get through this first heat.  She licked her lips and contemplated it.  “I just don’t want it to ruin our friendship,” she sniffed again, her eyes searching his face for hesitation.

“It won’t,” he said earnestly.  

“...Okay,” she agreed.  

Bucky smiled as he squeezed her fingers.  “Okay.”

“Thank you, Bucky.  You’re a good Alpha,” she thanked him, lifting his hands up and kissing his knuckles.

His eyes fluttered shut and he cleared his throat.  “You should probably not call me that, at least not right now.”

Her eyes widened.  “Oh!  God, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean–”

“It’s okay, honey, it’s fine,” he chuckled.  “Whenever it hits you, just call me, and I’ll be there.”

She gave him a warm smile in appreciation.  They were playing with fire, and they both knew it deep down, but were denying it heavily.

***

Y/N could feel her hormones changing her body and mind.  Bruce had advised against wearing scent blockers as well to help her body fully adjust and hopefully not cause as much pain during her upcoming heat, and that was the first thing she noticed.  The Alphas around her, who would normally just give her a friendly greeting or a smile, now watched her hungrily through narrow eyes, giving tight smiles as their noses flared as she passed by.  It made her self-conscious enough to ask Bucky one day, “Do I smell bad?”

Bucky looked away from the book he was reading as she plopped next to him on the couch in the common room again, lifting her feet up to rest on his lap.  She was touching him a lot more lately.  “What do you mean?”

“Do I smell bad?  Omegas can’t really smell themselves very well, and since I took off the scent blockers I’ve been…watched,” she looked around the room warily.  Bucky’s eyes swept across the other Alphas in the room, noting how they were all giving off territorial scents as they tracked her.  He sat up straight, facing each one until they caught his eye and gave off a warning rumble deep in his chest, his eyes flashing dangerously.  They each quickly retreated, shamefully turning back towards their previous tasks.  The air around Y/N seemed to lift and she felt like she could breathe again.  “Thank you, Bucky.”

He sat back on the couch, grabbing his book with one hand and mindlessly rubbing her feet with the other.  “No need to thank me, honey.  And no, you don’t smell bad.  You smell like chai.”

“Chai?” Y/N scoffed.

“Yeah, chai with…” he reached a hand out and grabbed her wrist, bringing it up to his nose and inhaling deeply.  Her eyes widened comically at his brashness in scenting her so publicly.  “Pumpkin.  Chai and pumpkin.  Like Autumn,” he concluded, setting her wrist down and then rubbing her feet again.  He said it so casually that she just stared at him dumbfounded.  

It got worse as the weeks went on.  Her emotions were haywire, one minute she was calm and cool and the next she was agitated and easily crying at anything.  She was nesting anxiously, rearranging her room and her desk in her office, constantly carrying around a large fuzzy cardigan or blanket with her.  Her joints were sore, especially in her hips.  She found herself eating all the time.  Bruce had her come down to the lab each week to check her levels, each time warning her it could happen any day now.  

A month and a half later on a Friday night the team got together for a movie night.  They decided on watching the first Avatar, a movie Bucky hadn’t yet seen.  As it played Y/N kept fidgeting next to him, adjusting her sitting position, wringing her hands in her lap, taking deep breaths periodically.  A scene began of two of the characters connecting in a tree garden and Sam yelled out, “Alien tree sex!”  Everyone laughed but Y/N bolted out of the room.  Bucky watched her run down to her room and shut her door.

He quietly got up and followed her.  He could tell just by her scent changing these last few weeks and how it was getting stronger, the chai smell getting spicier, that her heat was fast approaching.  She had been very touchy with him, following him around and staying close whenever they were in the same room.  He had no claim to her, but it was evident to everyone to stay away from her, otherwise they’d get a growl from him.  He was growing more excited by the day, trying to remind himself that he was just helping out a friend, not staking any claim or bond.  

When he reached her door he pressed his ear against it, listening for her.  He heard her heart rate picking up and her breathing became labored.  He could also smell her, more potent, spicy, the scent of unmated Omega making his hormones sing and call out for her.  A deep rumble emitted from his chest as he felt his cock hardening.  He knocked on her door.

“Y/N,” he called out, just loud enough for her to hear.  A soft moan came from the other side.  His eyelids shut tight at the sound.  It was time.  “I’m coming in,” he warned before opening the door.  He stepped inside and was hit with the scent full force, making his eyes and mouth water simultaneously.  Y/N was laying in the nest she built on her bed in the fetal position, one hand on her stomach and the other in between her legs, not yet touching herself but keeping pressure against her core.  “Honey…” he groaned as he locked the door behind himself and walked towards the bed.

“Alpha,” she breathed, her brow furrowed and eyes shut tight.  A cramp wracked through her whole body and she yelped in pain.  “It’s starting.  It hurts…hurts so bad,” she cried as she could feel a small gush of slick pour from her pussy as her body recognized the Alpha in the room.

“It’s gonna be okay, honey, I’m here,” he cooed at her, reaching his hand out and running his fingers along her leg from her ankle to her thigh.  “Let’s get you out of these, huh?” he said while lifting the hem of her shorts up slightly.  She nodded and blindly started pulling at her clothes.  Bucky helped her strip out of her layers then undressed himself, giving her naked body an appreciative glance.  He lay behind her on the bed, cocooning her in his arms and leaning his head into the crook of her neck and scenting her.  He could feel himself getting drunk off of her heat.  She was sending him into an early rut as his hips rocked against her ass slowly.  Y/N keened at that, her back arching and pushing her ass into his crotch further.  He moaned at the sensation, his arms tightening around her.  “Shh, Omega.  I got you,” he said as his voice dropped further, the Alpha coming through more prominently now.

“Bucky…” she sighed, her hands gripping his arms around her.  “Please…Alpha please,” she begged, her legs shaking as another cramp hit her.

Bucky moaned at the sound of his name said that way coming from her lips.  He started to lick and suck and kiss at the scent gland on her throat, making her gasp loudly.  His scent mixed with hers, and they quickly got lost in each other.  His hands found her breasts and massaged them firmly, his fingers tweaking her nipples and making her hips buck back into him again.  He twisted her body around to face him.  She quickly molded herself back to him, hiking her leg up and over his hip, her hands scratching down his chest.  He tried to remind himself one last time that this was just a friend helping a friend.  Then she kissed him.

The kiss broke the dam of hesitancy he was holding to desperately.  He quickly responded, his mouth opening and their tongues tangling as they tasted each other.  Bucky climbed on top of her, his knees forcing hers apart.  His fingers probed her lower lips, finding her clit and giving it all his attention.  Y/N’s hips writhed as he riled her up.  She watched his fingers dip into her, making her breath stutter.  She was already dripping for him so he plunged two fingers into her, thrusting them in and out while his thumb rubbed and flicked her clit.  

“Fuck Alpha,” she groaned.  “Just like that, shit!”

Bucky smiled as she cursed, her legs shaking against his.  She reached down and took his cock in her hand, giving him lazy pumps as he got her closer to her release.  He huffed a sharp breath.  “Damn, honey, oooh that’s good,” he said lowly.  “Give it to me, love, come on, you can do it.  Be such a good Omega for me,” he encouraged her as he curled his fingers as deep as he could reach.  

The tension in her core finally snapped, her first orgasm ripping through her at lightning speed, squirting slick all over his hand and his hips.  She let out a guttural moan, the sound reverberating through the air, making the Alpha inside of him scream to claim her.  He had to physically restrain himself as he pulled his fingers out of her.  She smiled as she watched him with hooded eyes.  He put his wet fingers in his mouth and licked them clean of her slick, his eyes rolling back at the taste.

“Alpha please, I need you.  Bucky, I want your big cock inside me…please!” Y/N begged again.  Normally it would embarrass her to be acting like this, she would have never dreamed of speaking to Bucky this way.  But they were beyond the point of no return.

“Condom first, Omega,” he reminded her in his authoritative voice.  “As much as I’d love to fill you up, I don’t think that’s what you want just yet.”

Y/N pouted, but the first orgasm had helped clear her brain a little bit, and pointed to the nightstand next to the bed.  Bucky quickly reached over and pulled open the top drawer, finding the box and pulling a few of them out.  He unwrapped one and slipped it on himself before settling back between her legs, backing up a little bit.  “Present, please, Omega.”

Y/N twisted herself onto her stomach, lifting her hips high and pressing the side of her face into the bed.  Bucky almost whimpered at the sight of her sweet pussy, seeing the way he had made her drip with slick, the skin softly puckering in anticipation.  “Prettiest pussy I’ve ever seen Y/N, goddamn,” he whispered huskily.  She preened at his praise, her ass raising a little higher.  He gave her ass a quick slap, making her yelp and shiver.  “You ready?” he asked, making sure she was still wanting this.

“Yes, please Alpha, Bucky…please!”

“You’re so sexy when you beg,” he slapped her ass again, then grabbed her hips and aimed himself at her entrance.  He slowly pushed in the tip of his cock, the fat head catching just past her lower lips, making them both groan.  He kept pushing until he was fully seated inside her, letting her adjust to his size.  Y/N was keening again, a high pitched tone ringing through the air.  After a moment she wriggled her hips, silently asking him to thrust.  A deep growl emanated from Bucky’s throat and he pulled back until it was just the tip inside, then snapped his hips back into her hard. 

Y/N was making the sweetest noises he’d ever heard as he pummeled his cock into her.  She whimpered and moaned, making him hook an arm around her hips and lay his stomach across her back, quick huffs of his breath warming her shoulder.  He could feel her walls fluttering around him, making the rhythm of his hips stutter.  “Fuck, honey, you gonna cum?”  She nodded as her moans got louder.  He flipped her back over onto her back so he could watch her release, leaving barely any room between them as he hovered over her.  Her hands wound around the back of his neck, scratching his scalp with her nails.  “Goddammit, do that again,” he heard himself whimpering this time.  She scratched from the top of his head down to his neck and pulled him in for another kiss.

He reached between their bodies and started flicking her clit as he chased his own high.  “Bucky, oh my God,” she squealed against his lips as her back arched and her legs clung to his hips.  “Yes, yes, yes, shit…mark me.”

Bucky didn’t stop thrusting but tensed at her words.  “No, Y/N, you don’t want that.”

“Yes, I do, with you, Bucky,” she gasped.

“Omega,” he warned her, his eyes flashing.  “We can talk about that when I’m not balls deep inside you.”

Y/N tensed at his Alpha command, her legs loosening around him.  “I want you to be my Alpha, my mate.”

“God fucking dammit,” Bucky stopped thrusting and leaned on his elbows above her.  “Y/N, listen to me, you don’t want that.  You said you wanted a clear choice, remember?”  Y/N was silent and wide eyed as she watched him, slightly nodding her head.  “This isn’t a clear choice.  Your first heat in how many years?  It’s your hormones talking, honey.  And believe me, I’d love to mark you, claim you, bond and mate with you.  Stuff you full of me,” he thrust again, making her eyes roll back, “and breed you with my pups.  But we can talk about all that later.  Right now, I’m here to help you through this, because you’re my best friend, and…I’m ridiculously in love with you.”  He finally said it.  “I want to be yours, and I want you to be mine.  But when it’s both of us with clear heads and a clear choice.  Okay?”

Y/N’s eyes were watery as she listened to him.  “You’re in love with me?”

Bucky huffed a laugh, “Is that all you got out of that?”

She shook her head, “No, but it’s the most important thing.  I’m in love with you.”

He smiled wide and leaned down to give a quick kiss to her nose.  “Can I continue now?”

She nodded again, and he gave her another thrust to get her going again.  Her slick started to make squelching noises as he picked up the pace again, his knot starting to catch at her entrance, his hand reaching to her clit again and trailing kisses down her throat to her scent gland, licking and sucking at it again.

“One day, if you’ll have me, I’ll bite this pretty neck,” he moaned in her ear as her fingers dug into his back.  “Make you mine.”

“Yours, all yours, Bucky…Alpha,” Y/N groaned, leaning her head up and scenting him back.  Her soft lips and her tongue against his gland had his eyes rolling in his head again and his fingers gripping her hips harshly.  “That’s right.  Mine.  Mine…mine,” he thrusted harder and faster, angling her hips up to hit deeper.

Y/N screamed his name as she finally came, her hands digging into the flesh between his neck and shoulder, scratching his scent gland and making him see stars as he came with a yell, his knot fully inflating and latching him to her as she nearly squeezed the dear life out of him.  He fell on top of her, and she held him as he calmed down, both of them panting and sweaty.  

A heady scent filled the air, a smell that screamed satisfied mates.  Bucky pulled himself to his side, holding her close so it wouldn’t hurt her to move with him, and covered them with the blankets from her nest.  Y/N was delirious after this first round of her heat, her head lolling with exhaustion.  “Rest, Omega.  We’ve still got a few days, and forever after that.”

She smiled sleepily, “Hmmm, my Alpha.”

[viandclintbarton-supremacy]

The Unkillable Lion (GN Wrestler Reader x Russio)

Warning: Mentions of blood, swearing and bad writing

W/N = Wrestler Name

Your heart beat was bumping, nerves settled in, its happening!!

You are going to walk out at Wembley Stadium for the match of your life. A match in your home country, the biggest ever and in front of a sold out crowd. But not infront of your family....It sucked. Not only was your family stuck in Australia but your sister and girlfriend lost the finals of the Women's World Cup and all you could do was call and text them since thier flights were delayed. You could physically be here for them. You sighed resuming your stretching

*Crowd roars*

You glanced at the backstage monitor the screen just showed the graphic of the next match

For the Newly reinstated NJPW Intercontinental Championship

NO HOLDS BARRED

"The Unkillable" W/N

VS

"The King" Minoru Suzuki (C)

Excalibur on the commentary team "Up next will The King Suzuki be knocked off his throne? Or will The Unkillable be Killed on their home soil"

Jim ross would respond "There is no doubt that this match with be a slobber knocker"

You smiled before feeling a hand on your shoulder, you turn to see Kenny Omega

Y/N:"Great match out there today Kenny" He smiled

Kenny:"Do I ever have a bad match" giving you a really look

F/N:"Fair Point"

Kenny:"This crowd is red hot, they are gonna have your back I'd say even against Suzuki. And i have ni doubt your family and gal are gonna be watching from Australia"

You looked at him with a determined smile "Thanks Ken"

"5 minutes F/N" You hear from the gorilla position.

"Now go show them what the Elite is all about " you smirked and winked before leaving to go tear the house down

"Calm down mum, F/N will be fine."

"Well you know what i am like Jorge"

"They are a Bronze they will survive anything, right Luc?" Jorge would turn to his sister who had a far away look in her eye. Jorge slightly frowned, the impact of losing the World Cup final was still being processed.

"Luc?" Lucy felt a nudge of a leg moving her leg, she looked to her side to see Keira "Jorge was saying Bronze's can survive anything, personally i think he is correct" Bronze smiled as she looked at the tv and starred at her sibling face. She felt so much pride seeing her sibling being apart of something so big and living their dream.

"Yeah they will survive, though knowing Y/N there will be blood"

"BLOOD!" the room would jump at the sound of Alessia Russo sudden outburst.

"Bloody hell Les!" Ella Toone would say placing her arm on her chest from being startled "Sorry i just didn't know, i don't even know what this match actually is. will their actually be blood" Alessia would say looking at Bronze with slight worry but also embarrassment. She felt bad as she still didn't understand Y/N's job fully. She hated watching them get hurt but to star bleeding???

"Well basically a No Holds Barred Match is anything goes. No count outs they can use any sort of weapon, go anywhere in the stadium." Lucy would say earing the attention of some of the lionesses who were also watching and those new to the sport. Since the flights were delayed, the group decide to have a massive hang out with the team and families "And yes Y/N has a history being busted open" Lucy would say with grimace on her face. Making Alessia more nervous and scared for Y/N.

Alessia met Y/N on her first match for the Senior England Team, Y/N was supporting their sister Lucy during the match and the duo would have a brief encounter but would greet each other everytime. One of the things Russio like about Y/N was they always greeted everyone and shook peoples hands. no matter if they were players, team's family's or staff. As a wrestler Y/N always showed respect and etiquette to everyone.

It wasnt until Alessia moved to London after signing for Arsenal, That their paths would cross at a gym from there the duo would grow closer. Everytime Y/N would go across the country or abroad, Alessia would miss the charming wrestler. And when Russio did the same Y/N would miss the clumsy but talented footballer.

It wasn't until a gym session 2 months ago after the duo both hadn't seen each other for nearly two months that one thing led to another that the duo would engage in a heated night of passion..........in the gym bathroom.........and then Y/N's Car......and then Y/N's bed. Basically a LOT of PASSION happened that night.

The duo would become an item, keeping it on the low and eventually would tell thier families tho both were SCARED TO FUCK to tell Lucy. Given the fact that the last time Lucy found out F/N had a partner.....well F/N doesn't know actually their partner just vanished, no sign of where they went but it smelt of Lucy's involvement.

When the duo announced to Lucy, it was a surprise as she seemed to beam with happiness seeing her teammate and her siblings together. She knew Russio well and trusted her and when Lucy embraced Russio, she would whisper "If anything happens to them, remember it's very easy for me to find you" Before hugging her sibling leaving Les gulping slightly before smiling nervously.

Alessia's worry grew she struggles to watch F/N wrestle, seeing them getting hurt and thrown around scared her. and now blood? She would be lying is she said she understood wrestling. She was snapped out of her trance by a hand on her shoulder "Les? They will be ok. this is their job" Alessia turned to the voice and smiled at her best friend Ella Toone. "She's right. They will fuck that guy up" Russio smiled at Mary Earps comment.

*Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne plays at Wembley"

The crowd roars as the lionesses and focus on the screen.

You hear the rumble of the crowd, you wanted for your cue to leave, you couldn't wait to leave and see the crowd and start the walk to the ring.

Lucy breathed out, feeling nervous for you as Les got excited

You started to walk down the Hallway, every step the view of the crowd getting more and more in view. As you step out the crowd cheered like maniac and wanted for you to remove your hood and ignite your pyro.

"Oh my god, the colour of their gear" Stanway pointed out. Gaining the attention of the lionesses "Its the same colour scheme as our away kit" The lionesses couldn't help but feel flattered at the gesture whilst the Bronze family were filled with pride

You removed the hood revealing your face and the pyro went off to loud cheers as you screamed and shouted to the fans to cheer. you felt the breeze against your skin as you stood there for the moment to take it all in. you looked out to the sea of people. Your fellow countrymen and fans that came to see you. Lucy watched with pride, She knew the feeling you had right now. whilst Les smiled at the cute reaction you showed You nodded as you began to walk down the ramp high fiving the fans and kids in the front row.

"A year ago a team of Lionesses walked onto the pitch of Wembley and played with pride and passion to become champions of Europe. One of those Lionesses was Lucy Bronze" Nigel McGuiness paused. The lionesses ears were listening at the commentator with smiles. they may have lost the finals but they did achieve greatness with winning the euros. As Lucy's name was mentioned

"Now a year later, W/N Bronze walks into the same Arena. With the goal to become champion like their sister. This isn't a try and fail for Y/N this is a must for them. They HAVE to walk out of Wembley champion" Les couldn't help but the amount of pressure you must be under, she didn't think of the story of his match and started to worry what if you did lose. She has lost the finals of the World Cup, she couldn't bear to see you lose too "They need to win, so when they walked down the streets, people will come up to then and say. 'Hey you are the NJPW Intercontinental Champ, W/N Bronze right?.' And Not 'oh isn't Lucy Bronze your sister.'"

The group would frown as you entered the ring. Did the commentator really say that. They thought it was harsh, but Lucy knew. She hated seeing you accomplish so much but still be referred as the other sibling. Alessia also knew she would see interviews of you and every time you were undermined and Lucy was brought up you can feel your energy switch.

As you made your way to the ring, the crowd's energy continued to surge and you couldn't help but feel the support from your home country. The cheers and chants were overwhelming and it motivated you even more for the match. You knew that this was a critical moment in your career, and you had to give it your all and you couldn't LOSE

The Lionesses and your family continued to watch with bated breath. Lucy felt the pride of being your sister and couldn't help but recall her own moments of glory at Wembley. She understood the immense pressure you were under, and her heart swelled with hope for your success. Alessia, on the other hand, was torn between her excitement for you and her deep concern. She wasn't familiar with wrestling and seeing you in a No Holds Barred match with the potential for blood made her uneasy. The support and reassurance of her friends helped ease her worries, but she couldn't help but feel a knot in her stomach.

"F/N started in the outskirts of Sunderland before heading to Japan, Joining the Faction Chaos by recommendation of Will Ospreay, there Y/N would win multiple tag titles and tournaments before betraying Okada and leaving Chaos and Joining the Bullet Club. A year later F/N would be kicked out of the BC with the Elite and headed to AEW. And now to Wembley. What a journey for this Youngblood" Jim Ross said as he praised you. the commentary about your journey and the pressure to succeed struck a chord with Lucy, Alessia and your Family. They knew how much this meant to you, not just as a wrestler but as an individual trying to step out of your sibling's shadow.

The atmosphere in Wembley Stadium shifted as "The King" Minoru Suzuki made his way to the ring. He was a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his no-nonsense, hard-hitting style and a reputation as one of the toughest men in the business.

Suzuki's presence alone exuded an aura of intimidation. His face bore the scars of countless battles, and his cold, unflinching stare made it clear that he had no intention of relinquishing his Intercontinental Championship without a brutal fight.

You watched as he swaggered down the ramp. You prepared yourself mentally as you knew he was gonna try and murder you but you were prepared to fight no matter the cost

The crowd which had been firmly behind you, was now divided. Some cheered for the local hero, "The Unkillable" W/N Bronze, while others cheered to the reigning champion, Suzuki, Hoping that he would tear you apart. The air was electric with anticipation and you could feel the weight of the moment pressing upon you.

The referee checked both competitors for any concealed weapons, making it clear that in a No Holds Barred match, anything could and would happen. The tension in the ring was palpable as the official signaled for the match to begin.

You and Suzuki locked eyes and for a brief moment, He tilted his head before smiling like a maniac, You replied with a smirk. Both of you understood the magnitude of the battle about to take place.

So you decided to throw a chop to the Japanese legend. A loud smack can be heard as Suzuki was caught off guard before accepting the challenge "Come on then wanker" You say trying goad him

Then he did, You felt the chop ripple threw your body sending electricity throughout your body. The each delivering thunderous knife-edge chops to the other. The sound of flesh meeting flesh reverberated throughout the stadium, and the crowd's cheers and gasps grew louder with each strike. Your chest and Suzuki's were both bright red from the onslaught of chops, and neither of you showed any signs of backing down. It was a test of willpower, a battle of endurance, and the audience couldn't believe the spectacle they were witnessing.

"Why why are doing this" Alessia had her hands to her face, During the chop off. She hated seeing you het hit like this and hearing the sounds of the smack echoing around the area "Fucking hit hm F/N" But lucy on the other hand was invested and wanted you to slap the shit out of your opponent

But in a sudden turn of events, Suzuki let out a deep, guttural laugh, his sadistic grin never leaving his face.

"Oh shit" You regretted your challenge

*Chop*

The crowd's gasps turned into collective exclamations of shock and your friends and family watched as the chop sent you to the ground like a bag of potatoes. Alessia squealed as she turned into her father's direction who was laughing at his daughters reaction. "Jesus Christ" Lucy would hear from her brother as he held his child in his arms. Meanwhile you laid there as Suzuki was taunting you "I think my chest is caved in" You would say feeling like you got shot. This was gonna be a war.

Many moments would happen during the match, You power bombing Suzuki through a table, him hitting you with a chair, brawling in the crowed. It wasn't until you took a barbed wire bat to the head that cut you open above the eye. Your family gave a grim look whilst Alessia shrieked and hid her face in Ella's shirt. You looked dazed as the blood dripped down your face and you spat out the blood that fell into your mouth. It was a site that made the crowd stare at you. The match went almost 28 mins before you found yourself in a Gotch powerbomb set up as he went to lift you, You countered with a DDT just as Alessia peeked out

"Focking hell" Toone would say as Your family and lionesses cheered. Alessia heart filled with excitement and amazement. You fighting with such passion made her heart flutter

And then you hit a Bronze Maker (Flatliner) when he ran for you

"BRONZE MAKER!! CAN THAT BE THE MOVE OT MAKE BRONZE, A GOLD MAKER!!" Nigel would say on commentary

As you laid down you heard the chants for you and the rhythm of claps from 81.000 strong behind you. The whole stadium was alive for Y/N Bronze. You staggered up and saw Suzuki now bleeding from the head was on one knee you had to stop him so you ran and dropkicked him into the corner

Alessia was in a trance.

Seeing your chance and the adrenaline pumping jumped to the top rope top, The crowd rumbling they knew what was next after sticking your tongue out with dried blood over your face, you hit your iconic The moonsault stomp "HERE IT COMES"

The crowd popped sending a massive shockwave throughout the arena

"HOLY SHIT!" Mary Earps said in shock

"THAT WAS FUCKING SICK" Stanway said in a hyped voice

"I FELT THAT ONE" Hemp would say as she grimaced

"GO ON Y/N" Millie Bright said a pumped up attitude

"COME ON Y/N" Lucy calm demeanour changed as she couldn't keep still and fully stood up bouncy.

"Come on babygirl/babyboy" Alessia whispered to herself

You stood over the body of your Suzuki and grabbed both arms and brought him to his knees "COME ON KID, MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF AND ARCHIVE GREATNESS" Jim Ross adding more excitement and goosebumps with his words and passion

"NIGHT NIGHT MOTHERFUCKER" You shouted as you used the last of your strength to drive your knee into Suzuki's head.

"LION KILLER!!!!" Excalibur shouted on commentary. The crowd roared with passion, as it was like a button you hit on Suzuki's head to make them roar. The room of Lionesses watched on with anticipation

You fall on top of Suzuki and pin him. You hear the referee land on the canvas. And everyone counted with him

"ONE" the ref screamed along with the crowd

"TWO" The Bronze's, Alessia and the lionesses screamed

It felt like forever that you watched the hand come down but eventually

Lucy had goosebumps all over her body. Could it be, Will she finally see you achieve your dream

Alessia was on the break of tears. The art of wrestling, her love and proudness of you was beaming

Finally

"THREE!" Your heart stopped. The crowd roared, your family was in a mixture of tears and joy.

Lucy was hugging and shaking Keira around with joy. She was overwhelmed by seeing you achieve your dream. She saw you start from a underdog to a champion. This meant more to her then the World Cup.

Alessia was tearing up as Ella and Mary were teasing but also cheering. She now understood the moments wrestling made and how it made fans feel. And to see you in such a moment made her cry and celebrate with her friends and lucy

"HE/SHE DID IT, W/N HAS ACHIEVED IMMORTALITY AT WEMBLEY" Jim Ross shouted with passio

You layed there, you did it. You thought looking up to the sky with the open roof of Wembley in view, you don't know how long it took until you realized the ref standing over you with the belt. You slowly sat up onto your knees and held the title staring at it like a new born baby. You then shot up with pride ignoring the pain and held it above your head and the crowd roared once again. A image will for ever be in the minds for Fans's Lucy and Alessia.

As the celebrations went on Omega, The Young Bucks, Ibushi and Hangman came out and praised you as you were lifted onto the Buck's Shoulders. Ella nudging Alessia as she saw the jealous look on her face. But then music hit

"Woah hold on here" Jim Ross said as out of the entrance way came Will Ospreay and members of the United Empire "Its Ospreay, we saw him earlier tonight when he beat Jericho." Excaliber would say "So is the Aussie Open and Jeff Cobbs but that snake Don Callis and Takashita are alongside them." You looked confused as the young bucks set you down. Kenny, Ibushi and Hangman glared at Takeshita and Don Callis due to Earlier events.

As they entered the ring, The Golden Elite stood behind you and the United Empire behind Ospreay as the two of you had a face to face. The stadium rumbled at the sight. Making this a match they wanted. Don would step forward and in response so would Kenny. A action that made Don step back. Kenny was now to you right making it Osprey's left. Kenny glared at will, He still wasn't done with the aerial assassin. As a gesture of he wasn't finished he held up the finger triggers to Ospreay

The Lionesses were Intrigued by this situation. Alessia was annoyed that you didn't get a full celebration and wanted you to have your moment. but Lucy knew something was off by your stance.

And then

"OH MY GAWD!" Jim Ross shouted

"WHAT!! Nigel was flabbergasted

Alessia was wide eyed as most of the Lionesses. Lucy eyebrow raised in surprise

You just SuperKicked Kenny

The arena was stunned, The Golden Elite were frozen. The United Empire then rushed The Elite and started to dismantle them. As you and Ospreay starred at each other, A growing smirk came to both of your faces

"Oh don't tell me" Jim Ross would say kn commentary. You would then make the United Empire hand sign and hug will laughing. "Oh that son of a bitch!" You both grabbed Kenny as you set him up for Will's hidden blade.

You would laugh and stick your tongue out

"Oh you two are definitely related" Lucy would hear Hemp say to which Lucy shrugged smirking "It's a family thing" . Alessia however was shocked at your evil side and couldn't help but blush at the cockiness you were showing.

You then decided to lift Kenny on your shoulders and hit him with his own move. The One Winged Angel

You sat there laughing with Ospreay as your girlfriend blushed more

"Oooh you like when your playmate is a baddie" Mary bumped Alessia making her more embarrassed.

There you stood at Wembley. With your new wrestling family and champion

A few days later

"BABY!!" Alessia was caught off guard but welcomed you picking her up and holding her "I missed you so much" you placed her down and kissed her to which see kissed you back after a minute of tongue twirling of you would part for breathe. "I missed you" You said to your girlfriend. "I missed you too sweetheart"

You smiled with pride " I am so fucking proud of you babe" You said. She smiled sadly but then she cupped your cheeks "Not as proud as me champ" You smiled smugly "Well i am a talented bastard." Alessia fought back a laugh before looking down and biting her lip. You placed your finger on her chin lifting her to look at you. "Whats wrong pet" You gave her a cocky smile. Alessia loved it and knew what was happening. One of her teammates blabbed to you about her liking your bad side. She inches closer.

"THERES MY BOY/GIRL!" all of a sudden you felt yourself picked up into the arms of you sister Lucy. To which you hugged back. The two of you started to playfight "LETS GO CHAMP" Lucy would start saying. You haven't seen her this happy since the Euros. You couldn't help but be happy with Lucy's reaction to your win. Ever since you were a child you wanted her approval and recognition. She was the best sister ever. You notice people at the airport started to look at you and so did lucy. Alessia couldn't help but smile at the cute behaviour before her

"YEAH MY BROTHER/SISTER IS A CHAMPION AND WHAT!" Lucy shouted as she wrapped her arm around your shoulder and leading you away. You reached out your hand to Alessia who grabbed her stuff and your hand and walked with you "Seriously Y/N i am so proud of you bro" Lucy squeezed you closer as you rested you head on her shoulder for a sec "Thanks Lu. I am proud of you two. You were amazing throughout" She smiled sadly before cheering up "Thanks child" You rolled your eyes "That reminds me i got both of you Souvenirs from the show and Keira also" The girls smiled, Lucy was extra thankful as you mentioned her partner is was having a hard time with her injury.

The duo mentioned they got something for you two as you walked out of the airport not before a squeak came from Alessia after you gave a cheeky squeeze to her bum, showing off the cocky side once more leading to you and Lucy laughing at her flustered look

The End

this took so long, like 2 - 3 months. kept dropping in and out of it but i hope my Wrestling readers and woso readers enjoyed it. If you are a fan of both then consider yourself spoiled.

but this leads to a question would you like more wrestling x woso? let me know

and all feedback is welcome.

[mindlesshark]

“ The Day We Met ” (M)

chapter two - bittersweet goodbyes

Chapter two - next

story tags/warnings : ot8/reader, male reader, polymerous pack, possessive hints, mature series, bdsm, strangers to lovers/mates, fantasy, courting, fluff, angst, mc is just a sweetie pie, male omega reader, alpha!seonghwa, pack alpha!yunho, alpha!mingi, beta!hongjoong, beta!yeosang, omega!wooyoung, alpha!san, alpha!jongho, mean wooyoung, wooyoung hates reader?, reader is the same height as woozi from svt, 18+ only no minors

chapter warnings : fluff between felix/reader, jealous joong?, this chapter is just y/n settling in mostly, bdsm mention, collaring

length : idk - med (?)

a/n note : (heart divider by @cafekitsune)

Leaving home had to be one of the hardest thing y/n has ever had to do. Having to part ways from the packs pups lead to many tears and cuddles, as they didn’t want there ‘second mom’ to leave. There would be no more singing nursery rhymes and rocking a sleepy pup in his arms to sleep. No more making funny faces to make a pup laugh or convincing them to eating with little airplane motions. No more waking up to birds chirping to the sound wind-chimers blowing in the wind with his best-friend knocking as his door for a morning walk in the never ending field of flowers. Y/n, even though his heart felt like it was being stabbed knew this wasn’t the end of the world even though the packs pup were like his own children, but it sure did feel like it. The life before him held many opportunities whether good or bad he was finally ready, he had to be. Gripping onto his light blue suitcase y/n looked up at felix once more with love-filled teary eyes.

This was the part he wasn’t ready for, the bittersweet goodbye. When y/n met felix they had just presented, even though they were both omegas they had loved each other dearly but they weren’t mates. They had experienced everything with each other yet this is where y/n would have to learn to survive without his best friend. He knew he couldn’t depend on felix for the rest of his life, “please lixie..don’t leave me” y/n whimpered out in a wobbly tone, his breath erratic. “Who will i aggervate when im bored, or when i run out of chocolate!” Felix knew the omega would be like this. He would be lying if he said this would be easy for the both of them. Change is never easy for anyone with a fragile heart, but they had to be strong. They would see each other again he would make sure of it.

“You’ll be fine pup, plus i will be calling you every chance i get. You better not forget about me when your all coupled up with your new pack okay?” Letting out a hearty laugh felix wiped away y/n’s never ending tears, the chestnut haired omega always got emotional went it came to just about anything. It was then everything dawned on felix as he felt his own tears falling down his face. It was then everything dawned on felix as he felt his own tears falling down his face as he heard y/n beginning to sing his favorite nursery rhymes like he would do for the pups but now it was for felix.“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear how much I love you please don't take my sunshine away..” Looking over one another's features for the millionth time felix gently caressed y/n's cheeks placing a passionate kiss on his lips, “i love you see you soon” y/n smiled through the tears before they parted ways entering their planes.

The betas had spent all morning cleaning up around the house along with a overly excited alpha seonghwa getting ready for hopefully their new pack member and omegan helper. It was safe to say that the pack was restless. Luckily the pack seemed to get a few hours asleep before being waken by yunho double check over everyone. “I dont see why everyones so excited, we are perfectly fine without some outsider who probably smells like some country whore” wooyoung gritted out as he brushed his teeth with a sleepy jongho who was getting dressed. Not everyone in the pack was happy with what was happening that being their beloved omega wooyoung. Although this wasn’t a surprise for the rest. Wooyoung was one of the most territorial in the pack while their pack alpha was the most possessive. Wooyoung couldn’t see how everyone was actually excited with having another omega, wasn’t he enough? Plus how would the new omega even fit in, he was the same height as woozi yet wooyoung didn’t find it cute as he did with his hyung.

Yunho went up to the omega embracing him from behind followed by gently nuzzling into his neck to scent him, “be nice it’s not as bad as you think? i though you wanted to be the head omega, you did say you wanted someone to take care of like we take care of you. We love you, i love you we are not replacing you. We all decided this together remember? We need this to go well, for everyones sake” the alpha hummed out trying to calm and reassure his annoyed mate. As the pack alpha, yunho understood where his mate was coming from and why he was acting this way. He knew wooyoung wasn’t actually upset but pent up in. The alpha was probably the most excited for having the chance at having someone to help balance the pack. Don’t get him wrong he loved his pack with his whole being but he always felt as if something was missing and he knew everyone else did too.

Fighting between the pack had gotten worse over time, with the uneven number of omega and alphas only made the fights more intense. Not to mention having a pack full of doms made ruts and heats harder on the betas especially yeosang. Wooyoung was more dominant than some other omegas in the industry were but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t give up his control some times. He loved his alphas and had no problem dominating his betas in bed but everyone knew he wanted another omega too, yet he was stubborn and refused to let anyone near his pack.

“Lets go everyone! We have to be there by three o’ clock, manager-hyung said their already at the facility!!” hongjoong and yeosang’s voice rang out sweetly while rushing everyone out the door and into the van. Seonghwa beating everyone to the van took his place in the front, “do you think their a girl or a male? i doubt it will be a male meaning how they are almost rare to find but by the description i think their a male.”

“They said their from a secluded pack so im guessing a girl” mingi stated confidently before being shoved to scoot over by a cranky san. “Would yall shut up already?! God we better be stopping for coffee before we get there”

One thing about coming from a secluded pack in the woods to a big city wasn’t the big buildings and fancy hotels no no it was the amount of people. Not only was y/n’s hand shaking from being nervous he was also excited, so much that he happy scent began to feel almost suffocating in the small car for the company’s designated driver. The drive to the company building from the airport allowed him two hours to take a cat nap and mentally prepare himself for his new lifestyle. Being a omegan helper meant he was to act as the packs personal mate which meant he was there to offer them comfort, affection, scenting or anything the group particularly needs. They also help with heats or ruts which in this case he will as both partys gave their consent.

As the car pulled up to the company y/n hurried with gathering his hand held things such as his phone and shark plushie, before he went to get his suitcase from the trunk. Luckily, the worker assigned to him didn’t seem in a rush but only annoyed as he struggled for a bit. Y/n made sure to put on his best friends large hoodie for extra comfort in the car before the arrived or else he is positive he would have been scolded. “Welcome, i’m Kim, i will be guiding you to hopefully meet the pack who you will be joining to be their new omegan helper.” Y/n quickly bowing in respect before going to shake her hand only to be politely denied which made him slightly embarrassed. Choosing to brush it off he followed behind her to one of the empty rooms with a large two way mirror. It was as if y/n was in some foreign paradise. The building was gorgeous and unlike any back where he stayed but he would have to just get used to if he was going to be working for a famous group.

“Here you will wait and since they already know you scent from your application i will bring you a piece of their clothing for you to scent. If all is well you may enter through door beside the mirror whenever you are ready. Also you can see them but they cant see you so don’t worry everything is still anonymous.” she stated calmly before closing the door. Pulling out his phone he quickly texted felix that he had arrived to the building followed by a string of messages about the size of the building and how fancy looking it was.

Glancing around the room y/n rolled his suitcase to the two way mirror while clutching his plushie he stared at the mirror at the eight men starting to fill the room. “Oh my god” he whispered to himself in amazement it was like looking at god like men. It was then when he started to feel underdressed. Nibbling on his bottom lip y/n shifted in his spot beginning to think he was at the wrong place, “..maybe i should have worn something else.” Once attempting to fix his fluffy head of curly chestnut brown hair he sighed in defeat. Broken from his star-struck state the worker walked to him handing him a heavily scented hoodie but this time from the presumed pack alpha. Clutching the cloth he took a cautious whiff, peppermint, he identified almost instantly holding the hoodie close to himself feeling his heart begin to race it made him feel a sense of safety. “I’d like to meet them now if thats..okay” he stated softly with butterflies in his stomach. Nodding her head in relief Kim, his designated omegan worker, grabbed y/n’s suitcase and opened the connecting door while y/n stood behind her.

“I will be just outside the door if you need me” kim gently pulled y/n from behind her earning a betrayed look from the omega. Kim whispered to him a few encouraging words before exiting the room with a kind smile. Gripping onto his suitcase handle and hand held things which now included the pack alphas hoodie y/n inhaled a shaky breath. “I- hello im y/n l/n, its a nice to meet you all. I promise to do my best and help the pack” his voice wavering.

The silence that filled the room almost made the omega follow her yet the next thing that happened surprised him. Suddenly he was being embraced by a cheesing beta, “Oh my gosh you do smell good just like chocolate cake and oh god you’re so small!” hongjoong embraced the omega in a bear hug with a smile that could heal the world. Y/n felt like his heart was going to jump out his chest as he began purring softly. Yeosang joining in hugged y/n from behind. He could almost cry from the betas hug alone it felt like home.

“i told you they would be a girl!” screamed a proud alpha. “um im sorry? im a boy did i enter the..wrong room i was told to come in here if i accepted the scent on the hoodie” y/n questioned pointing at the cloth in his arms, he was almost embarrassed but by the woodsy-peppermint scent filling the room he was sure this was the one. Seonghwa tried to hide his laughter as mingi fell quiet his face slowly turning pink.

“Im sorry for that, hello y/n im Yunho also the packs alpha that was Mingi one of our alphas. Thank you for accepting us really, you dont know how long we were searching for a omegan helper that met our requirements. One that could well handle all of us” yunho spoke up from behind hongjoong who was still holding onto the omega.

“Joongie you have to let him go so we can finish introducing,” reluctantly the head beta let go only to be replaced by a smiley alpha. “Hi i’m Seonghwa another alpha that was hongjoong our lead beta, then theres yeosang a beta he’s a real sweet heart i promise, and this is jongho an alpha he’s also our maknae. Then there is san an alpha, and our precious omega wooyoung.”

Y/n stood in silence remembering each name, face, and scent. Yunho, pack alpha woodsy-peppermint, mingi - cinnamon, seonghwa - red wine, hongjoong- hazlenut, jongho - bonfire and smores, yeosang - honey and fresh flowers, san - freshly made coffee, wooyoung pack omega - vanilla. Suddenly when he was remembering the last one the omega scent seemed to turn slightly bitter as he made eye contact, did he do something wrong? Walking up to them he bowed respectfully maybe he should apologize yet when he went to speak he was cut off.

“You just got here and.. i cant stand you already” the packs omega gritted out before walking out the room pulling san with him. The packs head beta sighed acting like nothing happened while releasing calming pheromones. He knew the omega was upset but not then the way one would think so he wouldn’t mention it. It would take some time before wooyoung would actually get along and talk to their new pack member normally. Especially when y/n came in smelling like other unknown omega. “Come we already got your room ready i think you will love it, here let me get that for u” pulling y/n’s suitcase hongjoong led them to the van they originally came in. “Don’t mind him he didn’t mean what he said okay? He is just not in the best of moods today.” Yunho spoke softly not to scare y/n while gently placing his hand on the omega’s lower back to guide him out the door.

Walking into the packs penthouse y/n gasped as he toed off his shoes. This was nothing like at his old pack house, no it was more spacious not to mention expensive. There were no pups running around playing tag resulting in stuff being knocked over or any babies begging to be held. No field to go running through to make flower crowns. “Come ill show u to your room, me and sangie decorated it. We tried to make it seem like you were back at home but we didn’t know really how so we just kinda made it soft looking?” hongjoong said with a giggle setting the omegas luggage don’t on the floor. The beta couldn’t seem to stop himself from helping the omega. He was just so genuinely happy that he couldn’t help wanting to know everything y/n was willing to tell him. It had been a while since the pack had been interested in meeting someone new that would potentially become apart of their pack. “I can help you unpack if you’d like. Also if you don’t mind me asking, how was life back where you’re from i mean like in a secluded pack and all.”

Y/n listened to the beta ramble on. Hongjoong hadn’t left his side since they met back at the facility, even when they got into the van he insisted that y/n sat by him. Even now that they are at the packs house when the others went to the pack alphas den the beta stayed. “That would be great, and well it sure is different than being here i mean in the city and all not to mention a different country” y/n giggled he couldn’t help but be flustered by the other giving all of his attention to him. “Back at home me and lixie’s job was to watch over the packs pups while the parents did their own jobs within the pack. I loved my job the pups were like my own in a way, they would even call me momma at times” y/n smiled at the memories his scent becoming sweeter. “i would sing them to nusery rhymes and put them to sleep while lixie feed and played with them. Back at my old home there was lots of woods and spacious fields so me and lixie would go on picnics almost everyday.”

Hongjoong unpacked the omegas clothes while listening to him share his life stories, this was all new to him as none of his pack members ever lived in a secluded pack. Picking up one stack of folded clothes he paused. These didn’t smell like y/n, no these weren’t his. Why were someone else’s clothes with his? Jealousy ran through the betas body almost instantly. Why was he jealous already over someone he had just met him, yet he couldn’t help feeling jealous every time the omega mentioned his friend by their nickname. He felt as if the omega was already theirs. Now that he thought about it why was he wearing someone else’s hoodie.

“Oh here ill do those” y/n quickly suggested while picking up felix’s heavily scented clothes. Taking a deep breath before shoving half of the stack of clothes into the dresser leaving the other half on his bed to include in his nest. “Is everything okay? if you’re hungry i can cook something this is the last of my stuff here.” The smiling omega stood up dusting off his legs while watching the beta.

“oh no im fine i mean yes, yunho wants to have a meeting all of us tonight to make sure everything was covered on your application like the packs ruts and heat schedules. Also he wants to make sure the other more personal things are covered” fake smiling hongjoong joined y/n standing. Guiding y/n to the kitchen joong showed him where everything was before excusing himself. “If you need help with anything just call out”

Once he was by himself a call rang through his phone the name sending a bright smile to y/n’s face. “Lixie!! what took you so long to call me back?” the omega whined with a playful pout as he set up his phone to pull out the ingredients to make a small meal for the hungry beta making sure to include the rest as a thank you gift.

“Im sorry baby i had to get settled in first. How has my precious omega been hm? are they treating you well?” felix said while staring at the now busy y/n. “Are you about to cook?”

Reaching into the fridge he replied calmly, “Yes im making something small yet fulfilling. Its gonna be a thank you meal for them accepting me and all. Maybe ill even make your favorite cookies.” Exhaling y/n washed his hands to begin mixing the dough for the sugar cookies.

Felix shook his head knowing this wasn’t the only reason his best friend cooking and baking cookies,“what happened you only make my favorite cookies when something has happened, or do u miss me” felix said teasingly while making a kissy face to the camera making y/n roll his eyes.

“They are all nice really..and i just miss you a lot thats all. This is gonna be the first time i have to shower alone” he stated softly while cutting up some meat for the handmade ramen he was making for the pack. Y/n didn’t want to tell him how hurt he was when one of the packs members didn’t bother to hide how much he disliked him already. Not only that but how it was their omega who seem to be upset with him. He would have been fine if it wasn’t a fellow omega, omegas normally stayed together. “But i have your clothes to help build my nest with so ill be okay”

After a few hours of talking with felix, y/n reluctantly hung up the phone. Nibbling on his bottom lip he began wrapping up the small batch of cookies he made just for the other omega, “maybe he will like these too.” Placing the wrapped cookies on the counter he wrote a small note, for wooyoung-hyung only from y/n ending the note with a small heart. Y/n smiled to himself hiding the gift somewhere he knew the omega would find them.

Later that night in the living room sat the whole pack and y/n. Yunho holding a cheery yeosang in his lap with while the rest sat in a circle around them with y/n towards the middle. “As you may know, in our pack we are quite possessive with whats ours. Some more than others like joongie and woo, as you’ve see in the application process. There is a few packs like ours such as BTS, SF9, NCT and OnlyOneOf, but before we go further into that as pack alpha i would like to make sure that what you agreed to in your file is correct. In your file you said you are comfortable and consent to bdsm related things correct?” San wrapped his arms around wooyoung scenting him as his cat-like eyes made eye contact with y/n, he started whispering to the omega in his lap with a sly smirk.

“Yes i consented to it now in person and on file. I also agreed to helping with the packs needs, of any sort” breaking eye contact, y/n spoke confidently. Although his voice seem to come out softer than intended. Y/n was no stranger to such topics as he and felix often talked about it, they even went as far as trying it out them selves. This was how the omega found out his preferences, without a doubt he was a submissive. It was more than obvious that he preferred not being in control which was why yunho didn’t bother questioning y/n on such. Yeosang then slide off the alphas lap going to sit by his fellow beta who was becoming restless, “calm down baby he’ll be ours soon, go sit behind him. i’ll keep watch of the others.” Slowly sliding behind y/n hongjoong pulled the omega into his lap. Gliding his nose against his neck hongjoong glanced at wooyoung smirking. Keeping eye contact he continued to lightly scent the omega in his lap. The beta knew what he was doing, placing a short kisses on y/n’s scent glands, teasing the glaring omega across the room. Y/n leaned back into the betas chest as the smell of hazlenut washed over him. Letting out short breaths, y/n held back a whimper his face flustered as his eyes glossed over he mumbled out, “..please joongie.” The beta to chuckled before lightly shushing him.

Walking into packs nest Yunho grabbed a small jewelry box, glancing at the black velvet collar inside. The elegant looking collar had the groups name branded on the front followed by white lace, a small sliver bell in the front, and a keyhold in the back.

[embeanwrites]

Yours & Mine - Hunter x Reader

Clone Fic Gift Exchange

Prompt: “I’m yours and you are mine” with Hunter (with a mention of “don’t go far from me”) 

A/N: Here’s my piece for the @cloneficgiftexchange! I’m so nervous to write/post this since @photogirl894 is one of my favorite authors here on Tumblr, so to write a piece for them, I was NERVOUS! I hope you enjoy this 🥺 Special thank you to @kakyoweeniesdump and @pinkiemme for editing and feedback! (I’ll post this to AO3 once I get home from Star Wars Celebration!) 

Word count: 2047

Some days Hunter couldn’t believe his luck. To have his squad. To have Omega. To have her. He was created in a lab on a rainy planet, meant to die in a war he was created for, to serve a master he had no control over, and now his life has done almost a total 180. After retiring from working with Cid, the group had decided to settle down on a little planet in the Outer Rim that Rex had found and had been helping clones resettle who were tired of fighting away from the Empire. Between all of them, they had been able to make a fairly sustainable home. For the first time in their lives, they had the true freedom to choose. 

Omega was able to go to school and make friends, something she thoroughly loved. She was frequently up before the boys in the morning, ready to go. Hunter thought the excitement would wear off, but as she entered her 60th rotation of school she still seemed to find wonder in school every day. Tech had gotten a job with a local mechanic shop after he had fixed some farming equipment for a farm nearby in record time. Wrecker had been loving helping some of the local farms with their animals and taking care of the livestock, he had been in the process of trying to convince Hunter that they needed some cattle for their farm, but Hunter wasn’t sure he was ready to deal with the smell every day. Hunter had found himself helping the townspeople with hunting and tracking and somehow, teaching some of the younger kids how to survive in the woods nearby. And unsurprising to Hunter their medic had quickly settled into helping with the local clinic. 

Hunter had been very well aware of his feelings for her before the group had settled down, but with them always on the run from the Empire, he had no desire to tie her in with their group in any way that could get her hurt or worse. He tried pushing her away or at the very least get her to understand the danger she would be in by running with them. Cid had essentially forced them to have a real medic join the crew after too many missions had gone sideways due to injuries. It wasn’t that he was ungrateful to have a medic with knowledge that wasn’t learned from the holonet five minutes before putting it into practice like Tech used to do, but Hunter felt weird about any civilian traveling with them. The team warmed up to her quickly, especially Omega, and it was shortly after she had gone out of her way to get colorful band-aids for Omega did Hunter allow himself to start to give in to these feelings. The warm feeling her smile and gentle touches gave him kept him up at night, thoughts of her would circle his mind and on the rare occasion, he’d allow himself to think of a peaceful future with her. 

He thought he hid his feelings well. 

He did not.

It was clear to everyone, including her, almost immediately that his feelings for the medic were stronger than just another crew member. He frequently tried to push his feelings away, denying them or not even affording himself to indulge in them, but she had none of it. Every idea to dissuade her from a relationship with him seemed to do nothing but persuade her more. She reminded him almost daily of her own feelings, either intentionally or unintentionally, until he let his heart thaw out. She loved him unconditionally and he couldn’t help falling for her deeply and wholeheartedly. 

Hunter still remembered the moment he decided that it was time to take that chance with her. When she had finally convinced him it was worth it. She had just patched up Wrecker and had been softly arguing with Tech that he needed more rest when she had sat next to him on his bunk, surprising him. 

“Do you want to talk about what happened out there?” She asked him softly and he fought back a sigh. 

“Nothing happened out there.” He replied, going back to sharpening his vibro blade, avoiding eye contact. 

“Oh really?” She taunted. “Was it not you, pulling you behind me in the middle of the mission saying ‘don’t go far from me’?” He clenched and unclenched his jaw, he knew this had been coming and that she wouldn’t let this go. 

“That wasn’t-” He tried. 

“Hunter, how long are we going to dance around this?” She muttered, he could hear her heart pounding and the frustration in her words, he felt his hands grow clammy. This was a conversation that had long been coming. “It’s not fair to either of us. Why aren’t you letting yourself be happy? What are you so scared of?” He slowly sheathed his blade and turned to face her, not allowing himself to look her in the face just yet. 

“What if I fail and lose you.” He finally muttered, feeling as if a tank was sitting on his chest. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost any of the squad, but you? Darling, I don’t think I could come back from that.” He groaned and dropped his head in his hands, hunched over in embarrassment and frustration. 

“But Hunter-” Her voice raising, ever so slightly. 

“How do you not understand that I’m doing this for you!” He dropped his hands and looked at her from the corner of his eye, unable to face her fully. “I don’t ever want you to hurt, don’t ever want to see you in pain, and the odds of me living through the Empire? Living through dealing with Cid’s missions? Not great. All I want is to see you happy, and I’d love for you to be happy with me, but that will no doubt be brief and I can’t leave you hurting without being there to help.” He looked away, not eager to see her face when she responded. 

“Well that’s very morbid and a bit arrogant.” She snorted. Hunter turned to face her scowling, ready to retort. “But even more infantilizing. If anything happened to either one of us, not just you, I think we would both grieve, but never take for granted any of the time we shared, or the care we had for each other. I’m not so fragile that your loss would break me, sure it would hurt, and I’d be heartbroken, but I have more respect for you, your memory, and for myself than to let that misery take hold forever, and I think you are stronger than that too.” She grabbed his hands, pulling him to face her. “You are letting fear keep you from living, and there is a lot of that to do outside of the war. You can be afraid, but don’t be a coward. Bravery isn’t the opposite of fear, it’s being afraid, but going for it anyway. You’re so brave out there, be brave here, with me.” She smiled, small and hopeful, but her eyes never left his, steely and determined to sway him. “And you know your brothers won’t stop giving you shit if you-“ he cut her off, his hand holding her cheek, thumb pressed against the apple, roving over her cheekbone. He was a breath away from her, his nose brushing against hers, watching her closely, waiting for her to push him away. He knew she wouldn’t push him away, not after that speech, not after everything, but some part of him still wanted to run, wanted her to run. But running wasn’t her and he was tired of trying to fight off his feelings. 

“Are you gonna kiss me or not, Sarge-“ and cutting her off once more his lips were on hers, and it was everything she’d wanted for months. 

She was so soft against him, it was startling how right she felt in his arms, but when her lips demanded more from him, pressing back harder and forcing what a sweet, chaste gesture to a passionate embrace one he knew she was anything but. He broke their kiss, moving back a hair's breadth to look at her. He was mesmerized by the way her eyes fluttered open, her mouth slightly agape and flushed. 

“You won’t take no for an answer, will you darlin’?” He chuckled, his hand ghosting down her face to grasp her jaw. 

“Absolutely not.” She smirked, then her hand weaved into his hair and pulled him in for another kiss. And that was that, she made no room for any further argument between them.

And that kiss is what led the two of them to now, roughly one standard cycle (and many kisses) later in their very own home. The two of them were currently lying on a soft rug in front of their fireplace, fully clothed and just enjoying the ability to have some serenity near each other. The night was quiet and having her so close made Hunter feel more warmth than any heat the fire could provide. He willed himself to hear her soft heartbeat, to smell the gentle shampoo she used in her hair, the feel of his hands on her cheek. He wanted so desperately to freeze time and live in this moment forever. 

“Are you okay, my love?” Her soft voice interrupted his thoughts. He let out a gentle sigh as he looked over at her face, ever caring and ever wondering about his well-being over her own. 

“I was just thinking about everything we had to go through to get here.” He murmured, she gave him a small smile, knowing the pain the entire batch went through to get to this peaceful time in their life and it was clear to all of them, even if they didn’t discuss it, that there was still a fear in each of them that this life may come to an end abruptly the moment they get too comfortable. “Sometimes I worry I’m going to wake up back in our barracks on Kamino and after everything that’s happened…I just fear that I don’t deserve this.” He closed his eyes as she moved her hand to cup his tattooed cheek, forcing him to look into her eyes. 

“Hunter, honey, of course, you deserve happiness.” She gave him a soft smile before continuing, “Plus I’m not complaining about having an absolute hunk of a man on my arm.” She joked, causing Hunter to let out a slight laugh. 

“I’m glad you find me nice to look at.” He responded, still stuck in his thoughts. 

“Among other things, you know.” She leaned forward and kissed the side of his mouth, his stubble rubbing against her. “I love how kind and protective you are. I always feel so safe when you’re around.” She murmured, moving ever so slightly to kiss his tattooed cheek. “I love when you’re watching Omega and you have this dad pose-”

“Dad pose?” He questioned. 

“You know, the one you do with your hand on your hip and you lean against the wall, watching her with a small smile. You do it all the time, you did it today when she was playing with her friends after school!” She teased while she resumed her soft kisses along his face. “I love that even when we’re out of missions you’re doing everything you can to make sure everyone’s safe. I love when I’m cooking and you come up behind me to hold me. I love-” 

“Alright, alright! I get it, you love me.” He chuckled, face burning bright from all the compliments, so unused to any form of love outside his brothers. 

“But do you know what I love the most?” She asked, moving so she was now on top of him, playfully pinning him.  

“Now, what would that be, sweetheart?” 

“That I’m all yours and you’re all mine.” She responded before leaning down to kiss him. And for once, Hunter allowed himself to relax in this moment, because she was right. While his fear of losing her was still there, he knew that at this time in his life, they had each other and nothing was going to change that. 

[masterjedilenawrites]

So I've had this headcanon for a while but haven't had the chance to work it into any fics yet. And with TBB Season 3 coming out, it's kind sorta a predication I have now...

I think Crosshair will be the last man standing. We were made to believe he was the first to go in the first season. But I think our expectations will be subverted. I think Tech was actually the first domino to fall, and the rest will go one by one until it's only Crosshair left to take care of Omega.

I'm only like 42% sure that could actually happen. I do think a lot has gone in to Hunter and Omega's relationship so it's more probable the two of them will survive and go into hiding for the rest of the Empire's days -- Hunter seems more willing and capable of settling down, I don't see Wrecker or Echo being able to do that (and there'd always be an open door for Omega to show up as a cameo in future stories since she won't age as quickly).

Orrr there will be a really emotional goodbye moment between the two of them after Hunter sacrifices himself or something. I doubt the show runners would leave Omega all on her own in the end, so that's where my Crosshair theory comes in. They didn't have a chance at a relationship, so being the last two would give them that. And it would just be a good story in my opinion (Cross goes from clinging to the Empire because he's terrified of not having a purpose, to laying low and raising a little sister/prioritizing family?)(but maaaybe sneaking off to do mercenary work with Omega as a protégé lol)

Regardless of whether that happens in canon, I really really like the idea and will continue to try to fit it into one of my own stories wherever possible. Anyway, just wanted to share while everyone's got their minds on the next season coming up :))

[dystopicjumpsuit]

Stars Beyond Number - Chapter 25

Leaning Together

Rating: M - Minors DNI

Pairings: Echo x Riyo Chuchi; Gregor x OFC Cerra Kilian

Wordcount: 3.5k

Warnings and tags: some angst; SMUT; fingering; orgasm control; fluff.

Suggested Listening:

Summary: Rex and Cerra have a long-overdue conversation; some things come to an end, while others are only beginning.

A/N: This is the final chapter of Stars Beyond Number; however, this is not the end of their story! I have a sequel planned, but since I've now caught up to canon, I have to wait to start writing it until after The Bad Batch season 3 ends. In the interim, I will be publishing more fics in this shared continuity, including a one-shot prequel featuring Fives x Reader x Cerra, a multi-chapter Crosshair x OFC set between "The Solitary Clone" and "Truth and Consequences," and a multi-chapter post-Umbara Dogma x OFC fic.

This story shares continuity with Martyrs and Kings, "Double, Double Boil and Trouble" (part 2 here) and "Do It Again," but all the fics can be read as stand-alones.

Start here | Previous chapter | Masterlist | Sign up for my tag list | Read on AO3

 We are the hollow men…

Leaning together

—T. S. Eliot, “The Hollow Men”

Cerra had no idea how long she slept. It could have been a few hours or a few days, for all she knew. When she awoke, she was famished and parched. No telltale snores or rustles came from the other bunks, and as she sat up, she could just make out the empty beds in the darkness: she was alone in the barracks. She yawned and stretched, then went looking for her companions. Outside the barracks, the garage was dim and silent. She made her way quietly to the refresher, then wandered into the kitchenette. 

Rex sat on a crate at the far end of the kitchen, studying a datapad, one foot propped up next to him as the other swung idly by the side of the crate. For a moment, in the faint light, he looked so much like Fives that Cerra nearly stumbled over her own feet. He glanced up and smiled, and the spell was broken. 

“She lives.”

“For the moment,” she said with a tiny grin. “Anything good in the conservator?”

“Dex’s,” he replied. “Had to survive without Gregor somehow.”

Sounds like a nightmare, she reflected as she rummaged through the conservator until she found a few takeout boxes. Opening the first container, she wrinkled her nose. 

“Acid-beet salad? I’m gone for a couple weeks, and you all fall to the Dark Side.”

“I’m just surprised there’s something in the galaxy you won’t eat,” Rex replied.

She grunted with disgust and tossed the container back into the conservator. Luckily, the rest of the takeout containers contained actual food, instead of crimes against sentients, and she settled onto the raggedy old sofa and dug into a cold bowl of spicy Gargon gumbo. The garage appeared to be empty aside from the two of them, which was just as well, since she had a feeling he wouldn’t want anyone to overhear what she was about to tell him.

“Where is everyone?” she asked around a bite.

“Scouting mission,” he replied. “Trying to chase down a lead on Omega.”

“Gregor told me what happened,” she said soberly. “Do we have a plan?”

“Workin’ on it.”

“What can I do to help?”

He smiled. “Start by getting healed up. We’ll know more when the boys get back.”

She hated not knowing what to do. She itched to act. But Rex was right; there was no point wasting energy and potentially drawing attention they didn’t need unless they had reliable intel. So she took another bite and pondered the best way to phrase her next sentence. After Hart’s departure, Rex had debriefed her about her experience with the ISB, but with the rest of the team also present, she hadn’t wanted to reveal such sensitive and dangerous information.

She cleared her throat. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

Inhaling deeply, she began. “When Yularen was questioning me, he asked me about Ahsoka Tano.”

Rex froze, eyes wide. He didn’t respond, so Cerra forged ahead.

“They think she’s still alive. He said she had been on Raada when I was there. They thought I was working with her.”

Instead of the relief or excitement she expected to see on his face, a look of horror descended on his expression.

“She—she could still be alive,” she said. “I know you were close.”

“Cerra…”

“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner, I just wanted to wait until I could talk to you alone.”

“Cerra—”

“We could find her. She could join us—we could protect her—”

“Cerra!” Rex cut her off emphatically. “Stop.”

She sat back, bewildered. “I thought you’d be happy to find out the kid was still alive.”

“I knew.”

She blinked. “What?”

“I knew Ahsoka survived,” Rex said in a deliberate tone that revealed he was weighing his choice of words with great care, “because I was with her.”

She stared at him uncomprehendingly, her brain utterly failing to process this new information.

“She’s the one who got my chip out,” he continued. “We escaped together. We were the only survivors of the Tribunal.”

Her mind whirled, and quite suddenly, she felt sick. A memory flashed in her mind: 

“Raada?”

“It’s an agricultural moon,” Fireball said.

“I’m familiar,” Rex replied.

“You knew she was on Raada,” she whispered.

His jaw firmed. “I knew.”

“And you sent me in anyway?” she asked incredulously. “Without full intel? Knowing that I could be walking into—”

“I was trying to protect you,” he interrupted.

“Me? Or the Jedi?” she asked sharply.

“Both of you. I had no reason to expect you to run into her. It’s a whole kriffing moon!”

“She is the reason the Empire came after me in the first place!” Cerra said furiously. “I’m nobody! Do you really think they would have given a shit about a missing supply officer and a clone trooper if there hadn’t been a Jedi involved?”

“She was never supposed to be involved!” Rex exclaimed. “It was just bad luck.”

“Why the kark didn’t you tell me she’d survived?” she demanded.

“The same reason you waited until now to tell me Yularen mentioned her,” he snapped. “It’s dangerous to know too much. I was trying to keep you safe—all of you.”

“It’s dangerous to know too little, gods damn it!” She sprang up from her seat and began to pace. “What if something happens to you? How are we supposed to defend ourselves from a threat that we don’t even know exists?”

“I did what I had to do to protect the soldiers under my command,” he said, gritting his teeth.

“We’re not in the GAR any more, Rex. There is no command! There’s just US!”

“Maybe so,” he replied, “but if you think we’re not at war, you’re lying to yourself.”

His voice was even, but she’d known him long enough to tell from his short, sharp breaths that he was keeping his temper in check through sheer force of will. She forced her clenched fists to relax and took a long, deep breath before she replied.

“I. Know.” She ground out the words. “You think I don’t know? I just spent two weeks in their hands. So don’t kriffing talk to me like I don’t understand the stakes, Captain.”

“What do you want me to do?” he asked. “How would you suggest I proceed, Lieutenant?”

“You could start by trusting your team,” she replied.

He reared back as though she’d slapped him. “You think I don’t trust you?”

“What else haven’t you told me?” she demanded.

He hesitated.

“What else?” she pressed. “I know there’s more. You might as well tell me now; seems unlikely anything could be as sensitive as the location of a known Jedi fugitive.”

He glowered at her for a moment, but at last, his shoulders slumped in defeat. “There is something else. Intel Echo got from the Bad Batch. It seems the Empire has cloned the creature that attacked Coruscant early in the war. We don’t know why. At least, not yet.”

Cerra felt a brief stab of betrayal that Echo had kept the intel from her as well, but she shrugged it off. She hadn’t been exactly open with him, either.

“Is that all?” she asked.

“That’s the only thing that was my decision to keep from you,” he hedged.

“So there is more,” she said.

“Nothing that affects this group,” he replied. “You know as well as I do, Cerra; some things will always have to be kept secret. Some information is just too sensitive to share.”

She sighed. “I know. But when it compromises the safety of everyone on this team? I can’t stay if you’re going to keep secrets that could get us captured or killed.”

“You’re right,” he admitted. “I can’t promise that I’ll be able to share every piece of intel I get, but… I’ll do my best to make sure something like Raada doesn’t happen again.”

She let out a long, slow exhale before she replied. “Thank you.”

It wasn’t perfect, but Cerra knew it was the best promise he could make. The worst part was, she understood exactly why he’d made the decisions he did. She didn’t envy him. Being a leader was never easy at the best of times, and in the growing darkness and danger of the galaxy, it seemed to become a nightmarish balancing act of having to choose between bad and worse options.

Thank kriff it isn’t me.

“Hungry?” she asked.

Rex smiled slightly, accepting her peace offering. “Maybe. What’s left?”

“Acid-beet salad.”

Something smelled good. Scratch that; something smelled amazing. A burst of laughter echoed through the garage, loud enough that Cerra heard it from beneath the navigation control panel in the cockpit of the freighter. She set aside her hydrospanner and wandered out of the ship, drawn inexorably by the savory aroma and the sounds of merriment. 

In the kitchenette, she spotted Gregor. He was working efficiently: chopping, stirring, cleaning—multitasking with ease, even as he bantered and giggled with Fireball and the other clones who hovered around his workspace like vultures. A large pot on the stove appeared to be the source of the intoxicating scent; she could hear the telltale sizzling, and every so often, Gregor would add some mysterious and unidentifiable ingredient to the mix.

He had his sleeves rolled up over his forearms, and Cerra took a moment to ogle him—er—appreciate the view before the others spotted her. Holy kriff, how had she not noticed the way he handled a knife before? Her mouth went dry as she watched his deft movements. He glanced up, and his mischievous smile told her he’d caught her in the act. His gaze flickered briefly down her body, and quite suddenly, the garage felt very warm.

Fireball called out a greeting and snapped her attention away from Gregor, and she plastered an innocent smile on her face as she approached the kitchenette.

“What’s cooking?” she asked, taking a position next to Fireball. “Smells great.”

“Joopa roast,” Gregor replied. “Been in the freezer since our last market trip.”

Ah, yes. The market trip when he—

“It has to cook for hours,” Fireball said mournfully. 

“It’ll be worth it,” Gregor replied. “Trust me.”

“It’s not nice to torture people,” Fireball complained. His eyes widened suddenly and darted toward Cerra as he realized what he’d said. “Uh—I mean…”

She snorted and nudged him with her shoulder. “Please. You’re not wrong, anyway. An hour of smelling Gregor’s cooking, and I would have folded like a cheap sabacc deck just to get a taste. Nobody tell the Empire. Might give them ideas.”

Gregor set the roast in the oven and began to tidy up the kitchenette. “How’s it goin’ in the freighter?”

“Coming along,” she replied. Suddenly seized with inspiration, she added, “Could use some help clearing the fresher tank if anyone is free.”

Identical expressions of revulsion descended on the faces of every clone assembled, and they all suddenly remembered urgent business elsewhere. As they drifted away from the kitchen, Cerra leaned closer to Gregor as he wiped down the countertops.

“I guess that just leaves you,” she murmured quietly. “Want to give me a hand in the freighter?”

He froze for an instant as his eyes met hers, and then he began scrubbing the countertop with renewed vigor.

“Sure,” he replied. “Give me a minute to wash up, and I’ll meet you inside.”

“It’s a date,” she said, causing him to glance around the garage to see if any of the others had overheard her. “Be sure to seal the entry hatch when you come in. Wouldn’t want the fresher tank smell to get out into the garage.”

Fifteen minutes later, she heard the sound of the freighter’s hatch sealing, and she turned around just in time for Gregor to pull her into a hungry kiss as he pressed her back against the durasteel bulkhead behind the cockpit. His mouth consumed her, warm and soft, as his tongue grazed between her lips and his hands roamed over her body, cupping her breast through her coveralls, pulling her tightly against him. He broke away from the kiss, only to drop his lips to her throat, setting her entire body alight with arousal.

“Please tell me that was a euphemism,” he whispered hotly in her ear as he tugged down the zipper of her coveralls.

“It was a euphemism. I’d never subject you to—oh, kriff!” She gasped as his fingers slid down her body and unerringly found their way between her thighs.

“Shh,” he whispered, kissing her softly. “You did say you wanted a hand.”

She clung to his shoulders, whimpering quietly as he touched her with a gentle deftness that nearly made her knees buckle. With his free hand, he held her head, stroking his thumb across her jaw and his fingers down her neck. He kissed her everywhere: her lips, her face, her shoulders, her chest, lavishing her with pleasure as her body flooded with heat.

She slid her hand down his torso, reveling in the feeling of his warm, solid chest and abdomen as she reached for his cock. She could feel him straining against his trousers, warm and hard and perfect. He let out a tiny, hushed grunt as she took him in her hand, massaging him through the fabric. As she fumbled with his belt buckle, though, he shifted away from her, releasing her jaw and gripping her wrist in a gentle but inescapable hold. He pinned her wrist to the durasteel wall next to her head.

“Next time,” he murmured between kisses.

A fresh wave of arousal swamped her. Gregor’s breath caught as he felt it, and his fingers slipped into her effortlessly.

“Do you like it when I take control?” he asked quietly, gazing into her eyes.

She nodded, unable to form coherent speech, but letting out a hoarse moan of affirmation.

“Shh, love.” He pressed his lips to hers to muffle her sounds of pleasure. “I love to hear you, but the others are still outside.”

“I can’t help it,” she gasped. “I’m close—”

“I know,” he whispered. “Can you hold it back for me?”

She jerked her eyes to his, startled. “But—”

“Will you?” he asked, intensifying his caress to the point that she felt like she was losing her mind.

“Please, please—”

“You can trust me with your pleasure,” he murmured. “I promise. Will you wait until I tell you?”

She panted, her eyes wild and desperate. “I—yes—”

“Good girl.” He pressed his lips to her temple, then abruptly shifted to her mouth, stealing her breath and sending her head spinning.

She focused all her effort on holding back the tide of pleasure, but Gregor didn’t make it easy. He found and exploited her every weakness. His fingers, his lips, his teeth, his tongue: he used them all to work her into a frenzy of arousal until her body shook, her lungs heaved, and she could no longer contain her tiny moans of ecstasy, no matter how hard she tried.

He moved his fingers inside her, pressing deep and finding a place that wrenched a cry from her throat. Abruptly, he released her wrist and clamped his hand over her mouth, resting his forehead against hers as he gazed into her eyes. She pleaded with him silently, her body at the very limits of her control.

“Let go,” he whispered. “Let it happen.”

Her last coherent thought was an overwhelming sense of relief, and then her consciousness splintered into a million pieces as her body jerked and spasmed in his hand. He worked her through it, teasing every last drop of pleasure out of her body. He pulled his hand from her mouth to wrap around the back of her head as he claimed her lips in a kiss that stole her breath and drove everything from her mind except his taste, his scent, his touch.

His hand gentled and slowed as the tension in her body began to ebb, and then he carefully withdrew his fingers from her body and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she melted against him. She rested her head against his shoulder, breathing hard. He smoothed his palm down her spine between her shoulders, again and again, the movement draining all the energy out of her muscles and making her body go limp in his embrace. He pressed his lips softly to the side of her neck, inhaling deeply.

As he exhaled, he whispered, “I never knew I could love anyone the way I love you.”

Her fists tightened reflexively, clutching his shirt in her hands as she buried her face against his neck to hide the tears that suddenly stung her eyes.

“You don’t have to say it back,” he said. “I know last time was a mistake—”

“I love you,” she interrupted. She kissed his neck and jaw frantically. “It was an accident, not a mistake. I love you.”

She kissed him again and again, desperately, her lips finding a way to communicate everything she wanted to say when words failed.

“Loving you could never be a mistake,” she whispered.

That sofa is laughably beyond capacity, Riyo reflected as she observed the scene before her. Cerra snuggled on Gregor’s lap as Fireball tucked her sleeve up around her elbow and began to doodle on her forearm. Riyo had no idea what was going on with that particular trio, but they seemed cozy. Next to Fireball, Nemec and one of Howzer’s men squeezed onto the sofa as the rest of the team sat on crates around the holotable. She made a mental note to earmark funds for more furniture for the garage. The team only continued to grow, and things were starting to feel crowded in the repair shop.

“Tell me again, what’s the point of this?” Howzer asked. “It seems a little… Odd.”

“Just trust us,” Fireball said. “It shouldn’t work, but it does.”

The opening jingle of the Great Galactic Bake-Off began to play, and Riyo tried to ignore the pang of sadness that Echo wasn’t there to watch the finale with them. In fact, she hadn’t heard from him in weeks—not since the day he’d commed to tell her that he would be staying with the Batch indefinitely. Riyo understood. Of course she did. There was an element of risk every time they exchanged comms, and his mission was dangerous. But understanding didn’t make it sting any less.

The truth was, her situation was a lonely one. She had more political allies than actual friends, and very few people whom she could trust. Echo had been all three, and now he was gone, and she didn’t know if or when she would see him again, or if things could ever be the same between them again. He hadn’t ended their relationship—at least not officially—but they seemed to be in a strange and apparently indefinite holding pattern. As a result, she’d been surprised when Cerra had commed her to invite her to the garage to join the watch party. 

“Echo mentioned you’re a fan,” Cerra had said, as though that explained everything.

In fact, it explained very little, but Riyo wasn’t about to question the invitation. It was the first time anyone aside from Echo had asked her to visit the garage for something other than plotting the Empire’s demise. She’d accepted immediately, and here she was with three of her bodyguards, eating some sort of pastry that Gregor had baked. He’d called it a Corellian ryshcate, and it was delicious. Riyo had to hold herself back from taking a second, though she couldn’t resist casting a longing glance at the platter.

“I still can’t believe Garr Tevv made it to the finale,” Gregor said in a disgusted tone.

“What’s wrong with Garr Tevv?” Riyo asked. “I was hoping he’d win.”

Gregor, Fireball, and Cerra gasped in dramatic horror, and Riyo felt a moment of brief panic that she’d made a faux pas. Then Cerra and Fireball burst into laughter while Gregor shot them both exasperated glares. Cerra wrapped her arms around Gregor’s neck and kissed his cheek. His face softened immediately into a smile.

“Team Runa,” he declared. “She deserves it after everything that happened this season.”

“Agreed,” Cerra said as she snagged another ryshcate—her third—and snuggled back against him. “Any other result would be a gross miscarriage of justice.”

She looked at Riyo with a hint of speculation in her eyes. “Just how much influence does a senator have? You know, if, hypothetically, the unthinkable happens and Garr Tevv wins. Could you have him arrested, or something?”

Riyo choked back a shocked laugh, but then she saw the teasing light in Cerra’s eyes and relaxed. “Oh, yes. I’d just have my guards detain him. That definitely wouldn’t cause an interplanetary scandal or end up getting me removed from office and tried for gross misconduct or abuse of power.”

“It’s settled then,” Cerra grinned as she dug into the bucket of ice next to the sofa and retrieved two bottles of ale.

She offered one to Riyo, who accepted, feeling a strange sense of warmth unfold in her chest as she settled in to watch the show.

“Who is Garr Tevv, and why don’t we want him to win?” Howzer demanded.

“Long story,” Fireball and Gregor said in unison.

“Jinx, you owe me a Coke,” Fireball said immediately as Cerra laughed. “Now everybody shut up. It’s starting.”

The End.

[hellboundwrites]

Ghouls ships and how they love

Alpha and Cowbell : Rebellious Love

To everyone, they were outcasts. But here, where nothing was pure and everyone fought for a place in the spotlight, their love was a haven.

The story is simple. Terzo only wanted a back vocalist. What he got instead was Cowbell. A tall, half-hunchback and wary ghoul with zero to no training for what he was summoned for. And because Terzo couldn’t sweep his mistake under the rug, he had to incorporate him into the Project in some way . 

But this 'mistake' only put the band in a bad light in the eyes of the Clergy. Cowbell quickly became a topic of discord among the other ghouls, who were all so desperately trying to secure their position amidst the chaos. Omega had already been fired due to his little affair with Terzo. They all knew that the next one to cause issues would have their name on Imperator’s list for an urgent replacement. They were even ready to sacrifice their brotherhood and infernal loyalty to avoid it.

Alpha should’ve run the race too. He should’ve fought for his place like the rest of them. They were all too busy pushing each other down for survival to care about a confused ghoul, and he should’ve done the same.

But Alpha cared. 

Someone had to.

Cowbell was quite unsettling. He had a bit of a staring problem, a disturbing addiction to noisy things and a blatant absence of social skills. But Alpha wasn’t bothered by any of it.

At all times, in all places, they sought each other's presence. Alpha because he had noticed how easy it was for Siblings of Sins and ghouls alike to pick on Cowbell when he wasn’t around, and Cowbell because Alpha's respected status guaranteed him shelter from the rest of the residents.

Just as Alpha was the only one willing to offer protection, Cowbell only trusted him. 

While they all avoided him, he became the only companion Alpha deemed worthy to have by his side. An honest and loyal one, with no dangerous ambition for glory, no need for rivalry. Just a deep loneliness he needed someone to wipe away. 

Alpha could do that, too.

He’d come home from his long walks with little gifts, things he’d found on his path that he knew Bell would appreciate. Colored stones, small animal bones, broken pieces of painted tiles… They made Cowbell happy. They made him like being here, despite all the others’ attempts to make him leave. Everyone else was fighting for a golden seat and some privileges, but he was smiling at the most ordinary things. Even in the band, when he had been given the smallest of roles, Cowbell had been grateful.

When Cowbell began to offer little artifacts in exchange and Alpha found beauty in them, he realized that something had shifted in him. The desire to race had faded a long time ago, but now it was completely gone. Maybe he was becoming a bit odd as well, like Cowbell. They were walking on the same path together, opposite to everyone else. That was how everyone looked at them from that moment : two strange and silent figures who only had words for each other and weren’t involved in the current businesses. Parallel lives. Marginals.

There was a point when Alpha felt defeated. For a long time, he expressed resentment towards the other ghouls for fighting so much and losing their friendship for the sake of glory. But when they all inevitably got fired from the band, all replaced and sent to the shadows, it was clear who was really at fault. 

Alpha didn’t care about losing his place, he had felt the need to resign and leave in peace months ago. Choosing to care more for Cowbell than for his career had already been a major step toward the exit. But it hurt to see that all their efforts, all these conflicts between the band ghouls, had been in vain. Even if Alpha had tried his hardest to keep his position, his investment would’ve been pointless. Within the ranks of the Clergy, there was no winner. 

Anger settled in, and he spent countless nights wrapped in indignation. But Cowbell never expressed frustration with him, never told him to endure and swallow his complaints. On one occasion, he took Alpha’s hands to his face and kissed them, cutting short the other ghoul’s rants and soothing him into quietness. Cowbell just took it all in until Alpha had nothing more to say and all that was left was silence and relief.

It was disarming, that feeling of letting go of anger and finding only love instead. 

This place they made for each other is where love outgrew everything else. Nothing else mattered, not rage, not glory. Not even order and hierarchy. They cultivated disobedience and wrote the rules for themselves.

Had it been known that they were more devoted to each other than to their superiors, they would've been chased back to Hell in no time.

Came the day when the Emeritus brothers were murdered and panic ensued for most ghouls. 

Alpha, on his part, saw an opportunity. 

He took Cowbell’s hand and led them to desertion, out of Nihil and Imperator’s sight. 

Rumor has it that it's them... all these ghost steps on the roof, all these noises in the walls, the ominous shadows that are seen moving in the forest, under the moonlight… 

Who knows why they haven't been caught yet ? They’ll have to come home to the Pit eventually. 

Come to think of it, if the Unholy Father cared about this disobedient love, He would’ve caught them Himself a long time ago. Who knows, maybe He’s even bought them a few years.

In the meantime, they roam free.

Part 1. Rain and Dewdrop

Part 2. Cirrus and Cumulus

Part 3. Mountain and Swiss

Part 4. Ifrit and Zephyr

Part 5. Sunshine and Mist

Read all the chapters of 'Ways To Love' on AO3

[starlightrows]

Better Late Than Never

Chapter 2

Masterlist

← Previous - Next →

Pairing: Alpha!Boba x Omega!reader

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: processing past trauma

The drizzling rain showers come and go but eventually transitions into silent snowfall after a few weeks. The tall evergreen trees that make up the Seelyia forest get a light dusting of snow that eventually gets heavier and heavier until the bows become weighed down and the snow slips off and falls to the ground.

You’ve only seen snow a handful of times in your life. Usually you can see snow dusting on the mountains from your village and on the far off eastern ridge line of the valley. Maybe it had snowed on the valley floor in the past, but not during your lifetime.

Ahni helped you make a new dress better suited to the climate, made of thick fabric that keeps you warm even without a cloak. She helps you make a new cloak as well, trimmed with soft fur. Ahni has been a wonderful friend these last few weeks. She’s introduced you to everyone in the pack, helped you settle into a community tent with other omegas your age, and taught you how this pack functions together.

Hunting groups go out every few days to bring back wild game. Mostly alphas and betas go on the hunting trips, but any are welcome to join if they wish to participate. Those who don’t go out to hunt process the meat to be eaten soon or preserve it for later, its is hide tanned to make leather and its pelt is used to make clothing and blankets.

She also explains to you that this pack is nomadic, traveling when and where the council decides. Usually for trade, or hunting, or gatherings of their allied packs. They use wooly bantha to help transport their belongings and to ride, but they aren’t kept in camp. Bantha camp is always a few miles away and they are attended by a few members of the pack that stay with them full time.

You’ve also learned that this pack, and apparently most other packs beyond Lyra Valley, have a very different way of life when it comes to sex and mating. In your village alphas, betas and omegas were kept separate from each other for the most part. The concept of bonding with a mate must have been done away with at some point by generations above you. Who you mated with was designated and assigned by the reigning alphas. Children were raised by the community and placed into their designated biological group when they began presenting usually at about four years of age.

“So, no one is allowed to mate or have sex?” Ahni has asked you.

“No. Mating without express permission from the reigning council was forbidden in my village…. I thought it was normal”

“I have never heard of a pack operating that way” she admits “What do the alphas do when they are in rut? And you, poor omega, how have you survived your heat without a knot to cope with the pain?”

“The alphas would go to the north woods when their rut was approaching… I never thought to ask where they went or what they did” you shrug “Omegas were sent west to the deep water pools… we were taught from a young age to tread water in the freezing ponds during our heats”

Ahni looked horrified. “That’s…. That’s awful. Why would anyone do such a thing?”

“Why is that bad?” Her alarmed state scared you, you never questioned how things were done in your pack. You were born and raised there and knew nothing else.

“Because! Your heat is your biology telling you what it needs. You’re an omega. Omegas need care and comfort during their heat, either from other omegas or from a partner that can provide the release for you…. not a frozen pond to numb their needs away” She explained

You had many discussions like this with Ahni all through the winter months. You learned a lot about the social dynamics between the three presentations. Different packs treat the dynamic differently, but some things are the same across the spectrum.

The more you learned, the more you resented your pack. You found yourself hoping that you would not have to return to them in the spring. You wanted to live in this world that allowed omegas to embrace their instinctual needs, and gave betas equality in their social structure of the pack, and enforced healthy balance for alphas to embrace their own needs without exerting undue power over omegas and betas.

By the time the snow melted away the pack had already moved several times since you joined them. The pack was now camped near a large river that had many smaller creeks and streams shooting off from it. You had no idea where this river was located in relation to Lyra Valley, and you hoped to never find out.

The sun shone down bright and warm, every member of the pack was in the creek that day. Pups laughed and screamed and splashed in the water, the youngest getting their first swimming lessons from the older children or their parents. Most people were washing their clothes and their bodies alike. Some had no shame and were completely naked. Others chose to wear undergarments or simple shifts to cover themselves while they bathed.

You were swimming with Ahni and some of the other omegas you’ve become close to, laughing with them and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your shoulders. Some of them were naked under the water but you weren’t quite ready to cross that boundary yet, so you wore a linen shift.

After a while you went ashore to dry off and hang your freshly washed clothes on a line. You pinned your winter dress to the line and suddenly got the feeling you were being observed. A familiar scent prickled at your nose, dark mahogany wood, sharp pepper, and sweet blackberries. You turned and looked over your shoulder and saw Boba Fett, Alpha of the pack, looking at you from across the meadow. He catches your eye and stands from where he had been leaning against a tree and starts making his way towards you.

“My lord alpha” you give your head a little bow when his feet stop before you.

“Omega” he address you kindly “As you know, the winter snows and our packs movements have made accessing Lyra Valley difficult. But I have finally gotten word back from the riders I sent out. Your village survived, smaller in number I’m afraid, but surviving all the same. If you wish to return home, I will give you a bantha and guards to escort you now that the weather has improved”

You swallow the lump that formed in your throat the moment he mentioned Lyra Valley. You can’t help the frown that settles on your face “Your pack has shown me unparalleled kindness and acceptance that I will never be able to repay” you start “I… I would ask that you let me stay with your pack if it’s not too much trouble my lord alpha”

Boba reaches out towards your face, lifting your chin up to look at him with two gentle fingers “You have done well learning our ways, if you wish to stay I will gladly accept you as a permanent member of my pack”

“Oh, thank you! Thank you my lord” Your cheeks are so warm and flushed as your heart surges with joy. You feel an immense pull in your chest towards him, like your gratitude and relief at being welcome to stay wants to jump out of you and take physical form to offer thanks.

As if this day could not get any better! You dismiss yourself from Boba and run to find your friends and share the good news. The pull you felt spreads from your chest down into your belly when you move away from him. It grows stronger and more powerful. Putting distance between you and him felt something like separating magnets. But you rationalized it as being nervous energy and forced it out of your mind so you could continue running to find Ahni.

——

The warm days of spring brought more light each day and new growth to the fields and forests you and your new pack traversed. The pack traveled much more frequently and much greater distances in the spring and would even more in the summer, you’ve been told.

Every day you seemed to learn something new. New lands meant new wild fruits to gather, mushrooms to find, grasses to weave, animals to hunt. Ahni told you that more omegas in the pack would be having heat cycles now that spring was here. She taught you about nesting, self soothing that didn’t involve soaking in cold water, and she told you that the best solution to deal with your heat is an alpha to knot you.

“I don’t think I could do that” you shied away from that thought. Your newfound freedom excited you, but you still found yourself running back to old habits and ways of thinking when you felt overwhelmed.

“Oh, you don’t have to! No no, biologically that’s what your body wants during heat, so it’s the best relief you can get. But no one will expect you do anything if you don’t want to” she explained “Some omegas help each other during their heats, getting each other off to ease the pain, but not everyone wants that. There is no shame in building a nest for yourself and handling it however you feel comfortable”

That made you feel better. You were so grateful for Ahni’s seemingly endless patience and acceptance for you. Sometimes you feel like an overgrown pup, needing to be taught everything about the world at such a late age. Ahni never let you get far with those thoughts, better to learn now and live free than never learn at all.

In late spring, when the days started turning from warm to hot, Ahni went into heat. She had spent the winter and all of spring “fooling around” with a beta she liked. When her heat started she went to his tent and didn’t come out for five days. The other omegas you shared your tent with told you that they all knew this was going to happen.

“What do you mean?” You asked

“His name is Litus, he and Ahni have been pining for each other since they were pups” Samara explained

“She goes with him when he ruts and he stays with her while she’s in heat” says Addam

“This isn’t just her heat this time” Ginny smiles “This time it’s for good”

“What’s for good?” You ask “He’s not hurting her is he?”

“Of course not!” Addam assures you “They’re bonding. Mating for life”

“Ohh” you nod in understanding. “So they’ll never be with anyone else now?”

“That’s the idea. Obviously not everyone follows that vow unfortunately” Samara shakes her head “But we take bonding seriously in this pack. You can have sex and mate with whoever you like so long as they’re consenting, but a bond is a promise”

“Do bonded pairs raise their own pups?” You ask

“Oh yes. Not all parents are bonded, but it is expected that anyone who had a hand in creating a life help raise it” Ginny says

“What was it like being raised with no parents?” Addam asked. Samara elbowed him in the ribs and shook her head at him.

“You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to” she frowns at Addam

“No no, it’s alright” you assure them “I didn’t feel like I was missing out because no one had specific parents. I was raised by the generation that was about ten years older than me. By the time we were ten our mentors were twenty and were done raising us. Then it was our turn to raise the young that came after”

“Pups raising other pups” Ginny mused “What do they do after 20?”

“Maintaining the pack. Hunting, farming, tending the livestock, doing whatever the reigning council told you do to” you shrugged

“But you didn’t get to choose. Say if you loved tending the animals, but they made you hunt instead?” Samara asked

“Then you would do it. We were taught to always obey the reigning council… I never wanted to find what would happen if I didn’t do as I was told” you admit

The three omegas share glances between them “Submission is valued and earned by pack leading alphas. I’m so sorry you grew up in a place that forced your submission” Ginny says sadly

“I never even thought about it growing up. But when I think about it, when Ahni found me and brought me here — I didn’t even think about going home. I don’t really miss anyone. I’m sure everyone thinks that I died in the raid, and I’m kind of okay with it”

“You have a place with us now. You’re part of this pack and this family” Addam smiles at you

[skellymom]

Chapter 2

The BAD BATCH Mini Series HALLOWEEN Fan Fic

To read Chapter 1:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/731338076301000704/the-tale-of-the-dathomir-witch?source=share

"The Tale of the Dathomir Witch" 

All Ages: Sadness, mentions of canon Star Wars Empire badness, crying, and some sweet revenge at the end of this tale (you will have to wait until Chapter 3)! (I did change some of Old Daka's canon lore to write this. She really doesn't have too much of a story, decided to give her some more.)

Warning: Some of you might want tissues handy. This fic features lots of crying.

Word Count: 2K

“Crawl” by Unsecret x Bryar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ6CQKj-wkY&list=RDMMLsgO5OTUsRU&index=17

The Batch waited on pins and needles for Old Daka to arrive. Tech brewed another full pot of Caf. He was sucking down caffeine like mad. Restless legs wiggling as he sat. Wrecker broke out his hidden stash of Mantell Mix and snacks to the group but ate the lion’s share. Echo pulled out his “special occasion” Spotchka bottle from his footlocker and shared sips with Hunter. Omega, unaware of the full gravity of this mission, was full of energy and excitement to meet “Gran-Momma Daka.” 

She arrived halfway into one Imperial rotation. The ship that landed next to the Marauder was a stolen Republic shuttle, repainted with scrawling anti-Empire graffiti. Its name written in red Aurebesh: The Anarchy. The gangplank lowered and Old Daka emerged carrying a bandolier strap case. She was accompanied by a white armored clone also painted with graffiti: His chest emblazoned with an A inside a circle and the initials RR on his helmet, all spray painted in blazing red Aurebesh. 

The clone removed his helmet to reveal a shiny Reg clone sporting long red ponytailed hair with sides shaved. He saluted Hunter. “Sergeant, Private Riffraff, Sir. Requesting permission for Grandmother Daka to board the Marauder, Sir.” 

“No need for formality, Shiny.” Hunter scoffed. 

“Riffraff???” Echo called out.  

“Echo!” Riffraff beamed. He shook like a happy puppy, then quickly looked at Old Daka and Hunter for permission. They both nodded, and he took off like a shot, embracing Echo. Echo returned the hug, smacking his back enthusiastically. 

Wrecker, Tech, and Omega smiled at the clone reunion. They just gained another new brother. 

“Stars it’s good to see YOU!” Echo beamed. He pulled Riff back to get a better look. “Custom painted armor I see. Giving a good one to The Empire!!!” 

“I barely survived Order 66, Vod. Kriffin’ crazy time. Thanks to Granny Daka for saving my butt.” He beamed at the old woman, who returned a small warm grin. 

Hunter cleared his throat loudly. “Shall we go inside and discuss our POSSIBLE mission?” 

“OH! Yes...carry on.” Riff let go of Echo and stood at attention by his ship. His contented smirk never wavered as the crew climbed aboard the Marauder. 

************************************************************************

“Fight For Survival” by Klergy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epak9TqrKLs&list=PLTsJd3M7E5yeGJaZsh3pgYUAQdsnbgyBD&index=128

They exchanged introductions then settled in and Daka rehashed the Force conversation she had with Omega and Hunter openly with everyone aboard. She then dropped the bandolier bag in front of them and opened the top. It was chock full to the top with credits.  

“I am paying you all in full ahead of the mission...whether we succeed or not. The bottom line is that I require transport and cover to face Darth Sidious and destroy him forever. This is your role. However, participating in this will markedly change each one of your lives forever.” Daka advised. 

“Oh, how so?” Tech scrutinized the old woman. 

Daka grabbed Tech’s hand and looked deeply into his eyes. He shrank from her severe gaze. 

Echo spoke up. “He doesn’t like to be touched...or stared at!” 

She ignored him. 

“Look at me, Clever Boy! I bring news of your possible future.” 

Tech cowered but managed to look at Daka. 

“Listen to me. I am imprinting your mind with the coordinates of a blue-green planet. You will tell Hazard you seek Phee Genoa. And will take your little brother with you.” She grabbed Wreckers hand and put it in Tech’s. “NO ONE ELSE! You hear me??? Your other brothers and sister have their own path to walk.” 

“We understand Gramma Daka.” Wrecker answered reverently. He did not question her authority. 

Old Daka addressed Wrecker. “Good Strong Boy. You must take care of your older brother. Defend him from harm. Hazard is waiting for YOU, even though he doesn’t know it yet.” 

“YOU, The Unbroken!” She swung around to Echo. He gave her an annoyed look. “The time to emancipate your brothers has arrived. You spoke to Hunter about aiding a growing Rebellion. Now Rebellion is calling for you.” Daka eyed him. 

Echo threw up both arms and rolled his eyes. While he agreed with her message, he didn’t like her bossy attitude.  

Old Daka knelt to Omega. “I’m sorry, Sun Child. You cannot stay with your brothers.” 

Omega, somehow suspecting Daka was right, began to cry. “Why???” 

“Because some things are bigger than love for your kindred. Bigger than the desire for comfort in times of strife.  There is a darkness that threatens to devour everything in the galaxy. You all will play a part in stopping that darkness.” 

Old Daka glanced up at Hunter. “I have a Shaman among the Tuskan Raiders who will take Omega in. The Tribe will raise her as their own. Protect, teach, nurture her. If we succeed on this mission, she will seek out the Son of Vader. If we fail, she is to stay with the Sand People until Vader’s Son seeks her out. Omega will be safe there.” 

Hunter was thrown totally off balance by the news. “Now, wait. Leaving Omega with total strangers on Tatooine...” 

“I have seen Shatterpoints in all your futures. My own, even. This is the most favorable path for the galaxy.” 

“Shatterpoints??? Lady, no disrespect, but what are you going on about? Omega and my brothers are staying...” 

Old Daka stood with difficulty and faced Hunter. She stared him down...all 6 feet of her strong presence. 

Tech finally found his voice. “I think Daka is referring to her Force ability to sense a significant event and key moments where actions could change events.” 

Everyone turned to stare at him. 

“I...don’t claim to understand The Force. It’s not something I can quantify or calculate, being elusive. But I comprehend Daka’s logic of preventing Palpa...Darth Sidious’ pogrom of growing power. Although, I may be in the minority here?” 

“Seems that she isn’t asking of us something some of us wouldn’t already do.” Echo added. 

“As long as Omega's safe...” Wrecker looked so sad. 

Old Daka threw back her head and cackled with glee. “THEY get it!” 

Hunter shook his head, cutting eyes at the old woman. He wasn’t convinced. 

“Keen Man!” Daka snapped her fingers at Hunter. “What does it take to understand? I came to you in your dreams. You sense things others cannot...to a strong degree. Things you cannot quantify. Yet you struggle to understand while your brother who quantifies like the act of breathing understands.” She pointed at Tech. 

“No...” Hunter backed up. Put his hands up while shaking his head. 

“You FEAR! I smell it.” Old Daka slowly advanced at him, pointing her bony finger. 

The back of Hunter’s legs hit the front of The Marauders chair; he fell into the seat with a defeated look on his face. Then he put his face in his hands. He was going to lose everyone he loved. 

“The galaxy...possibly the universe hangs in the balance. You have had your brothers most of your short life. Omega was with you before you even were aware of her existence while on Kamino. She helped birth and raise you and your brothers. This is the life you have. Countless others didn’t or won’t even have that. If you sacrifice now, Omega will have a chance of a future. If you don’t, she will have NOTHING.” 

Old Daka’s words broke Hunter. Sobs shook him. 

Echo and tech hid their emotion and watched their brother struggle. Wrecker hugged Omega close while tears ran down both their faces. 

 

She softened her next words. “YOU will live out the rest of your life with your estranged brother. He will care for you.” 

Hunter looked up from his hands, tears streaking his face. “Crosshair???” 

“Yes, Crosshair.” 

Everyone in the Marauder was quiet. You could hear a pin drop. 

Eventually, Hunter composed himself. “Let me discuss this with my family. We’ll give you our answer then.” 

Old Daka nodded. Before exiting the Marauder, she turned to look at Echo. “Oh...Fives has a message for you: ‘For Hevy’. Whatever THAT means.”  

Echo’s eyes widened in shock...then he too started to cry.  

She left the Marauder, found a large rock to sit on, and settled in to wait. 

************************************************************************

“Wolves of The Revolution” by The Arcadian Wild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VXkFO0h75w 

Old Daka sat for some time. She watched the shadows on Ord Mantell grow long as the sun began to set.  

Riffraff still stood at perfect attention. “You think they’ll help us?”  

“Only The Force knows, Red Boy. We wait and see.” 

The shadows deepened before Hunter, looking tired and defeated, emerged from the Marauder. 

“We’ll do it. When do we leave?” 

“Tomorrow. But Omega must leave immediately. She will go back to Tatooine with Red Boy” she motioned to Riffraff. “He will take good care of your Sun Child.” 

Riff nodded to Hunter “I promise, Sergeant. Lay my very life on it.” 

“We’ll never see her again? Ever???” 

“I’m sorry...no.” 

Hunter hung his head. Clenched his fists. Then he turned and stalked quickly back to the Marauder. 

Ten minutes later he emerged with Omega in tow. She wailed and dragged her feet. Wrecker, Echo, and Tech following behind. None of them had a dry eye. 

“NOOOOOOO! I want to go on this mission with you!!!” She struggled fruitlessly in Hunter’s grasp. 

He stopped in front of Riff, tried to hand her over, she almost narrowly escaped back to the Marauder. Hunter snatched her up under her arms and hefted Omega off her feet lifting her to face him. 

“DON’T DO THIS! YOU SAID I COULD STAY WITH YOU!!!” She cried out, hammered her fists on his arms, kicked at him. 

Hunter shook her firmly, “OMEGA!!!” 

She went limp in his grasp. Then he embraced her tightly and held on. “I’m sorry. Never anticipated something like this happening. I didn’t know...what I didn’t know.” She embraced him, putting her head in the crook of his neck sobbing. Hunter pulled his bandana off. “Omega.” She leaned back and he placed it on her head. It was a little big and fell around her neck. “Take it. I’ll always be with you.” He embraced her again, kissing her head, inhaling the scent of her hair. “If you have any chance of a happy future, this is the right path.”  

After a few minutes Hunter handed her to Echo. She clung to him, and he hugged her back. “Come now, Meg. You’re doing a great thing for the galaxy. I know it hurts now...and will probably hurt for a very long time. But it’s a very noble sacrifice. We clones are strong. We were built to fight.” She nodded silently in the crook of his neck. He pulled off his kama and wrapped it around her.

Tech approached Echo and held his arms out. He was clearly NOT a hugger, but this time was different. Echo, mildly surprised, handed Omega to Tech. She clutched him tightly. “You were my best student.   There is no doubt you will do great things. Wherever you are, remember I am very proud of you, Omega.” Tech pulled something off his belt and handed it to her. It was an extra set of goggles with a recording device. “Our memories recorded, for you to watch any time.” Omega sniffled and nodded. 

Wrecker took Omega next and hugged her hard. “I’m gonna miss you! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH OMEGA!!!” He started bawling. She held his large face in her hands and kissed his cheek. “I’m givin’ ya Lula to keep. She’ll keep ya company when you're lonely. Maybe one day you’ll bring her back to me?” Wrecker tucked Lula into Omega’s arms and set her down in front of Riffraff. 

“I don’t want to go...I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!” She sobbed, taking one long last look of her brothers. 

Her brothers stood silently looking back. 

“Come, Miss Omega. We must go.” Riff held out his hand. She took it and they both boarded The Anarchy. 

“May The Force be with you, Child.” Old Daka blessed Omega with her words. Omega didn’t respond. 

The Anarchy took off from Ord Mantell. The Batch and Old Daka watched it ascend into the sky. Wrecker fell to his knees crying hysterically. Tech, unsure how to feel, stood there frozen, numbly watching the ship disappear from sight. Echo wiped away his tears, grateful Omega would be safe with his Reg brother Riffraff. Hunter walked away, refusing to watch the ship leave. He ran past the Marauder into the city and kept running with no known destination.  

Old Daka watched them all. There was a pain in her heart, too. She refused to show it. These men needed a strong presence now. They needed time to mourn before embarking on the most important mission of their lives. 

Aboard the Anarchy Omega lay upon the floor crying hysterically. A little girl wrapped in an oversized kama, wearing a red bandanna, clutching goggles, and a stuffed Tooka. If this was another type of situation, Riff would’ve found it comical. But it wasn’t and Riff’s heart went out to Omega. He had lost siblings too.  

He let her have her moment there on the floor until the ship settled into hyperspace. 

“Miss Omega? Hey...”  

A huge Purrgil floated up to the ship peering inside the windscreen. Its mournful song caught Omega’s attention. She got up and wandered over to Riff. He held out his arms. Omega climbed into his lap, and they watched the Purrgil together as the stars floated past. 

************************************************************************

Chapter 3

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/732696093237870592/the-bad-batch-mini-series-halloween-fan-fic?source=share

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

@marymunchkiin @starqueensthings @talesfrommedinastation @giganonyx @genericficerblog @zoeykallus @random-chaotic-bitch @fionajames @wild-karrde @wings-and-beskar @ex0genmultifandom @mistress-of-the-empire @cloneloverrrrr @gonky-kong @arcsimper5 @freesia-writes @lucifidious @janellestudies @mandos-mind-trick @amorfista @purgetrooper77 @lizartgurl @echo-lover @notavalidusername @scarelitt @spacemagicandlaserswords @phantom-of-the-keurig @the-hexfiles @tink1221 @thecoffeelorian @inthemiddle0feverywhere @someonetbr @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @irenedracobunny @idoubleswearimawriter @mellowvisions15 @jules-1999 @littlebluebatbrat @gun-roswell @greatshieldmaiden14 @floraseasbee @carpinchootaku @megmca @verygoateebeard @

[jegulushouse]

    I've thinking about a Jegulily (Lily/James/Jegulus) A/B/O AU with spy Regulus (and maybe the Malfoys too) where pretty much everyone lives and Harry has lots of siblings, maybe more then Ron, and a few cousins from wolfstar.  

      I don't mind A/B/O fics. Sometimes, I seek 'em out. I don't like writing people like animals (which contradicts liking to read it). I don't really like the idea that people are unable to control themselves in heat/rut, the dismissal of Betas in general and the reliance on the smells and pheromones. But I do like the idea of nesting, and denning (Alpha nesting), as well as Mpreg and sometimes bonding bites depending on how it's written. I can write pregnant trans/gender-queer masculine-presenting men but I dislike glossing over the difficult emotional aspects of it. So, sometimes I just want to write relatively uncomplicated proud pregnant men. Yet, I like a general understanding of how the fictional universe works. So unexplained male 'carriers' doesn't satisfy me. The benefits of fanfic writing is the world is pre-set up and you can adjust to your own desires.

      I'd probably write the A/B/O aspect as an outdated thing found only in wizards. For convenience sake, that would put presentation around age 16-19 (late/end of puberty). There would be easily accessible potion suppressants to avoid strong and/or confusing scents and outdated instincts to make a pack and reproduce (vv common like no-scent workplaces). Bonding bites will die/not be completed if not desired by both/all mates and heats/ruts are mild (so mild people can usually function like girls on their period) until bonded (at which point the secondary gender within recognizes its security with (a) mate(s)) which can still be easily controlled and suppressed with medicines/potions. Like the 50's housewife being unemployed and a housekeeper, being unemployed and off suppressants is basically social code for 'my mate makes enough so I don't have to work and can be kept bare foot & pregnant in the house'. It's considered all of an entitlement and a privilege and a modernly outdated ideal. Sirius and Regulus would both be omegas and Blacks are known for producing alphas. Lily would likely be an Alpha and James a beta (a beta more on the alpha side when not around his alpha mate). Remus would be Sirius' alpha. Peter would be a beta (more on the omega side).

      Regulus status as spy was kept need-to-know so few of the order knew. None of the marauders knew until Regulus save them from Peter and Voldemort. Not that anyone got to process or thank or yell at him before he went on a mission to receive the locket horcrux which he survives because both Dumbledore and Krecher were with him.

      Things began to settle down after the war with Voldemort. Jily has another baby maybe. I imagine a large post-war generation living in economic prosperity like the real-world baby boom following the second world war. People would be lulled into a sense of security before Voldemort's return and the second wizarding war. I'm thinking it would be a semi-canon compliant/canon divergence AU but to be entirely honest, between work, school, social obligations and other tasks, I likely won't have the time to flush it out and actually write a fanfiction. Yet, the idea continues to form in my head so I've decided to share it with y'all.

      So, the first 10 years of Harry's life would be a huge divergence from canon and Harry himself would end up OOC compared to canon Harry. James and Sirius would support Slytherin!Harry (probably while making jokes and stuff but ultimately supportive). If Harry was raised by Regulus, which in this AU he is raised by Jegulily, he'd be confident about being a Slytherin. Either way, I'm 50/50 for Gryffindor or Slytherin Harry.

      I have this funny image of Regulus starting out as the sitter for the Potter kid(s) (It also serves as a reason for the Black brothers to be near each other and rebuild their relationship. Sirius would likely be hurt that Regulus didn't tell him he was a spy, letting him think the worst things, and it would likely present as anger.) It would take a while after they started for Regulus to realize he is being dated by the Potters who, knowing the Blacks are 'a bit' old fashioned, would insist on a proper courting before bedding and mating.

      I also imagine, in this AU, Draco would have a better chance to be good. Either because his parents were spies in an attempt to protect him from the life he'd had in canon or because Harry would be different and Sirius, the original Black sheep, wouldn't be in prison so he may have been presented an out to escape his parents if they were death eaters. He may not be good, but he'd have a better chance to be. Or to figure it out sooner.

      This is all I could type up at this moment and it covers the gist. Now either this idea will finally leave me alone or I've opened up a can of worms. If I expand in an additional post, it didn't go away. We'll see.

UPDATE: This site is shit. I'm not fighting with it. I have decided to add to this AU, probably on Wattpad or AO3 or, hell, I might go back to FFN. I'll update with something solid once I have it figured out. I'm willing to try a new fandom content-sharing sites/apps if there's suggestions.

UPDATE #2: I'm giving this site another shot. Also, I'm on Wattpad (same name) and I'm trying out Neobook (still learning that one, also same name).

[atruththatyoudeny]

Happy 28th! Here are all the fics I read and loved this month ♥

Like Rabbits in Cigar Smoke | thecheshirepussycat | Playboy Club AU - historical - 1970s - feminization - 26k Los Angeles 1975 The rules to being a Playboy Bunny are very clear. Keep the clients happy while still protecting the brand. Bunny Louis tries very hard to keep to that, and no amount of longing stares or soft touches from world-wide famous rock star Harry Styles is going to change that. He's not that kind of Bunny, right?

Only You Can Be My Alpha | wubwubnparmaham | omegaverse - soul bond - werewolves - mpreg - kidnapping - self-harm - trauma - hurt/comfort - omega revolution - violence - 183k In a world where one was either an Alpha or an Omega wolf, Louis found himself in a body that could be neither. Born an Omega without the expected characteristics of one, he felt broken, choosing to live as Alpha a lifestyle as he could. Harboring a serious lack of respect for Alphas and their authority complexes, Louis managed to get himself banished from his home, forced to wander the unforgiving woods for years, facing the elements and fighting enemy rogues each time they arose. Unbeknownst to Louis, in a tribe to the southwest of his home, there lived a dysfunctional Alpha, the orphaned pack leader Harry, who had never felt satisfied enough with anyone to settle down and continue his royal line. Living their lives apart thus far, the both of them assumed that they might be alone forever, making the best of things despite this even though it hurt. Chance, luck, or maybe fate brings Louis to this tribe when he’d least expected to receive kindness and shelter from a stranger, and when he arrives, something in his soul pulls him to Harry like a raging river current. The two don’t get off to a good start, but everyone around them can sense the chemistry—and in time they do too. [currently unter construction but 21/23 chapters are already finished]

Man Made Beauty | jaerie | trans female character - transphobia - cunnilingus - semi-public sex - gender identity - 4.7k It wasn’t Louis’ fault. How was he supposed to know how sensitive people were? His questions were innocent and he didn’t see why it was such a big deal. It wasn’t like Louis hadn’t been asked what his penis size was a hundred times over in his career. It was all the same in Louis’ book. aka jaded Louis asks innappropriate questions and gets a thorough education.

Actions and Consequences | HelenaAzure | omegaverse - arranged marriage - war - betrayal - sexual assault - angst - hurt/comfort - mpreg - magic - friends to lovers - 95k For each action, there will always be a consequence. No one knows it better than Harry. Lies, deceit, tricks, treachery. When kings and queens come down to play, things are bound to get bloody. The question is- who will survive... and who will fall? Harry is a prince. Louis is a King. They are destined to be together. But things are much more complicated than it meets the eyes. Throw in a war, a life long secret born of deception, a quiet love, a treason of the highest sorts, a mysterious child of royal lineage and a considerate yet troublesome horse into the mix, and you get a legend which resonates through the pages of history ---- This is a story about finding strength within yourself and healing. About friendship and true love. It gets real rough, and the characters fall. But they get back up again stronger than ever.

trailer park pretty | delsicle | PWP - car sex - cheating - feminization - daddy kink - 5k Louis had a boyfriend and yet he was getting railed on a sports car by another man. A man he liked far more and fantasized about every second, from the moment he woke up and even in his dreams.

Lilac | saturnlarry | omegaverse - arranged marriage - mistreatment of omegas - mpreg - 195k Harry was told what was expected from him. He was betrothed to the heir of the Tomlinson pack even before he was born. Surrounded and raised by biddable omegas, whose only purpose in life was to serve their alphas, he became one of their kind. He grew up being taught how to please his alpha, an alpha who he didn't know anything about, save for his name. Louis Tomlinson was his name. The almighty heir of the biggest pack of the UK. His name was well-known around the vicinity, being one of the fastest and slickest alphas, Louis was known for his fighting skills and political policies. Harry always took pride in having such an eminent and smart alpha. Louis was faceless, like a blank canvas for little Harry to mold his alpha whichever way he wanted. He often found himself dreaming of sleeping in his alpha's strong arms, sneaking inside his alpha's office when his alpha was supposed to finish work, distract his alpha from working a tad but also be his little muse. But of course, all good things must come to an end. The little perfect fantasy that Harry had been thriving off to would just remain a fantasy, at last. He would still love his alpha. But his alpha wouldn't.

Where Words Fail, Music Speaks | Larry_you_know | Silver Fox - older Larry - hurt/comfort - music - 45k Louis is a world class violinist. He’s one year over forty, living his best life in New York. One day, he comes to a small town in Connecticut where he inherited a house from his late father. The town looks nice and its people welcome him warmly. The problem is that Louis never knew his father and he doesn’t intend to change anything about it - his father can stuff his last will up his treacherous ass. In a strange coincidence, Louis meets town troubadour Harry, who seems wonderful to him just right until he reveals that Louis’ father was like a dad to him. Even though Louis tries to convince himself that it shouldn’t - it hurts.

Just the Start | littleroverlouis | Silver Fox - fluff - humor - first dates - 9k Louis is a fifty-two year old divorcé who has fallen into rut. He never anticipated a forced day of self care, and a chance meeting with a charming salon owner would shake him out of his comfort zone.

[kaminocasey]

A Glimpse of Us 3B

Summary: Rex is still the love of your life, after all this time.

Pairing: Rex x Reader

Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI; sexual implications, angst?

WC: 1.3K

A/N: Here is the second alternate ending to A Glimpse of Us. There is one more ending coming!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3A Part 3B Part 3C

Hunter lays in your bunk on the Marauder with you. Everyone else is asleep. Except Tech who’s on watch in the cockpit. Hunter lays there, playing with your hair.

“Your hair is so soft.” He smiles, looking into your eyes.

The same eyes as Rex’s. Sometimes you find it hard to meet his eyes. You think he knows why. He never calls you out on it, though, which you appreciate.

“Your hair is soft.” You smile. 

The two of you continue talking softly. Eventually, Rex comes up. 

“I’m sorry… I shouldn’t dump this all on you.” You whisper.

“Don’t be sorry.” Hunter kisses the inside of your wrist. “If he somehow found his way back to you… would you go back to him?” 

“Oh… I don’t know…” You murmur, afraid to hurt his feelings.

“You can be honest. It’s okay.” Hunter assures you. 

“A part of me will always belong to him.” You tell him, honestly. 

“If Rex were to ever come back, you could go back to him. I’d be okay. Eventually.” Hunter smiles. “I know what he means to you.”

“Oh really?” You smile at the hypothetical. 

It’s nice to know that if somehow Rex survived, Hunter wouldn’t hate you for choosing your former love over him. 

Present…

Rex’s eyes go soft when they meet yours. You want to run into his arms. You can’t though. You stay beside Hunter. You notice the way that Hunter moves closer to you. But you think it’s in more of a protective way than a possessive way. Like he wants to make sure everything is alright before you run back into Rex’s arms like you’re itching to do. Rex puts his blaster away. 

“It’s okay.” Hunter murmurs to you. 

You look up at him and then back at Rex. You cross the ten feet between the two of you and throw your arms around him, Rex does the same, enveloping you in his arms, burying his face in your hair, breathing in.

“I… I thought you were gone…” You whisper, feeling your lips tremble as you try to fight back tears. 

You think back to the day that Tech told you that Rex was gone… you were wrecked and couldn’t sleep for weeks.

“To be honest, so did I.” He tells you. “I’m so glad you found these guys.”

“They found me, actually.” You tell him, looking up at him but not letting go.

Rex looks up at the Batch. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

You look at Hunter and he’s smiling softly at you. A smile that says “You have him back.  I’ll be okay.” You nod to him. 

A few days later, the boys return from Bracca after they get their chips out. You and Omega greet them down in the bar. When you see Rex, your heart clenches and you jump into his arms, kissing him. Finally. You hadn’t gotten a moment alone with each other due to the craziness about the chips. 

“Hunter told me about the two of you.” Rex rests his forehead against yours.

You pull away, unsure of what to say.

“Cyar’ika… it’s okay. You’re sure you still want me, though?” He asks you, softly. “I understand if not.”

You remember Hunter telling you that it’d be okay for you to choose Rex again. You know right then that it’s the only choice you could make. This is the man you love more than anything. The man you want to marry and settle down and have kids with. There could be no other person. 

“I’ve never been more sure of anything.” You promise him, kissing him again. 

You lead him up above Cid’s bar to your room that you stay in when you’re planetside on Ord Mantell, locking the door behind you. 

He stands in the center of the room, smiling at you, waiting for you. As if he’s a magnet, your body automatically pulls you to him and he cups your face with one hand and pulls you closer by your waist with the other. You bunch your hands in his black shirt and pull him to you so that you can crush your lips to his. He sighs into the kiss, as if this was the moment he’s been waiting for his entire life. 

“I fought hard to come back to you.” He murmurs against your lips.

“I should have waited… I should have known you weren’t gone.” You feel the lump forming in your throat.

“Cyare… no. It’s okay. I promise you. I’m glad he was able to be there for you, okay? You needed someone.” He kisses your head and then pulls your face up to look at him.

“Do you still want to marry me?” You ask him.

“More than anything.” He grins.

He looks tired, you realize. You can’t imagine how exhausted he must be. You start to pull off his shirt, kissing his chest like you used to do. He closes his eyes, sighing contentedly. You run your hands over his scarred chest and you feel all the tension drain from his body.

“Do you still want ten kids?” You tease him.

“Two… three tops.” He remembers your answer. “And I still want that farm.” 

You throw your arms around him and kiss him. He backs you up to the wall, pressing his hips against yours, his thumbs brushing the skin underneath your shirt. 

“I want everything with you. Starting now.” He whispers. 

“Then let’s start now.” You smile against his lips. 

He picks you up, his hands resting against your ass, squeezing roughly as he carries you to bed. He’s always known what you need and when you need it. That’s why he’s your entire world. He always will be. 

The next morning, you go down to Cid’s to meet the guys and find them waiting to say goodbye to you. Your heart clenches as you look at Omega who looks confused and sad.

“Why can’t she just stay?” Omega asks Hunter, quietly.

Hunter looks up at you, waiting for you to explain. He knows it’s not his place. You pull her into your arms and then get down on her level. 

“Why can’t Rex just come with us?” She asks you.

You look up at Rex and he gives you a reassuring soft smile. 

“Rex and I have been together for a really long time… It’s time for us to start our lives together.” You tell her, struggling to find words.

She nods, understanding. You look up at Hunter, sadly. You didn’t want to lose the Batch. You’ve become so close to all of them. 

“We’ll keep in contact, okay?” You promise Omega, pulling her into your arms. “You have my comm channel, which means you can comm me anytime. Day or night.” 

She nods against your shoulder and you let her pull away first. You stand back up and Rex says he’ll meet you at his ship. He squeezes your hand once before telling the Batch goodbye. 

You say goodbye to Echo first, then Wrecker, then Tech. All that’s left is Hunter. You’re standing there in front of him, unsure of what to say, fidgeting with your hands.

“You got him back, cyar’ika. I’ll be alright.” He kisses you on the cheek and then you hug him, telling you what you knew by reading his expression the other day. “Let us know where you land and we’ll come visit sometime.”

“Deal.” You kiss him on the cheek and then start to walk away.

You pause in the stairwell, looking at the Batch watching you leave. You give them one last wave and then leave, making your way to Rex’s ship. 

“Hey there.” He smiles, sympathetically. “You ready?”

“I am.” You tell him, truthfully, joining him in the cockpit, taking the copilot seat. 

You’re ready to get your happily ever after with the man you’ve never stopped loving, the man who’s had your heart since day one and who will have it until your last day.

TAGS: @livi-s @studioramekin @brynhildrmimi @madameminor @dumfanting @rain-on-kamino @wolveria @misogirl828 @rexandechosandwich @corona-one @tecker @ladykatakuri @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @twistedstitcher27 @zoeykallus @maulslittlemeowmeow @littlemousedroid @rexxdjarin

[photogirl894]

"Sun and Rain Part 2: Age of the Empire"

Chapter 11

"Shocks on Pantora"

Pairing: Hunter x fem OC, Echo (more best friend pairing)

A/N: A Christmas/holiday gift for all my lovely readers!! I can guarantee you all will be quite happy with this one and I mean that seriously 😊 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!! 💜

Taglist: @the-sad-batch , @nimata-beroya , @intrepidmare , @cole-kenxbi , @tech-aficionado , @ladykatakuri , @d1n0-dan , @sammi9498 , @darthzero22 , @scarlettroseog , @tech-deck , @thebadbatchscyare , @chxpsi , @ilikemymendarkandfictional , @4pplecider , @locitapurplepink , @l-lend , @nekotaetae , @eternalwaffle , @merkitty49

《 Chapter 10

》 Chapter 12

All chapters (Part 2) (Part 1)

Explanation: A few unexpected surprises await Kimber and the Bad Batch on the planet of Pantora.

A couple more days had passed without incident. The Bad Batch continued to hover and fly through space as they continued taking time to determine where they should go next to wait out the Empire. Finally, Hunter had decided on a place.

Gathering the squad by their navicomputer, he had Tech pull up a map of the galaxy and pointed to a particular planet. “Idaflor,” he stated. “That’s where we’ll go.”

“But Idaflor’s not even inhabited,” Wrecker countered.

“Which makes it the perfect place to hide out,” said Kimber.

Omega, who was sitting in one of the chairs, fell against the back of it and sighed, “Hide? But I’ve been stuck on Kamino my whole life. Can’t we explore?”

Kimber laid a hand on her shoulder and Hunter answered, “Not right now. We have to wait for things to settle down.”

Though, after that, Tech then informed everyone that Idaflor would have to wait because they were almost out of both fuel and rations and they would need to re-supply on their own without the aid of the Republic. Then Echo came out and told them that comm chatter had their ship’s signature on a wanted list, which Tech was confident he could scramble, but they would need to land in order to do it.

“By my calculations, the closest planet is...Pantora,” stated Tech, pointing to the planet on the map.

“Well, Pantora, it is,” Hunter agreed.

With that in mind, they all dispersed to different parts of the ship while Tech charted a course to Pantora.

Kimber and Hunter sat in the chairs in the cockpit. “Pantora…that’s Kida’s home planet,” she said. Then she fell back against the chair with a sigh. “I really hope she and the other ladies are doing okay. I really want to comm them and check in, but I’m afraid of putting them in danger.”

“Given their skills and aptitude for survival, I’m sure the Koriena Force are managing adequately wherever they are,” Tech answered.

“I agree. You worry too much, sweetheart,” said Hunter.

She shrugged and said back, “I can’t help it. They’re my girls and I miss them.”

“I know you do,” Hunter replied, reaching across the aisle and taking her hand. “We’ll get in touch with them soon.”

Grateful for his support, Kimber just gave him a smile in return.

Before long, they reached the planet of Pantora, a reddish-brown and white planet from their view out in space. They located the nearest spaceport that they could land in and refuel and docked as quickly as they could so they could get things taken care of.

Tech and Wrecker stepped off the ship and Wrecker exclaimed, “Why’d you tell me we’re out of rations? Now I’m starving!”

“Our priority is scrambling the ship’s signature key,” Tech stated back.

“Your priority,” Wrecker grumbled.

Kimber, who was leaning against the doorframe to the ship with her arms crossed, now in the civilian clothes Suu had given her, chuckled and shook her head as she then proceeded to watch the two of them attempt to get the attendant to skip scanning their ship in. They didn’t quite know how bargaining worked and it was quite amusing to watch. These boys had no grip on being civilians; she supposed she could’ve helped them, but it was just too fun to watch them be so awkward with the attendant.

As she was waiting, she saw movement up by the exit tunnel that led into the city and she saw someone standing by the wall with a hooded cloak on. They were just enough in the shadows that Kimber couldn’t see their face, but she could tell the person was looking in her direction. Her eyes narrowed curiously. What was this person doing? It was highly suspicious. Then the hooded figure started to slowly turn away, keeping their face looking towards Kimber as if they were hesitant to take their eyes off her. The person was watching her and the other two Clones and they weren’t being subtle about it either. It was as if they wanted her to see them. Then finally, the person looked away and gradually started walking out into the city.

Kimber was about ready to follow them, but as she got to the bottom of the ramp, she stopped herself. The last time she went to investigate something suspicious on her own, she had gotten captured by pirates. She didn’t want to put her boys through the worry of wondering what happened to her and finding her again. That and she didn’t want to risk getting captured again either.

Just as the attendant was walking away from Wrecker and Tech and back into his little office, Kimber went over to Wrecker and said, “Wrecker, before you help Tech, I need you to come with me.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“We were being watched just now,” she informed him as well as Tech. “I want to go follow them, but I don’t dare go alone. I got snatched the last time I did.”

“We most certainly don’t want a repeat of that,” said Tech.

Kimber acknowledged his statement with a nod and then looked back to Wrecker. “Will you come with me?” she asked.

“Sure, you got it,” he answered.

“Try not to be too long,” Tech told them.

With that, both Kimber and Wrecker walked through the tunnel into the city with Kimber in the front and keeping her eye out for the hooded figure. They rounded a corner and just up ahead, she spotted the figure again before they ducked around a corner that appeared to lead into an alleyway.

“I think they went into an alley. Best be careful,” she told Wrecker.

With a crack of his neck, Wrecker responded, “No problem. Let them try and come at us.”

Treading with caution, the two of them kept going until they got to the spot Kimber had last seen the stranger. Sure enough, it was indeed an alley and the hooded person, once they saw Kimber and Wrecker, ducked around another corner at the far end, leading deeper into the alley. Kimber continued to tiptoe down the alley, feeling on edge about what was going on. What was this person? Where were they leading them? Who were they? These were only a few of the questions running through her mind. Kimber withdrew her blaster that she’d kept on her belt, holding it at the ready in case she needed to use it.

They turned the corner where the stranger had gone and were surprised to see no one there. It was a dark and empty alley with only a few lights every few feet. Though, they suddenly heard a deep female voice speak up, echoing around them, “Well, well, well...look what we have here: a human woman in the company of Clones…defective Clones, even.”

Both Wrecker and Kimber stopped, exchanging apprehensive glances between the two of them.

“How do you know that? Who are you?” Kimber demanded aloud, looking around to see where the source of the voice was coming from, but the alleyway was dark, so she couldn’t see anything very well.

“Oh, Kimber…,” the woman’s voice replied, making Kimber more nervous, “we know a lot more than that.”

All of a sudden, two more cloaked and hooded figures emerged from the shadows on either side of Kimber and Wrecker, aiming blasters at them. Neither Kimber nor Wrecker could see their faces either, but judging from their slim forms, it was easy to determine they were women, too. Though, seeing that they were cornered, both Kimber and Wrecker held their hands and their blasters up in the air in surrender. Suddenly, a third figure dropped down from a higher level and landed in a crouched position just a few feet away from, the shadows of their hood still hiding their identity. This seemed to be the one who followed them initially.

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” the woman spoke.

“What do you want?” asked Wrecker.

“What do I want? What do I want?” the figure in front of them repeated, seemingly frustrated and slowly making their way towards them. “I’ll tell you what I want.”

As the figure made their way closer, Kimber realized the person was a little shorter in height and there was also a certain scent in the air as they drew nearer…a sweet one...that seemed familiar.

“Wait a minute…,” she muttered.

Just then, the figure came under one of the lights, threw her hood back and cried out, her voice losing its deeper timbre, “A blasted comm letting us know you were on Pantora would’ve been nice, for starters!”

Standing before Kimber and Wrecker, giving them an incredulous look and now sporting a head of violet-colored hair instead of gray, was their good friend, Rina Caska.

“Rina?” Kimber asked.

A pleased smirk crossed her face. “Good to see you, boss lady,” Rina replied.

“Rina!” Wrecker exclaimed with excitement.

Rina was unable to hide the shy delight on her face at Wrecker being so happy to see her as she responded, “Hey, big guy.”

The hooded woman closest to Rina lowered her blaster, turned to Rina and said, “To be fair, Rina, we never told them we’d even left Balmorra, so there was no way for them to know we were even here.”

Kimber recognized the thick accent of the voice. “Irys?”

The hood was pulled back, her bright pink eyes almost illuminated by the alley lights, and the gold Togruta face of Irys Montari grinned back at her. “Hello, Kimber,” Irys said back.

“You’re certainly a sight for sore eyes, princess,” said the other person, lifting their hood to reveal the Zabrak with dark, navy blue braids, Lex Valen.

“Lex!” Kimber exclaimed.

She couldn’t believe it. The Koriena Force was there on Pantora!

“How did you guys know we were here?” she asked.

In answer, Rina said, “Irys kept your ship’s signature key on record--mostly just to mess with Tech in the future--and got alerted that you guys had entered Pantora’s orbit. She figured out which port you’d landed in and we thought we’d have a little fun surprising you.”

Now realizing that they weren’t in any danger, Wrecker moved around Kimber over to Rina and scooped up the smaller woman up into his giant embrace. “Come here, my little explosive!” he declared.

Rina felt her face go hot at the sudden hug yet smiled to herself nonetheless as her arms came around his neck for support, remembering the cute endearment he’d given her months ago since she’d made the comment to him that she was going to explode from embarrassment from all the sweet attention he’d given her. Normally, she wasn’t one for hugs a lot of the time, but Wrecker was definitely one of the few exceptions. How she’d missed this gentle giant of a Clone.

“It’s been too long, Wrecker. I’m glad you’re okay,” she admitted to him.

“I’ve missed you like crazy,” said Wrecker, a bit softer this time, as he set her back down to the ground. Though, just as she was about to reply, he cut her short by surprisingly leaning down, cupping her face in his hands and placing a quick yet firm kiss on her lips, pulling away with an enthusiastic “Mwah!”

In reaction to the sudden kiss, Rina’s eyes went wide, her body locked and she was certain her brain short-circuited in that moment. She was shocked and wanted to feel embarrassed…but she also couldn’t deny that she was incredibly happy about it, so it seemed both emotions were canceling each other out and rendering her motionless and speechless.

Almost as if she could read Rina’s mind, Lex spoke up, “I think you just short-circuited her brain, Wrecker.”

Snapping out of her stupor, Rina shook her head and stated, “Wow…wasn’t expecting that,” which made Wrecker grin proudly.

“What are you all doing here? And where’s Kida?” Kimber asked, just now realizing that the final member of the group wasn’t there.

“Kida is the reason we’re here,” answered Irys.

Then Rina explained, “We had some things go down, needed a new place to lie low for a while and Kida suggested coming here. We’re using her family home for the time being while they’re off planet.” Then she pulled out her vape mod and took a short inhale of it. “We also got ourselves a new recruit since coming here. Kida’s back at base with them right now, helping them out. You should come meet them since you’re the boss.”

“Sure, I’d like that,” said Kimber. Right then, she realized the sweet scent she had smelled prior was just what she thought it was and it was coming from the vape mod. “The sweetblossom seems to be working for you,” she observed.

With a nod and a flourish of the mod, Rina replied, “Yeah, I gotta tell you: this stuff is doing wonders for me. I still use the vape mod, but I put the sweetblossom in it instead. I haven’t used the other stuff hardly at all.”

“That’s great!” Wrecker exclaimed with gladness.

“Before we take you to the Firestar estate, shall we venture back to the port so the rest of your squad knows you’re both all right?” suggested Irys.

“And so we can say hi, too, of course,” added Lex.

“Yeah, let’s go!” stated Wrecker loudly, gesturing with his arm for everyone to follow him.

As they all tailed behind the burly Clone, Kimber lingered back next to Rina and commented to her friend, “You changed your hair.”

Fingering the ends of her hair, which was now just about an inch past her shoulders, Rina said back, “Yeah, felt it was time for something different. I haven’t done purple in a while, so I just went with it.”

“It suits you,” said Kimber.

"Thanks," Rina said, blushing again.

Then Kimber grinned and said, slightly teasing her, "Wrecker was quite happy to see you."

Rina elbowed Kimber in the arm. “Don’t you go making me all mushy, too, boss lady,” she warned, trying to hide her face.

“I would never,” Kimber said sarcastically. She couldn’t believe the incredible coincidence of running into her girls here on Pantora, especially after talking about them with Tech and Hunter not too long before they’d reached the planet. It filled her with joy and excitement seeing them again after so many months.

They walked around the corner back into the spaceport where the Marauder was docked. Outside, Kimber spotted Tech with Gonky, Hunter--who was also in his civilian clothes from Saleucami--with Omega and…a Droid? Why was there a Droid she didn’t recognize? It had a dark, rectangular head with a square-shaped visor, tubes running from the center of its chest over its shoulders, a padded vest and a scomp arm.

“Wait…scomp arm?” Kimber thought to herself.

Then Wrecker shouted to the others, “Hey, look who we found, guys!”

Tech, Hunter, Omega and the Droid all looked in their direction and Hunter’s and Tech’s eyes widened at seeing the Koriena Force ladies.

“Well, this is quite fortuitous running into you ladies here,” said Tech. Then he spotted Irys and he frowned. “Irys,” he greeted her flatly.

Irys just smirked. “Tech,” she greeted back, leaning onto her hip.

Kimber pointed at the Droid beside Hunter and asked, confused, “Uh, where did the Droid come from?”

To her astonishment, the Droid reached up to its face and pulled it upwards with a swish, revealing it was a mask and Echo’s face appeared underneath it. Kimber let out a startled cry, Irys looked slightly impressed and both Lex and Rina started laughing.

Though her laughs, Rina asked, “Echo, what---wh--what is--what is this getup you’re wearing?”

“And why are you wearing it now?” Kimber inquired, trying not to snicker at him herself.

“Oh yeah, I forgot you weren’t with us when I got this,” he stated. Then he bobbed his head back and forth and explained, “I’ll have to tell you the story later, but I’m wearing this so I don’t attract unwanted attention when we go into town. It’s easy for me to pass as a Droid.”

Omega came around from behind Hunter and declared, “I think he looks great!”

To say Rina, Lex and Irys were shocked to see a child there would’ve been an understatement. The way their eyes all widened, it seemed as though their eyeballs would pop out of their heads.

Then Rina spoke up, looking between Omega and then Hunter and Kimber, “Um…I know it’s been a while…but I’m pretty sure it hasn’t been long enough for you guys to have a kid…and I know you haven’t known each other long enough for her to be this old.”

Realizing Rina was inferring Omega was her and Hunter’s child, Kimber immediately refuted, her cheeks turning a light shade of red, “Oh no, no, no, no! She’s not our kid! This is Omega. She’s a female Clone we brought with us from Kamino.”

Omega waved a hand at them and said sweetly, “Hello!”

Pointing at Omega, Lex stated, “Okay, you are adorable.”

Rina went up to Hunter, punched him lightly in the arm and said, “Hey Sarge. Did you do what I told you?”

Hunter sighed quietly yet still kept a small grin on his face. “I did,” he answered.

“And…?” prompted Rina, raising her eyebrows. “Can I actually call you ‘lover boy’ now?”

Glancing over at Kimber, Hunter just smiled, which brought a smile to her face, too.

Kimber then dug under her shirt and withdrew his credit necklace that she wore. “You can,” she told Rina.

The three ladies knew immediately what it meant seeing the necklace, having been told about it by Kimber in the past. Lex pumped her fist and cheered, “Yes!” while Irys gave them a small applause.

“Good,” said Rina. “I was about to club you over the head again if you hadn’t after all these months.”

“Yeah, I’d rather you didn’t,” replied Hunter, rubbing the back of his head and remembering the last time they had sparred together.

“That does remind me: I’m sorry we haven’t sent word to you guys these past few months,” Kimber then said to the other three women. “After we saw you last, we were just on the go with constant missions, one right after the other. Then recently, things have been…complicated and we didn't want to put you in any danger.”

Lex said in response. “We know. We heard about Order 66 and the Clones turning on the Jedi. Irys found reports on that happening all over the galaxy.”

Looking at the Clones, Rina then stated, “Though…you guys all seem fine somehow."

"By the way, where’s Crosshair?" Irys inquired.

Kimber shifted uncomfortably and answered, “That’s a long story…but basically, the boys disobeyed the order and now, we’re on the run from the Empire, As for Crosshair…he’s just not with us right now.”

However, Rina could sense through the Force that there was immense conflict within Kimber, especially at the last part of her statement. Something was wrong; something had happened with Crosshair. Rina wasn’t sure what it could be, but it involved Crosshair. That much, she was certain of. Though, it seemed that, whatever it was, Kimber didn’t want to talk about it yet so Rina was going to respect that for the time being.

All she said in response was, “I see,” as she took another inhale of sweetblossom.

To quickly change the subject, Kimber directed her attention to Hunter and told him, “The ladies apparently have a new recruit they want me to meet, so I’m going to go with them for now to Kida’s home where they’re staying. Go get what we need and when you’re all done with the supplies and scrambling the signature key, I’ll send you the coordinates to the Firestar estate. You guys can meet up with us there.”

“Sounds like a plan,” said Hunter.

“Have fun!” exclaimed Omega.

Kimber bent over and said, “You too, kiddo,” before ruffling Omega’s hair, making her giggle.

As she straightened back up, Hunter came up beside her, grasped the back of her head and brought his lips to her temple in a sweet kiss. “Enjoy your time with the girls. I'm sure we won’t be long,” he told her as he let her go and slowly walked backwards away from her with Echo and Omega.

She simply bowed her head in understanding.

“Come on, we parked our speeder nearby,” stated Lex, gesturing with her head for Kimber to follow.

As the ladies began to leave, they heard Wrecker call out to the others, “Hey, bring back something good to eat!”

Rina sighed loudly. “I’ve missed my big guy,” she said.

Kimber smiled to herself. Rina had said “my big guy”, which she found incredibly endearing. Wrecker really had left more of a lasting impression on Rina than Kimber had originally suspected. It was sweet and heartwarming to see Rina’s normally stoic outer shell beginning to crack little by little.

“I can’t wait to meet the new member of the force…and see Kida, too, of course,” Kimber commented.

They all grinned, pleased, and Rina said back, “Kida’s gonna be thrilled to see you, too. And trust me…you’re gonna love who we got.”

Before she knew it, Kimber found herself in front of a vast, beautiful mansion with multiple floors and grounds that spread out wide for yards. This wasn't quite what she had been anticipating.

"Wow…I had no idea Kida came from a rich family," she commented as she came out of the speeder.

"Neither did we," said Irys.

The four ladies made their way up the walkway, Lex put in a code on a keypad by the front door and the doors slid open. They stepped inside into a large foyer with dark green and gray walls and a stairway leading up in the center of the foyer. There were doorways on both sides of the room leading to adjacent rooms and then a hallway that went past the stairway.

"We've got some things to finish up, but Kida should be upstairs," stated Lex, pointing upwards.

"We'll come up and join you in a bit," Rina added as she, Lex and Irys went into one of the adjoining rooms, leaving Kimber by herself.

With that, Kimber gradually walked up the stairs, taking in the large house around her. It was certainly much bigger than the house she'd grown up in on Tatooine. She didn't think she'd ever been in any house that was as big as this one. On the walls were holographic photos of different Pantoran men and women. At the end of one of them, she noticed a hologram of Kida in a refined, noble-looking dress yet she still had the same devious smirk on her face. It was nice to know that Kida had always been a mischievous one.

At the top of the stairs, she saw a few other doorways, but spotted Kida through the open door of a room directly in front of her, looking at a datapad and pressing buttons on a machine that was putting together pieces of fabric.

"Making more strategic alterations, are you, Kida?" she asked as she came into the doorway.

Kida's head shot up at hearing another voice and her expression lit up upon seeing Kimber, the datapad falling onto the table in front of her.

"Kimber! It’s wonderful to see you!" she exclaimed, rushing over to Kimber and pulling her into a tight, excited embrace.

"Thank you. As are you," said Kida. "The girls told me you and your boys were on Pantora. I'm glad you came here."

"It’s great to see you, too, Kida," said Kimber as they came apart. She looked over Kida quickly, noticing that she still appeared as lovely and youthful as ever, though now with longer hair that fell past her shoulders and her straight bangs were parted in the middle. Though, there seemed to be something slightly different about Kida; something about her demeanor that Kimber couldn't quite put her finger on at the moment. "You’re looking well," she commented.

"I’m so sorry I never reached out to any of you," said Kimber guiltily. "I was worried any communication would put you in danger with the Empire and I couldn’t put any of you in that position."

With a nod, Kida responded, "We understand. It’s been a busy few months for us, too." Then she smirked deviously. "Though, at the same time, we could take on the Empire if we wanted to."

Kimber snickered with amusement. The gesturing to the room, she stated, "You failed to tell me that you’re rich."

Shrugging indifferently, Kida just said back, "How else do you think I’ve been able to create all my strategic alterations? Can’t do that without money."

Kimber bobbed her head back and forth, seeing Kida's point. Then she asked her, "What brought you back here?"

"We needed a place to hold up for a while and, just our luck, we happened to be not far from Pantora, so we came here," answered Kida.

"Rina tells me that you ladies picked up a new member," Kimber then stated.

"Oh yes!" Kida replied excitedly. Then she grinned almost timidly, which seemed slightly strange to Kimber, as she then asked, "Would you like to meet them?"

Nodding, Kimber said, "Very much, yes."

"All right, wait here," Kida told her. Then she went over to another door on the other side of the room that opened into yet another adjoining bedroom.

Kimber waited there for a minute or two before Kida returned. With her was another Pantoran with blonde fuzz on their head, small yellow marks on their cheeks and golden-brown eyes. They also had a blanket wrapped around them.

However, this person with her was very small and was being carried in Kida’s arms.

The Pantoran…was a baby.

Looking at a wide-eyed, slack-jawed Kimber with a smile, Kida said to her in a softer voice than normal, "Kimber, I’d like you to meet...my son."

Kimber's hands flew up to her mouth in complete and utter shock. It had already been astonishing enough to find out Kida came from money, but this…this was the last thing she had expected. Her friend was now standing before her with a newborn child in her arms…she was a mother. She had a son. These thoughts kept running through Kimber's mind as she stood there speechless. Then slowly, she approached Kida, keeping her eyes on the tiny baby. He truly was adorable; the most darling thing she'd ever seen and a sensation of warmth arose within her at seeing the little boy. She was about to ask who the father was when she caught sight of the baby's hair again...and her heart about stopped.

Her eyes lifted to meet Kida's as she stammered, "Is…is he…is…Rex his father?"

With another uncharacteristically shy smile, Kida answered, "He is."

"Oh my stars…!" Kimber gasped, astonished. Then she reached out and tenderly ran her fingertips over the boy's fuzzy head. "He really is a handsome boy, Kida, I’m so happy for you."

"Thank you. My life has truly changed since he became a part of it," said Kida as she looked lovingly down at her son. "I never imagined being a mother, but now…now, I can’t see my life without my precious little boy."

It surprised Kimber to see this maternal side of Kida that she had never before imagined. She was usually so flippant, reckless or casual in her behavior, while still being a loyal friend, but this genuine love Kimber could see in her eyes as she looked at her baby was so different. It was heartwarming to witness such a change.

Then Kimber asked the lingering question on her mind: "What is his name?"

Kida looked back up and her smile widened. "Kori," she said. "For Koriena."

A startled yet deeply moved cry released itself from Kimber's mouth, her hands coming over her heart at hearing the baby's name.

"Because without the Koriena Force," Kida continued, "I wouldn’t have met his father and my son wouldn’t be here."

"Oh, Kida, that is a perfect name," Kimber replied, touched at her friend's explanation. "Does Rex know?"

At that question, however, Kida's smile wavered and then disappeared. "You don’t know, do you?" she asked. When Kimber gave her a confused look, she told her, "Kimber, I'm terribly sorry…but Rex is dead."

Kimber froze up. "What?"

"We heard about Order 66 and all the Clones turning on the Jedi," Kida told her, her face then falling as she went on, "Irys dug into some Imperial files and found that Rex was...killed in action. The cruiser he was on crashed onto one of the moons of Bogden and there were no survivors."

"Wait…that isn't right…because Cut said he'd seen Rex only days ago," Kimber remembered. Then she said aloud, "No, Kida, that isn’t true."

"I really am sorry," Kida simply said.

Realizing Kida thought she was in denial, Kimber informed her with urgency, "No, I’m being serious! That isn’t true. We saw a friend of my squad’s very recently and he said he had seen Rex shortly before we arrived; Rex had been to his home, warning him about things going on with the Empire." She went up to Kida and gently grasped her arms. "Kida…Rex is alive," she stated with assurance.

For a moment, Kida just stared at her blankly as if lost in a trance. She had accepted that Rex was dead, but now…could this really be? Was it actually true? The steadfast look in Kimber's eyes gave her that answer immediately.

Her dear Captain Rex, the father of her son, was still alive.

She smiled, blinking back joyful tears. "That truly makes me happy to hear," she replied, looking back down at Kori, who was stirring in her arms. His eyes blinked sleepily and for a brief moment, she saw Rex's eyes. Her son reminded her a lot of Rex, which had helped her through the sorrow of thinking he was gone, knowing there was still something of him that he'd--albeit unknowingly--left with her. Now she had hope that maybe she'd see him again one day. Instinctively, she leaned down and lightly kissed the top of her baby's head.

Her train of thought was broken by Kimber's voice saying, "I would imagine, given he’s listed as dead under Imperial files and he’s yet to make contact with any of us, he’s keeping a low profile under the Empire’s radar."

"As well, he should. He needs to stay safe, if he’s on the run like we are," Kida agreed. Then she told Kimber she was going to put the baby back in his crib to sleep and retreated back into the other room.

When Kida returned, Kimber went on to ask her, sitting on the edge of the bed in the room, "While I can tell you love your son immensely, were you ever mad at Rex for...well, accidentally getting you pregnant and…being an absent father?"

What sparked her curiosity further was the fact that Kida initially grinned with amusement in response to the question. "Once the initial shock of finding out I was pregnant wore off…no, I wasn’t," Kida answered, placing herself next to Kimber on the bed. "Normally, when I’ve fooled around with men before, I made sure there was protection involved so I didn’t end up carrying the child of a man I couldn’t care less about, but I knew the risk when I let myself be selfish for once in my life and shared that time with Rex in the cruiser med bay." The look in her eyes grew distant and reminiscent as her gaze drifted aside. "The one time I threw caution to the wind and slept with someone unprotected, I ended up with child…but in knowing it was Rex’s, I was happy. He was someone I did care about and, as far as I could tell, he cared about me, too." Then she turned back to Kimber, resolute in everything she followed up with. "I knew what I was potentially signing up for, which was a distanced relationship and single parenting for a good while, regardless of whether or not Rex found out about Kori. I knew it wasn’t his fault that he was a soldier specifically bred to fight in a war he didn’t choose, so I expected I would raise my son alone for a good amount of time. I especially assumed that would be my life when I thought Rex was dead. It broke my heart to hear that news. I felt as though I had lost something special before I really even had it."

"Now, you no longer have to feel that way. Rex is alive and out in the galaxy somewhere. Someday, you two will be reunited again, I know it," Kimber reassured her.

"How do you think he’ll react? To the baby?" Kida inquired, a bit nervous.

Kimber took a few seconds to think it over. "It’s hard to say…but from what I know of Rex, he is loyal to a fault to those he cares about. I’m certain he still cares for you, but he may not be able to offer you much right now."

"I have no expectations of him…I only hope that he won’t shun me after finding out he made me a mother."

"I honestly think he’ll love Kori. I’m sure the initial shock of finding out he accidentally became a father may be a lot at first, but I think he’ll come around and I doubt he’ll forsake you." Kimber's eyes wandered over to the doorway of Kori's room briefly before looking back at Kida. "I noticed he has his father’s hair…and his eyes."

Kida smiled once again with fondness and there was even the hint of a blush on her cheeks as she looked down. "Yeah…even though we’ve been apart for months, I now always have a part of Rex with me through my boy," she said. Then she looked back up and said, a hint of gladness in her voice, "You know, if things had gone differently…I really do think I could’ve possibly grown to love Rex…which is strange because I always thought love just wasn’t meant for me. I always believed I’d spend my life flirting with every man I came across and having meaningless flings all the time. I wasn't interested in love; that was just the way of life I’d chosen…but then you brought Rex into my life and, while things with him started off as just shameless flirting on my part like normal, I came to find I didn’t want that kind of lifestyle anymore. I wanted something real for once, especially when he risked himself to protect me when I got shot or when we kissed for the first time. I could see myself with him, which is something I’d never thought about with any other men. He’s just…one of a kind."

With a good-natured chuckle, Kimber said back, "One in a million, more like. He is a Clone, after all."

Kida snickered back. "That’s fair."

"Though, your boy is certainly one of a kind," said Kimber. "Part Pantoran, part Clone…I’m fairly certain such a person doesn’t exist apart from him. He’ll be a special boy, indeed." She inched over a bit closer to Kida and laid a hand on her back. "I never thought I’d say this, but motherhood suits you."

"Thank you, dear. I think so, too," Kida replied. Rubbing her hands together in her lap, she went on to say, "Kori is actually the real reason we came to Pantora. I wanted my parents to know about him and to have them with me when he was born. They told me to come home, so the girls and I came here. My parents had to go off-world shortly after the birth, but they’re letting us stay here for as long as we need."

"And luckily, she’s had us to help her out," suddenly spoke the voice of Rina as she, Lex and Irys came sauntering into the room.

Seeing the girls and hearing Rina's comment, Kida snickered and said, "Oh yeah, the girls have been an incredible help to me all this time: making sure I was well and taken care of during my pregnancy, helping watch Kori if I needed a break or had to leave for any reason and ensuring he’s growing big and strong."

Rina pulled up the chair Kida had been sitting in earlier and propped her feet up on the desk. "We enjoy helping out with the smol," she said, a wide grin on her face.

Irys groaned, leaning against the doorframe. "How many times do I have to say it? He’s a baby, not a ‘smol’, Rina," she stated, irritated.

"Hey, if Kida hasn’t said anything against it, then I’ll call him whatever I like," Rina casually countered.

"You're hopeless," said Irys, rolling her eyes.

Lex came up behind the chair and ruffled Rina's violet hair. "That's just how we like her," Lex said, earning a slap on the hand from Rina that made her chuckle.

Kimber also laughed at the ladies' camaraderie. Then she directed her attention back to Kida. "I’m grateful they’ve been here for you. Kori has great people watching over him," she said pleasantly.

"He sure does," Kida agreed. She then turned her body to face Kimber fully and grasped her hands tightly. "Though, enough about me! Tell us about you. How have you been holding up? Did you and the Sergeant ever patch things up?"

For a second, Kimber had almost forgotten that Kida hadn't been with the other ladies when she and Hunter had told them they were now back together, so Kida still didn't know. Realizing this, she just did the same thing she'd done before and simply withdrew her credit necklace from underneath her shirt, a knowing smirk on her face.

Just like the other girls, Kida knew what the credit symbolized and she clapped her hands together with a squeal. "Oh, this is wonderful news! I knew it would happen!" she exclaimed gleefully.

"Wonderful, indeed," added Irys.

"It’s about time," said Lex.

Kimber scoffed playfully. "Believe me, that was my thoughts exactly." Then she narrowed her eyes ever so slightly at Rina. "I heard you played a part in that."

With a shrug, Rina simply said, "I just gave him a little hard nudge, is all."

"A hard nudge to the head, more like it," Irys muttered.

Kida giggled. "We all know he liked it," she stated with a sly grin.

The other ladies all rolled their eyes and groaned, but Kimber just laughed and shook her head. It was reassuring to see that, despite everything, Kida was still her usual flirty, teasing self.

"Well…thank you, Rina," Kimber told Rina, bowing her head.

Rina winked back at her. "Don’t mention it, Kimber."

"And you’re happy, right?" Lex inquired, her voice mixed with curiosity as well as concern.

"I am," answered Kimber.

"Still ever the armor chaser, huh?" asked Rina.

Kimber smirked again. "Always," she stated.

"You're still happy with the boys?" then asked Kida.

That, though, was a complicated answer for Kimber to give. Her expression fell, turning sad, as she responded, "Well…yes and no. While I got Hunter back and I’m immensely happy about that and the rest of my boys still make me happy…we lost Crosshair. He left us for the Empire."

"Say what?" Rina cried, taking her feet off the desk and straightening up in shock.

Lex and Kida exchanged bewildered glances before turning back to Kimber.

"What? Why would he do that?" asked Irys.

Kimber sighed with resignation, the heel of her hand coming up to her forehead. "We’ve been asking ourselves that question ever since it happened and we’re trying to figure out the answer. His loss in our squad has greatly affected me, I’m sorry to say."

Right then, she felt Kida's hand on her bicep and one of her arms come around her shoulders, bringing her in close for comfort.

Lex clenched her fists with a growl. "That piece of bantha scum…how dare he do that to you guys!" she declared angrily. "If I ever see that silver-haired snake again, I'll--"

She was cut off by Kimber's commlink going off and Hunter's voice coming through with heavy breath, "Lads, Kimber. I lost Omega. Somebody attacked us."

Panic set in as Kimber lifted the commlink and spoke into it, "Somebody who?"

"A woman. Highly trained. She's after the kid," Hunter answered.

"Yeah, we'll see about that!" declared Wrecker's voice.

"Who's Omega? And what kid?" inquired Kida.

Rina answered for Kimber, standing up from the chair, "Omega is a Clone kid they picked up back on the Clones' home planet and it sounds like she just got snatched."

Tech's voice then came through, "I'll tap into the central security network. There should be enough cameras in this city to find her."

Irys suddenly went up to Kimber, took Kimber's hand with the comm and said into it, tauntingly, "Not if I find her first."

"Don’t start with me, Montari," Tech warned back.

Irys chuckled, amused.

They heard Hunter again: "Listen, I made a bit of noise out here. Get the ship ready to go."

Then Tech answered back, "Well, it's not technically a ship at the moment…and unless you have a team of maintenance droids, it's going to be a while."

"I can help with that," Echo said.

Kimber put her comm unit into her pouch and exclaimed, "I have to go! I have to help find Omega!" Then she moved to get up from the bed.

Although, Irys moved in front of her, putting a hand on her shoulder, and stated, "You haven't the faintest idea where she is and whoever took her could get away in the time you take wandering the city. I'll check into the security system to help find her from here."

"And you aren't going anywhere, boss lady," said Rina, moving beside Kimber, "because we are going to help you find the kid."

"No, I can't ask that of you," refuted Kimber. "You all have to stay out of danger for Kori's sake."

"Kori will have me and Irys here," Kida countered. "Besides, we now better understand how important children are. A kid in your squad has been taken and we wouldn't forgive ourselves if we didn't do something."

Then Lex stated determinedly, "You're our leader and our friend, Kimber, and we're gonna help you whether you like it or not."

Kimber couldn't help but grin with gratitude at them. "Stars, am I glad you ladies are here!" she exclaimed.

"As are we," said Irys. "Now come, we have to hurry. We need to find Omega so I can beat Tech to the punch."

"Okay, now who's the hopeless one?" muttered Rina as they all followed after Irys to the stairs.

Kimber moved as fast as she could down the stairs with the Koriena Force, hoping that either they or the Bad Batch would be able to locate Omega and get her back before it was too late.

[noddytheornithopod]

some bad batch rambles from the finale cuz despite finding it underwhelming even if it was overall good

So uh why was only Hunter getting any real scenes with Omega at the end? Like, the flash forward is most egregious about this, they didn't even make models for older Crosshair or Wrecker. It's especially a shame because Crosshair probably had the most significant dynamic with Omega this season? But like, even in those final scenes on Pabu, I'm not even sure if they had lines? I actually felt the need to look closely to make sure Wrecker actually survived Tantiss. I guess it kind of feels like Wrecker and Crosshair were just glossed aside even if I feel like they had relevant things to reflect on. Especially Crosshair, like okay, he made the shot in the climax, but nothing on how he feels after that?

Speaking of Pabu... feels kind of weird that they settle there? The Empire knows it exists now, and even more specifically, that rogue clones were hanging out there. IDK, it's just kinda weird and rushed.

Stuff like the Zillo Beast was cool, as well as the new specialised CX troopers. Creepy horror movie intro too, almost like Hemlock was raising the dead or something.

Hemlock is dead I guess lol. It did feel a bit anticlimactic and predictable, especially ending up as yet ANOTHER overconfident Imperial who makes the exact same mistakes you'd expect. He really seemed more competent at first, but as Season 3 went on, he started looking more and more prone to typical Imperial shenanigans.

Emerie turning good is predictable but I did like that she decided to go off with Echo in the end.

We know where the rest of the Batch ends up but now everyone's going to be asking "what happened to Echo?" now that he is still with the Clone Underground, which is still functioning. Wasn't expecting all the answers regarding connective tissue to Rebels, but I do think Echo is a very explicit loose end that I'm sure someone will address eventually. Also, he continues to be the MVP. Like seriously, the Batch were behind but him actually getting stuck on the shuttle meant he was able to infiltrate Tantiss, find Emerie and then find Omega and the clone prisoners. Meanwhile, the Batch were still outside, and the moment they got in, the CX troopers took them down, RIP.

Tarkin swoops in and declares he will redirect Necromancer funding to Stardust aka the Death Star. I guess the main question I have here is... I'm not really sure I'm understanding Palpatine's motivations, since he's still the puppetmaster behind everything? Like okay, being disappointed that Tantiss is compromised of course makes sense, but would he REALLY want Tarkin to divert funding from what is almost certainly the project that will allow him to achieve immortality? IDK what ol Sheev has a hand in or not, like Imperials know Necromancer in The Mandalorian so it's not like Palpatine is making it super secret even from all Imperials and keeping it to his weird Sith followers.

Seeing the Imperial I Star Destroyer was cool NGL, like here it would literally be brand new.

RIP Scorch... though if Clone Commando armour is as good as it is, maybe he'll be okay. I do remember many wondering what the deal with the commandos was, if they ever follow up on the Clone Underground stuff with Echo and Emerie then maybe they can explore why the commandos are the last main group of Imperial clones and if there's any reason for that (ie extra conditioning). Also, maybe Scorch can meet back up with Delta Squad, lol.

Pour one out for the Tech truthers, CX-2 was another Marrok, but his death wasn't even funny, not just a mere puff of smoke in some armour. :(

Okay how much does Emerie actually know about Necromancer? Cuz obvviously she can't know enough that would implicate Palpatine being key to it but yeah.

Figured Necromancer would be fucked up by the assault on Tantiss. Wild that Rampart actually thought he could try and bargain with that research, only for Nala Se to sacrifice herself to keep her research from the Empire. Also Tarkin knows Hemlock was researching, but I doubt he knows WHAT exactly it is besides it involving clones lol.

Omega joins the Rebellion I guess. Also no Ventress teamup like many expected. At least that's a very easy way to tie her into the Mandoverse if they wanna bring her into that.

[claudeng80]

Between Your Teeth, The Taste Of Wanting

Another unused event piece - this one an ABO AU from Bingo.

The Lilias cold is something of a relief, to Obi. Where bodies are packed close for heat and windows shut tight against the wind, even the betas he’s always wading through can’t miss the scents of their compatriots. It’s inescapable. But out here in the street, even the nose of an alpha numbs in the cold. It levels them all.

And he doesn’t have to be right there for every detail of her courtship with Zen. He’s known for years how she feels about him - Zen may not have the nose to pick up on her every cue, but Shirayuki’s an omega. Obi’s an alpha. He knows her now like she knows her favorite reference books, can read her cycles and her stronger emotions better than anyone else knows.

That’s exactly why he’s been trying to leave her space. Nobody wants to know exactly how the woman they love pines after another man.

The crowd parts around him, which he will never get tired of. His height and his shady face get him deference here, his alpha gifts disguised as just preternatural reflexes and careful hearing. They’re rare enough that nobody puts the clues together and nobody thinks twice about it, because certainly a man of his dangerous background has to have developed skills like that just to survive. Everyone is more than happy to make use of his skills when they need something from him.

When they don’t, however, it’s like they forget it all. It doesn’t even take alpha senses to see Shirayuki and Zen duck into a cafe, and he doesn’t have to smell them to feel their eyes locked on his movements. It was supposed to be their time alone, to catch up on the talking they’ve had so few opportunities for or perhaps even do something about the arousal his mistress has been struggling with lately. She’s missed Zen. They have a hard-earned opportunity.

And yet here they are, trying to tail Obi when he least wants the details of their reunion in his nose. There are certain things he doesn’t want to know, but his sense of smell doesn’t lie and doesn’t turn off. He could disappear right now, leave them wondering what he’s up to.

He’s far too irritated to give them the pleasure.

***

He’s played the good dog all night, showed his belly and smiled while all the time simmering underneath. They’re all blind to it, only Shirayuki paying the slightest bit of attention. And even then, she only looks confused, her eyes flickering away whenever he catches them turned in his direction. She still smells agitated, but not in a way he can separate into meaning. It all blurs as she drinks, too, turning warm and chaotic and at last settling into sleep.

“Hwah?” Everyone at the table thinks Shirayuki is adorable and wants to protect her; Obi’s rarely smelled so unanimous a sentiment. But he’s her guard, and that’s how the two of them find themselves alone walking back.

Her little nap hasn’t made a dent in her tipsiness- she’s pink with the chill and the drink and she holds tight to his arm in the snow. The whiffs he catches of her are odd, strangely possessive and he can’t help but wonder why she’s there in the cold with him when she wants Zen so badly. 

“Hey!” shouts one of the knights from a side passage and he whirls her behind a column before he can even think; it’s presumptuous of him to hide her like this, but she seems content enough to stay out of it, listening and fiddling with the hem of his glove.

It’s innocent enough until her fingertips pry up the leather’s edge and dip beneath, and he doesn’t hear another word of the conversation.

He clamps down on her wrist, trying to stop her teasing, but her pulse throbs against his fingers, fluttering like a prey he can’t help but chase. He feels as bad as these Clarinese think of alphas, a mindless hungry brute enthralled by the slightest whiff of an omega, and only his locked knees and a lifetime of iron control keep him from simply turning around and taking what he wants. It’s just not any omega, it’s her.

The interloper wanders off at last, and this is when he should let go, when she should take her wrist back and put the appropriate distance between them and he should walk her back to her room. There, she should lock the door and put a wall safely between them.

But he doesn’t let go.

He traces her pulse again with his thumb, feeling it speed beneath his touch, and she steps around his side, backing him against the column. Her cheeks are pink with the cold, or with the mug of beer she nursed before she started falling asleep at the table, but her eyes are bright as she turns them up to meet his.

One hand steadies her on his chest as the other turns in his grip; under her fingers the scar across his chest tingles in the cold, but the tension between them doesn’t diminish at all. She’s the one moving, but it’s as though she’s reeling him in, mesmerized by her touch and the smell that only gets stronger as she gets closer. Her hair smells like flowers, but underneath it all is the bread and honey of her wanting.

Perhaps it’s time to stop assuming he understands what she’s thinking and actually listen.

His back is still frigid against stone, but the air between them is like a summer day, warmed with her radiance. She doesn’t touch him anywhere but the hand he already holds, but he leans in to meet her. She doesn’t flinch, but stretches up on her toes.

So close to her throat, her scent has weight and depth, and he’s drowning in her gladly. He breathes deep, watching as the skin pebbles with the motion of air. “May I?” His voice is barely more than a whisper, surely nothing beside the revelry going on just the other side of their sheltering column, but her hand twists in his, trading his grip on her wrist for linking fingers and pressing palms.

“Yes, Obi,” she groans, and the skin of her throat is like silk beneath his lips. It’s delicate as flower petals, just the kind to bloom with bruises if he were to suck or bring teeth to bear- at the thought of his mark on her skin he nearly gives in to the temptation. That not only would she be his, but that everyone would know-

Reality intrudes like a breath of Lilias winter. She’s been drinking. He wants this, can taste the desire like blood between his teeth, but his self-control is stronger still. Tonight’s pleasures are not worth tomorrow’s trust. He lays his head on her shoulder, and just breathes, too stubborn to take what she can’t offer and still too selfish to move away.

She squirms, then when it’s clear she’ll get no more out of him like this, stills. “You are the most stubborn alpha I’ve ever met,” she whispers, and her fingers thread out from between his as she backs away. She’s standing in the snow a polite two steps away when he can move again, eyes green as emeralds in the dark and far too calm.

He wants to play it off as a joke, to pretend the way he’s pretended everything else. But he owes her more than that. “With Raj as an example, I feel like I should take that as some kind of compliment,” he says instead. She huffs, and together they turn to continue their way back to her room. Whatever else might be burning down in these few minutes, at least their body language attunement is still intact.

“Do you think Zen has plans for tomorrow?” she asks, light and conversational as they leave the market behind and stroll into the colder, darker academic grounds.

If she doesn’t want to talk about it, then Obi won’t either. Another minute’s walk and he’ll see her to her door, where she can finally lock herself away and he can go back and try to forget everything that happened tonight. “He’s not one to leave time unscheduled. Maybe he’ll try to fight the knights again.”

“I think they’re expecting it,” she says, then lapses again into silence. It’s more comfortable than he would have thought possible, after all that.

But back at her building, two steps up the stairs, she stops. “Obi-”

He steps closer, not as close as he wants but closer than he should. “Miss?”

She turns and sets a hand on his shoulder, then leans in close. He stands frozen as she breathes deep beside his ear, then sinks her teeth into the side of his neck. She doesn’t hold back; there’s the sting that means she’s broken skin, and there will be quite a bruise. He clamps his hand on the railing. “Remember this, tomorrow,” she whispers, and the lock clicks behind her as he’s left alone in the snow.